to form a more perfect union...

SOTD: Various Artists - "YES WE CAN"

As any civic minded American knows, tonight our President gave his annual State of the Union address. By and large, I believe it was a great success. The president delivered plans that give hope to restoring the American dream I grew up chasing. There were a couple of things that really struck me while watching the address in real time, and a few others that I noticed while listening to the rebuttals that followed.

The emphasis that President Obama put on making Education a priority across the country was one of the highlights of the night for me:

"That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities. It's family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair; that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline.
Our schools share this responsibility. When a child walks into a classroom, it should be a place of high expectations and high performance. But too many schools don't meet this test. That's why instead of just pouring money into a system that's not working, we launched a competition called Race to the Top. To all fifty states, we said, "If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we'll show you the money."
Race to the Top is the most meaningful reform of our public schools in a generation. For less than one percent of what we spend on education each year, it has led over 40 states to raise their standards for teaching and learning. These standards were developed, not by Washington, but by Republican and Democratic governors throughout the country. And Race to the Top should be the approach we follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that is more flexible and focused on what's best for our kids."

It's no secret that 'No Child Left Behind' was a colossal failure, but until tonight, I don't think I've really heard anyone present an alternative. I also appreciated that he noted it will be up to the states, lead by their Governors, to turn things around and really start raising toward the top. He stated a wanted increase in teachers of the core subjects by a number of 100,000 in the next 4 years. The attention given to what I consider to be an education crisis, was very needed and greatly appreciated. My belief has long been that far too few people are properly educated and what's worse, their aren't enough people who seem to care. I've watched people fall through the cracks in both public schools and in the home school environment. The country is long overdue a complete system overhaul on education as a whole. 

The second proposal that really got my attention elicited very little fan fare from within the halls of Congress:

"At the California Institute of Technology, they're developing a way to turn sunlight and water into fuel for our cars. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, they're using supercomputers to get a lot more power out of our nuclear facilities. With more research and incentives, we can break our dependence on oil with biofuels, and become the first country to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.
We need to get behind this innovation. And to help pay for it, I'm asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies. I don't know if you've noticed, but they're doing just fine on their own. So instead of subsidizing yesterday's energy, let's invest in tomorrow's."

  I always love a hometown shout out, or in this case, close to home, but even more, here is a proposed plan to help with the budgeting of clean energy, and I predict because so many politicians have big oil in their back pocket, it will not happen without a big fight. And it's a shame, really, because the truth is, of all the big business types, oil really is the one that doesn't need any help from the government to turn a profit. Of the many proposals and ideas expressed tonight I would most love to see this one succeed. 

Perhaps it was ideas and beliefs like the one I just expressed that contributed to my being laid-off just days before President Obama took office. In any case, the unemployment rate was practically queen of the prom tonight, everyone wanted to get on camera with her. In the post address responses from the Republican party and Tea Party Express (oh, the joy, I'll get to that in a minute), most of the criticism hinged on three things, big government, the deficit and jobs. I take offense when the right uses unemployment as an argument that Obama isn't doing a good enough job; I do so, because in some ways I feel had it not been for my support of President Obama during his campaign I might not be one of those among the unemployed for the last two years. Worse yet, I fear, if it happened to me, what's to say it didn't happen to others. We all know the president walked into a burning room and I strongly believe he's done everything in his power to not only put out the fire, but reconstruct the remains. It's not complete, but we're closer now than we were two years ago and I believe we are on the right track. But there was one point that even I had failed to realize until tonight and it came from this part of the speech: 

"The steps we've taken over the last two years may have broken the back of this recession – but to win the future, we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making.
Many people watching tonight can probably remember a time when finding a good job meant showing up at a nearby factory or a business downtown. You didn't always need a degree, and your competition was pretty much limited to your neighbors. If you worked hard, chances are you'd have a job for life, with a decent paycheck, good benefits, and the occasional promotion. Maybe you'd even have the pride of seeing your kids work at the same company.

That world has changed. And for many, the change has been painful. I've seen it in the shuttered windows of once booming factories, and the vacant storefronts of once busy Main Streets. I've heard it in the frustrations of Americans who've seen their paychecks dwindle or their jobs disappear – proud men and women who feel like the rules have been changed in the middle of the game."

I am only 30 years old, but I grew up in a family of workers who had one job that was good and when they were old enough they left that job with a pension and retired from places like B.F. Goodwrench and regional hospitals. I grew up believing if you found a job you loved and did it well enough to get paid you should stay with it. The sad truth that President Obama explained tonight is that it's time to wake up, we don't live in that world anymore. The game has changed and if we want to succeed we have to approach our careers with an eye toward the global market and the new technologies. It doesn't have to be an uphill battle, but we must stop pinning for the days of bonded employment; those days are gone. 

And now to address the division of ideology. After the speech tonight, I logged on to Facebook. A friend had posted the following comment: "just sat through the most boring State of the Union...ever. Speaker Boehner's tie was the star of that show." I can't say I'm surprised that this particular friend posted this, except, I have always respected her strong Republican beliefs because I thought her to be well informed and the type of person who reaches her political opinions by rationally evaluating the information she is presented with. It appears that I've misjudged the situation. Regardless of party lines, the speech given tonight was anything but boring, especially for a couple of political junkies like us! It saddens me to see that even my own friends are incapable of looking at the current state of our union objectively. 

By now it's clear which side of the aisle I can be found, but at least I know how I got there.

First for the Republican party. We disagree on policy for a reason; you are steadfast in your beliefs and I in mine. What I don't understand is how your war cry is for less government, yet no one has a solid proposal of how to remove government efficiently and effectively. I understand this is a core belief for you, but what exactly is it that the government controls that you feel would best serve the people if it didn't exist? I'm serious, I would really like to know. Because you see, I don't think the removal of government's role in the lives of Americans would actually be beneficial. 

I heard Rep. Ryan express the following:

"So I’d like to share with you the principles that guide us. They are anchored in the wisdom of the founders; in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence; and in the words of the American Constitution.
They have to do with the importance of limited government; and with the blessing of self-government."
*****
"We believe government’s role is both vital and limited – to defend the nation from attack and provide for the common defense … to secure our borders… to protect innocent life… to uphold our laws and Constitutional rights … to ensure domestic tranquility and equal opportunity … and to help provide a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves.
We believe that the government has an important role to create the conditions that promote entrepreneurship, upward mobility, and individual responsibility.
We believe, as our founders did, that “the pursuit of happiness” depends upon individual liberty; and individual liberty requires limited government."

The particular suggestion that in the absence of government we should rely more on 'self-government' alarming. If there is one thing I am certain of, it is Americans are incapable of self control. Aside from the fact that only a small portion of the population even bothers to follow the issues, many of those who do are misinformed! To think that a country with nearly half a billion people is somehow capable of making wise decisions in place of government is like believing a teenager can be responsible with a credit card. It seems like a decent idea until the damage is done, and anyone who's maxed out a credit card, and there's more of those people than people who follow the issues, will tell you, once you've exceeded your limit, if you don't have the resources to undo the damage, it can be crippling.

Additionally, I noted that one key point the right would like to stay involved with is decisions that I make in regards to the use of my uterus, or as it's referred to here, 'to protect innocent life'. Their are two key issues of the Republican party that I profoundly disagree with, abortion and gay rights. I am a proud Christian woman, but I understand what it means to separate Church and State. More than that, I understand why it is imperative that we do so. Not many people know this, but I was a congressional intern the summer after 9/11. One of the key pieces of legislation at that time was the partial-birth abortion ban. I was lucky enough to have the experience of doing research for this piece of legislation. For the record, I oppose partial-birth abortions. What I learned during my research is that abortions in the first trimester are more necessary for medical purposes than I could have ever imagined. Also, fewer people use abortions as a means of birth control than I had been told and those who do don't enter into that decision lightheartedly. Lastly, the allowance of such an option is far safer when regulated by the government than if it were to become illegal and people resorted to desperate measures to terminate dangerous or unwanted pregnancies.

The religious beliefs of those who are pro-life are not that different from my own. But I believe my God will judge me for my sins. This is tested again when it comes to gay rights. I can't figure out why anyone believes that because someone is gay they deserve anything less than I do. Why can't we all agree that all people deserve to be treated equally, fairly and with respect. I don't believe God would make someone gay just to have his followers go around mocking them. And yes, I believe you are born gay; why would anyone chose to be put down and belittled the way our society does. 

But perhaps my biggest problem with the people on the other side of the aisle is that they just don't get it. They don't get that our nation is 200 years ahead of the founding fathers. They don't get that we've made advancements in the quality of life that require a more involved government leadership. They don't get how outdated portions of the existing Constitution really are - my goodness, parts still recognize slaves and women as lesser people. Republicans cling to their 2nd Amendment rights like each and every one is stocking up for the next invasion, but truth be told, had the founding fathers had any idea technology would allow us to create such easily accessible weapons of mass destruction, I highly doubt the second amendment would exist at all. But since it does, shall I propose those who so strongly believe in it should try carrying the arms that were protected when it was written. It would be much harder to commit such criminal acts using those arms today. 

Now, take everything I just said and double it for the Tea Party! 

From what I can tell the biggest difference between the Tea Party and the Republican party is that the Republicans are not blatantly racist. It's no coincidence that the Tea Party took shape just after Obama took office and if you don't believe me just look at some of their rally signs! It really makes me sick to watch as followers righteously proclaim patriotism while demonstrating the most unpatriotic speech and behavior. Additionally, according to the Tea Party, before Obama took office, we were doing well as a nation and all of our current economic and employment woes are laid squarely on President Obama. Even the Republican leadership has acknowledged this isn't true. Perhaps the greatest asset of the Tea Party is that it will be the Achilles heal of the Republican party during the 2012 elections. The Tea Party Express will have a place in history, but it will be for the role they played in the 2010 elections and shack up of Congress. I predict the Tea Party will be the Ross Perot of the next election; at best they'll accomplish splitting the vote and handing the house back over the Democrats. 

You see, in 2008, we elected Barack Obama because he promised change. He gave us hope. He answered our call for a better America by acknowledging - Yes We Can. Now, two years later, the voters have spoken again. And again, it was for change. Unfortunately, the people leading us are more divided than ever. Which means we won't be getting change, in fact, it will be surprising if anything gets done at all. 

THIS MUST END! 

If we are going to make progress we've got to stop acting like children and make the tough decisions and confront challenges head on. Special interests have to go. Politicians need to stop worrying about winning the next election and start working on earning the right to be there in the first place. It is a privileged to serve the public in this capacity and it would do the entire body of congress a world of good if they realized that and treated the office with humility and respect.

John Legend says it best - "If You're Out There"

If you hear this message
Wherever you stand
I'm calling every woman
Calling ever man

We're the generation
We can't afford to wait
The future started yesterday
And we're already late

We've been looking for a song to sing
Searched for a melody
Searched for someone to lead
We've been looking for the world to change
If you feel the same, well go on and say
If you're out there
Sing along with me if you're out there
I'm dying to believe that you're out there
Stand up and say it loud if you're out there
Tomorrow's starting now...now...now

No more broken promises
No more call to war
Unless it's Love and Peace that
We're really fighting for

We can destroy Hunger
We can conquer Hate
Put down the arms and raise your voice
We're joining hands today

I was looking for a song to sing
Searched for a leader
But the leader was me
We were looking for the world to change
We can be heroes
Just go on and say
If you're out there
Sing along with me if you're out there
I'm dying to believe that you're out there
Stand up and say it loud if you're out there
Tomorrow's starting now...now...now

Whoa now...now...now

If you ready we can save the world
Believe again, start to mend
We don't have to wait for destiny
We should be the change that we want to see
If you're out there

If you're out there
And you're ready now
Sing it loud, scream it out
If you're out there
Sing along with me if you're out there
I'm dying to believe that you're out there
Stand up and say it loud if you're out there
Tomorrow's starting now
If you're out there
If you're out there
If you're out there

If you hear this message
Wherever you stand
I'm calling every woman
Calling ever man

We're the generation
We can't afford to wait
The future started yesterday
And we're already late

life unexpected

SOTD: Missy Higgins - 'Where I Stood'   & 

   Taylor Swift - 'Back To December'   (it's a two song kinda day)

It was two years ago today that my world was turned upside down. Four years ago this weekend I was in Nashville with someone I really cared about for a second term governor's inauguration. Eighteen years ago this weekend my mom moved me and my brother to Tennessee. Until recently, I didn't realize how significant this weekend has been in my life.

When we moved from the Atlanta suburbs to the small town of Crossville in 1993, it felt like I had entered a twilight zone. I thought I knew everything there was to know about growing up in the south, heck, I thought I was Southern. Boy was I wrong. Forget the thick accents and sprawling farmland; these people had their own slang for the word y'all (y'unz, a word that I've been told is really only common across a five county span of middle Tennessee). But perhaps the real shock for a kid from Atlanta came when my brother and I went to enroll at the local elementary school and I was informed that our new home county did not observe Martin Luther King holiday. As a sixth grader, the holiday held little more than the promise of a day off from school, but as I grew up I learned about Dr. King's movement to create a more tolerant and united group of Americans as well as the racism and hate the people of this small town held for people who weren't like them, and unfortunately, I was someone who wasn't like them.

At twelve years old, I had more life experience than some of the adults living right next door. I was at least a grade level ahead of my new sixth grade classmates and having been a part of the gifted program at my last school, I was used to a more non-traditional learning environment. But here, it wasn't about being the best in my class, it was about trying to fit in with my class. Something I would struggle with for years.

Blizzard of '93

To make matters worse, just as things seemed to be coming to some sense or normal, in mid March I experienced what is now known as 'The Blizzard of '93'. In a matter of three days we got over six feet of snow. That would be crippling to most communities, but what I haven't mentioned is, we lived on a farm. In the middle of nowhere, the nearest neighbor was a half-mile away and our driveway was a quarter-mile long. We weren't just snowed in for a few days, we were snowed in for a few weeks! If I didn't hate living here before, I can assure you, I hated living here after the snow storm. 

My friend Ashley!

It took a while for me to accept Crossville as my new home, but eventually I did. I made great friends and it wasn't long before it really started to feel like home. My very first friend in Crossville was a girl named Ashley and I am still good friends with her today. She helped me fit in to a city I so clearly didn't belong in then and she helps me make sense of all the craziness in the world when things get tough now. And although she escaped to LA, I never feel like we're all that far away.

As for the racism and hate, I am happy to say things have changed, not as much as I would like, but much more than when I arrived. The county now observes the MLK holiday and it's not entirely uncommon to see a more diverse mixture of people living and thriving in our neck of the woods. 

The other event of the weekend that brings back memories of happier times was the inauguration of Governor Haslam in Nashville yesterday. Four years ago, the democrat Governor Bredesen was taking the oath for a second time and I was lucky enough to be front and center for all the festivities. As an active member of the democratic party and a girl who has come to love her home state of Tennessee, witnessing the events of that weekend meant more to me than I can begin to describe. 

Additionally, I wouldn't have had access to the events the way that I did had it not been for my boyfriend at the time. A politician himself, I know he was as thrilled to be there as I was, if not, more. That weekend, I felt on top of the world, like anything was possible. It was nice. 

Taking my moment on the stage!

Reality brought us back to earth in the weeks that followed and in the end we went our separate ways. For me, work was the priority. I was given my first, honest to goodness, half-hour of television to produce and I put all my energy into that. Shortly thereafter, I was back in Nashville again working on a special with the Grand Ole Opry and the memories of the events just six months before were almost gone. 

This used to be my favorite spot  - My desk.

It wasn't until after I didn't have my job to keep me busy that I realized what I had really lost. And of course by then, it was too late. Maybe I romanticize the nostalgia, but I believe had it been a different time or place, things might have ended differently. I still believe that he will achieve greatness and when the day comes, I will be the first person in line to lend his campaign my support.

As of Friday afternoon, I am no longer unemployed. I got the phone call I had been waiting for and the timing was quite impeccable. The irony of the situation still bites. My former boss was the new Governor's sister-in-law. For five years I worked for and admired the wonderful Dee Haslam. I still have a great deal of admiration for her civic consciousness and respect her as a strong female leader in an industry that is too often known as a boys club. But it took a long time to stop questioning her motives in letting me go. I guess technically, I was hired under the Bredesen administration, but when I report to work in a couple of weeks, there is no doubt that my new boss will be Bill Haslam. 

I could have saved myself a lot of grief if I had just joined up with the Haslam campaign when it was offered during my lay-off. But that was two years ago and I couldn't put my personal and political beliefs aside, even though I knew he would emerge victorious. During my interview for the job with the Dept. of Human Services I was asked if I regretted that decision. I paused for a moment and responded. 'I don't regret that decision. I have learned more about myself, my beliefs and my strength by taking the tougher path. Could I have avoided a lot of the struggle? Absolutely. But had it not been for the struggle, I don't believe I'd be the person sitting here today. And I am proud of the person I have become.'  

Who knows what the future holds for me on this weekend in January of the years to come, but it will always be a time when I look back at things from the past and remind myself how sometimes the best things can come out of the worst situations if you stick with them long enough.

golden globe predictions

SOTD: Katy Perry - 'Firework'  

(I can't help it, every Golden Globe commercial on E! has this track!)

The way most men follow football, I follow red carpets! I love a good award show, especially one that honors the best of the best in an industry that holds a special place in my heart, like Television. 

This Sunday, the creme de la creme of Hollywood will gather as Golden Globe awards are handed out to the best of Television and Film, and as always, I will be watching every minute of it, starting with three hours of red carpet coverage on E!

In years past, I've been known to host viewing parties and even oversee award show ballot pools. This year, I am  away from all my friends who geek out over awards season the way I do, so I am trying something new. 

Below this post you will find a full ballot for Sunday's Golden Globes. If you would like to play the prediction game too, feel free to use the comments section to leave your picks or email them to me at aliciapaige80@gmail.com.  If enough people play along, I will post a winner's board on Monday to show how everyone stacked up for the night.

My picks are below. As I go along, I will comment on some of the shows in the running and some that surprisingly didn't make the list. Forgive me for neglecting the film categories, but I am truly a TV gal and unless I note otherwise, chances are, I haven't seen most of the films.

I really miss not being in Knoxville watching with my girls! Over the years there have been some really fun times between the heated debates over who wore what best and the competitive spirit of trying to predict the night's winners. Maybe we will all be together again for the 2012 awards season...in the meantime, I can't wait to kick off the 2011 season with the Golden Globes on NBC! (FYI: E!'s coverage of the red carpet begins at 5pm EST)

68th annual Golden Globes Ballot

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA  

True Blood was surprisingly absent from this list. That said, it wouldn't have won anyway. Mad Men has dominated this category for a few years now and I don't expect that to change this year. Dexter should have won this award last year, with the Trinity Killer storyline, but didn't and from what I saw this season it just didn't meet the greatness that was last season. If there were to be a surprise win here, it would be The Good Wife, and in my opinion it would be well deserved. 

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (HBO)

DEXTER (SHOWTIME)

MAD MEN (AMC)


THE WALKING DEAD (AMC)


THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA 

JULIANNA MARGULIES
 The Good Wife

ELISABETH MOSS
 Mad Men

PIPER PERABO
 Covert Affairs

KATEY SAGAL 
Sons of Anarchy

KYRA SEDGWICK
 The Closer

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

While the show might have slumped a bit, Michael C. Hall remained fantastic as the most lovable serial killer in Miami.

STEVE BUSCEMI
 Boardwalk Empire

BRYAN CRANSTON
 Breaking Bad

MICHAEL C. HALL
 Dexter

JON HAMM
 Mad Men

HUGH LAURIE
 House

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

It's been said that this race is between Modern Family and Glee, the other noms are basically industry courtesy and I have to agree. Although Modern Family won the Emmy, I think the Globe will go to Glee. Not only has it avoided the sophomore slump, it has cultivated a huge foreign fan following and if it were to benefit from that at any awards show, this is the one. 

30 ROCK (NBC)


THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS)


THE BIG C (SHOWTIME)


GLEE (FOX)

MODERN FAMILY (ABC)


NURSE JACKIE (SHOWTIME)


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL 

This is my first real out on a limb pick. Tina has won this many times, but I don't think she's in the running this year. And as much as I love Glee, I really don't feel that Lea has done much to earn her spot on this list, let alone take home the win (if it were American Idol, then yeah, but it's about the acting). So that leaves the race between Toni, Edie and Laura. They are all superb, but Laura really brings the best of the other two actresses into her role as Cathy on The Big C. 

TONI COLLETTE
 United States of Tara

EDIE FALCO
 Nurse Jackie

TINA FEY
 30 Rock

LAURA LINNEY
 The Big C

LEA MICHELE
 Glee

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

This too, is an uncertain pick for me. Alec has won this category several years running, but I think Jim Parsons has a good chance of ending that winning streak. I don't really watch The Big Bang Theory, but from what little I have seen and his recent Emmy win, I think his chances are better than good.

ALEC BALDWIN 
30 Rock

STEVE CARELL
 The Office

THOMAS JANE
 Hung

MATTHEW MORRISON 
Glee

JIM PARSONS 
The Big Bang Theory

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

I did not watch any of these, so this pick is just based on press and reviews. 

CARLOS (SUNDANCE CHANNEL)

THE PACIFIC (HBO)


PILLARS OF THE EARTH (STARZ)


TEMPLE GRANDIN (HBO)


YOU DON’T KNOW JACK (HBO)


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Again I didn't watch any of these, so it's just a guess, but I did get a laugh out of seeing that Jennifer Love Hewitt got a nod for her work as a call girl in a Lifetime Movie! Oh, how excited she must have been!! 

HAYLEY ATWELL
 Pillars of the Earth

CLAIRE DANES
 Temple Grandin

JUDI DENCH 
Return to Cranford

ROMOLA GARAI
 Emma

JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT
 The Client List

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

I did see 'The Special Relationship' and it was quite good. I'm a sucker for anything that focuses on the Clintons or the brits and this combined them both! I didn't see the others, so this too is just a guess.

IDRIS ELBA 
Luther

IAN MCSHANE
 Pillars of the Earth

AL PACINO
 You Don't Know Jack

DENNIS QUAID
 The Special Relationship

EDGAR RAMIREZ 
Carlos

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

This one comes down to Jane and Sofia, but in the end, I think it will be Jane. I agree with the critics who say her role in season 2 has been deminished, but this award is for work done in 2010, which includes the end of season 1, which in my opinion is where she really shined. If it's not Jane or Sofia, I would be shocked. 

HOPE DAVIS
 The Special Relationship

JANE LYNCH 
Glee

KELLY MACDONALD
 Boardwalk Empire

JULIA STILES
 Dexter

SOFIA VERGARA
 Modern Family

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

This might be an upset, but Chris Colfer is so deserving here! Granted, for a strait man, Eric Stonestreet is brilliant as Cam on Modern Family, but Chris has taken Kurt to places I didn't think were possible. He's made me laugh and cry and I can't think of any other actor who could fill Kurt Hummel's shoes! 

SCOTT CAAN
 Hawaii Five-0

CHRIS COLFER
 Glee

CHRIS NOTH 
 The Good Wife

ERIC STONESTREET 
Modern Family

DAVID STRATHAIRN 
Temple Grandin

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

This one is tough. I think it will come down to Black Swan and The Social Network. And I wouldn't be surprised if one got the Globe and the other takes home the Oscar. Given the global audience, I'm going with The Social Network here, but my money will be on Black Swan for the Oscar.

BLACK SWAN


THE FIGHTER


INCEPTION


THE KING'S SPEECH


THE SOCIAL NETWORK

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

This is another tough race. I think it's really only between Nicole, Natalie and Michelle, but Natalie really became her character through and through. I think she will edge out a win here.

HALLE BERRY
 Frankie and Alice

NICOLE KIDMAN
 Rabbit Hole

JENNIFER LAWRENCE 
Winter's Bone

NATALIE PORTMAN
 Black Swan

MICHELLE WILLIAMS
 Blue Valentine

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Colin Firth could surprise me here, but Jesse's portrayal of Mark Z was uncanny and highly entertaining. 

JESSE EISENBERG
 The Social Network

COLIN FIRTH
 The King's Speech

JAMES FRANCO 
127 Hours

RYAN GOSLING
 Blue Valentine

MARK WAHLBERG
 The Fighter

BEST MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

This is an unusual category, I don't really feel any of these were standout films, but of all the options, I feel my pick was the most poignant. It gave an honest look at a life that most people only gossip about. 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND


BURLESQUE
S

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT


RED


THE TOURIST


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Ironically, the only person I wouldn't want to see win here is Angelina. It would make my night to see Emma Stone take this one, but I think her odds are slim. For me it comes down to Anne Hathaway and Annette Bening. Annette is fantastic in her film, but Anne has the edge for me.

ANNETTE BENING 
The Kids Are All Right

ANNE HATHAWAY 
Love and Other Drugs

ANGELINA JOLIE
 The Tourist

JULIANNE MOORE 
The Kids Are All Right

EMMA STONE 
Easy A

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

How awful would it be for Johnny Depp to NOT win in this category? That said, I don't expect him to win, but I have to swing my support under Jake Gyllenhaal. He never ceases to amaze me and despite recently breaking the heart of my favorite country crooner, I think he deserves this.

JOHNNY DEPP
 Alice in Wonderland

JOHNNY DEPP
 The Tourist

PAUL GIAMATTI
 Barney's Version

JAKE GYLLENHAAL
 Love and Other Drugs

KEVIN SPACEY 
Casino Jack

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

I'm not sure there's even a race here...

DESPICABLE ME


HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

THE ILLUSIONIST


TANGLED


TOY STORY 3

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

No idea here, but my gut says...

BIUTIFUL

THE CONCERT

I AM LOVE

THE EDGE

IN A BETTER WORLD

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

AMY ADAMS
 The Fighter

HELENA BONHAM CARTER 
The King's Speech

MILA KUNIS 
Black Swan

MELISSA LEO 
The Fighter

JACKI WEAVER
 Animal Kingdom

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Michael Douglas was very good, but I think he will also secure a hefty sympathy vote. Could be very wrong here...

CHRISTIAN BALE 
The Fighter

MICHAEL DOUGLAS 
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

ANDREW GARFIELD
 The Social Network

JEREMY RENNER
 The Town

GEOFFREY RUSH 
The King's Speech

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE

I want to say Nolan, but I just don't think he will be able to edge out Fincher. Aronofsky did a remarkable job as well, but I think this is going to be a Social Network kind of night. 

DARREN ARONOFSKY
 Black Swan

DAVID FINCHER
 The Social Network

TOM HOOPER
 The King's Speech

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN
 Inception

DAVID O. RUSSELL
 The Fighter

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE

This is a no brainer! If I could work for any Hollywood Heavyweight, it would be Aaron Sorkin. He's simply brilliant.

DANNY BOYLE, SIMON BEAUFOY
 127 Hours

LISA CHOLODENKO, STUART BLUMBERG
 The Kids Are All Right

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN
 Inception

DAVID SEIDLER
 The King's Speech

AARON SORKIN
 The Social Network

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE

This one will be between The King's Speech and Inception. 

ALEXANDRE DESPLAT
 The King's Speech

DANNY ELFMAN 
Alice in Wonderland

A.R. RAHMAN 
127 Hours

TRENT REZNOR, ATTICUS ROSS
 The Social Network

HANS ZIMMER 
Inception

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE

Just a guess here, but this is my favorite out of the options, so I'll go with it!

"BOUND TO YOU" - BURLESQUE


"COMING HOME" - COUNTRY STRONG


"I SEE THE LIGHT" - TANGLED


"THERE'S A PLACE FOR US" - CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER


"YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE LAST OF ME" - BURLESQUE


bowl game shame

SOTD: Miranda Lambert - 'Famous In A Small Town'

It's difficult to get excited about tonight's BCS championship game between Auburn and Oregon considering the events of this past weekend, but perhaps having a destraction to occupy our minds for a few hours and remind us that life goes on will have a positive effect for those in need.

That said, I remember when my Tennessee Vols played in the first BCS game back on January 4, 1999. I was an 18 year old senior at Cumberland County High School, waiting for my letter of acceptance from the University of Tennessee. As part of an early release program, I worked at the local radio station several afternoons a week where I would gather news stories and topics of local interest that I could piece together for the weekend reports which I would not only produce, but also record and broadcast, typically, by myself. This is probably the coolest job a kid growing up in Crossville could ever have!

One of the perks of my job was the occasional ticket to a really cool concert, and New Years Eve 1998 was no exception. I accompanied the boss's 10 year old daughter, his wife, and one of the girls in ad sales to Nashville where we rang in the new year with box seats at the then annual Tim McGraw and Faith Hill NYE concert. But the coolest part for me was the opening act, the Dixie Chicks, who I still love today! After such an exciting night, I could hardly say no when I was asked to work the next day and the weekend that followed. 

That weekend I reported numerous news stories. But every broadcast had one common thread, the mention of the upcoming Fiesta Bowl Championship game between Tennessee and Florida State. As many of you probably already know, the Fiesta Bowl was played in Tempe, Arizona. I knew this too. What I didn't know apparently, was how to pronounce, Tempe. In each and every story I reported 'Temp-pay' rather than the correct 'Temp-pee' and it didn't take long for the townsfolk to let me know I was doing it wrong. Unfortunately, I didn't receive personal calls at work and had never really sparked a response from the listeners, so even though I noticed the phone lines lighting up like a Christmas tree, it was days after the actual game before I learned that dozens of messages had been left for me with the correct pronunciation, and in some cases a couple of other choice words. But I never went on air again without first making sure I knew how to say each and every word I reported, including some very difficult names for the obituaries.

My work with the radio station became the catalyst for what would be my future studies at UT. I had the time of my life working at WOW 102.5fm and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. As for the 1999 BCS game, UT beat FSU 23 to 16 and I began studies at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 1999 under the National Championship Banner.

Tonight, I will be pulling for a typical Tennessee rival, the Auburn Tigers. When my team plays, I cheer for the Vols, but if the Vols aren't playing, I root for the SEC. In the years of the BCS Championship games, when an SEC team has played, they've won every time. It would be a shame if Auburn let the whole conference down. Go Tigers! Make those Ducks quack!!

trying to make sense out the senseless

SOTD: Gary Jules - 'Mad World'

It's hard to find a place to start. I've been in a preoccupied cloud of distractions for the last 48 hours and it's only in the last hour or so that I've become aware of the events that took place in Tuscon yesterday.

From what I've learned, a 22 year old guy who had been kicked out of community college purchased a gun from a sportsman's warehouse in November and planned his attack carefully. Evidence shows that he had attended a 'Congress on the Corner' event previously, but the event yesterday was the culmination of weeks of planning and preparing for what would become a horrific event. His intended target, the democrat representative, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.

Unfortunately, the gunman hit not only his target, but several others. The Congresswoman took a bullet through her brain and it is unclear how she might recover from her injury. At this moment, there are 6 confirmed deaths; the most shocking for me, a little girl, Christina Green, who was born on September 11, 2001. The girl, newly elected to her schools Student Council, reportedly attended the event because she was interested in government and politics. 

I hate stories like this. Because I realize they aren't just stories. These are events that forever alter every life connected to them. It's hard not to think back to Virgina Tech and the events of April 16, 2007. I'll never forget that day and the days that followed. I was sitting at work with my TV turned to CNN, as usual, and the story broke. I watched in disbelief, praying that the reporters had it all wrong. I was praying that there was some catastrophic misunderstanding and the reports that dozens of students and teachers had been attacked was simply wrong. As the hours went on my prayers went unanswered. When I left work that day details had started to solidify, but it was still impossible to rationalize, to understand how anyone could make sense of such horror. 

The following day, I spent most of my time in the waiting room of the Comprehensive Breast Center (as I had done annually since having my tumor removed in 2002). As you can imagine, VT was the only topic the news was covering, it was all over the newspapers and it was the only topic of conversation among the fifteen or so women waiting in that room that day. I, of course, was the youngest person in the room by at least a decade, and for some reason, seemed like a wealth of knowledge for many of the older women in the room. I guess being glued to my television and internet since the tragic events were made public gave me some sense of being informed.

A couple of years later, while talking to a friend who produces news segments for one of the morning shows, I learned an even more horrific account of what happened in those days surrounding the massacre. She told me about what she experienced the day I was stuck in the waiting room. As is common with television, you need people related to a story to tell a story, which is how my friend ended up on the front porch of the home of one of the wounded professors. Moments before she rang the door bell to ask his wife for an interview her phone rang, it was her boss informing her that the professor had just succumbed to his injuries. At the end of the very brief call her boss gave his final request, to get the interview. I can't imagine what must have gone through her mind in that moment. Being every bit the professional she is, she rang the door bell and preceded to get the interview.

I know that what happened at Virginia Tech and what took place yesterday are enormously different, but the fallout is virtually the same. Lives have been taken. Lives have been changed. The common thread is the need for civility. 

There's been a lot of commentary on the possible political motives behind this attack. Is it the state's recent and controversial stand on immigration? Could it be the work of a political movement (a la, the Tea Party)? I'm not sure. But if this action is a response to the political climate, we need to take a long hard look at what is being done to build partisan unity rather than the numerous ways each party has attempted to mark their proverbial territory. Politicians need to own their responsibility here and avoid using this as an opportunity for political gain. I don't like seeing images of Sarah Palin's 'cross-hairs map' and being reminded of her rally cry 'don't retreat, reload.' This isn't the time or the place. 

As I go to sleep tonight, I will be praying for all of the victims that are still trying to make it through the events of yesterday's rampage as well as the family, friends and professionals that will be going through the recovery with them. And for those leaders who were not physically effected by the shooting, I pray they receive wisdom to govern our nation toward unity and safety. If you feel inclined to join me, I invite you to do so.

significant insignificance

SOTD: Brandi Carlile "That Year"

Have you ever looked back at old photographs and noticed the people standing in the background? Have you ever thought that for every unknown person standing in the shadows of your photos there might be a stranger somewhere holding a similar picture of you?

I've been thinking about this a lot (not just because the walls of this website are covered in frames). There are countless photo ops in any given year; birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, vacations...are you starting to get the picture (pun intended). But how many of those photos are taken in a restaurant, a museum, a theme park or church? How many photos do you have that were taken with more people in the background than you wanted in the actual picture?

The Beach in Nice France

I have lots! I've been fortunate enough to travel fairly extensively, and the unknown faces in the backgrounds of my photos actually span the globe. 

When I started posting here last week I linked my old blog from the Summer of 2004.  I only posted on it once, right after my study abroad in Paris. But looking at it again after all these years I began to feel nostalgic and couldn't help but thumb through some old photographs from the trip. It was the pictures taken at popular tourists destinations like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre that sparked my curiosity most. You see, in these photos not only were the backgrounds full of people I didn't know, but those people were carrying cameras, which I can only assume means they were taking photographs as well.

The Clock at the Musee D'Orsay

Is it weird to think about the people in the world who have inadvertently taken your picture? Is it possible that you happened to be in the same location as a significant moment for someone else? Is it possible that an insignificant moment for you is sitting in a beautiful frame on someone's mantle?

The next time you look at photos you've framed around your house or pull out an old photo album look at the background of your pictures. My guess is, you'll see the insignificant as something much more significant.

greek to me

SOTD: John Mayer 'No Such Thing'

Tonight, on ABC Family, one of my favorite guilty pleasures returns for it's final season. It's a gem of a show called, 'Greek'. Set at the fictitious Cypress Rhodes University, it chronicles the highs and lows of life as a student and member of the Greek community. I'll be the first to admit that many of the plots are exaggerated stereotypes, but there are just as many that are spot on, which is precisely why I love to watch.

For some strange reason, anytime I think about 'Greek' I think about my friend Celeste. (For those of you who know Celeste you are probably smiling right now, even if you aren't familiar with the show.) I can't say that we've ever even talked about the series, but still, I always draw a parallel between the two.

I met Celeste during sorority Rush my freshman year at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 1999. There were over a thousand girls going through Rush that year and everything was organized alphabetically. Our last names both start with 'W' so it was inevitable that we were usually standing only feet apart as we waited outside each suite waiting for the parties to begin. The week started with Open House, a hectic day that included visits to all 14 sorority suites. After the third or fourth party I had become annoyed by a tall, thin, blond-haired girl with an crazy personality who seemed to find amusement in even the most mundane things. As you might have guessed, this girl was Celeste. 

I never shared my annoyance with her, at least not that week, but as the days went on and the parties were fewer and fewer, I noticed she was still in nearly every party line I attended. On the last night, pref night, there she was again. And after the parties, when it was time to fill out the pref card, she was in the back of my head as listed my top choice. I couldn't help but think, if we end up in the same sorority, I will quit. There's no way I can handle someone that obnoxious in my life. Besides, we're so different, what are the odds that we would end up in the same place anyway.

Well, the odds were pretty good. When I opened my bid card, I was thrilled to have gotten my first choice, Zeta Tau Alpha, but my enthusiasm was lessened as I entered the suite and saw that my worst fear had come true, this person who I didn't think I could stand next to in line for even a minute more was now a part of what would be a significant portion of my college experience.

There were many times over the course of that first year when we had to work together and got to know her better. What I first saw as obnoxious and crazy eventually became part of the charm that is Celeste. Before the end of Spring semester, we had even become good friends.

Over the years, Celeste has always been there when I really needed her. A shoulder to cry on when my heart was broken, a cheerleader when the obstacles ahead seemed too challenging and a drinking buddy when the afternoon was just too nice to not have a beer on the patio at Calhoun's! She even gave up whatever plans she might have made to stay with me during Fall break senior year after I had my tonsils removed and my mom couldn't be there.

We don't talk everyday, actually, it's normal that several months go by between our chats. But when we do get together it's like no time has passed at all. What I've learned over the years about Celeste is that I was never annoyed by her. I was annoyed that she was always so comfortable in her own skin, just being herself; something I could never do. Ultimately, I am a better person for having her in my life. I learned not to take life so seriously and that if you are too worried about what everyone else is thinking, you'll never be able to let go and have a good time.

Had it not been for our Greek life, I can't say that we would have ever become friends. But I am thankful we are. Of all the people I met and formed friendships with in college I value the friendship I have with Celeste the most. When I look back twenty or thirty years from now, I am sure that we will still be friends and hopefully we'll be telling our kids stories of our wild and crazy youth over big 'ole glasses of wine!

here comes the...new year

SOTD: Lea Michele (Glee) "Don't Rain On My Parade"

Ironically, it is actually raining right now, but that isn't why I chose this song. I chose it because it embodies the mindset I want to start the new year with; full steam ahead, nothing will get in my way. I am determined to make the most of 2011. 

There are a few things I am really looking forward to this year. 

Like every girl who has ever imagined herself to be a princess or planned a fairy tale wedding, I am obsessed with the impending nuptials between Prince William and Kate Middleton. At barely 9 months old, I was much to young to remember the royal wedding between Prince Charles and Diana, but my mom assures me we watched it together in the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps that is where my obsession with the royal family actually began. I still remember where I was when I heard the news of Diana's death and I remember crying for the first time over the loss of someone I had never even met.

I became aware of Kate Middleton about 5 years ago and I have been captivated by her since. Her style, her elegance, her patience. No one could ever replace Diana, but Kate Middleton is the closest thing to a revival I could ever hope to imagine. I've read a couple of books about her and I have no doubts that she will follow in Diana's footsteps as an ambassador of good will and champion of charity. 

On April 29th, I plan to wake early and sit with the rest of the world and watch as history is made yet again. For the first time in over 100 years, a commoner will marry into the royal family. This, my friends, is the epitome of fairy tale.

There is another, less royal, but equally anticipated set of nuptials I am excited to witness this year. On July 16th in a little Colorado town called Beaver Creek my favorite college roommate, Kirsten Goodman, will marry the most understanding guy I've ever met, Mr. Kerry Connor. 

I remember the first time Kirsten 'brought Kerry home to meet the friends' and started what would be an annual trip to Knoxville. Usually during the month of October, the two would arrive for a long weekend that at the very least always included a Vols game and a trip to Barley's. Kerry and I hit it off the very first time we met. I remember thinking what a perfect match; Kirsten's personality tends to border on the highly energized side and Kerry is more laid back and go with the flow. They really balance each other well. 

I missed seeing them this year, but not long after their visit at the beginning of the football season, I got a call from Kirsten confirming what I knew was inevitable, they were engaged! I am so happy for them and even more thrilled to be there to share in the excitement with them.

Weddings aren't the only thing I'm looking forward to this year, they just happen to be the only things with actual dates set. 

I have every reason to believe that I will in fact find a job this year. Yes, I have a freelance media archiving gig for the moment, but I would really like to find something a bit more structured and permanent. I have another interview later this week, so cross your fingers!

Also, this year I plan to reconnect with old friends. I have been back, living in my hometown, for nearly 4 months now and I've only really spent time with one of my old friends. At some point I have to stop thinking about the person I want to be and the things I want to do and just go for it.

Whatever happens this year, when I look back a year from now, I want to be able to say that I didn't let Nobody Rain on my Parade!