1. ‘Californication’
The newest addition to Showtime’s lineup features an intriguing plotline about popular L.A. writer Hank Moody (David Duchovny). Moody is divorced and still in love with the mother of his 12-year-old daughter. He suffers from writer’s block and sleeps around with the entire city of L.A. This comedy is extremely witty and dry with endless references to popular culture. My favorite reference is when the titles of Moody’s books are revealed. They are all named after album titles of arguably one of the greatest metal bands, Slayer. Although this show is entertaining, avoid watching it with your parents or spiritual leader, since its irreverence is a little much for even me sometimes.
2. Dave Matthews Band
The AT&T Blue Room contest to bring the Dave Matthews Band to a college pep rally has attracted a lot of attention on campus and around the country. The contest judges votes for a school against the current school population to develop the rankings. Anyone can vote for SMU, so the more people who know, the better. SMU is currently ranked 11th and Baylor tops the list. There is absolutely no way we should lose to Baylor in anything (not even football). I encourage everyone to check out the contest because Dave Matthews on the Boulevard would be sick.
3. Kiva.org
This Web site is a chance for everyday people to make a huge impact on poor people looking for a little help. As a college student, giving to charitable causes can be financially burdensome and never seems atop our agendas. Kiva provides a great way for interested people to loan money, at no interest, to poor entrepreneurs in developing countries so they can make a living. An example: A cattle farmer in Mexico needs $500 to buy two calves that he will raise and sell. People can donate $25 each and fund this man for the time specified in the loan. The great news is the farmer pays the money back, usually after he sells his product, and the donors can either turn the $25 into cash or donate it to someone else in need. These loans allow people to earn a living and don’t cost us any tangible money once the loan is repaid.
4. The Dallas Cowboys
There was relatively no doubt in my mind that the Cowboys were going to play well this year since they are in the NFC. However, I thought it would be in spite of Tony Romo as opposed to because of Romo. The Dallas quarterback has surprised even some of his most avid supporters this year with his outstanding play. If he keeps it up, he can expect a lucrative contract extension from Jerry Jones who historically pays his players well, and another trip to the Pro Bowl. However, Dallas fans should beware of thinking the Cowboys are going to win the Super Bowl. Romo still needs to prove himself over the course of a full season and Roy Williams is the most overrated defensive player in the entire NFL. In spite of their secondary, the Cowboys should win at least a game or two in the playoffs (assuming they make it in the abysmal NFC).
5. ‘Dexter’
Showtime’s hit series “Dexter” is finally back after about a six-month break. In the show, Dexter Morgan (David C. Hall) is a blood-spatter expert for the Miami P.D. with a chilling pastime: He kills people he deems threats to society (murderers, human traffickers and more). The show mixes gripping action with an insane plotline that makes for one of the best shows on television. However, if blood makes you squirm and you don’t want “to embrace your dark side” as the advertisement for season two says, “Dexter” is probably not the show for you. This is a must see show if you like shows like “CSI” because “Dexter” is really the same show with substantially more intrigue and action.
6. Soccer
Soccer has not yet broken into the American market like it could have with David Beckham’s arrival. Still, the sport is immensely popular around the world and SMU fans have great reasons to be soccer fans. The men’s team is currently ranked No. 11 and consistently has a chance to win the College Cup. They are an exciting blend of talent, showmanship and discipline. The women’s team is also improving under new coach Brent Erwin and veteran leadership. On a national level, the women’s national team has made the semifinals in the Women’s World Cup and has a great chance to win. They are worth a watch for sure. While these teams are great, the English Premier League has arguably the best competition in the world. Of course, Liverpool FC is an amazing team that everyone should like.
7. Monks
In Burma, technically named Myanmar by the military junta that rules the country, monks are leading a democratic uprising in the country. Monks have hit the streets protesting the military dictatorship that censors the daily lives of the Burmese citizens. They have attracted national attention including economic sanctions by the U.S. on the military dictatorship. Who knew that these monks were so politically active? These brave men deserve serious recognition for risking their lives for the freedom of their people. Hopefully their peaceful protests will win over the people and overthrow the military dictatorship without any violence.
8. ‘Halo 3’
I’m not a huge gamer, but the “Halo” game series is somewhat entertaining. I want to get the new game eventually and play it every now and then with some friends. It is understandable that fans are excited about the game’s release, but people who wait in eight-hour lines seriously need to get a life. Don’t people have jobs or school in the morning? Why would you stand in line for hours just to get the game at midnight when you could easily purchase it the next day without waiting in any lines? The fans who wait in these long lines should learn some control and common sense. The only person who justifiably waited in line is the kid in Washington who purchased the first copy of the game. Microsoft’s Bill Gates signed that copy. Bill Gates’ autograph would be cool, even if it was on a video game case.
