In a culture that is increasingly commercial, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting remains a beacon of purity. The CPB provides significant programming for everyone. Anyone who has ever taken a media studies class knows and understands the profound effect media can have on each of us. Our culture is saturated with powerful in-your-face messages. (This is not something of which I have to remind my Christian brothers. They are usually quite familiar with the danger and frustration of channel-surfing during commercial breaks.) Networks are often held under the influence of their major sponsors. Programming coordinators deal with the pressures of keeping the owners and the sponsors happy. This can taint the quality and content of news and even entertainment programs.
Children, in particular, are extremely vulnerable to commercialism. It is imperative that programs that shaped you and me, such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, remain intact and out of the influence of corporate regulation and sponsorship.
Also, very few outlets outside of PBS and NPR provide exposure for fine arts and local artists. Our local affiliate, WSIU, features classical, blues, folk, Celtic, and rock music from around the world. No other station I know can boast such a magnificent variety. One of my personal favorite programs is Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me. It's on every Saturday at noon and is hilarious.
PBS also has some of my all-time favorite programs like Antique's Roadshow, This Old House, and Austin City Limits.
So why all the CPB kudos, you ask? Because federal funding has recently been cut for these valuable media outlets. In 2004, federal funding for all public broadcasting was $1.70 per person. By comparison, pork barrel spending was $33 per person. Now, this is not to demean the importance of all federally funded pork projects, but the contrast is startling. Now that the budget for the CPB has been decreased, I have been convicted into action. Find your local PBS or NPR affiliate and get involved. Just a small donation or a couple hours of volunteer work could be vital to keeping this unique jewel of our society afloat.

Alright, so I am boring. Again, I want to share my flowers and favorite things from around the house. What can I say? I am a simple girl... yeah, right!

These mums are absolutely gorgeous (if I do say so myself). It is a huge mass of deep red. Even the best photo could scarcely do it justice.


BRIGHT yellow! They almost glow!



My autumn center piece. Got all the gourds came from the Farmer's Market for $3. The tea is also quite good. That is my favorite mug.


If this were a little bit closer, you could see that this is an album by The Dowry. It was given to us by a very good friend. It was already sitting on this little table and looking very pretty. That's right, there's an elephant on the front which makes me like it automatically. You should check out this band.


I have so many little projects and favorite things happening right now. I will try to post again soon!