The Best and Worst of 2003

I have to admit I’ve always try to read as many “Best Of” columns this time of year. Whether its because of my background as a history major or that I enjoy reflecting I don’t know. So, for better or worse here are my random choices for the best of what I experienced, read, or saw in 2003.

Best TV Drama: Everwood: No program in the past 10 years has so accurately portrayed teenagers, family, and friends. Do yourself a favor and tune in on Monday nights or the repeat on Sundays evenings. Honorable Mention: West Wing.

Worst: Survivor- I just don’t get it. I can’t stand listening to people spending 30min each week whinning about why others are trying to get rid of them. Followed by 15 minutes of some activity and three minutes of voting. At least the producers could do is change the setting to Alaska in January.

Best TV Comedy: Everybody Loves Raymond- As much as I love The Simpsons, Raymond is the funniest half hour on television. Why, because its storylines come from true events in the writers lives. I doubt if any couple in america has not dealt with the suitcase episode that won the Emmy. Honorable Mention: The Simpsons, Reba, Two and a Half Men, George Lopez, Becker, and King of the Hill.

Worst: Life With Bonnie. I like Bonnie Hunt, but her show just isn’t funny, too bad.

Best Book (non-fiction): John Adams- Many of us know John Adams as a hothead revolutionary. David McCulloughs wonderful prose show him as one of the great thinkers of his or any time.

Best Book (fiction): Jack Daws- Ken Follett returns to writing World War II fiction and this thriller doesn’t disappoint. No author writes an action scene with detail and frenetic pace of Follett. Honorable mention: The Wake of the Perdido Star

Best DVD (comedy): Serendipity- Ok, I admit it, its a chick flick and its been out for a few years. But John Cusack is at his dry quip best. An original take on the boy meets girls, loses girl, gets girl back. Honorable Mention: The Dish

Best DVD (drama): The Emperors Club- A great story about honor and self respect. I enjoy a movie that enthralls the viewer by its storyline and acting rather than computer graphics. Kevin Kline is my choice as the best actor of my generation. Honorable Mention: Thirteen Days

Best President Bush Policy: Healthy Forest Initiative- Yes, it’s not perfect by any means, but overall it makes sense and is backed by hard science. One key example, two years ago the Hayman fire southwest of Denver went through a research forest that was practicing undercutting. The damage to that research area was minimal, the fire which was crowning the trees across the highway burned only along the ground in the study area.

Worst President Bush Policy: Energy Plan- Written by the President’s cronies in the energy industry its solution is to drill and explore our way to energy independence. The plan is pure cluelessness. Instead, by increasing fuel economy standards by 1 gallon per year, it would force the auto industry to do what many of their own engineers know is easily possible. If horsepower can be increased in the same size engine by one third over the past ten years so can economy in the next ten.