My Cheers and Jeers

With info at my fingertips with the help of a computer, smart phone, the info button on a remote control, or a programming grid on the television screen itself, it has been years since I actually held a paper version of a TV Guide in my hands. Due to that fact, I have not seen a Cheers and Jeers article in ages. I miss it; that was always one of my favorite parts of the publication.

So, I figured I would attempt my own version of a cheers and jeers this week. Here it goes. 

CHEERS to the Lucky Four 4-H Club. Check out the photo and article in this issue of the Messenger to learn more about the area 4-H members who helped to pack nourishing meals at a Feed My Starving Children MobilePack event last month.

According to Wikipedia.org, "The 4-H program...encourages fellowship and service opportunities. The Minnesota version of the 4-H Pledge is: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, My Heart to greater loyalty, My hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country and my world. In my book, these 4-Hers truly exemplified the spirit of 4-H and community service. Great job, kids!

CHEERS to the River Country Cooperative and Land O'Lakes, Inc. for combining efforts to provide the TCU FFA and four other chapters in the region with much needed funds to expand opportunities and programs. It is great that these ag businesses donate to such a worthy youth organization.

CHEERS to the TCU FFA as they prepare for National FFA Week activities later this month, for the members' hard work in preparing for the regional Career Development Event (CDE) contests, and to all of the teams who have already qualified for state CDE competition.

As you can probably tell, I am a devoted supporter of the FFA and 4-H organizations, as each provides so many opportunities and life skills for youth, regardless if they live in on a farm, in a small rural town, or a large urban area. I know that my life would not have been the same without involvement in these two organizations.

And of course, we can't forget a JEERS. 

JEERS to this year's television commercials during the big game this past Sunday. I don't know about you, but I was expecting so much more, and really felt let down. What happened to light-hearted fun and humor, or just plain cute and sentimental? Is it not allowed in an election year or something? 

Yes, in my book, it is hard to beat Clydesdales, especially when they are playing football or protecting a puppy. As well, the 2013 commercial of a truck company's tribute to the aspects of American agriculture and farmers will always be held in highest regard.

For now, I guess I can only hope that the best of this year's creative and fun advertising has been saved for the NASCAR season!