This is an odds and ends blog, as I have a lot of random thoughts on my mind as we close out the month and near the end of the year.

Since when did The View become the premier place for our nation’s leaders to stop by for a chat? We’ve seen a long list of politicians use the show as a platform to get out their message with the most high profile guest being President Obama. And today, the ladies hosted the chairman of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Yes, Admiral Mike Mullen was on the couch chatting it up with Barbara and the gang. Where does it end?

Speaking of television shows, did anyone catch the finale of Dancing with the Stars? I’m not a big fan of the show, but have to admit that this season’s “stars” grabbed my attention. In the end, Jennifer Grey, of Dirty Dancing fame, won. Well, duh. Of course she won. Didn’t we all know that she would win from the beginning, barring a mass influx of Tea Party votes for Bristol Palin? This seems so unfair. It’s roughly the same as putting on a show called “Playing Football with the Stars” and including Betty White, John Clease, and Tom Brady. Geez.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving, traditionally a day that the media focuses on travel. Usually that includes the weather, delays, etc. But, this year there’s a new angle: the dreaded security pat down and super sensitive, all-revealing x-rays. I’m certainly not saying that I would look forward to either. I also don’t like having to restrict the amount of liquids I can carry on board a plane or take off my shoes to go through security. But, I’m more than happy to do all of that if it ensures that my plane will be safe and terrorist free. To all those who are complaining, please consider the alternatives!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s almost time to gorge on all the traditional turkey day fare. I’m not a big fan of Thanksgiving flavors, except for one thing: pumpkin. I love pumpkin! Pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin dip, pumpkin soufflé, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin Hershey’s Kisses, pumpkin candy… I LOVE IT ALL. Yum.

Finally, this weekend is a football lovers dream and I’ll be focusing on many games including the TCU Horned Frogs’ final regular season game. We’re playing lowly New Mexico, so we should easily win. I’ll be more interested in what happens to Oregon, Boise, and Auburn. How these teams do will determine TCU’s fate in the BCS system. So, while I’ll be rooting for a TCU win, I’ll also be pulling for a loss by any or all of the other three teams mentioned.

I told you this was an odds and ends blog! Have a great Thanksgiving everyone