The Most Trusted Names

With 24-hour news networks, it's easy to become desensitized. Sometimes I feel like a zombie, watching CNN headquarters send a reporter to find out what it's like to be tasered. Other times, I practically upchuck at the sight of Fox & Friends. (That's all it takes, just the sight.) But the reality we have to face is that with so many sources of news and entertainment today, it's hard to determine which are actually worth your while. You've got the Daily Cal in your hand right now, which means you've taken a step in the right direction. And I'm here to help you keep it that way. I've compiled a list for you on exactly what you need to be watching, and it's called: Exactly What You Need to be Watching. And while this list is by no means comprehensive, I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

Oprah Winfrey-I love Oprah, which is why if you only have an hour a day to spend in front of the television, spend it watching this gal. Oprah's a rare kind of person, someone with a heart as big as her success. She founded an all-girls school in Africa, annually hosts the Oprah's Favorite Things give-away and is a humanitarian and advocate for change in her own right. I admire her ability to present new topics in fresh ways every single day, encompassing everything from "Why Did I Get Married?" to "Is War the Only Answer?" Oprah's got spirit. She stands up for what she believes in and regularly questions the mold-as a woman, as a black woman, as a size non-zero. If you want to know how to become rich and famous in a respectable way, watch Oprah.

Jon Stewart-Maybe you read The New York Times article titled "Is Jon Stewart the Most Trusted Man in America?" Either way, you are wasting your cable subscription if you're not tuning in to this guy. Jon Stewart is brilliant, and I'm not just saying that because he won the Emmy. Do you think it's easy to prove that you can't be a smart ass without being smart? His quick-witted humor and lack of respect (the guy makes fun of everyone, literally everyone) make my day every Monday through Thursday. But more than his ability to make me laugh, I love Jon Stewart because he takes a strong position on the issues. He doesn't ride the fence. He doesn't try to please everyone. He blows you away in one short installment, and you can't help but want to watch more.

Stephen Colbert-I can't possibly mention Jon Stewart without acknowledging his right-hand man. Stephen Colbert has shot through the hearts of American audiences and right to the issues that matter. His wacky on-air personality and belief in truthiness didn't make me his only believer. Think White House Correspondents' Dinner. This man has got serious panache: He walks right into the dragon's nest and pokes the fire-breather in the eye. And then has the temerity to tell 'em "You're welcome." Stephen Colbert's style of fake news allows us to see the absurdity and rancor that plagues real news. He takes the things we take for granted every day, like Starbucks for example, and makes them out to be the joke they really are. When you are in the mood for a dose of real truth, read between the lines and watch Stephen Colbert.

Bill O'Reilly-Ah, my personal favorite. There is no man angrier, louder or more careless on television right now than Bill O'Reilly. That's why I love (read: can't stand) to watch him. I have to pay attention to what the opposition is saying, doing, thinking-how else can one hope to beat them? Besides, watching Bill is like riding a great roller coaster: Half the time I'm screaming at the set, the other half I'm trying to hold down whatever I've eaten. The best part about Bill O'Reilly, though? Even if I miss a bit of one of his humble opinions, I don't to worry. I can read the screen to the right of his face, which funnily enough, has everything he's just said written in simplified, good old English. I love Bill O'Reilly because he proves every day that opinions don't have to be based on facts. So tread with caution.

There you have it: The boost you need to keep enjoying your time with television. Don't settle for second-rate shows that leave you feeling and thinking nothing. In a world where there are millions of things to boggle your mind, we certainly can't let television off the hook.