You are currently browsing the monthly archive for August 2008.
Today’s Topic: My picks for the 1st Weekend of College Football (Finally!!!!)
Mood Music (for the season): Unsung by Helmet (It was Thunderstruck by AC/DC until ESPN used it last night)
Well, I got my first 2 picks of the season right, although it wasn’t much of a stretch picking South Carolina and Wake Forest over NC State and Baylor. For those of you that don’t check the comments, I picked those 2 teams to win yesterday afternoon.
The crazy thing was that as the USC/NC State game started up on ESPN, I heard something that had a familiar ring to it. The audio coming over my surround sound in the den had a recognizable hum, “Thunder…na,na,na,na…naaaaa, THUNDER”. Can you believe it? I mean, I chose that for the Mood Music in the article on my Top Ten teams from the Carolinas and they used it for their theme music in the South Carolina/NC State game. Kinda strange. I think someone at ESPN has been reading this blog.
Anyway, I’m planning on giving my predictions for some games that I think you all will be interested in every week. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section. If I leave out a game that you’ll be watching, let us know. Also, give me your predictions if you have time. Here are my picks for Week 1 and good luck to your favorite team or teams. (the ranking beside the teams are from my top 25 – my updated Top 25 will be posted on Monday morning, so don’t forget to check it out–it’s a separate tab on the front page)
Saturday, 8/30/08:
East Carolina - 21 #14-Virginia Tech - 17 *** —— 12pm
East Carolina’s D will give the Hokies some problems early on. Look for ECU to go up by a few scores early. VA Tech will just not have enough time to catch up. Big win for the Pirates.
#1-Georgia – 45 Georgia Southern – 10 —— 12:30pm
Bulldog fans can look forward to the introduction of UGA VII, unfortunately for Eagles fans, you probably aren’t looking forward to the introduction of AJ Green and the Bulldog’s offense for 2008. Look for Georgia’s starters to play 3 quarters and give way to some of the younger guys to get them a little experience before the “brutal schedule” begins.
#10-LSU – 28 #26-Appalachian State – 14 —— 5pm
All due respect to the Mountaineers (and fans), the Michigan game elation ends in Baton Rouge. No reason to hang your heads, the win at the Big House will probably hold up as the greatest upset in College Football history for a long time. (Now, if you’ve prove me wrong and win this game somehow, then I’m certain that there will never be a bigger upset). Armanti Edwards will keep App in the game for a few quarters, but the LSU defense will eventually wear out App’s line. Look for the Tigers to pull away in the 3rd Quarter. Still, LSU has some work to do on offense, so I don’t think it’s gonna be a blowout by any means.
North Carolina – 24 Mcneese State – 17 —— 6pm
Don’t get too excited about Butch Davis’ 2nd season yet Tarheel fans. This one might sting a little. Not a loss, but I guarantee that the Tarheels will be looking ahead, and McNeese State could be the 2nd best team in Lousiana.
Wofford – 21 PC – 10 —— 7pm
Wofford shouldn’t have a problem introducing PC to D1 football. It will be closer than expected, first game you know, plus I give PC props on 2 things….1) their nickname is the Blue Hose and 2) their school logo looks like a Cylon Raider. Nice.
Elon – 35 Richmond – 14 —— 7pm
Who am I fooling? this is pretty much a random guess until I can really start following up on Elon, but I’m gonna take a shot in the dark and say they click early and often in the passing game? Huh?
The Citadel – 52 Weber International – 14 —— 7pm
Again, give me a little time and I’ll get better on predicting some of these Southern Conference games. I’m open to advice from alumni. The will try and 1 up Elon because they ain’t getting as much respect although they should. Huh? sounds good to me. (James?)
James Madison – 17 Duke – 14 —— 7pm
Don’t get too excited about Cutcliffe yet Duke fans. This one’s gonna sting a little. I never thought that a Duke team could overlook an opponent, but you can mark this one down.
#17-Illinois – 28 #9-Missouri – 27 —— 8:30pm
I think for this pick I’ll just say, “the Juice will be loose and Daniel will be screwed”. Look for the Illini to squeeze out a late miracle, thus sending the Tigers’ National Championship hopes and Daniel’s Heisman hopes plummeting before they’ve really even started.
AND FINALLY, MY PICK FOR GAME OF THE WEEK:
#4-Clemson – 21 Alabama - 17*** —— 8pm
Sorry Tide fans, the Tigers are just too good, and they tend to show up for really big, really important games. (now if they could only figure out how to show up for the games that follow those then they might just win ……let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet) This one will come down to 1 player (and I’m willing to bet that ESPN will use Thunderstruck when talking about him, if you know what I mean) That’s right, Julius Jones. Bama is gonna screw themselves by trying to get him involved in this game too early. How many of you thought I was talking about James Davis? He’s the 2nd reason (and the Thunderstruck comment actually applies to him).
***played at a neutral site
Team in italics is HOME Team
I’ll talk at you all again on Monday. Good luck to your teams and have a great weekend!!!!! Travel safely for those that will be gaming it up.
“Unsung once too often…”
Today’s Topic: College Football Preview - Teams in the Carolinas (#5-#1)
Mood Music: Thunderstruck by AC/DC
COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKS OFF TONIGHT!!! Sorry it took a few days to finish this list, but unfortunately, it takes a while to compile this info. I wanted to give you all some time to comment as opposed to just replying to an article. I was pleasantly surpised in the number of comments that came through. I really enjoyed chatting with everyone last Friday. Keep em’ coming!!!! Anyway, here are the Top 5 College Football teams (in my opinion) in the Carolinas this year:
5) North Carolina Tarheels – Chapel Hill, NC
Butch Davis led the Tarheels to a 4-8 season in his first year. I’m willing to bet that he’s looking forward to vast improvement this year. If the Tarheels can figure out how to win some close games in the conference this season, it shouldn’t be a tall order for them to make it to a bowl in Davis’ 2nd season.
Returning Starters on D: 6 Returning Starters on O: 9
Offensively, the Tarheels return their 5 leading receivers from last year, led by Junior Hakeem Nicks. Nicks set a single-season school record with 74 catches and finished the season with 958 receiving yards (3rd highest total in school history). He should only get better as a deep threat this year. Another welcome addition (although not a new player) to the backfield is Greg Little. Little started out as a receiver but finished last season rushing for 89 and 154 yards against Georgia Tech and Duke. With all these guys returning, the biggest question on offense is gonna be at the QB position. Can the Tarheels get solid play out of TJ Yates this season? If the QB steps up and shows some of the poise and talent that he expressed more towards the beginning of last season, then the offense is going to surprise some people; if he plays more like he did towards the end of last year, there’s a chance Tarheel fans might see Mike Paulus or Cam Sexton.
Defensively, the Tarheels should be fine, but inexperience and lack of depth might rear up and bite them as the season progresses. Safety Deunta Williams earned 1st Team Freshman All-American honors last season and linebacker Quan Sturdivant looks to replace Durell Mapp (the ACC’s 2nd leading tackler last year). Still, the Tarheels finished 35th in the nation in total defense a year ago and you have to like their chances of improving upon that under Butch Davis’ tutelage. Watch out for the Tarheels to stir it up and make a possible ACC Championship run in the weak Coastal Division.
Games of Note: 9/20 vs. Virginia Tech, 10/4 vs. Connecticut, 10/11 vs. Notre Dame
Recommended Entrance Song: No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne
4) Appalachian State Mountaineers – Boone, NC
Here we go again. 3 National Titles later and the Mountaineers and Coach Jerry Moore look to win their 4th straight conference title along with a 4th straight National Title. After last year’s colossal upset of Michigan, everyone will be keeping their eyes on their game against LSU on August 30th. Including ESPN, who will televise the 5pm game. Somehow I don’t think that LSU is gonna overlook the Mountaineers, but they’ve got some QB issues, and you just never know.
Returning Starters on D: 7 Returning Starters on O: 5
Don’t let the returning starters fool you. The ones that do return are pretty damn good. I don’t know that they are good enough to make another National Championship run, but they will give it another shot. They are again led by all-world QB Armanti Edwards. Edwards showed last year, that an unbelievably gifted QB can lead an outmatched team over a much larger, deeper program, in the Michigan game. Look for more heroics from him this year, starting with the near impossible task of beating another Top Ten team to start the season. Edwards rushed for over 1,500 yards last year and passed for nearly 2,000. He set an NCAA QB record with 313 yards against Richmond. Along with Edwards, Running Back Devon Moore looks to step into the vacancy left by ASU’s all-time leading rusher, Kevin Richardson. Offensively, Edwards will set the table for receivers CoCo Hillary and TJ Courman.
Defensively, the Mountaineers are led by a ridiculously strong linebacking core in DJ Smith, Jacque Roman, and Pierre Banks. Defensive Tackle Anthony Williams will also be someone to keep an eye on. The front seven should be stout and it will be interesting to see if the game on 8/30 will build their confidence or shake it up. Look for them to hold their on defensively throughout conference play.
Games of Note: 8/30 @ LSU, 10/4 vs. the Citadel, 10/31 vs. Wofford
Recommended Entrance Song: Mountain Jam by the Allman Brothers
3) South Carolina Gamecocks – Columbia, SC
The ole’ ball coach has em’ getting fired up again in Columbia. Will it be enough to translate into SEC success? That depends on, surprisingly, what happens on offense. It’s interesting to see how the offense has been the weak part of Spurrier’s teams at South Carolina when everyone wants to crown him an offensive genius. If it weren’t for the defense last year, their season might have been much, much worse than 6-6. I don’t know that there’s another team in the country with such lopsided talent on both sides of the ball.
Returning Starters on D: 10 Returning Starters on O: 3
Whew. That’s a scary number of returners on a team that was already struggling last season offensively. Well, one of those guys, WR Kenny McKinley will have the chance to make a huge impact if the Gamecocks can find a QB that will be able to get him the ball. McKinley caught an SEC leading 77 passes last season for almost 1000 yards and 9 TDs. He’s got a great chance to break most of South Carolina’s receiving records before the end of this season. So who’s gonna get him the ball? It will be 1 of 3 guys, Chris Smelley, Tommy Beecher, or Stephen Garcia. Smelley is the guy with the most experience, but that experience is at best erratic. It will be very interesting to see if the highly touted Garcia can stay out of trouble long enough to get a shot. Mike Davis will try to fill Cory Boyd’s shoes at the RB position.
Defensively, these guys are gonna be pretty damn stout. Take your pick of positions and they’ve got possible All-SEC, maybe All-American talent. They are led by one of the best, if not the best linebacker in the SEC, Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley was well on his way to becoming the best LB in the SEC last year when he went down with a season-ending knee injury. Brinkley is joined by converted End Eric Norwood, who had 19.5 tackles for a loss last year. On the defensive line, they are led by Defensive End Jordin Lindsey. Captain Munnerlyn is a lockdown corner that helped South Carolina finish 4th in the country in pass defense last season. That should continue, but to really excel they must improve their D against the run. Look for the Gamecocks to surprise some people this year, just hopefully not UGA again.
Games of Note: 8/28 (TONIGHT) vs. NC State, 9/13 vs. Georgia, 11/29 @ Clemson
Recommended Entrance Song: 2001 — This one doesn’t need to change
2) Wake Forest Demon Deacons – Winston Salem, NC
Jim Grobe is back and so are the Deacs. It’s gotta be one of the more amazing College Football stories of the last few years. How do they continue to field top-notch teams that are still overlooked by almost everyone in the country? Someone still needs to explain to me how they managed to win the ACC a few years back. Either way you look at it, they did, and I can tell you that at least Clemson won’t be overlooking them this year.
Returning Starters on D: 9 Returning Starters on O: 5
Riley Skinner has proven that he can lead the Deacs to an ACC Championship. He’s proven that when he’s out, they struggle offensively and they will need him to stay healthy this year if they want a shot at returning to the ACC Championship. Josh Adams returns in the backfield after rushing for 953 yards and 11 TDs as a redshirt freshman last season. He might be joined in tandem by redshirt freshman Brandon Pendergrass. They will need to replace leading receiver, Kenny Moore who caught 98 passes for 1,011 yards last season. As with most teams this year it seems, the real weakness of Wake’s offense will be it’s offensive line. 3 starters are gone from last year and they will rely on the strength of their defense to carry them until the line can gel.
Speaking of defense, 9 starters return from a defense that was in the top 20 in run defense and pass efficiency defense last season. Led by LB Aaron Curry and CB Alphonso Smith, the Demon Deacons Defense should Destroy opposing offenses. Ok, sorry, that was bad. Either way, Smith tied for the NCAA lead last year with 8 Ints and he returned 3 for TDs. Paired with Brandon Ghee at the other corner, these 2 should make opposing QBs sweat the long ball. The rest of the secondary returns as well as all the starting LBs. If the defensive line can come together quickly, Wake should be ready when Clemson comes calling for a monumental game in Groves Stadium.
Games of Note: 8/30 @ Baylor, 10/9 vs. Clemson, 10/25 @ Miami
Recommended Entrance Song: Demon Days by Gorillaz
AND NOW, FOR THE PRE-SEASON #1 TEAM IN THE CAROLINAS THIS SEASON…..DRUM ROLL…….ELLEN……..DRUM ROLL……..DRRRRRRR….DRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR………..
1) Clemson Tigers – Clemson, SC
All you Clemson fans are welcome to kill me with comments over what I’m about to say, but I just can’t help myself. Barring injuries, or some freak of nature involving the 1998 FSU team returning to possess the bodies of this year’s Seminoles…….it will be unacceptable if Clemson doesn’t make it to the ACC Championship Game this season. Period. I will say that there’s 1 other factor that must continue until after kickoff on Saturday night. Tommy Bowden must not say anything about the talent of his football team. Just keep it mum Tommy and ride the wave of a ridiculous backfield. Jim Donnan went into a season ranked #9. He said he had waited his whole life to coach a team that talented. Well, he was fired after the season, let’s just say that.
Returning Starters on D: 7 Returning Starters on O: 7
Offensively, all Clemson needs is for the Offensive Line to gel before the Wake Forest game. I know, I know, what about the Alabama game. I will tell you all this right now…..if you are a Clemson fan, please listen closely, I wouldn’t even worry about what happens on Saturday night. I know you’d love to beat Alabama and “Dick” Saban, but it has no bearing on your season whatsoever. If you beat Alabama, you get bragging rights and still have a chance to win your division in the ACC. If you lose to Alabama, you give them bragging rights and still have a chance to win your division in the ACC. In fact, you will have the same chance. That’s all you need to be worrying about. Don’t take the Citadel for granted, but Clemson really is not gonna have to worry until 10/9 at Wake Forest. If they have a loss before then (other than the Alabama game, which I expect them to win) then it will be very disappointing. No offense to the Citadel, NC State, SC State, or Maryland. Well, offense. None of you possess even remotely the amount of talent that Clemson has on both sides of the ball.
They return Cullen Harper at the QB spot. Harper quietly finished the season last year as the first Clemson QB since 1983 to lead the conference in passing efficiency. Not too shabby considering Matt Ryan got all the accolades. Well, this season the conference is his for the taking. He is a Pre-Season All-America candidate and the best QB in the conference. Behind him is arguably the best 1-2 punch in College Football in James Davis and CJ Spiller. I’ve been arguing for years to let Davis get the bulk of the load, but everytime I say that, Spiller amazes me again by leaving some dude picking grass out of his nostrils from staring at the sideline. I don’t know that there’s anyone better in the open field. Think about this….in only 2 seasons with Clemson, Spiller has already scored 10 TDs from at least 50 yards, more than any player in school history. Whoa. At WR they return Aaron Kelly, who has a chance to finish his career at Clemson with more catches than any receiver in ACC history. Just get him the ball and let him work. Bottom line, if the O-Line is rolling by the time they hit Winston, the rest of the division will watch them blow by.
Defensively, the Tigers are led by the secondary, where they return all 4 starters that helped them finish 13th in the nation in pass-efficiency defense. Safety Michael Hamlin and corner Chris Chancellor are potential All-ACC 1st Teamers. At LB they will be led by Kavell Conner who finished last season with 15 tackles in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl. The depth at LB is a little bit of a concern but if DE Ricky Sapp and newcomer DaQuan Bowers have anything to say about it, their pressure on opposing QBs should help that tremendously. One more note: Watch out for Jacoby Ford and Spiller on Special Teams. With those guys returning kicks, that’s just one more element that Clemson will excel in.
Like I said at the beginning, it will be nothing short of utter disappointment if Clemson doesn’t get to the ACC Championship this year, and in my opinion, it will cost Tommy Bowden his job.
Games of Note: 10/9 @ Wake Forest, 11/1 @ Boston College, 11/8 @ Florida State
Recommended Entrance Song: Thunderstruck by AC/DC
So There you go. My Top Ten Teams in the Carolinas. If I left out a few teams that you felt should’ve been included, let me know. One team that I had some comments about was the Citadel Bulldogs. A friend of mine (let’s call him James) wanted to mention these guys. To be honest, I don’t know too much about them and I chose to put Wofford ahead of both them and Elon because I have watched Wofford get overlooked for 5+ years in the SoCon, despite having damn good teams. In the Citadel’s defense, a couple of notes for honorable mention: Watch out for the tandem of QB Bart Blanchard and WR Andre Roberts. Blanchard had a couple 3 TD performances last year and Roberts hauled in a school record 78 catches for 1,060 yards and 10 TDs as a sophomore. Definitely another duo to keep an eye on in the Carolinas this year. Thanks to everyone for reading this stuff and I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow.
“I was caught in the middle of a railroad track (THUNDER), I looked ’round and I knew there was no turning back (THUNDER)”
Today’s Topic: Memories at the “Towns End”
Mood Music: Leaving by Josh Ritter or Home by Foo Fighters
A friend of mine went home this past weekend to help his parents pack up the remaining items from his last childhood house in Aiken, South Carolina. I have no idea how he got through it. I know he did, because he fired back in the comments section the other day with his usual vitality; something that I appreciate more than any of you really know. That’s the reason I’m doing this and I hope none of you take anything personally that I might say; it’s only my opinion and I encourage all of you to let me or anyone listening know how you feel. You’re amongst friends and it will always be that way. Where was I? Oh, yes…If you don’t know me well enough, I will just let you know that I am an overflowing flagon of sentimentality. I cannot help but linger on beautiful memories from various times in my life and I love to reminisce with family and friends. So, friends (and family), I want to let all of you know about this place that my friends (let’s call them Stan and Bish) said goodbye to over the weekend. I can only imagine what they experienced as they drove away (or walked as was probably the case). I want to share my fondest memories of this home in sequential order, but first a brief introduction:
It was called Towns End. I don’t know the history of the name, but I know that it was far from the end of town. In fact, it was extremely close in proximity to the center of downtown Aiken, and along with my childhood home, the kitchen was a sort of gathering spot for folks of all ages. I cannot even quantify the number of times that we spent snacking on chips, refilling our glasses, and wondering how in the world Stan’s Dad could eat a full meal at midnight. I don’t know that I’ve ever actually seen someone take the midnight snack so literally. Although, it was usually much more than a “snack”. I’m pretty sure there was at least a sandwich and apple involved, something that would be reflected in his son’s ”snacking” habits not too much later in life. It’s always so strange that despite numerous rooms, with ample seating, we always seemed to gravitate towards that kitchen island. We would all just kind of mill around; talking and laughing, eating and drinking, sober and wasted. Those moments were usually the jumping off points (or landing points), listed below are my favorite memories from the last childhood home of Stan and Bish (for some parents that might be reading and not know about any of these, I apologize in advance):
***playing on the back patio for the first time as “The Cat’s Pajamas”:
For those of you that don’t know, I was in a high school/college band called The Cat’s Pajamas. Coincidentally, the name came from an often used phrase of Stan’s Mom, with a similar meaning to “the Bees’ Knees”. If you still have no clue as to the meaning of said phrases, just Google them. Again, for those of you that weren’t afforded the pleasure of hearing us, we were a cross between Phish, Led Zeppelin, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Jay-Z. Maybe throw in a little Donovan, and VOILA. There’s that Cheshire Cat grin! We could only be compared to something out of New York or LA. We were just a hard act to pin down. (I will plumb the depths of The Cat’s Pajamas in another post, another day) Somehow, some way, Stan managed to saddle us with a gig at his house, on the back porch. A formidable stage. I’ll never forget hanging out on that porch, with a few of our closest friends. I feel certain that by the 3rd version of “Let Her Cry”, all of Stan’s neighbors were probably weeping from fright. Needless to say, we drank, and played, played and drank, late into the night, and one of the fondest memories of my life was born. Despite many, many shows after that evening, I will never forget the “gig at the Town’s End”.
***drinking warm Budweiser in Stan’s room (on the 3rd floor) and having to take a leak out the window….plus — (camouflage blow gun):
For those of you that are apalled right now, there was no bathroom on the 3rd floor and we were underage. Stan’s parents’ bedroom was on the 2nd floor right beside the stairs, so once you started drinking (and they were asleep), there was no “hitting the John” on the 2nd floor. There was this tiny shelf of a roof outside of a casement window, and we would sometimes crawl out there to sit, smoke, drink, urinate, and years later, as a result of countless pissing sessions, erode the gutters. I remember hearing from Stan that his Dad had a “gutter guy” come out to check on the problem. Let’s just say I’ve never been happier to hear a story, rather than experience it. I can only imagine his findings. Yowsa. ***as a side note, and there are a few that I’m leaving out for personal reasons, but one other memory that I have of Stan’s room–A friend of ours (the aforementioned Ed) and Stan got into a little tift with a blow gun. For those of you from Aiken, I’m pretty sure it was an Aiken’s Makin’ purchase, as it was a hollow piece of camouflage painted pvc, with some feather tipped metal darts. Pretty snazzy and somewhat dangerous in the wrong hands (Ed). Let’s just say at one point someone (I cannot remember which) ended up with one of the darts protruding from the top of their head. Classic. I don’t know how I managed to avoid the chaos.
***Another one for posterity (sorry Ed):
One of the first times that our friend Ed went on a date with his now wife (we’ll call her Kelly), I remember hanging out at Stan’s before he made the fateful trip. For those of you that don’t know Ed, he tends to get a little nervous before first dates. Not that I’ve experienced this, except for the following story, but I took his word for it. See, here’s the way I look at it: It was like being backstage before a band plays their greatest show of all time. I was witness to the crap that happens before the first date of a couple that would eventually get married. The only difference is that most musicians don’t puke before hitting the stage. Actually, I did throw-up once before a show at Boar’s Head in Athens (again more on the Cat’s PJs at a later date). So, Ed’s getting ready to leave and all of a sudden I see him make a beeline for the bushes on the side of Stan’s driveway. I’m thinking, “what the hell, is he gonna…?” Sure enough, a quick RAAALPH and 2 or 3 seconds later he was good to go. The rest, as they say, is history.
***playing tag in high school (thankfully, I had a small car)
For those of you that are now prepared to quit reading this blog because you realize that I was still playing tag in high school, please give it just a little more time. It’s still not something I’m proud of, but if you’re from Aiken (and anywhere from 28ish to 38ish) and you didn’t consider playing tag in high school, then you are lying about being from Aiken. Tag is much too intricate a game to delve into in this post (I promise that I will write later about it as well), but let’s just say that it lasted for months, it was played tournament style, and involved trying not to get shot before or after school with a disc gun (plastic). So to set the scene…we were trapped in my car. I had an 89′ Red Honda Civic hatchback, and the team that we were up against managed to get a car in front of us and behind us, so that we had nowhere to go. Luckily, there was a tiny gap so that I could pull into Stan’s side yard and hopefully make my way out into the side street. There was only one problem, plenty of pine trees and a swingset. I swerved right, then left, fishtailing on pinestraw, clutching on the gear shift, downshifting to try and beat them to the road and then I saw it…….it was too late to stop and I was about 50% certain the opening was wide enough, but either way we were heading straight for a narrow gap between 2 pine trees. I believe I whimpered, “you only live once” (my childhood mantra) while in my head I was crying, “please God let us make it or my Dad is gonna kick my ass” and with eyes closed we noiselessly celebrated the silence of a non-crash. Tires squealing on the asphalt of the side road and we gave those other guys a few middle fingers as we tore out of there, hearts pounding. “Let’s burn some dust, eat my rubber!!!”
***Last, but not least, I”ll always remember the annual Christmas Parties
We had large, large groups of numerous old friends show up at the ”Town’s End” every year. It was a mutual celebration of Christmas and Stan’s birthday. As we got older, it was one of the few times, if not the only time, all of us got together at the same time during the year. Eating at the dining room table with a fire in the fireplace; rehashing old stories about peeing out Stan’s window, Ed throwing up, playing tag, etc…..New girlfriends, or boyfriends would come and go, but the core group of friends would always be there. We’d eat, drink, and try and figure out how to squeeze everyone on the staircase for a picture. Eventually, we would end up back where it all began, around the kitchen island. Still drinking, laughing about high school follies and other stupid stuff. For those that were lucky, and able to hold their alcohol, we might even stay up late enough to interrupt Stan’s Dad’s midnight snack. Unfortunately for him, I’m pretty sure that any food that wasn’t tied down had been eaten. Here’s hoping that we will only add to those great memories, although with a little knot in my throat, it will have to be in another house.
Stan and Bish, I hope that everything went swimmingly, and maybe this will conjure up some warm memories of a place that meant a whole lot, to a whole lot of people growing up. Maybe you could even toss out a few stories that I may have missed.
I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow.
“Echoes and silence, patience and grace….all of these moments I’ll never replace”
Today’s Topic: Since no one in the country wants to do it, I’m gonna tell you why the University of Georgia can win a National Championship this year!!!!
Mood Music: For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield
I’ve been trying to avoid posting massive UGA rants (the kind that I sometimes dump on unsuspecting listeners) on this site. I understand that Pre-Season Polls are only that; I also understand that everything or anything the fine folks at ESPN, Sportsline, Rivals, (pick your Sports site) dot com say doesn’t matter a lick if UGA comes out and loses to GA Southern; and I also understand that most of you won’t have any sympathy for a guy that comes out bitching about his team of choice, when that team’s ranked #1 in both College Football Polls. Tough Shit, it’s my blog and I’ve got some stuff on my mind. ( One request as you read this….please don’t bring up the point that I should just ignore the media……I’m writing a blog, on this blog I talk about Sports, to do that, you have to research certain sites to get information….when doing that, it’s impossible not to have any desire on seeing what they are saying about UGA…OK?)
1) Has there ever been a team that was voted into the #1 position in both the AP and Coaches Polls to begin a season, only to be left out of probably 90% of the conversations after those Polls came out? Good God. I mean, can’t you at least let UGA players, coaches, and fans bask in the sun for a week or so? Can we at least enjoy the spoils of meaningless Pre-Season Poll Position? I mean, it was just a year ago that everyone was drooling over the Pre-Season #1 LSU Tigers. To be honest, the Media actually never stopped singing their praises, despite the fact that they weren’t even the best team at the END of the season. Remember how the media even petitioned to discount certain losses, as long as they were in triple-overtime? Or what about deciding that the Polls didn’t actually matter because they just THOUGHT that LSU deserved to play in the NC game since they were from the SEC (and started out #1 in the polls). I can honestly say, I’m not really feeling that kind of love for Georgia so far this year, you? Were Matt Flynn and Jacob Hester really that much better than Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno?
Don’t you (as omnipotent Media Maestros) want to revel in the opportunity to talk about a team other than LSU, Ohio State, USC, or Oklahoma? OK, dumb question. It’s obvious you don’t because I’ve seen at least 2 of you (here’s looking at you Beano Cook and Mel Kiper, Jr.) mention that LSU should be #1 because they’re the defending National Champions. #1 until they are beaten. That’s absolutely… (PLEASE MOVE TO NEXT PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON’T LIKE HARSH LANGUAGE — SERIOUSLY!!!)… the dumbest fucking thing I have ever heard in my life. Honest to God. How in the world have you 2 effing morons managed to stay employed anywhere, much less as Football ”Gurus” at ESPN? (Oh, wait, it is ESPN – home of the Lou Holtz pep talks – please, someone put him out of his misery, NOW). LSU will be a good team this year, but there’s just 1 problem with putting them #1….they have no clue who the damn quarterback is gonna be. The last time I watched, that’s a fairly significant cog in ye ole’ #1 team. Mel Kiper, Jr. mentioned that one of UGA’s weaknesses (keeping them out of his Top 5) was that Brandon Coutu (the kicker) graduated. Yet he wants to rank LSU #1 after losing their only 2 QB’s that played last year. So by Kiper, Jr.’s assessment, a kicker is more important than a QB. Wow. I’m pretty sure you will not find anyone, not Lou Holtz, not Beano Cook, not even…..ok, maybe Mark May (but I pay attention to what he says about College Football as much as I listen to Oprah tell me how I should diet), that will agree with this line of bullshit. I’m not saying that LSU won’t come out and light the world on fire and prove me wrong, but as far as where they should be ranked BEFORE the season, it sure as hell ain’t #1.
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a team written off so quickly before a single game has been played (despite being voted into the top spot in both Polls) than UGA has been this year. Give Georgia some credit. I think they’ve earned it, right? So they’ve had some off field issues, who hasn’t? So they’ve had a few injuries, Florida lost 5 guys for the year (2 starters) to UGA’s 2 (1 starter). So they only beat Hawaii 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl (a game which UGA got screwed into playing anyway. Should’ve been USC/UGA in the Rose Bowl. By the way, all of you USC fans that wanna say you would have whipped Georgia’s ass, you know who you are, it was the Pac 10 and USC’s decision to maintain the traditional game, so please don’t talk shit when you won’t even try and break a ridiculous tradition). Did any of you (other than Jake, Brannon, or Allen) know who Marcus Howard was before that game? Guess what, there are about 10 guys on that defensive line waiting to take his place. Not to mention he and Kelin Johnson are the only 2 starters from that defense that aren’t there this year.
When you start talking about Florida’s offense, Arizona State’s offense, Dan LeFevour as a possible Heisman candidate, remember this: Colt Brennan finished 3rd in the Heisman voting last year. 3rd behind the freak of nature season of Tim Tebow (who had one of his worst games against UGA’s D by the way) and Darren McFadden (who in any other year would have won it as a lifetime achievement award). Colt Brennan was no slouch. Well, that is until he played against UGA. Brennan not only looked atrocious, he didn’t even want to be out there after a quarter. He’s a cult hero in DC right now. But whohooaaa, let’s not say a word, not one effing word about Georgia’s defense. Let’s just talk about how LSU and Auburn will surprise people, or how Trinton Sturdivant (the left tackle for UGA) is out for the year. Let me tell you another thing that’s pissing me off about trying to get some College Football info. from any source other than pulling it out of thin effing air and making it up.
2) If I have to hear 1 more person tell me (in person or someone on TV) that UGA has no chance of winning the National Championship because of their schedule, I am going to kick them in the nuts. (or change the channel….and delete that episode…..and cancel the series…ok maybe not, still) Folks, as much as you don’t like to hear it (why I have no idea; again…wouldn’t it be a welcome change from USC, Ohio State, LSU, etc…?) Georgia is one of the best teams in the country. You cannot argue that point. PERIOD. They have ALL the pieces that are needed to have a chance to play in the National Championship game. That’s all. I’m not gonna sit here and say that they won’t have a ridiculous amount of injuries and lose too many games, or that another team won’t come out of nowhere and just whip their ass unexpectedly, or even that they might not come out flat as hell early in the year and never bounce back. What I’m saying is that until the games are played, they are probably the best team in the country. If they play up to their potential, they are probably the best team in the country. Period. Those are just hard facts, and facts that, for some reason, not many people in the mainstream media (including the SEC Media) want to admit.
You think USC’s better? How? They have no clue what their QB will do. No clue. If Sanchez’s injury lingers and so does McKnight’s in the backfield, then they are in serious trouble. How in the world do you rank them #1 with an unproven QB. Oh, I forgot. He started 3 games last year. They were 2 and 1. Not real good by USC standards. But they are loaded with talent. The last time I checked talent doesn’t mean shit until it’s proven on the field. I’ve seen a lot of HYPED up high school players disappear into the abyss of College Football talent. Eventually, it will catch up with USC, my guess is that it will be this year. Sorry Trojans.
Maybe it’s Missouri. Are you insane? Chase Daniels, Jeremy Maclin, nice stories, now prove to me you can contend for the Big 12 title again, and we’ll see about lofty Pre-Season expectations. Last time I checked, they got whipped by Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game. And guess what? Oklahoma’s still in the Big 12, so if they’re gonna make the NC game, they will have to beat virtually the same team that spanked em’ last year. It won’t happen.
What about Oklahoma you ask? Well, I like Oklahoma, in fact, enough to put them at #2 in my Pre-Season Poll, the reason that they aren’t my favorite to win the NC game is quite simple. they suck in Bowl Games under Stoops (except that 1 apparition). They need to prove that they can step up in the big game and win. Bradford also needs to try and avoid ye ole’ Sophomore slump.
Ohio State. Nope. they’ve just lost all credibility in my opinion by cruising through their bullshit conference and then getting stomped on in the NC Game. Sorry, Buckeyes, I don’t have a ton of faith or respect for you all.
That leaves Florida, Auburn, or LSU from the SEC. Auburn, should be pretty good, but they’re still working on a new offense, and really don’t have a proven QB yet either. LSU lost too many GREAT players. So, Florida. Let me just start by asking you this:
“How many of you think that Urban Meyer won’t pull some jackass stunt at the UGA/UF game to try and get back at Georgia?”
I will run naked and screaming into my Aunt and Uncle’s pond (or my Parent’s Pool depending on game time) if that dickhead doesn’t pull some kind of stunt.
The amount of anger that he has displayed since the UGA celebration already shows me that he doesn’t have what it takes to win another National Championship. The days of the Dawgs just rolling over are finished Urban, sorry. I hope you can take the ass whipping this year like a man. Why do I just know that you will find something else to complain about?
So tell me, why not UGA? Why not? Is it because they borrow Green Bay’s “G” for their helmets and you’re a Bears fan? Is it because they have a Coach that would rather take his team to “Diving” practice on a day off than wear them out on the practice fields only to disappear until the next day’s workouts? Oh, wait, maybe it’s because you don’t like the color red. or you have just never been a fan of the South. or…..I think you get the point.
Whatever the reason, I’m tired of sitting back and keeping my mouth shut. If you can’t brag about your team when they are ranked #1 in both Major Polls to start the season, then I guess you just can’t brag about your team. Hell, no one else is saying anything other than “their schedule is just too hard….next”. To be honest, I don’t really like to brag, but I’m just tired of hearing my favorite team get downplayed into nonexistence. They exist, and they have the chance to do something special, even if I’m the only damn person who sees it. Speaking of bragging, after putting up with years of Florida, Ohio State, USC, and Tennessee bullshit…….here’s one you can mark down:
Not only will Georgia prove all these bumbling idiots in the media wrong by going undefeated this season, it ain’t even gonna be close. And after Oklahoma, USC, Missouri, West Virginia, Clemson, Ohio State, or Wisconsin comes a calling in the National Championship Game….you can bet your ass that the DAWGS will be laughing all the way to another pre-season #1 ranking next year. Then, maybe then, people will finally start to take them seriously.
I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow. 4 days til’ College Football begins. Damn.
“I think it’s time we stop, hey, what’s that sound, everybody look what’s going down”
Today’s Topic: POST A COMMENT TODAY. I WANT TO KNOW WHO’S LISTENING.
Mood Music: Keep Talking by Pink Floyd
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” – George Bernard Shaw.
As Mr. Shaw so eloquently put it…….let me know you’re listening. If you read this, let me know. I would like to get to know my audience. It’s easy, click on COMMENTS and just type in whatever you want. You don’t have to put in an email address or a name. Just comment. Tell me what you ate for breakfast, what you are doing this weekend, tell me what pisses you off, let me know what you’d like me to write about, let me know what you enjoy reading, if you have music that you’re listening to…tell me, who’s your favorite sports team? what’s your favorite movie? do you have a band that you love, or a pet? where do you live? I just want to know that you are out there and paying attention. I really enjoy doing this, but I would like to know that you enjoy reading it, even if it’s only every now and then. I just want to start a dialogue. This is as much about you, the reader, as it is about me.
So, even those of you that comment on a regular basis, it’s Friday, what else do you have to do? Let’s tear the roof off this WordPress site and make this the BEST DAMN BLOG for the day (hell, maybe even the month if you all keep it going!). I don’t care if you give me your grocery list, just let me know you’re listening. Please.
By the way, I’ll finish the Top Ten College Football Teams in the Carolinas on Monday. I just wanted to give you all a chance to speak, for once, and not just respond. THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN READING THIS ON A DAILY BASIS. IT MEANS MORE THAN YOU KNOW!!!! NOW, KEEP THOSE COMMENTS COMING, THAT’S MY FAVORITE PART!!! I’ll talk at you all again Monday!!!!
“All we need to do, is KEEP TALKING!!!!”
Today’s Topic: College Football Preview - Teams in the Carolinas (#10 – #6)
Mood Music: Thunderstruck by AC/DC
What’s up folks? How’s everyone doing this week? Hitting that summer slump? Just about ready for a change of season? I’m right there with you all. The good news (for College Football fans) is that the “season” starts next week! I can’t believe that it’s already here. Here’s hoping the Dawgs can live up to the HYPE. Somehow, I don’t think that’s possible, but you never know. Anyway, since most of you either grew up pulling for, went to school, or are now at school somewhere in the Carolinas, I’ve decided to put together a list of the Top Ten teams (across divisions and conferences) from North and South Carolina. There will be some that are left out, and for fans of any of those teams, my bad. I’ve also included a new fight song that I think the teams should come out to or adopt as their ”theme” song for this year. So here you go, a little look at the teams around the Carolinas that you should be paying attention to:
10) Elon Phoenix - Elon, NC
“Who and where in the hell is Elon?” Well. It’s east of Greensboro off of I-85/I-40. Trust me, it took me a little while just to find it on the map, but I did it, and yes, it exists. You’re probably wondering why I took the time to look up this school, when there’s no way they could possibly make any kind of Top Ten list. That’s where you are wrong. Elon is the darling pick to “threaten” App. State for the Conference Title this year. I say “darling” because there are a lot of Wofford fans that will be REAL upset if I picked Elon over them. Don’t worry Terriers, you’re getting in here. Just be patient. I say “threaten” because will anyone actually give App. State a run for the conference title? Well, for those of you that don’t know, they were threatened last year. More on that later. On to the “darling” that is Elon:
Returning Starters on D: 10 Returning Starters on O: 8
Elon will be led by Sophomore QB Scott “should we call him Tom?” Riddle. Riddle earned Freshman of the Year honors in the Southern Conference after leading the nation in passing yards per game with 3,817 (31 TDs) in 11 games. Not too shabby. It helps when you’re playing catch with a 1st-Team All-American in Terrell Hudgins. Hudgins set SoCon single season records for catches (117) and consecutive games with at least 100 yards receiving (8). Oh yeah, and he led the nation in receptions per game (10.4) and receiving yards per game (134). He had over 200 yards in a game twice last year, including a 214 yard, 4 TD performance against Liberty. He’s gonna be a Junior, by the way. Yowsa. Elon beat Wofford, who beat App. State, who beat Michigan, who beat Florida, ….you get the point. If you think like that, then there’s no arguing the Phoenix’ position in this poll. Just sit back and watch the dynamic duo go to work. That is, unless you’re a fan of any other team in the SoCon.
Games of Note: 9/20 @ GA Southern, 10/25 vs. Wofford, 11/16 @ App. State
Recommended Entrance Song: “Who are You” by The Who
9) Duke Blue Devils - Durham, NC
Please don’t stop reading after seeing the first 2 teams in this list. It’s just my opinion and we’ll see how that turns out as the year progresses. Either way, I think that Duke has a chance to really improve on their last few seasons. (they are 2-34 in their last 3 seasons-1 home win over VMI 3 years ago, and a road win against Northwestern last year…God how bad is the Big Ten?) David Cutcliffe is a heckuva coach (I especially appreciated him at Ole Miss. Man, UGA wore them out when he was there. Not so much as UT’s OC) Anyway, Duke fans are drooling and rightfully so. If he squeaks out 3 wins this year that will be the most wins in 1 season since…Ok, I’m not sure…couldn’t find that info. Still, it would be huge.
Returning Starters on D: 10 Returning Starters on O: 7
If QB Thad Lewis can improve on his consistency, then Duke might actually get those 3 wins. New coach David Cutcliffe likes his toughness. Well, he’s gonna need it. Despite Thad throwing for 2,430 yards, with 21 TDs to 10 ints, last year, the offensive line has given up a total of 88 sacks the past 2 seasons. It’s amazing that Lewis was able to do anything. It did help that he has a big play threat in Eron Riley at WR. Those 2 should have Cutcliffe licking his chops. The weakness of the offensive line was reflected in the running game last season which was last in the conference. Defensively, the Blue Devils will be pretty tough up front. They return 3 of 4 starters in a secondary that gave up over 200 yards passing in all but 4 games last year. Experience doesn’t necessarily equal added talent. I still think they will squeeze out wins over Northwestern, Navy, and ….. wait for it…..Miami. Yep. I’m calling it now.
Games of Note: 9/6 vs. Northwestern, 9/13 vs. Navy, 10/18 vs. Miami
Recommended Entrance Song: “Purgatory” by Iron Maiden
Wofford Terriers – Spartanburg, SC
How many of you reading this knew that Wofford tied for the Southern Conference Championship with App. State last season? Probably not many. So now you know why I had the word “threaten” in quotes up top when asking if anyone will challenge App. State this year. In my opinion, App. State is looking up at Wofford from a bragging rights perspective. Wofford has flown under the radar for most of the past 5+ seasons, despite being an annual contender for the Conference Championship. They have been overshadowed by App. State, Georgia Southern, and even Furman at times. Well, I can tell you that App. State won’t be overlooking them on Halloween this year.
Returning Starters on D: 4 Returning Starters on O: 6
The key to Wofford’s offense is the running game. Period. Despite returning only 6 starters this year, the offensive line will be anchored by 2nd-Team All-SoCon members Ben Quick and Derek Wooten. With QB Ben Widmyer and RB Dane Romero returning, the ole’ Wingbone should be fired up and ready to roll. Defensively, the Terriers lose at lot, but return a couple of very strong LBs in Seth Goldwire and Matt Norcia. 3 of their 4 losses last year were at home. They need to try and improve on that this year with a much easier Home slate. If they can control the clock with their running game, and those LBs continue to make tackles, Wofford should be just fine.
Games of Note: 9/20 @ South Carolina, 10/25 @ Elon, 10/31 @ App. State
Recommended Entrance Song: “Run Like Hell” by Pink Floyd
7) NC State – Raleigh, NC
Tom O’Brien’s 2nd season as the head coach at NC State doesn’t look like it’s gonna get much better. They gave it a valiant effort last season, coming a win short of being bowl eligible, but if the play at QB doesn’t improve, they could be in for an even tougher season.
Returning Starters on D: 5 Returning Starters on O: 7
O’Brien said recently that its’ down to Evans and Redshirt Freshman Russell Wilson for the starting job at QB. Harrison Beck is listed as the 3rd QB. He also said that they will be redshirting Freshman QB Mike Glennon. It’s gotta worry fans a little bit when a coach is still not sure about the starting QB and it’s this close to kickoff. I mean, State plays South Carolina in less than a week and O’Brien says that the only position on Offense that’s settled is at RB. Speaking of Running Back, that should be the strength of the Wolfpack this season. With the injury to Toney Baker shelving him for a little while, the duo of Jamelle Eugene and Andre Brown should be able to carry the load. Those 2 combined for a little over 1000 yards and 10 TDs last season. Defensively, the front seven will be iffy for a little while. All 3 starting linebackers from last season are gone, and Tackle DeMario Pressley and End Martrel Brown are gone. With John Bedics and Ted Larsen moving to the O-Line, you can see the disorder in the Pack’s front seven. Despite losing Dajuan Morgan to the draft, the secondary should be the strength of this defense. With road trips to Columbia and Clemson in 2 of their first 3 games, it could be a slow start for the fellas from NC. Then again, win 1of those 2 and the momentum might be contagious.
Games of Note: 8/28 @ South Carolina, 9/27 vs. South Florida, 11/22 @ UNC
Recommended Entrance Song: “Of Wolf and Man” by Metallica
6) East Carolina - Greenville, NC
Skip Holtz is doing something right in Greenville (NC), which is more than you can say about his Dad when he was recruiting out of Greenville (SC). Just for the record, Lou Holtz is a dumbass. Now, on to his son’s team: It should only be a matter of time before they are contending for a Conference USA title. A few late season falters have kept them out of it in the last few years, but Holtz is hoping to change that.
Returning Starters on D: 9 Returning Starters on O: 7
Offensively, the loss of all-purpose yardage leader, Chris Johnson, seems like a huge blow. Luckily, the Pirates return some depth in RBs Dominique Lindsay and Brandon Simmons. At QB, the team looks for continued success from Patrick Pinckney, who led them to a Hawaii Bowl victory over Boise State. He’ll probably share time with Rob Kass, another veteran, as well as potential uber-athlete Dwayne Harris, who’s gotten some looks at QB from his WR position. Harris is one of 2 stud receivers that should give the Pirates a potent passing attack, if a few young guys step up and contribute. The offensive line is an experienced bunch that should be pretty good. The defense is led by pre-season Butkus award candidate Quentin Cotton at LB. All four starters from the defensive line return and the secondary should be much improved. If ECU can win 2 of 3 non-conference games against VA Tech, NC State, and West Virginia, they should be in for a surprisingly special season.
Games of Note: 8/30 vs. VA Tech (Charlotte, NC), 9/6 vs. West Virginia, 11/2 @ UCF
Recommended Entrance Song: “Rise” by Pantera
That’s it for today. Look for the Top 5 teams in my next blog. I’ll talk at you again tomorrow!
“We’ve got no time to lose…….it’s time to RISE!”
Today’s Topic: My Top Ten Worst 80’s songs — not necessarily 1 hit wonders, but songs from bands that no longer exist or if so I don’t know it….meaning—-you’re not gonna see “With or Without You”
Mood Music: Pick a bad song from the 80’s, any song.
I’m sure that there are a few of you that are too young to really remember music in the 80’s. That’s too bad. It was an “hair-a” like no other. sorry about that. Unfortunately, hair was just part of the gig and it was monstrously big. I am so very happy that I was too young to mimic Axl Roses’ hairdo in Welcome to the Jungle. Years later I would get my hair cut like Tony Hawk, the skateboarder, and it was pretty dumb looking, but whoa-hoa, not nearly as bad as Axl’s hair in that video. If you believe in the depletion of our ozone layer from the use of CFCs (which I personally find utterly ridiculous…for another day), then my God, I imagine that you wouldn’t lose any sleep if half of those artists wound up face down in a pool of……..nah, I’m not gonna go that far, but still, lots of hairspray went into coifs like those. so, moving on from hair:
Here I go with list #10-ish, but I’m thoroughly excited about dropping this baby on you all (except of course for those of you that started listening to music in the 90’s, or 70’s, or 60’s, or…..you get the point). Suffice it to say, I’m pretty sure that you’ll recognize a few of the songs that made my list, and I’m certain that those of you who did have the privilege of experiencing such mind blowing acts as…….Cutting Crew, Was (Not Was), Rockwell, Starship, etc…..might experience a partial rift in the Space/Time Continuum as you are transported back to that Golden “Hair-a” of music. Without further ado, I give you……my top 10 worst songs of the 80’s from artists that might or might not still exist but who I haven’t heard any original music from since said song:
10) Private Dancer – Tina Turner
I know, I know. How can I possibly put Tina Turner on a worst song list from the 80’s with so much other crap? Easy, the lyrics in this song are top notch shi’ite. Don’t get me wrong, Tina can hang with the best vocalists and performers of all-time. If only she could’ve fired the lyricist for this gem. This song has provided some really, really great laughs for some of our friends (let’s call them Ed and Kelly, Stan and Kristen) and us. It’s an inside joke, but this song makes the list as an homage to that crew.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“Deutschmarks or Dollars, American Express will do nicely thank you
let me loosen up your collar, tell me do you want to see me shimmy again”
I believe I’ll pass on that, but it’s polite to ask.
9) (I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure I slow-danced to this one too (the fact that I’m superstitious should show you how much I paid attention to the lyrics back then). Those memories still can’t make up for the fact that it’s just a really, really bad song. It’s a really bad band name too. Of course, there’s always a silver lining….it was the first #1 album in America for Richard Branson’s Virgin Records. Just think, Necker Island might still be uninhabitable if it weren’t for Cutting Crew. Yeah. Sure.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“her diary sits by the bedside table, the curtains are closed, the cat’s in the cradle”
and the silver spoon, little boy blue and the……oh, wrong song.
We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off – Jermaine Stewart
Man. If you’ve ever heard this song it’s impossible to forget. I mean, just look at the damn title. I believe that the title originally contained the phrase (to have a good time) following the above part. Let’s just say I find it hard to believe that Jermaine didn’t have to take his clothes off for some record label exec. to get this baby greenlit. Unfortunately, Jermaine never got to see the revival of this song in the recent hit by Gym Class Heroes, titled “Clothes Off”. He died from complications attributed to AIDs in 1997, huh.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song (amazingly, it’s the opening phrase):
“Not a word, from your lips, you just took for granted that I want to skinny dip”
Huh.
7) Walk the Dinosaur – Was (Not Was)
This song. Ohhhh this song. I was either in 6th or 7th Grade (not sure which but I know it was Schofield Middle School). It was the epitamy of a hook. Seriously. I mean the song is so amazingly stupid, but it’s effin impossible to get out of your head. I recommend skipping this one if you were thinking about trying to listen to the songs on this list. It will take weeks to shake the horrendous chorus in this random ass hit for the band with a random ass name. Speaking of Was (Not Was), they embarked on their American Tour in April of this year, promoting their latest release, Boo! Man, they’ve still got it (at least from the album naming perspective).
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song (gotta be the whole 1st verse, could be any):
“It was a night like this, forty million years ago
I lit a cigarette, picked up a monkey skull to go
The sun was spitting fire, the sky was blue as ice
I felt a little tired, so I watched Miami Vice
and walked the dinosaur, I walked the dinosaur”
Holy mother! Just look up the lyrics for this song, you’ve gotta see the rest. Whew. By the way, the name of the album on which this smash hit appeared: What Up, Dog?
6) Abracadabra – Steve Miller Band
Let me just preface this part by saying, “I really just don’t like the Steve Miller Band”. Ok, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest. Here’s something even fans of the band can agree on, this song sucks. This is 1 of 2 bands on this list that have had some commercial and critical success only to reinvent themselves as bullshit. Whew, this is also 1 of 2 songs on this list that I’m not listening to. Yowsa. A little side note, look up Steve Miller Band in Wikipedia and take a gander at the list of former band members. Good Lord. I’m guessing Steve ain’t so easy to work with.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“Silk and satin, Leather and Lace
Black panties with an angel’s face”
That’s mildly creepy. Ok, that’s real creepy. Nice work Steve, nice.
5) She’s Like the Wind – Patrick Swayze
I know that some of the women reading this thing, if you’re out there, might disagree here. But CMON!!!! I’m pretty sure that I pretended not to know that it was the “actor” Patrick Swayze that sang this song. I mean, this is a pretty devastating blow for guys that grew up rewinding the “snot bubble” in Red Dawn, or watching Dalton whip some ass at the Double Deuce (that’s Roadhouse for the uninitiated). Then again, I’m pretty sure Roadhouse only exists because of Dirty Dancing and it’s success, so I’ll concede that point. Still, the song’s no good, and I’m being kind in leaving it out of the top 5 (oh wait, it’s #5. Oh well. So much for kindness.)
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“She’s like the wind, through my tree”
Not a good start Patrick. I think we can stop right there.
4) Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell
I guess the amazing thing about this song is that Michael Jackson appears on guest vocals. It seems much less odd now, than it did then. Amazingly, I think it’s probably a blemish on Rockwell’s career at this point, rather than the other way around. Now who would have ever seen that coming 20+ years ago. Where is Michael by the way? and how could this be the only shot at glory for the son of Barry Gordy, Jr.? I’ll tell you how. It’s the song, it’s just atrocious. It’s repulsively catchy and it’s another one that makes you wanna burn down the music stores and loot the mall for ever having heard it. I feel certain that Barry Gordy, Jr. felt much the same after its release. The best part of this song was the B-side on the original album. It was an instrumental version (I’m hoping that Barry just never heard the vocals). Classic.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“And I don’t feel safe anymore, oh what a mess
I wonder who’s watching me now?
Who?
The IRS?”
Somehow, I just don’t think they care Rockwell.
3) Heartbeat – Don Johnson
Let’s just say that this one is at the pinnacle of bad songs. I cannot think of a single redeeming quality for this song. I will start with this Brain Freeze of a performance by Miami Vices’ Crockett. I mean, who are the frakkin’ idiots standing behind these guys telling them that trying to sing is a hell of an idea? Seriously. And if you’re gonna do it, my God choose a better song. I’m assuming that Don Johnson could read his scripts. Hell, even if he had someone read the scripts, I would hope that they would ….. you know what, I think I just figured it out. Follow me on this one: Script reader is brow beaten to oblivion by Jackass actor, retaliates by referring him to music producer and recommending song. I don’t think I need to say any more. This one’s for you Mr. Script Reader. Sorry I couldn’t put it at #1, but maybe you were a part of that debacle as well. Just one more minute and you’ll know.
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“Before my restless heart will heal I’m looking for a love, a love like mine
they tell me it’s so hard to find”
Not quite as hard as a good script reader, obviously.
2) We Built this City – Starship
Man. I couldn’t even bring myself to listen to this one. Blender editor Craig Marks said, “It purports to be anti-commercial but reeks of ’80s corporate-rock commercialism. It’s a real reflection of what practically killed rock music in the ’80s.” Ironic? Maybe. Stupid song. Abso-frakkin-lutely. Grace Slick called this song, “one of the stupidest songs ever written”. Whoa, and she sang it. My God what happened to Jefferson Airplane. From White Rabbit and Somebody to Love to this steaming pile of…..well at least the album title was awesome: Knee Deep in the Hoopla (that’s what I was trying to think of, steaming pile of Hoopla.)
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song (I believe the chorus says it all):
“We built this city, we built this city on Rock and Roll
built this city, we built this city on Rock and Rollllll”
And last but not least……..
1) Party All the Time – Eddie Murphy
This song runs away with the title of worst song of the 80’s. There’s no comparison. Again, I just worked out a logical scenario for why a fairly well-known and successful actor would decide to jeopardize his career with something so utterly pointless. I can only hope that logic can somehow prevail in this mess. I find that highly unlikely, unfortunately. I just think that these guys get caught up in the enormity of their egos and they do what they want to do. If 99 people tell them no, the song’s atrocious, but 1 kid in the corner’s saying, “it’s not that bad”, then damnit, it’s getting done. Eddie Murphy’s a star and music is the next logical step. Let’s just say he was damn lucky that this didn’t completely extinguish his volatile career. Eddie, congratulations man, this song really effin’ sucks!!!!
Best (terrible) lyrics from the song:
“Girl, I seen you at clubs just hangin’ out and dancin’
You give your number to every man you see
You never come home late at night because you’re out romancin’
I wish you’d bring some of your love home to me”
Get outta here with that crap Eddie. Damn that’s terrible. thank God Rick James sang the Chorus.
That’s my Top Ten Worst Songs of the 80’s. I know that there are a TON more songs, and a few that might even deserve to bump 1 or 2 of these. I’ll leave you with a few other songs that I considered, but they are just a little too good. I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow.
(She Blinded Me with Science, Never Gonna Give You Up, Girl You Know It’s True, The Final Countdown, and Walk Like an Egyptian)
“I’m Rick James, bitch!”
Today’s Topic: The legendary 32 oz beers at the Georgia Theater in Athens, GA. (with a few ramblings by Jim Gaffigan thrown in for good measure)
Mood Music: Anything by Widespread Panic, Allgood, or REM (no offense to other Athens, GA bands)
If you’ve never been to Athens, GA……….it’s time you start planning a trip. Seriously, unless you’re reading this from somewhere extremely North (sorry Matt), somewhere extremely West (sorry Phil), or somewhere extremely East (sorry Gisa), then you don’t really have an excuse. You really don’t.
“it’s sounds like you’re in a well….are you in a well?”
Let me just say that there are so many reasons to make the trek to the smallish town that put folks like R.E.M, Allgood, and Widespread Panic on the map (Allgood’s not such a great example, but give Trilogy a listen, it’s truly an incredible song–especially the LIVE version), but I’m gonna try and convince you by telling you about 1 place. That’s it. I guarantee that by filling you in on the nuances of the Georgia Theater, well, more specifically, the BEER at the Theater, I can convince you that it’s worth the drive (or flight – sorry Phil, Matt, Gisa).
“Hot Pocket”
So, you’re probably reading this and thinking 1 of 3 things;
1) bullshit. No way that he’s gonna convince me to go to Athens for beer……(did I mention that your options are only Bud, Bud Light, or Icehouse? Well, used to be, it’s been a little while)…..but I might go down to watch some football.
2) bullshit. No way he’s gonna convince me to go to Athens for beer……I wouldn’t even go down there to watch the football team (have I mentioned that they were ranked #1 in the Coaches and AP Pre-Season Polls?)
3) bullshit. No way he’s gonna convince me to go to Athens for beer…..I’m not paying for a plane flight (sorry Phil, Matt, Gisa)
or
4) “what the hell does Hot Pocket have to do with anything….did I eat that or rub it on my face?”
So. 3 very similar reactions. Of course, there are plenty of you that won’t need convincing, because you’ve already experienced the thrill of vomiting in a trash can outside of the venue at 2 am in the morning (sorry Matt…I’m kidding this time….I will cease ‘wolf crying’). For those of you that have been to the Georgia Theater, enjoyed the beer, and can fully appreciate the hangover, just sit back and keep quiet. I’ve got a few folks to convince, feel free to chime in when you’re done reading though.
“Lookout McGriddle, here comes the donut-ham-hamburger”
Where was I…..oh yes, 32 ounces of liquid “what in God’s name happened to me last night?” or “did I really just wake up in an elevator with a broken foot…what time is it….oh God, it’s morning” or “I could’ve sworn that my car was parked here, right here”
By the way, I take credit for 2 of 3 of those quotes, you will have to decide for yourselves which 2.
Mothers - 32 oz beers that are served in plastic cups from taps that haven’t been cleaned since the height of prohibition. (or honey dew vine water dipped from the mythical rivers of ancient lore that has the magical ability of obliterating inhibitions, then bringing you crashing to Earth with a headache of equally mythical severity!)
Sound enticing, don’t they? Don’t try and fool yourself. They’re delicious. Utterly delicious. I’m not sure if it’s the Tap thing (one of the better urban legends I’ve heard, so I continue to pass it along), or the big plastic cups, or simply the fact that it’s usually so loud that you can’t really talk, so you continue to drink. Either way, if given a choice of 1 place that I could frequent, for the same drink, I would choose “Mothers” at the Theater hands down. No contest. Here is one of the many things that you’ve been missing:
I’ve got a buddy that played football in College. (I don’t think he’s a real big UGA fan, but that’s Ok, Mike, I don’t mind) Anyway, this friend (why don’t we call him…oh shit, did I already say his name? Well, it’s not Mike. It’s……Abe.) This friend, Abe, decided that he was gonna hold onto his first “Mother” cup of the night. All night. No matter what happened. I thought, “that’s cool man, do whatever you wanna do, I’m gonna go upstairs and hide.” No, I really wanted to see how long he’d make it with that plastic cup in his back pocket. Plus, he was my guest and I did want him to have a good time. Can you imagine? A 6′4″ish 230 lb. dude (if I’m off on those, it was hyberbole), guarding a 32 oz. cup like it was the effin’ football and if he could maintain possession until the end of the night……National Championship. I’ll tell you. It was a unique moment in my life. I can honestly say that it was one of the few times I attented the Theater and was completely stone cold sober when I left, on one side of Abe, holding his ass up. (Cup still in pocket mind you) I’m pretty sure that there wasn’t a man left standing that he hadn’t threatened that night. Lucky for me, it never came to blows. No, really, lucky for me, cause I’m pretty sure I too was threatened. I’ve never wanted to be drunk so bad in my life as I did while expecting that smack. Needless to say, we made it back to my house, and guess what…..as soon as we got inside……no more plastic cup. Abe made a feeble attempt to go find it. I’m pretty sure it involved stumbling from the den to the kitchen, mumbling something like, “I’sagoneto…I’sagottaget…….U…seeeeemecuponiffffff….myyyyyyygotyouuuuusemo……..chip, chop, chip” Something like that. Isn’t it funny how you can fully interpret drunken language when you’re sober….He was asking if I knew what happened to his cup. I just waited him out. He turned around, went into the den, and passed out on the couch. Guess what……He woke up the next morning with a smashed 32 oz. cup in his back pocket. Who knew.
“you know you’re not supposed to eat late at night……then again you’re not supposed to drink booze in the moooorning………Oh, WHATEVER, I’m not training for the Olympics!!!”
“Mothers” are one of the few things that you actually remember missing. You know, usually people say something like, “I’d forgotten how good it was”. Not with this. I haven’t forgotten, and they haven’t changed. You wanna know what else was/is beautiful about these 32 oz beers?……they are only $4.75. Unreal. You’re looking at a little over $1 a beer and close to 3 beers in 1 cup, and before you know it you’ve commenced to doing the freaking Harlem Shuffle w/ a little Achy Breaky thrown in.
“kinda sounds like the behavior of a drunk man really”
I’m gonna end this thing here. I’ve got plenty more to tell on the subject of the Theater and Mothers, but to be honest, I believe that some things are best left up to the imagination. I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow. I’ll leave you with one last Jim Gaffigan quote….priceless:
“Recently they introduced the breakfast Hot Pocket, FINALLY…….I can’t think of a better way to start the day…..GOOD MORNING!!!!! You’re about to call in sick.”
Today’s Topic: “Breast” Case Scenario for Europe’s economy….not very ‘tit’illating.
Mood Music: Georgia by Raq (yes it’s a real song and the band is pronounced like ‘rack’)
So what do you think today’s topic means?
Today’s Topic: My Top 50 video games of all time (console games)
Mood Music: Kindergarten by Faith No More
Here you go. Yet another list of shit that I like. Well, I’m hoping that it’s also a list of things that you like (or liked at one point or other). There were Nintendo games mentioned from the article on my top 10 that I hadn’t thought of in years; so, I’ve decided to take it 1 step further. Instead of breaking it down by game system, I’ve decided to provide an all-inclusive Top 50 that covers the multitude of consoles. I have to say that my gaming has steadily declined in the last 10 years, so there is nothing on this list from the XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii, or the Playstation 3. Sue me. Without further ado, my Top 50 Video Games of all-time…..
50) Cool Boarders - Playstation – I damn near burned down our rental in Athens playing this. I DID burn the shit out of my hand removing the 20 foot high torch that was a flaming pan of grease from the cooktop.
49) Tetris - Game Boy – Simply the best way to play the greatest puzzle game of all-time.
48) Sonic the Hedgehog – Sega Genesis – A classic game in the vein of Super Mario. Sonic was not as endearing as the Italian Plumbers, but it’s still a game that everyone knows.
47) Missile Command - Atari - One of the most exciting and frustrating games that Atari produced. As the bombs dropped faster the more you wanted to pull your hair out. then do it again.
46) Command and Conquer: Red Alert – Playstation – Just a brilliant strategy game. Once you started to get whipped by the enemy, it was overwhelming, but there was nothing like the feeling of completing a mission.
45) Ecco the Dolphin - Sega Genesis – Just a really cool concept. Using sonar to communicate in the ocean while playing the game as a dolphin. Pretty damn cool. It got extremely difficult, extremely quick though.
44) Life Force - Nintendo - Just a classic shooter game that I spent a lot of time trying to beat. The Ripple weapon was incredible when paired with a few options.
43) Star Wars: Rogue Squadron – Nintendo 64 - There are only 4 words to describe this game: Allen’s still on Hoth!!!!! Seriously, though, piloting classic Star Wars ships in classic landscapes…..Classic.
42) Berzerk - Atari- Hunting down robots and shit, firing diagonally, it was damn near impossible, but unbelievably fun!
41) Commando – Nintendo – this actually began in the arcade, but it was the most fun on the Nintendo. The secret bunker, firing grenades, keep on movin and shooting. Hours of time logged on this one at Stan’s. Hours.
40) Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater – Playstation – This revolutionized skateboard gameplay. The controls flowed perfectly with the movement onscreen. It made you almost feel like you were doing the tricks. Finally, 10 years later, I was no longer a POSER!!!! (or that’s how it felt)
39) Mario 64 – Nintendo 64 – Just another classic Mario game. When this came out on the N64, I spent a lot of time playing it. Tons of levels with a lot of different goals everytime you entered. Really cool.
38) Altered Beast – Sega Genesis – Another game that started in the arcade. Just a really cool concept. Changing into the beast and getting progressively stronger as you did it. I was fired up when this showed up on the Genesis!
37) River Raid – Atari – My brothers and I logged a lot of time into this one. In Trenton, SC and in Aiken, SC, we spent a lot of time mastering the timing of hitting the refuel tank but not too long or you’d crash!
36) Resident Evil 4 – Nintendo Gamecube – this revamped the RE franchise. A fresh new approach and it was damn scary. Chainsaw wielding maniacs climbing into the cabin with burlap sacks on their heads….Damn!
35) Tiger Woods Golf – XBOX - The penultimate golf game. Once this came out as the new face of EA Sports Golf franchise, it’s only gotten better. Not too terribly tough though, which is why it’s down this low.
34) Top Gun- Nintendo – I don’t know that there’s a combination in any game that rivals the difficulty of refueling and landing on this game. I saw a Harrier Jump Jet pilot throw the controller in disgust because he couldn’t land the plane on the game. that’s saying something. Of course, it was after a wedding and I believe that he then fell into a large toybasket. I was young, my memory is a little fuzzy.
33) Road Rash – Sega Genesis – Trying to kick someone off their bike while focusing on the road ahead was awesome. I believe that there were nun-chuks involved as well. Again, my memory is a little hazy, but the sheer possibility of swinging nunchuks at a guy on a motorcycle beside you puts this game into my top 50. Plus, you could upgrade your bike. Yes.
32) Desert Strike – Sega Genesis – This was one of the hardest games of all-time. If you had a few more feet to go and crashed from being out of fuel because you couldn’t quite pick it up….let’s just say it could be frustrating to start over. Still the helicopter controls were unbelievable and what a great concept.
31) Megaman – Nintendo – Tons of mini-bosses. Upgradeable weaponry, little dude in a blue suit, really, really fun gameplay.
30) Asteroids – Atari – the first game I ever played. Very, very minimal graphics, but it’s still fun to play and very difficult.
29) Wetrix – N64 - If you’ve never played this puzzle game, go out and find a copy of it somehow, or try and play it online. It was the most addictive game that I had ever encountered. I believe that the PS2 might have released a later version. Definitely the top puzzle game of all time in my opinion, think Tetris on steroids.
28) Super Tecmo Bowl – Nintendo - As a friend of mine says (let’s call him Paul E.), think Bo Jackson running rampant. Classic.
27) Tomb Raider – Playstation – Lara Croft was just so cool before Angelina Jolie made her annoying. This game was a groundbreaker. Action packed gameplay with puzzles, all commanded by a female protagonist……it’s like a modern day Zelda, just not quite that fun. Still, definitely worthy of a top 30 spot.
26) NHL Hockey – Sega Genesis – This is the best Hockey game of all time. It is also one of the Best Sports games of all time (and I’m not a Hockey fan). I can hear you bitching, but just remember how fun this game was when it came out. It was the best of the original EA sports games. You could run the big body checks back in slow motion, the 2 player team play was fun as shit!!! I remember playing with a friend of mine (let’s call him Stan) and we would dominate as the Blackhawks. Don’t forget the fighting mode. Awesome!!!
25) Gran Turismo – Playstation – Redefined racing games. Period. I can still remember trying to control the Dodge Viper and how damn powerful it was. I am actually blown away that the Viper has been around that long, amazing. The upgrades, the different racing divisions, the multitude of real cars, priceless gaming.
24) Smurfs – Coleco - I just wanted to see if anyone catches this. I have a feeling that most of you probably quit reading an hour or so ago. If not, let me know and I’ll blog on a topic of your choosing.
23) Duck Hunt – Nintendo – You gotta love this one. You can check out my remarks on the original Nintendo Top Ten (although it’s now bumped for Punchout)
22) Tekken 3 – Playstation - The best fighting game of all-time. You gotta love this game changer. I still remember playing this and drooling over how real the moves looked compared to Mortal Kombat and previous fighters. It’s still one of the most frustrating things when a friend (let’s call him Ed) doesn’t do anything but kick or hit buttons. Come on Ed, change it up!!!
21) Excitebike – Nintendo – this game was so much fun when the Nintendo first came out. I can still hear the sounds, feel the “excitement” of beating your best time. It was a groundbreaking game with the course design as well. WEll Done.
20) RC Pro Am – Nintendo – again, some of these picks are based on my childhood memories, but I have logged a lot of time in my brothers’ room on this one. don’t know that I won too many head to head matches though. Jenks, you still own this right? You want a rematch? Ayden, why don’t we set up a day and time and I’ll see if you all can still whip me. Damn what a game.
19) Grand Theft Auto III – Playstation 2 – This one was a game changer as well. With the advent of the PS2 and the upgrade in memory and graphics, the ability to create such a massive universe was huge, and the story progressed so well. Add in random ass radio stations while driving…..yeah.
18) Kid Icarus – Nintendo – notice how the original Nintendo games are getting more prevalent as we near the top 10. It’s not a mistake, simply the best system ever. Hands down. this game was ingenius. You can see my remarks on the Top Ten Nintendo games, but man was this one difficult to beat.
17) NCAA Football – XBOX – this game is just an annual purchase no matter what. Well, it was until the 360 came out. It will be again I’m sure. REally, you can pick your system, there are only subtle differences. There’s nothing quite like following up an actual loss by your team with a monumental butt-kicking of opponent on the game. It’s great therapy.
16) RBI Baseball – Nintendo – this is still the best baseball game ever. Nothing really comes close. Not much more to say.
15) Halo – XBOX – I am not a huge fan of Halo. It’s pretty cool, but I never really warmed up to the genre, and there’s 1 game that takes the cake in this genre, and you all know what it’s gonna be. Still, the game that put Microsoft’s console on the map, and I hear the second one is pretty fun too.
14) Mario Kart – N64 – Simply the best racing/shooter game of all-time. An absolute must for late night drinking and mindless fun. Not as intellectually draining as a marathon of GoldenEye, but it’s still damn fun. I hear the Wii version is pretty ridiculous.
13) Mike Tyson’s Punchout – Nintendo – I don’t know how this got missed in my Nintendo Top Ten. I remember putting in the cheat code again, and again, and again at Edisto Beach with some friends that I can’t quite recall, and there was nothing like the feeling of finally beating Iron Mike. Whoo.
12) Castlevania - Nintendo – One of the greatest side scrolling games ever. What a premise as well. Simon Belmont is a classic character in Video Game history. Dracula ain’t too bad as a final boss either.
11) Pitfall – Atari – Everybody remembers this one. Holy crap was it hard!!! I can’t tell you how many times I jumped too late and the alligator swallowed me, or I didn’t time my jump perfectly and missed the swinging vine over the quicksand. Damn, we spent some time screwing this one up at our cousins (let’s call them Anna, Joel, and Stephens).
10) Resident Evil – Playstation – This game was actually scary. It defines a genre that basically didn’t exist before it came out. Horror/action with some puzzles thrown in. The music was perfect and the gameplay was spot on. This is a true classic.
9) Madden NFL – XBOX – Again, pick your console, and pick your version. The 09′ version just came out a few days ago and I’m still amazed at peoples reactions to this game. It only increases in popularity. It’s a groundbreaking Sports game that is unparalleled in any genre. Another one for the ages. All ages as a matter of fact, which is rare.
Contra – Nintendo - up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, select, start. Enough said.
7) Final Fantasy VII – Playstation – The cinematic moments of this game were like nothing I had ever seen. I made guys sit and watch certain parts just to see how unbelievably cool it looked. The universe in the game was so massive and I had never experienced anything like it.
6) Metroid – Nintendo – This game was one of the first games that I spent all night (on many occasions) trying to beat, to no avail. It was so hard, but for some reason, you just kept wanting to progress. The Mother Brain is still one of the coolest final bosses ever.
And here we go, my Top 5 Console Games of All-Time:
5) Super Mario Brothers – Nintendo - The first game most of us played on the greatest console ever built. 2 of the most recognizable video game characters ever in a world of sights, sounds, and gameplay that is unforgettable. One of the Top 5 best, without a doubt.
4) GoldenEye – N64 – Is there anyone reading this that hasn’t played GoldenEye? I don’t know that anyone who’s gotten through 46 other games would have made it here if not. It’s just the genre defining game of our lifetime. I don’t know that any system or game will ever be able to recreate the sheer pleasure that so many people had playing this together. I still can’t believe how good so many people still are at this game. I bet most of you could pick up the controller now and whip my ass. Priceless.
3) Metal Gear Solid – Playstation - This is the game that truly changed video gaming forever in my opinion. It combines everything that’s great about any genre that you’ve ever played and then kicks it up to 11, while improving all of that. It’s tactical, action-packed, stealthy, fast-paced, intellectual, nerve-racking, and exhilirating all at the same time. Snake is also an indelible character in the video game universe. My favorite action game of all time.
2) The Legend of Zelda – Nintendo – Simply the best game, for the best console ever. I really don’t need to explain it. See my Top Ten Nintendo Games list. Link, Ganon, and Hyrule are 3 of the most recognizable Nintendo creations ever. The story, music, and gameplay are all top notch. I would call it the greatest fantasy game of all time, but there’s still one more to be reckoned with……
1) Y’s Books I and II – Turbo Grafx – I bet that there’s only 1 other person that will read this list that actually knows what this game is. (Let’s call him Matt) We spent so many days after school just plugging away at this game. There was never a point in my life where I was more excited to get over to someone’s house, throw down my bookbag, and turn on a game than the weeks/month or so that we played this game. It’s a fantasy/role playing game and the gameplay is perfect. The storyline, immaculate, and the music is mesmerizing. I know a lot of you will be let down by this choice, but it’s my list. My memory. Plus, I think they are gonna re-release it on the Wii, so you can all check it out and then come back and bash me if it’s terrible.
That’s all folks. Thanks for spending 8 hours reviewing this shit if you made it to this point. I started this a week or so ago and I was gonna trash it, but I figured that some people would enjoy talking about games for systems other than Nintendo. Let me know what you think and I’ll talk at you all again tomorrow.
“Drinking fountains are shorter than they used to be”
