and now the grand finale. The characters that are just too good to be true. Ones that only come once in a great while, and may never be matched again. This is the core group of what I consider my favorite TV character of my tv filled life.
10. Dr. Allison Cameron (House)- Well, to begin with I seem to always get in trouble when it comes to Cameron, but oh well. Sure she is beautiful, but she also is an actually very interesting character, especially with her relationships around the hospital. She seems to care about the patients almost too much, while House doesn't at all. In the season finale, she aced the episode with by far the best scene. Plus her picture was on my wall. This all adds up to her breaking into the top 10.
9. Michael Schofield (Prison Break)- Sure his second season didn't truly stand up completely to his first, but he was still pretty sweet, and his first season performance was out of this world. He has that aced moody and pondering look, and his character literally is a genius, which never works. Plus he created the single greatest prison escape plan I have ever seen, and I am excited to see him return there for the third season (even if it did occur in a so unrealistic way). All in all, this added up to some great performances and deserving of top 10 and maybe even higher in the future.
8. J.J Prior (American Dreams)- I loved American Dreams, as it was one of my all time favorite shows, and J.J was the older brother who originally was the awesomely interesting football star, and then he went to war. In the final season, they kind of weakened the amazing character, but they were trying to show some of the effects of war. But still, the first 8 episodes of AD really show J.J's strengths as he tackles some of the best issues out of all the characters, plus he treated Sam great even if he was black, and was very protective over his sister Meg.
7. Jack Shepherd (Lost)- Now I know alot of people hate him, but I think he is an absolutely amazing actor. Pick nearly any second season episode and you will see why. He is the leader of the island, and he is a fairly complex character. Besides one glaring exception I have liked everyone of Jack's flashbacks, and I like how for a leader his character is very flawed. He is in full support of the science of the island, and goes frequently head to head with Locke who believes entirely in faith. I mean, who knows what lies in Jack's future, but I believe he has a done great job on the show.
6. Shawn Hunter (Boy Meets World)- This was a given, because until I got into Dramas, he was number one. Now, to start with the bad, the show basically ruined his character in the later years making him a wuss, and the pairing with Angela and the finding of his half brother were the two points where Boy Meets World completely jumped the shark for me. But before all that, Shawn was the character who was all cool. He took the dating things to the new loving, getting all the hot girls, and he had great smart allecky comments to teachers. Plus he lived with Mr. Turner, the only person who was nearly as cool, for awhile. But during all that, he had some great serious roles, like the cult episode, where you see Shawn isn't as strong as you thought, and OF COURSE the best BMW episode where he joins the bad crowd. All in all, a great character in his early years.
5. Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars)- She is such an eccentric and humorous character, and she completely carries her own show, so it was a given that she was destined to be very high on this list. She does detective work for her friends, and helps out her father, and her only flaw is that in general she seems to succeed a bit too much. Also, she is not a hardened character as she does show emotions, which makes her that much more likely. Watch the second season finale to understand, where she absolutely aced her entire character. I also really like her actress, Kristen Bell, who might become a member of "Lost" which just has me way too excited.
4. Tony Almeda (24)- Tony is the character who carried "24" for its first four (and best four) seasons. However, his death caused the fall of "24" in a major way, and now the writers realize that problem and have considered resurrecting him on numerous occasions to bring the show back to its prime. The problem is ressurecting him, is pretty unrealistic seeing we did see him die on screen. Anyway, back to the point, Tony does need to come back to the show, because the first full season without him was "24" by far at its worst, because Tony was Jack's friend and really the only person he could trust. In the beggining Tony was his enemy, but yet when times got tough he still took his back and supported him. By the second season the trust was there, and it never went. Jack would do anything for Tony, and Tony was always there for him. He was a great character, and its sad that his reapperance may never come.
3. Meg Prior (American Dreams)- Ah yes, the other great part of American Dreams. First of all, in the winter Meg wore the best ski hat in television. It was just so simple it was great. Also, single Meg was so fun loving, and she always seemed to have a good time. Sure, she sometimes got in trouble, but her character also had the will to stand against the racism in the '60's and openly be friends with Sam. She was a strong character hidden behind a fun loving attitude, and she was way deserving of this spot. She did (like many characters) make a minor fall in the final season, but that was more of writing problems and a horrible boyfriend (Meg's biggest weakness is I hated all three of her boyfriends)
2. James "Sawyer" Ford (Lost)- Well, I am sure everyone has now figured out who number one is, but lets get down to Sawyer first. He was the first character to really hook me into "Lost" and he got in that great fight with Sayid, and he scavanged, something more people on the island should've been doing. Sawyer has also been at the center of nearly every humorous side story (getting voted off the island, and the even better need for reading glasses). And then his serious storylines are even better, as he fights with his horrific past and his desire to be hated on the island, as weird as that sounds. Who knows what the future will bring for Sawyer and his relationships with the other islanders, in particurily Jack, but he is the only character in the top 6 who actually still has a show to act on, so the excitement continues.
AND THE NUMBER ONE CHARACTER IS (Drum roll).......
1. Ryan Atwood (The O.C)- Well, ok, once again my number one is fairly obvoius, and most people should've known before this list even started, that this is where it was heading. He had one of the awesomest single television season for a character, as in the first season he was fighting and adapting to a new lifestyle from where he was from. When O.C was at its best, the show was primarily about "Will Ryan survive in this new life" and at times you really could not tell. He was harsh and violent, but also very lovable and friendly, especially to his lonely and disturbed step-brother (kinda) Seth. He created this great friendship and Seth cared about him more deeply then even his girlfriend, as exhibited by the end of the first season. The next two seasons were about Ryan trying to find what girls for him, exhibiting more of the family life, and getting re-sucked in to some of his old habits. All this lead to a stunning series finale, were the final scene was just of him and this little boy, and how he had come such a long way. His travels were epic, his intelligence was gifted, and to see him succeed was fulfilling. Ryan truly was the best television character I have ever seen.
Well there you go. Hopefully you enjoyed this epic list where I started with 50 and got to 1. Some of my favorite shows weren't even able to get represented like Simpsons, Party of Five, Boston Public and White Shadow because the competition was so untense, but I am happy with the way it all resulted. These are all great and memorable characters, and I hope you enjoyed the ride.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Top 50 TV Characters (20-11)
And now its crunch time. This area is for absolutely superb characters who I have loved throughout their times in most cases, but were just a step behind from being out of this world, for various reasons.
20. Boone Carlysle (Lost)- Ah yes, Boone. First off, he was part of the best death in the history of television, but even before that superb writing and acting job, Boone was the character I felt most akin too. He was always trying to help people out, and while many times his good natured actions failed, you could always feel for him. Boone was one of the good guys, and as we see more and more of these Losties, Boone might have been really the ONLY good guy in this show.
19. Brian "Smash" Williams (Friday Night Lights)- I mean, come on, you had already seen Riggins on this list, and everyone knows I like Smash more, so it was a given. Smash has the attitude, he uses third person alot, and he is just a fun loving character. He always wants to have fun, and his possibilities for season 2 storyline are endless, as he is the only player on this championship team who is top tier Division I material. Sure he used steroids (which was covered up a bit too easily, that I wouldn't be surprised if it returned) but then his mom yelled at him, which was awesome. Plus he organized the walkout. I mean, man was Smash awesome.
18. Joey Potter (Dawson's Creek)- I am going to get slammed for this one, but I used to like Dawson's Creek, and for a teen soap it was decently entertaining in the beggining. Yes, I realize now that Katie Holmes is akin to trash in most celebrities eyes, but back in the day I liked her job as Joey, and refuse to turn my back on her. She kind of jumped alot between guys, but seeing one of them was the horrible Dawson, it made sense. All in all, I liked the character then, and I'll stand by her now.
17. Michael Bluth (Arrested Development)- The thing that Arrested Development has that alot of sitcoms are missing is that the central character was so great. In many ways he was normal, and because of that the contrast in the show made everything funnier. I mean, there are alot of great characters (Buster comes to mind) but by far Michael was the best, and deserving of such a high scot.
16. Eli "Weevil" Navarro (Veronica Mars)- Ah yes, the hispanic leader of 19ers. He is a good guy though, always wanting to keep things clean without drugs, although he did beat up a few people. He also is one of the few people to outsmart Veronica, and he will also do anything for Veronica. He's overall a good kid, even though initially he doesn't seem to be so much, as the first time you see him his boys are robbing a store. But then you get to know him better and you understand.
15. Zach Morris (Saved by the Bell)- Ah, living through childhood. As a kid I really liked Saved by The Bell, and while at times the show was oh-so horribly acted, my favorite was always the Zach, seeing how he lead the show, talked to the camera, and had a snide but fun loving attitude. Also, he aced his SAT's which accurately showed the portrayal of a lot of kids I know who got bad school grades cause they didn't care, but an organized test with no preparation they can dominate. Zach was all of that, and even with the graduation episode where he didn't want to leave the school he hated so much before, I really think he showed highschool in a fairly accurate (albeit exagerated light). He was a great character (not counting the college years, at that point the entire show was down the drain).
14. Mr. Turner (Boy Meets World)- This was a given. Everyone knows I loved how supercool Mr.Turner was in the show, and how the best years of Boy Meets World coincided with the Mr.Turner years. He was just plain super cool, I mean, come on. You know that living him had to be a rockin' place. And he was the best teacher ever. His no test policy worked, and he brought in Eli. I mean, Mr. Turner was just plain awesome.
13. Darwin Al'Sayid (Sleeper Cell)- The fact that one of my favorite casts only got a single character in surprised me. I mean, Tommy, Ilya, all classics, but I guess with only 10 episodes they just didn't create a lasting enough impression to break into this highly competitive list. Darwin, however, was the protagonist, and he really kept the entire show together. I mean, he was the one who stood out in his scenes with Fuller, and later on in the finale. He was a devout Muslim who tried to take down the extremists. He was a good guy, but never really got the happy ending he deserved.
12. Taylor Townsend (The O.C)- For some bizarre reason Elyse hates this girl, but she is so adorable. She was fun in the third season, and absolutely amazing in the fourth. She was hyper-active and cheerful, and had a great effect on Ryan, giving one of the all time best television couples. I wish there had been alot more Taylor in the show, because she didn't appear until late, but she brough a nice conclussion to the show, and made the final season a great one.
11. Darkwing Duck (Darkwing Duck)- Yes, a cartoon character for children this high. But come on, he was awesome. He brought jokes, and he was supremely arrogant. He was the best superhero in our life time, yet wasn't this perfect role model individual. And he cared for his family and his sidekick, fought against some awesome bad guys; all in 22 minute episodes. He had to be on here, as he was my first favorite tv character, and this high is well deserved.
And now the final ten. Only the superb superstars are left... Can you guess them!
20. Boone Carlysle (Lost)- Ah yes, Boone. First off, he was part of the best death in the history of television, but even before that superb writing and acting job, Boone was the character I felt most akin too. He was always trying to help people out, and while many times his good natured actions failed, you could always feel for him. Boone was one of the good guys, and as we see more and more of these Losties, Boone might have been really the ONLY good guy in this show.
19. Brian "Smash" Williams (Friday Night Lights)- I mean, come on, you had already seen Riggins on this list, and everyone knows I like Smash more, so it was a given. Smash has the attitude, he uses third person alot, and he is just a fun loving character. He always wants to have fun, and his possibilities for season 2 storyline are endless, as he is the only player on this championship team who is top tier Division I material. Sure he used steroids (which was covered up a bit too easily, that I wouldn't be surprised if it returned) but then his mom yelled at him, which was awesome. Plus he organized the walkout. I mean, man was Smash awesome.
18. Joey Potter (Dawson's Creek)- I am going to get slammed for this one, but I used to like Dawson's Creek, and for a teen soap it was decently entertaining in the beggining. Yes, I realize now that Katie Holmes is akin to trash in most celebrities eyes, but back in the day I liked her job as Joey, and refuse to turn my back on her. She kind of jumped alot between guys, but seeing one of them was the horrible Dawson, it made sense. All in all, I liked the character then, and I'll stand by her now.
17. Michael Bluth (Arrested Development)- The thing that Arrested Development has that alot of sitcoms are missing is that the central character was so great. In many ways he was normal, and because of that the contrast in the show made everything funnier. I mean, there are alot of great characters (Buster comes to mind) but by far Michael was the best, and deserving of such a high scot.
16. Eli "Weevil" Navarro (Veronica Mars)- Ah yes, the hispanic leader of 19ers. He is a good guy though, always wanting to keep things clean without drugs, although he did beat up a few people. He also is one of the few people to outsmart Veronica, and he will also do anything for Veronica. He's overall a good kid, even though initially he doesn't seem to be so much, as the first time you see him his boys are robbing a store. But then you get to know him better and you understand.
15. Zach Morris (Saved by the Bell)- Ah, living through childhood. As a kid I really liked Saved by The Bell, and while at times the show was oh-so horribly acted, my favorite was always the Zach, seeing how he lead the show, talked to the camera, and had a snide but fun loving attitude. Also, he aced his SAT's which accurately showed the portrayal of a lot of kids I know who got bad school grades cause they didn't care, but an organized test with no preparation they can dominate. Zach was all of that, and even with the graduation episode where he didn't want to leave the school he hated so much before, I really think he showed highschool in a fairly accurate (albeit exagerated light). He was a great character (not counting the college years, at that point the entire show was down the drain).
14. Mr. Turner (Boy Meets World)- This was a given. Everyone knows I loved how supercool Mr.Turner was in the show, and how the best years of Boy Meets World coincided with the Mr.Turner years. He was just plain super cool, I mean, come on. You know that living him had to be a rockin' place. And he was the best teacher ever. His no test policy worked, and he brought in Eli. I mean, Mr. Turner was just plain awesome.
13. Darwin Al'Sayid (Sleeper Cell)- The fact that one of my favorite casts only got a single character in surprised me. I mean, Tommy, Ilya, all classics, but I guess with only 10 episodes they just didn't create a lasting enough impression to break into this highly competitive list. Darwin, however, was the protagonist, and he really kept the entire show together. I mean, he was the one who stood out in his scenes with Fuller, and later on in the finale. He was a devout Muslim who tried to take down the extremists. He was a good guy, but never really got the happy ending he deserved.
12. Taylor Townsend (The O.C)- For some bizarre reason Elyse hates this girl, but she is so adorable. She was fun in the third season, and absolutely amazing in the fourth. She was hyper-active and cheerful, and had a great effect on Ryan, giving one of the all time best television couples. I wish there had been alot more Taylor in the show, because she didn't appear until late, but she brough a nice conclussion to the show, and made the final season a great one.
11. Darkwing Duck (Darkwing Duck)- Yes, a cartoon character for children this high. But come on, he was awesome. He brought jokes, and he was supremely arrogant. He was the best superhero in our life time, yet wasn't this perfect role model individual. And he cared for his family and his sidekick, fought against some awesome bad guys; all in 22 minute episodes. He had to be on here, as he was my first favorite tv character, and this high is well deserved.
And now the final ten. Only the superb superstars are left... Can you guess them!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Top 50 TV Characters (30-21)
30. Curtis "Lemonhead" Lemansky (The Shield)- Well, I am only two seasons in, but the Strike Force is what really carries this show, and more specifically on the strike force Lemonhead is by far the best one. He is the most funloving one, and he is the one who seems to most straddle between right and wrong, while the rest are basically on the wrong side. In the end, Curtis is a superb character, and deserving of this spot or maybe even higher.
29. Gordo (Lizzie Mcguire): He is the last Disney channel original character on here, so we are free from that. Anyway, Gordo is a superb bestfriend, and was by far the best part of that old Disney original show. Now, back in the day,Hilary Duff was not so annoying (and these were the days that Paul was a huge fan of her) so the show was actually decent, and Gordo was always the one around. Sure he had some personal conflicts, but who doesn't in tv. Oh well, I wonder whatever happened to that kid.
28. Luke Ward (The O.C): The first O.C character to make the list, Luke Ward was absolutely superb in the first season. Originally you were supposed to hate him as he beat on Ryan and were major rivals. Then his dad turned out to be gay, Luke realized not to hate everyone, and became one of their friends. Then he started sleeping with Marrissa's mom, and then finally he left for Portland. All in all, just amazing stuff. Chris Carmack did a superb job with the character, and he was missed in the later seasons.
27. Stanley Hudson (The Office): I mean, come on, this was an absolute given. He absolutely carries the show at times, and the majority of the episodes he has the best line. He is underused, but then again if he was used more it may destroy that Stanley greatness. I mean, c'mon, for me he seems to carry the show, especially as the characters become more and more caricatures of themselves.
26. Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls): Ah yes, the character who could never ever find a good guy. I actually liked early dorky Rory, even if I never liked her mom, and couldn't stand her bestfriend. The only reason I watched Gilmore Girls was because of Rory, and while not the best character ever, she definitely had her moments and I am not going to take that from her. All and all, it's a good spot for Rory, not too high, but not low either.
25. Will Traveler (Traveler): The show had only 8 episodes, the least of any single character on this list. It was not picked up, and overall for good reasons. The two other stars were weak and not well acted. But man around episode 4 and they brought in the enigmatic Will (he starts off looking as this bad guy who works for the fourth branch of the gov't but he rebels) and he absolutely carries it all the way to the superb finale, where Will basically stars in. All in all, if this show continued on, I can only imagine that Will would be even higher, but oh well.
24. Dexter Morgan (Dexter): Come on, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned serial killer. Ok, maybe that was a bit strange to start the paragraph, but basically the character of Dexter is a serial killer who kills serial killers. He is not your usual protagonist because of that, but it is interesting to listen into his psyche throughout the show (as the watcher also hears his thoughts). He is basically the entire show in itself, and he should have won an Emmy for it this year, but the voters thought his was too violent and disturbing to be rewarded (although the guy on Sopranos isn't a very good person either, and he always gets nominated)
23. Liz Lemon (30 Rock)- Ah the lovely Tina Fey, who was the best part of SNL, and is now carrying her own show by both being head writer and top actress in it, and it is so well deserved. Liz is an absolutely belieavable character with all her eccentrecies, and while Alec Baldwin gets most the acclaim, Liz was nominated for best lead actress in a comedy, and I just can't imagine how she couldn't win, with how much of a hysterical role she has.
22. Robert Hawkins (Jericho)- It's a given he'd be on here in some degree, and now that he'll be returning (and supposedly as now an equal star) I can't help but be excited. He was enigmatic in the beggining and impossible to tell whose side he's on. He's been forced to fight and kill, and has become the most valuabee ally for the town. And now he's going to make the fight even better... Does it get any better than that?
21. Michelle Dessler (24)- Ah yes, the girl who was introduced in season 2 as the assistant of CTU. In the beggining she always had Jack's back no matter what, then she had Tony's. She was a great character, although weakened by the end of her run on it. Her, Tony, and Palmer were why 24 was once so great, but with all three of their demises, has destroyed what was a once great cast. Oh well, she will always live on in my DVD sets.
29. Gordo (Lizzie Mcguire): He is the last Disney channel original character on here, so we are free from that. Anyway, Gordo is a superb bestfriend, and was by far the best part of that old Disney original show. Now, back in the day,Hilary Duff was not so annoying (and these were the days that Paul was a huge fan of her) so the show was actually decent, and Gordo was always the one around. Sure he had some personal conflicts, but who doesn't in tv. Oh well, I wonder whatever happened to that kid.
28. Luke Ward (The O.C): The first O.C character to make the list, Luke Ward was absolutely superb in the first season. Originally you were supposed to hate him as he beat on Ryan and were major rivals. Then his dad turned out to be gay, Luke realized not to hate everyone, and became one of their friends. Then he started sleeping with Marrissa's mom, and then finally he left for Portland. All in all, just amazing stuff. Chris Carmack did a superb job with the character, and he was missed in the later seasons.
27. Stanley Hudson (The Office): I mean, come on, this was an absolute given. He absolutely carries the show at times, and the majority of the episodes he has the best line. He is underused, but then again if he was used more it may destroy that Stanley greatness. I mean, c'mon, for me he seems to carry the show, especially as the characters become more and more caricatures of themselves.
26. Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls): Ah yes, the character who could never ever find a good guy. I actually liked early dorky Rory, even if I never liked her mom, and couldn't stand her bestfriend. The only reason I watched Gilmore Girls was because of Rory, and while not the best character ever, she definitely had her moments and I am not going to take that from her. All and all, it's a good spot for Rory, not too high, but not low either.
25. Will Traveler (Traveler): The show had only 8 episodes, the least of any single character on this list. It was not picked up, and overall for good reasons. The two other stars were weak and not well acted. But man around episode 4 and they brought in the enigmatic Will (he starts off looking as this bad guy who works for the fourth branch of the gov't but he rebels) and he absolutely carries it all the way to the superb finale, where Will basically stars in. All in all, if this show continued on, I can only imagine that Will would be even higher, but oh well.
24. Dexter Morgan (Dexter): Come on, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned serial killer. Ok, maybe that was a bit strange to start the paragraph, but basically the character of Dexter is a serial killer who kills serial killers. He is not your usual protagonist because of that, but it is interesting to listen into his psyche throughout the show (as the watcher also hears his thoughts). He is basically the entire show in itself, and he should have won an Emmy for it this year, but the voters thought his was too violent and disturbing to be rewarded (although the guy on Sopranos isn't a very good person either, and he always gets nominated)
23. Liz Lemon (30 Rock)- Ah the lovely Tina Fey, who was the best part of SNL, and is now carrying her own show by both being head writer and top actress in it, and it is so well deserved. Liz is an absolutely belieavable character with all her eccentrecies, and while Alec Baldwin gets most the acclaim, Liz was nominated for best lead actress in a comedy, and I just can't imagine how she couldn't win, with how much of a hysterical role she has.
22. Robert Hawkins (Jericho)- It's a given he'd be on here in some degree, and now that he'll be returning (and supposedly as now an equal star) I can't help but be excited. He was enigmatic in the beggining and impossible to tell whose side he's on. He's been forced to fight and kill, and has become the most valuabee ally for the town. And now he's going to make the fight even better... Does it get any better than that?
21. Michelle Dessler (24)- Ah yes, the girl who was introduced in season 2 as the assistant of CTU. In the beggining she always had Jack's back no matter what, then she had Tony's. She was a great character, although weakened by the end of her run on it. Her, Tony, and Palmer were why 24 was once so great, but with all three of their demises, has destroyed what was a once great cast. Oh well, she will always live on in my DVD sets.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Top 50 TV Characters (40-31)
Well, I got the first ten out of the way, and its now time to start the second ten. These are still some great characters, but we are not up to the elite ones, not yet anyway.
40. Eric Olczyk (Playmakers)- He is from a short-lived show on ESPN that portrayed the NFL in a very negative, although possibly realistic, light. In the end the show was forced off the air of ESPN by the NFL itself. Olczyk was the best part of the show as the puzzled middle linebacker, who was one of the top players in the show. The show tackled great issues to, but Eric was one of the few players who at least wasn't into the whole drug thing.
39. Wallace Fennel (Veronica Mars)- Ah, the underused bestfriend of Veronica. There are times in the second season, where they give him an absolutely horrible storyline path, but overall he is used superbly with his reactions with Veronica. And while it seems V is always using him, you can tell that she cares about him, and it gives a great friend dynamic to the show. Plus the New Years Eve moment, superb...
38. Daniel Desario (Freaks and Geeks)- The best part of this show were the Freaks, and the best Freak was by far Desario. Sure, he had the most irritating girlfriend ever, but he had such great moments as his "Tough life story" to get out of cheating on the test, and of course Dungeons and Dragons. He was super cool, and just plain funny. Easily deserving of a top character slot.
37. Gaius Baltar (Battlestar Galactica 2003)- Ok, just incase any of you were confusing this with that horrible old BSG, I put the year in. Anyway, I have alot of problems with the show, and its just good enough for me to continue watching it, because after Gaius I don't think I like a single character. Now, there are a few episodes like when he is with Starbuck that he is annoying and boring, but his peaks of when he is finding himself through god, and always doing whats best for himself and no one else, makes him at the top of his game in most episodes. I know he is supposed to be a hatable character, but quite frankly he is the only one I don't find hateable.
36. Barney (How I Met Your Mother)- I tried to find his last name, but it was alot harder than I would've expected. Anywho, I am not a huge fan of the show, because I think it survives a little too much on trashy jokes, and its against Everyone Hates Chris, which I think is a better comedy (although with less than memorable characters). Barney is really the only reason to ever watch this show, because the other four characters are super weak. Barney is well acted, and his appearances almost always bring laughs, in particularily his whole "Suit Up" obsession. A great character, and hopefully he will win an Emmy for it this year.
35. Dr. James Wilson (House)- Ah yes, another example of how I always like bestfriends in television. Wilson is the bestfriend of Dr.House, and despite the fact that alot of times House just treats Wilson like trash, Wilson always has his back. Wilson is also one of the funniest characters on the show, as he brings this dry superb sense of humor "House, This is God"... Come on, that scene alone was superb. House needs to use more of Wilson in the show though, cause if they did that show would reach a whole new level.
34. Derek Venturri (Life With Derek)- I couldn't just have one of the siblings on the list, without the other one. In many ways they are like two peas in a pod, you couldn't have one without the other. Casey makes Derek great and vice versa. Anyway, my point is his character is the one who can carry the show, with his occasionally nice actions so rare that they are instantaneously memorable and what makes the show great. His interactoins are always spot on, and quite frankly this Canadian actor is superb. Well deserving of spot 34.
33. Ryan O'Reilley (Oz)- First off, forgive the spelling, I know I probably butchered the last name. Anyway, Ryan was the best part of Oz giving the fact of how easily he took care of people. He used everyone around him except his brother, to basically do his dirty work. He was probably one of the most evil people in the prison, and you can see that in the very first episode when he gets one of the mob members killed by an opposing gang.
32. Keith Scott (One Tree Hill)- Ah, some may say you died to young, but it was the best thing for you to get off of that already imploding show. The first season of One Tree Hill was pretty good, I thought, and Keith was the paternal figure you just had to love. He actually cared about those kids, and he always tried to do what was best. And then the show wrote him out, had him quickly return just so he could die, and that was that.
31. Kyle Broflowski (South Park)- Once again, just winging the spelling of the last name. He was always my favorite character on South Park, because he was always the most rational one (although Stan was pretty rational too). He was the intelligent Jew who always knew what was up. Cartman hated him, which only made me like him more. The only flaw with Kyle is that in an episode it is shown that he likes Family Guy, which I don't agree with seeing I am absolutely despise that show, but oh well.
Tommorow 30-21.. Get the idea.
40. Eric Olczyk (Playmakers)- He is from a short-lived show on ESPN that portrayed the NFL in a very negative, although possibly realistic, light. In the end the show was forced off the air of ESPN by the NFL itself. Olczyk was the best part of the show as the puzzled middle linebacker, who was one of the top players in the show. The show tackled great issues to, but Eric was one of the few players who at least wasn't into the whole drug thing.
39. Wallace Fennel (Veronica Mars)- Ah, the underused bestfriend of Veronica. There are times in the second season, where they give him an absolutely horrible storyline path, but overall he is used superbly with his reactions with Veronica. And while it seems V is always using him, you can tell that she cares about him, and it gives a great friend dynamic to the show. Plus the New Years Eve moment, superb...
38. Daniel Desario (Freaks and Geeks)- The best part of this show were the Freaks, and the best Freak was by far Desario. Sure, he had the most irritating girlfriend ever, but he had such great moments as his "Tough life story" to get out of cheating on the test, and of course Dungeons and Dragons. He was super cool, and just plain funny. Easily deserving of a top character slot.
37. Gaius Baltar (Battlestar Galactica 2003)- Ok, just incase any of you were confusing this with that horrible old BSG, I put the year in. Anyway, I have alot of problems with the show, and its just good enough for me to continue watching it, because after Gaius I don't think I like a single character. Now, there are a few episodes like when he is with Starbuck that he is annoying and boring, but his peaks of when he is finding himself through god, and always doing whats best for himself and no one else, makes him at the top of his game in most episodes. I know he is supposed to be a hatable character, but quite frankly he is the only one I don't find hateable.
36. Barney (How I Met Your Mother)- I tried to find his last name, but it was alot harder than I would've expected. Anywho, I am not a huge fan of the show, because I think it survives a little too much on trashy jokes, and its against Everyone Hates Chris, which I think is a better comedy (although with less than memorable characters). Barney is really the only reason to ever watch this show, because the other four characters are super weak. Barney is well acted, and his appearances almost always bring laughs, in particularily his whole "Suit Up" obsession. A great character, and hopefully he will win an Emmy for it this year.
35. Dr. James Wilson (House)- Ah yes, another example of how I always like bestfriends in television. Wilson is the bestfriend of Dr.House, and despite the fact that alot of times House just treats Wilson like trash, Wilson always has his back. Wilson is also one of the funniest characters on the show, as he brings this dry superb sense of humor "House, This is God"... Come on, that scene alone was superb. House needs to use more of Wilson in the show though, cause if they did that show would reach a whole new level.
34. Derek Venturri (Life With Derek)- I couldn't just have one of the siblings on the list, without the other one. In many ways they are like two peas in a pod, you couldn't have one without the other. Casey makes Derek great and vice versa. Anyway, my point is his character is the one who can carry the show, with his occasionally nice actions so rare that they are instantaneously memorable and what makes the show great. His interactoins are always spot on, and quite frankly this Canadian actor is superb. Well deserving of spot 34.
33. Ryan O'Reilley (Oz)- First off, forgive the spelling, I know I probably butchered the last name. Anyway, Ryan was the best part of Oz giving the fact of how easily he took care of people. He used everyone around him except his brother, to basically do his dirty work. He was probably one of the most evil people in the prison, and you can see that in the very first episode when he gets one of the mob members killed by an opposing gang.
32. Keith Scott (One Tree Hill)- Ah, some may say you died to young, but it was the best thing for you to get off of that already imploding show. The first season of One Tree Hill was pretty good, I thought, and Keith was the paternal figure you just had to love. He actually cared about those kids, and he always tried to do what was best. And then the show wrote him out, had him quickly return just so he could die, and that was that.
31. Kyle Broflowski (South Park)- Once again, just winging the spelling of the last name. He was always my favorite character on South Park, because he was always the most rational one (although Stan was pretty rational too). He was the intelligent Jew who always knew what was up. Cartman hated him, which only made me like him more. The only flaw with Kyle is that in an episode it is shown that he likes Family Guy, which I don't agree with seeing I am absolutely despise that show, but oh well.
Tommorow 30-21.. Get the idea.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Top 50 TV Character (50-41)
GRE's are done, summer is on its way to conclude, so its time to bring out the ultimate of Lists. See, my original plan was to release a top character list for television, because in all the shows I watch there have been alot of good ones. Now, no show got more than three characters (although that was by chance) and there is a very diverse group, from more than 25 different tv shows. Anyway, I will kick this off with 50-41, and then tommorow will be 40-31, and etc. On we go.
50. Veronica Donovan (Prison Break)- She was the reigning best female character, but her appearance on Prison Break was only for a single season, and while a bright part, her characters death and just the passage of time has weakened her position. However, she was still able to break into this list.
49. Ben Connor (Life as We Know It)- Well, this was a show that didn't last at all, and probably for good reason, cause while slightly entertaining there were alot of things that held at back. Dino was a horrible actor, and alot of Jonathon's scenes seemed forced. Ben, on the other hand, was played by an actor whom I like, and he did a good portrayal of the smart kid. He also went for the only girl of the three I like, so all in all some good choices.
48. Reverend Camden (7th Heaven)- Ok, so by the end of the show the show itself was completely unwatchable, but until that point the paternal force of the house was the best character. Why he married Annie, I will never know, cause he was just way too cool for that. He was much more laid back in the early episodes than you would expect, especially with his horrible children.
47. Scotty Valens (Cold Case)- The problem with Cold Case is the cast is absolutely horrific. There are only two exceptions, and Scotty is the better of those two. Scotty can be violent, and he at least shows emotions of anger. He used to work in narcotics, which is coolest groups of cops, and he had a girlfriend who killed herself, giving his character a whole new level. All in Scotty is a great character, and Danny Pino portrays him extremely well.
46. Casey McDonald (Life With Derek)- A complete type A individual for a Canadian family show, at times she is absolutely hysterical. She also has a controversial chemestry with her step brother, which has caused a whole forum movement. All in all she is one of the best characters to come around on the Disney Channel, even if the show isn't produced by Disney.
45. David Palmer (24)- He was a senator, then a president, and he had one of the two best relationships with the protagonist Jack Bauer. He was a powerful person who stood by his morals, but also wouldn't be afraid to get his hands dirty if the need arose.
44. Lily Trescott (Hannah Montana)- Ok, I have alot of problems with this Disney show, and I only watch it when I have nothing else to do (no really). I hate the main character and her entire family, but I do like Lily. She is absolutely adorable and fun, so I'll put her on here. And the fact that I already have two Disney characters on this list is VERY disturbing, I admit it.
43. Amy Abbot (Everwood)- Man, alot of girls on this list it seems. Amy was also very adorable, but in an older type of way, and the best part of Everwood. Her interactions with Bright and her dad were superb, and if the show stayed only on the Abbot family, it may have survived the long run. However the show was very faulty and it never gave Amy the chance to truly shine, and that was quite a shame.
42. Eugene Young (The Practice)- He was my favorite lawyer on this once superb show (before Spader and them changed what it used to be). Eugene was always straight forward, and he had a push them around attitude. Also, just for a random "Practice" fact, Michael Emerson won an emmy for his role as a guilty defendent in the best episode of the "Practice".. You now know Michael Emerson as the superbly acted Ben Linus on "Lost"
41. Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights)- The first person on here for a brand new show, Riggins had some of the best Friday Night moments as he hung around with that kid. He initially was a weak character, with his relationship with Lyla bringing him down. But then they started flashing out his character into a whole person, and he became one of the two elite characters in the show. He has gone a long way in FNL.
There you go... Tune in tommorow for 40-31
50. Veronica Donovan (Prison Break)- She was the reigning best female character, but her appearance on Prison Break was only for a single season, and while a bright part, her characters death and just the passage of time has weakened her position. However, she was still able to break into this list.
49. Ben Connor (Life as We Know It)- Well, this was a show that didn't last at all, and probably for good reason, cause while slightly entertaining there were alot of things that held at back. Dino was a horrible actor, and alot of Jonathon's scenes seemed forced. Ben, on the other hand, was played by an actor whom I like, and he did a good portrayal of the smart kid. He also went for the only girl of the three I like, so all in all some good choices.
48. Reverend Camden (7th Heaven)- Ok, so by the end of the show the show itself was completely unwatchable, but until that point the paternal force of the house was the best character. Why he married Annie, I will never know, cause he was just way too cool for that. He was much more laid back in the early episodes than you would expect, especially with his horrible children.
47. Scotty Valens (Cold Case)- The problem with Cold Case is the cast is absolutely horrific. There are only two exceptions, and Scotty is the better of those two. Scotty can be violent, and he at least shows emotions of anger. He used to work in narcotics, which is coolest groups of cops, and he had a girlfriend who killed herself, giving his character a whole new level. All in Scotty is a great character, and Danny Pino portrays him extremely well.
46. Casey McDonald (Life With Derek)- A complete type A individual for a Canadian family show, at times she is absolutely hysterical. She also has a controversial chemestry with her step brother, which has caused a whole forum movement. All in all she is one of the best characters to come around on the Disney Channel, even if the show isn't produced by Disney.
45. David Palmer (24)- He was a senator, then a president, and he had one of the two best relationships with the protagonist Jack Bauer. He was a powerful person who stood by his morals, but also wouldn't be afraid to get his hands dirty if the need arose.
44. Lily Trescott (Hannah Montana)- Ok, I have alot of problems with this Disney show, and I only watch it when I have nothing else to do (no really). I hate the main character and her entire family, but I do like Lily. She is absolutely adorable and fun, so I'll put her on here. And the fact that I already have two Disney characters on this list is VERY disturbing, I admit it.
43. Amy Abbot (Everwood)- Man, alot of girls on this list it seems. Amy was also very adorable, but in an older type of way, and the best part of Everwood. Her interactions with Bright and her dad were superb, and if the show stayed only on the Abbot family, it may have survived the long run. However the show was very faulty and it never gave Amy the chance to truly shine, and that was quite a shame.
42. Eugene Young (The Practice)- He was my favorite lawyer on this once superb show (before Spader and them changed what it used to be). Eugene was always straight forward, and he had a push them around attitude. Also, just for a random "Practice" fact, Michael Emerson won an emmy for his role as a guilty defendent in the best episode of the "Practice".. You now know Michael Emerson as the superbly acted Ben Linus on "Lost"
41. Tim Riggins (Friday Night Lights)- The first person on here for a brand new show, Riggins had some of the best Friday Night moments as he hung around with that kid. He initially was a weak character, with his relationship with Lyla bringing him down. But then they started flashing out his character into a whole person, and he became one of the two elite characters in the show. He has gone a long way in FNL.
There you go... Tune in tommorow for 40-31
Monday, July 30, 2007
Top 10 NES Games
An easy but critical list to develop, its time to hit the videogame rankings, and I'll start where it all started, the original nintendo. Alot of great games appeared on this system (and a lot of horrible ones too) and some of them even lasted the length of time into becoming elite games even now. On to the top 10...
10. Castlevania- Where it all started. My favorite videogame series ever started on this simple nintendo system, as they developed the first Belmont of the clan, Simon. Fighting with his whip, against Dracula's dominions is something one does not ever forget, and even as an original it was a good game that is still great, but later was basically perfected.
9. Simpsons Bart vs World- Ok, most games based off tv are horrible, including most Simpson games. However, this is one clearly obvious exception. This was the first game I ever basically tried to master getting the ultimate ending, and it was hard. However, most of the stanges were fun, and there were alot of trick and places to look for finding free lives. All in all, a rewarding experience.
8. Techmo Bowl- I never personally owned this game, but the first ever great football game was on this system, and it really was rewarding. 8 simple plays and a saved league, it was nearly unheard of. It was a great experinece (something that I don't believe the supernintendo version lived up to) and its interesting to see sense then Techmo has kind of vanished.
7. Cabal- Best Co Op game ever. Its an oldfashioned rediculous shooter, but me and Paul were sweet at it. You hide behind stuff, shoot stuff, and then the stage ends and you literally dance away. It is very addictive, and it actually required you and your partner to work together, with covers and all that. Plus once your walls go down, they never go up. Great game.
6. Thunder and Lightning- To begin with, this choice was kinda tough. Thunder and Lightning stole its entire game system for the original genius of Arkanoid (which only doesn't make this list because its rediculously hard). It eases the gamer, puts in better bowerups, and is all in all just a better game. But if this was more important, it would be Arkanoid instead.
5. Double Dragon II: The Revenge- An absolutely impossible game, and yet it is also one of the first two games I have EVER owned. Its a tough game, but it is the best in Double Dragon series, and while I still don't fully understand what causes some of the best attacks (the knee hit) it doesn't matter. Its well paced and fun, until the dreaded 7th level.
4. Super Mario Brothers- This started a dynasty for Nintendo, and for good reason. The levels where much more varied then most videogames pre Mario, and the controls were very refined. 8 worlds with 4 stages each is very large, which means that it doesn't get repetitive. All in all, Super Mario Brothers was a great start for the NES.
3. Mike Tyson's PunchOut- What a great game. Fighting against all the rediculous fighters as you move up your way through the ranks, is the one thing I do every single year. I love the controls, the strategy, and just how each fighter makes you do something different. Its also very sensible that they later got rid of Mike Tyson in the game, just because it was pointless, but I'd rather stick to the original.
2. Super Mario Brothers 3- Well, I bet alot of people thought this was first, or at least should be first. To begin with, SMB3 is an absolutely steller game. It was huge, and basically took the NES to its max capabilities. Mario was given a ton of new power to use, and alot of stages had super secrets involved that you had to work hard to discover on your own. It's a game that is absolutely ageless, and quite frankly is better than any other Mario game to date (besides possibly SNES Super Mario World, but thats a tough call).
1. Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse- This was one of the very last games ever produced for Nintendo. Only certain Nintendo systems could play it because of its special expansion thing built in, but its for good reason. The detail made in this game, with the ability to gain an ally with their own very unique power is something unheard of it at the time, but worked perfectly. Plus we first met Alucard, possibly the most important non-Belmont in Castlevania lore. Ah, what a great game it was.
~And there you go. The ten best original nintendo game. Now this list is probably not perfect because I have not played every NES game ever, but I feel that this is a fare judgement. All of this survive the test of time, and worth the effort. Hopefully this list was enjoyable, seeing once again it is two weeks late.
10. Castlevania- Where it all started. My favorite videogame series ever started on this simple nintendo system, as they developed the first Belmont of the clan, Simon. Fighting with his whip, against Dracula's dominions is something one does not ever forget, and even as an original it was a good game that is still great, but later was basically perfected.
9. Simpsons Bart vs World- Ok, most games based off tv are horrible, including most Simpson games. However, this is one clearly obvious exception. This was the first game I ever basically tried to master getting the ultimate ending, and it was hard. However, most of the stanges were fun, and there were alot of trick and places to look for finding free lives. All in all, a rewarding experience.
8. Techmo Bowl- I never personally owned this game, but the first ever great football game was on this system, and it really was rewarding. 8 simple plays and a saved league, it was nearly unheard of. It was a great experinece (something that I don't believe the supernintendo version lived up to) and its interesting to see sense then Techmo has kind of vanished.
7. Cabal- Best Co Op game ever. Its an oldfashioned rediculous shooter, but me and Paul were sweet at it. You hide behind stuff, shoot stuff, and then the stage ends and you literally dance away. It is very addictive, and it actually required you and your partner to work together, with covers and all that. Plus once your walls go down, they never go up. Great game.
6. Thunder and Lightning- To begin with, this choice was kinda tough. Thunder and Lightning stole its entire game system for the original genius of Arkanoid (which only doesn't make this list because its rediculously hard). It eases the gamer, puts in better bowerups, and is all in all just a better game. But if this was more important, it would be Arkanoid instead.
5. Double Dragon II: The Revenge- An absolutely impossible game, and yet it is also one of the first two games I have EVER owned. Its a tough game, but it is the best in Double Dragon series, and while I still don't fully understand what causes some of the best attacks (the knee hit) it doesn't matter. Its well paced and fun, until the dreaded 7th level.
4. Super Mario Brothers- This started a dynasty for Nintendo, and for good reason. The levels where much more varied then most videogames pre Mario, and the controls were very refined. 8 worlds with 4 stages each is very large, which means that it doesn't get repetitive. All in all, Super Mario Brothers was a great start for the NES.
3. Mike Tyson's PunchOut- What a great game. Fighting against all the rediculous fighters as you move up your way through the ranks, is the one thing I do every single year. I love the controls, the strategy, and just how each fighter makes you do something different. Its also very sensible that they later got rid of Mike Tyson in the game, just because it was pointless, but I'd rather stick to the original.
2. Super Mario Brothers 3- Well, I bet alot of people thought this was first, or at least should be first. To begin with, SMB3 is an absolutely steller game. It was huge, and basically took the NES to its max capabilities. Mario was given a ton of new power to use, and alot of stages had super secrets involved that you had to work hard to discover on your own. It's a game that is absolutely ageless, and quite frankly is better than any other Mario game to date (besides possibly SNES Super Mario World, but thats a tough call).
1. Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse- This was one of the very last games ever produced for Nintendo. Only certain Nintendo systems could play it because of its special expansion thing built in, but its for good reason. The detail made in this game, with the ability to gain an ally with their own very unique power is something unheard of it at the time, but worked perfectly. Plus we first met Alucard, possibly the most important non-Belmont in Castlevania lore. Ah, what a great game it was.
~And there you go. The ten best original nintendo game. Now this list is probably not perfect because I have not played every NES game ever, but I feel that this is a fare judgement. All of this survive the test of time, and worth the effort. Hopefully this list was enjoyable, seeing once again it is two weeks late.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
NFL Preseason Power Rankings
Nothings better than some good ol' fashioned power rankings. Anyway, with the draft done, and most rosters getting settled, its time to see how it all played out.
32. Houston Texans: This decision was as predetermined as they come. As soon as they ditched both Dominic Davis and David Carr for unproven Matt Schaub and basically retired Ahman Green. There defense is getting stronger, but this team looks earily like last years Raiders, a team with a far way to go. Andre Johnson will continue to deal with these painful rosters around him. (Predicted Record: 3-13)
31. Oakland Raiders: I think they have some done some good this offseason, as they have started to put together a roster that could legitimately be a challenge in many games. There defense continues to be strong, and their offense can't possibly get any worse. Josh Mcknown will be a step up from Walters, but for this roster they just have to throw Russel into the fray as soon as possible, and hope that they didn't waste as much money on Rhodes as I think. (Predicted Record: 4-12)
30. Cleveland Browns: Can you possibly see how easy it would be to fix this roster. I mean, it glares right at you the obvious of it all, but it just won't seem to happen. Charlie Frye is a good starter, but he will be put on such a short leash he will be wasted. The line got better, but isn't superb, and the defence is mediocre at best. Braylon Edwards and Winslow are both decent for their positions, but not intimidating, and Jamal Lewis is way over his prime. Dallas should be excited to see a nice high pick next season. (Predicted Record: 4-12)
29. Greenbay Packers: Seems like a big fall from their 8-8 season last year, but hear me out. This team seems to extremely overachieve ever year, and it has to be the end of it this year. Their Quarterback is a decade past his prime, their current runningback is Morency, a decent back, but not starter material. The WR's are overrated, and the defence is porous. Somehow they will still pull out some wins, but not enough to impress me. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
28. Tennessee Titans: Another succesful team that I predict to make a big fall. My big problem with Tennessee is while I think they have a talented Quarterback, he got too big too fast, and I think he will fizzle the way Michael Vick did. Also their best defender is gone for the entire year, and their best Runningback was given to the Broncos. They drafted a horrible group of players, and they are going to fall out fast. Plus they are in the AFC, and if it weren't for the Texans they'd be right near the bottom. (Pred Rec: 5-11)
27. Kansas City Chiefs: I am just ripping on these borderline playoff teams. I don't think Huard will be nearly as succesful not coming from the backup role, I feel that they overuse their best player to the point of insanity, and once Larry Johnson goes down (you know he will), this team will lose the rest of its game. Their line isn't as strong as it once was, and their defence may be as porous as it was five years ago. All in all, I am not to up on the Cheifs (Pred Rec: 6-10)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jeff Garcia came in for the playoff Eagles, and made himself a ton of really undeserved money. I like Jeff Garcia, he knows what he is doing. The problem with him, is he can't take over a game like he did five years ago, and Caddilac can't do for him what Westbrook did for him last year. This team is mediocre, and a mediocre team in the NFL quickly becomes a bottom team. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
25. Minnesota Vikings: I want to be way up on this team. They have the best player in the entire draft in Adrian Peterson, they have a great talented speed reciever in Troy Williamson (similiar to a Lee Evans style), their defence is absolutely amazing against the run, and their offensive line is improving every year. The problem is Tavarius Jackson. Minnesota loves him for some unknown reason, and refuse to think about anyone else. Their backup, Bollinger, also won't help. So with such a weakness in a key position, I can't get to high on them. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
24. Buffalo Bills: I think they have alot of positives on their team. I think a legit top five QB-WR combo is Losman to Evans, and I think they have a strong defensive line. The problem is I absolutely despise their secondary, as it may be the weakest in the NFL, I am not as sold on Pulozny as a linebacker as everyone else is, and there offensive line didn't do much to improve. There is talent on this team, but the other lack of talent on other positions will drag them down. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
23. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons always seem to do enough to not be completely terrible, and I don't doubt that the same will be this year. Hopefully Harrington will get to start, but that will only happen if Vick is injured or suspended. Warrick Dunn is still a decent runningback, and the defence is decent enough. While not a terrible team, they are not top 20 in the competitive NFL (Pred Rec: 7-9)
22. New York Giants: I love Eli Manning, we all know this, but this team has been horribly mismanaged. Their coach will be every bit as terrible as last year, they are running two runningbacks that are exactly the same (Jacobs and Droughns) and they don't have a top 10 defence to get through those weaknesses. They should still be able to score points though without Tiki, and while I think they will have a worse record then the Falcons, its only because the Giants have a tough schedule. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Oh the poor AFC South. They have way too many weak teams to imagine. First off, Jacksonville can't make up their mind about their QB at all, and even considering Culpepper seems crazy to me, cause it is just going to create more conflict. Their defence will still be strong, but will hang them up to dry, and Taylor was basically healthy all last season, and there is no way that will happen again. So most of their wins will come at the expense of AFC South rivals, but in the end they will be no threat at all (Pred Rec: 7-9)
20. Miami Dolphins: What to say. Last year this team was completely overhyped because of their "big addition" in Culpepper (hmm, sound familiar to the Moss scenario this year). Now they are more under the radar, with a consistant QB in Green, and should be an improved year for Ronnie Brown. However, nothing is set in stone when it comes to this team, cause in paper they look real good once again, but I am not jumping on that bandwagon just yet (Pred Rec: 7-9)
19. Detroit Lions: There are many things I like about the Lions. I like how Kitna has put them on the spot, and is trying to give hope on the fans. I like their runningback situation more than you would expect by looking at the roster (although thats only if Kevin Jones can stay healthy) and I like the way their defence is formed. My problem is, that I have liked all of this before, and who's to say it will all change now. Calvin Johnson is not a savor, but in my mind an overated draft choice, and the line was not improved like it should have. A good team, but still not ready to make that step. (Pred Rec: 7-9)
18. Carolina Panthers: First off, I am sure there is some bias' here cause I have never liked Jack Delhomme as a QB, and while Steve Smith is explosive, you can just as easily double team him, as the other side is a liability. Julius Peppers is still a great defender (although I think he is losing a step here and there) and Deshaun Foster is a decent but not superb runningback. The team has a long way to go, but who knows. I am sure they will contend for a little bit. (Pred Rec: 7-9)
17. Cincinatti Bengals: Much lower than I bet you would've thought, but they have an absolutely atrocious defence in a tough division. I was worried about how to handle the Bengals, so I decided they will do the exact same thing they did last year, win 50% of their games. Rudi Johnson and Carson Palmer will steal them a ton of game, and even some against the best of the best, but that will just show the fans what they could be and not what they actually are (Pred Rec 8-8)
16. Dallas Cowboys: Never a big Cowboys fan, and I despise how overated Tony Romo is (although his fumbled snap, histerical). The cowboys are essentially the exact same team they were before. They don't overly impress me but they have enough balanced talent (particularily on defence) to easily go .500 in an easy division, and the easiest conference. (Pred Rec 8-8)
15. Arizona Cardinals: The first team to come out of sleeper division, the insanely good NFC West. The Cardinals are up and coming as always, but its just to difficult in their current division. Every one of these teams will absolutely beat up on each other, and it will be a tight battle to the end. Leinart is the future QB, and there is no better WR duo outside of Indy. This team should come together, but similiar to the Lions, people have been saying that for a while (Pred Rec: 7-9)
14. Seattle Seahawks: They won the NFC West last year, and they are decent team. Alot of people are predicting one last strong run for these Seahawks, but I just don't feel they are young enough to compete in this competitive division. Hasslebeck and Alexander should both bounce back strong from last season, but the Seattle dynasty outwest is over (Pred Rec: 8-8)
13. Chicago Bears: Yes, they just made the Superbowl, and yes this is a predicted playoff position, but there are some problems. Grossman is still their QB and that is still a huge liability. They let go of their biggest offensive threat in Thomas Jones for basically nothing, and who knows if Benson can carry the load. Also their second best defender, Briggs, is in an ugly hold out. All in all, it will be enough to push the Bears into the playoffs, but be concerned. It isn't the same team in Chicago. (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Win Division*)
12. New York Jets: I didn't know how to handle the Jets. Its hard to rank a team lower that was playoff bound the year before, and had gotten legitimately better, with an actual runningback threat in Thomas Jones. Yet I will anyway. Why, because their schedule was so rediculously easy last year, that they had only ONE upset last year, when they beat the Pats. They are still a good team, but they are my last team out of the playoffs, as they will fall JUST short. (Pred Rec: 9-7)
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: How did I, of all people, allow the Steelers to get this high. Because unlike last year, they won't start as completely bad. Defence can win games, and the Steelers have that, and Parker on offense is a force. Roethelisberger should return to his old, never do anything form, and they have a great backup in Batch. They also are fighting for the one AFC playoff spot up for grabs (as the others all sound pretty definite to me). In the end they will barely edge out the Jets (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Wildcard)
10. San Francisco 49ers: I love the way this team looks. They have rebounded and rebuilt in the perfect way. Unlike many teams who try to keep improving in the minimal way, the 49ers basically bottomed out a few years ago, got Alex Smith and Frank Gore, and then just side the Bills CB, and they have a real good team. They should survive the NFC West and edge into the playoffs. (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Wildcard)
9. Philadelphia Eagles: Westbrook. Do I need to say more? A healthy McNabb moving the ball, and the same strong defence. Now they aren't a superb overpowering team, and will lose a bunch of games here and there, but they will succeed and make hte playoffs once again. Something we have come quite used to. (Pred Rec: 10-6 *Wildcard)
8. New Orleans Saints: It's a slew of NFC Teams right now. The Saints defence is atrocious, but in the NFC that doesn't matter. They have a capable second corner in ex-Colt Justin David (which makes me oh so mad) and Brees is still Brees, the third best QB in the NFL if that. This team is good still, but not great. Enough to win their division though. (Pred Red: 10-6 *Division)
7. San Diego Chargers: Now people get angry. The Chargers are a talented team, no doubting that, and have one of the leagues best players in LT. They have a steroid fueled Linebacker, and a great TE. My problem is Rivers, if it weren't for LT, he wouldn't be able to win a game, and he quickly gives them away. Plus they choke in the playoffs, and the biggest reason why they are so low... They have an absolutely new crew of coaches, and that cannot possibly be a good sign for the future. (Pred Rec: 11-5 *Wildcard)
6. Washington Redskins: And now my rediculous out on a whim prediction... The Redskins will be real good. Ok, everyone calm now down, I am not on drugs, I just believe that this is the year. They may have the best safety duo in the NFL with Landry in the draft, their running game should be strong with Portis taking the handoffs, and Jason Campbell is my prediction for most improved player in the NFL this season. WR is still a concern, but on defence they look good. Can't help but pick them. (Pred Rec: 11-5 *Division/bye)
5. St. Louis Rams: My highest rated NFC team, I really like the way the Rams look for next season. Their WR's are extremely deep, and there is no one better at dilivering the ball in the NFC (besides Brees) than Bulger. Steven Jackson is easily an MVP candidate going into the season, and I actually like their defence. The NFC has problems, but the Rams don't have them (Pred Rec: 12-4 *Division/homefield)
4. Baltimore Ravens: McGahee instead of Jamal Lewis, and this team had a BYE last year. This team improved, and it just makes them scary. McNair, while not incredibly talented or dangreous anymore, can still win games, and with McGahee and their always strong defence, Baltimore will be good once again, and will win their division (Pred Rec 11-5 *Division)
3. Indianapolis Colts: My boys, but I won't put them on top just yet. Now their record is going to be great, cause the AFC South is an absolutely atrocious conference with no depth at all. Their defence lost both starting cornerbacks, their best linebacker, and are paying an inordinate sub for a good but not superb DE in Dwight Freeney. But its the Colts. Manning will be lights out, Harrision is still young, and they have the best offensive line in the NFL. And will Addai is a concern cause its the first point in his career he will be a lone back. Oh and they will beat the Patriots and get the bye, count on it (Pred Rec 13-3 *Division/bye)
2. New England Patriots: Why am I putting them ahead of Indy, despite having them concede the bye. Because in all likelihood its how it will go. The Pats bought alot of players, and because of that they will win alot of games, but they will choke away the one that counts. Their dynasty is over, and Moss will not give them the superbowl. (Pred Rec 13-3 *Division)
1. Denver Broncos: Best team in the NFL, I absolutely believe that right now. Travis Henry gives them their most talented Runningback sense Terrel Davis, Cutler has legit options, and the line is as good as always. And defence, the Cornerbacks with Bailey and Bly means you can't pass against them. They also have statistically a good run defence, so how do you score against them. You don't. While not my preseason Superbowl Champion, they will be the best regular season team. (Pred Rec: 14-2 *Division/homefield)
*Sorry for the hiatus but hopefully you enjoyed it
32. Houston Texans: This decision was as predetermined as they come. As soon as they ditched both Dominic Davis and David Carr for unproven Matt Schaub and basically retired Ahman Green. There defense is getting stronger, but this team looks earily like last years Raiders, a team with a far way to go. Andre Johnson will continue to deal with these painful rosters around him. (Predicted Record: 3-13)
31. Oakland Raiders: I think they have some done some good this offseason, as they have started to put together a roster that could legitimately be a challenge in many games. There defense continues to be strong, and their offense can't possibly get any worse. Josh Mcknown will be a step up from Walters, but for this roster they just have to throw Russel into the fray as soon as possible, and hope that they didn't waste as much money on Rhodes as I think. (Predicted Record: 4-12)
30. Cleveland Browns: Can you possibly see how easy it would be to fix this roster. I mean, it glares right at you the obvious of it all, but it just won't seem to happen. Charlie Frye is a good starter, but he will be put on such a short leash he will be wasted. The line got better, but isn't superb, and the defence is mediocre at best. Braylon Edwards and Winslow are both decent for their positions, but not intimidating, and Jamal Lewis is way over his prime. Dallas should be excited to see a nice high pick next season. (Predicted Record: 4-12)
29. Greenbay Packers: Seems like a big fall from their 8-8 season last year, but hear me out. This team seems to extremely overachieve ever year, and it has to be the end of it this year. Their Quarterback is a decade past his prime, their current runningback is Morency, a decent back, but not starter material. The WR's are overrated, and the defence is porous. Somehow they will still pull out some wins, but not enough to impress me. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
28. Tennessee Titans: Another succesful team that I predict to make a big fall. My big problem with Tennessee is while I think they have a talented Quarterback, he got too big too fast, and I think he will fizzle the way Michael Vick did. Also their best defender is gone for the entire year, and their best Runningback was given to the Broncos. They drafted a horrible group of players, and they are going to fall out fast. Plus they are in the AFC, and if it weren't for the Texans they'd be right near the bottom. (Pred Rec: 5-11)
27. Kansas City Chiefs: I am just ripping on these borderline playoff teams. I don't think Huard will be nearly as succesful not coming from the backup role, I feel that they overuse their best player to the point of insanity, and once Larry Johnson goes down (you know he will), this team will lose the rest of its game. Their line isn't as strong as it once was, and their defence may be as porous as it was five years ago. All in all, I am not to up on the Cheifs (Pred Rec: 6-10)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jeff Garcia came in for the playoff Eagles, and made himself a ton of really undeserved money. I like Jeff Garcia, he knows what he is doing. The problem with him, is he can't take over a game like he did five years ago, and Caddilac can't do for him what Westbrook did for him last year. This team is mediocre, and a mediocre team in the NFL quickly becomes a bottom team. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
25. Minnesota Vikings: I want to be way up on this team. They have the best player in the entire draft in Adrian Peterson, they have a great talented speed reciever in Troy Williamson (similiar to a Lee Evans style), their defence is absolutely amazing against the run, and their offensive line is improving every year. The problem is Tavarius Jackson. Minnesota loves him for some unknown reason, and refuse to think about anyone else. Their backup, Bollinger, also won't help. So with such a weakness in a key position, I can't get to high on them. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
24. Buffalo Bills: I think they have alot of positives on their team. I think a legit top five QB-WR combo is Losman to Evans, and I think they have a strong defensive line. The problem is I absolutely despise their secondary, as it may be the weakest in the NFL, I am not as sold on Pulozny as a linebacker as everyone else is, and there offensive line didn't do much to improve. There is talent on this team, but the other lack of talent on other positions will drag them down. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
23. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons always seem to do enough to not be completely terrible, and I don't doubt that the same will be this year. Hopefully Harrington will get to start, but that will only happen if Vick is injured or suspended. Warrick Dunn is still a decent runningback, and the defence is decent enough. While not a terrible team, they are not top 20 in the competitive NFL (Pred Rec: 7-9)
22. New York Giants: I love Eli Manning, we all know this, but this team has been horribly mismanaged. Their coach will be every bit as terrible as last year, they are running two runningbacks that are exactly the same (Jacobs and Droughns) and they don't have a top 10 defence to get through those weaknesses. They should still be able to score points though without Tiki, and while I think they will have a worse record then the Falcons, its only because the Giants have a tough schedule. (Pred Rec: 6-10)
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Oh the poor AFC South. They have way too many weak teams to imagine. First off, Jacksonville can't make up their mind about their QB at all, and even considering Culpepper seems crazy to me, cause it is just going to create more conflict. Their defence will still be strong, but will hang them up to dry, and Taylor was basically healthy all last season, and there is no way that will happen again. So most of their wins will come at the expense of AFC South rivals, but in the end they will be no threat at all (Pred Rec: 7-9)
20. Miami Dolphins: What to say. Last year this team was completely overhyped because of their "big addition" in Culpepper (hmm, sound familiar to the Moss scenario this year). Now they are more under the radar, with a consistant QB in Green, and should be an improved year for Ronnie Brown. However, nothing is set in stone when it comes to this team, cause in paper they look real good once again, but I am not jumping on that bandwagon just yet (Pred Rec: 7-9)
19. Detroit Lions: There are many things I like about the Lions. I like how Kitna has put them on the spot, and is trying to give hope on the fans. I like their runningback situation more than you would expect by looking at the roster (although thats only if Kevin Jones can stay healthy) and I like the way their defence is formed. My problem is, that I have liked all of this before, and who's to say it will all change now. Calvin Johnson is not a savor, but in my mind an overated draft choice, and the line was not improved like it should have. A good team, but still not ready to make that step. (Pred Rec: 7-9)
18. Carolina Panthers: First off, I am sure there is some bias' here cause I have never liked Jack Delhomme as a QB, and while Steve Smith is explosive, you can just as easily double team him, as the other side is a liability. Julius Peppers is still a great defender (although I think he is losing a step here and there) and Deshaun Foster is a decent but not superb runningback. The team has a long way to go, but who knows. I am sure they will contend for a little bit. (Pred Rec: 7-9)
17. Cincinatti Bengals: Much lower than I bet you would've thought, but they have an absolutely atrocious defence in a tough division. I was worried about how to handle the Bengals, so I decided they will do the exact same thing they did last year, win 50% of their games. Rudi Johnson and Carson Palmer will steal them a ton of game, and even some against the best of the best, but that will just show the fans what they could be and not what they actually are (Pred Rec 8-8)
16. Dallas Cowboys: Never a big Cowboys fan, and I despise how overated Tony Romo is (although his fumbled snap, histerical). The cowboys are essentially the exact same team they were before. They don't overly impress me but they have enough balanced talent (particularily on defence) to easily go .500 in an easy division, and the easiest conference. (Pred Rec 8-8)
15. Arizona Cardinals: The first team to come out of sleeper division, the insanely good NFC West. The Cardinals are up and coming as always, but its just to difficult in their current division. Every one of these teams will absolutely beat up on each other, and it will be a tight battle to the end. Leinart is the future QB, and there is no better WR duo outside of Indy. This team should come together, but similiar to the Lions, people have been saying that for a while (Pred Rec: 7-9)
14. Seattle Seahawks: They won the NFC West last year, and they are decent team. Alot of people are predicting one last strong run for these Seahawks, but I just don't feel they are young enough to compete in this competitive division. Hasslebeck and Alexander should both bounce back strong from last season, but the Seattle dynasty outwest is over (Pred Rec: 8-8)
13. Chicago Bears: Yes, they just made the Superbowl, and yes this is a predicted playoff position, but there are some problems. Grossman is still their QB and that is still a huge liability. They let go of their biggest offensive threat in Thomas Jones for basically nothing, and who knows if Benson can carry the load. Also their second best defender, Briggs, is in an ugly hold out. All in all, it will be enough to push the Bears into the playoffs, but be concerned. It isn't the same team in Chicago. (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Win Division*)
12. New York Jets: I didn't know how to handle the Jets. Its hard to rank a team lower that was playoff bound the year before, and had gotten legitimately better, with an actual runningback threat in Thomas Jones. Yet I will anyway. Why, because their schedule was so rediculously easy last year, that they had only ONE upset last year, when they beat the Pats. They are still a good team, but they are my last team out of the playoffs, as they will fall JUST short. (Pred Rec: 9-7)
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: How did I, of all people, allow the Steelers to get this high. Because unlike last year, they won't start as completely bad. Defence can win games, and the Steelers have that, and Parker on offense is a force. Roethelisberger should return to his old, never do anything form, and they have a great backup in Batch. They also are fighting for the one AFC playoff spot up for grabs (as the others all sound pretty definite to me). In the end they will barely edge out the Jets (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Wildcard)
10. San Francisco 49ers: I love the way this team looks. They have rebounded and rebuilt in the perfect way. Unlike many teams who try to keep improving in the minimal way, the 49ers basically bottomed out a few years ago, got Alex Smith and Frank Gore, and then just side the Bills CB, and they have a real good team. They should survive the NFC West and edge into the playoffs. (Pred Rec: 9-7 *Wildcard)
9. Philadelphia Eagles: Westbrook. Do I need to say more? A healthy McNabb moving the ball, and the same strong defence. Now they aren't a superb overpowering team, and will lose a bunch of games here and there, but they will succeed and make hte playoffs once again. Something we have come quite used to. (Pred Rec: 10-6 *Wildcard)
8. New Orleans Saints: It's a slew of NFC Teams right now. The Saints defence is atrocious, but in the NFC that doesn't matter. They have a capable second corner in ex-Colt Justin David (which makes me oh so mad) and Brees is still Brees, the third best QB in the NFL if that. This team is good still, but not great. Enough to win their division though. (Pred Red: 10-6 *Division)
7. San Diego Chargers: Now people get angry. The Chargers are a talented team, no doubting that, and have one of the leagues best players in LT. They have a steroid fueled Linebacker, and a great TE. My problem is Rivers, if it weren't for LT, he wouldn't be able to win a game, and he quickly gives them away. Plus they choke in the playoffs, and the biggest reason why they are so low... They have an absolutely new crew of coaches, and that cannot possibly be a good sign for the future. (Pred Rec: 11-5 *Wildcard)
6. Washington Redskins: And now my rediculous out on a whim prediction... The Redskins will be real good. Ok, everyone calm now down, I am not on drugs, I just believe that this is the year. They may have the best safety duo in the NFL with Landry in the draft, their running game should be strong with Portis taking the handoffs, and Jason Campbell is my prediction for most improved player in the NFL this season. WR is still a concern, but on defence they look good. Can't help but pick them. (Pred Rec: 11-5 *Division/bye)
5. St. Louis Rams: My highest rated NFC team, I really like the way the Rams look for next season. Their WR's are extremely deep, and there is no one better at dilivering the ball in the NFC (besides Brees) than Bulger. Steven Jackson is easily an MVP candidate going into the season, and I actually like their defence. The NFC has problems, but the Rams don't have them (Pred Rec: 12-4 *Division/homefield)
4. Baltimore Ravens: McGahee instead of Jamal Lewis, and this team had a BYE last year. This team improved, and it just makes them scary. McNair, while not incredibly talented or dangreous anymore, can still win games, and with McGahee and their always strong defence, Baltimore will be good once again, and will win their division (Pred Rec 11-5 *Division)
3. Indianapolis Colts: My boys, but I won't put them on top just yet. Now their record is going to be great, cause the AFC South is an absolutely atrocious conference with no depth at all. Their defence lost both starting cornerbacks, their best linebacker, and are paying an inordinate sub for a good but not superb DE in Dwight Freeney. But its the Colts. Manning will be lights out, Harrision is still young, and they have the best offensive line in the NFL. And will Addai is a concern cause its the first point in his career he will be a lone back. Oh and they will beat the Patriots and get the bye, count on it (Pred Rec 13-3 *Division/bye)
2. New England Patriots: Why am I putting them ahead of Indy, despite having them concede the bye. Because in all likelihood its how it will go. The Pats bought alot of players, and because of that they will win alot of games, but they will choke away the one that counts. Their dynasty is over, and Moss will not give them the superbowl. (Pred Rec 13-3 *Division)
1. Denver Broncos: Best team in the NFL, I absolutely believe that right now. Travis Henry gives them their most talented Runningback sense Terrel Davis, Cutler has legit options, and the line is as good as always. And defence, the Cornerbacks with Bailey and Bly means you can't pass against them. They also have statistically a good run defence, so how do you score against them. You don't. While not my preseason Superbowl Champion, they will be the best regular season team. (Pred Rec: 14-2 *Division/homefield)
*Sorry for the hiatus but hopefully you enjoyed it
Monday, June 25, 2007
Top 10 Favorite Classes
Well, heres a different type of list; one based on school. Basically, theres are the ten classes I have enjoyed the most sense I started school, so here we go.
10. Management 263: Business Law- I wasn't a huge fan of this class cause it was reading alot of boring cases, but it was so simple and relaxing AND we got to go to the courthouse, which was absolutely awesome. Sweetest field trip ever.
9. Music 100: Basic Musicianship- This class was so easy, and playing the piano pieces were moderately enjoyable. Balken (or however its spelled) was a funny teacher too, with his jokes. Not a bad class for boring material.
8. Management 100: Business Ethics- Such an easy class with Wall, even if it was 8:30. It was alot of group work and like no material, so it was kind of fun. Plus if you disagreed with a question on a test, she would likely immediately change it so you were right.
7. Geological Science 100- That might not be its exact name, but it was GSCI with Dora Farthing. She was an awesome teacher who gave you bonus points for going out and meeting with her (in whcih we talked solely about Big 10 football). It saved me from the dreaded science, so hey. Easy not to complain there.
6. Psych 321: Psychology of Parenting- This class brought up a ton of interesting issues, and while its subject matter was bizarre seeing I never want to be a parent, it was mostly common sense stuff, but explained in an informative way. I enjoyed the class, because I love developmental psyc basically.
5. Psych 251: Behavioral Methods- The class itself in theory was horrible, but for some odd reasons the students within it spent more time making jokes and having fun then doing any work. This was the class that unanimously voted that I should get a better grade, because I forgot to do the back page of the test. I tutored a girl in this class, cause she was calm enough to ask. This class was just plain fun. And to think what it would've been like if the material was interesting at all...
4. Intro to Microeconomics- Elyse hated this class, but I really enjoyed the material. I found alot of it very interesting and engrossing, where I was actually enjoying learning (crazy huh). I know alot of people didn't like prof. Chen, but I adored her. All in all, this was a superb class.
3. Psyc 321: Media Violence- Yes, I took two 321's cause it says I can in the handbook. Media Violence in itself was an absolutely fun class. We were allowed to watch flava' of love, and listening to music, and do research on videogames. I mean, it was a slightly difficult class, but it was great material, stuff that interests me.
2. Psyc 217: Adolescent Development- The case studies as homework is what took me over. We had to read 6 of them, I believe, and I read all of them in the book, because it was interesting to see these perspectives. This was the part of development that interested me most, the adolescent teen when they are all confused. It was a great class taught by Zook, that brought up subjects I enjoy.
1. Creative Writing-I shared this class with Emily, and I definitely enjoyed having a class where all you had to do was write. I mean, could the class have been better, of course. Less poetry and more of every thing else. But even writing poetry can be fun, and writing for this class was always fun. This was easily my favorite class.
10. Management 263: Business Law- I wasn't a huge fan of this class cause it was reading alot of boring cases, but it was so simple and relaxing AND we got to go to the courthouse, which was absolutely awesome. Sweetest field trip ever.
9. Music 100: Basic Musicianship- This class was so easy, and playing the piano pieces were moderately enjoyable. Balken (or however its spelled) was a funny teacher too, with his jokes. Not a bad class for boring material.
8. Management 100: Business Ethics- Such an easy class with Wall, even if it was 8:30. It was alot of group work and like no material, so it was kind of fun. Plus if you disagreed with a question on a test, she would likely immediately change it so you were right.
7. Geological Science 100- That might not be its exact name, but it was GSCI with Dora Farthing. She was an awesome teacher who gave you bonus points for going out and meeting with her (in whcih we talked solely about Big 10 football). It saved me from the dreaded science, so hey. Easy not to complain there.
6. Psych 321: Psychology of Parenting- This class brought up a ton of interesting issues, and while its subject matter was bizarre seeing I never want to be a parent, it was mostly common sense stuff, but explained in an informative way. I enjoyed the class, because I love developmental psyc basically.
5. Psych 251: Behavioral Methods- The class itself in theory was horrible, but for some odd reasons the students within it spent more time making jokes and having fun then doing any work. This was the class that unanimously voted that I should get a better grade, because I forgot to do the back page of the test. I tutored a girl in this class, cause she was calm enough to ask. This class was just plain fun. And to think what it would've been like if the material was interesting at all...
4. Intro to Microeconomics- Elyse hated this class, but I really enjoyed the material. I found alot of it very interesting and engrossing, where I was actually enjoying learning (crazy huh). I know alot of people didn't like prof. Chen, but I adored her. All in all, this was a superb class.
3. Psyc 321: Media Violence- Yes, I took two 321's cause it says I can in the handbook. Media Violence in itself was an absolutely fun class. We were allowed to watch flava' of love, and listening to music, and do research on videogames. I mean, it was a slightly difficult class, but it was great material, stuff that interests me.
2. Psyc 217: Adolescent Development- The case studies as homework is what took me over. We had to read 6 of them, I believe, and I read all of them in the book, because it was interesting to see these perspectives. This was the part of development that interested me most, the adolescent teen when they are all confused. It was a great class taught by Zook, that brought up subjects I enjoy.
1. Creative Writing-I shared this class with Emily, and I definitely enjoyed having a class where all you had to do was write. I mean, could the class have been better, of course. Less poetry and more of every thing else. But even writing poetry can be fun, and writing for this class was always fun. This was easily my favorite class.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Favorite Sports to Play
Sorry about the delay, but because of me being unexpectantly busy yesterday, I was unable to have the time to invest in a list. However, I will get this done tonight (and also the next event in the Don Awards have been delayed a day to Wednesday). So, I am doing my 10 favorite sports to play. This has nothing to do with watching. However some quick notes on the list: First of all, indoor and outdoor count the same as one sports (so you don't see two footballs or soccer, cause while they differ, they are similiar). I also made this list in tribute to how much I love playing sports, that it is insane. So on I go.
10. Bowling: Its on ESPN and therefore its a sport. Plus, if I only counted athletic sports, there will be controversy by who's eliminated and all that, plus the pool to pick from would be so much smaller. I enjoy bowling, albeit it is so extremely frustrating (but what sport isn't). It's a great feeling to get a strike or pick up a spare.
9. Baseball/Softball: I am kinda surprised it made the list at all, because unlike alot of people I was never a huge fan of playing baseball. I gave it up very young but never regretted it, and with the little oppurtunities to play, it never dominated my thoughts. However, playing in Gym was always alot of fun and playing on AJ's team while batting (defensively, not nearly as fun). So its a fun enough sport to make the list.
8. Dodgeball: I know this will upset alot of you, because you all have some love for the sport. But its fun, but so simplistic. I mean, dodging is fun, but its the opposite of everything I love, blocking. It can be fun to play to get rid of some time, but these other 7 sports I will jump on immediately ahead of this.
7. Minature Golf: Ok, this is the most non-sport on this list, but Golfs a sport, and I don't really like Golf. But Minature Golf is amazingly fun. I mean, I understand the merits of why its not, but hey, its my list, and they don't need to be high activity to make this list.
6. Volleyball: The last member of what of the bottom five, sports I enjoy but not love. Volleyball is extremely fun if you get the chance to spike or block, and I enjoy it. Just not nearly the top five who are so above and beyond the bottom five.
~Intermission: I just wanted you to know that the bottom five has absolutely nothing on the top five. They differed by so much it was rediculous. You'll understand as soon as you see number five.~
5. Basketball: I love the game. You can always find a way to play no matter the number of people, and a pure game causes you to make rebounds, shots, and acrobatic passes. Its an amazing game and one that I always want to play... always.
4. Football: A little bit of a drop, because its so impossible to get a good game going, but playing WR always gives a feeling, go through the middle and making grabs. Its a tough sport, one that forces you to take a few hits and make tough grabs, but its always worth it. A superb sport to play, and worth the effort to find the people.
3. Soccer: Ah yes, the biggest rise in my mind. In the old days I was never a huge fan of soccer. It was too much running and off the ball movement, and i just never fell in love with defensive battles. Then, however, I started playing goal, and sense that moment I have begun to really love soccer. Playing goal gives a fulfilling feeling whenever you block a shot, and I am willing to travel an hour every Sunday just to play goal in a league, and its worth it. No doubt that goaltending has caused this move.
2. Tennis: Despite soccers increase, a good tennis match is something you must always cherish. It's a mental game of give and take. You have to make your shots and your plays, and the points can be absolutely amazing if you get into a good rally. Given that, I still love tennis more than you can imagine. Back in highschool it was my favorite sport, as it was awesome to be a starter on the team. It is a great sport to play.
1. Floor Hockey: Of course this was number 1. It always is. Being out there during intramurals was absolutely mind boggling. I am way too into it, that every slump is extremely painful, and every goal is the top of the world. I love playing it, I love the escape of it all. Floor hockey is the best game, too bad I only play it 8 times a year...
There you go, my 10 favorite sports to play. Hopefully you share some in common, so I can play them more next year, but if not, oh well.
10. Bowling: Its on ESPN and therefore its a sport. Plus, if I only counted athletic sports, there will be controversy by who's eliminated and all that, plus the pool to pick from would be so much smaller. I enjoy bowling, albeit it is so extremely frustrating (but what sport isn't). It's a great feeling to get a strike or pick up a spare.
9. Baseball/Softball: I am kinda surprised it made the list at all, because unlike alot of people I was never a huge fan of playing baseball. I gave it up very young but never regretted it, and with the little oppurtunities to play, it never dominated my thoughts. However, playing in Gym was always alot of fun and playing on AJ's team while batting (defensively, not nearly as fun). So its a fun enough sport to make the list.
8. Dodgeball: I know this will upset alot of you, because you all have some love for the sport. But its fun, but so simplistic. I mean, dodging is fun, but its the opposite of everything I love, blocking. It can be fun to play to get rid of some time, but these other 7 sports I will jump on immediately ahead of this.
7. Minature Golf: Ok, this is the most non-sport on this list, but Golfs a sport, and I don't really like Golf. But Minature Golf is amazingly fun. I mean, I understand the merits of why its not, but hey, its my list, and they don't need to be high activity to make this list.
6. Volleyball: The last member of what of the bottom five, sports I enjoy but not love. Volleyball is extremely fun if you get the chance to spike or block, and I enjoy it. Just not nearly the top five who are so above and beyond the bottom five.
~Intermission: I just wanted you to know that the bottom five has absolutely nothing on the top five. They differed by so much it was rediculous. You'll understand as soon as you see number five.~
5. Basketball: I love the game. You can always find a way to play no matter the number of people, and a pure game causes you to make rebounds, shots, and acrobatic passes. Its an amazing game and one that I always want to play... always.
4. Football: A little bit of a drop, because its so impossible to get a good game going, but playing WR always gives a feeling, go through the middle and making grabs. Its a tough sport, one that forces you to take a few hits and make tough grabs, but its always worth it. A superb sport to play, and worth the effort to find the people.
3. Soccer: Ah yes, the biggest rise in my mind. In the old days I was never a huge fan of soccer. It was too much running and off the ball movement, and i just never fell in love with defensive battles. Then, however, I started playing goal, and sense that moment I have begun to really love soccer. Playing goal gives a fulfilling feeling whenever you block a shot, and I am willing to travel an hour every Sunday just to play goal in a league, and its worth it. No doubt that goaltending has caused this move.
2. Tennis: Despite soccers increase, a good tennis match is something you must always cherish. It's a mental game of give and take. You have to make your shots and your plays, and the points can be absolutely amazing if you get into a good rally. Given that, I still love tennis more than you can imagine. Back in highschool it was my favorite sport, as it was awesome to be a starter on the team. It is a great sport to play.
1. Floor Hockey: Of course this was number 1. It always is. Being out there during intramurals was absolutely mind boggling. I am way too into it, that every slump is extremely painful, and every goal is the top of the world. I love playing it, I love the escape of it all. Floor hockey is the best game, too bad I only play it 8 times a year...
There you go, my 10 favorite sports to play. Hopefully you share some in common, so I can play them more next year, but if not, oh well.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Top 10 Favorite Mens Tennis Players
Well, I am not very motivated today, especially sense the prime of my thought process is towards my television awards (which can be found at http://donawards.blogspot.com/) but with the French Open completely underway it is time to alert the masses who I am cheering for this season. As you all probably know, it is very inconsistant what male and female tennis players I cheer for, as I basically change it up every year, for who knows what reasons. Anyway, lets fly through this as quickly as we can.
10. Andy Murray (Great Britain)- A great up and coming player, and the most realistic Wimbledon hope for England in the anywhere near future. I feel when all is said and done he will be the one who officially puts Federer's legacy behind, and takes the wheel because he should be hitting his prime (along with Monfils and Djokivic) at the same time Federer should start to slide, but we will see.
9. Carlos Moya (Spain)- Spain always dominates my list, and every year Moya is one of my ten favorite players. He is a great clay courter with a fun personality, and we all hope that he continues hes storied and succesful career. He is getting old, but is still top 30, and give him props for being one of my ALL TIME favorite tennis players.
8. Richard Gasquet (France)- Ah yes, the aggressive frenchman. First heard of him through Smash Court Tennis for the PS2, but he continues to be a fighter, and a quiet one at that. He is nearing his prime at the moment, and I feel he could still a hard court Grand Slam title with no one even noticing
7. Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)- Similiar to Moya he has been on my list every single year, and for a long time he topped it, but his personality has become dry, and his style less invigorating, but still enough to get my support. He lost today to Nadal, but at least he put it all on the line. Plus he is the only non-european on this list, like nearly always.
6. Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland)- Ah yes, my no name boy. By far the least succesful player on this list, plus he looks like he is 14, but he is so humorous to watch. He made a run at the Australian before losing to Robredo, and unluckily ran into Ljubicic in the second round of the French. He is even younger than Murray, but who knows where his future will be... Could be at the bottom of a barrel in ten years, or a top 5 player... Hopefully the second, but more likely the first.
5. Tommy Haas (Germany): Ah yes, a career top 15 player, with absolutely no real success to note. This list is made of alot of them, seeing the dominance of Federer has caused this, but who knows what this players future could bring. Similiar to Gasquet he is hitting his prime now, and hopefully he won't waste it, and will see at least a few runs from him.
4. David Ferrer (Spain): If you change one letter and add a letter you get the most famous tennis player at the moment, but thats not the point. No one knows anything about David Ferrer, yet he is a top 15 player. How is that possible. His Wiki page is like a paragraph long, its just crazy. Anyway, the second spaniard on my list, and I know absolutely nothing about him... not even his age, but lets go Ferrer.
3. Ivan Ljubicic (Croatia): My number one from last year, drops a little bit but still holds a good spot on my list. He is deceptively old for tennis, yet hit his prime only last year getting all the way to Number 3 in the world rankings, which is really like number 1 for all of these guys. But hey, ask anyone who is number 3 back then they wouldn't know unless its Roddick who everyone loves despite his personality. But anyway, Ljubicic has fallen a bit too 7th, but the grass court season will help him out.
2. Tommy Robredo (Spain): The third and final Spaniard on the list, you may have heard of him seeing I have been preaching about him all week about how he is going to stun the world and win the French Open. I have fully put myself behind him, and because of that, he made a complete surge onto my list, from not even being part of it last year. He's a clay and hard courter, typical of the Spanish style, which is why I love the French Open. Plus he LOVES 24, and he nicknamed his coach President Palmer, so see how cool he is.
1. Nickolay Davydenko (Russia): My number 2 last year, has moved on up to number one. Fourth in the world currently, and still quietly fighting in the French Open, he is an all surface player, possibly the best at doing that behind Federer (look at Nadal in the US and Australian, or Roddick on Clay) because he is versatile and impressive. He is only 26 even if he looks 30, but his consistancy will only go so far before he dominates. I mean, by the end of this year you all will know who he is when he wins the US Open, just you wait!!!!
10. Andy Murray (Great Britain)- A great up and coming player, and the most realistic Wimbledon hope for England in the anywhere near future. I feel when all is said and done he will be the one who officially puts Federer's legacy behind, and takes the wheel because he should be hitting his prime (along with Monfils and Djokivic) at the same time Federer should start to slide, but we will see.
9. Carlos Moya (Spain)- Spain always dominates my list, and every year Moya is one of my ten favorite players. He is a great clay courter with a fun personality, and we all hope that he continues hes storied and succesful career. He is getting old, but is still top 30, and give him props for being one of my ALL TIME favorite tennis players.
8. Richard Gasquet (France)- Ah yes, the aggressive frenchman. First heard of him through Smash Court Tennis for the PS2, but he continues to be a fighter, and a quiet one at that. He is nearing his prime at the moment, and I feel he could still a hard court Grand Slam title with no one even noticing
7. Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)- Similiar to Moya he has been on my list every single year, and for a long time he topped it, but his personality has become dry, and his style less invigorating, but still enough to get my support. He lost today to Nadal, but at least he put it all on the line. Plus he is the only non-european on this list, like nearly always.
6. Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland)- Ah yes, my no name boy. By far the least succesful player on this list, plus he looks like he is 14, but he is so humorous to watch. He made a run at the Australian before losing to Robredo, and unluckily ran into Ljubicic in the second round of the French. He is even younger than Murray, but who knows where his future will be... Could be at the bottom of a barrel in ten years, or a top 5 player... Hopefully the second, but more likely the first.
5. Tommy Haas (Germany): Ah yes, a career top 15 player, with absolutely no real success to note. This list is made of alot of them, seeing the dominance of Federer has caused this, but who knows what this players future could bring. Similiar to Gasquet he is hitting his prime now, and hopefully he won't waste it, and will see at least a few runs from him.
4. David Ferrer (Spain): If you change one letter and add a letter you get the most famous tennis player at the moment, but thats not the point. No one knows anything about David Ferrer, yet he is a top 15 player. How is that possible. His Wiki page is like a paragraph long, its just crazy. Anyway, the second spaniard on my list, and I know absolutely nothing about him... not even his age, but lets go Ferrer.
3. Ivan Ljubicic (Croatia): My number one from last year, drops a little bit but still holds a good spot on my list. He is deceptively old for tennis, yet hit his prime only last year getting all the way to Number 3 in the world rankings, which is really like number 1 for all of these guys. But hey, ask anyone who is number 3 back then they wouldn't know unless its Roddick who everyone loves despite his personality. But anyway, Ljubicic has fallen a bit too 7th, but the grass court season will help him out.
2. Tommy Robredo (Spain): The third and final Spaniard on the list, you may have heard of him seeing I have been preaching about him all week about how he is going to stun the world and win the French Open. I have fully put myself behind him, and because of that, he made a complete surge onto my list, from not even being part of it last year. He's a clay and hard courter, typical of the Spanish style, which is why I love the French Open. Plus he LOVES 24, and he nicknamed his coach President Palmer, so see how cool he is.
1. Nickolay Davydenko (Russia): My number 2 last year, has moved on up to number one. Fourth in the world currently, and still quietly fighting in the French Open, he is an all surface player, possibly the best at doing that behind Federer (look at Nadal in the US and Australian, or Roddick on Clay) because he is versatile and impressive. He is only 26 even if he looks 30, but his consistancy will only go so far before he dominates. I mean, by the end of this year you all will know who he is when he wins the US Open, just you wait!!!!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Top 10 Lost Flashbacks
Ok, obviously with the conclussion of the third season of the greatest tv show complete (and the show halfway done season wise, and mroe than halfway episode wise) its time for a huge collection of "Lost" lists. Now there are other reasons for this. To begin with, I am pretty confident that only Thiell and Elyse read this, and they both watch "Lost" so they can relate to it. Second, I love Lost and I love making lists. So anyway, onto the criteria for this list:
~To begin with these are on the flashbacks alone and not the episodes. I think of the importance, the shock value, and just how well of a story it was to put together this list.
~ Secondly, these includes not just the flashbacks but the flashforwrad, time travel, and the minor flashbacks that occured during "The Brig", "Three Minutes" for example were the flashbacks are still on the island. Anyway, onto the list.
~Lastly these are labeled by episode title, who it was about, and what number of flashback for them was it.
10. Solitary (Sayid #1): As an episode this was an extremely strange one in the first season, but the flashback itself was very interesting to see what Sayid would do for Nadia. It also showed how Sayid really wasn't such a great person, and that he was a torturer. I thought this was a stunning flashback that shows how good people, do bad things, but also do good things. I know, that really doesn't make sense, but this was a superb story.
9. Flashes Before Your Eyes (Desmond #2): This was a very bizarre flashback, as the majority of the episode was actually this flashback, if it can really be called that. In a way, this episode was actually more of a time travel and while it was so bizzarre it really showed what Lost was. Desmond could use his current knowledge to look back, and see what had happened to him. It was twisted, but also very interesting. This was important and fairly shocking, although the story wasn't amazing in it.
8. Deus Ex Machina (Locke #2): First off, this was one of the best episodes of all time, and where another character shined just as much, but this was also Locke's first flashback to actually feature his father, the famous Anthony Cooper. How it was set up that Locke actually met his father, before getting stabbed in the back was very important, because this episode directly shows why Locke had nearly no self-esteem and why he never wants to leave the island. And while Locke isn't my favorite character, Terry O'Quinn can outright act, and this was one of his best performances.
7. Through the Looking Glass (Jack #8): This really is mainly here because of just pure shock value. The flashforward was pretty amazing and relatively surprising. Also, Matthew Fox absolutely aced his role, and to see how much of a downfall getting off the island had on him was one of the superb "Lost" moments I can remember. An amazing episode which the flashback didn't bring down at all.
6. ...In Translation (Jin #1): This was Jin's look on nearly the same scenarios that we earlier saw with Sun. However, this was the first time Jin was shown as not really a bad guy, but actually a person who would do anything to keep the girl he loved. Plus his conversation with his father was one of my favorite moments within the show, because Jin's father is the one completely good guy in this show, even if his poverty is an embarrasment to his son.
5. S.O.S (Rose & Bernard #1): Well, the number really isn't needed because this is their only flashback, but it was really quite interesting, including the mini-shocker at the end that Rose knew Locke's secret, and how the island didn't just affect him, but her as well. There is not a better television romance then this older couples... I mean, in that flashback when Bernard asks Rose to marry her, and she says she won't live much longer, and he asks her anyway is absolutely amazing. It wasn't an action packed flashback, but it was heartfelt and it needed to be part of this list.
4. Man Behind the Curtain (Ben #1): Ben is an amazing character, and to find out that he was once Dharma was pretty exciting, and then to continue from that idea to see how he related to the hostiles was pretty amazing, and how he met the ageless Richard. This flashback left alot of questions though, about how a kid who betrayed himself to become the leader of the others (besides Jacob) instead of someone like Richard who has always been a native. Plus how he killed his father was pretty impressive and flashed back to the very unpopular Hurley car episode and how Roger was actually Bens dad.
3. Man From Tallahassee (Locke # 6): It seems like all of my lists have a top 3 that it was far ahead of the rest of the group, and there is no difference for this list. This third season episode solved the mystery of how Locke got paralyzed but in a way no one really expected. The story of Locke's relationship with his father continued to develop until the point that Anthony Cooper pushed Locke out of a window. It was a shocking moment, but one that lingered with us fans forever. It was as shocking of an episode as we could imagine, but also as superb as one.
2. The 23rd Psalm (Mr. Eko #1): The top 2 flashbacks both mainly get these spots because of the storyline within them, and Mr. Eko's past was a surprising one. His involvement with the drug plane and his brother Yemi was very powerful and showed how Eko was once this horrible person, but only because of his brothers sacrifice did he change. It had a climatic conclussion with the government, but this was a superb flashback of the only superb 2nd season only character.
1. Outlaws (Sawyer #2): This is one of maybe only two episodes where the on island storyline is second nature behind the flashback. The storyline itself doesn't enhance the Lost world as it is basically going after a warthog. However, the flashback as Sawyer goes after the man he thinks is his enemy is amazing in itself, and within that the first crossover in the Lost history with Sawyers run in with Jacks father, Christian. It was a powerful scene, that leads to an even more powerful scene later in the show, as Sawyer comes to grip with what he must do. Also, besides Desmond's weird one, this is the only one where one flashback goes for an entire section of the show (from right after a commercial all the way to the next one for 8+ minutes). This is the best Lost flashback ever.
---> So anyway, once again something Thiell likes falls just short of the list, as Greatest Hits (Charlie) was the runner up for the list this time around. Now, this is only the first of potentially numerous Lost lists, but I thought this was a good place to start. Its specific but also important, and it makes a superb list. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this. Peace Out
~To begin with these are on the flashbacks alone and not the episodes. I think of the importance, the shock value, and just how well of a story it was to put together this list.
~ Secondly, these includes not just the flashbacks but the flashforwrad, time travel, and the minor flashbacks that occured during "The Brig", "Three Minutes" for example were the flashbacks are still on the island. Anyway, onto the list.
~Lastly these are labeled by episode title, who it was about, and what number of flashback for them was it.
10. Solitary (Sayid #1): As an episode this was an extremely strange one in the first season, but the flashback itself was very interesting to see what Sayid would do for Nadia. It also showed how Sayid really wasn't such a great person, and that he was a torturer. I thought this was a stunning flashback that shows how good people, do bad things, but also do good things. I know, that really doesn't make sense, but this was a superb story.
9. Flashes Before Your Eyes (Desmond #2): This was a very bizarre flashback, as the majority of the episode was actually this flashback, if it can really be called that. In a way, this episode was actually more of a time travel and while it was so bizzarre it really showed what Lost was. Desmond could use his current knowledge to look back, and see what had happened to him. It was twisted, but also very interesting. This was important and fairly shocking, although the story wasn't amazing in it.
8. Deus Ex Machina (Locke #2): First off, this was one of the best episodes of all time, and where another character shined just as much, but this was also Locke's first flashback to actually feature his father, the famous Anthony Cooper. How it was set up that Locke actually met his father, before getting stabbed in the back was very important, because this episode directly shows why Locke had nearly no self-esteem and why he never wants to leave the island. And while Locke isn't my favorite character, Terry O'Quinn can outright act, and this was one of his best performances.
7. Through the Looking Glass (Jack #8): This really is mainly here because of just pure shock value. The flashforward was pretty amazing and relatively surprising. Also, Matthew Fox absolutely aced his role, and to see how much of a downfall getting off the island had on him was one of the superb "Lost" moments I can remember. An amazing episode which the flashback didn't bring down at all.
6. ...In Translation (Jin #1): This was Jin's look on nearly the same scenarios that we earlier saw with Sun. However, this was the first time Jin was shown as not really a bad guy, but actually a person who would do anything to keep the girl he loved. Plus his conversation with his father was one of my favorite moments within the show, because Jin's father is the one completely good guy in this show, even if his poverty is an embarrasment to his son.
5. S.O.S (Rose & Bernard #1): Well, the number really isn't needed because this is their only flashback, but it was really quite interesting, including the mini-shocker at the end that Rose knew Locke's secret, and how the island didn't just affect him, but her as well. There is not a better television romance then this older couples... I mean, in that flashback when Bernard asks Rose to marry her, and she says she won't live much longer, and he asks her anyway is absolutely amazing. It wasn't an action packed flashback, but it was heartfelt and it needed to be part of this list.
4. Man Behind the Curtain (Ben #1): Ben is an amazing character, and to find out that he was once Dharma was pretty exciting, and then to continue from that idea to see how he related to the hostiles was pretty amazing, and how he met the ageless Richard. This flashback left alot of questions though, about how a kid who betrayed himself to become the leader of the others (besides Jacob) instead of someone like Richard who has always been a native. Plus how he killed his father was pretty impressive and flashed back to the very unpopular Hurley car episode and how Roger was actually Bens dad.
3. Man From Tallahassee (Locke # 6): It seems like all of my lists have a top 3 that it was far ahead of the rest of the group, and there is no difference for this list. This third season episode solved the mystery of how Locke got paralyzed but in a way no one really expected. The story of Locke's relationship with his father continued to develop until the point that Anthony Cooper pushed Locke out of a window. It was a shocking moment, but one that lingered with us fans forever. It was as shocking of an episode as we could imagine, but also as superb as one.
2. The 23rd Psalm (Mr. Eko #1): The top 2 flashbacks both mainly get these spots because of the storyline within them, and Mr. Eko's past was a surprising one. His involvement with the drug plane and his brother Yemi was very powerful and showed how Eko was once this horrible person, but only because of his brothers sacrifice did he change. It had a climatic conclussion with the government, but this was a superb flashback of the only superb 2nd season only character.
1. Outlaws (Sawyer #2): This is one of maybe only two episodes where the on island storyline is second nature behind the flashback. The storyline itself doesn't enhance the Lost world as it is basically going after a warthog. However, the flashback as Sawyer goes after the man he thinks is his enemy is amazing in itself, and within that the first crossover in the Lost history with Sawyers run in with Jacks father, Christian. It was a powerful scene, that leads to an even more powerful scene later in the show, as Sawyer comes to grip with what he must do. Also, besides Desmond's weird one, this is the only one where one flashback goes for an entire section of the show (from right after a commercial all the way to the next one for 8+ minutes). This is the best Lost flashback ever.
---> So anyway, once again something Thiell likes falls just short of the list, as Greatest Hits (Charlie) was the runner up for the list this time around. Now, this is only the first of potentially numerous Lost lists, but I thought this was a good place to start. Its specific but also important, and it makes a superb list. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this. Peace Out
Monday, May 21, 2007
Top 10 TV Sibling Relationships
I was saving this for later, but I am running out of time to put up a blog tonight. Anyway, these are my favorite sibling relationships (not neccesarily the best ones, as some are less than healthy) but I believe all of them are truly there for the other no matter what, so one with it.
10. Bright & Amy Abbott (Everwood): Ok, I recently watched the first season of Everwood, and the main family is rediculously annoying and not very well acted. However, the sub family of the Abbotts is always intriguing, and Bright and Amy are reasons for it. Colin's paralysis seems to make this sibling relationship more trying, but they do support eachother.
9. Ryan & Cyril O'Reilley (Oz): Ryan initially was the reason Cyril was initially in prison, but afterwords Ryan did everything possible. Plus the scene of Cyril's (almost) execution was Oz at its finest and showing how much Ryan cared for his brother. He would do anything for him...
8. Michael and Job Bluth (Arrested Development): Originally they were on the friendship list, so naturally they were a shoe in for the sibling list. I mean, they are the most complex (I think) of all the sibling relationship because while Michael and Lindsey are closer (and Buster at most times seems very removed) Job is the one that you can never really tell how much they have an affect on the other. Maybe it was because the dad always put them against one another, but either way they were complicated...
7. Eric and Jake Green (Jericho): This show sadly got only one season, and I am still five episodes from concluding it, but these two siblings are very close despite how one left his wife for another girl, and the other ran away from home a long time ago. Plus when both of them head out to Rogue River to protect eachother was when Jericho was at its best.
6. Casey and Derek (Life with Derek): Ok, so this is a Disney Channel show (orginally made by Canada, btw) but what makes this show is the rivalry with these two Type A individuals. They pretend to absolutely despise eachother, but there are also these rare moments (and this is when the show is absolutely amazing) where Derek actually helps out his sister, although he'll deny it later. Great chemistry, and great show.
5. Corey and Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World): I am mainly basing this off of their early brotherhood relationship rather than when the show jumped the shark when they went to college. It was pretty simple, Eric wanted girls and Corey wanted fun. I always felt it was a fairly realistic sibling relationship cause Eric would always make fun of Corey, which I would do too if he was my brother.
4. Charlie and Bailey Salinger (Party of Five): Well, two seasons done of this show and this show is about the topic of this list. I mean, at its simplest Party of Five is how siblings can stick together despite tragedy. Bailey and Charlie are the perfect example of this, cause while they fight and Bailey will always tell Charlie how he is ruining the family, when the time comes he will bail them out in a huge way. And also after the wedding how Bailey is there for Charlie was probably the best moment of this show.
3. Michael Schoefield and Lincoln Burrows (Prison Break): This is simple, Michael would break himself into prison to save his brother. Not many people would do that. The whole show is based upon how close they are, so I really don't feel I need to defend this one that much.
2. Boone Carlysle and Shannon Rutherford (Lost): I know this will get some debate, seeing how unethical (to some) there relationship was at time, but when it came down to it, Boone would do anything for her, even taking on the likes of Sawyer, or something simple like having her hairbrush when she needed it. Shannon was never nearly as nice to him, but when Boone's heartfelt demise came, and Shannon found it, you could see her pain. This could easily have been number one, if only...
1. J.J and Meg Prior (American Dreams): Tough call against the Lost siblings, but this was the prototypical sibling relationship. J.J was overly protective but loving, and Meg was worrisome and always wanted to be with her brother. Also, these were the two best characters in the show. In the end, I always liked the interaction between the two of them, so it earned the top spot.
10. Bright & Amy Abbott (Everwood): Ok, I recently watched the first season of Everwood, and the main family is rediculously annoying and not very well acted. However, the sub family of the Abbotts is always intriguing, and Bright and Amy are reasons for it. Colin's paralysis seems to make this sibling relationship more trying, but they do support eachother.
9. Ryan & Cyril O'Reilley (Oz): Ryan initially was the reason Cyril was initially in prison, but afterwords Ryan did everything possible. Plus the scene of Cyril's (almost) execution was Oz at its finest and showing how much Ryan cared for his brother. He would do anything for him...
8. Michael and Job Bluth (Arrested Development): Originally they were on the friendship list, so naturally they were a shoe in for the sibling list. I mean, they are the most complex (I think) of all the sibling relationship because while Michael and Lindsey are closer (and Buster at most times seems very removed) Job is the one that you can never really tell how much they have an affect on the other. Maybe it was because the dad always put them against one another, but either way they were complicated...
7. Eric and Jake Green (Jericho): This show sadly got only one season, and I am still five episodes from concluding it, but these two siblings are very close despite how one left his wife for another girl, and the other ran away from home a long time ago. Plus when both of them head out to Rogue River to protect eachother was when Jericho was at its best.
6. Casey and Derek (Life with Derek): Ok, so this is a Disney Channel show (orginally made by Canada, btw) but what makes this show is the rivalry with these two Type A individuals. They pretend to absolutely despise eachother, but there are also these rare moments (and this is when the show is absolutely amazing) where Derek actually helps out his sister, although he'll deny it later. Great chemistry, and great show.
5. Corey and Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World): I am mainly basing this off of their early brotherhood relationship rather than when the show jumped the shark when they went to college. It was pretty simple, Eric wanted girls and Corey wanted fun. I always felt it was a fairly realistic sibling relationship cause Eric would always make fun of Corey, which I would do too if he was my brother.
4. Charlie and Bailey Salinger (Party of Five): Well, two seasons done of this show and this show is about the topic of this list. I mean, at its simplest Party of Five is how siblings can stick together despite tragedy. Bailey and Charlie are the perfect example of this, cause while they fight and Bailey will always tell Charlie how he is ruining the family, when the time comes he will bail them out in a huge way. And also after the wedding how Bailey is there for Charlie was probably the best moment of this show.
3. Michael Schoefield and Lincoln Burrows (Prison Break): This is simple, Michael would break himself into prison to save his brother. Not many people would do that. The whole show is based upon how close they are, so I really don't feel I need to defend this one that much.
2. Boone Carlysle and Shannon Rutherford (Lost): I know this will get some debate, seeing how unethical (to some) there relationship was at time, but when it came down to it, Boone would do anything for her, even taking on the likes of Sawyer, or something simple like having her hairbrush when she needed it. Shannon was never nearly as nice to him, but when Boone's heartfelt demise came, and Shannon found it, you could see her pain. This could easily have been number one, if only...
1. J.J and Meg Prior (American Dreams): Tough call against the Lost siblings, but this was the prototypical sibling relationship. J.J was overly protective but loving, and Meg was worrisome and always wanted to be with her brother. Also, these were the two best characters in the show. In the end, I always liked the interaction between the two of them, so it earned the top spot.
Monday, May 14, 2007
10 Favorite Sports Movies
Before the spew of Lost based lists, I want to get one more off center list and do my top 10 favorite sport movies. Now, I haven't seen nearly them all; including hits like Rocky, Bull Durham, or Raging Bull, so complaints about those not being included are because lack of oppurtunity. This are also favorite, not best, which is key here, cause a movie like Field of Dreams is not here, while I don't consider it one of the best made ones, not one of my favorites. Anyway, lets begin.
10. Hoosier- Seems awfully low for a hugely considered classic movie, and I enjoyed it, but not worthy of much higher. The main reason for that is that I love movies where you care about the players, and in Hoosiers the players seem to go to a huge backseat behind the coach, and Gene Hackman is NOT one of my favorite actors. Its a good movie, but not great.
9. Glory Road- A much newer sports movie, and one that really shows you about race problems and has a great cast of players. This is Disney made, but Disney has made nuerous great sports movies and this is no different. It tells a story of one of the greatest college basketball teams ever, and how they won despite all odds. Can't wait to watch this one again.
8. Gridiron Gang- This movie really surprised me, as while I had decently high expectations I cannot stand the Rock (and he is still a horrible actor in my mind) but the amount of gang violence in this movie, and how it was thrown right at us is what really lifts this movie up. Plus you care for the characters, and their gangs, and it doesn't have a sappy ending. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie.
7. Hoop Dreams- I just saw this documentary like a month ago, and it was extremely long, but it was worth it to see a look at these two players and how their lives were extremely changed by how basketball affected their life. This is different than any other movie on this list because instead of being a remake of a true story, its the direct true story, and one of the best I've ever seen.
6. Miracle- I was extremely excited for this film, because I love hockey, and this was ranked on ESPN as the most important sporting event in the ESPN era, and it should be. My dad was actually at this game, and this movie did a good job showing it, albeit without a few blemishes al0ng the way. But in the end, a great movie that everyone needs to see, even if you hate hockey.
5. Friday Night Lights- Based off a book, and has a showed based upon both that is absolutely superb, but the movie is also extremely impressive. There were some problems with the personality of the characters never coming up, and Billy Bob Thornton is a horrible actor, but nothing stops it from being a great football movie, and in my mind there are no better sports movies than football movies.
4. The Mighty Ducks- This may seem high, but this was my favorite movie as a child, and when I watch it now, it is actually really well made. Now the sequels are childish and rediculous (although I still like them) the first one is where you see how people change, in Bombays case, and how obsessed parents are of hockey, and team rivalry. This is a serious movie, with light moments, and a great story. Plus Adam Banks was the man, straight up.
3. Coach Carter- This movie by MTV productions blew me absolutely away. Everytime I watch it, I still love it because of someone standing behind academics. All of the basketball players are personified with their own stories, and the coach is one of my favorite sports movies characters with the lock out one of my favorite scenes. The top 3 on this list were extremely close, but way ahead of the rest.
2. Rudy- A great story of an individuals perseverence, plus its what I wrote my college essay about. When I was younger I idolized Rudy, and now that I am older I still idolize the character of Rudy cause he is one of the few examples of an individual who did everything despite seeing a stable life in the future. Now, I will never be able to follow this guys lessons, because I am not nearly as strong as him, but there is no doubt that this movie is something everyone should see, because it has absolutely nothing to do with sports.
1. Remember the Titans- Once again, my number one is predictable, because this is also my favorite movie of all time. First off, Denzel Washington is one of my three favorite actors, and this is one of his best showcases, as he isn't this perfect coach you should idolize, because he has a glaring flaw. Plus the movie tackles civil rights, and mistreatment and the wrongs of segregation and has the single best friendship in a movie. All in all, this one was just way to easy to pick.
10. Hoosier- Seems awfully low for a hugely considered classic movie, and I enjoyed it, but not worthy of much higher. The main reason for that is that I love movies where you care about the players, and in Hoosiers the players seem to go to a huge backseat behind the coach, and Gene Hackman is NOT one of my favorite actors. Its a good movie, but not great.
9. Glory Road- A much newer sports movie, and one that really shows you about race problems and has a great cast of players. This is Disney made, but Disney has made nuerous great sports movies and this is no different. It tells a story of one of the greatest college basketball teams ever, and how they won despite all odds. Can't wait to watch this one again.
8. Gridiron Gang- This movie really surprised me, as while I had decently high expectations I cannot stand the Rock (and he is still a horrible actor in my mind) but the amount of gang violence in this movie, and how it was thrown right at us is what really lifts this movie up. Plus you care for the characters, and their gangs, and it doesn't have a sappy ending. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised by this movie.
7. Hoop Dreams- I just saw this documentary like a month ago, and it was extremely long, but it was worth it to see a look at these two players and how their lives were extremely changed by how basketball affected their life. This is different than any other movie on this list because instead of being a remake of a true story, its the direct true story, and one of the best I've ever seen.
6. Miracle- I was extremely excited for this film, because I love hockey, and this was ranked on ESPN as the most important sporting event in the ESPN era, and it should be. My dad was actually at this game, and this movie did a good job showing it, albeit without a few blemishes al0ng the way. But in the end, a great movie that everyone needs to see, even if you hate hockey.
5. Friday Night Lights- Based off a book, and has a showed based upon both that is absolutely superb, but the movie is also extremely impressive. There were some problems with the personality of the characters never coming up, and Billy Bob Thornton is a horrible actor, but nothing stops it from being a great football movie, and in my mind there are no better sports movies than football movies.
4. The Mighty Ducks- This may seem high, but this was my favorite movie as a child, and when I watch it now, it is actually really well made. Now the sequels are childish and rediculous (although I still like them) the first one is where you see how people change, in Bombays case, and how obsessed parents are of hockey, and team rivalry. This is a serious movie, with light moments, and a great story. Plus Adam Banks was the man, straight up.
3. Coach Carter- This movie by MTV productions blew me absolutely away. Everytime I watch it, I still love it because of someone standing behind academics. All of the basketball players are personified with their own stories, and the coach is one of my favorite sports movies characters with the lock out one of my favorite scenes. The top 3 on this list were extremely close, but way ahead of the rest.
2. Rudy- A great story of an individuals perseverence, plus its what I wrote my college essay about. When I was younger I idolized Rudy, and now that I am older I still idolize the character of Rudy cause he is one of the few examples of an individual who did everything despite seeing a stable life in the future. Now, I will never be able to follow this guys lessons, because I am not nearly as strong as him, but there is no doubt that this movie is something everyone should see, because it has absolutely nothing to do with sports.
1. Remember the Titans- Once again, my number one is predictable, because this is also my favorite movie of all time. First off, Denzel Washington is one of my three favorite actors, and this is one of his best showcases, as he isn't this perfect coach you should idolize, because he has a glaring flaw. Plus the movie tackles civil rights, and mistreatment and the wrongs of segregation and has the single best friendship in a movie. All in all, this one was just way to easy to pick.
Monday, May 7, 2007
20 Best NBA Players
This list is simple. Basically if there was a large fantasy draft done for the NBA next season, this is the order I think you should pick the players if you want someone to lift your team up to succeed. This is not a favorite list, so I tried to take my preferences out of it. Anyway, its longer than normal, but the summary will be shorter.
20. Ben Gordon- The best player on Chicago, but pretty much the clone of five other NBA players. However, he does score and get to the hoop.
19. Michael Redd- I wanted to put him higher, but a pure shooter is never a neccesitty. He can score in spurts and I wonder how good he would be if he was actually on a better team. He is basically Ray Allen ten years earlier, and thats why Michael Redd was ahead of him.
18. Paul Pierce- An amazing talent, and thats why I think any person can get a great talent in the first round. Paul Pierce can still flat out play, and could easily lead Boston back to the playoffs next year if he got any help.
17. Pau Gasol- Injured to start the year, he is still an amazing international player (on the team that won it all last year). Pau Gasol is the only bright spot for the Grizzlies, but he did bring them to the playoffs last year and could easily bring them back if they win the lottery.
16. Amore Staudamire- He's a large force inside, and if he wasn't injury prone could be higher because the rare talent at the center position (even if he really isn't a center).
15. Chris Bosh- The Ben Gordon type, but slightly better. Its basically the new small forward mold who can lead a team by rebounding, passing, and shooting dead-on midrange jumpers.
14. Elton Brand- This year he was quiet, but its hard to forget that the Clippers are always close only because of him. He is a great power forward that can carry a team on his back
13. Carmello Anthony- I am not sold on either members of the Nuggets team, but Carmello Anthony is younger and much more versatile. The problem is, he isn't always the smartest player as his punch earlier this season showed.
12. Dwight Howard- Thiell (the only person who reads this) is going to love this pick, but he is a solid player who hasn't even reached his stride yet. In a few years he will be a potential MVP candidate, just you wait and see.
11. Tracy McGrady- A little lower than I like, he is a great shooting guard who's experience no success in the playoffs. Still 11th best in this NBA league is still pretty great.
10. Steve Nash- First off, in my mind there is no way he is the MVP. He can't play "D" at all (seeing how Tony Parker completely dismantled him in Game 1), and his shooting and rebounding can be shaky. I mean he is a great leader, and deserving of ten, but he is NOT a top 5 player in this league, not even close.
9. Tim Duncan- Also a little low, but his age and endurance seems to be weakening with age. Also he hasn't had great playoff success sense David Robinson left, so while he is still dominant, I barely can imagine using a top 10 pick on him
8. Dwayne Wade- Personally one of my favorite players from the Marquette days, he can carry his team on his back if need be. He can be lights out, and if this was last year he'd easily be a top 5 pick. He'll have to settle for 8 due to his injury, but I am sure it would be a steal.
7. Kevin Garnett- This player could actually be part of a fantasy draft type scenario, as everyone will be throwing trade options just to get him. He is worth any trade you can imagine either, cause him with any of these other players on this list could easily equal an NBA championship.
6. Yao Ming- A great dominate center, no matter what Woody Paige says. Now, Tracy is a more talented player, but Yao is just so tall and impossible to accurately defend. His height alone makes him an obvious pick.
5. Carlos Boozer- This may seem inflated because I have seen him a few times in the playoffs, but the guy is just plain strong. If he was still in Cleveland that team would be a legit force. I know some might not take Boozer as early, but I'll take a rock like that near the middle to hold the fort.
4. Gilbert Arenas- Agent Zero first off is a person who cares about basketball. Secondly, he can completely carry Washington on his back, and when he is missing the team has nothing left. He is harder worker, younger version of McGrady, who can just plain ball.
3. Dirk Nowitzki- Yes, he vanished in the NBA finals and against Golden State, but he is tall and can shoot from anywhere while also going to the hoop. He is the most complete player in my mind, almost like a taller, stronger version of nearly every player on this list. He should be the regular season MVP this year, and he would be the third person I'd select.
2. Lebron James- Lebron vs Dirk was my hardest decision on this list. Lebron is a baller who gets to the boards and makes his own shots, while leading his team. He can also make half court shots with ease on commercials. My assumption is Dirk put his team on his back and they failed, while Lebron's next best player is Larry Hughes, and well, I'll take Josh Howard over him anyday.
1. Kobe Bryant- Is there a better scorer in the league. I was never a big Kobe fan, although there are a few times he took more heat then he deserved. But besides that, he just wasn't my style. But if I am making a franchise, why wouldn't you take the guy who could score over 50 for you on any given night, and the most prolific scorer than Jordan. Kobe is the best NBA player at this point of time.
20. Ben Gordon- The best player on Chicago, but pretty much the clone of five other NBA players. However, he does score and get to the hoop.
19. Michael Redd- I wanted to put him higher, but a pure shooter is never a neccesitty. He can score in spurts and I wonder how good he would be if he was actually on a better team. He is basically Ray Allen ten years earlier, and thats why Michael Redd was ahead of him.
18. Paul Pierce- An amazing talent, and thats why I think any person can get a great talent in the first round. Paul Pierce can still flat out play, and could easily lead Boston back to the playoffs next year if he got any help.
17. Pau Gasol- Injured to start the year, he is still an amazing international player (on the team that won it all last year). Pau Gasol is the only bright spot for the Grizzlies, but he did bring them to the playoffs last year and could easily bring them back if they win the lottery.
16. Amore Staudamire- He's a large force inside, and if he wasn't injury prone could be higher because the rare talent at the center position (even if he really isn't a center).
15. Chris Bosh- The Ben Gordon type, but slightly better. Its basically the new small forward mold who can lead a team by rebounding, passing, and shooting dead-on midrange jumpers.
14. Elton Brand- This year he was quiet, but its hard to forget that the Clippers are always close only because of him. He is a great power forward that can carry a team on his back
13. Carmello Anthony- I am not sold on either members of the Nuggets team, but Carmello Anthony is younger and much more versatile. The problem is, he isn't always the smartest player as his punch earlier this season showed.
12. Dwight Howard- Thiell (the only person who reads this) is going to love this pick, but he is a solid player who hasn't even reached his stride yet. In a few years he will be a potential MVP candidate, just you wait and see.
11. Tracy McGrady- A little lower than I like, he is a great shooting guard who's experience no success in the playoffs. Still 11th best in this NBA league is still pretty great.
10. Steve Nash- First off, in my mind there is no way he is the MVP. He can't play "D" at all (seeing how Tony Parker completely dismantled him in Game 1), and his shooting and rebounding can be shaky. I mean he is a great leader, and deserving of ten, but he is NOT a top 5 player in this league, not even close.
9. Tim Duncan- Also a little low, but his age and endurance seems to be weakening with age. Also he hasn't had great playoff success sense David Robinson left, so while he is still dominant, I barely can imagine using a top 10 pick on him
8. Dwayne Wade- Personally one of my favorite players from the Marquette days, he can carry his team on his back if need be. He can be lights out, and if this was last year he'd easily be a top 5 pick. He'll have to settle for 8 due to his injury, but I am sure it would be a steal.
7. Kevin Garnett- This player could actually be part of a fantasy draft type scenario, as everyone will be throwing trade options just to get him. He is worth any trade you can imagine either, cause him with any of these other players on this list could easily equal an NBA championship.
6. Yao Ming- A great dominate center, no matter what Woody Paige says. Now, Tracy is a more talented player, but Yao is just so tall and impossible to accurately defend. His height alone makes him an obvious pick.
5. Carlos Boozer- This may seem inflated because I have seen him a few times in the playoffs, but the guy is just plain strong. If he was still in Cleveland that team would be a legit force. I know some might not take Boozer as early, but I'll take a rock like that near the middle to hold the fort.
4. Gilbert Arenas- Agent Zero first off is a person who cares about basketball. Secondly, he can completely carry Washington on his back, and when he is missing the team has nothing left. He is harder worker, younger version of McGrady, who can just plain ball.
3. Dirk Nowitzki- Yes, he vanished in the NBA finals and against Golden State, but he is tall and can shoot from anywhere while also going to the hoop. He is the most complete player in my mind, almost like a taller, stronger version of nearly every player on this list. He should be the regular season MVP this year, and he would be the third person I'd select.
2. Lebron James- Lebron vs Dirk was my hardest decision on this list. Lebron is a baller who gets to the boards and makes his own shots, while leading his team. He can also make half court shots with ease on commercials. My assumption is Dirk put his team on his back and they failed, while Lebron's next best player is Larry Hughes, and well, I'll take Josh Howard over him anyday.
1. Kobe Bryant- Is there a better scorer in the league. I was never a big Kobe fan, although there are a few times he took more heat then he deserved. But besides that, he just wasn't my style. But if I am making a franchise, why wouldn't you take the guy who could score over 50 for you on any given night, and the most prolific scorer than Jordan. Kobe is the best NBA player at this point of time.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Favorite Television Friendships
In television romance is what takes the most screentime. Who is in love with who... who is sleeping with who... etc. But beneath all great shows is a tight friendship that carries it along. The thing about this friendships are, is that they can be powerful even if you don't like both characters. Its all about who's always got you back, and who you can trust. In the end a strong friendship is much more important to me on television then just another boring romantic relationships. Anyways, it was tough to narrow it down to 10, but I am very pleased with those who made the list.
10. Bailey Salinger and Will McCorkle (Party of Five): I am only a season and a half in Party of Five, but Will has been one of the most interesting characters as he is always kind of in the background despite being a regular on the show. He always seems to have Baileys back no matter what, given the hard times Bailey has been through sense the show began (six months after his parents death). Out of all of the Salinger kids, Bailey has had it the toughest, but Will is the only Salinger to really have a close friend, and that makes the difference. Sure they fight alot, but they always come back together, because they are truly a good representation of close friends.
9. Bart Simpson and Milhouse Van Houten (Simpsons): I used to watch the Simpsons constantly; practically every single day. My favorite character was Milhouse, because he was just plain hysterical, and the antics he and Bart got into were always interesting. This wasn't a very complicated friendship, because every half an hour was unrelated to any other half an hour. Despite that, this was a good representation of a close friendship that I watch fervently in my childhood.
8. Michael Bluth and Gob Bluth (Arrested Development): So they were brothers, but at the end of "Amigos" Michael called Gob his friend, and really he is. Michael is constantly fighting with Gob, but in truth, besides potentially Lindsey, Gob is the one he is closest to. They are forever linked together because the way their father played them off of eachother, but in time their relationship might strengthen as Michael is always willing to help Gob, and Gob is well, at times caring of Michael.
7. Darwyn al-Sayeed and Ray Fuller (Sleeper Cell): They worked together, but they were also close friends and an occurence at the end of the first season really shows why. Ray would give up anything to protect Darwyn undercover, because they have experienced so much together. And if anything ever happened to Ray, Darwyn would be absolutely devastated because he cared so much for him. It was a strong reciprocal friendship, even if they could never really show it besides brief meetings due to the fact that Darwyn was undercover. But in the end it was shown in a very strong way.
6. Tobias Beecher and Kareem Sayid (Oz): In prison there are two types of people... Those who are nice to you because they need you for something, and those that they beat up before they are in the way. Despite that, slowly a friendship grew between the leader of the Muslims and the one mistake Beecher, one that got Sayid exiled from the Muslims (albeit not for the long) and that friendship was one of the few calm point in Beechers life, given his much more complicated (and in the end nearly deadly) relationship with Keller. These two were very important to eachother, and they break all laws of Prison, because neither of them needed the other for something, besides friendship and support.
5. Dr. Wilson and Dr. House (House): Ah yes, the two extremes. Wilson is the ever faithful friend who will do anything to help House, no matter how badly House screws him over time after time. Wilson is my favorite character on the show (although Cameron is pretty awesome, also) because of his faithfulness, and how he always will have House's back. And while at most times House will only do stuff for himself, there are a few (although not) when you can see that Wilson really does matter more to him than anyone else. House may be a jerk, but he's not as alone as he likes to claim, because Wilson is always there...
4. Corey Mathews and Shawn Hunter (Boy Meets World): I didn't know initially how to handle this. At the very end of the show, their characters were annoying and whiny, although they still were always there for eachother, but when this show was the best was at middle school and John Adam's High. They were always there for eachother, and had outreaching moments such as Shawn's travels to the bad crowd, and the famous first Christmas episode. These are the perfect example of childhood friendships, and while not the most complicated, it is still very surreal and enjoyable.
3. Jack Shepherd and James "Sawyer" Ford (Lost): This is the most complicated friendship, as it is impossible to really tell what is going on between them. At times they actually hate eachother, partially because of the extreme different types of people they are, and also because of their both desire for Kate. But then there are those times that you can see that there is a trinkle of something there, shown best in the end of the the first season when Sawyer tells Jack about what his dad really thought about him. Since that point, it really hasn't jumped ahead as much as they thought, yet they both have taken actions to help the other, plus they both have the same goals in mind.
2. Ryan Atwood and Seth Cohen (The O.C): I hate Seth's character with a passion. His humor is dry and he is just so self absorbed. However, what made O.C great was the interaction between these two characters. Plus, Jasmine said it best when she said Seth had a crush on Ryan, cause he basically did. I mean, his actions throughout have shown when Ryan wasn't there to listen to him whine, he would be moody or run off. Ryan was Seth's root to be somebody, and it really was affective, and Seth was Ryan's root to becoming a teenager not destined to go to jail. Really, any relationship involving Ryan and the Cohen household was impressive, but this friendship is one of the most influential to the plotlines of a show.
1. Jack Bauer and Tony Almeda (24): The first season started off with Tony envious of Jack, but as the season went on his hatred slowened, and he had his back on two critical occasions. However, after the 1st season, things got much more close as sense then on, Jack has numerously stated that the only person he can trust is Tony after being betrayed by everone else. Tony has helped him in the field, and come in on the shortest notice when Jack needs to hide, and Jack has kept him out of jail, and wept after Tony's demise, holding him like he did his wife. The death of Tony was really the end of the strength of 24, because while Jacks friendship with the president David Palmer was great, the one with Tony was much more solidifying. And now Jack is all alone leaving the show a shell of what it once was.
Looking at this list; 3 of these characters are dead, and 6 of these friendships come from cancelled shows. Also, the bottom of this list needs to be very wary, as friendships in both Heroes (Hiro and Ando) and FNL (Landry and Saracen) are both up and coming, and don't be surprised when they break in. But for now, these are the 10 best friendships in my television viewing.
10. Bailey Salinger and Will McCorkle (Party of Five): I am only a season and a half in Party of Five, but Will has been one of the most interesting characters as he is always kind of in the background despite being a regular on the show. He always seems to have Baileys back no matter what, given the hard times Bailey has been through sense the show began (six months after his parents death). Out of all of the Salinger kids, Bailey has had it the toughest, but Will is the only Salinger to really have a close friend, and that makes the difference. Sure they fight alot, but they always come back together, because they are truly a good representation of close friends.
9. Bart Simpson and Milhouse Van Houten (Simpsons): I used to watch the Simpsons constantly; practically every single day. My favorite character was Milhouse, because he was just plain hysterical, and the antics he and Bart got into were always interesting. This wasn't a very complicated friendship, because every half an hour was unrelated to any other half an hour. Despite that, this was a good representation of a close friendship that I watch fervently in my childhood.
8. Michael Bluth and Gob Bluth (Arrested Development): So they were brothers, but at the end of "Amigos" Michael called Gob his friend, and really he is. Michael is constantly fighting with Gob, but in truth, besides potentially Lindsey, Gob is the one he is closest to. They are forever linked together because the way their father played them off of eachother, but in time their relationship might strengthen as Michael is always willing to help Gob, and Gob is well, at times caring of Michael.
7. Darwyn al-Sayeed and Ray Fuller (Sleeper Cell): They worked together, but they were also close friends and an occurence at the end of the first season really shows why. Ray would give up anything to protect Darwyn undercover, because they have experienced so much together. And if anything ever happened to Ray, Darwyn would be absolutely devastated because he cared so much for him. It was a strong reciprocal friendship, even if they could never really show it besides brief meetings due to the fact that Darwyn was undercover. But in the end it was shown in a very strong way.
6. Tobias Beecher and Kareem Sayid (Oz): In prison there are two types of people... Those who are nice to you because they need you for something, and those that they beat up before they are in the way. Despite that, slowly a friendship grew between the leader of the Muslims and the one mistake Beecher, one that got Sayid exiled from the Muslims (albeit not for the long) and that friendship was one of the few calm point in Beechers life, given his much more complicated (and in the end nearly deadly) relationship with Keller. These two were very important to eachother, and they break all laws of Prison, because neither of them needed the other for something, besides friendship and support.
5. Dr. Wilson and Dr. House (House): Ah yes, the two extremes. Wilson is the ever faithful friend who will do anything to help House, no matter how badly House screws him over time after time. Wilson is my favorite character on the show (although Cameron is pretty awesome, also) because of his faithfulness, and how he always will have House's back. And while at most times House will only do stuff for himself, there are a few (although not) when you can see that Wilson really does matter more to him than anyone else. House may be a jerk, but he's not as alone as he likes to claim, because Wilson is always there...
4. Corey Mathews and Shawn Hunter (Boy Meets World): I didn't know initially how to handle this. At the very end of the show, their characters were annoying and whiny, although they still were always there for eachother, but when this show was the best was at middle school and John Adam's High. They were always there for eachother, and had outreaching moments such as Shawn's travels to the bad crowd, and the famous first Christmas episode. These are the perfect example of childhood friendships, and while not the most complicated, it is still very surreal and enjoyable.
3. Jack Shepherd and James "Sawyer" Ford (Lost): This is the most complicated friendship, as it is impossible to really tell what is going on between them. At times they actually hate eachother, partially because of the extreme different types of people they are, and also because of their both desire for Kate. But then there are those times that you can see that there is a trinkle of something there, shown best in the end of the the first season when Sawyer tells Jack about what his dad really thought about him. Since that point, it really hasn't jumped ahead as much as they thought, yet they both have taken actions to help the other, plus they both have the same goals in mind.
2. Ryan Atwood and Seth Cohen (The O.C): I hate Seth's character with a passion. His humor is dry and he is just so self absorbed. However, what made O.C great was the interaction between these two characters. Plus, Jasmine said it best when she said Seth had a crush on Ryan, cause he basically did. I mean, his actions throughout have shown when Ryan wasn't there to listen to him whine, he would be moody or run off. Ryan was Seth's root to be somebody, and it really was affective, and Seth was Ryan's root to becoming a teenager not destined to go to jail. Really, any relationship involving Ryan and the Cohen household was impressive, but this friendship is one of the most influential to the plotlines of a show.
1. Jack Bauer and Tony Almeda (24): The first season started off with Tony envious of Jack, but as the season went on his hatred slowened, and he had his back on two critical occasions. However, after the 1st season, things got much more close as sense then on, Jack has numerously stated that the only person he can trust is Tony after being betrayed by everone else. Tony has helped him in the field, and come in on the shortest notice when Jack needs to hide, and Jack has kept him out of jail, and wept after Tony's demise, holding him like he did his wife. The death of Tony was really the end of the strength of 24, because while Jacks friendship with the president David Palmer was great, the one with Tony was much more solidifying. And now Jack is all alone leaving the show a shell of what it once was.
Looking at this list; 3 of these characters are dead, and 6 of these friendships come from cancelled shows. Also, the bottom of this list needs to be very wary, as friendships in both Heroes (Hiro and Ando) and FNL (Landry and Saracen) are both up and coming, and don't be surprised when they break in. But for now, these are the 10 best friendships in my television viewing.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Favorite Albums
Welcome to List #3... I am going to get this one going quickly, because this is a big week, but I decided to release a major list this week, in my favorite albums of all time. Anyway, this should be fun.
10. Something To Be- Rob Thomas: Initially when Rob Thomas went solo I was absolutely devastated. He was the best part of my favorite band, and the idea of him going solo just seemed wrong. But the CD he released was amazing, and is still showing me great songs a year and a half later. The only question is when is Rob Thomas' next album, whether its solo or back with M20 I'll be happy, cause either way its a guarenteed great CD
(Best Song on CD: Ever the Same)
9. Everything You Want- Vertical Horizon: First off, Vertical Horizon is the best band name ever. I am sorry, but its superb. Anyway, onto the album. This is the only album anyone ever thinks about when they think of VH, although "Go" was a superb follow up, this was VH at its best. You are God was a major hit along with Everything You want, and the depth was with a ton of four star songs to fill out the rest. VH comes out with a new song this year, so its impossible not to get excited about this upcoming event.
(Best Song: Everything You Want)
8. Mad Season- Matchbox 20: This is my favorite band and they put out three great CD's as their only three CD's. Mad Season stood out in many ways though as their middle CD in that it had "If You're Gone" an amazing single. However, in the radio Mad Season actually had the least amount of singles, something I never really understood. I mean, this was a better CD than Real World, as it improved both lyrically and vocally, but oh well. The radio misses the mark alot.
(Best Song: If You're Gone)
7. Dizzy Up The Girl- Goo Goo Dolls: Considered by most the best Goo Goo Dolls CD period, and this is when Goo Goo Dolls officially left the garage (punk) band term behind forever. Iris was their soft pop single, and Broadway, Black Balloon, and Slide continued this new feel. This is when Goo Goo Dolls became absolutely great.
(Best Song: Iris)
6. Two Lights- Five For Fighting: The rest of Five for Fighting's CD's had the same fate of not having great depth, with usually some fairly bad songs at the bottom half of the CD. Two Lights however, barely shares that fate as 9 of the 10 songs are amazing on this CD. His newest CD was clearly his best, and it was a strong contender for best album of the year, and ended up being runner up to.....
(Best Song (of the moment): The Riddle)
5. Let Love In- Goo Goo Dolls: Most Goo Goo Dolls fan would kill me right now. It is considered blasphemy by many to say anything other than Dizzy Up the Girl as their best CD, but I honestly think this one is better. This is when there are the most Johnny Resneck songs, and from "Let Love In" to "Feel the Silence" there is so much that is great. Plus seeing them perform this album predominantly in concert was actually amazing. Its almost worth seeing them again, because they were just that good.
(Best Song: Better Days)
4. 3EB- Third Eye Blind: One of the rare bands whose first CD is easily their best. There was too much that was good on this CD, including the trio of dominance of "How's It Gonna Be", "Jumper" and "Semi Charmed Life", something that hasn't been match by anything else its produced, and possibly by not another album. There was also some great songs near the end to keep it song, but their were a few busts like "Graduate" that brings this down a little bit. In the end this really was a strong CD, and it is sad that Third Eye Blind has never returned to that plateau since.
(Best Song: Semi Charmed Life)
3. My Private Nation- Train: Trains third CD, it was also their best one. Similair to any Train CD it had their great song, but it also was the first one that didn't have any songs that resembled country, and actually had the same tone for the entire CD. I have played this CD over and over again sense I got it a long time ago as my first Train CD, and this was basically where my Train obsession started, and hasn't ended it sense.
(Best Song: Calling All Angels)
2. Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson: This might seem really high initially. I mean, I didn't watch American Idol at all, so I wasn't a blind follower of Kelly because of that. Her first CD didn't catch me at all (although looking at it now, it was really good), and it wasn't until the radio starting playing her second CD over and over did I finally decide to listen to the CD as a whole, and luckily Jasmine let me borrow it. This CD is absolutely superb, and really shows the power of Kelly's amazing voice. She may not be near as pretty as fellow winner Carrie, but she is alot more talented. And, of course, she once was a Kirby Vacuum Salesman, isn't that a cool fact. Anyway, "Breakaway" absolutely sic, in the good kind of way.
(Best song: Behind these Hazel Eyes)
1. More Than You Think You Are- Matchbox 20: Was there ever really any doubt? I mean, I can't believe how strong this CD still is. Matchbox 20 clearly ended on top, plus my first ever M20 song was on here in "Unwell" and the best ever song PERIOD is on here in "Bright Lights". Needless to say, this was a no brainer decision, because the best band, with the best song, will always have the best album.
(Best Song: Bright Lights)
Needless to say, Goo Goo Dolls and of course Rob Thomas were the really winners on this, but with new CD's from Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon, Third Eye Blind, and the lead singer of Train this year, who knows what else will happen.
10. Something To Be- Rob Thomas: Initially when Rob Thomas went solo I was absolutely devastated. He was the best part of my favorite band, and the idea of him going solo just seemed wrong. But the CD he released was amazing, and is still showing me great songs a year and a half later. The only question is when is Rob Thomas' next album, whether its solo or back with M20 I'll be happy, cause either way its a guarenteed great CD
(Best Song on CD: Ever the Same)
9. Everything You Want- Vertical Horizon: First off, Vertical Horizon is the best band name ever. I am sorry, but its superb. Anyway, onto the album. This is the only album anyone ever thinks about when they think of VH, although "Go" was a superb follow up, this was VH at its best. You are God was a major hit along with Everything You want, and the depth was with a ton of four star songs to fill out the rest. VH comes out with a new song this year, so its impossible not to get excited about this upcoming event.
(Best Song: Everything You Want)
8. Mad Season- Matchbox 20: This is my favorite band and they put out three great CD's as their only three CD's. Mad Season stood out in many ways though as their middle CD in that it had "If You're Gone" an amazing single. However, in the radio Mad Season actually had the least amount of singles, something I never really understood. I mean, this was a better CD than Real World, as it improved both lyrically and vocally, but oh well. The radio misses the mark alot.
(Best Song: If You're Gone)
7. Dizzy Up The Girl- Goo Goo Dolls: Considered by most the best Goo Goo Dolls CD period, and this is when Goo Goo Dolls officially left the garage (punk) band term behind forever. Iris was their soft pop single, and Broadway, Black Balloon, and Slide continued this new feel. This is when Goo Goo Dolls became absolutely great.
(Best Song: Iris)
6. Two Lights- Five For Fighting: The rest of Five for Fighting's CD's had the same fate of not having great depth, with usually some fairly bad songs at the bottom half of the CD. Two Lights however, barely shares that fate as 9 of the 10 songs are amazing on this CD. His newest CD was clearly his best, and it was a strong contender for best album of the year, and ended up being runner up to.....
(Best Song (of the moment): The Riddle)
5. Let Love In- Goo Goo Dolls: Most Goo Goo Dolls fan would kill me right now. It is considered blasphemy by many to say anything other than Dizzy Up the Girl as their best CD, but I honestly think this one is better. This is when there are the most Johnny Resneck songs, and from "Let Love In" to "Feel the Silence" there is so much that is great. Plus seeing them perform this album predominantly in concert was actually amazing. Its almost worth seeing them again, because they were just that good.
(Best Song: Better Days)
4. 3EB- Third Eye Blind: One of the rare bands whose first CD is easily their best. There was too much that was good on this CD, including the trio of dominance of "How's It Gonna Be", "Jumper" and "Semi Charmed Life", something that hasn't been match by anything else its produced, and possibly by not another album. There was also some great songs near the end to keep it song, but their were a few busts like "Graduate" that brings this down a little bit. In the end this really was a strong CD, and it is sad that Third Eye Blind has never returned to that plateau since.
(Best Song: Semi Charmed Life)
3. My Private Nation- Train: Trains third CD, it was also their best one. Similair to any Train CD it had their great song, but it also was the first one that didn't have any songs that resembled country, and actually had the same tone for the entire CD. I have played this CD over and over again sense I got it a long time ago as my first Train CD, and this was basically where my Train obsession started, and hasn't ended it sense.
(Best Song: Calling All Angels)
2. Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson: This might seem really high initially. I mean, I didn't watch American Idol at all, so I wasn't a blind follower of Kelly because of that. Her first CD didn't catch me at all (although looking at it now, it was really good), and it wasn't until the radio starting playing her second CD over and over did I finally decide to listen to the CD as a whole, and luckily Jasmine let me borrow it. This CD is absolutely superb, and really shows the power of Kelly's amazing voice. She may not be near as pretty as fellow winner Carrie, but she is alot more talented. And, of course, she once was a Kirby Vacuum Salesman, isn't that a cool fact. Anyway, "Breakaway" absolutely sic, in the good kind of way.
(Best song: Behind these Hazel Eyes)
1. More Than You Think You Are- Matchbox 20: Was there ever really any doubt? I mean, I can't believe how strong this CD still is. Matchbox 20 clearly ended on top, plus my first ever M20 song was on here in "Unwell" and the best ever song PERIOD is on here in "Bright Lights". Needless to say, this was a no brainer decision, because the best band, with the best song, will always have the best album.
(Best Song: Bright Lights)
Needless to say, Goo Goo Dolls and of course Rob Thomas were the really winners on this, but with new CD's from Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon, Third Eye Blind, and the lead singer of Train this year, who knows what else will happen.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Favorite Videogame systems
Ok, to begin with, I decided to double up this week, and maybe just in general on Mondays and Fridays now. The second point I want to make out is that its important to look at the titles of these, because best is what I think is actually the best (for example, I think Lost is the best tv show ever) while favorite is just what I personally like more. I mean, I am sure the "best" will still be severely biased, but I just wanted to point that out anyway. Also, I am going to try to keep this moving through numerous categories, however in early June I will be taking a week off and release my tv show awards on here, and at the end of the year my other awards. So while 95% of the year this will be lists, the last 5% awards. Anway, onto the list of my favorite videogame consoles of all time.
10. Sega Genesis: Sonics system. In some ways it wasn't as great as people think. Know, my view point could be swayed because I only got a Sega Genesis like four years ago, and I realize it wasn't a horrible system, it just didn't dominate as much as I thought. It had a weak array of first party games and some of the best ones where also on the SNES, a better system.
(Notable Games: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Phantasy Star IV, Lion King, and Street Fighter 2)
9. Gamecube: Now I know some of you think that this ranking is really low, but as a whole the Gamecube never fully panned out into what I hoped it would. I mean, it had some absolutely amazing games, especially in the RPG department, but it never had the depth that any of us initially hoped, because the third party support was just plain weak. In the end 9th isn't a bad spot, but its not at the top either.
(Notable Games: Tales of Symphonia, Baten Kaitos, Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door, and Super Smash Brothers Melee)
8. Gameboy Advance: The second real handheld nintendo system, and its graphical improvement passed the gameboy was absolutely stunning. The first time I put in Castlevania: COM I was absolutely stunned by the graphics. I mean, they were gorgeous. Overtime it would put out a ton of good RPG's, three Castlevania games and decent depth, but as a handheld it didn't blow up as much as some of the others
(Notable Games: Fire Emblem, Megaman Battle Network 2, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Pokemon Saffire)
7. Playstation 1: I never really owned one of these systems, but I owned a ton of the games as I backplayed them through my lovely PS2. When it came to RPG's, I don't believe there was a better system (I know the SNES will cause some debate though) and a few good games thrown in along the way. The only glaring weakness though was that Spyro or Crash Bandicoot were neither the likes of Sonic or Mario to bring you the platformer goodness, but oh well, that doesn't detract from the great times with PS1 games.
(Notable Games: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)
6. Super Nintendo: As a kid I was always very envious of this system, because I never had one but my cousin did. Years later, similiar to the SEGA, I purchases one and got all the games I felt that I missed, and this was probably the best platforming system ever made. There were a ton of classic games on the system, and it was great until the system broke.... But then Elyse got me an SNES/Nintendo combo that was just plain sweet, so its back to playing the best again.
(Notable Games: Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario World, Final Fantasy II (IV), and Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past)
5. Gameboy: The original handheld, and without this to start it up, the next two systems would never come around and improve upon it everyway. This was my obsession for six years when it was basically the only system I had that was ever coming out with new games (I had an NES, but after the SNES came around it was pushed into the background). So in many ways the gameboy was my childhood, and is probably still the system I own the most games for, even if some of them completely suck by now a day standards. Oh, and the Gameboy had the first two segments of Pokemon (Red/Blue and Gold/Silver) which propells it even higher.
(Notable Games: Kirby's Dreamland 2, Final Fantasy Legends II, Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening, and Pokemon Blue)
4. Nintendo DS: This might be surprising at first, because this is really the only system on the list that has yet to reach its prime. Be that as it may, however, the Nintendo DS has had by far the best first two years of a systems lifespan out of any system I have ever seen, and the future only looks brighter. In truth, there is great game after great game, with one of the best librarys of any system I know, and by the end of this systems lifespan they could topple the top and be the new leader. But for now fourth is where it belongs. Oh, and this doesn't even include Pokemon Pearl which comes out in 2 days...
(Notable Games: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, New Super Mario Bros, and Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time)
3. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): Is there any doubt that the system that made all systems would not be on here. I mean, before the NES there was the Atari, the Intellivision, and a few others, but none of them really completely created the home gaming market, and it was mainly just arcades. That all the changed with the NES, that created the idea of a homegaming system and actually produced a massively strong set of titles, albeit extremely hard at times. The system was faulty as most people had to blow in the system to get it to work, and there were more bad games on it then any other system, but it was from a simpler time when we all just played videogames for fun, and is there anything wrong with that?
(Notable Games: Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 3, Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse, and Double Dragon 2: The Revenge)
2. Playstation 2: This was a very tough call, because I absolutely love the Playstation 2, and in all likelihood it is the system I have spent the most time on. I got the Gamecube before my PS2, yet I have spent at least 4x more time on the PS2 cause it was just a better system in all regards. Now, don't get me wrong, SONY is not as good as Nintendo as the PS3 just looks weak, but the amount of titles the PS2 has is sick, and it even achieved the rarity of a strong platformer in the amazing Ratchet and Clank series. I still play it more than any other system I own, so there really was no doubt it would be this high. Also, it has almost reached the original Gameboy as the system I own the most games for, but almost every PS2 game I own is actually good, unlike the Gameboy.
(Notable Games: Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Tales of Legendia, Final Fantasy XII)
1. Nintendo 64: The system that started it all. I owned a gameboy and I owned a nintendo, and my mom said that would be the only systems I would ever know. I could never get a console in its prime, so I envied everyone with this gem of a system. However, I started to beg, and I promised my grades wouldn't drop (which were at about an 83) and my mom gave in, and bought me this system as the greatest single Christmas gift of all time, and it made me so happy. For the record, my grades skyrocketed from there on into the 90's, which by correlation standards show that videogames make people smarter. Anyway, nostalgia helped get the N64 to number 1, but it also had a ton of amazing games, and a decent depth (although nowhere near to the PS2 standards). I put tons and tons of hours on the system, and when I go home for break I still play it for fun; especially the fact that two of the potentially greatest games ever came on this system (Zelda and Starfox) so in the end, this really wasn't as tough as I thought.
(Notable Games: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Starfox 64, Castlevania 64: Legacy of Darkness, and Ogre Battle 64)
10. Sega Genesis: Sonics system. In some ways it wasn't as great as people think. Know, my view point could be swayed because I only got a Sega Genesis like four years ago, and I realize it wasn't a horrible system, it just didn't dominate as much as I thought. It had a weak array of first party games and some of the best ones where also on the SNES, a better system.
(Notable Games: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Phantasy Star IV, Lion King, and Street Fighter 2)
9. Gamecube: Now I know some of you think that this ranking is really low, but as a whole the Gamecube never fully panned out into what I hoped it would. I mean, it had some absolutely amazing games, especially in the RPG department, but it never had the depth that any of us initially hoped, because the third party support was just plain weak. In the end 9th isn't a bad spot, but its not at the top either.
(Notable Games: Tales of Symphonia, Baten Kaitos, Paper Mario 2: The Thousand Year Door, and Super Smash Brothers Melee)
8. Gameboy Advance: The second real handheld nintendo system, and its graphical improvement passed the gameboy was absolutely stunning. The first time I put in Castlevania: COM I was absolutely stunned by the graphics. I mean, they were gorgeous. Overtime it would put out a ton of good RPG's, three Castlevania games and decent depth, but as a handheld it didn't blow up as much as some of the others
(Notable Games: Fire Emblem, Megaman Battle Network 2, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Pokemon Saffire)
7. Playstation 1: I never really owned one of these systems, but I owned a ton of the games as I backplayed them through my lovely PS2. When it came to RPG's, I don't believe there was a better system (I know the SNES will cause some debate though) and a few good games thrown in along the way. The only glaring weakness though was that Spyro or Crash Bandicoot were neither the likes of Sonic or Mario to bring you the platformer goodness, but oh well, that doesn't detract from the great times with PS1 games.
(Notable Games: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night)
6. Super Nintendo: As a kid I was always very envious of this system, because I never had one but my cousin did. Years later, similiar to the SEGA, I purchases one and got all the games I felt that I missed, and this was probably the best platforming system ever made. There were a ton of classic games on the system, and it was great until the system broke.... But then Elyse got me an SNES/Nintendo combo that was just plain sweet, so its back to playing the best again.
(Notable Games: Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario World, Final Fantasy II (IV), and Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past)
5. Gameboy: The original handheld, and without this to start it up, the next two systems would never come around and improve upon it everyway. This was my obsession for six years when it was basically the only system I had that was ever coming out with new games (I had an NES, but after the SNES came around it was pushed into the background). So in many ways the gameboy was my childhood, and is probably still the system I own the most games for, even if some of them completely suck by now a day standards. Oh, and the Gameboy had the first two segments of Pokemon (Red/Blue and Gold/Silver) which propells it even higher.
(Notable Games: Kirby's Dreamland 2, Final Fantasy Legends II, Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening, and Pokemon Blue)
4. Nintendo DS: This might be surprising at first, because this is really the only system on the list that has yet to reach its prime. Be that as it may, however, the Nintendo DS has had by far the best first two years of a systems lifespan out of any system I have ever seen, and the future only looks brighter. In truth, there is great game after great game, with one of the best librarys of any system I know, and by the end of this systems lifespan they could topple the top and be the new leader. But for now fourth is where it belongs. Oh, and this doesn't even include Pokemon Pearl which comes out in 2 days...
(Notable Games: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin, New Super Mario Bros, and Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time)
3. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): Is there any doubt that the system that made all systems would not be on here. I mean, before the NES there was the Atari, the Intellivision, and a few others, but none of them really completely created the home gaming market, and it was mainly just arcades. That all the changed with the NES, that created the idea of a homegaming system and actually produced a massively strong set of titles, albeit extremely hard at times. The system was faulty as most people had to blow in the system to get it to work, and there were more bad games on it then any other system, but it was from a simpler time when we all just played videogames for fun, and is there anything wrong with that?
(Notable Games: Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 3, Castlevania 3: Dracula's Curse, and Double Dragon 2: The Revenge)
2. Playstation 2: This was a very tough call, because I absolutely love the Playstation 2, and in all likelihood it is the system I have spent the most time on. I got the Gamecube before my PS2, yet I have spent at least 4x more time on the PS2 cause it was just a better system in all regards. Now, don't get me wrong, SONY is not as good as Nintendo as the PS3 just looks weak, but the amount of titles the PS2 has is sick, and it even achieved the rarity of a strong platformer in the amazing Ratchet and Clank series. I still play it more than any other system I own, so there really was no doubt it would be this high. Also, it has almost reached the original Gameboy as the system I own the most games for, but almost every PS2 game I own is actually good, unlike the Gameboy.
(Notable Games: Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Tales of Legendia, Final Fantasy XII)
1. Nintendo 64: The system that started it all. I owned a gameboy and I owned a nintendo, and my mom said that would be the only systems I would ever know. I could never get a console in its prime, so I envied everyone with this gem of a system. However, I started to beg, and I promised my grades wouldn't drop (which were at about an 83) and my mom gave in, and bought me this system as the greatest single Christmas gift of all time, and it made me so happy. For the record, my grades skyrocketed from there on into the 90's, which by correlation standards show that videogames make people smarter. Anyway, nostalgia helped get the N64 to number 1, but it also had a ton of amazing games, and a decent depth (although nowhere near to the PS2 standards). I put tons and tons of hours on the system, and when I go home for break I still play it for fun; especially the fact that two of the potentially greatest games ever came on this system (Zelda and Starfox) so in the end, this really wasn't as tough as I thought.
(Notable Games: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Starfox 64, Castlevania 64: Legacy of Darkness, and Ogre Battle 64)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
