This list was rediculously tough to compile. There were around 14 episodes that deserved to make the cut, so trimming it down to ten was painful (sorry Darcy's attemptive suicide... you would've been number 11, and season 7's only nominee). I chose this topic due to the premier of season 10 (which is 48 episodes long) which is all two parters. Therefore why not look at the best 2 parters ever.
10. Why Can't This Be Love (S9): Maybe it's because it was so recent that I remember this so fondly, but I am quite fond of this episode. Sav and Anya are two of my favorite characters, so I was pleased to see them front and center, but also concerned. However, this was actually one of the best acted Degrassi episodes ever, especially by Anya. Her crying at the end is one of the very few touching degrassi scenes that is actually touching. Here is hoping season 10 continues to allow Sav and Anya to grow in to the elite character status.
9. High Fidelity (S5): The Spinner-Jimmy reconcilation is my favorite Degrassi scene ever, so lets keep that in mind. Degrassi two parters have been great, but not typically as season enders. We had the Kevin Smith two parter, which was the only weakness of a stellar season four (well, that and Sean deciding to try and drown himself at Wosaka bech). High Fidelity, however, actually was one of the strongest parts of season as it allowed closure, and Spinner to really stay front and center, realizing that he does love Darcy (as she rode away on a bus). This is actually one of the highest rated Degrassi episodes ever, and for good reason.
8. Our Lips Our Sealed (S5): Miriam McDonald is a terrible actress, literally one of the worst in all of television. So having her deal with an eating disorder is a terrible idea. However, Emma actually did in "ok" job in this episode at showing emotion correctly. Now, I am not saying she deserves an Emmy or anything, but her reaction to her family falling apart around her is strong. This episode had a build up for weeks, ever sense Snakes brief affair (the only bad thing he has ever done on the show) so it didn't come completely out of nowhere. With that said, it is almost too quickly dealt with, but still the strongest part of season 5. This also might be the turning point for Peter, btw, as he actually becomes a good guy who truly does care for Emma.
7. Accidents Will Happen (S3): The abortion episode. No episode of Degrass is more controversial... They even pulled it on my syndication packages. Craig's excitement about the child, because of his own broken family, is what really pushes the episode further up the list. I mean, it does have the line "No schlabagel", which is a Degrass classic, if I do say so myself. All in all, one of the classic episodes, even if it is never ever referred to ever again.
6. Shout (S2): The first really serious episode of Degrassi, as it dealt with Paige's inner turmoil. After getting raped, she has no one she can turn to, and so she blames herself for her clothing and her fleeting interest. However, because of Ashley's support, that all changes and Paige finally can come to terms. This storyline actually reappears in two future episodes, as Paige continues to come to acceptance (with the help from Mrs. Solvay, a great school counselor).
5. When Doves Cry (S2)- The introduction of Craig. Very rarely does Degrassi throw a character into the mix right off the bat, but thats what they did to Craig in "When Doves Cry". Craig became immediately likable with his happy but emotional personality (which would come out two seasons later as bipolar). He tried to run away to Vancouver, taking his step sister with him, just to get away from his dad, but in the end it was a friend and a father figure that saved Craig. Craig bookended season 2 with his two greatest episodes, possibly ever, and is one of the most memorable Degrassi characters. When Doves Cry is a great example of what he brings to the table.
4. Time Stands Still (S4)- First of all, I love how I can't decide on hyphens of colons to come after the season. Ah well, gives the list charm. Time Stands Still is the most significant episode in Degrassi history, no doubt. It starts a huge chain of events that carries on through the rest of the series. Spinners downfall and redemption, Seans leaving, Emma to the ravine and most of all.... Jimmy in a wheelchair. Rick shook the world, with the gun shots that I can't imagine anyone saw coming. It is critical and ground breaking, and deserves the spot this high. Plus it gave us the Spinner hair; single handedly the greatest thing in Degrassi history.
3. Beat It (S9)- It's the "B" storyline that gets this episode so high on the charts. The best recipe for a great episode of Degrassi is an intense "A" storyline, with a "B" storyline for humor relief. No one can do humor relief like Sav and Anya, with some LARPing thrown in. Anya was amazing in this episode, holding the line between pure enjoyment and embarassment. Of course, the "A" storyline was even better, as Riley continues to be the best character to star in a degrass ep, as he tries to force himself to be straight (and saying great statements like "there is no cure for b*tch) . Quite frankly, in a few years, I think this could truly rival the top two, but then again, the top 2 are pretty superb.
2. Pride (S3): Homosexuality is always well done in Degrassi, and two of the top three show that. If one was to ask me what the best done episodes of Degrassi ever are, there are only two choices: Jane Says and Pride. Jane Says did not make the episode, because it is so well done on child molestation it is disconcerting. Pride, however, is also a great episode at looking at the trials of coming out and that best friends don't always accept (it truly took Spinner 2 more seasons to finally accept Marco). Marco struggled to get to this place, and to see him gay bashed is painful. Jimmy's rescue and holding of Marco is one of the few true emotion scenes in the show, so a number 2 is definitely deserved.
1. Secret (S4): Is this episode better made then Pride? Absolutely not. And yet, is there a better lines in degrassi history than the following:
"do you know what a blowjob is?"
"You didn't earn that bracelet"
and best of all "You Gave me a social disease!'"
That is the thing about secret, it is so over the top and rediculous, which is why we watch Degrassi. If I wanted to be touched, I'd watch FNL (which I do, adamantly) but I watch Degrassi for humor and rediculous kid drama. Secret does that tenfold, and the ravine is literally my favorite Degrassi locale (barely ahead of "the dot"). That and I've seen Secret like a dozen times (and the commentary) and it is always great.
Notes:
~Four seasons got absolutely no noms (1,6,7,8), where the other five got exactly two nominations. What is interesting is that season 8 had many splendid single parters and is one of my favorite seasons. Season 1's pilot was the only two parter in the season and season 7 was overall the worst season of degrassi (and yet, it came very close to getting on the list).
~There will be no list next week, because I will be celebrating my one year anniversary with Samantha, however, I will be back in two weeks.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Top 10 Board Games
So I previously did card games, but really, that is a small fraction of the game world... There is also board games. Now what is a board game in my mind? Quite simply its any game that requires you to buy its own paraphernalia to play, which may include a board, or some other device to make that game happen that isn't just a simple deck of cards. Anyway, here we go...
10. Rack-O- The fun thing about watching a list evolve, is seeing how a game you love (in this case, Rack-O) can dive bomb a list, when you realize all the great board games there are. Rack-O is simple, get a list of numbers in order (and get a streak of numbers) in your ten spots. However, its more hectic than that, and you can really tie yourself into a corner. It's not the flashiest game on this list, but its a good one. Plus Sam and Thiell both like it, and they are my two main board game opponents.
9. Battleship- I forget how much I enjoy this simple game. I played this with one of my counseling students quite frequently, because it is quite simple. This is probably the game on the list that requires the least amount of strategy, but that doesn't mean its not fun. Sometimes I don't need a challenge, but just a good family game, and this is one of them.
8. Trivial Pursuit- I suck at Trivial Pursuit, and yet I enjoy playing it anyway. It inherently has to do with my love of trivia in general. There is something about challenging people about useless knowledge. I do enjoy the updated trivial pursuit's because I know more about it. Clearly though, the game is more fun in pairs, because it moves much faster that way.
7. Risk- See, the reason there is no axis and allies is because the game is just too long (as it takes four times as long as risk). Risk, however, is still an intensely long game, one in which I am always eliminated early (as Lans and Thiell can atest too). Maybe I just don't pick the right areas, or don't conquer the continents fast enough... who knows? I have probably never even won a game of Risk in my life, but I enjoy it anyway. I love strategic games, but its always hard to convince a group of people to play Risk.
6. Pictionary- Surprisingly high for many of you here, specially because I haven't really played it in years. I love the idea of drawing fast however, and as I said above, I love the idea of guessing what something is. The key is to draw quickly enough to get it done, but also accurately enough that someone can guess it. I just wish I could play Pictionary more often, cause I am really getting a craving writing about it.
5. Taboo- The other main Theill house staple, but even more so a staple of my college life. Everyone that is anyone plays games in college, because it is the easiest time to get a group of people together to have a fun time (especially for me, because I don't drink, and my friends didn't go out every weekend). Taboo is simple, try to get as many people on your team to guess your word, by saying as many words (that aren't listed as illegal on the card) as it takes. It can be hectic, and that just makes it better. Its a game that is ideal with about six players, because that way you aren't over yelling your partners, but aren't completely alone in the game. Overall, its a great game. Its the best version of the scream out loud games, because catch phrase is somewhat luck, and password requires more people, and sometimes is a bit slow (but I do love password too, just missed out on the list)
4. Scrabble- This was my core game in high school. I used to play it whenever I visited my friends house (it is true, we were dorks) and Brent and Brody even bought it for me as a Christmas gift, which I still have. I won't explain the rules, because everyone knows them, but trying to think of words and using bonus points is what stands out in this game. Sometimes its the simplest words that can add up to huge points, and it is different than most of the rest of the games on this list, but still requires a significant amount of thinking.
3. Chess- Is Chess a board game? I mean, it does have a board and a set of pieces, so I think it has to be included. I love chess, because it is a game entirely in your head, yet sometimes you have great plans that a simple move can disrupt. I use to play online, but the fact is that when your good at chess you rarely lose; so those online just dismantled me. I used to play in tourneys in middle school though, and if there was a chess club, I would have likely joined. Sure it may be nerdy, but there is a reason its the most popular game in the world. Its simple, yet oh so complicated.
2. Clue- Everyone knows Clue, and there is a reason for that. Its a game that borders the line between simplicity and complexity. You can create elaborate diagrams to try and figure out every person's answer, and what it means, and yet it won't always point out. Whenever anyone visits my house, I at some point inevitably try to convince them to play Clue, and that is because it is such a great game. I just love asking the questions and trying to figure out the answers.
1. Stratego- So I played an extremely epic Stratego match against Sam this weekend, where she literally threatened to kill me if my flag was the tile I left completely unguarded... Sadly it was, so I was yelled at. The thing about Stratego, is that its strategic, yet it almost always is close. It can be agonizing when your opponent is one spot away from your flag, yet glorious when they don't make that move (sorry Sam for these memories). It's also still fun when you lose, at least for me, and I have lost quite frequently lately. I may not be the greatest stratego player but I do love it. Lastly, its a two player game, and that is something that shouldn't be taken for granted.
10. Rack-O- The fun thing about watching a list evolve, is seeing how a game you love (in this case, Rack-O) can dive bomb a list, when you realize all the great board games there are. Rack-O is simple, get a list of numbers in order (and get a streak of numbers) in your ten spots. However, its more hectic than that, and you can really tie yourself into a corner. It's not the flashiest game on this list, but its a good one. Plus Sam and Thiell both like it, and they are my two main board game opponents.
9. Battleship- I forget how much I enjoy this simple game. I played this with one of my counseling students quite frequently, because it is quite simple. This is probably the game on the list that requires the least amount of strategy, but that doesn't mean its not fun. Sometimes I don't need a challenge, but just a good family game, and this is one of them.
8. Trivial Pursuit- I suck at Trivial Pursuit, and yet I enjoy playing it anyway. It inherently has to do with my love of trivia in general. There is something about challenging people about useless knowledge. I do enjoy the updated trivial pursuit's because I know more about it. Clearly though, the game is more fun in pairs, because it moves much faster that way.
7. Risk- See, the reason there is no axis and allies is because the game is just too long (as it takes four times as long as risk). Risk, however, is still an intensely long game, one in which I am always eliminated early (as Lans and Thiell can atest too). Maybe I just don't pick the right areas, or don't conquer the continents fast enough... who knows? I have probably never even won a game of Risk in my life, but I enjoy it anyway. I love strategic games, but its always hard to convince a group of people to play Risk.
6. Pictionary- Surprisingly high for many of you here, specially because I haven't really played it in years. I love the idea of drawing fast however, and as I said above, I love the idea of guessing what something is. The key is to draw quickly enough to get it done, but also accurately enough that someone can guess it. I just wish I could play Pictionary more often, cause I am really getting a craving writing about it.
5. Taboo- The other main Theill house staple, but even more so a staple of my college life. Everyone that is anyone plays games in college, because it is the easiest time to get a group of people together to have a fun time (especially for me, because I don't drink, and my friends didn't go out every weekend). Taboo is simple, try to get as many people on your team to guess your word, by saying as many words (that aren't listed as illegal on the card) as it takes. It can be hectic, and that just makes it better. Its a game that is ideal with about six players, because that way you aren't over yelling your partners, but aren't completely alone in the game. Overall, its a great game. Its the best version of the scream out loud games, because catch phrase is somewhat luck, and password requires more people, and sometimes is a bit slow (but I do love password too, just missed out on the list)
4. Scrabble- This was my core game in high school. I used to play it whenever I visited my friends house (it is true, we were dorks) and Brent and Brody even bought it for me as a Christmas gift, which I still have. I won't explain the rules, because everyone knows them, but trying to think of words and using bonus points is what stands out in this game. Sometimes its the simplest words that can add up to huge points, and it is different than most of the rest of the games on this list, but still requires a significant amount of thinking.
3. Chess- Is Chess a board game? I mean, it does have a board and a set of pieces, so I think it has to be included. I love chess, because it is a game entirely in your head, yet sometimes you have great plans that a simple move can disrupt. I use to play online, but the fact is that when your good at chess you rarely lose; so those online just dismantled me. I used to play in tourneys in middle school though, and if there was a chess club, I would have likely joined. Sure it may be nerdy, but there is a reason its the most popular game in the world. Its simple, yet oh so complicated.
2. Clue- Everyone knows Clue, and there is a reason for that. Its a game that borders the line between simplicity and complexity. You can create elaborate diagrams to try and figure out every person's answer, and what it means, and yet it won't always point out. Whenever anyone visits my house, I at some point inevitably try to convince them to play Clue, and that is because it is such a great game. I just love asking the questions and trying to figure out the answers.
1. Stratego- So I played an extremely epic Stratego match against Sam this weekend, where she literally threatened to kill me if my flag was the tile I left completely unguarded... Sadly it was, so I was yelled at. The thing about Stratego, is that its strategic, yet it almost always is close. It can be agonizing when your opponent is one spot away from your flag, yet glorious when they don't make that move (sorry Sam for these memories). It's also still fun when you lose, at least for me, and I have lost quite frequently lately. I may not be the greatest stratego player but I do love it. Lastly, its a two player game, and that is something that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Top 10 Favorite Intramural Sports Teams
I have participated in a ton of intramural sports seasons, so to pick ten of them is more difficult than initially expected, and I'll try my best to remember accurately.
10. Sophomore Year Softball (mens): The only softball team that ever consistently fielded a team, so that needs to count for something. Spring was the worst intramural season for me, because I didn't love kickball very much, so that basically just left softball... This also was the season AJ played a game I think, and I think I hit pretty well, but really this is one of the sports that is more blurry on my recollection. Not my favorite intramural sport, but it did hold me over in the spring, although junior and senior year we barely ever got to play a game.
9. Freshman Year Flag Football (mens): This is the only freshman year sport I included on this list, partially because I was injured during indoor. First off, our quarterback was ridiculously good (although by the following year, he was expelled from college for violence and drug use) and while he predominantly only passed to Nolan, I still got a few good looks. This was also a playoff team, the only one we ever had in flag football. The only downside, is that the majority of the team I didn't even know, as it was a hodge podge collection, although it did include me and Lans, like every single team on this list but one.
8. Junior Year Outdoor Soccer (Co-ed): One of the few problems making this list is fully remember what happened in senior year outdoor soccer compared to junior year... I feel like junior year had less forfeits, and I partially remember having one intense game, but who knows how good my memory is... I just really love the experience playing in goal, something you will note throughout this list.
7. Junior Year Dodgeball (co-ed): I was always a critic of dodgeball, as while at times it was enjoying, at other times it was just plain repetitive. We always had tons of games, however I think I remember co-ed more fondly. I loved the dodging aspect, and the occasional intense stare downs with the ref. With that said, it was truly hard to rate dodgeball, because it is such a blur in my memory.
6. Sophomore Year Volleyball (co-ed): The outcast team, in which none of my core teammates participated on. This was Pat Garrity's team, with his friends, but they needed more guys so I joined. Surprisingly this team made the semi's and always had enough players, without possessing too many that diminished playing time. I really loved volleyball, but after sophomore year it was just too hard to get enough consistent players to have a team.
5. Senior Year Floor Hockey (co-ed): The downside... I hit Thiell with a hockey stick, and I apologize for that. Also, I slumped hugely in the final game of the year. The good side, I scored against the varsity hockey intramural team (and our team wasn't even mercy'd rule) and the greatest intramural game every played; the 3-0 victory with no subs and Thiell posting the amazing shutout. Lanigan was a beast defensively that game too, plus Constance was a pretty sweet center. I was more of a ballhog this season then others though, but still, definitely some great memories.
4. Sophomore Year Outdoor Soccer (co-ed): Ok, first off, if it wasn't for the greatest intramural blowup, this would've been another playoff team. Needing a win to move on, we built up a 4-0 lead at half time, and all was looking bright. Then after a complete mistake by me on a goalkick, and two breakaways, we ended up in a painful 4-4 tie... With that said, this was my only intramural shutout, with the 1-0 victory over Colin's team the weak before, and every match (if I remember correct) was decided by 2 goals or less. The only problem was that there were only 3 games, but nothings perfect.
3. Junior Year Flag Football (mens): The Thiell season. I love having Thiell as the QB more than anyone, because the bomb was out of the question. Therefore short underneath passes to the TE, something that was a token of the Theill offense. This team was more competitive than some of our other ones, and was greatly better than the senior year one that lost something like 102-6 once... I just wish people kept Thiell as QB, cause it was great for my receiving stats.
2. Junior Year Indoor Soccer (co-ed): First off, this was the season I almost died in, due to the African player launching bullets off his foot at me (actually, this was the men's team that same season, quick error I just noted). However, I feel this was one of the two most consistent seasons of indoor goal, where the majority of the games were competitive but kept me on my toes. It wasn't like senior year where we only played in two total games the entire time. Side note, this team also made the playoffs... the only indoor team to do so.
1. Junior Year Floor Hockey (co-ed): See, the big difference between senior and junior year floor hockey, is that I didn't hit Thiell with a stick. What is amazing, is out of all the non-dodgeball intramural events, floor hockey was the only one we made the playoffs in, in back-to-back years. This team had its moments, including a shallaking 8-1 victory in our first game (to a team that would later beat us 4-2 in the playoffs, which still hurts to this day) and overall, it wasn't nearly as top heavy as senior year, with only one insanely good team. We also broke into a good routine, and strong positions, which helped alot. This was also my personal best season, and if Lebron has taught me anything, its to always tout yourself on statistical greatness, so yeah, easily number one (for the record, 15 goals, more than the my other 2 seasons combined)
Quick notes:
~No basketball because our team was barely ever competitive. I mean, how can I put a sport in this where we literally got the ball stolen everytime we passed half court in one game.
~Freshman year had little support because I was part of so few teams, and senior year there just wasn't the same amount of dedication. Therefore the list was predominantly junior and sophomore where it was always about intramurals (We even did 5 in a single season junior year; remember that fondly. Pretty much a game a night)
~Thiell, Lanny, Emily, Samuel, Nolan, Elyse, Nic Conklin, Constance, and Meghan (in the later years) were the most consistent members of these teams, just in case you were wondering, although Lanny most of all, as outside of freshman floor hockey on Colins team and volleyball, every other single season of intramurals I played with Lanny at my side.
~Lastly, I know this isn't an exciting list, but it was a great trip down memory lane, so I thank you for indulging me.
10. Sophomore Year Softball (mens): The only softball team that ever consistently fielded a team, so that needs to count for something. Spring was the worst intramural season for me, because I didn't love kickball very much, so that basically just left softball... This also was the season AJ played a game I think, and I think I hit pretty well, but really this is one of the sports that is more blurry on my recollection. Not my favorite intramural sport, but it did hold me over in the spring, although junior and senior year we barely ever got to play a game.
9. Freshman Year Flag Football (mens): This is the only freshman year sport I included on this list, partially because I was injured during indoor. First off, our quarterback was ridiculously good (although by the following year, he was expelled from college for violence and drug use) and while he predominantly only passed to Nolan, I still got a few good looks. This was also a playoff team, the only one we ever had in flag football. The only downside, is that the majority of the team I didn't even know, as it was a hodge podge collection, although it did include me and Lans, like every single team on this list but one.
8. Junior Year Outdoor Soccer (Co-ed): One of the few problems making this list is fully remember what happened in senior year outdoor soccer compared to junior year... I feel like junior year had less forfeits, and I partially remember having one intense game, but who knows how good my memory is... I just really love the experience playing in goal, something you will note throughout this list.
7. Junior Year Dodgeball (co-ed): I was always a critic of dodgeball, as while at times it was enjoying, at other times it was just plain repetitive. We always had tons of games, however I think I remember co-ed more fondly. I loved the dodging aspect, and the occasional intense stare downs with the ref. With that said, it was truly hard to rate dodgeball, because it is such a blur in my memory.
6. Sophomore Year Volleyball (co-ed): The outcast team, in which none of my core teammates participated on. This was Pat Garrity's team, with his friends, but they needed more guys so I joined. Surprisingly this team made the semi's and always had enough players, without possessing too many that diminished playing time. I really loved volleyball, but after sophomore year it was just too hard to get enough consistent players to have a team.
5. Senior Year Floor Hockey (co-ed): The downside... I hit Thiell with a hockey stick, and I apologize for that. Also, I slumped hugely in the final game of the year. The good side, I scored against the varsity hockey intramural team (and our team wasn't even mercy'd rule) and the greatest intramural game every played; the 3-0 victory with no subs and Thiell posting the amazing shutout. Lanigan was a beast defensively that game too, plus Constance was a pretty sweet center. I was more of a ballhog this season then others though, but still, definitely some great memories.
4. Sophomore Year Outdoor Soccer (co-ed): Ok, first off, if it wasn't for the greatest intramural blowup, this would've been another playoff team. Needing a win to move on, we built up a 4-0 lead at half time, and all was looking bright. Then after a complete mistake by me on a goalkick, and two breakaways, we ended up in a painful 4-4 tie... With that said, this was my only intramural shutout, with the 1-0 victory over Colin's team the weak before, and every match (if I remember correct) was decided by 2 goals or less. The only problem was that there were only 3 games, but nothings perfect.
3. Junior Year Flag Football (mens): The Thiell season. I love having Thiell as the QB more than anyone, because the bomb was out of the question. Therefore short underneath passes to the TE, something that was a token of the Theill offense. This team was more competitive than some of our other ones, and was greatly better than the senior year one that lost something like 102-6 once... I just wish people kept Thiell as QB, cause it was great for my receiving stats.
2. Junior Year Indoor Soccer (co-ed): First off, this was the season I almost died in, due to the African player launching bullets off his foot at me (actually, this was the men's team that same season, quick error I just noted). However, I feel this was one of the two most consistent seasons of indoor goal, where the majority of the games were competitive but kept me on my toes. It wasn't like senior year where we only played in two total games the entire time. Side note, this team also made the playoffs... the only indoor team to do so.
1. Junior Year Floor Hockey (co-ed): See, the big difference between senior and junior year floor hockey, is that I didn't hit Thiell with a stick. What is amazing, is out of all the non-dodgeball intramural events, floor hockey was the only one we made the playoffs in, in back-to-back years. This team had its moments, including a shallaking 8-1 victory in our first game (to a team that would later beat us 4-2 in the playoffs, which still hurts to this day) and overall, it wasn't nearly as top heavy as senior year, with only one insanely good team. We also broke into a good routine, and strong positions, which helped alot. This was also my personal best season, and if Lebron has taught me anything, its to always tout yourself on statistical greatness, so yeah, easily number one (for the record, 15 goals, more than the my other 2 seasons combined)
Quick notes:
~No basketball because our team was barely ever competitive. I mean, how can I put a sport in this where we literally got the ball stolen everytime we passed half court in one game.
~Freshman year had little support because I was part of so few teams, and senior year there just wasn't the same amount of dedication. Therefore the list was predominantly junior and sophomore where it was always about intramurals (We even did 5 in a single season junior year; remember that fondly. Pretty much a game a night)
~Thiell, Lanny, Emily, Samuel, Nolan, Elyse, Nic Conklin, Constance, and Meghan (in the later years) were the most consistent members of these teams, just in case you were wondering, although Lanny most of all, as outside of freshman floor hockey on Colins team and volleyball, every other single season of intramurals I played with Lanny at my side.
~Lastly, I know this isn't an exciting list, but it was a great trip down memory lane, so I thank you for indulging me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
