According to NPR's All Songs Considered.
Solid list, I must say. Curious, however, that not a single John Mayer song (especially from Continuum) made the list.
LINK
You still won't pay them?
Last night, I got home from working a Division II basketball game around 111:30 p.m.
I did what I usually do upon arriving at home. Find something (nutritional) to eat, open up Tweetdeck (follow me at twitter.com/rellevent21) browse a few Web sites and turn on ESPN.
The end of the Browns-Ravens game was going off, followed by SportsCenter, followed by -- 24 hours of college basketball?
Games started at 12 a.m., 3 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
So, let me get this straight? ESPN in conjunction with the schools and the NCAA is having college age students who, almost certainly, have classes on Tues-Thursday classes early in the morning, playing basketball at these odd times?
Isn't it suppose to be about scholarship, about the academia? About making "student-athletes" better people?
How does playing basketball at those times, the night before a busy class day, advance the institutional and NCAA academic mission?
Simply, it doesn't. Just another example, in the long string of hypocrisies laid down for the NCAA.
At 8:30 a.m. in the morning, I'm barely functional. It's hard for me to check e-mail at work, let alone dribble a basketball, sweat, work hard to please my coach and alumni, knowing i have a paper due at 1 p.m., class at 2:30 p.m. and study hall at 8 p.m.
College athletes do all this and you still won't pay them?
I did what I usually do upon arriving at home. Find something (nutritional) to eat, open up Tweetdeck (follow me at twitter.com/rellevent21) browse a few Web sites and turn on ESPN.
The end of the Browns-Ravens game was going off, followed by SportsCenter, followed by -- 24 hours of college basketball?
Games started at 12 a.m., 3 a.m., 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
So, let me get this straight? ESPN in conjunction with the schools and the NCAA is having college age students who, almost certainly, have classes on Tues-Thursday classes early in the morning, playing basketball at these odd times?
Isn't it suppose to be about scholarship, about the academia? About making "student-athletes" better people?
How does playing basketball at those times, the night before a busy class day, advance the institutional and NCAA academic mission?
Simply, it doesn't. Just another example, in the long string of hypocrisies laid down for the NCAA.
At 8:30 a.m. in the morning, I'm barely functional. It's hard for me to check e-mail at work, let alone dribble a basketball, sweat, work hard to please my coach and alumni, knowing i have a paper due at 1 p.m., class at 2:30 p.m. and study hall at 8 p.m.
College athletes do all this and you still won't pay them?
'Bring back that blogging feeling'
Over the last year, my blog posts have dropped off dramatically. For the 13 people who still read this, sorry about that and thanks for reading.
I think the biggest issue I've had is that my creative outlet has been beaten to death. Writing 10 stories a week, every week for the last two years leaves little time to hash away at issues and likes and dislikes on the blog.
Just this week, I've written seven stories on three different sports for my job.
Couple those issues with the invention and rising popularity of Twitter and the blog just isn't the best place for me to share ideas, opinions and discourse.
HOWEVER, I think it's still vitally important to me. Maybe not to anyone out there still reading, but I started this blog as a place for me to showcase my thoughts and beliefs.
While 140 characters works well sometimes, there are moments when more is needed. This is my vow to continue to blog, as I have for the past five years.
It's amazing, I created this two days after President Bush was reelected because of my friends who said "I'm moving to Canada."
Two jobs, graduate school and five years later -- it's still here.
Good stuff.
I think the biggest issue I've had is that my creative outlet has been beaten to death. Writing 10 stories a week, every week for the last two years leaves little time to hash away at issues and likes and dislikes on the blog.
Just this week, I've written seven stories on three different sports for my job.
Couple those issues with the invention and rising popularity of Twitter and the blog just isn't the best place for me to share ideas, opinions and discourse.
HOWEVER, I think it's still vitally important to me. Maybe not to anyone out there still reading, but I started this blog as a place for me to showcase my thoughts and beliefs.
While 140 characters works well sometimes, there are moments when more is needed. This is my vow to continue to blog, as I have for the past five years.
It's amazing, I created this two days after President Bush was reelected because of my friends who said "I'm moving to Canada."
Two jobs, graduate school and five years later -- it's still here.
Good stuff.
The Second Season
On occasion, I'll be posting some of my stories from my job on here. Hope you enjoy -- also, tell me what you think of the new look.
http://www.fsubroncos.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111109aaa.html
FAYETTEVILLE - The CIAA Championship trophy was resting, alone, in a dark office on Wednesday afternoon.
No players or football staff come by to look at it, to marvel at what Fayetteville State accomplished in capturing the program's third conference title just four days ago.
Instead, the Broncos are focused on bringing home another championship.
For only the third time in school history, FSU will compete in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
The Broncos will travel to California, Pa. to face California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday. Kickoff is set for Noon.
"All of the celebration and all those things come after football season," FSU head coach Kenny Phillips said during his weekly press conference. "This is an opportunity for us to continue as a football team to try and reach that ultimate goal we set in January of playing in December in the national championship game. But you can't do that if you don't win your first playoff game. We've got our work cut out for us."
FSU (8-3) made the playoffs in 2002 and 2004, losing at Carson-Newman both seasons.
The Broncos are the No. 6 seed in Super Regional One.
Phillips said Saturday's game is an opportunity for FSU to prove it belongs among the nation's elite football programs.
"I told our guys, someone didn't sit down and just say `bam, we're going to put Fayetteville State in the playoffs,'" said Phillips. "This is a special moment because of what we have to do to prove to people that we deserve an opportunity to play in this playoff. We've got to go up to California, Pa. and show these guys that we deserve to be in this thing. We're not just someone they put in just to appease us. We're here because we're a very good football team."
Phillips hasn't decided who will start at quarterback on Saturday.
Tyler Hosler, who started the Broncos' last six games - all wins, was replaced by Benjamin Williams in the third quarter of FSU's 21-10 win over Bowie State. Williams led FSU on two scoring drives and was named the CIAA Championship game's Offensive MVP.
"We don't have to do anything spectacular," Phillips said of the Broncos' passing game. "We just have to go out there and play within the game plan and don't turn the football over. Those guys don't have to throw for 500 yards a game. We just need to make sure when they give us an opportunity to make a play, we need to make a football play."
Kendon Doe, a senior wide receiver for FSU, said having two quarterbacks with lots of game experience is a positive.
"Either guy that's starting is going to do a good job," he said. "We've been behind both quarterbacks the entire season. They have our confidence and we have theirs. I expect them to do what got us here."
FSU has won nine of its last 10 and six straight on the road. The Broncos' last road loss came against Shaw, 19-12, on Oct. 12, 2008.
This season, the Broncos' defense is allowing only 11.1 points per game away from home. All six of the Broncos road wins have been by at least 10 points.
"We have some seniors on defense and they are great leaders," senior linebacker Joseph Brown said. "What they want to do is make the most of their last season. I think they've done a great job of making sure we have a successful season."
Added Phillips: "I compare it (this year's defense) to the defense we had in our first championship in 2002. They were ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in about five categories nationally. These guys have a done a great job defensively in keeping us in football games. These guys are not far behind that football team."
Cal U, the region's No. 3 seed, has won five-straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division titles and advanced to the PSAC title game.
The Vulcans (8-3) offense is paced by quarterback Josh Portis and senior wide receiver A.J. Jackson. Jackson, an All-PSAC West First Team selection, had conference-bests in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions per game.
"We're not going to change our entire defensive scheme because of the wide receiver," said Phillips. "We're going to make sure he isn't free in the secondary. It basically comes down to, we have to be able to put some pressure on the quarterback to have some success. We're going to take this challenge like we take any other challenge. We're going to take it full steam ahead. "
http://www.fsubroncos.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111109aaa.html
FAYETTEVILLE - The CIAA Championship trophy was resting, alone, in a dark office on Wednesday afternoon.
No players or football staff come by to look at it, to marvel at what Fayetteville State accomplished in capturing the program's third conference title just four days ago.
Instead, the Broncos are focused on bringing home another championship.
For only the third time in school history, FSU will compete in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
The Broncos will travel to California, Pa. to face California University of Pennsylvania on Saturday. Kickoff is set for Noon.
"All of the celebration and all those things come after football season," FSU head coach Kenny Phillips said during his weekly press conference. "This is an opportunity for us to continue as a football team to try and reach that ultimate goal we set in January of playing in December in the national championship game. But you can't do that if you don't win your first playoff game. We've got our work cut out for us."
FSU (8-3) made the playoffs in 2002 and 2004, losing at Carson-Newman both seasons.
The Broncos are the No. 6 seed in Super Regional One.
Phillips said Saturday's game is an opportunity for FSU to prove it belongs among the nation's elite football programs.
"I told our guys, someone didn't sit down and just say `bam, we're going to put Fayetteville State in the playoffs,'" said Phillips. "This is a special moment because of what we have to do to prove to people that we deserve an opportunity to play in this playoff. We've got to go up to California, Pa. and show these guys that we deserve to be in this thing. We're not just someone they put in just to appease us. We're here because we're a very good football team."
Phillips hasn't decided who will start at quarterback on Saturday.
Tyler Hosler, who started the Broncos' last six games - all wins, was replaced by Benjamin Williams in the third quarter of FSU's 21-10 win over Bowie State. Williams led FSU on two scoring drives and was named the CIAA Championship game's Offensive MVP.
"We don't have to do anything spectacular," Phillips said of the Broncos' passing game. "We just have to go out there and play within the game plan and don't turn the football over. Those guys don't have to throw for 500 yards a game. We just need to make sure when they give us an opportunity to make a play, we need to make a football play."
Kendon Doe, a senior wide receiver for FSU, said having two quarterbacks with lots of game experience is a positive.
"Either guy that's starting is going to do a good job," he said. "We've been behind both quarterbacks the entire season. They have our confidence and we have theirs. I expect them to do what got us here."
FSU has won nine of its last 10 and six straight on the road. The Broncos' last road loss came against Shaw, 19-12, on Oct. 12, 2008.
This season, the Broncos' defense is allowing only 11.1 points per game away from home. All six of the Broncos road wins have been by at least 10 points.
"We have some seniors on defense and they are great leaders," senior linebacker Joseph Brown said. "What they want to do is make the most of their last season. I think they've done a great job of making sure we have a successful season."
Added Phillips: "I compare it (this year's defense) to the defense we had in our first championship in 2002. They were ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in about five categories nationally. These guys have a done a great job defensively in keeping us in football games. These guys are not far behind that football team."
Cal U, the region's No. 3 seed, has won five-straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division titles and advanced to the PSAC title game.
The Vulcans (8-3) offense is paced by quarterback Josh Portis and senior wide receiver A.J. Jackson. Jackson, an All-PSAC West First Team selection, had conference-bests in receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions per game.
"We're not going to change our entire defensive scheme because of the wide receiver," said Phillips. "We're going to make sure he isn't free in the secondary. It basically comes down to, we have to be able to put some pressure on the quarterback to have some success. We're going to take this challenge like we take any other challenge. We're going to take it full steam ahead. "
Dixon making big impact
FAYETTEVILLE - Stretched across his oversized left forearm is one word that represents Jamaal Dixon's stature.
"Biggs."
More than just a nickname given to him during his standout career at Gates County High School, "Biggs" represents Dixon's size, play on the field and dreams.
All three are colossal.
A 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive lineman at Fayetteville State, Dixon is the only true freshmen starting on one of the best defenses in the CIAA.
Saturday, Dixon and FSU (7-3, 6-1 CIAA) will play Bowie State in the CIAA Championship game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
"I'm going to be hype because I've never played for a championship in my life," said Dixon. It's going to be nice - I'm really looking forward to it."
On the season, Dixon has 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumbles and a blocked kick.
Not bad for someone who was playing class 1-A high school football in Gatesville, N.C. a year ago.
"Physically, he has all the tools," said David Bowser, FSU's linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. "His attitude has been great and he has a good background. The guys around him respect him and understand that he's going to be a very good football player at Fayetteville State."
Dixon's starting role at FSU, and chance at a CIAA title, almost never came.
After graduating from Gates County in June, Dixon thought about spending a year at Hargrave Military Academy to shore up his academics.
He received scholarship offers to play at several Division I schools - including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina and Marshall - after he finished a semester at Hargrave.
But, a visit to FSU's campus and a bond with the Broncos' coaching staff changed his plans.
"Fayetteville State was the main one who really wanted me," Dixon said. "They sent me a lot of letters and stuff. I have a really good relationship with coach (Kenny) Phillips and coach (Damien) Adams."
So, just before fall practice began in August, Dixon committed to and enrolled at FSU.
"Most of the credit should go to Coach Phillips and Coach Adams," said Bowser. "I think coach Phillips recognized early in the process that we needed to get on the young man. Then Coach Adams did a good job of recruiting him and keeping him on Fayetteville State's radar."
With Dixon sliding between defensive tackle and defensive end, the FSU defense is giving up only 8.3 points per game in its last three contests. The Broncos' have limited their opponents to -38 yards rushing on 88 attempts during the same span.
Dixon said adjusting to faster, stronger and bigger athletes has been his biggest challenge.
"When you're coming from a small school, you're used to being the key to the defense," he said. "Coach Phillips has really good schemes. We have a lot of good players, so it's not all about one person. Everyone's technique has to come together for the defense to work."
Dixon wants to play in the NFL and believes that playing at FSU and in the CIAA won't hurt his chances.
"If somebody has the talent to go to the NFL, they'll find you," he said. "I'm just working on getting faster and being able to go hard all the time. "
A criminal justice major, Dixon credits his mother - who is a police officer - for helping him develop a strong work ethic.
"She was strict when I was younger and I couldn't really do anything," he said. "I can't complain about it though, it made the person I am today. She helped me to be very respectful to my coaches. A lot of people like to talk back to coaches and talk in their faces, but I can't really get into that."
As the 2009 season winds down, "Biggs" is already thinking about next year.
"I'm getting a lot faster and I've gotten bigger since I've gotten here," he said. "I can't wait to get in the weight room and get stronger over the summer."
"Biggs."
More than just a nickname given to him during his standout career at Gates County High School, "Biggs" represents Dixon's size, play on the field and dreams.
All three are colossal.
A 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive lineman at Fayetteville State, Dixon is the only true freshmen starting on one of the best defenses in the CIAA.
Saturday, Dixon and FSU (7-3, 6-1 CIAA) will play Bowie State in the CIAA Championship game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
"I'm going to be hype because I've never played for a championship in my life," said Dixon. It's going to be nice - I'm really looking forward to it."
On the season, Dixon has 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumbles and a blocked kick.
Not bad for someone who was playing class 1-A high school football in Gatesville, N.C. a year ago.
"Physically, he has all the tools," said David Bowser, FSU's linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. "His attitude has been great and he has a good background. The guys around him respect him and understand that he's going to be a very good football player at Fayetteville State."
Dixon's starting role at FSU, and chance at a CIAA title, almost never came.
After graduating from Gates County in June, Dixon thought about spending a year at Hargrave Military Academy to shore up his academics.
He received scholarship offers to play at several Division I schools - including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina and Marshall - after he finished a semester at Hargrave.
But, a visit to FSU's campus and a bond with the Broncos' coaching staff changed his plans.
"Fayetteville State was the main one who really wanted me," Dixon said. "They sent me a lot of letters and stuff. I have a really good relationship with coach (Kenny) Phillips and coach (Damien) Adams."
So, just before fall practice began in August, Dixon committed to and enrolled at FSU.
"Most of the credit should go to Coach Phillips and Coach Adams," said Bowser. "I think coach Phillips recognized early in the process that we needed to get on the young man. Then Coach Adams did a good job of recruiting him and keeping him on Fayetteville State's radar."
With Dixon sliding between defensive tackle and defensive end, the FSU defense is giving up only 8.3 points per game in its last three contests. The Broncos' have limited their opponents to -38 yards rushing on 88 attempts during the same span.
Dixon said adjusting to faster, stronger and bigger athletes has been his biggest challenge.
"When you're coming from a small school, you're used to being the key to the defense," he said. "Coach Phillips has really good schemes. We have a lot of good players, so it's not all about one person. Everyone's technique has to come together for the defense to work."
Dixon wants to play in the NFL and believes that playing at FSU and in the CIAA won't hurt his chances.
"If somebody has the talent to go to the NFL, they'll find you," he said. "I'm just working on getting faster and being able to go hard all the time. "
A criminal justice major, Dixon credits his mother - who is a police officer - for helping him develop a strong work ethic.
"She was strict when I was younger and I couldn't really do anything," he said. "I can't complain about it though, it made the person I am today. She helped me to be very respectful to my coaches. A lot of people like to talk back to coaches and talk in their faces, but I can't really get into that."
As the 2009 season winds down, "Biggs" is already thinking about next year.
"I'm getting a lot faster and I've gotten bigger since I've gotten here," he said. "I can't wait to get in the weight room and get stronger over the summer."
Powell piling up sacks
FAYETTEVILLE - Before the ball is snapped, defensive players have to read the offense much the same way a quarterback reads defenses.
Darius Powell's 8.5 sacks, which lead Fayetteville State and rank second in the CIAA, prove that he's mastered his craft.
"Before the snap we try to get a feel for what the linemen is doing," Powell said. "You have to identify formation, down and distance and whether or not their in pass set or a run set."
While it might seem like a lot to process in just a few seconds, Powell honed the skill through years of experience on the field and countless hours in film study.
Perhaps the best display of Powell's unique combination of size, strength and speed came against St. Augustine's.
In the Broncos' 56-6 win, Powell, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker/defensive end, terrorized the Falcons' offense. He had seven tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and a 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown - all season highs.
"I was getting a good jump off the ball," Powell said. "I try to get a timing on their cadence and then when they're about to hike the ball, I just explode off the line."
Kenny Phillips, the Broncos' head coach, said he knew Powell was capable of dominating.
"He probably had his best football game of his young career here at Fayetteville State," Phillips said after the game. "He's an unbelievable talent and we need him to continue to play like he played today."
Prior to Powell's breakout performance, Phillips admitted the FSU coaching staff had difficulty getting the Waldorf, Md. native to play consistently.
"As a defensive football coach, we've been frustrated with him," Phillips said. "We know he has the ability, now we have to keep him focused and make sure he does the same thing each week."
Phillips wasn't the only one who noticed Powell's potential.
"Powell is a monster," said senior linebacker Marcos Esquivel. "Since I saw him practice in camp I thought he could tear this league up. I guess it just took a while for him to get comfortable with the system. When he's on his game, he's unstoppable."
A standout at Westlake, Powell had offers from North Carolina, Akron, Illinois, Kent State, Michigan State, Marshall and Syracuse entering his senior year of high school.
He chose UNC and played two seasons in Chapel Hill before deciding to transfer to FSU.
"I had an inside with one of the players who came here after playing at UNC," said Powell. "He told me this was a great place to go and that all the coaches were good here. I ended up here and I like it."
Over the last three games, Powell has 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. It's no coincidence that during that same span, the FSU defense has held its opponents to 8.6 points per game.
"Our preparation has been great," Powell said. "We prepare really well and the defense Coach Phillips runs enables a lot of people to make plays. As long as you buy into the system, you're going to make plays."
On Saturday, Powell and the Broncos will face Bowie State in the CIAA Championship game.
Despite the game's importance and its national platform, Powell said individual statistics and performances don't matter.
"We're just trying to stay focused," he said. "We're not worried about a spotlight. We just want to come out with a championship win."
Darius Powell's 8.5 sacks, which lead Fayetteville State and rank second in the CIAA, prove that he's mastered his craft.
"Before the snap we try to get a feel for what the linemen is doing," Powell said. "You have to identify formation, down and distance and whether or not their in pass set or a run set."
While it might seem like a lot to process in just a few seconds, Powell honed the skill through years of experience on the field and countless hours in film study.
Perhaps the best display of Powell's unique combination of size, strength and speed came against St. Augustine's.
In the Broncos' 56-6 win, Powell, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker/defensive end, terrorized the Falcons' offense. He had seven tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and a 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown - all season highs.
"I was getting a good jump off the ball," Powell said. "I try to get a timing on their cadence and then when they're about to hike the ball, I just explode off the line."
Kenny Phillips, the Broncos' head coach, said he knew Powell was capable of dominating.
"He probably had his best football game of his young career here at Fayetteville State," Phillips said after the game. "He's an unbelievable talent and we need him to continue to play like he played today."
Prior to Powell's breakout performance, Phillips admitted the FSU coaching staff had difficulty getting the Waldorf, Md. native to play consistently.
"As a defensive football coach, we've been frustrated with him," Phillips said. "We know he has the ability, now we have to keep him focused and make sure he does the same thing each week."
Phillips wasn't the only one who noticed Powell's potential.
"Powell is a monster," said senior linebacker Marcos Esquivel. "Since I saw him practice in camp I thought he could tear this league up. I guess it just took a while for him to get comfortable with the system. When he's on his game, he's unstoppable."
A standout at Westlake, Powell had offers from North Carolina, Akron, Illinois, Kent State, Michigan State, Marshall and Syracuse entering his senior year of high school.
He chose UNC and played two seasons in Chapel Hill before deciding to transfer to FSU.
"I had an inside with one of the players who came here after playing at UNC," said Powell. "He told me this was a great place to go and that all the coaches were good here. I ended up here and I like it."
Over the last three games, Powell has 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. It's no coincidence that during that same span, the FSU defense has held its opponents to 8.6 points per game.
"Our preparation has been great," Powell said. "We prepare really well and the defense Coach Phillips runs enables a lot of people to make plays. As long as you buy into the system, you're going to make plays."
On Saturday, Powell and the Broncos will face Bowie State in the CIAA Championship game.
Despite the game's importance and its national platform, Powell said individual statistics and performances don't matter.
"We're just trying to stay focused," he said. "We're not worried about a spotlight. We just want to come out with a championship win."
Rewatch Chris Rock's N*ggas vs. Black People Rant
And despite it being funny, tell me you don't think it's a tad racist.
Trying not to believe
The Dallas Cowboys are a hard team to figure out. Perhaps even more of an enigma is the team's quarterback Tony Romo.
He's 0-2 in playoff games and has a history of late-season collapses and poor play in games that matter. Turnovers and errors, probably attributed to his supreme confidence in his arm, are commonplace and often times hurt his team.
We've seen him sulk on the sideline and at times just not look like a leader.
That's bad Romo.
Then there is good Romo.
He is 31-14 in his first 45 games as a starter which is, I believe, the second best record of all-time.
He has the most 300-yard passing games in Cowboys history and his quarterback rating is among the top 15 of all-time.
It's frustrating because his inconsistency isn't consistent. He'll have six straight good games and then a bad game.
On Sunday, he had his third-best QB rating of his career and threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
If Romo can stay as "the good Romo" Dallas just might have a chance to do some things this year.
But you just don't know.
He's 0-2 in playoff games and has a history of late-season collapses and poor play in games that matter. Turnovers and errors, probably attributed to his supreme confidence in his arm, are commonplace and often times hurt his team.
We've seen him sulk on the sideline and at times just not look like a leader.
That's bad Romo.
Then there is good Romo.
He is 31-14 in his first 45 games as a starter which is, I believe, the second best record of all-time.
He has the most 300-yard passing games in Cowboys history and his quarterback rating is among the top 15 of all-time.
It's frustrating because his inconsistency isn't consistent. He'll have six straight good games and then a bad game.
On Sunday, he had his third-best QB rating of his career and threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
If Romo can stay as "the good Romo" Dallas just might have a chance to do some things this year.
But you just don't know.
"The game’s out there and it’s play or get played. That simple” – Omar Little
If you didn't know, over the last month I've become nearly obsessed with The Wire. My friends (most notably Aaron, Bomani, Jimmy and Khary) had been telling me to watch it for the last few years. However, I resisted for some unknown reason.
Maybe I wanted to be different or maybe I just didn't want to invest in a TV show about Cops, Drug Deals, Burearcary.
Ultimately though, it seems I was scared of the realness. It's very easy to sit back in our little corner of the world, live our life and not take notice to what's going on five blocks over, let alone a city (Baltimore) 500 miles away.
But as I watched more and more of The Wire, I saw a world that is like Mars to me -- distant, far off, alien and foreign.
It also provides some of the most in-depth look at major entities that help shape now how we think, but what we think about (the concept is called Agenda Setting and Donald Shaw, a professor at UNC, is an expert).
The show reviews how nebulous and gray the lines between what we perceive as "good" and "bad" are in the drug trade, education system, journalism and in local government.
The Wire shows us that we can't simply look at someone (say like Omar) and say he is a good or bad. We have to examine why they are doing what they are doing, what code they live by in said lifestyle, who they effect and what the means they are using.
One of the main things I've learned from The Wire is that really the means are much more important than the end.
Maybe I wanted to be different or maybe I just didn't want to invest in a TV show about Cops, Drug Deals, Burearcary.
Ultimately though, it seems I was scared of the realness. It's very easy to sit back in our little corner of the world, live our life and not take notice to what's going on five blocks over, let alone a city (Baltimore) 500 miles away.
But as I watched more and more of The Wire, I saw a world that is like Mars to me -- distant, far off, alien and foreign.
It also provides some of the most in-depth look at major entities that help shape now how we think, but what we think about (the concept is called Agenda Setting and Donald Shaw, a professor at UNC, is an expert).
The show reviews how nebulous and gray the lines between what we perceive as "good" and "bad" are in the drug trade, education system, journalism and in local government.
The Wire shows us that we can't simply look at someone (say like Omar) and say he is a good or bad. We have to examine why they are doing what they are doing, what code they live by in said lifestyle, who they effect and what the means they are using.
One of the main things I've learned from The Wire is that really the means are much more important than the end.
Long road leads Turner to Fayetteville State
FAYETTEVILLE - More than 2,150 miles separate Fayetteville State kicker Austin Turner from his hometown of San Diego.
However, the gap between the culture of his home state and the culture the sophomore has experienced in two years at FSU might be even larger.
"North Carolina is very different from the west coast," said Turner. "The west coast is all I've known and lived in. It's very slow and very southern, but the people here are a whole lot nicer than they are on the west coast."
Southern standards that are commonplace in North Carolina, were foreign to Turner when he enrolled at FSU in Aug. 2008.
"I'd never had sweet tea," Turner said. "It's kind of thought of as an east coast thing on the west coast. I fell in love with it though and I drink like a gallon a day."
Turner attended San Diego Mesa College after high school and then began his search for a four-year university.
"I was looking for a place to play after my first year at junior college and I went to a special teams camp in New Jersey," said Turner. "After that camp I got a phone call from Fayetteville State and they offered me a scholarship."
Turner, who committed to the Broncos and head coach Kenny Phillips in March 2008, said one thing about FSU stood out from other schools recruiting him.
"Trust is a big thing with me," he said. "When I was trying to decide where to go, I felt comfortable and I trusted coach (Kenny) Phillips. He was the main one I was talking to about what they thought about me. I wanted to go somewhere where they wanted me and FSU seemed like they wanted me. They said I was the missing piece to put them over the top."
Added Phillips: "We had another kid on the board when got his video tape in. We really liked what we saw from him as a kicker and a punter. We were very impressed with what we saw with him."
While his off-the-field transition has been choppy at times, Turner's gridiron assimilation has been seamless.
Through four games, Turner leads the CIAA with eight made field goals and has been named the CIAA Specialty Player of the week twice. Turner has connected on all 12 of his extra point attempts and is second in the conference in points per game (9) and punting average (39.7).
"So far, for taking almost two years off of football, I'm much farther -- progress wise -- than I thought I was going to be," Turner said. "I'm happy with the performance but I think I can get much better. My goal is to put points on the board for the Broncos and I think I've done my job. I was put here for a reason and I feel like my reason was to bring a championship home."
FSU has scored 12 of 14 times it's entered the red zone (85.7 percent), a ten percent increase from 2008, which is tied for best in the CIAA with Shaw.
"It's a great turnaround to be able to have a guy that can make a long field goal," Phillips said. "His range is anywhere under 50 yards. If you can get him around 48 or 49 yards, he can make those consistently. With that kind of weapon on your side, that's great, instead of a year ago where we had to get the ball within the 15-yard line to kick a field goal."
In the Broncos' 30-20 win over Bowie State, Turner booted a 49-yard field goal - the longest in FSU history.
"Before Austin leaves here, he'll probably own every kicking record at the university," Phillips said. "He is going to turn out to be the best kicker to ever kick at this university."
When asked about Phillips' comment, Turner responded confidently.
"To be the best in school history, no matter what it is, would be a great accomplishment," he said. "It's very humbling, but I've always grown up wanting to be the best in everything. I've been here for going on two years now, I love this place and I love the coaching staff. But, I'm looking for more. I want to be the best in CIAA history, in Division II history and in college history. I'm trying to go above and beyond."
However, the gap between the culture of his home state and the culture the sophomore has experienced in two years at FSU might be even larger.
"North Carolina is very different from the west coast," said Turner. "The west coast is all I've known and lived in. It's very slow and very southern, but the people here are a whole lot nicer than they are on the west coast."
Southern standards that are commonplace in North Carolina, were foreign to Turner when he enrolled at FSU in Aug. 2008.
"I'd never had sweet tea," Turner said. "It's kind of thought of as an east coast thing on the west coast. I fell in love with it though and I drink like a gallon a day."
Turner attended San Diego Mesa College after high school and then began his search for a four-year university.
"I was looking for a place to play after my first year at junior college and I went to a special teams camp in New Jersey," said Turner. "After that camp I got a phone call from Fayetteville State and they offered me a scholarship."
Turner, who committed to the Broncos and head coach Kenny Phillips in March 2008, said one thing about FSU stood out from other schools recruiting him.
"Trust is a big thing with me," he said. "When I was trying to decide where to go, I felt comfortable and I trusted coach (Kenny) Phillips. He was the main one I was talking to about what they thought about me. I wanted to go somewhere where they wanted me and FSU seemed like they wanted me. They said I was the missing piece to put them over the top."
Added Phillips: "We had another kid on the board when got his video tape in. We really liked what we saw from him as a kicker and a punter. We were very impressed with what we saw with him."
While his off-the-field transition has been choppy at times, Turner's gridiron assimilation has been seamless.
Through four games, Turner leads the CIAA with eight made field goals and has been named the CIAA Specialty Player of the week twice. Turner has connected on all 12 of his extra point attempts and is second in the conference in points per game (9) and punting average (39.7).
"So far, for taking almost two years off of football, I'm much farther -- progress wise -- than I thought I was going to be," Turner said. "I'm happy with the performance but I think I can get much better. My goal is to put points on the board for the Broncos and I think I've done my job. I was put here for a reason and I feel like my reason was to bring a championship home."
FSU has scored 12 of 14 times it's entered the red zone (85.7 percent), a ten percent increase from 2008, which is tied for best in the CIAA with Shaw.
"It's a great turnaround to be able to have a guy that can make a long field goal," Phillips said. "His range is anywhere under 50 yards. If you can get him around 48 or 49 yards, he can make those consistently. With that kind of weapon on your side, that's great, instead of a year ago where we had to get the ball within the 15-yard line to kick a field goal."
In the Broncos' 30-20 win over Bowie State, Turner booted a 49-yard field goal - the longest in FSU history.
"Before Austin leaves here, he'll probably own every kicking record at the university," Phillips said. "He is going to turn out to be the best kicker to ever kick at this university."
When asked about Phillips' comment, Turner responded confidently.
"To be the best in school history, no matter what it is, would be a great accomplishment," he said. "It's very humbling, but I've always grown up wanting to be the best in everything. I've been here for going on two years now, I love this place and I love the coaching staff. But, I'm looking for more. I want to be the best in CIAA history, in Division II history and in college history. I'm trying to go above and beyond."
President Obama's speech today
If you didn't know, President Obama is speaking to the U.N. General Assembly today and will reportedly tell them that "America can't go at it alone."
While I haven't been particularly excited about everything (though I've been excited by somethings) the President has done since January, this is a good step.
A part of the challenge (really the biggest challenge) of the 21st century is taking the relics and fossils (those are insults) who ran the world in the 20th century and modernizing -- or eliminating -- them.
This is going to sound very, ummm, socialist but it's where we are. For too long, we've worried about our particular country and not about our planet.
I'm not one to jump on one craze after another just because it's in, but this is as great, magnicificent, innovative, troublesome and dark a time as we've had in world history.
We're on the precipice of either harmony and greatness or chaos and folly. The line between the two is very thin and I believe President Obama is making the right step today. His political experience may be lacking, but I believe Obama is up to the task.
Is it bold and controversial? Sure. But, the only way to change things is to attack the status quo and we all know that change doesn't come without struggle, strife and conflict.
Still, it's necessary. Props to President Obama for having the courage to do it.
While I haven't been particularly excited about everything (though I've been excited by somethings) the President has done since January, this is a good step.
A part of the challenge (really the biggest challenge) of the 21st century is taking the relics and fossils (those are insults) who ran the world in the 20th century and modernizing -- or eliminating -- them.
This is going to sound very, ummm, socialist but it's where we are. For too long, we've worried about our particular country and not about our planet.
I'm not one to jump on one craze after another just because it's in, but this is as great, magnicificent, innovative, troublesome and dark a time as we've had in world history.
We're on the precipice of either harmony and greatness or chaos and folly. The line between the two is very thin and I believe President Obama is making the right step today. His political experience may be lacking, but I believe Obama is up to the task.
Is it bold and controversial? Sure. But, the only way to change things is to attack the status quo and we all know that change doesn't come without struggle, strife and conflict.
Still, it's necessary. Props to President Obama for having the courage to do it.
FlashForward
This show looks really entertaining and I find the premise absolutely fascinating. However, I hope let it tell its own story and don't try and make it LOST Part II.
Offering humanity a crystal ball
Excerpt:
Offering humanity a crystal ball
Excerpt:
PASADENA, Calif. - It's the question that drives one of TV's most talked-about and nervously anticipated dramas since Lost first captured the popular imagination five years ago: If you knew what your future held, what would you do?
FlashForward, based on the novel by Ottawa science-fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer, is a time-bending ensemble thriller in which, suddenly and without warning, every person on Earth blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds. During that time, each person glimpses where they will be exactly six months from then - in FlashForward time, on April 29, 2010, at 10 p.m. Pacific Time.
For some, the future will be full of joy and hope. For others, it will a time of sadness and resignation, or even terror. For still others, the future won't seem to exist at all.
Everyone, though, will face the same existential question: Would you accept what you saw and live life to its fullest, or would you do everything in your power to prevent what's about to happen?
It's a concept that intrigued David S. Goyer, co-writer of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and (his) producer (wife), Jessika Borsiczky when they first came across Sawyer's book
Initial intrigue morphed into a near-obsession. And now, in Goyer and Borsiczky's hands, FlashForward is about to be realized as a full-fledged network series.
FlashForward debuts Thursday, Sept. 24 on ABC and Canada's A channel.
``I was driven by this idea, this debate about whether one can change the future,'' Goyer said. ``If you saw your future, what would you do about it? There's a lot of drama and suspense to be mined there.''
Cowboys rally around Romo
Maybe they should rally around him and trade him.
Dallas focuses on rebounding...
Dallas focuses on rebounding...
IRVING, Texas - Only two games into a new season and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James already finds himself in an all-too familiar spot.
James was standing at his locker the day after a loss trying to explain what's going wrong.
After missing the playoffs in the 2008 season that started with Super Bowl expectations and ended with that blowout loss in Philadelphia, there has already been a big letdown in front of the largestregular-season crowd in NFL history.
"Even though it's the second game of the season, it's an adverse situation," James said Monday, only about 13 hours after a 33-31 loss in their inaugural game at Cowboys Stadium on a last-play field goal by the New York Giants.
"It'll be a crying shame if we just fall apart right now," James said. "We've just got to bounce back, pick ourselves up.'
