Week 6 Overall
ESPN’s Top Predictor 9-5 57-33 (63.3%)
Dustin’s Picks ---- 9-5 (64.3%)
George Washington’s Picks ---- 18-12 (60%)
Dolphins vs. Packers
We want to back the Pack, but they’re now 3-3. All three of their losses have been by exactly three points. With a little more clutch playing, this team could go from B+ to A rate superstar status. Dolphins in the hunt with 7 other AFC teams doing well.
San Diego vs. Rams
Please feel free to sing along. Oh where, oh where have the Chargers gone? Oh where, oh where can they be? They are now two and four, and near the bottom of the Aaaa Fffff Cccccc. How about losses to the Seahawks, Raiders, and Rams in three of last four weeks. They were down 17-0 at one point against the Rams. If you want tickets, there should be a couple extra available on stubhub as of tonight. Have fun against the Patriots.
As for the Rams, they’ll only beat the better teams but lose to the bad teams. They’ve lost to the Cardinals, Raiders, and Lions – three of the ugliest teams in the league. But they’ve beat the Seahawks, Redskins, and Chargers. Their next game is Tampa Bay, so a loss?
Patriots vs. Ravens
Yeaaa babay!!! It’s nice to see Tom Brady bring his team back after trailing ten in the 4th quarter to take the game into overtime, especially after the Baltimore defender got in Brady’s face and was smack talking. Whooops. Big mistake to get Tom’s cylinders firing. Brady and the Pats knock off many ‘experts’ pick to win the Super Bowl. By the way, we loved his pre-game interview. The man is a great individual and has a great head on his shoulders. Pats are 4-1 with the highest scoring team in the league! Have fun beating in the Chargers next week.
Ravens looking strong and clutch, but only once has their game been decided by more than 7 points. Get all your bathroom visits out before the 4th quarter of a Raven game. Should be no problem next week against winless Buffalo Bills.
Steelers vs. Browns
Big Ben is back! Pittsburgh Victoria! With the #1 defense, they’re definitely one of the top of the top teams right now.
Chiefs vs. Texans
Chiefs were the last man standing and now have lost two in a row. But don’t count on them being an early season fluke. Both losses were close and they let the Texans score 21 points in the 4th, including two touchdowns in the last five minutes to win the game. Chiefs are legit and with experience, they should be in the playoffs easy.
Texans have had some flakey losses, but they’ve got some very good victories this year. They could 5th or 6th seed wild card.
Giants vs. Lions
Look out G-Men. They’ve been stomping teams the last three weeks and they march into Dallas next week. They look to be back, but I can see them losing steam and falling back as well. The Lions are 1-5 and probably not going anywhere this season. But they did lose to the Bears, Eagles, Packers, and Giants only within one score.
Eagles vs. Falcons
Kevin corn on the Kolb rocked the Falcons. Philly is 4-2 both two of those victories were only by three points against poor teams. Falcons should be fine against Bengals next week.
Saints vs. Bucs
Nothing like a loss to the Cardinals to snap the Saints out of their ‘play-down-to-their-opponents-level’ style. It’s the first time all year the Saints actually looked like they belong in a Division higher than the NFL, as they did for a good portion of last year. But they do have the Browns coming next week. I’ll give them this week with another stomp and then the real deal Steelers will come knocking for a visit.
Jets vs. Broncos
Jets just win baby, flying high to 5-1. Broncs down to 2-4.
49ers vs. Raiders
49ers won? Wow, it’s been awhile since I heard that.
Cowboys vs. Vikings
Cowboys will be renting out their stadium this February for the Super Bowl. We enjoyed the last play of the game though, the smear the qb game.
Colts vs. Redskins
Indy wins close.
Titans vs. Jags
Titans cruise without Vince Young.
Dustin’s Week 7 picks
Falcons
Steelers
Ravens
Jaguars
Browns
Bears
49ers
Rams
Eagles
Seahawks
Patriots
Raiders
Packers
Giants
George Washington’s Picks
Bengals
Steelers
Ravens
Chiefs
Saints
Bears
Panters
Bucs
Titans
Cards
Patriots
Broncos
Vikings
Cowboys
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
TOP 5 NFL Teams that could Shock & Awe you this Year!
Top 5 NFL Teams that Could Shock & Awe this Year!
Lions, Jaguars, and Bears oh my! It’s back baby. The best time of the year! It’s time for me to wake up from my eight month slumber, empty out my old pizza boxes from last February, buy a new HD-TV, renew my Sunday ticket subscription, forge doctor’s notes so God can forgive me for missing church, tell my wife the Sunday afternoon family book readings and neighborhood drives are over (ok, I don’t really have a wife, but you get the idea) – it’s time for the NFL Season 2010!!!
The Pack saw a heartbreaking playoff loss in Arizona last year. This year with a more experienced Aaron Rodgers and team returning to the frozen tundra, the Packers could make some plays and break some hearts this year. With the economy down, it may not be a bad idea to either purchase jerseys with the name ‘Rodgers’ on the back or some stock in cheese.
(4) Baltimore Ravens
(3) Houston Texans
Admittedly, I’m going out on a limb to say Houston may do a shock and awe. I certainly don’t predict them to do so their first game against the Colts, but hey, there is always one team that comes out of the woodwork and gets the ESPN announcers riled up, all claiming they had made the prediction this team would do well. Why not, flip a coin, and so lands the Texans.
(2) Tennessee Titans
How about them 49ers! Last year, the 49ers tore it up early on. They were merely a Brett Favre Hail Mary from starting the season 4-0. They got so much media hype from their early success, they lost focus, let others expectation of them get to their head, and we saw this talented team literally collapse on itself, underperforming what they were capable of. Although, they finished 8-8, they lost only one game by more than a touchdown. Look out San Fran because here you come! Competing in a division with the horrid Rams, the Seahawks, and the Cardinals losing WR Anquan Boldin and QB Kurt Warner, these Niners may rediscover gold in San Francisco.
Lions, Jaguars, and Bears oh my! It’s back baby. The best time of the year! It’s time for me to wake up from my eight month slumber, empty out my old pizza boxes from last February, buy a new HD-TV, renew my Sunday ticket subscription, forge doctor’s notes so God can forgive me for missing church, tell my wife the Sunday afternoon family book readings and neighborhood drives are over (ok, I don’t really have a wife, but you get the idea) – it’s time for the NFL Season 2010!!!
We all know about the Saints offense, Peyton Manning, the Cowboys defense, and Patriots winning mindset. But who don’t we know about that could create some buzz and shocks this year?
Here are the Top 5 NFL Surprise Teams to look out for this season:
(5) Green Bay Packers
The Pack saw a heartbreaking playoff loss in Arizona last year. This year with a more experienced Aaron Rodgers and team returning to the frozen tundra, the Packers could make some plays and break some hearts this year. With the economy down, it may not be a bad idea to either purchase jerseys with the name ‘Rodgers’ on the back or some stock in cheese.(4) Baltimore Ravens
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| Joe Flacco, Madden Style |
This one is pretty easy because these guys always shock and awe. They’ve been the 6th seed in the playoffs the last two seasons and both times knocked out the #3 seed, even advancing to the AFC Championship game two years ago. With a strong and steady defense behind Ray Lewis, and a confident and improved offense behind Joe Flacco, the Ravens may be a very dirty bird this year.
(3) Houston Texans
Admittedly, I’m going out on a limb to say Houston may do a shock and awe. I certainly don’t predict them to do so their first game against the Colts, but hey, there is always one team that comes out of the woodwork and gets the ESPN announcers riled up, all claiming they had made the prediction this team would do well. Why not, flip a coin, and so lands the Texans.
(2) Tennessee Titans
Oh yea baby. You know these guys can be big-time this year. After starting last season 0-6, including a 0-59 loss to the Patriots that was more horrid than my grandma’s denchers after a chocolate pie eating contest, the Titans stud QB Vince Young came back from his finding himself vacation, and lead them to a powerful 8-2 finish. Let’s see if they can keep the momentum and break into the Final 6 in January.
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| Vince Young during his 99yard touchdown drive to win the game with 0 sec left on clock |
(1) San Francisco 49ers
How about them 49ers! Last year, the 49ers tore it up early on. They were merely a Brett Favre Hail Mary from starting the season 4-0. They got so much media hype from their early success, they lost focus, let others expectation of them get to their head, and we saw this talented team literally collapse on itself, underperforming what they were capable of. Although, they finished 8-8, they lost only one game by more than a touchdown. Look out San Fran because here you come! Competing in a division with the horrid Rams, the Seahawks, and the Cardinals losing WR Anquan Boldin and QB Kurt Warner, these Niners may rediscover gold in San Francisco.And that’s the Top 5 Shock and Awe.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Top 5 Most Notable Moments of Miss Universe 2010
It was that time. It’s the Super Bowl of Beauty pageants, the one Monday night where we don’t watch the Bachelor Pad, and the time where we enforce the kids 9pm curfew…Miss Universe 2010! I must say this year’s competition was one of the best I’ve seen. Here are the Top 5 Most Notable moments of the night.
(5) Where’s Miss USA?
Hearing the words, ‘Miss USA’ during the announcing of the final 15 is almost as common as a Detroit Lions loss on Thanksgiving day. However, this year the first Muslim-born and beloved Rima Fakih, became the first Miss USA in since 2002 not to make the Final 15 walk. I guess the past doesn’t always predict the future.
(4) Latin America wins!...Again
For three years straight Latin America has walked off with the Miss Universe crown (no complaints here). The previous two winners were Venezuela and… well, Venezuela. It’s notable that Europe has not taken the Miss Universe crown since Norway back in 1990. I guess Europeans should just stick to dominating World Cup Soccer (winning three of the last four finals and competing in the finals every year since 1954) and leave the beauty thing to the Latinas.
(3) Brett Michaels Getting Drunk near the end
Anybody else who watched notice Brett Michaels, the male show host, start bringing out the inner Rock star towards the end? He kept a pretty calm demeanor until the end when he got a huge boost of energy, either because he was gitty with excitement as to who was going to win (I know I was), or hit the Skyy during a commercial break. Either way, well done and we’d love to see that passion continue.
I must say I was VERY impressed with the answers to the final questions. In the face of challenging questions surrounding the death penalty, government restrictions on religious clothing in school, airport full body scanners, and unsupervised internet use effecting our youth; with the exception of the Phillipines, all the contestants gave poised, confident, knockout answers. It was really a toss-up as who to pick for the best answer.
Video of contestant answers here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8boL5_UTAg
(1) Australia taking Miss Congenialty and 3rd place
Usually the Miss Congenialty award is given to the girl you never saw the whole pageant until the announcing of this award. But this year, Australia became the first lady to win Miss Congenialty and make the Final 5 since 1970 (yes I do know all these facts…Wikipedia baby!). Having studied abroad in Australia, I must say this was a good choice.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Top 10 Wildest Moments of the World Cup 2010 2nd Round
Top 10 Wildest Moments of World Cup 2010 2nd Round
(#9) Momentum Turners – 3rd Place Game
The 3rd place game was intense and crazy. Germany went up 1-0. Early in second half, they were down 2-1 with an amazing goal by Diego Forlan. But the Germans rebounded with another two goals to win 3-2. Forlan, winner of the Golden ball and armed with one of the most dangerous legs in the game, nearly tied the game again with a free kick that barely bounced off the top cross bar. Crazy intense.
Awesome Forlan Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHP0hSyEQTM
(#8) Uruguay’s Bicycle Kicker
When I say the word ‘bicycle,’ an image of you in your younger childhood might pop up, riding your bicycle around the streets of your home, stopping to buy the heavily-sugared 25 cent lemonade from the neighbors selling down the block. Or you might start humming, “I like to ride my bicycle,” by Queen. But rarely will you associate bicycle with the brutal bicycle kick Dutch player Demy De Zeeuw took to the face from Martin Caceres of Uruguay. He ultimately got a yellow card, and we got a moment we won’t forget, reminding us, amidst all the flopping and acting, that soccer actually can be brutal.
(#7) Japan’s Penalty Kicks
Japan was a Cinderella story and almost pulled off a shocking upset when it nearly knocked out South America’s Paraguay. After going into overtime, penalty kicks became the deciding factor. Japan hit all of theirs with the exception of one from Yuichi Komano. We’re not sure what was more wild – the way the game finished, or the fact that the Japanese government awarded Komano with a special 'inspiring hopes and dreams' award (similar to an “A for Effort” award).
(#6) Germany ends Argentinian Dance
Many people had been dancing in step with the Argentinians, who had been the most dominant team until the quarter finals. The Argentinians aren’t normally used to outsiders keeping in step with them on the dance floor, but the Germans showed some fancy footwork and dominance, writing their own rules and sending Maradona, one of the most passionate and fun to watch, out in tears. He later claimed it was the ‘worst day of my life.’ Certainly the vivacious, passionate, former drug-addict has seen worse days before.
Some great Maradona moments:
Maradona’s “Hand of God”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbbsytHDp2o
Maradona’s “Goal of Century”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYet49BToLw&feature=related
(#5) No Goal for You!
The English striker shot a ball that bounced off the top post and about a foot and a half behind the goal-line against the Germans. But, the referee put up his finger shouting, “No Goal for You!” in perhaps, the worst call of the World Cup. The goal would have tied the score 2-2 after England trailed 2-0 earlier. Instead the Germans ran the blitzkrieg winning 4-1, forcing English fans to turn from futbol watching to online dating (British online dating numbers increased significantly after the loss), and forcing FIFA to bring out armed security to protect the referees from crazy British fans high strung on caffeinated tea.
(#4) Running of the Fans
Spain seemed to attract all kinds of crazy runners this July. Whether it’s during the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or World Cup soccer in South Africa, both during the Germany-Spain semifinal and the Holland-Spain final, fans ran onto the field. The fan in the final was about inches away from getting his hand on the World Cup trophy, meaning he got even closer than the Dutch to touching it.
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsuj3GMlnr0
(#3) Iniiiiieeeeestaaaaaa Goooooaaaalllll in the Final!
Tension, tension, tension! Although both Dutch and Spanish games had been mostly very low scoring, both teams carried Golden boot (whoever scores most goals) candidates in Danish Robben and Spanish Villa. There were fantastic keeper stops in one-on-one situations, misjudgments of the ball, near goals, Spanish players getting kicked in the chest, and the most yellow cards in World Cup Final history. Who would have thought the game would finally end on an Iniesta goal in the second overtime, just minutes before penalty kicks would have ensued. The calm and tension before, and the riot and celebration after…incredible.
Video here: ohwaitfifaaskedyoutubetotakedownallvideosofthegoal.com
(#2) Spain – Paraguay PK Misses
Generally, there is an 80% chance a penalty kick shot has of scoring. But in the Spain-Paraguay game, we saw something that hadn’t happened in 80 years, two missed penalty kicks in one game! In an intense game, the Spanish defender obviously and deliberately pulled down the Paraguay player on a free kick, sending Paraguay to the line, shooting one. What should have been a gimme and may have knocked Spain out of the tournament, instead turned into a remarkable save by the Spanish keeper. Paraguay returned the favor a minute later by tackling David Villa in the box. Spain actually did make the PK, but the referee called it back for encroachment (is that what it’s called? Or is it a line violation?) Basically, the Spanish players entered the box before the shot was taken…a big no-no (only if the ref is actually looking). Spain missed its second attempt, but good thing they had David Villa who scored later in the game.
(#1) Hand of God Returns
The Uruguay – Ghana game may not only have had one of the wildest moments in the World Cup, but in all of sports! After a 1-1 tie that went into the final minute of overtime, Ghana finally broke through the Uruguay lines to take not one, not two, but three shots that were all narrowly blocked by the goalie and defenders. The third block sparked a huge controversy when the Uruguay player Luis Suarez used his own version of the “Hand of God” to block a ball that was clearly going into the net, giving Ghana a Penalty Kick with no time left on the clock. For you non-saavy soccer watchers, having a penalty kick opportunity to win it is like asking Vinatieri to hit a 20-yard chip shot or Kobe to hit one from the free throw line. Unfortunately for Ghana, Asamoah Gyan isn’t exactly Kobe. He shanked the kick off the top post, forcing Penalty Kicks where Ghana eventually lost, making Suarez a national hero in Uruguay, and Ghana missing the opportunity to be the first African nation to ever get into the semifinals.
Can’t wait to do it all over again in Brazil 2014!
This year, the World Cup got Wilder than an episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians. Now that the fun is over, and we return to the drama of Kim and Chloe for summertime entertainment, here is one final look at the Top 10 Wildest Moments of the World Cup 2010 2nd Round.
(#10) Argentina – Mexico Fight with Each Other and Camera
Pit two passionate Latin American countries against each other, and is it really a surprise there will be emotions and arms flaring? After Mexico got shafted by an offsides call against Argentina, Mexico soon found themselves down 2-0. They couldn’t get it done on the field, so they took to the sidelines, with pushing and shoving going on between the two teams before the half until Maradona jumped in and actually made a proper use of his hands, in breaking up the fight. Although Argentina didn’t do much pushing with the Mexican players, they certainly did a lot with the World Cup camera man after scoring a goal.
Argentina head-butts camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOQy4R3eKsA&feature=related
The 3rd place game was intense and crazy. Germany went up 1-0. Early in second half, they were down 2-1 with an amazing goal by Diego Forlan. But the Germans rebounded with another two goals to win 3-2. Forlan, winner of the Golden ball and armed with one of the most dangerous legs in the game, nearly tied the game again with a free kick that barely bounced off the top cross bar. Crazy intense.
Awesome Forlan Goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHP0hSyEQTM
(#8) Uruguay’s Bicycle Kicker
(#7) Japan’s Penalty Kicks
Japan was a Cinderella story and almost pulled off a shocking upset when it nearly knocked out South America’s Paraguay. After going into overtime, penalty kicks became the deciding factor. Japan hit all of theirs with the exception of one from Yuichi Komano. We’re not sure what was more wild – the way the game finished, or the fact that the Japanese government awarded Komano with a special 'inspiring hopes and dreams' award (similar to an “A for Effort” award).
(#6) Germany ends Argentinian Dance
Many people had been dancing in step with the Argentinians, who had been the most dominant team until the quarter finals. The Argentinians aren’t normally used to outsiders keeping in step with them on the dance floor, but the Germans showed some fancy footwork and dominance, writing their own rules and sending Maradona, one of the most passionate and fun to watch, out in tears. He later claimed it was the ‘worst day of my life.’ Certainly the vivacious, passionate, former drug-addict has seen worse days before.
Some great Maradona moments:
Maradona’s “Hand of God”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbbsytHDp2o
Maradona’s “Goal of Century”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYet49BToLw&feature=related
(#5) No Goal for You!
(#4) Running of the Fans
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsuj3GMlnr0
(#3) Iniiiiieeeeestaaaaaa Goooooaaaalllll in the Final!
Video here: ohwaitfifaaskedyoutubetotakedownallvideosofthegoal.com
(#2) Spain – Paraguay PK Misses
Generally, there is an 80% chance a penalty kick shot has of scoring. But in the Spain-Paraguay game, we saw something that hadn’t happened in 80 years, two missed penalty kicks in one game! In an intense game, the Spanish defender obviously and deliberately pulled down the Paraguay player on a free kick, sending Paraguay to the line, shooting one. What should have been a gimme and may have knocked Spain out of the tournament, instead turned into a remarkable save by the Spanish keeper. Paraguay returned the favor a minute later by tackling David Villa in the box. Spain actually did make the PK, but the referee called it back for encroachment (is that what it’s called? Or is it a line violation?) Basically, the Spanish players entered the box before the shot was taken…a big no-no (only if the ref is actually looking). Spain missed its second attempt, but good thing they had David Villa who scored later in the game.
(#1) Hand of God Returns
The Uruguay – Ghana game may not only have had one of the wildest moments in the World Cup, but in all of sports! After a 1-1 tie that went into the final minute of overtime, Ghana finally broke through the Uruguay lines to take not one, not two, but three shots that were all narrowly blocked by the goalie and defenders. The third block sparked a huge controversy when the Uruguay player Luis Suarez used his own version of the “Hand of God” to block a ball that was clearly going into the net, giving Ghana a Penalty Kick with no time left on the clock. For you non-saavy soccer watchers, having a penalty kick opportunity to win it is like asking Vinatieri to hit a 20-yard chip shot or Kobe to hit one from the free throw line. Unfortunately for Ghana, Asamoah Gyan isn’t exactly Kobe. He shanked the kick off the top post, forcing Penalty Kicks where Ghana eventually lost, making Suarez a national hero in Uruguay, and Ghana missing the opportunity to be the first African nation to ever get into the semifinals.Can’t wait to do it all over again in Brazil 2014!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Top 5 Reasons Why Lebron Made the Right Move
Top 5 Reasons Why Lebron’s Decision to go to Miami is the Right Move
So Lebron James has chosen to go to Miami. Amidst all the big hype and taking away attention from the World Cup, James is leaving home and headed off to the big leagues. Here are the Top 5 reasons he made the right choice.
(#5) Miami is a good place to be
When it comes to picking a place to play, it not only matters to be on a good team, but being being in a good city. Miami has better beaches, better women, and a better shot of winning the NBAChampionship Eastern Conference Title than Cleveland does. We all saw Will Smith’s Welcome to Miami video, and I don’t recall any music videos being made about Cleveland.
(#4) Cleveland is the capitol of Sports Hall of Shame
If you’re going to be a big baller like Lebron James, the last place you want to be is Cleveland. The city is known for giving up “The drive” to John Elway in the AFC Championship game, “The Shot” to Michael Jordan in the 1989 NBA playoffs, and “The fumble” to the Broncos on the two yard line. Note that all of these famed incidents occurred at the expense of Cleveland. We don’t want our Messiah to fall fate to this city and be remembered as a flop. It’s better that he left.
(#3) Good publicity
Can you believe this press conference is considered one of the biggest in sports history? I’ll give you a hint why, and it has little to do with Lebron moving to Miami. How about our information/ipod/facebook/everybody-wants-to-knows-what-everybody-else-is-doing-right-now age. Oh, and the fact that ESPN analyzes, and over-analyzes everything from Tiger Woods affairs to Steve Smith’s pick-up football game. If Lebron’s timing on how he blinks is irregular, you can be sure he will become a top 10 trending topic on the yahoo news feed. So blah blah, he’s moving to Miami. Good for him. Let him Enjoy South beach, and we all can go on with our lives (meaning get prepped about the World Cup finale!)
(#2) Personal Growth
Not that LJB hasn’t grown much in the last few years, but most of us know that leaving home
can be a discomforting, yet very beneficial thing. Now that he’s not near his hometown family and friends, he can rise, shine, and flourish like a grown man should. Being away from his momma’s homemade Paul Pierce bashing swagger, he can discover who he is and win a couple Eastern Conference titles while he’s at it (if he’s lucky).
(#1) Enjoy losing in a more fun city
Miami is still not the team to beat. Creating a super team still doesn’t guarantee success (Lakers in 2003 with Payton, Malone, Shaq, and Bryant). Also, the Eastern Conference still has a strong Magic team and a Celtics team with Coach Doc Rivers who is one of the best in the game. What it ultimately comes down to is teamwork, with a couple guys leading the way and others filling their roles and doing it well. Even assuming James will be the team player he claims he is and has played since coming to ‘the league, his role is a leading scorer, as is Wade’s. If there are two big scorers, there will be competition for a leading scorer. Either Wade or James will have to accept a lesser role, and I can’t see the two-time MVP giving up that role anytime soon. Oh, and one other problem. There is that little bleep on the map in California representing a team that wears yellow. The Lakers have won the last two NBA Championships, work harder than anybody else, have Phil Jackson returning as the head coach, Ron Artest reportedly keeping his same psychiatrist, are hungrier than ever for their 3-peat, and when people claim that the Heat will be the team to beat, guess who’s engine’s heats up hotter than the Heat ever will. I’ll give you a hint, he wears the number 24. At least Lebron will have more fun losing in Miami’s downtown party scene that he would have had in Cleveland.
So Lebron James has chosen to go to Miami. Amidst all the big hype and taking away attention from the World Cup, James is leaving home and headed off to the big leagues. Here are the Top 5 reasons he made the right choice.
(#5) Miami is a good place to be
When it comes to picking a place to play, it not only matters to be on a good team, but being being in a good city. Miami has better beaches, better women, and a better shot of winning the NBA
(#4) Cleveland is the capitol of Sports Hall of Shame
If you’re going to be a big baller like Lebron James, the last place you want to be is Cleveland. The city is known for giving up “The drive” to John Elway in the AFC Championship game, “The Shot” to Michael Jordan in the 1989 NBA playoffs, and “The fumble” to the Broncos on the two yard line. Note that all of these famed incidents occurred at the expense of Cleveland. We don’t want our Messiah to fall fate to this city and be remembered as a flop. It’s better that he left.
(#3) Good publicity
Can you believe this press conference is considered one of the biggest in sports history? I’ll give you a hint why, and it has little to do with Lebron moving to Miami. How about our information/ipod/facebook/everybody-wants-to-knows-what-everybody-else-is-doing-right-now age. Oh, and the fact that ESPN analyzes, and over-analyzes everything from Tiger Woods affairs to Steve Smith’s pick-up football game. If Lebron’s timing on how he blinks is irregular, you can be sure he will become a top 10 trending topic on the yahoo news feed. So blah blah, he’s moving to Miami. Good for him. Let him Enjoy South beach, and we all can go on with our lives (meaning get prepped about the World Cup finale!)
(#2) Personal Growth
Not that LJB hasn’t grown much in the last few years, but most of us know that leaving home
can be a discomforting, yet very beneficial thing. Now that he’s not near his hometown family and friends, he can rise, shine, and flourish like a grown man should. Being away from his momma’s homemade Paul Pierce bashing swagger, he can discover who he is and win a couple Eastern Conference titles while he’s at it (if he’s lucky).
(#1) Enjoy losing in a more fun city
Miami is still not the team to beat. Creating a super team still doesn’t guarantee success (Lakers in 2003 with Payton, Malone, Shaq, and Bryant). Also, the Eastern Conference still has a strong Magic team and a Celtics team with Coach Doc Rivers who is one of the best in the game. What it ultimately comes down to is teamwork, with a couple guys leading the way and others filling their roles and doing it well. Even assuming James will be the team player he claims he is and has played since coming to ‘the league, his role is a leading scorer, as is Wade’s. If there are two big scorers, there will be competition for a leading scorer. Either Wade or James will have to accept a lesser role, and I can’t see the two-time MVP giving up that role anytime soon. Oh, and one other problem. There is that little bleep on the map in California representing a team that wears yellow. The Lakers have won the last two NBA Championships, work harder than anybody else, have Phil Jackson returning as the head coach, Ron Artest reportedly keeping his same psychiatrist, are hungrier than ever for their 3-peat, and when people claim that the Heat will be the team to beat, guess who’s engine’s heats up hotter than the Heat ever will. I’ll give you a hint, he wears the number 24. At least Lebron will have more fun losing in Miami’s downtown party scene that he would have had in Cleveland.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Top 10 Most Exciting Incidents of the World Cup 2010 Opening Round!
Only once every four years is the World blessed with the greatest and most followed international sporting event in existence, the Cupa del Mundo!!!! There are many exciting things that have happened in this World Cup, and we’re not just talking about the Mexican announcer on Telemundo yelling Goooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllll!!! (I wonder if he lost his voice in the Portugal-N.Korea match?). Here are the Top 10 Most Exciting Incidents for the opening round of World Cup 2010.
(#10) South Africa ties and defeats powerhouses
The energy of the World Cup is quite unparalleled by any event in the world (even the Miss Universe pageant doesn’t come close). The energy the host nation brings to the World Cup is quite awesome to witness. Although heavy underdogs, it was good to see the host nation South Africa tie Mexico 0-0 and defeat the former powerhouse France 2-1. Unfortunately, South Africa became the first host nation in World Cup history to not make it through to the second round.
(#9) Greeks Pop their Cherry
The Greeks have been first in giving us many modern things. They have provided us with language, Socrates, architecture, gyros, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, theater, Mikonos, Yanni, 300, great salads, and science. And as of their game against Nigeria, the Greeks now have given the world their very first World Cup victory. Much congrats! Now that they didn’t make the second round, they can continue developing more great arts and food to share with the world!
(#8) Kiwis (New Zealanders) go undefeated
If you told the Kiwis that in this World Cup they would lose fewer games than Mexico, France, Germany, and Spain, they might have joyfully asked you to ‘skull’ a beer with them before their next training session. But if you told them they would be the only team to go undefeated and still not make the second round, they’d probably bring out their inner rugby skills and tell you to ‘f#$% off.’ But that’s just what the Kiwis pulled, tieing all three of their games and being cut from the second round.
(#7) Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain’s hat trick
If you score a goal in the world cup, the moment will be replayed in the backyards of homes, playgrounds of schools, and on youtube lego videos for eternity. How about scoring 3 goals in one game? Well you just might be the closest thing to God… That’s what Higuain pulled for Argentina against South Korea, in large part, thanks to the assists of the great Lionel Messi.
(#6) Sibling Rivalry
As much as the World Cup bring the world together, it can also divide us apart, drawing strict lines of loyalty as we stand behind our teams. This held more true than anywhere else when Ghana faced off against Germany, and for the first time ever in the World Cup, two brothers saw themselves battling against each other. The tension was even higher considering the brother from Ghana had taken out the German captain in a match last month. Dad decided not to play favorite, and he didn’t have to, as both teams ended up advancing.
(#5) Kaka Red Card
We are lucky that our world is blessed with such diversity and culture. Although, it may sometimes be difficult for people to relate to other ways of life, there are three constants that always seem to transcend all cultures and unite people of every background: 1) Beer, 2) American film, and 3) Flopping in soccer. Whether it’s the Honduran midfielder or the Danish forward, international soccer players seem to get as much training in the theatrical arts as they do in soccer dribbling. It’s very interesting that ALL teams, every single one of them, suffer grotesque injuries from little or no contact . But, the Academy Award winning performance of the first round would have to go to Abdul Kader Keita, who ran into Brazilian forward Kaka, fell down, rolled on the ground for five minutes until the referee ran over to red card Kaka, kicking him out of the game. The call was so bad, we have to say, Kaka got kaka’d on (pun very much intended).
(#4) French Team walks out
Do they have labor unions for the soccer team in France? That’s what it looked like after French player Nicolas Anelka was kicked off the French team, only to see Jean-Lous Valentin storm out of the French practice, jump on the plane and head back to France to eat caviar and a drink a glass of red wine with his wife. Whether the French team kept their leading scorer Thierry Henry on the bench, refused to practice, or looked like a group of confused tourists on the field, this French dynasty crumbled faster than the guy who Zidane head butted four years ago.
(#3) Portugal’s 7 goals
What’s the best way to punish the North Koreans? Forget about US naval ships and long diplomatic meetings, just call in the Portugese. The Portugese offense laid such a blast of power onto the North Koreans, even Kim Jong II was ready to shut down his nuclear program. Portugal, with the #1 player in the World, scored the third highest point total in the history of the World Cup with a 7-0 victory. We hope Obama was paying attention to the Portugese tactics.
(#2) Italia’s last stand
Alright, so you’re team is up 2-0 with a little over ten minutes to go. Game is in the bag, riiiight? For those unfamiliar with the great sport of soccer, having a 2 goal lead in the 80th minute is like having a 20 point lead entering the 4th quarter in the NBA or NFL. You got it in the bag…unless you’re playing Peyton Manning or the returning World Champions Italy. In classic we’ll-get-up-off-our-but-and-do-it-only-when-we-really-need-to Italian fashion, the Italians finally got off their cute little vespas and brought out their inner Romans to create the most exciting finish in the first round of this World Cup. They scored a goal in the 81st to make it 2-1 and then nearly did it again in the 85th (the Italian forward was barely offsides). After Slovakia scored in the 89th to go up 3-1, the Italians scored two minutes later to pull in 3-2. In the very final minutes of stoppage time they had another clear shot but this time they missed, ending their reign to repeat as World Champs. But at least they went out in style. The battles in the Colosseum probably paled in comparison to this game.
(#1) USA goals and comebacks against Algeria
Put some adversity in the face of America, and we’ll feel right at home. Backs against the wall, facing elimination, needing a miracle victory to pull us out or face dire defeat…this is what America is all about. It’s been ingrained in our heads since the Prince saved Cinderella from the Evil Step Mother, Mario rescued Peach from Bowser, and now our humle Prince Donovan saved American soccer from the Algerians (next Disney fairy tale?). The first round has been a journey and like all great missions, sometimes a little help from upstairs is welcome (hence the English goal keeper’s mistake). But the American rally from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Slovenians (technically it was a tie, but we all know there was no foul ), or the needed goal scored in the final three minutes of stoppage time, were both cherished moments that will remain with us forever in USA soccer history.
Here's a slideshow of select photos from the opening round of the World Cup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ucJe84UJ-M
(#10) South Africa ties and defeats powerhouses
The energy of the World Cup is quite unparalleled by any event in the world (even the Miss Universe pageant doesn’t come close). The energy the host nation brings to the World Cup is quite awesome to witness. Although heavy underdogs, it was good to see the host nation South Africa tie Mexico 0-0 and defeat the former powerhouse France 2-1. Unfortunately, South Africa became the first host nation in World Cup history to not make it through to the second round.
(#9) Greeks Pop their Cherry
The Greeks have been first in giving us many modern things. They have provided us with language, Socrates, architecture, gyros, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, theater, Mikonos, Yanni, 300, great salads, and science. And as of their game against Nigeria, the Greeks now have given the world their very first World Cup victory. Much congrats! Now that they didn’t make the second round, they can continue developing more great arts and food to share with the world!
(#8) Kiwis (New Zealanders) go undefeated
If you told the Kiwis that in this World Cup they would lose fewer games than Mexico, France, Germany, and Spain, they might have joyfully asked you to ‘skull’ a beer with them before their next training session. But if you told them they would be the only team to go undefeated and still not make the second round, they’d probably bring out their inner rugby skills and tell you to ‘f#$% off.’ But that’s just what the Kiwis pulled, tieing all three of their games and being cut from the second round.
(#7) Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain’s hat trick
If you score a goal in the world cup, the moment will be replayed in the backyards of homes, playgrounds of schools, and on youtube lego videos for eternity. How about scoring 3 goals in one game? Well you just might be the closest thing to God… That’s what Higuain pulled for Argentina against South Korea, in large part, thanks to the assists of the great Lionel Messi.
(#6) Sibling Rivalry
As much as the World Cup bring the world together, it can also divide us apart, drawing strict lines of loyalty as we stand behind our teams. This held more true than anywhere else when Ghana faced off against Germany, and for the first time ever in the World Cup, two brothers saw themselves battling against each other. The tension was even higher considering the brother from Ghana had taken out the German captain in a match last month. Dad decided not to play favorite, and he didn’t have to, as both teams ended up advancing.
(#5) Kaka Red Card
We are lucky that our world is blessed with such diversity and culture. Although, it may sometimes be difficult for people to relate to other ways of life, there are three constants that always seem to transcend all cultures and unite people of every background: 1) Beer, 2) American film, and 3) Flopping in soccer. Whether it’s the Honduran midfielder or the Danish forward, international soccer players seem to get as much training in the theatrical arts as they do in soccer dribbling. It’s very interesting that ALL teams, every single one of them, suffer grotesque injuries from little or no contact . But, the Academy Award winning performance of the first round would have to go to Abdul Kader Keita, who ran into Brazilian forward Kaka, fell down, rolled on the ground for five minutes until the referee ran over to red card Kaka, kicking him out of the game. The call was so bad, we have to say, Kaka got kaka’d on (pun very much intended).
(#4) French Team walks out
Do they have labor unions for the soccer team in France? That’s what it looked like after French player Nicolas Anelka was kicked off the French team, only to see Jean-Lous Valentin storm out of the French practice, jump on the plane and head back to France to eat caviar and a drink a glass of red wine with his wife. Whether the French team kept their leading scorer Thierry Henry on the bench, refused to practice, or looked like a group of confused tourists on the field, this French dynasty crumbled faster than the guy who Zidane head butted four years ago.
(#3) Portugal’s 7 goals
What’s the best way to punish the North Koreans? Forget about US naval ships and long diplomatic meetings, just call in the Portugese. The Portugese offense laid such a blast of power onto the North Koreans, even Kim Jong II was ready to shut down his nuclear program. Portugal, with the #1 player in the World, scored the third highest point total in the history of the World Cup with a 7-0 victory. We hope Obama was paying attention to the Portugese tactics.
(#2) Italia’s last stand
Alright, so you’re team is up 2-0 with a little over ten minutes to go. Game is in the bag, riiiight? For those unfamiliar with the great sport of soccer, having a 2 goal lead in the 80th minute is like having a 20 point lead entering the 4th quarter in the NBA or NFL. You got it in the bag…unless you’re playing Peyton Manning or the returning World Champions Italy. In classic we’ll-get-up-off-our-but-and-do-it-only-when-we-really-need-to Italian fashion, the Italians finally got off their cute little vespas and brought out their inner Romans to create the most exciting finish in the first round of this World Cup. They scored a goal in the 81st to make it 2-1 and then nearly did it again in the 85th (the Italian forward was barely offsides). After Slovakia scored in the 89th to go up 3-1, the Italians scored two minutes later to pull in 3-2. In the very final minutes of stoppage time they had another clear shot but this time they missed, ending their reign to repeat as World Champs. But at least they went out in style. The battles in the Colosseum probably paled in comparison to this game.
(#1) USA goals and comebacks against Algeria
Put some adversity in the face of America, and we’ll feel right at home. Backs against the wall, facing elimination, needing a miracle victory to pull us out or face dire defeat…this is what America is all about. It’s been ingrained in our heads since the Prince saved Cinderella from the Evil Step Mother, Mario rescued Peach from Bowser, and now our humle Prince Donovan saved American soccer from the Algerians (next Disney fairy tale?). The first round has been a journey and like all great missions, sometimes a little help from upstairs is welcome (hence the English goal keeper’s mistake). But the American rally from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Slovenians (technically it was a tie, but we all know there was no foul ), or the needed goal scored in the final three minutes of stoppage time, were both cherished moments that will remain with us forever in USA soccer history.
Here's a slideshow of select photos from the opening round of the World Cup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ucJe84UJ-M
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Top Command & Conquer Quotations
Top Command Conquer Generals: Zero Hour Quotes
For those of you who play or love Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour, you’re going to absolutely love this blog post. If you don’t play video games or have no idea what Zero Hour is, you may want to go back to facebook stalking because you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about (and you’ll also think I’m a little crazy). The following are the Top 10 quotations from the epic game C&C Generals Zero Hour, the Top 5 Things you Don’t want to hear during a C&C game, and some funny ways to abuse a Command and Conquer quote.
(#10) Their building is ours
This is by far one of the most satisfying quotes from C&C. The only times you’ll likely hear it are if you’re playing against a noob who didn't sell his building because he doesn’t know how to press space bar when the lady inside the computer is telling him his building is being captured or if you have the Super Black Lotus, who can capture buildings faster than a pack of toxin-loaded attack vans can run over a group of China tank overlords.
(#9) AK-47’s…for everyone!
The slow moving, but potentially deadly angry mobs become the happiest units in the game when they get their AK-47s; you’d think they’d won the World Cup (or because it's a Middle Eastern team, at least got into World Cup). The damage they can cause in a short amount of time will have your opponent doing anything but cheering.
(#8) He’s not protected in there
The little sniper man with his funky hat, snooping around, sniping USA rocket soldiers and destabilizing an army of overlords, the GLA array of quotes wouldn’t be as fun if their superstar couldn’t ‘see them.’
(#7) GLA Postal service
Aleee leee leee leeeeee!!! There’s no way better to deliver mail than using the Bomb trucks, ready for dispatch. When used properly, such as diverting your opponents attention to another part of the map, these trucks can sneak up on unsuspecting units or structures. There’s no tracking number, so use these to make all the deliveries you’ll need.
(#6) Behold, the bringer of light
The Nuke cannon makes such a calm and eloquent statement when he enters the game, you would actually be surprised to think he blows the smack out of the enemy lines. They bring a tinge of excitement every time a new one enters your side. We all know how powerful these can in a game. It’s no wonder it calls itself the Devil’s nickname.
(#5) Bombardment!
Yes, you know what that means. If you were fortunate enough to get Air Force General in a random game, you get an automatic stealth bomber to go blow up an enemy GLA supply stash and workers (unfair if you ask me). Not only that, you get access to a whole host of supply and unit upgrades, and your building actually cannon balls enemy units halfway across your base. Pure sweetness!
(#4) King Raptor ready for take-off.
You lucked out. You got Air Force General. If you know what you’re doing, you’re going to be nearly impossible to beat. Just pump out a bunch of these invincible birds and get your countermeasures upgrade, and there will be no stopping you or your victory.
(#3) Scope, cleaned and mounted
It can be so exciting when you hear this! Easy, quick, and stealthed, put a few of these snipers in your humvees and you’re opponent might as well sell his barracks. The snipers are virtually unbeatable (except perhaps by angry mobs?). Run these bad boys next to Chinese hackers and your opponent will be cursing EA for making those stupid units so unfair. Throw a couple of them in your base, and you’ll never have to worry about Burton, Jarman, or Lotus.
(#2) Can I have some shoes?
Who doesn’t love the GLA workers? Dressed in their bright leprechaun clothes, running around the map building tunnels, asking for better shoes, telling us there’s not enough room for buildings, and even having the balls to ask if they ‘really have to’ obey a command! The game wouldn’t be the same without these little men running slow-mo all over the map and getting run over by dozers. Just be careful if you’re friends are near as the dialogue may attract attention, questions, and laughter – all of course, a distraction to your mission at hand.
(#1) We are victorious
Yes! Who doesn’t love this quote! It signifies mission accomplished… goal complete… a job well done. Even if you’re only hearing it because the other person’s connection cut out for a second and you quickly voted him out, it’s still a glorifying sound. The cheering of the crowd, and the lady in the computer no longer giving you stressful information, but being happy for once. Hearing the victorious sound is definitely the best thing you can hear in a C&C generals game.
TOP 5 not to hear
Here are the Top 5 things you definitely don't want to hear in a C&C Game.
(#5 )We have detected an enemy black lotus
Crap! Please don’t be in my base, please don’t be in my base. Spacebar, spacebar, spacebar! The lotus, especially the Super Lotus, is the single most dangerous weapon in the game (ironically, out of the hundreds of units, it’s also the only female unit in the game. EA couldn’t be more accurate!). Doing the damage in a tenth of a time it would take a pack of quad cannons to do, the black lotus can alter your defense strategy, destroy you on a no money map, and is not a chick you want to be coming home to your momma.
(#4) Vehicle stolen…hahahahhaha
Doh! That sneaky GLA stealth just stole your dozer and now he’s making off with it back to his base while you click madly on your barracks yelling at the rocket soldiers to hurry up and build before he steals your coveted technology. This can be one of the funniest yet most annoying things to happen to you in a C&C game. Although the vehicle hacker’s big bellies make them too slow to do any damage if they’ve been spotted, using these sneaky buggers in the beginning can make your nemesis head for a quick exit.
(#3) General, our enemy is using their sneak attack
Ooooohhh Craaap. Yep, that’s exactly what you think when you hear this term. First task is to instinctively hit the space bar so the lady inside the computer can take you to the location, but even she doesn’t know where it is. Then, you look for that little off-colored spot on your radar to stop 100 gattling and attack vans from pouring into your base and ruining all that you worked for up to this point. The GLA sneak attack is the most dangerous General upgrade and can completely turn the tide of a previously off-balanced game.
(#2)We have detected enemy scud storm
WTF? No sw! You won’t hear this often, but when you do, it’s probably either a noobie or a hacker breaking the ‘pro’ rules and hoping to either gain an upper hand in the game or just make everyone else mad. Then it’s usually an all out war (5v1 if you’re on defcon ffa random) on the guy before he uses his hack cheat and the entire map starts raining scuds simultaneously. It’s especially bad hearing this in a quickmatch game (the unspoken rules are pro damnet!).
(#1)We have been defeated
Of course, this is the worse thing you want to hear. Above all the other scary things that happen, this is the signification of defeat and failure…sigh. But what’s worse than losing is not exiting the game before the “You are Defeated” screen comes on, at which point you have to sit there for what seems like minutes, with “You are Defeated” staring at you in the face, depressing music playing, and the lady in the computer reminding you of what the outcome was.
Top 2 ways to abuse C&C quote
(#2) I gotta drop a MOAB
We all love dropping the MOAB, and by the time we’re done playing a long night of Generals and eating pizza, we often have our very own large, brown MOAB waiting to be called forth towards its target. Just make sure there is enough toilet paper around because we all what kind of damage a MOAB can do. Oh, and don’t take too long getting to your target position; both we and your friend’s mom would hate to see the MOAB drop before it hits its target.
(#1) I am big
If you’re having problems getting the girlfriend to hang out with you at night (wait, do people who play C&C have girlfriends?), just use this line from your favorite overlord and that should change her plans quicker than a pack of GLA demo bike can take out a tunnel network. Just make sure your gattling cannon is ready before heading into battle.
That's the top C&C quotes!
For those of you who play or love Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour, you’re going to absolutely love this blog post. If you don’t play video games or have no idea what Zero Hour is, you may want to go back to facebook stalking because you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about (and you’ll also think I’m a little crazy). The following are the Top 10 quotations from the epic game C&C Generals Zero Hour, the Top 5 Things you Don’t want to hear during a C&C game, and some funny ways to abuse a Command and Conquer quote.
(#10) Their building is ours
This is by far one of the most satisfying quotes from C&C. The only times you’ll likely hear it are if you’re playing against a noob who didn't sell his building because he doesn’t know how to press space bar when the lady inside the computer is telling him his building is being captured or if you have the Super Black Lotus, who can capture buildings faster than a pack of toxin-loaded attack vans can run over a group of China tank overlords.
(#9) AK-47’s…for everyone!
The slow moving, but potentially deadly angry mobs become the happiest units in the game when they get their AK-47s; you’d think they’d won the World Cup (or because it's a Middle Eastern team, at least got into World Cup). The damage they can cause in a short amount of time will have your opponent doing anything but cheering.
(#8) He’s not protected in there
The little sniper man with his funky hat, snooping around, sniping USA rocket soldiers and destabilizing an army of overlords, the GLA array of quotes wouldn’t be as fun if their superstar couldn’t ‘see them.’
(#7) GLA Postal service
Aleee leee leee leeeeee!!! There’s no way better to deliver mail than using the Bomb trucks, ready for dispatch. When used properly, such as diverting your opponents attention to another part of the map, these trucks can sneak up on unsuspecting units or structures. There’s no tracking number, so use these to make all the deliveries you’ll need.
(#6) Behold, the bringer of light
The Nuke cannon makes such a calm and eloquent statement when he enters the game, you would actually be surprised to think he blows the smack out of the enemy lines. They bring a tinge of excitement every time a new one enters your side. We all know how powerful these can in a game. It’s no wonder it calls itself the Devil’s nickname.
(#5) Bombardment!
Yes, you know what that means. If you were fortunate enough to get Air Force General in a random game, you get an automatic stealth bomber to go blow up an enemy GLA supply stash and workers (unfair if you ask me). Not only that, you get access to a whole host of supply and unit upgrades, and your building actually cannon balls enemy units halfway across your base. Pure sweetness!
(#4) King Raptor ready for take-off.
You lucked out. You got Air Force General. If you know what you’re doing, you’re going to be nearly impossible to beat. Just pump out a bunch of these invincible birds and get your countermeasures upgrade, and there will be no stopping you or your victory.
(#3) Scope, cleaned and mounted
It can be so exciting when you hear this! Easy, quick, and stealthed, put a few of these snipers in your humvees and you’re opponent might as well sell his barracks. The snipers are virtually unbeatable (except perhaps by angry mobs?). Run these bad boys next to Chinese hackers and your opponent will be cursing EA for making those stupid units so unfair. Throw a couple of them in your base, and you’ll never have to worry about Burton, Jarman, or Lotus.
(#2) Can I have some shoes?
Who doesn’t love the GLA workers? Dressed in their bright leprechaun clothes, running around the map building tunnels, asking for better shoes, telling us there’s not enough room for buildings, and even having the balls to ask if they ‘really have to’ obey a command! The game wouldn’t be the same without these little men running slow-mo all over the map and getting run over by dozers. Just be careful if you’re friends are near as the dialogue may attract attention, questions, and laughter – all of course, a distraction to your mission at hand.
(#1) We are victorious
Yes! Who doesn’t love this quote! It signifies mission accomplished… goal complete… a job well done. Even if you’re only hearing it because the other person’s connection cut out for a second and you quickly voted him out, it’s still a glorifying sound. The cheering of the crowd, and the lady in the computer no longer giving you stressful information, but being happy for once. Hearing the victorious sound is definitely the best thing you can hear in a C&C generals game.
TOP 5 not to hear
Here are the Top 5 things you definitely don't want to hear in a C&C Game.
(#5 )We have detected an enemy black lotus
Crap! Please don’t be in my base, please don’t be in my base. Spacebar, spacebar, spacebar! The lotus, especially the Super Lotus, is the single most dangerous weapon in the game (ironically, out of the hundreds of units, it’s also the only female unit in the game. EA couldn’t be more accurate!). Doing the damage in a tenth of a time it would take a pack of quad cannons to do, the black lotus can alter your defense strategy, destroy you on a no money map, and is not a chick you want to be coming home to your momma.
(#4) Vehicle stolen…hahahahhaha
Doh! That sneaky GLA stealth just stole your dozer and now he’s making off with it back to his base while you click madly on your barracks yelling at the rocket soldiers to hurry up and build before he steals your coveted technology. This can be one of the funniest yet most annoying things to happen to you in a C&C game. Although the vehicle hacker’s big bellies make them too slow to do any damage if they’ve been spotted, using these sneaky buggers in the beginning can make your nemesis head for a quick exit.
(#3) General, our enemy is using their sneak attack
Ooooohhh Craaap. Yep, that’s exactly what you think when you hear this term. First task is to instinctively hit the space bar so the lady inside the computer can take you to the location, but even she doesn’t know where it is. Then, you look for that little off-colored spot on your radar to stop 100 gattling and attack vans from pouring into your base and ruining all that you worked for up to this point. The GLA sneak attack is the most dangerous General upgrade and can completely turn the tide of a previously off-balanced game.
(#2)We have detected enemy scud storm
WTF? No sw! You won’t hear this often, but when you do, it’s probably either a noobie or a hacker breaking the ‘pro’ rules and hoping to either gain an upper hand in the game or just make everyone else mad. Then it’s usually an all out war (5v1 if you’re on defcon ffa random) on the guy before he uses his hack cheat and the entire map starts raining scuds simultaneously. It’s especially bad hearing this in a quickmatch game (the unspoken rules are pro damnet!).
(#1)We have been defeated
Of course, this is the worse thing you want to hear. Above all the other scary things that happen, this is the signification of defeat and failure…sigh. But what’s worse than losing is not exiting the game before the “You are Defeated” screen comes on, at which point you have to sit there for what seems like minutes, with “You are Defeated” staring at you in the face, depressing music playing, and the lady in the computer reminding you of what the outcome was.
Top 2 ways to abuse C&C quote
(#2) I gotta drop a MOAB
We all love dropping the MOAB, and by the time we’re done playing a long night of Generals and eating pizza, we often have our very own large, brown MOAB waiting to be called forth towards its target. Just make sure there is enough toilet paper around because we all what kind of damage a MOAB can do. Oh, and don’t take too long getting to your target position; both we and your friend’s mom would hate to see the MOAB drop before it hits its target.
(#1) I am big
If you’re having problems getting the girlfriend to hang out with you at night (wait, do people who play C&C have girlfriends?), just use this line from your favorite overlord and that should change her plans quicker than a pack of GLA demo bike can take out a tunnel network. Just make sure your gattling cannon is ready before heading into battle.
That's the top C&C quotes!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Top 10 Things I'm Looking Forward to Doing in Los Angeles
Top 10 Things I’m Looking Forward to doing in Los Angeles!
I’ve made my decision! In alignment with the famous song from Pinocchio, “High didley dee, the actor’s life for me.” I’ve been kidnapped by my soul to go down to the city where dreams are made. Never having lived in a city with more than 500,000 people (aside from study abroad), I now throw myself into the entertainment city home to millions, the ‘valley of smoke’ (as called by the Native Americans), and the city with the longest name in the World! El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles del Río de Porciúncula. Here are the Top 10 things I’m looking forward to doing in Los Angeles…
(#10) Meet a waitress who is NOT an aspiring actor
We’ve heard all the rumors. “Every waiter and waitress down in LA is an aspiring actor.” Every? Really? Well, I’d like to find one, just one, who is not waitressing as a mere pit stop on the way to Hollywood stardom. I want to find that one who is in it because she really loves what she is doing and was born to do it – remembering the orders, bringing the ketchup, taking my burger back because it’s too cold, never forgetting to bring the straw for my drink, not pressuring me for dessert…and doing it all with a smile.
(#9) See the real life Barbie
It only took being made fun of one time for me to stop hanging out the beautiful blonde Barbie doll as a kid. But now, she has grown into full adulthood as I now am (well, sort of). She is big, busty, still plastic, and I’ve heard the rumors she lives in LA. I can’t wait for my reunion with her and her many duplicates wandering the streets of LA looking for their Kens.
(#8) Go to all you can eat Persian lunch
What’s better than a meal of Persian food? It’s a meal of unlimited Persian food! LA is one of the few places I’ve know where rumors of such a heavenly God-send exist. My first goal is to find this golden place, and my second goal is to get kicked out for eating too much (although I think Persian hospitality makes that impossible).
(#7) Go cruising on Sunset boulevard
It’s Friday night, the people are out, wearing their hundred (or thousand?) dollar dresses and suits, expensive and fine dining, and the aromas of Calvin Klein and Illusion interspersing throughout the streets. I thought I looked good in my Turkish suit until I stepped onto Sunset… the LA fashion industry competition is on…
(#6) Going to a Los Angeles Lakers Game
I’ve had to hide my true feelings long enough. Growing up in Reno and Sacramento, both dominated by Kings fans, the question I always feared at the school lunch table was, “Who’s your favorite NBA team?” Rather than become the social outcast of the group, I always answered with a smile, “The Kings, of course.” But now, I can let my true inner feelings come out and support the man who man Japanese Kobe beef famous and the Spaniard who brings back memories of my favorite movie Gladiator. Let the yellow and purple shine brighter than the Sun(s).
(#5) See the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Jay Leno is my hero and savior. He rescued me from many potential lonely nights as a child. Sneaking into the Tv room after my 10pm bedtime, I would turn on the television to see Jay shaking hands and making jokes with the audience, while Kevin interrupted with his goofy statements. I dreamed that one day, I too, would be in the front row and shaking Jay Leno’s hand. Now is my chance. I knew there was a reason Jay got his spot back from Conan – destiny.
(#4) Take a nap on Santa Monica beach
Ahh, the beach. The real ocean, sand, and girls in bikinis on roller blades. I’ve seen it on all the TV shows and now it’s my time to be there. All I want to do is make a pillow out of a small mound of dirt, exactly five inches off the ground, throw my t shirt over my face, and take a nice, long nap while the sea gulls sing in the background.
(#3) Get Discovered in the Mall
You’ve all heard the stories. Whether it’s Justin Bieber singing in his room or Paris Hilton ‘dancing’ in her room, or the cute girl with the million dollar smile working at Yogurtland, spotted by the Tv director on his way to get a scoop of Superfruit tart, the story ends the same – stardom. I too want to be discovered. I can see it now, sitting in the food court, sipping on my cherry-mango Jamba juice, eavesdropping on the young couple’s conversation next to me about what movie to see, when Ridley Scott (Director of Gladiator) approaches me, “Hi. I am Ridley. You can call me by my nickname R-Scott. You know, we’ve got this film going into production tomorrow, and you’ve got just the look we’re after. Why don’t you come on by my office so we can get you your first million and contract signed. Oh, and you’ll be playing alongside Megan Fox. I hope you don’t mind?” Hollywood Dreams, can’t wait!
(#2) Paparazzi
I’ve seen their photos on the tabloids at the Safeway checkout aisle, their videos on youtube, the film Mel Gibson made about them, and their battles with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. But, I’ve been on the sidelines long enough. It’s now time to see them in action -- dispersed and disguised as tourists, roaming Rodeo drive, hidden cameras in their trench coats. The signal comes on the airwaves… Heidi Montag - buying clothes. They mobilize quickly, putting the timing of covert Navy seal militia to shame. Cameras out, running feet, shooting at the scene, flashing lights, all is a blur…the dust settles and all that remains… is an angry celebrity.
(#1) Get out of my car and dance in traffic
If I’m going to the city of entertainment, I sure as heck better entertain. What better way to divert the thoughts of hating the drivers in front of us for having been born, than to do some dancing on the top of my car? Entertainers are supposed to stand out some way, right? Giving out some laughs to angry drivers would be a great way to give back.
And that’s My Top 10 for LA!
I’ve made my decision! In alignment with the famous song from Pinocchio, “High didley dee, the actor’s life for me.” I’ve been kidnapped by my soul to go down to the city where dreams are made. Never having lived in a city with more than 500,000 people (aside from study abroad), I now throw myself into the entertainment city home to millions, the ‘valley of smoke’ (as called by the Native Americans), and the city with the longest name in the World! El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles del Río de Porciúncula. Here are the Top 10 things I’m looking forward to doing in Los Angeles…
(#10) Meet a waitress who is NOT an aspiring actor
We’ve heard all the rumors. “Every waiter and waitress down in LA is an aspiring actor.” Every? Really? Well, I’d like to find one, just one, who is not waitressing as a mere pit stop on the way to Hollywood stardom. I want to find that one who is in it because she really loves what she is doing and was born to do it – remembering the orders, bringing the ketchup, taking my burger back because it’s too cold, never forgetting to bring the straw for my drink, not pressuring me for dessert…and doing it all with a smile.
(#9) See the real life Barbie
It only took being made fun of one time for me to stop hanging out the beautiful blonde Barbie doll as a kid. But now, she has grown into full adulthood as I now am (well, sort of). She is big, busty, still plastic, and I’ve heard the rumors she lives in LA. I can’t wait for my reunion with her and her many duplicates wandering the streets of LA looking for their Kens.
(#8) Go to all you can eat Persian lunch
What’s better than a meal of Persian food? It’s a meal of unlimited Persian food! LA is one of the few places I’ve know where rumors of such a heavenly God-send exist. My first goal is to find this golden place, and my second goal is to get kicked out for eating too much (although I think Persian hospitality makes that impossible).
(#7) Go cruising on Sunset boulevard
It’s Friday night, the people are out, wearing their hundred (or thousand?) dollar dresses and suits, expensive and fine dining, and the aromas of Calvin Klein and Illusion interspersing throughout the streets. I thought I looked good in my Turkish suit until I stepped onto Sunset… the LA fashion industry competition is on…
(#6) Going to a Los Angeles Lakers Game
I’ve had to hide my true feelings long enough. Growing up in Reno and Sacramento, both dominated by Kings fans, the question I always feared at the school lunch table was, “Who’s your favorite NBA team?” Rather than become the social outcast of the group, I always answered with a smile, “The Kings, of course.” But now, I can let my true inner feelings come out and support the man who man Japanese Kobe beef famous and the Spaniard who brings back memories of my favorite movie Gladiator. Let the yellow and purple shine brighter than the Sun(s).
(#5) See the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Jay Leno is my hero and savior. He rescued me from many potential lonely nights as a child. Sneaking into the Tv room after my 10pm bedtime, I would turn on the television to see Jay shaking hands and making jokes with the audience, while Kevin interrupted with his goofy statements. I dreamed that one day, I too, would be in the front row and shaking Jay Leno’s hand. Now is my chance. I knew there was a reason Jay got his spot back from Conan – destiny.
(#4) Take a nap on Santa Monica beach
Ahh, the beach. The real ocean, sand, and girls in bikinis on roller blades. I’ve seen it on all the TV shows and now it’s my time to be there. All I want to do is make a pillow out of a small mound of dirt, exactly five inches off the ground, throw my t shirt over my face, and take a nice, long nap while the sea gulls sing in the background.
(#3) Get Discovered in the Mall
You’ve all heard the stories. Whether it’s Justin Bieber singing in his room or Paris Hilton ‘dancing’ in her room, or the cute girl with the million dollar smile working at Yogurtland, spotted by the Tv director on his way to get a scoop of Superfruit tart, the story ends the same – stardom. I too want to be discovered. I can see it now, sitting in the food court, sipping on my cherry-mango Jamba juice, eavesdropping on the young couple’s conversation next to me about what movie to see, when Ridley Scott (Director of Gladiator) approaches me, “Hi. I am Ridley. You can call me by my nickname R-Scott. You know, we’ve got this film going into production tomorrow, and you’ve got just the look we’re after. Why don’t you come on by my office so we can get you your first million and contract signed. Oh, and you’ll be playing alongside Megan Fox. I hope you don’t mind?” Hollywood Dreams, can’t wait!
(#2) Paparazzi
I’ve seen their photos on the tabloids at the Safeway checkout aisle, their videos on youtube, the film Mel Gibson made about them, and their battles with Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. But, I’ve been on the sidelines long enough. It’s now time to see them in action -- dispersed and disguised as tourists, roaming Rodeo drive, hidden cameras in their trench coats. The signal comes on the airwaves… Heidi Montag - buying clothes. They mobilize quickly, putting the timing of covert Navy seal militia to shame. Cameras out, running feet, shooting at the scene, flashing lights, all is a blur…the dust settles and all that remains… is an angry celebrity.
(#1) Get out of my car and dance in traffic
If I’m going to the city of entertainment, I sure as heck better entertain. What better way to divert the thoughts of hating the drivers in front of us for having been born, than to do some dancing on the top of my car? Entertainers are supposed to stand out some way, right? Giving out some laughs to angry drivers would be a great way to give back.
And that’s My Top 10 for LA!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Top 10 Things I'll Miss About Sacramento
Growing up, Sacramento was merely a pit stop when driving from my hometown Reno to San Francisco. It was the place I would cruise right on through, occasionally stopping for a chelo kabobee lunch (Persian food), but that was the extent of my relationship with this place. However, for the last three and half years, Sacramento has been my home, the place of life changing events, and crazy ol’ law school. Now that my time here comes to an end, I look back on the Top 10 things I’ll miss about this city (can we call it a city, or is it a town? Or a half-city?)
(#10) Getting on the wrong freeway
Whether I was driving on X street looking for the 80W only to find an 80E entrance, followed by another 80E entrance a quarter mile away, or trying to get on 80E and suddenly found myself taking the 99 South, figuring out if my destination was off the Business 80 or the Interstate 80, jumping on the 50E when I meant to go 80W, all while a car is riding six inches behind me, the car on my left cutting in front of me without signaling, and the driver in the exit lane speeding up to make sure I miss my exit…hah, breath… this mess of freeways is not suitable for the easily stressed or those without an electronic GPS. Let’s just say the combination of 1st year law school stress and trying to find the a good place to eat downtown caused many punches and dents on the interior of my car.
(#9) Sactown beaches
What? Beaches? You might say. I’ve surfed the coasts of Australia, boated the shores of Santorini, traversed the water of Nice, and swam in the Carribean…but I’ve never seen the beaches like the ones in Sacramento. It’s host to one of the few river beaches in the world! One of my favorites is Paradise beach, a little ‘hole in the wall’ near Sacramento State that sports Skin boarding and is fun to chill if you don’t mind the hippies indulging themselves in their ‘medicine.’ Another spot is near (or in) Discovery Park where the Sacramento meets the American river. It’s pretty narly seeing the varying colored American and Sacramento rivers merge together. I’ll be missing hitting these places up in the summer time.
(#8) McGeorge
It’s been my home the last three and half years (literally, my home the last three). It was great, kind of. I could sleep on campus, wake up and roll down the stairs to my personal kitchen, enjoy my wonderful grassy courtyard, take a swim in my swimming pool, go for a nap in my library, and eat free pizza half the year. Hopefully I’ll find another residence just as accommodating.
(#7) Capitol and I street bridge
Few cities in the world have as much untapped potential as Sacramento. Although, I think the two rivers are highly underutilized, the street leading from the I-Street bridge to the Capitol was a great design. I took many ‘clear-my-thought’ drives in this area while admiring the beauty of the Capitol, center of the 7th largest economy in the world (or used to be 7th largest). The Capitol is especially great to see at night. It is reminiscent of the sacred forums of Rome.
(#6) Friendly Ladies on 35th and Broadway
You may have heard California has friendly people. But you’ll find some of the friendliest there are by taking a drive on 35th and Broadway around 11pm on any given night. As you’re driving by, these ladies are all waves and smiles (with what’s left of their teeth). You can choose to do any of the following with them: a) chat, (b) interact, or (c) go ‘joy’ riding for the right price (likely the cost of a candy bar). Just make sure you pick (d) none of the above if you want to keep your mind, body, soul (and car…) clean. The famous saying, “Look, but don’t touch” is very much applicable here.
(#5) Sactown celebrities
Whether it was Mayor Kevin Johnson walking around in sweatpants at the old Starbucks on Broadway, seeing the Kings Omri Casspi (the first Israeli basketball player) at the bars, or running into Charles Barkley at a fundraiser (twice), I’ll miss walking around and damning myself for not having my camera on me.
(#4) Coffee Garden
There’s no place quite like the Coffee Garden. A traditional McGeorge favorite (before Pangea came and stole the show), this place is great for a chai latte, a late night study, or some time to chill in the outdoor garden. The atmosphere is eccentric, filled with decorations, and almost anything in the store can be purchased. I’ve shared conversations about business, personal, and taken family members to this spot. It’s truly one-of-a-kind.
(#3) Downtown
What I like about Sac is that a lot of it is centralized downtown, with a nice, layered plan and one-way streets, making everything all nice and organized. I’ll miss being able to walk around and seeing all the nice and sometimes, eccentric, restaurants, shops, and other adventures I might have missed by driving.
(#2) Free chocolate chip cookies at the Doubletree hotel
Oops, I spilled the beans! Yes, the Doubletree hotel gives free chocolate chip cookies! And we’re not talking about some small, old, stale cookies. These are warm, large, and freshly baked! All it takes is a simple, “Can I have a cookie?” and they’ll answer with a big, comforting smile, “Sure,” and probably hand you two cookies! The next time you’re in Arden and feel like your taste buds deserve something special, skip out on Mrs. Fields, and make the trip across the street. It’s well worth it and you’ll save big money!
(#1) Losing the ‘Hella’ tag line.
I was born and raised in Reno and have spent the last three and half years in Sacramento – both strong supporters of the word ‘hella.’ I didn’t realize this wasn’t a nationwide thing until my southern California friends laughed at me after showing them a ‘hella’ funny clip on youtube. But now that I leave Northern California for Southern California, I also must leave this word behind. It’s been fun and you’ve been ‘hella’ good to me. Goodbye.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Top 15 Things I'll Miss about Law School at McGeorge
Law school has been a rollercoaster ride like no other. Through all the twists and turns, there have been many experiences, some I'd take back and some I wouldn't...but here are the Top 15 things I will certainly miss, or not, about law school...
(#15) Free food on campus
Whether you got a sugar rush from the CDO’s candy stand, ‘attended’ the speaker in classroom C - by attended, I mean grabbed the food and left before the speaker could begin his presentation, sniped a couple slices of pizza at the Wednesday Mentoring program when no one was looking, or vultured the Dean’s council events after all the big shots had left, free food was a’plenty to the vigile eye. If you were ‘in’ with the campus safety officers, they’d actually let you know where the next hit would be so you can plan accordingly (do they have a twitter account setup for this yet?). The free food was a great for the school to feed hungry students, which will probably come back in increased medical expenses for us in the future.
(#14) Hearing the phrase, "I just want to pass."
Growing up, I'd always learned to do my best and try to be the best...until law school. This phrase came up all too often when people described how they wanted to do in their classes. I tried to resist at first, telling myself, “this too shall pass,” but eventually I succumbed and I realized, I too… just want to pass.
(#13) Barrister’s Ball
I’m still not even sure why we have this event. The barrister’s club doesn’t even put it on and according to Wikipedia, a barrister is a ‘lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions that employ a split profession in relation to legal representation,’ whatever that means. I was introduced to this event as Law School prom, only we’re missing the naming of the prom king and queen and the best part (which ironically occurs only after prom is over). I have a feeling this event and the fact lawyers have their own alcoholics anonymous are somehow related.
(# 12) Prayer room
I don’t know a single person other than myself who actually visited this room. Yes, I visited…once. It was an interesting concept, but being in a dusty, abandoned closet is perhaps not the best place to ask the Lord Almighty for good grades or inner peace. I’d stick with the grassy knoll behind the pool area or a church.
(#11) Getting locked out of the apartment
No on-campus living experience was complete without coming to your door at 1:45 in the morning after a night on the town, feeling a little (or a lot) tipsy, and realizing you didn’t have your ID card to get into your apartment. Damnit. Another check in the wallet… nope not there. Thank goodness you stored the public safety phone number in your phone. You make the call, wake the guy up from his midnight siesta, give it ten minutes, and try to keep yourself from passing out on the front steps until he gets there. Oh, then you get asked for your ID to make sure you did in fact live there.
(#10) Bar reviews
No, this isn’t a class that prepares you for the bar exam. It’s a class that prepares you for the social exam! These Thursday night social gatherings at Sacramento’s local bars helped us to learn the city and interact with fellow McGeorgians. For my entire first and second year of law school, I may have missed only one of these prepatory gatherings (shame on me!). After awhile though, I realized that trying to get away from law school by continuously going out with law students may not have been the best approach.
(#9) “Why is the internet not working?”
Believe it or not, Colleta’s wills and trust exam was easier to figure out than why the internet wasn’t working. But you could be sure that on the day of that final, when you forgot what the ‘10th amendment’ elements are and you try and pull an outline online, the internet was sure to be out, probably much to the delight of either God or Dan Breuer…or both.
(#8) Walter and Stella
They’re like your parents away from your parents. They would always check up on us with a “How you doing?”, or support us with a “Good luck on your exam”, or make sure we had enough to eat with “There’s some free food over there, go grab some.” A meal at McGeorge wouldn’t be complete without a Walter and Stella sighting.
(#7) Waiting six weeks for grades to come back
What’s worse than taking a law school final, it’s beginning the next semester not knowing if you even passed the last semester (or studying for the bar, not knowing if you even graduated!). Take yourself back to Game 4 in 2002 when the Kings were playing the Lakers in the playoffs and Robert Horry grabbed the loose ball and took a shot from three point land. Remember the tension lasting for the 0.47 second span waiting to see if it went in? Now, draw that feeling out for 6 weeks. You get the idea.
(#6) “This week at Pacific McGeorge.”
Although I appreciated the weekly reminders of what was going on at McGeorge, I was always unsure if we were invited to the faculty staff meetings on Tuesday at 3pm or whether “Weight Watchers” event was designed for us students.
(#5) Raft Race
500 law students, six hours, one river. Who will survive? The most important thing to remember was that drinking on the shores of the river was illegal, but once you’re out on the river, it’s anyone’s game. There was no remembering necessary after this. The best part of the trip was seeing the faculty gathered by the Sac PD at the end of the river, waiting to grab and escort out any belligerent law student before the PD could. And who says our faculty doesn’t care?
(#4) Getting called on class
Although, the thrill can be exhilarating, especially in the first or second year, by the third year (and fourth for us evening students), hearing the professor call my last name so I could blunder on a case about why the couple moved out but didn’t file for divorce, was worse than the time my mother would yell my name after she found the vase I broke, except there’s no laundry room to hide in while in class.
(#3) McG Intramurals
“When the world is filled with darkness, God will send a beacon of light.” Ah, indeed the McGeorge intramurals were that beacon of light. What a great way to take out the tension built up during the week , than to go at it in a friendly game of flag (sometimes, tackle) football with a bunch of stressed out competitive lawyers-to-be (the courtroom competition doesn’t even compare). It wasn’t always friendly though, especially if you were the 14 year old girl who had to referee the basketball games (do they know curse words yet at age 14?).
(#2) TV in student center
This was a cool idea and thank you to the McG person who was clear-headed at one moment in their time at McGeorge to come up with this idea. “We who were about to die, salute you (that’s from Gladiator).” It was always fun to gather with other McG students here to watch tv; whether it be the NCAA final four, Obama taking out McCain in the debates, or to walk in on a group of girls watching their girly shows, and feigning an interest because… well, they’re girls.
(#1) Finals!
Oh my, this deserves an exclamation mark in and of itself. I’ll miss drinking the hot chocolate as my happy food of the day, but certainly not the tense looks on people’s faces, the desperation in trying to learn convoluted rules, and then walking into the exam and realizing the professor and I obviously don’t speak the same language.
And that’s my Top 15 thing I’ll miss (or not) about law school!
(#15) Free food on campus
Whether you got a sugar rush from the CDO’s candy stand, ‘attended’ the speaker in classroom C - by attended, I mean grabbed the food and left before the speaker could begin his presentation, sniped a couple slices of pizza at the Wednesday Mentoring program when no one was looking, or vultured the Dean’s council events after all the big shots had left, free food was a’plenty to the vigile eye. If you were ‘in’ with the campus safety officers, they’d actually let you know where the next hit would be so you can plan accordingly (do they have a twitter account setup for this yet?). The free food was a great for the school to feed hungry students, which will probably come back in increased medical expenses for us in the future.
(#14) Hearing the phrase, "I just want to pass."
Growing up, I'd always learned to do my best and try to be the best...until law school. This phrase came up all too often when people described how they wanted to do in their classes. I tried to resist at first, telling myself, “this too shall pass,” but eventually I succumbed and I realized, I too… just want to pass.
(#13) Barrister’s Ball
I’m still not even sure why we have this event. The barrister’s club doesn’t even put it on and according to Wikipedia, a barrister is a ‘lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions that employ a split profession in relation to legal representation,’ whatever that means. I was introduced to this event as Law School prom, only we’re missing the naming of the prom king and queen and the best part (which ironically occurs only after prom is over). I have a feeling this event and the fact lawyers have their own alcoholics anonymous are somehow related.
(# 12) Prayer room
I don’t know a single person other than myself who actually visited this room. Yes, I visited…once. It was an interesting concept, but being in a dusty, abandoned closet is perhaps not the best place to ask the Lord Almighty for good grades or inner peace. I’d stick with the grassy knoll behind the pool area or a church.
(#11) Getting locked out of the apartment
No on-campus living experience was complete without coming to your door at 1:45 in the morning after a night on the town, feeling a little (or a lot) tipsy, and realizing you didn’t have your ID card to get into your apartment. Damnit. Another check in the wallet… nope not there. Thank goodness you stored the public safety phone number in your phone. You make the call, wake the guy up from his midnight siesta, give it ten minutes, and try to keep yourself from passing out on the front steps until he gets there. Oh, then you get asked for your ID to make sure you did in fact live there.
(#10) Bar reviews
No, this isn’t a class that prepares you for the bar exam. It’s a class that prepares you for the social exam! These Thursday night social gatherings at Sacramento’s local bars helped us to learn the city and interact with fellow McGeorgians. For my entire first and second year of law school, I may have missed only one of these prepatory gatherings (shame on me!). After awhile though, I realized that trying to get away from law school by continuously going out with law students may not have been the best approach.
(#9) “Why is the internet not working?”
Believe it or not, Colleta’s wills and trust exam was easier to figure out than why the internet wasn’t working. But you could be sure that on the day of that final, when you forgot what the ‘10th amendment’ elements are and you try and pull an outline online, the internet was sure to be out, probably much to the delight of either God or Dan Breuer…or both.
(#8) Walter and Stella
They’re like your parents away from your parents. They would always check up on us with a “How you doing?”, or support us with a “Good luck on your exam”, or make sure we had enough to eat with “There’s some free food over there, go grab some.” A meal at McGeorge wouldn’t be complete without a Walter and Stella sighting.
(#7) Waiting six weeks for grades to come back
What’s worse than taking a law school final, it’s beginning the next semester not knowing if you even passed the last semester (or studying for the bar, not knowing if you even graduated!). Take yourself back to Game 4 in 2002 when the Kings were playing the Lakers in the playoffs and Robert Horry grabbed the loose ball and took a shot from three point land. Remember the tension lasting for the 0.47 second span waiting to see if it went in? Now, draw that feeling out for 6 weeks. You get the idea.
(#6) “This week at Pacific McGeorge.”
Although I appreciated the weekly reminders of what was going on at McGeorge, I was always unsure if we were invited to the faculty staff meetings on Tuesday at 3pm or whether “Weight Watchers” event was designed for us students.
(#5) Raft Race
500 law students, six hours, one river. Who will survive? The most important thing to remember was that drinking on the shores of the river was illegal, but once you’re out on the river, it’s anyone’s game. There was no remembering necessary after this. The best part of the trip was seeing the faculty gathered by the Sac PD at the end of the river, waiting to grab and escort out any belligerent law student before the PD could. And who says our faculty doesn’t care?
(#4) Getting called on class
Although, the thrill can be exhilarating, especially in the first or second year, by the third year (and fourth for us evening students), hearing the professor call my last name so I could blunder on a case about why the couple moved out but didn’t file for divorce, was worse than the time my mother would yell my name after she found the vase I broke, except there’s no laundry room to hide in while in class.
(#3) McG Intramurals
“When the world is filled with darkness, God will send a beacon of light.” Ah, indeed the McGeorge intramurals were that beacon of light. What a great way to take out the tension built up during the week , than to go at it in a friendly game of flag (sometimes, tackle) football with a bunch of stressed out competitive lawyers-to-be (the courtroom competition doesn’t even compare). It wasn’t always friendly though, especially if you were the 14 year old girl who had to referee the basketball games (do they know curse words yet at age 14?).
(#2) TV in student center
This was a cool idea and thank you to the McG person who was clear-headed at one moment in their time at McGeorge to come up with this idea. “We who were about to die, salute you (that’s from Gladiator).” It was always fun to gather with other McG students here to watch tv; whether it be the NCAA final four, Obama taking out McCain in the debates, or to walk in on a group of girls watching their girly shows, and feigning an interest because… well, they’re girls.
(#1) Finals!
Oh my, this deserves an exclamation mark in and of itself. I’ll miss drinking the hot chocolate as my happy food of the day, but certainly not the tense looks on people’s faces, the desperation in trying to learn convoluted rules, and then walking into the exam and realizing the professor and I obviously don’t speak the same language.
And that’s my Top 15 thing I’ll miss (or not) about law school!
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