It is the last day of the year and, in my mind, the last year of the decade. It was a good run that saw myself start and graduate high school, start and graduate college, get a job, move to Minnesota, get engaged, and just all around be awesome. And as great as all that is, let us get to the most important part of the decade: TV Shows and Movies. I absolutely love them and from 1999-2009 there were some spectacular shows and cinematic experiences. I will preface my list by saying these are all shows and movies I have watched. It's not what anyone else will tell you. It is from Zach, which should mean more because my tastes are bizarre, yet should be followed like the gospel. Without further ado:
The best TV Shows from 1999 to the present:
10.) How I Met Your Mother (2005-Present)
9.) 24 (2001-Present)
8.) The Shield (2002-2008)
7.) Freaks and Geeks (1999)
6.) The Daily Show (1996-Present) *Did not hit its stride until the 2000 election season*
5.) The Wire (2002-2008)
4.) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-Present)
3.) The West Wing (1999-2006)
2.) Dexter (2006-Present)
1.) Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
My Apologies to: The Sopranos, The Colbert Report, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Dirty Jobs
The best Movies from 1999 to the present:
10.) Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
9.) Casino Royale (2006)
8.) Wedding Crashers (2005)
7.) United 93 (2006)
6.) The Lookout (2007)
5.) Memento (2000)
4.) Children of Men (2006)
3.) Donnie Darko (2001)
2.) The Dark Knight (2008)
1.) The Departed (2006)
My Apologies to: Kill Bill Vol. 2, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Almost Famous, Ratatouille, Anchorman, The Hangover
And with that we have a rundown of the media from the decade. I can only hope that the next ten years give me the chance to do the same thing. And that is talk about the fantastic experiences that help distract us from real life.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
And boom goes the dynamite....
I started my new job this week and so far I give it a mild "meh." It's the usual stuff on a first week, which as everyone knows is pretty damn boring. You fill out paperwork and meet new people, but it usually takes awhile to get down to the nitty gritty. Hopefully that will kick in a little more this week, but with a three-day holiday week, who knows.
I have truly given up on football because the Bears are god-awful. I realized today they have the same record as the Raiders. And with that thought my mind started to drift towards a land of gumdrops and little midgets who swim in chocolate rivers. They are seriously an awful team. Their defense and offensive line are aging and there is not a lot to do about it. They have no draft picks next year and it is real tough to rebuild via free agency alone. I would like to see them make a run at some high profile guys in the off-season because they have loads of cap room. Should the coaches be fired? Maybe. I would personally hang on to Lovie Smith, based on the fact that the players love him and it would cost an arm and a leg to fire him, pay him the money he is owed, and then hire a new guy. I honestly think they need to focus on fundamentals and not have giant expectations coming into next year. Seriously, I would consider an 8-8 record next year a big accomplishment.
Speaking of awful teams, the Cubs traded malcontent Milton Bradley this week. Personally, I think it is a bad move because they got absolute dick in return. They traded a hothead and injury prone guy for Carlos Silva, an under 500, fat ass pitcher. Personally, I think both of them should be killed and then the world would be a better place. So the Cubs solve that problem, but still have many holes to fill. they need to shred payroll and unfortunately that is real tough to do. It makes me cringe that about 9 of their players combine for 90% of their payroll. They need a second baseman, center fielder, and a lead off hitter.
My analysis: They already have a lead off hitter in Kosuke Fukudome. He bats around 300 in the spot, gets on base, and plays an awesome right field in a very tough stadium. Move Ryan Theriot to second, where he can actually throw the ball to first base. Then you bring up Starlin Castro to play at shortstop. The Brewers proved last year you can bring up a rookie who flashes leather and then you can hide him in the batting order. Lastly, I have no clue about center field. It is a crap shoot. My lineup on opening day: Fukudome, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, Center fielder, Castro, Pitcher. There it is. See how easy it is to be a General Manager.
Lastly, big ups to UW-Whitewater as the football team won their second national championship in three years. Some say this is the best team they have had out of all five. I agree to disagree (along with the highly esteemed Jeff Boll). I honestly think the second team they had with Jacobs, Beaver, Stanley, Borzick, Kleppe, Raebel, Farley, etc., was the best of the bunch. And they didn't even win the title (GAAAAAAAAAAARCON!!!!!!!!!!!). But none the less, as an alum and big sports fan, that program knows how to do it. Whether it be football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, etc., they all bring it. Coaching, facilities, and players all have something to do with it, and everyone who goes there or is affiliated in any way should be very proud. The campus of UW-Whitewater has had something special brewing for the last decade or so.
I have truly given up on football because the Bears are god-awful. I realized today they have the same record as the Raiders. And with that thought my mind started to drift towards a land of gumdrops and little midgets who swim in chocolate rivers. They are seriously an awful team. Their defense and offensive line are aging and there is not a lot to do about it. They have no draft picks next year and it is real tough to rebuild via free agency alone. I would like to see them make a run at some high profile guys in the off-season because they have loads of cap room. Should the coaches be fired? Maybe. I would personally hang on to Lovie Smith, based on the fact that the players love him and it would cost an arm and a leg to fire him, pay him the money he is owed, and then hire a new guy. I honestly think they need to focus on fundamentals and not have giant expectations coming into next year. Seriously, I would consider an 8-8 record next year a big accomplishment.
Speaking of awful teams, the Cubs traded malcontent Milton Bradley this week. Personally, I think it is a bad move because they got absolute dick in return. They traded a hothead and injury prone guy for Carlos Silva, an under 500, fat ass pitcher. Personally, I think both of them should be killed and then the world would be a better place. So the Cubs solve that problem, but still have many holes to fill. they need to shred payroll and unfortunately that is real tough to do. It makes me cringe that about 9 of their players combine for 90% of their payroll. They need a second baseman, center fielder, and a lead off hitter.
My analysis: They already have a lead off hitter in Kosuke Fukudome. He bats around 300 in the spot, gets on base, and plays an awesome right field in a very tough stadium. Move Ryan Theriot to second, where he can actually throw the ball to first base. Then you bring up Starlin Castro to play at shortstop. The Brewers proved last year you can bring up a rookie who flashes leather and then you can hide him in the batting order. Lastly, I have no clue about center field. It is a crap shoot. My lineup on opening day: Fukudome, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, Center fielder, Castro, Pitcher. There it is. See how easy it is to be a General Manager.
Lastly, big ups to UW-Whitewater as the football team won their second national championship in three years. Some say this is the best team they have had out of all five. I agree to disagree (along with the highly esteemed Jeff Boll). I honestly think the second team they had with Jacobs, Beaver, Stanley, Borzick, Kleppe, Raebel, Farley, etc., was the best of the bunch. And they didn't even win the title (GAAAAAAAAAAARCON!!!!!!!!!!!). But none the less, as an alum and big sports fan, that program knows how to do it. Whether it be football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, etc., they all bring it. Coaching, facilities, and players all have something to do with it, and everyone who goes there or is affiliated in any way should be very proud. The campus of UW-Whitewater has had something special brewing for the last decade or so.
Monday, December 14, 2009
What a blur....
Seriously, my emotions are spent. It has been a great week and many things have happened. So in a pre-tv show recap, here is the week that was.
Saturday- My birthday started with a lunch date with Jeffrey. That's right I called lunch with a dude a date, big deal, want to fight? We enjoyed the usual laughs and had a good time watching the third amigo, Lane, announcing the UWW football game. It was fantastic and kudos to The Park Tavern for the best damn potato skins I have ever eaten.
Wednesday- Received word that I was in the running for a final job at Clear Channel. I needed to go in on Friday to meet with their sales people and do one last pseudo-interview.
Friday- Went to said interview and really tanked it. I was just in a funk and thrown by having to meet with 11 people instead of 4. Needless to say, I was not pleased with my performance. Downtrodden, I went home and waited until they called to inform me of their decision. Kristi came home and I finally got the call at 4:30. It was a good call and I was selected and had the job. Big news, good news. We ate some food and got ready to go to our charity ball at her school. We got ready to leave at 730ish and that is when I took her hand and asked her to marry me. After a dubious pause and a couple Vitale-esque "Are you Seriouses?" she said yes and there was much rejoicing. Bigger news, more important news. We took pictures and then went off to the ball where we stayed for just an hour before coming back home. Went to bed, because it was a hell of a day emotionally.
Saturday- We went to the Mall of America for some Christmas shopping and just to get out. Discussed wedding things, not too in-depth but just talking. We then went to dinner at Nick's place and had some delicious treats. Steaks wrapped in bacon should be on every menu in America. We then went to a comedy show about the holiday season. Very funny, but a little long and once we got home at 1 AM, we once again collapsed into bed.
Sunday- Got to be bums for awhile and just hang out and chat while watching some TV. Only the Vikings game was on local TV. That's right their two biggest rivals, the Packers and Bears, were playing each other and they were not carrying the game. Instead I was treated to the holiday classic, Jingle all the Way. "Drop zee Turbo man doll!" We later went to the Holidazzle parade downtown, because what better way to spend a day that never hits 8 degrees but outside watching lit floats. We went out to eat afterwords and it was delicious. They had a mystery beer for $2 and I gave it a whirl. They bring out a can of Milwaukee's Best, and in my head the little people are dancing. We wound down and once again were absolutely bushed.
So there it is. The play-by-play to a hectic ass week with truly awesome moments. I will blog a little later this week once I start the new job, and hopefully it will not be this heavy.
Saturday- My birthday started with a lunch date with Jeffrey. That's right I called lunch with a dude a date, big deal, want to fight? We enjoyed the usual laughs and had a good time watching the third amigo, Lane, announcing the UWW football game. It was fantastic and kudos to The Park Tavern for the best damn potato skins I have ever eaten.
Wednesday- Received word that I was in the running for a final job at Clear Channel. I needed to go in on Friday to meet with their sales people and do one last pseudo-interview.
Friday- Went to said interview and really tanked it. I was just in a funk and thrown by having to meet with 11 people instead of 4. Needless to say, I was not pleased with my performance. Downtrodden, I went home and waited until they called to inform me of their decision. Kristi came home and I finally got the call at 4:30. It was a good call and I was selected and had the job. Big news, good news. We ate some food and got ready to go to our charity ball at her school. We got ready to leave at 730ish and that is when I took her hand and asked her to marry me. After a dubious pause and a couple Vitale-esque "Are you Seriouses?" she said yes and there was much rejoicing. Bigger news, more important news. We took pictures and then went off to the ball where we stayed for just an hour before coming back home. Went to bed, because it was a hell of a day emotionally.
Saturday- We went to the Mall of America for some Christmas shopping and just to get out. Discussed wedding things, not too in-depth but just talking. We then went to dinner at Nick's place and had some delicious treats. Steaks wrapped in bacon should be on every menu in America. We then went to a comedy show about the holiday season. Very funny, but a little long and once we got home at 1 AM, we once again collapsed into bed.
Sunday- Got to be bums for awhile and just hang out and chat while watching some TV. Only the Vikings game was on local TV. That's right their two biggest rivals, the Packers and Bears, were playing each other and they were not carrying the game. Instead I was treated to the holiday classic, Jingle all the Way. "Drop zee Turbo man doll!" We later went to the Holidazzle parade downtown, because what better way to spend a day that never hits 8 degrees but outside watching lit floats. We went out to eat afterwords and it was delicious. They had a mystery beer for $2 and I gave it a whirl. They bring out a can of Milwaukee's Best, and in my head the little people are dancing. We wound down and once again were absolutely bushed.
So there it is. The play-by-play to a hectic ass week with truly awesome moments. I will blog a little later this week once I start the new job, and hopefully it will not be this heavy.
Monday, December 7, 2009
So who didn't he sleep with?
That is the question I ask myself about Tiger Woods. The count is up to 6 women saying they all had "transgressions" with Eldrick. Side note: Transgressions is the strangest word when it comes to fooling around. I thought "bumping uglies" or "naked sideways bonanza" were bad, "transgressions" is just weird.
I don't really see what the big deal is all about. I have said it time and time again, if you are in a relationship with an athlete, actor, musician, etc., it is going to happen. At some point they will either slip up, or in Tiger's case, just not care and do as they please. When you are a status symbol, women or men will throw themselves at you and you have to do nothing. Wilt Chamberlain reportedly slept with 20,000 women. Mick Jagger woke up in a bed with 3 chicks and David Bowie. It is bound to happen, and as soon as the rest of the world figures that out we will all be better.
Is is terrible for their kids and other family members? Absolutely. But we need to let them handle it and figure it out. And I will say it again. If you have that much money, whether you are male or female, get a pre-nup. It may sound cold and not be loving, but it is by far the smartest way to avoid any weird situations.
And lastly I watched SNL this weekend and the skit with Tiger Woods was marginally funny. Just jokes about Elin beating up Tiger. But of course someone gets offended because America is full of idiots. Certain groups were claiming it was not funny and was making light of domestic violence victims. Really? I call shenanigans. What about the jokes about O.J.? Is murder funny? No not really, but jokes about it are. So seriously get off your high horses people.
More posts to come. I will be around more often to make jokes for my 3 followers.
I don't really see what the big deal is all about. I have said it time and time again, if you are in a relationship with an athlete, actor, musician, etc., it is going to happen. At some point they will either slip up, or in Tiger's case, just not care and do as they please. When you are a status symbol, women or men will throw themselves at you and you have to do nothing. Wilt Chamberlain reportedly slept with 20,000 women. Mick Jagger woke up in a bed with 3 chicks and David Bowie. It is bound to happen, and as soon as the rest of the world figures that out we will all be better.
Is is terrible for their kids and other family members? Absolutely. But we need to let them handle it and figure it out. And I will say it again. If you have that much money, whether you are male or female, get a pre-nup. It may sound cold and not be loving, but it is by far the smartest way to avoid any weird situations.
And lastly I watched SNL this weekend and the skit with Tiger Woods was marginally funny. Just jokes about Elin beating up Tiger. But of course someone gets offended because America is full of idiots. Certain groups were claiming it was not funny and was making light of domestic violence victims. Really? I call shenanigans. What about the jokes about O.J.? Is murder funny? No not really, but jokes about it are. So seriously get off your high horses people.
More posts to come. I will be around more often to make jokes for my 3 followers.
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