Top 13 Songs of 2008

13. Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

Good tune by a good Canadian band.

12. T.I. feat. Rihanna - Live Your Life

For the past 3 weeks, every time I'm in a vehicle (which is when I listen to the radio), this song comes on at least once.  Every time I hear it, I think of that dude. Someone, find me the video of that dude!

11. Miley Cyrus - See You Again

I resisted the whole Miley/Hannah thing.  Then this song came along.  At first I beaked, and then I became a fan.  Here's my apology to Miley:
Dear Miley
I'm sorry for beaking this song. I was just being PT.
PT

10. Metro Station - Shake It

Try turning on a radio this summer and not finding this song.  Really solid beat that'll get you moving.  No embedded video, however.  Stupid record companies.  Here's the link.

9. Kanye West - Love Lockdown

Kanye can be really hit and miss.  Some of his stuff is just...wierd.  Love Lockdown isn't.  A really good, mellow, hip hop tune.  Don't find too many of those.

8. MGMT - Kids

MGMT is one of those groups that I seem to hate, until I give their stuff a good listening to.  This song, however, went against that; I loved it the first time I heard it.  Solid beat with good lyircs.  

7. Matt Mays and El Torpedo - Building a Boat

I love Matt.  He's on the top of the list of acts I haven't seen yet that I want need to see. This song is the perfect example of why I want to see him.  Energetic, upbeat and gets you moving.

6. Brittany Spears - Womanizer

Go ahead, laugh.  I'm used to it after Miley.  But when this song comes on in the club (people still go to clubs, right?), you'd be hard pressed to stay off the dance floor.  Even if you're a big, unfunky, white guy.  Again, I can't find a decent version on the ol' YouTube to embed, so here's the link.  I'm getting a little annoyed with these music companies.

5. Flight of the Conchords - Leggy Blonde

My favourite Conchord song because of Murry.  Tell me he isn't the best. BONUS MURRY SONG!!  I love Ginger Balls.

4. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk

These guys know how to make really good, catchy music.  I dare you not to tap your toe through this one.  Double dare you.

3. Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire

I may take some heat for making this pick (looking at you, Big Dirty), but this is truly a great song.  Here's the official video.  Below is the 'unofficial' video.

2. Eagles of Death Metal - Heart On

The Eagles of Death Metal don't sound like The Eagles or death metal which makes them awesome. I apologize for the vid, it's the best I could find.

1. The Streets - Heaven for the Weather

Oh how I love the obscurity of The Streets. He's hilarious and yet makes a good point about life in general.

Top 13 Athletes of 2008

13. Steve Nash

Nash didn't do anything special this year, but he makes the list until he retires. Or becomes a Knick.

12. Simon Whitfield

He provided one of the most amazing finishes at the Olympics. I litterally said, "He's finished" towards the end of his triathalon. He was in 4th and all of a sudden he pours it on and gets back into the race and narrowly misses out on the gold.

11. Tyler Hansbrough

Everyone's college basketball player of the year. He also also the all-time career leader at UNC in points scored, ahead of players like Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, and some guy named Michael Jordan.

10. Carol Huynh

She won gold for Canada at the Olympics this year in wrestling. If I didn't put her on this list, she'd probably hunt me down and crush me.

9. Albert Pujols

Pujols won his second NL MVP this year and added a Roberto Clemente which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual's contribution to his team. He batted .357 with 37 homers and 116 RBIs.

8. Peyton Manning

Had two surgeries on his knee this summer and while his start to the 2008 season was less-than-stellar, he finished the regular season guiding his team to 9 consecutive wins despite not having much of a running game to speak of, nor a defense to stop the other team.

7. Alex Ovechkin

Had a decent year, I guess. He scored 65 goals and netted 112 points and won the Hart Trophy (MVP), Lester B. Pearson Award (MVP awarded by the players), Art Ross Trophy (Most Points Scored), and Maurice "Rocket" Richard Award (Most Goals Scored). That's OK, I guess.

6. Drew Brees

15 yards. That's how many more he needed to break the record for most yards passing in a season. Still, the guy finished with more than 5,000 yards (5,069 to be exact) and became only the 2nd player ever to go over 5,000.

5. Yelena Isinbayeva

Undefeated in her event (pole vault) in 2008. She also broke her own world record 4 times this past year and won the gold at Beijing.

4. Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The Rays showed this year that you don't need to spend ungodly amounts of money to win. The got to the World Series while Boston and New York watched it at home. How did the Red Sox and the Yankees respond? By spending ungodly amounts of money. Apparently some lessons are never learned.

3. Michael Phelps

A record 8 gold medals and 7 world records. I still think he's kind of a dick, though.

2. Chantal Petitclerc

The most dominant athlete at the Paraolympics. She won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m. I would venture a bet that she could complete all of her events before I finished any one of hers.

1. Usain Bolt

I've already said that Bolt's accomplishments were betterthan Phelps'. 8 gold medals is a great feat, but blowing away the world's best sprinters and gliding through the finish line to crush a world record is unreal.

Top 13 Albums of 2008

13. Kings of Leon - Only by the Night
Kings of Leon is one of those bands that put out quality stuff but never blows me away. Maybe their debut album set the bar too high for all other albums.
Download: Sex on Fire


12. Hit the Lights - Skip School Start Fights
Pretty melodic little pop-punk band. Good beats and good lyrics make a good album.
Download: Count It, Stay Out


11. Metallica - Death Magnetic
The first of three metal comebacks on this list. These boys returned to their roots of just rocking the eff out. Don't expect any ballads, just get your devil horns ready and book a chiropractic appointment, you're about to headbang like you never have before.
Download: That Was Just Your Life, Broken Beat and Scarred


10. Guns n' Roses - Chinese Democracy
Finally this disc has arrived. Rumours have it that Axl spent in the neighbourhood of $14 million getting this disc together...and it didn't disappoint. Sure it's missing Slash and the rest of the originals and it will forever be compared to their epic disc Appetite for Destruction, but it holds its own. Just watch out for the ballads.
Download: Chinese Democracy, Shackler's Revenge

9. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
You'll notice something about this review: there's no songs to download. That's because you need to experience this disc as a whole. The way that Girl Talk has blended these songs together, it wouldn't be fair to say that you should download this song, but not another. Get 'em all.


8. The Streets - Everything is Borrowed
I'm a big fan of The Streets. His lyrics read like a great story that you just can't put down. He's hip hop, but if you just listen to the lyrics, it looks like a guy who's just putting his thoughts down on paper. No mention of "bitches" or "hoes".
Download: Heaven for the Weather, I Love You More (Than You Like Me)


7. Forever the Sickest Kids - Underdog Alma Mater
The best find a friend of mine gave me this year. They have that pop-punk sound that every band that appeals to those dang kids have, but for some reason they stick out.
Download: Hey Brittany, Believe Me I'm Lying, She's a Lady

6. Matt Mays and El Torpedo - Terminal Romance
I've been waiting for this album since Matt released his solo album which was a bit of a disappointment - too concept-y for my tastes. He's back with the band and ready to rock.
Download: Building a Boat, Tall Trees, Terminal Romance

5. AC/DC - Black Ice
The third comeback album on the list. You know a good rock and roll album when you see four titles with the word "rock" in it. Like Metallica, they went with what has been successful for them. Unlike Metallica, it's a sound they've never deviated from.
Download: Rock and Roll Train, Big Jack, Spoilin' for a Fight

4. Vampire Weekend
These guys took the blogosphere by storm this spring, going from a band who hadn't released an album to the cover of music magazines and Saturday Night Live in the matter of months. Kind of an 80s pop sound that makes you want to get up and dance. And this is coming from a big, awkward, white guy with no rhythm.
Download: Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Boston

3. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - Cardinology
OK, this is NOT Bryan Adams. It's Ryan. Don't request to hear Summer of '69 at his show either. It doesn't go over well. A mellow rock and roll style with some great writing mixed in.
Download: Born into a Light, Magick

2. Flight of the Conchords
Flight stormed on the scene in a big way this year first with their TV show entitled "Flight of the Conchords" and then with their album. Their songs are hilarious but still great musically. Beautifully done by these Australians Englishmen residents of Earth.
Download: Inner City Pressure, Hiphopopotomous vs. Rhymnenocerous, Leggy Blonde

1. Eagles of Death Metal - Heart On
Easily the best find of 2008. They've got an awesome rock/blues fusion that gets your toe tapping and your body rocking. I shouldn't be so surprised by them - anything that Josh Homme touches turns to gold.
Download: Anything 'cept the Truth, Wannabe in LA, Heart On

Top 13 Movies of 2008

13. Gran Torino (IMDB) - I had no idea what this movie was about other than it had Clint Eastwood in it.  Note to self: don't walk on Clint's lawn.

 

12. Tropic Thunder (IMDB) - This movie is decent with some solid laughs, until you figure out that Tom Cruise is in it and steals the show.  Easily the best cameo in any movie this year.

11. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (IMDB) - The first of two Seth Rogan movies on the list.  Horribly dirty but horribly funny. Oh, and that poster?  Banned in the US.  I'll let you figure out why.




10. Cloverfield (IMDB) - Sure I had to stop watching it a couple of times just to avoid getting motion sickness, but it was good.  While the idea was kind of Blair Witch-y, it was much better than that.  The special effects were great and the fact that you rarely see the monster in the movie added to the suspense.
 

9. Burn After Reading (IMDB) - I think Brad Pitt is dreamy, but that wasn't the reason I liked this movie.  Quite funny with an ending that I didn't see coming.  You can even take the ladies to see it as not only does it star Brad Pitt, George Clooney is also in it.  He's dreamy, too.

8. Pineapple Express (IMDB) - I was told to avoid this movie because it was a "stoner flick".  Yeah, there's a lot of drug use in the movie, but Seth Rogen is so funny in this, you can't avoid it.

7. The Wrestler (IMDB) - Knew nothing about this movie other than it had a high rating on IMDB so I gave it a whirl.  Wow.  Feels like you're watching a documentary and you really feel for the guy.
 

6. Wall-E (IMDB) - An animated movie that has no talking in the first 30 minutes plus and it makes the top five?  It's a solid movie with a good story and an interesting underlying story.  Honestly, you don't even notice the lack of talking.


5. Wanted (IMDB) - Such a good movie.  Great story with plenty of twists to keep you entertained.  I haven't even mentioned the special effects or the Morgan Freeman effect (which has the ability to turn the crappiest of movies into gold) which wasn't necessary for this film.

4. Iron Man (IMDB) - I had absolutely no hope of this being a good movie.  I figured it would be another comic book movie that sucked.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  Robert Downey, Jr was hilariously sarcastic as Tony
Stark/Iron Man. 

3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (IMDB) - A sad yet hilarious movie.  Sad because the dude loses his girlfriend 5 minutes into the movie.  Hilarious because he can't seem to avoid her.  The full-frontal male nudity is a little awkward, but it doesn't last long.  Just time your blinking accordingly.
 

2. Be Kind, Rewind (IMDB) - Wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie.  I had heard good things, but Jack Black can be kind of hit-and-miss.  Thankfully, he hit on this one.  Very interesting story, too.  

 

1. The Dark Knight (IMDB) - The most anticipated movie of my life (well, maybe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in the day) and it easily lived up to the hype.  Great action sequences with a fantastic story.  Heath Ledger's performance was phenomenal and lots of stuff blew up, I really couldn't have asked for much more.  Well, maybe complimentary Bat Pods for all movie-goers.

Movie That Didn't Live Up to the Hype - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

The other movie that I was pumped to see this summer and I was disappointed.  Maybe my expectation were so high after the previous three.  Maybe it just wasn't that good.  I don't know, but it just didn't do it for me.

Haven't Seen

Quantum of Solace

Son of Rambow

Milk

Slumdog Millionaire

United State of Pop

Here's a little sampling to get you through some slow times around here.  Stay tuned for my Top 13 lists of 2008.

Update:  The Yes Man came out.  Here's a quick scene from it.  Looks like I may have to add that to my Movies of 2009.

Let it Snow

With winter in Saskatchewan comes snow. With snow comes shovelling. I hate these idiots who can't be bothered to shovel their walkways. It takes 10 minutes and is good exercise for you, but most idiots can't be bothered to do it. Grab a shovel and get rid of that crap.

The most shocking deaths in music.

Here are 40 motivational speeches in 2 minutes.< 20 classic hip hop album covers redone with Lego.

Unsure how you should behave online?  Here are some handy hints.

Looking for a last minute Christmas gift for me?  I love me some Stephan Curry.

I'm trying to figure out this game.  I've got 2 of the 5 endings (D and E).  Good luck with that.

Oh sweet Jesus.  I hope that I don't become any of these one day.

All Goes Out the Window

So I'm reading a blog (The Consumerist) and I came across an interesting article.   Here's the jist: a teacher, to overcome a budget shortage, put ads on his on tests.  Some were purchased by parents as a good luck to their child, but others were actual companies selling actual products.  Is this right?  Is this how we'll raise funds to educate our children, by putting ads where ever they may be able to see them?  Where's the line? 

"This recess is brought to you by Coke, because after you have one, you'll need a recess." 
 "This Phys Ed class is brought to you by Nike.  Those shoes on your feet?  Garbage.  Just do it." 

If we don't start putting more money into our education systems (including paying our teachers), this is the way we're heading.  That's not a good thing.  As a teacher, you're expected to give an unbiased view of the world and allow your students to form their own opinions.  If you're bombarding them with ads, that will never happen.

Looking to kill some time over the next while?  Here are 10 game sites that may be able to take an hour or two of your time.

Simple and to the point: Things Bears Love.

I love Robin Williams.  Here's some of his new stand up.

Make sure that you pay attention to whom you are texting.

I'm undecided on this video.  I'll let you decide.

Michael Vick may be the dumbest person in sports.  Wanna know how he blew through millions of dollars?  Here you go, because knowledge is power.  

There Was a Time

Some things have changed in the world since I've last posted (minus the last one and the Sarah Palin vid).  Here's an incomplete list:

• both Canada and the US went to the polls and elected a new government
• the Phillies won the World Series
• I started and completed my internship
• the US economy completely tanked
• the Canadian government went from Conservative to a Socialist/Moderate/Seperatist.  Neat
• a terror attack in India which is comparable to 9/11
• Thailand went into some sort of political turmoil, but according to friends, everything is 'fine'
• a meteor crashed somewhere in Saskatchewan.  Or maybe Alberta

7 people who were harder to kill than regular people are.

Wes Welker got knocked the F out on Sunday.  Check out that hit and 15 others from this season.

I have sideburns.  This site goes the opposite way.  To the extreme.

The recession hit the Monopoly Man pretty hard.

I brought to you the 15 funniest moments of Conan.  Now here are the 15 funniest moments of the Family Guy.  Personally, 11 and 12 would be my number 1 and 2.

I Don't Want to Let You Go

My apologies for leaving you alone and sad.  I've been busy, but I'm back (for the time-being).  I'll hook you up with a good post in the next little while, but until then, enjoy the links.

The 15 funniest moments of Conan O'Brien.  Personally, I can't wait for this guy to take over for Leno.

This is a fairly addictive - and simple - game called Zilch.

Think a Kit Kat is just a Kit Kat?  Think again.

5 things you didn't know about the NFL.

The 7 worst Disney deaths.

Left and Leaving

Was anyone else aware that Mexican Chili chips are back?  Unreal.  My question is: Where are the bacon flavoured chips?

By leaving comments, you're helping to decode history.  Theoretically. 

Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius". 

Some people have way too much time on their hands. 

And other people are in a real hurry.

Nuclear explosions usually aren't cool.  Unless they're photographed.

This guy won't be performing brain surgery any time soon.  I hope. 

I need a sidekick. 

Think nursury rhymes are sweet?  Think again.

The ten funniest scenes from the last ten years of cinema.

Stir it Up

I realize that the Olympics ended on Sunday, but I have one last, burning question: Who's the better athlete Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps?  I realize that comparing these athletes is like comparing apples and oranges; they compete in totally different events.  However, both did something that had never been done before in their respective sports. 

Personally, I think that while Phelps did something amazing, Bolt's accomplishments were that much better.  Bolt glided through the line in the 100m final and still broke a world record.  It's not like Phelps could have doggy paddled the last 25m and won.  Also, while no one has ever won 8 gold medals, no one has ever won the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m and set world records in all four of them; he broke the world record in each event.  Phelps broke 7, but with the aide of a special suit that obliterated all of the world records.  I could have broken a couple if I had suited up.

Usain Bolt's 200m time compared to all other times that have been run.

These are some pretty cool portraits. 

Looking for a new workout routine?  These guys may hold the answer.

Fell safe?  Here are five scientific experiments that may explode the world.

I love Office Space.  Here's Milton extracting his revenge.

Crime does pay.

Think your manly?  Challenge me to one of these competitions.

I'm sorry, Archie, but what did you say?