KOA's 50 Television Shows: An Introduction

By: Luke Florence

Last summer we went on an incredible, exhausting and revealing journey as I unveiled my favorite 100 movies of all-time.  This time around we are looking for more of the same, as I embark on an adventure to rank my 50 favorite television shows.

Laugh-out loud comedies, thought-provoking dramas, cash-winning game shows, and even an occasional cartoon will all make an appearance during these next three months.  The only question is in what order will they show up?

There's only one way to learn more details on this project and to see which shows just missed the cut.

Spring Cleaning V.III (Part Two)

By: Luke Florence

In the spring cleaning sequel, the King of Arguments discusses LeBron James, the controversy surrounding the Pacquiao vs. Bradley fight, and unveils a brand new list - this one of the musical variety.

Reading is FUNdamental boys and girls, so prepare to enjoy the hell out of this column.

Spring Cleaning V.III

By: Luke Florence

After an extended absence, the King of Arguments returns with a little spring cleaning.  The first part of his spring cleaning discusses the Chicago Bulls and Pittsburgh Penguins playoff exits, John Mayer's new album, and plans for the upcoming summer.

Yes it's been awhile, but the KOA is back in the saddle again (seriously, how many times have I said that?) and is on the search for redemption. 

Unlike I'll Have Another, let's giddy up.

A Sweet View of The Sweet Sixteen

By: Luke Florence

Certain March Madness memories will never escape me. It's almost as if they've become a part of me. I'll never forget Bryce Drew's miraculous shot, Christian Laettner's impossible game-winning 15-footer, or Tyus Edney going coast-to-coast to seal the deal. There's countless others. And yet, despite the numerous memories, it's always been at a distant. Sure having a bracket gives you a rooting interest in each and every game, but that's like having a nose-bleed seat at the Final Four. Yeah it's nice being there, but it's nothing like the experience you could get sitting court-side.

Thanks to John Groce, DJ Cooper and the rest of the Ohio Bobcats I finally have that elusive court-side ticket this season. It's been undeniably sweet ... pun fully intended.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Sports)

By: Luke Florence

"The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase: if you pursue happiness you'll never find it." - C.P. Snow.

With movies dominating the majority of 2011 on The King of Arguments something had to get left behind. Unfortunately, sports became the victim. It's been more than a year since I last posted about anything related to athletics at all. Some of my newer visitors have no idea that I started this blog so I could do just that ... write about sports.

Who knows if 2012 brings any more or any less sports-related posts. I can't predict the future (even though that's exactly what I attempt to do in this column). What I do know is that 2011 was the year my favorite teams (Irish, Browns, Bulls, Penguins, and Indians) were all on the pursuit of happiness.

Some came closer than others.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Television Shows)

By: Luke Florence

When thinking about what 2011 brought me in terms of television programming, one word came to mind.

Strange.

For the first time in four years my favorite television show was no longer around (LOST). For the first time in four years I didn't have a must-see show. For the first time in four years I simply didn't have a television show. And it felt ... strange.

After LOST went off the air in May of 2010 I took a break from TV. It wouldn't have been fair to try and watch another show after riding such an emotional high LOST provided. The best way to move on, for better or worse, is a combination of distance and time. After enough of both had passed I decided it was time to dive back in to see what television had to offer.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Books)

By: Luke Florence

There's something about a good book that is unparalleled in terms of entertainment value. A good book at it's best is pure creation on two fronts. One on side there is the author, the original creator who put the pen to the paper and allowed the world a glimpse inside their mind. On the other is the reader, the receiver, who takes those words and creates their own images and ideas to coincide with the words they are digesting.

In 2011 I read eight new books which took me to different places - some good, some not so much - but all of which taught me something about myself. A book doesn't have to be good to teach a lesson.

2011: Year of The Pursuit of Happiness (Movies)

By: Luke Florence

As 2010 turned into 2011 there was one song that I was listening to more than any other. It was Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness." I thoroughly enjoyed the beat, Cudi's rap style, and the message surrounding the song. So, when it came time to slap on a label for 2011, I figured Cudi's tune would be a perfect fit.

It's been a while since I've done a year-in-review post. To be exact, it's been three long years. In the past I've recapped the seasons for my six favorite teams (Bulls, Browns, Indians, Penguins, and the Irish) and then given awards for my favorite movie, favorite sporting event, etc. This year we will do things a little different.

In separate posts, I will discuss 2011 from differing angles. This first one will be my look back at movies, with subsequent posts covering television shows, books, my personal life, and of course, my sporting teams. All will lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth look at 2011 and my pursuit of happiness.

Seems fitting that we start with my 2011 review of movies due to the fact that I spent the last seven months on this blog recapping my favorite 100 films, we might as well keep that movie momentum moving. Will any film released in 2011 crack my top-100? What was my favorite film of the year? Or my favorite individual performances? Only one way to find out.

KOA's 100 Films: Top Fifteen Trailers

By: Luke Florence

As soon as I finish one list I start another one, only this next one won't take six months to complete, although it did take that long to gather all the necessary information.

Now that I have posted more than 100 movie trailers over the last 24+ weeks it's time to rank the top fifteen. Granted, these probably aren't my favorite trailers of all-time, but they certainly are ones I always enjoy.

KOA's 100 Films: By The Numbers (Part Two)

By: Luke Florence

Now that you know what my favorite 100 movies are I thought it would be nice to showcase some statistics. Who is my favorite director? What about my favorite actor/actress? Do I favor dramas or comedies? What year had the most films represented on my list? How many Oscars did these films win?

What follows are answers to all of the questions and much more.