#8 - February 21st - Larry Wilmore - "The Daily Show"
He's a senior black correspondent for The Daily Show. He used to be the executive producer of The Bernie Mac Show. He guest starred on my favorite episode of The Office. He's Larry Wilmore.
Most comedians have a bread-and-butter topic. Jerry Seinfeld and Mitch Hedberg used observational humor. Frank Caliendo impersonates. Larry Wilmore talks all things black.
It should come as no surprise that his appearance on The Office was during the "Diversity Day" episode, because Wilmore is a racial comic. He has a book titled, "I'd Rather We Got Casinos ... And Other Black Thoughts." He appears on The Daily Show and updates Jon Stewart the thoughts and feelings of blacks regarding current political dealings.
Wilmore is the first purely racial comic on my list, but he is far from the first-ever racial comic. What stands Wilmore apart from the others is his distinct style. Wilmore has a way of delivering his jokes in a matter-of-fact style. He comes off as cool, hip, and any other fresh adjective you can think of.
Everytime he makes an appearance on The Daily Show he has me in stitches. When Obama won the Presidency this past year, Wilmore walked onto the set, during a live show, holding a measuring stick. As Wilmore started measuring the desk, Stewart asked Wilmore what he was doing. Wilmore replied, "whatever I want." Classic Wilmore.
Since we are counting down the days remaining in black history month, it is only appropriate to see what Larry Wilmore feels about February. As expected, he has his own unique take.
No need to give a hint for the next pick because it is going up as soon as I publish this. Another double-feature on Sunday for everyone to enjoy.
So, in between picks, take some time and check out Barnes blog (over on my sidebar) to catch his thoughts on my picks.
Okay guys, here is my first feeble attempt of a podcast. This first episode is just me talking for a solid 45 minutes or so. Here is the breakdown of the two parts.
Part One
1) LOST Recap (WARNING FOR SPOILERS) - Look back at 316 episode.
2) Plead for correspondents. Help me please.
3) Some F'd Up Tourney Talk. It's as crazy as it sounds.
4) Moving to Dallas TX ... or will an emerging contender take its place?
Part Two
1) Some Black History Month List talk.
2) Oscar picks.
3) Update on my teams (Bulls, Indians, Browns, Penguins, Irish)
4) Feedback talk. Technical aspects. Anything. Basically, I need help.
Sorry I didn't put times up so you could browse through the topics. That will come later, but putting this up was a trial and error process that took much longer than anticipated.
Next scheduled podcast - Tuesday, February 24th - Special Guest: Kevin Hunt
When doing some research for this column, I was amazed to see the start date of PTI. October 22, 2001. That's more than eight years ago. I still don't believe it, mainly because it is a sure sign that my generation is growing up, quickly.
Not gonna lie, before PTI, I had never heard of Michael Wilbon. No clue he wrote for the Washington Post. No clue he had made a couple of appearances on The Sports Reporters. And, more importantly, no clue that he would become my go-to guy for sports opinions.
It didn't take long after that October afternoon in 2001 for my appreciation for Wilbon to grow. First of all, I loved his delivery. It was strong, it was consistent, and it was entertaining. Secondly, his arguments made sense. You can tell that he was a fan first, and had developed a broad knowledge of sports. Lastly, we shared a lot of the same opinions on subjects, mainly because he used common sense, was not afraid to go against the grain, had a terrific sense of humor, and quite simply, told it like it was.
But, without question, the biggest reason I love Wilbon is his relationship with Tony Kornheiser. There is little doubt that these two enjoy working with each other, which is why PTI has been so successful. They have outstanding chemistry. They play off each other like John Stockton and Karl Malone. They poke fun at each other like an Abbott and Costello routine, and together they have a winning formula similar to MJ and Scottie Pippen. This is why whenever Wilbon or TK is not on the show, I don't watch, because even though the name hasn't changed, the show just isn't the same.
That chemistry can only be obtained through years of familiarity with each other. Which is why, one day, I have no doubt that Barnes and myself could pull off a similar show. But that is another topic for another day. For today is a tribute to Michael Wilbon.
Only Barnes came through with the correct answer to yesterday's trivia question. Michael Wilbon was portrayed by Malcolm Jamal-Warner (Theo from the Cosby Show) in the TV series, Listen Up! Jason Alexander played Tony Kornheiser, and from the clips below, you can understand why it only lasted one season. It was two seasons too many.
Okay, enough from me. Due to some Saturday night plans, the #8 selection will be up sooner rather than later tomorrow. Also, we now have the capability to podcast, and those will be coming out in the near future. Stay tuned. Finally, take a minute or two and head over to Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar) to hear his thoughts on my picks.
Hint for #8: This character has been the executive producer of a show featured on this list previously AND has guest starred on another show that has been featured on this list. Again, BONUS POINTS for the first to correctly name this character.
#10 - February 19th - Leslie David Baker as "Stanley Hudson" - "The Office"
Has there ever been a character who has done more with less than Stanley Hudson? He doesn't hold a leading role on The Office, and one could even argue he doesn't even have a supporting role. He is almost a supporting character for the supporting characters. None the less, Stanley has been working hard to earn a spot here in the top ten, and it's a spot he's not loosening his grip on anytime soon.
Stanley is the product of having worked so long under Michael Scott. Stanley is apathetic, stern, typically above all the humor or craziness that is surrounding him (clearly focused on his cross-words), and loves pretzels. Which is why I love Stanley. Just when you think you have his character cornered, he surprises us. He appears to have an uncaring attitude, but had plenty in the tank to yell at Ryan for getting too close to his daughter. Those random Stanley moments often act as the lifeblood for The Office.
But, perhaps the biggest reason I love Stanley, is because he is the antithesis of every black stereotype. Enter Michael Scott, his boss, who constantly plays on those stereotypes. It's why he called Stanley his "secret weapon" during the pick up basketball game back in season one. Michael's reaction is priceless, "You have got to be kidding me." Or, during Diversity Day (still my favorite episode), when every employee had a different "race/culture" taped to their head (they didn't know which one they drew). And of course, they gave Stanley "black," which Michael (who gave himself the Martin Luther King Jr. card) replied with, "well ... that wasn't planned, luck of the draw." Classic Office laughs.
Stanley is the master of the look. He can say so much without saying a single word. It's a face that can only be developed through years and years of working at Dunder Mifflin. And us, as the audience, completely understand Stanley's looks, which is why they are so effective. A picture can often tell a thousand words, and the numerous looks on Stanley's face have given us a novel's worth of laughs.
One of the on-going jokes on The Office is the notorious, "that's what she said." Everyone (some much more than others) seems to partake, except Stanley. We've never seen one. However, I was proven wrong thanks to a deleted scene involving Stanley and Michael. Always has me cracking up. Every time.
Okay, enough from me. Thanks for playing along. Not gonna lie, I am very excited to have finally reached the top ten. When I made this list, a definite distinction appeared between the rest of the list and the ten at the top. So, giddy up for the rest of February. Odds are you will be surprised by one, maybe even two of the selections from here on out.
Make sure to check Barnes' blog (located over on my sidebar) to gauge his reaction to my picks. It is a terrific quick read, and always includes a black-history quote. Do it to it.
Hint for #9: Proving that the six degrees of separation might be five degrees too many, this character was played by another character (FROM THIS LIST) on a television show several years ago. Bonus points for the person who cracks the code. Seriously, I'll give them out.
#11 - February 18th - Bernie Mac - "The Bernie Mac Show"
Let me talk to you for a second America.
The best way to describe The Bernie Mac Show would be if you took Bernie Mac's stand-up routine, and simply cleaned it up. The end result would then be The Bernie Mac Show. For five seasons, and more than 100 episodes, Bernie Mac kept me entertained better than just about anyone.
If you've not a fan of Bernie Mac's stand-up, then I doubt you would be a fan of this show, because they are very similar. Bernie talks about adjusting to the "new" day-in-age of parenthood, which appears to allow children to get away with more. He talks about relationships, and always trying to stay one step ahead of his wife. He talks about hanging with his buddies, playing cards, smoking cigars, etc. All were included in almost every episode, and always had me rolling in laughter.
There is just something about Bernie that is hard to put spell out. He is unique in almost every meaning of the word. He has his own style, his own charisma, his own mannerisms, and without question, his own flavor. Bernie is quick to yell at his kids (actually his sister's kids in the show, but not important), but deep down is a softy who loves his children dearly. Bernie always seems to have a trick up his sleeve, or a plan to hatch. Whether it is going to Vegas for the weekend, or just out with the guys to a basketball game ... and like clockwork, something always goes wrong.
My favorite on-going relationship in this show is between Bernie and his son Jordan. They don't get along because they seem to be so different. Bernie is a big sports guy, and on the surface, Jordan appears to be more of the nerd variety. So, Bernie is always trying to teach him to act more like himself, which Jordan is willing to attempt, but unable to successfully pull off. Again though, deep down Bernie is proud of Jordan, and you can tell that the unconditional love aspect is fully present.
Unfortunately, Bernie Mac passed away last August. He was 50-years-young. And while his death came much sooner than any of us expected. His legacy will never be forgotten. Thank-you Bernie.
Okay, enough from me. Absolutely can not believe we are down to the top ten. How fast has this month gone? Unreal.
Make sure you go and check out Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar) to catch his feelings towards my selections. I'm going to take a wild guess and says he will love this pick. Just a hunch.
#12 - February 17th - Victor Williams as "Deacon Palmer" - "King of Queens"
Even though today on the countdown we are celebrating Victor Williams character, Deacon Palmer, February 17th also needs to be recognized as Michael Jordan's birthday. Happy 46th Mike. Hope it's a good one.
Speaking of good ones, as a television character, Deacon Palmer qualifies ... and then some. He is the straight guy to the craziness that is Doug Heffernan (Kevin James). But what makes Deacon so great is his chemistry with Doug. When you are watching them interact, you completely forget it's a television show because they seem as if - regarding their friendship at least - they are not even acting.
Without trying to get too wordy, Deacon has a cool name, usually remains cool during ridiculous situations, and well ... is just a cool guy. He is a guy that I would want to hang out with, go to the bar and grab a drink. Or go to a basketball game, play some cards, basically any other guy situation. I also love how he throws in the "black card" from time-to-time, but it usually is in a humorous manner. But, at the end of the day, he comes off as a guy I would love to have as a friend.
Deacon is the prototypical family fan, as he is the father of two sons (Kirby and Major). But, even though the show centers around Doug's life, we learn that Deacon has to battle his share of issues as well. His marriage with Kelly has it's fair share of ups and downs, which is something I'm sure a lot of people watching could relate to.
Unfortunately I could not find too many Deacon videos out on the web, which is a shame, because he's one of my favorite characters ... of any color. So, in lieu of a Deacon-specific video, I've added my favorite King of Queens clip. Enjoy.
Big thanks to everyone who has come and checked out the blog the past two days. In the three year history of the King of Arguments, we have never had a day more successful than February 17th. Between my random facts post and the Mr. Eko ranking, we entertained more than 130 unique visitors in a 24 hour period. Thank you so much. That was a big surprise.
I am in the process of working on a podcast, and seem to be very close to being able to pull it off. More to come later. As for right now, you should go over and check out Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar) to view his thoughts on this pick. Do work.
Hint for #11: This character is probably the biggest Chicago Bears fan on my list.
#13 - February 16th - Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as "Mr. Eko" - "LOST"
My buddy Kevin is in love with theoretical cage matches. He is always pitting two people in a cage match and talking about who would win. Using that angle, if we were to put every person who is on this list into a hypothetical cage match, there is little doubt that Mr. Eko would be the last man standing.
LOST is a complex show, so it makes perfect sense that Mr. Eko would be a complex character. On the show he had a stick that had scripture verses carved into it, but that "Jesus stick" also had blood on it because Mr. Eko should not be messed with.
Mr. Eko is in every definition of the word ... memorable. He chooses his words carefully. He always seems to know what is going on. He remains loyal to his brother, to his faith, and to his new friends on the island. When Mr. Eko made his appearance in Season Two, I instantly became a fan. He soon became my second favorite character on LOST. His run on the show was much too short, but he will never be forgotten.
The big reason I loved Mr. Eko, besides his killing abilities, was his back-story. Of all the main characters on LOST, I enjoyed watching Mr. Eko's past the most. He killed another man in order to save his brother, Yemi, who later became a priest. Off the island, Mr. Eko became the "man-in-charge" of drug-running. Basically, he was a shady character. He even "faked" being a Priest in order to smuggle drugs out of his country. On the island, Mr. Eko quite possibly became a "real" Priest, as he tried building a church, as well as baptizing Aaron (Claire's baby).
Like I already said, he was a complex character, but not in a confusing manner. Unfortunately, he asked to be written off the show due to family reasons, and was killed by the black smoke monster. I was sad to see him go, and am still holding out some hope that we will see him again before the show is over for good.
And lastly, how sweet is his name? Mr. Eko. Words can not explain how perfect I feel that name is for this character. It's in my top-five for my first dog's name. Maximus just might be its' biggest contender.
Can not believe how fast this month has been going. More than half-way through, but the best is yet to come. Make sure to check out Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar) to see his grades of my selections. Always a good read.
Hint for #12: This character's name is most commonly found at a church.
Disclaimer: This post will not talk about the things I typically discuss. It won’t have anything to do with my favorite athletes, or who I think is going to win the Super Bowl. This post will show some of you a different side to me that you may not have experienced. So, if you are happy with what you think I am all about, then stop reading this right now, and my next post will be more of what you are used to.
I used that same disclaimer more than two years ago when I wrote my LIFE IS ... column. This is not another "what am I doing with my life" post, but it is a collection of random facts about yours truly.
The reasoning behind this post is two-fold.
1) The last couple of weeks have been littered with people who have shared "25 Random Facts" about themselves on Facebook. Somewhere along the line, it morphed from unveiling random facts like, "my first pet was a fish, and it's name was Randy," to something a bit more deep. This is when I decided to partake.
But more importantly ...
2) THIS IS MY 100TH POST!! We here at King of Arguments have been posting on-and-off again for nearly three years. It all started in Bromley Hall, room 310. Thanks to those who have been following from the beginning. You have had to battle my random months where nothing new gets posted, or when it is nothing but football picks. This is more for you guys than anyone else.
I wanted to do something special for this special occasion. I am going to let you get a glimpse of what makes me tick. Scary huh? Some of it may be. Some of it won't. I'll let you be the judge. But, before we get into the details, I just wanted to say thank-you. This blog has developed in those three years, as has my writing skills (don't believe me? ... check out the first few posts from '06 ... disgusting). So, to anyone who has ever read a column, made a comment (I live off of those ... tangible proof people are reading), or have linked me on a blog of their own (I try to return the favor), thank-you. More than you'll probably ever know, thanks.
If I tagged you/sent you this link, that means that I took a wild guess and figured you might enjoy reading this more than others. Or, because you are the person I am writing about (I've withheld the names). Will this come back to bite my ass? Probably, but, the greatest risk is not taking one. I firmly believe that.
Okay, onto the supposedly "random facts." As you will soon read, this is information usually reserved for a girlfriend, or a drunken night with your buddies. Depending on who you are, the following could be old news, new news, or no news. I'll let you guys make the call. Giddy up.
#1) It's been such a long time since I have cried, I have been wondering for the past three years if I can physically do it. The opportunities to shed a few tears have been plentiful recently (losing the only Grandfather I knew, changing majors/schools as many times as I did, struggling to land that coveted first job out of school, Andre Agassi retiring), but I haven't gotten close. I can not even remember the last time I belted some liquid discharge out of my eyes. Maybe when Charles Nagy retired? #2) A common theme of this piece is how lucky I am. Starting off, I am so lucky to have a true best friend. It was almost as if we didn't have a choice in the matter. Our mothers have the same first name. We have been going to school with each other since Kindergarten. We were the first two to take advanced reading and math. We obviously went to high school together, and then afterward, we tackled Athens together ... twice. It's absolutely insane, but I've had the same best friend for 20 years. Wow. How many people can say that AND are 23 years old?
#3) One of my pet peeves is when people brag about how good they are at something. Typically, their word is never close to their actual results. I hate doing it at all costs, but, I don't see any other way around it here. I am the most well rounded athlete I know. I didn't run into a single person who could beat me in tennis at OU. In fact, I won the intramural championship singles title, double-bagel style, 6-0, 6-0. The guy I beat played on the club team the next quarter, and was the #3 singles player. Case closed on tennis. But my golf game keeps getting better, and only one person I played with the past four years would I consider better than me. Same with bowling (legit 180 average). Same with ping-pong. And with basketball? I ran into very few people who had the array of offensive skills as I did at OU. Now, we are simply talking intramurals here. And the recreational league at that. Okay, maybe just the guys on my team. But, in all seriousness, I can ball. Like I said, well rounded. Not spectacular, but very well-rounded. Throw in my range at short-stop, and well ... it's scary.
#4) Of course we have all made mistakes in our lives (this post could be considered one of mine), some, obviously more than others. But, in my 23 years of life, I only have two regrets. Just twice do I wish I could go back and change my decision/actions. I've been able to move on from these bad choices I made, but I would still change them if Doc Brown let me.
#4-a) First would have to be sophomore year of high school during our homecoming dance. I wanted to say some things, but for whatever reason, never did. Of course I thought I would have more time, but, it just never really happened. That dance was my last opportunity.
#4-b) The second is junior year of college. It was my decision to not return to Gridiron Glory. My reasoning - at the time - based around the fact I was changing majors, and didn't want to take a spot for someone else. The producers, and the host, tried to convince me otherwise, but I was too set in my ways to agree. It's too bad, because those two years on the show were amazing. What's the lesson here in these two situations? Shit happens when you party naked. Well that, and everything happens for a reason ... even if we won't learn the answer until the very end. #5) I could not have asked for a better childhood, particularly my backyard/basement. A ridiculous amount of memories playing basketball games, tennis matches (hitting the ball up against my wall, for hours at a time), home-run derbies, ping-pong matches, football and baseball games and bowling and golf tournaments (I have designed an 18 hole course in my backyard). Not to mention all the sleep-overs, poker events, and high-school hangouts. It was so perfect, that I look at other houses today and wonder where I could have done all of this?
#6) Speaking of all those activities, my imagination is always involved. I've played all four major golf tournaments in my backyard, coming up with different formats and rules for each one. I've played all four major tennis tournaments outside against my wall, giving advantages to big servers at Wimbledon (won by Patrick Rafter) and speedy returners at the French (won by Yevgeny Kafelnikov). I've bracketed the NCAA tournament countless times and played it all out. The winners were, Notre Dame (twice), Mississippi, Michigan, Connecticut and Arizona. The Mississippi win was overly dramatic. After I hit the winning shot, I jumped on my trash can as if my teammates were carrying me on their shoulders. Keith Carter will always be a legend in my head. And in my head, he's black. Those are both true statements. #7) Staying right with those absurd activities that had the neighbors talking. I did play-by-play for all of them (at least in my head when I was outside). However, if it rained, and the basketball games were forced inside, I would take it to the Little Tikes hoop (my best present I ever received, and will follow me until the end) down in the basement. I would get our audio tape recorder, and say the play-by-play games out loud, while I was playing. These tapes included a pre-game show (with music), a halftime report, and a post-game show where I interviewed the winning coach and star player.
#8) These are just over-lapping at this point, and we are only at eight. Goodness. Anyways, I still interview myself all the time, especially in the shower or in the car. It will either be about a video game I just played, how the day is going, or an upcoming episode of LOST. It's my inner-Brett Favre being released. All of this proves I was born to be an idiot ... or an announcer. Let's hope for the latter, watch your back Jim Nantz. The future is coming. #9) I sing ... and dance ... in the car/shower all the time. It used to be in the car, but only at night. Well, about four years ago I just started going for it. Now it's all the time. If it's broad daylight, and you are pulled up beside me at a stoplight ... chances are I'm singing a song. That or recapping how Notre Dame upset Oklahoma in NCAA Football '09. One or the other.
#10) I hate drama, and avoid it all costs. I also avoid people who create it. Rather, I simply try to make people smile. I know it's corny, but it's just a much better way to live your life.
#11) Unfortunately, I have a slight case of O.C.D. I really can't explain it, but it's there. It doesn't hinder me from doing anything, but I have little ticks that are present. For instance, the NWO "Wolf-pack" saying, "Just ... Too ... Sweet," gets repeated in my head all the time. I will never escape it. I'm not doing this section justice because it's so hard to explain, but, I'm a survivor. Let's put it this way, for the past five years, if I'm watching television, I prefer to have the volume level on my current age (if it's appropriate). Same goes with the radio. So yeah, the television is on right now, and it's on level 23. No joke.
#12) I rank everything ... and anything. TV shows, movies, professors, my friends' girlfriends (what an experience), etc. But, one thing I have never ranked, and refuse to even think about, would be a ranking of my friends. Obviously I have a best friend, but I also have a solid circle of buddies. At 23, they are scattered all over the U.S.A, so it makes sense to stay in touch with some more than others. That's just the way it goes. Oh, I don't rank friends ... or music. My favorite song is Eagle Eye Cherry's "Save Tonight," but besides that, don't ask.
#13) This might be the weirdest random fact. So by now, you know I have a great group of friends. But, I also have a great group of friends' parents. Which just reiterates my belief that we are more like our parents than we are willing to admit. My friends' parents mimic so much of the great traits that are in my friends, that it also makes me feel I did a superb job of picking friends.
#14) Staying with parents and family associated items. I have been blessed with the best parents a kid could possibly hope for. They are supportive, loving, funny, and have always been there for me. I never had to look far to find a good set of role models.
#14-a) Never got to be the younger brother, but I did get a younger brother. We have differing attitudes, and you would never guess we are brothers based solely on appearance. But, we do have a rock-solid strong brotherly-bond, one that does get tested from time-to-time, but what doesn't kill it only makes it stronger. At our very core, I think we are both goofballs anyways. Note: you don't have to go as deep into me to find that goofball as you do Josh. I'm curious to see how alcohol will play a factor with him.
#15) I'm in love with Brady Quinn more so than I should be ... but I don't care. He has the possibility - albeit a very slim one - of surpassing Michael Jordan as my favorite athlete of all-time. He would have to lead the Browns to a Super Bowl win. As Gus Johnson said, "Hey, it could happen ... believe." #16) Will I be the next Bill Simmons? We will see. My dream job (which will happen) consists of me writing a column for a newspaper/national web-site, hosing my own radio show/podcast, and getting on a PTI-type television show. But on top of that, I also want to do play-by-play professionally as well.
#17) Which leads me to Dallas, TX. Each day it is a growing possibility of me just flat-out moving down there. I've been applying to jobs for a solid month now, and the only ones that have come back are all part-time jobs with zero benefits. Why Dallas? Well, there are a ton of opportunities down there, and, a buddy has been pushing for me to come. It would be scary moving with no job in hand, but, it's a move that needs to be made.
#18) Only been to one concert in my life-time, and it was ... Huey Lewis and the News. A family trip to Cleveland to see Lewis and the News. It was outside, it rained, we got soaked, but honestly, it was a fun time. Concerts I want to see today: Coldplay, John Mayer, and Eric Hutchinson. That's the list.
#19) Everyone has a moment where they say they felt themselves growing up. For me, it was when people, on a consistent basis, would answer, "John?" (my dad's name) when I picked up the phone. Throw in the fact that some people, at the same time, would answer, "Maxine?" (my mom's name) when my brother answered, and I knew I was growing up.
#20) One thing I never accomplished, and always wanted to, was to hit a home-run during a Little League game. I batted .694 my 2nd year in E-League (10 years old), and .475 my 2nd year in D-League (12 years old), but never had the power to poke one over the fence. God blessed me with the ability to field the baseball like Omar, but he also gave me the hitting power of Felix Fermin. #21) Due to the ongoing cold weather here in Ohio, I have not been as active lately as I would like to be. Therefore, I have put on some weight, which is something I never thought possible. I have eaten my way out of "skinny" range, and am sitting comfortably in the "thin" range. And, I couldn't be happier. Ten more pounds and I will be completely satisfied.
#22) Most depressing childhood sports memory: Watching the Indians lose Game Seven of the 1997 World Series. To be that close and then to have it ripped away, was as gut-wrenching as it's gotten for me thus far. Am I fully recovered? Not ... a ... chance.
#23) I love getting "chills" while watching a movie, or a live sporting event. Every single time I watch Cool Runnings, I force myself to get chills during the last bob-sled run. Usually it takes a little nudge, but I always get them during that final scene. But I also get them at unexpected times. Just recently I got "chills" watching Adam Sandler throw the game-winning TD in The Waterboy. Yes, this is my life.
#24) Michael Jordan said that he hated to lose. His competitiveness drove him to greatness. For me, it was more about gaining respect. I hated to lose as well, but I could handle losing if I knew my opposition respected my game. It made handling losses much easier. Classic example of this would be Jeremy Miller (Ohio high school tennis state champ - beat me three times during my career), saying I was a pretty good tennis player. That's all I needed, his respect.
#25) I am not a morning person, and I doubt I ever will be. But, the iHome, is making that a little bit better. Waking up to music of my choice beats the hell out of that annoying buzzer. But it still hasn't made me a morning person ... yet.
#26) One of the most misunderstood facets of my life. I hate letting my friends down. I hate saying 'no' to them, or telling them I can't participate ... or maybe that I don't want to. So instead of straight up telling them, most of the time, I will make myself scarce, and avoid that conversation at all costs. I would be much better if there was a code word I could say, instead of 'no.' Perhaps if I could say "peanut-brittle," instead, I would be more willing to let them down. Perhaps.
#27) Okay, it's time for my guilty pleasures. If you made it this far, congrats. You will be rewarded.
#27-a) The television show Friends. I watch it more than I probably should, but I always end up laughing at something. When I made my list of 50 favorite TV shows, I deliberately did not put it on there, for fear of getting ridiculed. Now, well, I guess it's open season. #27-b) Britney Spears. Yes, I'm a fan. Grew up with her music. Loved it when she beat out Christina Aguilera for top-spot on TRL. Still hope she does well to this very day. Secretly, I want to marry her. Did I just type that last sentence? If I can't cry after writing that, I doubt I ever will.
#27-c) Justin Timberlake. If Britney can't be with me, then next in line would be J.T. Again, grew up with his music. Loved it when N'Sync beat out The Backstreet Boys for top-spot on TRL. Think he is in the top-five for current-coolest white guys. But, I liked him before he became "cool." So there.
#27-d) Lauren Conrad. The sub-categories of this would The Hills and Laguna Beach, I guess. The sad part is I can even name the scene in which she became a guilty pleasure. It was on Laguna Beach, when her and Stephen were driving back from dinner. They started signing Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." I've been following her ever since.
#27-e) Being a sucker for those relationships. I root for relationships. I want Lauren-Stephen to get together. Same with JT and Britney, or Ross and Rachel. Recently it's Jim and Pam. It's the hopeless romantic in me I'm sure. A psychiatrist might say something else.
#27-f) The movie Love, Actually. Another hopeless romantic-type. I love how it has so many different characters, but they are all connected somehow. That, and it has a top-five all-time movie-scene in it. The one with Keira Knightley and "Enough ... enough now."
#27-g) Randomly bad songs that I have heard so many times I know the words to, and then sing them when they are on the radio. This category has too many to name, but Katy Perry's "Hot 'N Cold" song was on yesterday, and yes, I listened to the whole thing ... while singing parts. Do I like the song? Absolutely not, but I've heard it so many times that it occupies a part of my brain. Might be the scariest fact about me of them all.
#27-h) I spend too much time messing with my hair. When I go out, and don't wear a hat, I spend too much time making sure my hair is okay. Not gonna lie, I love my hair. One of the best decisions I've made was letting it grow out before senior year of high school. Yes, it was on a recommendation by my girlfriend at the time, but I still followed through on it, so give me some credit. Until that point, I was a buzz-cut guy. Short hair for the first 17 years. Longer hair for the rest ... until it eventually all goes away.
#27-i) The two items of clothing that I will spend more money than what is necessary are sneakers and hats. I have no problem wearing a $5 collared-shirt if it looks okay, but not with shoes or hats. I've been known to spend more than $30 on a hat, and five-times that much on a pair of shoes. But, I don't buy them that often, which is how I justify it. My current black shoes (Jordan's), which were the most expensive I've ever purchased, have been worn for the past three years, and still look solid. They will get me through 2009 more than likely, and then I will be ready for another large purchase.
And with that, you have reached the end of the list. One thing is certain. After reading that, I'm sure you learned something about me. Christ, I learned something about myself ... which is that I must be clinically insane for opening this up to the general public. But, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate 100 K.O.A. posts.
#15 - February 14th - Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin - "Rob and Big"
First off, apologies for missing yesterday. I should have posted this before leaving for a night of drinking and NBA all-star festivities, but I failed to show that much initiative to pull it off. So, to make up for it, you are getting two for the price of one today. We start with Big Black who stars alongside Rob Dyrdek from Rob and Big.
I've stated in previous posts, and you will hear it again in future ones, how much I love the black-white relationships. The fact that he and Rob are best friends (or at the very least, appear to be on the show) helped his rating for this list tremendously.
Thanks to Big Black, my vocabulary has shown significant signs of growth. His "do work" phrase is one I repeat every time I get the opportunity. Not to mention his love of using "son," which has become a favorite of mine as well. But it's not just his dialect that I am a fan of. It is his "no drama" approach to life, his willingness to make a fool of himself in almost any situation, and the way he interacts with Rob.
On the surface, Rob and Big is a show of complete opposites. It stars one little white skater and one big black bodyguard. However, upon closer inspection these two guys are very similar. At heart, they are both boys with toys.
Sure they get in crazy situations, and do things I would never do ... at least not sober, but they also have heart-to-heart talks, or better worded, they have "real talk." Any guy in college has had several "real talks" with their friends from time-to-time.
It is a show that only lasted three seasons, but for the time-being is still fresh in my eyes, and did plenty of "work" to get recognized during black history month.
Okay, moving straight to #14 to make up for yesterday's no show and to get back on track for the rest of February.
My Favorite Black TV Characters
#14 - February 15th - Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - "WWF Raw"
Do you smell what The Rock is cooking?
We all go through phases in our lives. One of my biggest "phases" that I had to overcome, was my obsession with wrestling. I was a WCW fan for the longest time, until I discovered The Rock. After watching one interview with The Rock, I realized how juvenile WCW appeared to be and how WWF seemed bad-ass by comparison.
I've never seen another entertainer captivate an audience the way Dwayne Johnson did during his years with professional wrestling. He was super quick with the microphone, witty, funny, creative and sharp. In other words, he was awesome to watch. Whether he had the crowd on his side, or even after he turned heel and the crowd would boo him, The Rock was an experience to itself.
Going through YouTube looking for video's brought back some memories, but they also brought a healthy amount of laughs. My favorite "The Rock" line, came when he was singing in Sacramento. Make sure to watch this entire video below so you do not miss it.
After Johnson dominated wrestling for several years, he did turn "pro" and went on to act in several movies. Some have hit, others have missed, but the simple fact that he has gotten so many roles is a tribute to his acting skills, which were on display every Monday night on WWF Raw for half a decade.
No other wrestler has held the audience's attention the way The Rock did. To this very day I will spend a couple minutes, every once in a while, watching wrestling, hoping to see someone like The People's Champ. I'm always left disappointed because no one has come close. But, I guess that's what makes him The People's Champ, and there can only be one.
Enough from me today. We are now back on track, with one-a-day scheduled from here on out. Check out Barnes' blog (over on my sidebar) to see what he thinks about my selections.
Hint for #13: Even though we just unveiled a huge black man and a professional wrestler, my money would be on this guy to beat both of them in a cage match.
He's a senior black correspondent for The Daily Show. He used to be the executive producer of The Bernie Mac Show. He guest starred on my favorite episode of The Office. He's Larry Wilmore.
