1. Dork Trek

On a recent episode of the Dork Trek podcast Lt. Cmdr Bob Fresh said they just reached their 20,000th download, this actually made me extremely happy to hear, because for a long while I was convinced this podcast was made just for me, as if someone reached in my head and came up with my perfect idea of entertainment, that some of the guys behind the Bob's Boneyard Podcast and Mike and Bob Show would do an entire podcast just talking about Star Trek: The Next Generation, it was reassuring to hear that they had more than just myself as a listener. However, when I say this show was made for me I'm not exaggerating, in the episode "Secret Gay" the guys spend 5 minutes doing Juvenile-voice, somebody maybe only 7 people still remember, and most of those people also don't like TNG, they constantly bring up many of my other favorite shows, like The Simpsons, Seinfeld (seemingly every episode) Futurama, etc. The basic idea of the show is simple, they watch and review each episode of TNG, talking about the story of the episode while adding commentary as they do, and at the end rating each episode on a scale from 1 to 10. While its fun listening to them talk about the high ranked episodes like "Q Who?" or "Measure of a Man", its every bit of fun listening to them talk about episodes they either didn't like or were indifferent towards, their review of "Skin of Evil" entitled "Dead Dead Dead" featured the dudes doing 15 minutes of batman-voice and talking about what a horrible doctor Dr. Crusher is. Even though I consider myself a fan of TNG, they point out things that I never noticed like The Real Picard Maneuver, Step  1 Turn Around, Step 2 Surrender, Step 3 Blow Up The Ship!! They also pointed out what a terrible doctor Crusher was, and an even worse mother, and how much better Dr. Pulaski was, all things before this Podcast I never noticed.

The crew is made up of Lt. Cmdr Bob Fresh, Lt. Cmdr Dennis Black and Asian, Lt. Cmdr Tug Johnson, Lt Cmdr Zell, and Lt. Cmdr Ben McCormick, with the occasional guest, each member adds there own spin on things, Dennis basically serves as moderator, while Ben, seemingly an expert in all things Trek, serves as the Trek expert, leaving Zell, Bob, and Tug to add commentary, everyone on the show has their own tastes, and opinions about what makes a good episode, and they are all hilarious when it comes to poking fun at TNG and the entire Star Trek Universe. This Podcast is for everyone from the casual Star Trek fan to the diehard, and is literally unlike anything else out there, Star Trek podcasts take themselves way to seriously, and the motto of the crew of Dork Trek is "Actually, We Do Have Lives". For me this is really the best, greatest, and funniest thing to come out this year, someone recently said to me when I was quoting an episode of Dork Trek (again) "I think you're starting to like Dork Trek more than you like Star Trek" and I think they are right!!

2. The Game "Purp & Patron"

Click Here to Download "Purp & Patron"

Listening to The Game's mixtape "Purp & Patron" for the first time was like gaining your vision back after years of not being able to see. That may sound like a bit of an overstatement but considering my fondness for Hip-Hop, and the lack of Real Hip-Hop in recent years I would say its very accurate. Hip-Hop is at a weird place currently, a lot of rappers have become jacks of all trades, master of none, Lil Wayne for example is doing love song ballads, rock tracks, and Hip-Hop songs, and he's not the only one. Then "Purp & Patron" came out in January, it sounded like the Hip-Hop I grew up loving, while at the same time having a very modern sound to it as well. It was Hip-Hop at its purest and best, and far and away the best Hip-Hop album or mixtape I've heard in many years. Lyrically Game is unmatched on this mixtape, funny, clever, honest and finds Game telling stories versus just rhyming clever things, the production is ridiculous, featuring production from Phraell, Dre, T-Pain, Cool & Dre, 1500 or Nothin' to name a few. The 2 disc mixtape is loaded with nothing but great songs, ranging from fun tracks like "Soo Woo", or inspirational like "I'm The King", to Lakers themed tracks like the Wiz Khalifa inspired, rock infused "Purp & Yellow" to an Inspirational track like "The Kill". Game is channelling 2Pac, Dre, and Snoop at their very best on this mixtape, and I would dare say this mixtape is every bit as good as 2Pac's masterpiece "All Eyez on Me" and on the same level as Dre's "The Chronic" something before this year I never thought I would say.

A week later Game would come out with "Purp & Patron: The Hangover" which was every bit as good as the mixtape that came out the week before, it featured the songs and I quote "Not good enough for the Purp & Patron mixtape" one song off of the Hangover is the  Requiem For a Dream of music called "Lost" really good, but really sad, and as great as it may be I never want to hear it again. In early August Game came out with "HoodMorning" which was just as good as his two previous mixtapes, and just 3 weeks later he release his much talked about, much hyped "R.E.D. Album" which more than lived up to the expectations set for it. There is no question to me that Game is far and away THE RAPPER OF THE YEAR, his 4 mixtapes/albums are better than anything else anyone else came out with all year, I actually considered separating all four, but that would make this list slightly redundant. "Purp & Patron" reopened my eyes to just how great Hip-Hop could be, and set the bar high for the rest of the year in January, a bar no other rapper was able to get over. Game is not only the best rapper of the year, but "Purp & Patron" is the best mixtape or album released all year.

3. Episode 62 of Bob's Boneyard

Click Here to Listen to Episode 62 of Bob's Boneyard

The guys at Bob's Boneyard produce one of the best podcast out there, twice a week since April each episode has been hilarious pretty much from start to finish, and not to take anything away from the other episodes, but episode 62 may go down as the greatest single episode of any podcast EVER!! In April The Mike and Bob Show, a show that ran for almost 10 years in Hampton Roads, Virginia was canceled without warning, pretty much everyone woke up one day and it was gone. The Mike and Bob Show was unlike anything else that came before it (or since on traditional radio) it wasn't a drive-time zoo, it wasn't four idiots talking about Top 40 hits, playing the big songs of the day, it was personality driven radio at its very best. When the show was canceled it had a lot of its fans puzzled, the reason it was canceled as it turns out was due to a new ratings system combined with another format change on their home station 96x, once the home for alternative rock, now a station that plays Top 40 Pop. The cancelation led however to the Bob's Boneyard Podcast, which is only a more evolved, funnier, more profane version of the show that came before it. The Mike and Bob Show ran for almost 10 years and received no formal farewell, the show getting canceled sucked, no farewell was an injustice. On Episode 62 fans finally got their wish as Bob's Boneyard celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the Mike and Bob Show, while also having a reunion featuring members of The Mike and Bob Show from years past, and a few famous callers. The show felt like The Mike and Bob Show never left, it was a look back at 10 years that changed the way people thought about talk radio, giving each member of the show their moment, telling funny stories about the people that couldn't be there, and sharing personal favorite and least favorite moments of the run of the show, it was a perfect recap of a show that was so important to so many people, closing an important chapter while leaving the door open for more stuff to come in the future. There was a moment at the end were Bob Fresh and Mike Powers signed off using their trademark "Goodnight and Rock n' Roll" that chocked many people up and brought a tear to many an eye, for 10 years the Dudes left us with that same exit, and it was great they got to say at least one more time.

4. "Goodbye, Michael"

When the 7th Season of The Office started everyone knew Steve Carell was leaving the series to pursue other opportunities, so it was coming as no real surprise when an arc started towards the end of the season that would leave to Carell's character Michael Scott having to leave the office he loved so much. What was a surprise however was the final episode that featured Michael Scott, it was funny there was no doubt about it, but it was also surprisingly very touching, and not in the usual everyone cries sort of way, in fact the most touching moment for me and several people was when Michael Scott said his trademark phrase for the last time "That's what she said" only this time it was off mic and almost inaudible. It was great to see him tie up the relationships with everyone in the office, and the moment with him and Jim in his office and Pam at the airport where full of emotion, but emotion done right, not overly-sappy.

5. ESPN's 30 For 30 "The Fab Five"

Click Here to Watch "The Fab Five"

There is a generation of men my age who were influenced consciously or subconsciously by the Fab 5 of the Michigan Wolverines, when these five guys came together to play and lead the Wolverines to back to back Final Four Appearances they were the definition of cool, and subconsciously I have to this day still done things these guys did almost 20 years ago, the baggie shorts (something they made extremely popular) the black socks, the shaved heads, these guys took all those things none of which were popular at the time and made them the coolest things on the planet, I actually forgot about all of those things and why I did them until I saw the 30 For 30 Film on the Fab Five. "The Fab Five" cataloged the story of how all these guys came together to form one 

of the best teams ever assembled in College Basketball History, that would change the tide for collegiate sports forever, the documentary was honest, almost to a fault, and caused a ton of controversy when Jalen Rose (now an ESPN analyst) called Duke a school for sell-outs and accused Grant Hill of being an Uncle Tom, it was raw, unflinching, and impossible not to watch, just like the Fab Five themselves.

6. Game 6 of the World Series

Click Here for a look back at Game 6

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series will no doubt go down as one of the greatest baseball games ever played, if not the greatest. The Rangers (who lost the 2010 World Series as well) were just one strike away from winning the World Series in 6 Games when the Cardinals mounted an amazing comeback to send the game into extra innings, in the Top of the 10th the Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton hit a 2-run homer, making it look like a World Series win was again in the grasp of the Rangers, down to the final strike of their season for the second time that night the Cards would again come back on a Lance Berkman single to send the game to the 11th inning, and the Cards would win the game on a David Freese walkoff homerun. The game was made even more significant the next night when the Cardinals would win Game 7 to win the World Series.

7. The Kobe 6's

The Kobe 6's were the best pair of shoes to come out this year, for starters, the "Black Mamba" themed bumps and scales on the shoe, not only make the shoe look awesome, but prevent scuffs, making it almost impossible for someone to scuff your sneaker, because of the flywire technology, it is one of the lightest basketball sneakers ever made, the inserts mold perfectly to your feet which is great for working out in, plus they just look really dope. 

8. Captain America : The First Avenger

With all due respect to Dark Knight, or Iron Man, for me Captain America is the best Comic Book movie I've ever seen. After watching this movie I actually started reading comic books, I re-watched all of the Marvel Saga movies, I did research to find out about The Avengers, after seeing all of the comic book movies, and I like a lot of them (3 are on this list) Captain America is the one that hooked me, I loved so much about it, Captain America for me has one of the best origin stories, its set during a great time period, I've always loved the 40's era, its set against the backdrop of World War II, every performance is superb, it has a great story, good action, its a lot of fun, and oh yeah, it gave everyone their first look at The Avengers.

9. Watch the Throne

Click Here for the Otis Video

I was very curious about how I would feel about Watch the Throne, Kanye is one of my favorite musicians Ever, but I've always found Jay-Z extremely lackluster, so it was with great trepidation that I first listened to Watch the Throne, and I was massively surprised, instead of Jay infecting Kanye's style (which a lot of people assumed would happen) it was Jay-Z almost doing a Kanye impression on this album, being more honest and venerable, at its best I thought Watch the Throne would be good in spite of Jay and was pleasantly surprised that Jay-Z delivered the best performance of his careen on this album. And the songs are just really dope, "Murder to Excellence" for me is the best song of the entire year, "Ni**as in Paris" is a supremely fun and catchy song, as is "That's my Bitch" and "Otis", Watch the Throne is fun, flashy, empowering, inspirational, and very entertaining.

10. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Click Here for a Look at It's Always Sunny

To be fair, before this year I'd never seen any of It's Always Sunny, I always heard what a great show it was, and how it fit my sense of humor perfectly, yada, yada, yada, but it wasn't until I watched an episode that I finally Got It. The sense of humor of the show is unlike anything else, people have compared it to Seinfeld, but this show takes itself less seriously, and has less heart than even Seinfeld, the rule of Seinfeld set by Larry David was "No hugging, no Learning" on It's Always Sunny they have taken that concept and blown it out of proportion. The show is hilarious, and easy to watch, I watched all 7 seasons in a matter of weeks, the most recent Season 7 was full of great episodes, with Frank getting married to an unpretty woman-style hooker, The Gang going to the Jersey Shore, The Gang fighting hipster culture and social media and Chardee MacDennis: The Game of Games. In 2011 It's Always Sunny went from a show I'd never seen to one of my favorite shows on TV.

11. Lupe Fiasco's "Lasers"

Click Here for the "The Show Goes On" video

Lupe has been a conscience MC since his first album "Food & Liquor" but on "Lasers" Lupe finds himself at his most clever, a song like "All Black Everything" is so unbelievably beautiful (which is weird to say about a Hip-Hop track) it is creative, inventive, and thought provoking, mush can be said about the entire album, other standout tracks are "State Run Radio" about the state of Top 40 Radio or "Words I Never Said" which could be almost an anthem for this generation. 

12. X-Men First Class

Was X-Men First Class a prequel, was it a reboot, honestly I don't think it matters how it fits in with the other movies. I'm not a giant comic book reader, I loved the X-Men cartoon as a kid, and enjoyed the first two X-Men movies, but this is a story I never knew, and it was brilliantly told, and explained the backstories of the characters very well.

13. NBA All-Star Weekend 2011

Click Here to View the Highlights of The All-Star Game

I've always made the claim that the MLB has the best of all the All-Star Games, however, with this year's edition of the NBA All-Star Game, I may have changed my opinion, the first night was the celebrity game, in which little Justin Beiber of all people put on a show, the following night Blake Griffin was a human highlight reel during the slam dunk contest, at one point even dunking over a car, then there was the main event, the All-Star Game itself, in which Kevin Durant and Lebron James played spectacular ball, Rhianna, Drake, and Kanye West performed at halftime, a performance which made a mockery of the Black Eyed Peas performance just 2 weeks earlier at the Super Bowl by comparison, and another amazing performance by the All-Star MVP Kobe Bryant

14. 30 Rock

Click Here for a Preview of Queen of Jordan

The 5th Season of 30 Rock was brilliant from start to finish, from Matt Damon's guest spot as Carol, Liz Lemon's boyfriend, to Kelsey Grammer helping Jenna and Kenneth run a scheme on a bakery, to the Live Show, or the 100th Episode, everything in the 5th season was hilarious and amazing. So much so, that to include all of the highlights would make for an egregiously long article. Simply put, Season 5 featured 2 fake shows, better than most of what's on TV right now, "Let's Stay Together" and "Queen of Jordan"...Its my way till Payday

15. Game 2 of the NBA Finals

Click Here for the Game 2 Mini-Movie

The Dallas Mavericks may have won the NBA Finals in Game 6, but a lot of experts and myself, feel like the Finals was actually won in Game 2. The Miami Heat won Game 1 rather easily, and had a 15 point lead with just 7 minutes to go in Game 2, it looked like Miami was just 2 games away from becoming NBA Champs, then something happened, it was soon after DeWayne Wade shot and made a 3-pointer, and struck a pose, for the first time in the series Dallas woke up, the Mavericks would go on an amazing run to close the game, eventually winning on a Dirk lay-up with just seconds remaining. The Heat would win Game 3, but the Mavs would win Games 4, 5, and 6, winning the NBA Finals. It was the miraculous comeback that changed the course of the entire series, and essentially won it for the Dallas Mavericks.

16. ESPN's 30 For 30 "Catching Hell"

CLick Here to preview ESPN's Catching Hell

October 14, 2003 is a day that will live in sports infamy. The lovable loser Cubbies were just 5 outs away from going to there first World Series since 1945, until Steve Bartman, a fan watching the game on the 3rd Base side, grabbed a ball that was in play in the reach of Left Fielder Moises Alou, what followed was a complete collapse, the Cubs would implode, giving up a 3-0 run by giving up 8 runs in the 8th inning, losing Game 6, and losing Game 7 the following night. Steve Bartman would become one of the most memorable scapegoats in Sports History, and this ESPN 30 For 30 Special perfectly captures every detail and nuance of that fateful night in October, that will not soon be forgotten.

17. The Reformat of ESPN's First Take

Click Here to see Skip Bayless at his best.

The thing everyone watched ESPN's First Take for wasn't sport's highlights, we have Sports Center for that, it wasn't the commentary from former players and coaches, you can find them on any talk radio or cable show, it was for Skip Bayless, in late August, early September, the folks at ESPN finally got the memo, and gave the public what they wanted...more Skip Bayless, instead of a meager 30 to 40 min during the course of a 2 hour show, ESPN's First Take might as well be called the Skip Bayless show, Bayless is involved in all of the show's segments now, which has turned the show from "I'll watch if a Skip Bayless segment is on" to "Time to watch First Take".

18. "Headlines"

Click Here For the Video

The thing about Drake's sophomore album is, well, it was pretty much garbage, a collection of bad R&B love songs, and Lil Wayne style-flows, however, on "Headlines" Drake captured something I haven't heard from him since his "So Far Gone" mixtape, the word "Swagga" is way to overused, but for the first time since the So Far Gone mixtape, Drake seemed to have a Swagga about him on this track, that combined with his brutal self-analyses, which is also something I loved about the So Far Gone mixtape, made this one of the best songs of the year for me. 

19. Thor

Of all the super heroes in the current Marvel Movie Saga, the one I knew the least about was Thor, before seeing this movie I honestly knew nothing about Thor, other than he was a God. The movie was supremely ambitious and epic, I would say that so far Thor's origin story was the hardest story to tell in terms or translating from the comic to the screen and it was done very well, I walked in to the theater with no knowledge of Thor and left with a lot.

20. Jack Sparrow

Click Here to see the Video for Jack Sparrow

I love this song, and the video, from Lonely Island's second album "Turtleneck and Chain". This song pretty much personifies why I like Lonely Island so much, at first it sounds like any other "In the club" hip-hop track currently on Top 40 radio, then the chorus comes in and its Michael Bolton singing about Jack Sparrow and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Welcome Back

Welcome back to The Real Ed Davis, and his wonderful 300 Thoughts and Running Blog. First things first, were have I been, well, I went on vacation in October, I had Nick Bryan fill in, and put his slant on my blog, and then I just got distracted by the gym once I came back from vacation, in the time between post I have gone from 200 pounds to 150, something I'm excited about. But I'm back!!

One thing is I'm completely changing how I do this blog, from now on, I'm going to be more honest, which is supposed to be the point of the whole blogging thing anyways, I had a crazy dream when I started doing my blog originally, and that was for someone to see my writing, and give this Journalism major a job doing what I love to do most, and thats write and comment on various pop culture happenings, as a result, my writing tended to be long-winded, ironically enough, when I first started my blog, one of the things people said they loved was how succinct my post were. So I'm done with the whole crazy dream thing, or posting on a schedule (which means no more Throwback Thursday) this isn't my job, this is something I do for fun, and from now on I'm going to treat it as such. Thank you for all of those who have visited my little corner of the Internet however.

Secondly, the biggest reason I have picked up my blogspot account again is because its almost the end of the year, and you know what that means...list!!! I fucking love list, give me a Top 10 or Top 20 of almost anything and I will read it and more times than not argue with it, and say its wrong for one reason or another. With that in mind, I give you my Top 20 List of things that came out of Pop Culture in the Year 2011, I did a Top 10 List on Facebook last year and actually had a lot of fun with it, the cool thing to me about doing a Pop Culture list versus a Top 20 albums or movies or whatever is it gives me a chance to rank all avenues of entertainment at one time, so up next is my Top 20 List for the Year 2011, I hope you enjoy, and if you find fault, feel free to message me and let me know what you think.

After a few months away, it's good to be back.

--The Real Ed Davis

NICK'S Top 20 Episodes of SUPERNATURAL

Hello again everybody. Nick here. With Halloween right around the corner I thought I'd take a moment to talk about a show that is, not only fitting for this season, but also one of the best shows currently running on television: SUPERNATURAL.

I already know what you skeptics are thinking: this is just another lame Buffy rip-off for the CW's tween audience. I've been there. I initially avoided this show like the plague. Why would I watch another monster-of-the-week show that stared two pretty boy soap opera actors when? Luckily, my mom was a fan of the show and convinced me to watch the first two seasons she had on DVD.

I'm glad she did. While it definitely owes thanks to forerunners like BUFFY or The X-Files, SUPERNATURAL has stepped out of the shadows of those shows and developed it's own legacy. It is a cross-country road trip with two brothers bonding as they discover the truth behind the legends and ghost stories that make up the history Americana. It is filled with to brim with classic rock, fast cars, hot chicks, cool guns, scary monsters and blood! Lots and lots of blood! So much blood that I sometimes forget this is a prime time show on basic network television.

Below are 20 of my favorite episodes from the first 6 seasons of SUPERNATURAL in the order of their airing. Quick warning: if you don't like spoilers than you might want to avoid reading my breakdown of the episodes cause Spoilers abound!

Season 1- Episode 1: "Pilot"
The show that started it all. When John Winchester witnesses his wife murdered in brutal fashion by some yellow-eyed beast, he takes his two kids, Sam and Dean, and raises them in a life of slaying ghost, ghouls, and other assorted monsters. Years later we find Sam in college, trying to put the past behind him and make a life for himself. That all changes when his big brother Dean comes looking for him. You see, their father has disappeared after a recent "hunting trip" and Dean hasn't heard from him in a while. While reluctant to return to his old life(particularly after leaving his father on bad terms) Sam agrees to help his brother work one last case. After working the case, he returns home to find his girlfriend Jessica murdered in the same fashion his mother was. With no other alternative, Sam joins Dean on his cross-country travels as they fight monsters and try to find their father.

Seaon 1-Episode 5: "Bloody Mary"
You know that Urban Legend about saying "Bloody Mary" three times while looking in a mirror and turning out the lights? Yeah, I've never done that. Nor will I ever. It's not that I'm a superstitious person. I'm just cautious like that. Thus this episode I found truly creepy. The Winchesters investigate a Bloody Mary case where the victims all seem to bleed to death from their eyes. Not only creepy, but towards the end we are met with an interesting twist: Sam has been having visions recently... and they appear to be coming true!

Season 2-Episode 1: "In My Time of Dying"
Picking up right at the end of season one's jaw-dropping finale, we find the Winchester brothers and their father, John, in severe condition after narrowly escaping a demon trap set up by the Yellow-Eyed demon. While John and Sam are none the worse for wear, Dean is in critical condition. His body stuck in a coma, Dean's spirit wanders the hospital as he tries to warn his family that a reaper is coming to claim his life. Unable to deal with the thought of his son dying, John summons Ol' Yellow Eyes himself, Azazel, and makes a deal with him. In exchange for Dean's life John offers not only the Colt, a revolver made by Samuel Colt himself to kill demons, but his life as well.

Season 2-Episode 8: "Crossroad Blues"
Ever since the movie CROSSROADS(the one with Ralph Machio, not the one with Brittany Spears) I've been fascinated with the story of Robert Johnson. Robert Johnson was a Southern blues singer from the 30's. Johnson originally couldn't play a lick on the guitar. That all changed, according to the myth, when one night at a crossroads he met a "Man in Black" and exchanged his soul for the ability to play. Urban Legend? Perhaps. But between his short career(Johnson only lived to be 27) and the subjects of some of his songs("Cross Road Blues," "Hellhound Blues," "Me and the Devil Blues," etc.) it seems to have gained some merit. Enough to inspire not only that movie but also this episode of SUPERNATURAL, which finds the Winchesters working a case in which people who make a deal with the demon at the crossroads gain success. But at a cost: 10 years and your time is up and the Hell Hounds come for you.

Season 2-Episodes 21 and 22: "ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE"
Ok, this is technically a two-part episodes, but both work together in telling the story and I couldn't choose between the two. Part one finds Sam missing and Dean racing along with their surrogate father, Bobby, to find his brother. Sam wakes up to find himself in a secluded camp with other individuals with powers similar to his. According to the Yellow-Eyed Demon, these kids are here to fight to the death in order to become his right-hand man. Just as Dean and Bobby find him, Sammy is stabbed in the back and left for dead. Part 2 finds Dean a veritable wreck: it's been a week since Sam's death and he still refuses to bury his brother. Distraught, Dean returns to the crossroads to make a deal for Sam's return. With Sammie kicking once again, the Winchesters and Bobby try to figure out what Yellow Eyes has planned. The episode title says it all.

Season 3-Episode 11: "Mystery Spot"
This episode is like a macabre version of GROUNDHOG DAY. Sam wakes up to Dean blazing some 80's rock as they get ready to investigate a case of mysterious disappearances in a small town. As the case gains some heat, Dean dies from an on-the-job accident... and than Sam wakes up to Dean blazing some 80's rock as they get ready to investigate a case. Sam is forced to relive the same day over and over, trying to alter event so it won't end with Dean's death. Not only a lot of fun(some of Dean's deaths rival that of Tom & Jerry) but meaningful to the story as the Trickster tries to teach Sam that he'll have to let go of Dean when the hell hounds come to collect.

Season 3-Episode 13: "Ghostfacers"
I love the Ghost Facers! Harry and Ed(former owners of the Hell Hound's Lair Website) had met the Winchesters prior when the boy were investigating a case that involved their website and hilarity ensued. This episode is really a parody of the show GHOST HUNTERS as Sam and Dean, investigating a haunted house case, accidentally become involved in the first episode of GHOST FACERS! I enjoy the concept of these two fan boys who think they know all there is to know about ghosts but, in truth, don't have the foggiest. While they've made a few more cameos, I wish they would appear more. Maybe a spin off series? That would be awesome!

Season 3-Episode 16: "No Rest for the Wicked"
With only 30 hours remaining before the hell hounds come for him things are looking grim for Dean Winchester as the season finale arrives. Locating Lilith, the demon who owns the contract on Dean's life, the Winchesters and Bobby hunt her down to try and kill her before the penultimate hour. Sam fairs well, finding out Lilith can't use her powers on him, but Dean... well... not so much...

Season 4-Episode 1: "Lazarus Rising"
Four months of hellfire and brimstone later, Dean Winchester finds himself once again in the land of the living and, aside from a hand mark burn on his shoulder, is in perfect condition. But why is he back? Explaining to Bobby and Sam of his return(which goes off JUST great when you deal with a family of monster hunters) they begin to investigate the circumstances of Dean's sudden return. Each brother goes off on their own, keeping secrets from one another. Sam hides the fact that once again he is teaming with the "good" demon, Ruthie, who is teaching him how to use his half-demon powers. Meanwhile Dean, along with Bobby, summon the creature that rose Dean from Hell. That creature happens to be Castiel, an angel from heaven who has special plans from God for Dean Winchester...

 

Season 4-Episode 5: "Monster Movie"

During Oktoberfest, Sam and Dean find themselves investigating a string of local monster attacks. Bodies start piling in at the morgue and eye witness accounts report the attacks being perpetrated by Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Mummy. There's just one problem in this monster case: these attacks resemble those of the movies than that of the real-life monsters. Very much a tribute to the classic Universal Monster films(the whole episode is even shot in black and white and replaced the classic rock soundtrack with spooky instrumentals) it is one of my favorite episodes to watch around Halloween. Maybe even more than the actual Halloween episode of the show(though that episode is good too).

Season 4-Episode 18: "The Monster at the End of the Book"
Even when things begin to get grim, SUPERNATURAL has a way of having fun with its audience. As the Winchesters continue their search for Lilith, they come across a comic shop that's rumored to be haunted. That's when they come across SUPERNATURAL, a book series about two brothers traveling across the country in their black Impala fighting various monsters. Researching the book series, the brothers find some second rate writer who thinks these two are simply LARPing his characters before they reveal details he hasn't even written yet. According to the angels he is a prophet who has been appointed to document the accolades of Sam and Dean. While the episode does provide some insight that affects the future of the series(including Sam's secret addiction to Demon blood!) it just has so much fun with SUPERNATURAL's small yet vocal fan base. And this episode introduced me to a new term: TWINCEST! To quote Dean "Dude... WE'RE BROTHERS!!!"

Season 4-Episode 22: "Lucifer Rising"
All season long, Dean and Sam have been chasing after Lilith in an attempt to try and her from breaking the seals that would release Lucifer from his cage. But things are not always as they seem. Dean is kidnapped and told by the angel Zachariah that their mission is not to prevent the Apocalypse, but to cause it. Lilith's death is the final seal and, once broken, Lucifer will posses Sam, the Archangel Michael will posses Dean and the war between heaven and hell will begin. Castiel helps Dean escape to stop Sam but it's too late. Sam has killed Lilith. And as the final seal is broken, everything goes white...

Season 5-Episode 4: "The End"
After the events of the last year, Dean isn't sure he can trust his brother anymore. Yet he isn't about to accept the deal that the angels have offered him. Waking up from his slumber, Dean finds himself in an abandon town, five years in the future, and is suddenly attacked by a pack of humans who are infected by a demonic virus from Pestilence. The angel Zachariah reveals that this is the future that happens should he continue to say no to Michael. He meets his future self who, along with a group of survivors(including a powerless, alcoholic Castiel), are planning to make a last ditch effort to stop Lucifer. Of course this fails, and Dean finds out that Lucifer has possessed Sammie. Lucifer taunts Dean with the reality that, one way or another, Sam will say yes to becoming his vessel. Returned to the present, Dean still refuses Zachariah's offer and instead realizes that this is a fight that requires his brother's help to win.

 

Season 5-Episode 8: "Changing Channels"
With all the "Apocalypse is here" situations going on, season 5 was very stressful. Thus it was always a pleasant time seeing a light hearted episode. Which is why I love CHANGING CHANNELS. Falling into another trap set up by the TRICKSTER, Sam and Dean are trapped in a world made of television programming. SUPERNATURAL has a tendency of satirizing pop culture and this is no exception. This episode mocks everything from GREY'S ANNATOMY to CSI: MIAMI, from Japanese game shows to Valtrex Commercials and everything in between. Definitely a must-watch.

Season 5-Episode 10:"Abandon All Hope..."
With intell of where to find the Colt, the boys confront a demon named Crowley. Crowley, not wanting the Apocalypse to happen either for his own purposes, hands over the gun freely. Together with Ellen and Jo, the family of hunters from season 2, they prepare to confront Lucifer. Things do not go as planned. Lucifer survives the assault and informs Sam he will be his vessel. The boys escape with their lives, licking their wounds and mourning the ones they lost...

Season 5-Episode 22: "Swan Song"

Now that they have the tools capable of imprisoning two power houses such as Lucifer and Michael, the question the Winchesters now face is how to get these two into the trap without starting the Apocalypse. Sam reasons that he could allow Lucifer to posses him since he should be strong enough to resist his hold... yeah, how can that go wrong? With no time left and nothing to lose, Bobby makes a deal with Crowley to learn the location of the showdown between Michael and Lucifer. Dean, Bobby, and Castiel race to the scene, Calvary style, in the Impala as they try to make one last ditch effort to reason with the newly possessed Sam. Not just an impressive season finale, but also a nice wrap up to Eric Kripke's 5-season long story arc.

 

Season 6-Episode 4: "Weekend at Bobby's"
Bobby has been one of my favorite characters on SUPERNATURAL(aside from Dean... Dean's just cool). Ever since his introduction towards the end of season 1 he has basically become the boy's surrogate father, always there to guide them when they need help on a case or when they need to be reminded that they're being a bunch of "idjits." So it was fun seeing him get the spot light. In this episode, Bobby is trying to figure out a way to get the contract to his soul back from Crowley. Unfortunately, he's too busy at the moment to go after it. He's providing aliases and alibis for other hunters, he's helping his former buddy Rufus get rid of a Japanese okami demon(which felt like "LETHAL WEAPON: THE GOLDEN YEARS" to me), he has to deal with an FBI agent searching for Rufus, and he also is trying the goodies(no pun intend) of the new next door neighbor who totally wants him to taste her baked goods(pun intended). My favorite moment of the show is when Dean calls Bobby to complain about his problems with Sam. Bobby is too distracted to listen and Dean accuses him of being selfish and unable to think of anyone but himself. Bobby, fed up with these two, berates both of them for being cry baby "idjits" who don't seem to realize the world doesn't revolve around them.

   

 Season 6-Episode 15: "The French Mistake"

You know a show has a good sense of humor when it's not afraid to poke fun at it's self. With different factions waring for control of heaven, the angel Balthazar transports the Winchester's to a different dimension for their safety. In this dimension, Sam and Dean are Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, a couple of actors on a basic cable paranormal show. The sets are fake, the guns shoot blanks, and Dean's classic Impala is actually several stunt cars(all of which only have enough gas to drive onto the set). Castiel isn't an angel, but just an actor who's addicted to twitter. And Sam is married to the girl who portrayed the demon Ruby on this "show." It was just fun seeing Sam and Dean in a reality that was completely foreign to them yet so similar. Plus, finding out Bobby was named after a producer on the show was a complete "WHAT THE?!?" moment for me.

 

Season 6-Episode 18: "Frontierland"
When the boys find themselves facing a new threat in Eve, the "Mother of All," it appears the only way to destory her is with the ashes of a phoenix. Unfortunately, the only record of phoenix ash happens to be in the journal of Samuel Colt back in 1861. You know what that means people: it's time for Sam and Dean to go back... TO THE FUTURE!!! Yes, what better for a show filled with Americana than an episode that deals with the old West? Borrowing elements from classic Westerns(as well as the aforementioned BACK TO THE FUTURE series), it was fun seeing Dean, the wannabe Clint Eastwood, get a reality check as these real cowboys look at his duds and think him a nancy.

Season 6-Episode 20: "The Man Who Would be King"
You know that saying about the path to hell being paved with good intentions? That is the perfect synopsis for what has happened in season 6 to Castiel, the angel buddy of the Winchester brothers who has been revealed to be working with the demon Crowley. Pleading his case in hopes that his "father" will hear, he explains how after the Apocalypse was adverted, heaven was in turmoil over those who believe the crisis to be over and those who think the Apocalypse needed to take place. A war breaks out amongst the angels over the issue, pitting Cas and his brothers against one another. The only way to win this war is to have the most souls on your side. This forces him to consider an allegiance with, well, the devil he knows. It's an episode that shows the inner turmoil Cas has building up within. The pressure of war causes him to question his actions and the betrayal of trust to Sam and especially Dean, who has been like a brother to him, is heartbreaking.
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Be sure to catch the new season of SUPERNATURAL airing FRIDAYS at 9pm (eastern)

Halloween Special Edition Throwback Thursday: VAMPIRES VS. WEREWOLVES

What up people! MY NAME'S NICK!!! And it's Thursday. You know what that means: it's time for another THROWBACK THURSDAY! Now normally our pal THE REAL ED DAVIS, being the music afficianado that he is, would be putting up a post. But considering October is the month of one of my favorite holidays (Halloween, for all you Quakers out there) I thought I would hijack the Throwback Thursdays from the Real One for this month. Hey: I've already jacked this site for my thoughts on the upcoming AVENGERS film. What's one more month gonna hurt?

So you might be wondering how this particular Halloween-themed Throwback Thursday is "special." Well, I noticed that we missed doing a Throwback last Thursday. So I decided to make it a double theme/song post. And what better for this Halloween theme than the age old debate: Vampires Vs. Werewolves!

Before I begin, let me be clear on something: I may say "Vs." but there is no answer to this debate. A debate about which of these monsters is better is as pointless as Star Trek vs Star Wars, Marvel vs DC, Jack Nicholson "Joker" vs Heath Ledger "Joker," or even Bacon vs Cheese! There is no right or wrong answer. Each group has their merits and I fault no one on their preference. As far as my personal preference? Well, I can't eat, drink, or talk while wearing those damned vampire fangs... yet the Wolf Man mask(s) I wear each Halloween allows me to do just that. So there ya go. Anyways, on to the throwback:


VAMPIRES
Vampire lore has been around longer than probably any other monster stories. You know the routine with these guys: neither living nor dead, drinks blood to live, hates wooden stakes and sunlight(suck it TWILIGHT!), etc. These guys have basically dominated all forms of  literature and media. Their popularity is so massive that the Vampire look is now a fashion trend!

In the hey day of this fashion trend during the late 90's, World Wrestling Entertainment had employed  a wrestler to their roster by the name of Gangrel. While not the greatest wrestler in the ring, his in-ring persona was memorable. He was basically the walking portrait of the Vampire fashion trend: frilled dress shirt, goblet filled with blood, Gothic jewelery, a creepy entrance theme and custom-fit fangs(Yup, he wrestled while wearing fangs!). He was a HOT TOPIC employee's wet dream. Once again not, a great wrestler, but he had presence.

In 2000, the WWE(back then, the WWF) released an album, WWF AGGRESSION, of entrance themes of their top wrestlers as reinterpreted by some of the rap industry's hottest artist. One of the songs included on the album was a version of Gangrel's entrance theme, titled "I Won't Stop" and performed by rap artist C-Murder(Interesting tidbit: C-Murder is serving life in prison... for murder!). Check it out bellow.

WEREWOLVES
These beasts have been around nearly as long as the Vampire legend has. And, while they haven't grown popular enough to develop a fashion trend(unless you count the grooming habits of some people), these monsters have affected human nature on such a deep level that they have an actual medical affliction linked to them. Yup! Clinical Lycanthropy: a psychological syndrome where one believes one's self to be a werewolf(Try curing that with some silver!). 

Perhaps one of the best werewolf movie to come out is John Landis' AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. It came out in the 80's around the same time as two other werewolf franchises: WOLFEN and THE HOWLING. Most seem to agree that AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is the better of these movies. While I prefer THE HOWLING personally, the one thing I can say about AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is that it has perhaps one of the best soundtracks in all of horror. Landis soundtrack was composed of songs that refer to the moon. Yet these were not songs that were dark or sinister. These were songs that were mostly positive and upbeat... yet they were played during some pretty intense scenes! As David makes his first painful, agonizing change into a wolf, the whole scene has "BLUE MOON" playing in the background. Now THAT'S CREEPY!!!

Perhaps my favorite from the soundtrack was Creedence Clearwater Revival's "BAD MOON RISING"

AND THE WINNER IS:

Friendship! Why not? If these two monsters could put aside their differences just imagine what would happen...

Oh yeah... I guess that answers that.

NICK'S PICKS: THE AVENGERS TRAILER

Yes sir! The first official trailer of THE AVENGERS movie!!! Coming to theaters May of 2012!

Check it!

Hey interwebs: you hear that sound? THAT'S THE SOUND OF COMIC GEEKS THE WORLD OVER HAVING A SIMULTANEOUS NERDGASM!!!

You're welcome my friends. You are most welcome.


My name's NICK!!!!

NICK'S PICKS: AVENGER'S WISH LIST

Hey everybody: MY NAME'S NICK!!! Welcome to the first of hopefully many "NICK'S PICK'S" on 300 THOUGHTS AND RUNNING.

 


















So, being a big movie buff and an even BIGGER comic book fan, I am eagerly anticipating the big screen premier of "EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES." That's right, people: dreams do come true! Come May of 2012 The AVENGERS will be rocking the box office and making geeks, nerds, and dorks around the world scream "EXCELSIOR!" at the top of their lungs as they witness the biggest of MARVEL's comic heroes team up to face a common threat they can't battle alone!

This Tuesday, the first official trailer for THE AVENGERS(aside from the teaser at the end of CAPTAIN AMERICA). I'm anxious to see the whole team together and how they interact. We already know who the major players will be: Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and the guy that brought them all together, Nick Fury. But this is MARVEL we're talking about: they love to throw cameos and Easter eggs into their films for the comic fans to catch. So surely this list will expand... right?

Sure enough, we already know that Maria Hill(comic wise, Fury's 2nd in command at S.H.I.E.L.D.) will be coming to the big screen. But who else might we see coming to the big screen? With nearly 50 years of comic continuity under their belt and a constantly changing roster, there are quite a number of characters to choose from the Avengers' history. While I could go on and on about who I would like to see make the movie, I decided it best to simply name the 5 characters I would like to see in next years film and the probability of them actually making an appearance in the film.

5. Hank Pym (a.k.a: Ant Man, Giant Man, Goliath, Yellow Jacket, etc.)
One of the founding members of The AVENGERS, scientist Hank Pym initially joined the team as ANT MAN. Using a formula made of "Pym Particles," Pym was able to shrink down to the size of an insect yet still retained his strength. He also used a special helmet he created to communicate with and control insects. Later, he expanded his powers to grow to giant proportions as well. While he has had some set backs in his career(including one count of spousal abuse, a temporary case of schizophrenia, and the creation of Avenger villain Ultron), he has proven himself time and again as a hero along with his on-again/off-again love, Janet van Dyne(the Wasp).
Appearance Odds: Out of the heroes I'm going to name, Ant Man is the most likely to appear. Edgar Wright(SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ, SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD) is busy in pre production on a stand alone ANT MAN movie and internet rumors persist that Pym will make an appearance. Of course, as of right now, this cameo is just that: a rumor. And until I see the movie I REFUSE to believe Pym will be played by Nathan Fillion. Look nerds: I love Nathan Fillion as much as the next Brown Coat, but that doesn't mean I think he should be in EVERY nerd property that comes up.

4. The Vision
Yes, "Even an android can cry." The Vision was created by the nihilistic cyborg, ULTRON, to destroy the  Avengers. But after some reprogramming, Vision gained a conscience and became the android with a heart. Possessing a range of abilities(including, flight, density/mass control, energy projection, super strength, etc.) he became a regular member of the roster and one of its most reliable members. He also fell in love and married the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff. They even had a couple of kids...(more on that later).
Appearance Odds: In this first movie? Not likely. But I can see him possibly appearing in a sequel somewhere down the line. After all, he was created by ULTRON, who is one of the Avengers greatest enemies. It's only a matter of time before tin face makes his debut.

3. Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch
A former member of Magneto's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Wanda Maximoff eventually reformed and joined the ranks of the Avenger's along with another former Brotherhood member, her brother Pietro "Quicksilver" Maximoff. With her magic "Hex" powers, she proved herself a powerful member of the team. A kind individual, she became loved by all, especially the android Vision who won her heart. Sadly, the deepest cut is usually delivered by those we love: after losing the twins she conceived with Vision, Wanda had a breakdown. Her "Hex" powers(revealed not to be magic, as previously believed, but an mutant ability to alter reality itself) went nuts, causing chaos and loss for her friends and causing the temporary disband of the Avengers. Later, under the influence of others, she reduced mutants to an endangered species with a simple phrase before disappearing. She seems to have made a return to the Marvel universe... though in what state remains to be seen.
Appearance Odds: Don't count on seeing her any time soon in an Avengers movie. You see, FOX has the rights to the FANTASTIC FOUR, DAREDEVIL, and X-MEN franchises. As long as FOX continues making films of these franchises than they have the exclusive rights to these movies. With the success of X-MEN: FIRST CLASS and a script for DEADPOOL in preproduction, it looks like Wanda will probably be joining Magneto's Brotherhood before becoming an Avenger.

2. Namor the Sub-Mariner
 Marvel's "First Mutant" is also one of it's first superheroes. Namor is the king of Atlantis. And you won't forget that anytime soon because he'll constantly remind you of just how much better he is compared to you thanks to his Atlantean lineage. Yup: Namor is a royal dick. But he's such an awesome character and he's more than capable of backing up those claims(Just ask Sue Storm! *OH SNAPS!*). More concerned with the safety of Atlantis than the goings on of the surface world, he has been in opposition to the Avengers about as much as he's been on their side. Despite what he may think of the rest of the Avengers(or what they think of him for that matter), Namor has a deep respect for Captain America, whom he had several encounters with during WWII.
Appearance Odds: Pretty good in my book. While *Possible Spoiler* it looks like the Avengers will be facing a threat from above in next years blockbuster, I wouldn't be surprised if a sequel dealt with a threat from below. Or to start out with anyway before revealing the real threat(after all, Namor is more antihero than he is villain). The only problem I can see is a problem that is shared by another half Atlantean/half human from a different comic company: DC's Aqua Man. Sure they rule the waters, which make up a 3rd of the Earth's surface, but there's this misconception that these Sea Men(no pun intended)have no power on land. On the contrary: thanks to their heredity and the pressures of the deep, both characters have superhuman strength and durability. Namor has stood toe-to-toe with guys like Thor, the Hulk, and the Thing. Plus, he's got no lame cartoon from the 70's that people remember.

The only other alteration would be to ditch the green and gold swim trunks and stick him with his black full body swim wear... Off topic, but every time I see Namor in his swim trunks I'm reminded of that one lyric from Kanye West's "The Glory": But with my ego, I can stand there with a speedo; And still be looked at like a fucking hero (Somebody tell kanyepluscomics I got a new pic idea for him.)

1. T'Challa, the Black Panther
I don't know why there was a lot of chatter when BATMAN INC. recruited Bat Wing to be the Batman of Africa. There's already a Batman in Africa... he just wears a cat outfit instead of that of a bat... and is under the MARVEL label instead of DC.


A member of the Panther Tribe of the technologically advanced African country of Wakanda, T'Challa has been training since his youth to earn the title of Black Panther and lead his tribe. After obtaining the title, T'Challa soon after joins the rank of the Avengers as a sort of ambassador for Wakanda. Stealthy, agile, athletic, and donning some impressive gear(including a suit infused with Vibranium, one of the metals Captain America's shield is made of), Black Panther certainly has some similarities the Batman. Including the matter of trust, as he and Iron Man don't often see eye-to-eye. Despite it all, T'Challa does his best to find the balance between tribe leader and being a member of the Avengers roster.
Appearance Odds: The question isn't when we'll see him but why haven't we seen him on the big screen yet?!? There has been talk of this movie for years. Weasly Snipes has been talking about starring in a Black Panther movie since the 90's. Since before the Blade franchise was even started. HE'S STILL TALKING ABOUT STARRING IN A BLACK PANTHER MOVIE!!! DOES SIMON PHOENIX HAVE THE RIGHTS TO THE BLACK PANTHER MOVIE?!? HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN?!?
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So, those are my picks. We'll see you all here Tuesday with a special surprise! Until than, I'm gone!

Throwback Thursday [Porch and Mookie Blaylock]

I'd been thinking about opening up Throwback Thursday to more varieties of music for a while. While Hip-Hop is definitely my favorite genre there is a lot of great music from the same era I've been getting my rap tracks that I like just as much. Then when I was thinking about which basketball player to feature in this weeks segment I decided on former Hawk Mookie Blaylock, a fun fact is Pearl Jam, particularly Eddie Vedder is a huge NBA fan, so much so that their album "Ten" was called that to pay homage to Blaylock, because the number 10 is what he wore on his jersey, in fact Pearl Jam's demo tape was called "Mookie Blaylock". After thinking about that I was thinking how much I would like my Throwback Thursday song to be "Porch" from that great "Ten" album, even though it wasn't Hip-Hop. Wether you've noticed or not I like my song of the week and NBA player to have something in common, like Will Smith's "Summertime" and Robert Horry were one throwback entry because they favor each other so much. Or DMX and Latrell Sprewell were in one weeks throwback Thursday because both DMX and Sprewell share anger issues (one raps with a an angry tone, the other choked his coach). So I could think of nothing more fitting to go with with this weeks throwback NBA player better than Pearl Jam, seeing as how much of their early career was named after Blaylock. Also the fun thing is now it opens up Throwback Thursday to pretty much any genre, which personally I'm excited about. 

"Ten" is obviously Pearl Jam's best and most memorable album, while they had great albums since that one none has compared. The first time I heard "Ten" I don't think it left my CD player for several weeks, every song is so great and amazing. It was also a colossal hit with rock and pop radio as well, songs like "Jeremy","Alive", "Black", and "Evenflow" got almost around the clock radio play. While there's no question that those songs are great, at this point I've just heard way to much. However, one of my favorites from that album that never got overplayed as much as I listened to it is "Porch", my favorite song off of "Ten" (to be fair I also really, really like "Why Go" and "Once"). "Porch" for many years was the song Pearl Jam used to close their shows, and for good reason, it's one of the most energetic songs off or "Ten" and one of the most energy-filled songs they've ever made, energy, remind you of anything, a certain Hawks' point guard maybe?

Mookie Blaylock played for 3 NBA teams, the Nets and the Warriors are two, but is best remembered for his time with the Atlanta Hawks, where under coach Lenny Wilkins, Blaylock ran one of the most potent offenses of that era. Blaylock was a speedster who always pushed the tempo of the game running more fast breaks than any team at that time. But as great a passer as he was Blaylock is most known for the lockdown defense he played, twice he led the league in steals. He was also a solid shooter, and is the all-time Hawks franchise leader in 3-pointers. 


With a great coach in Wilkins, and Blaylock running the offense the Hawks had several great years, in 1993-1994 they won 57 games, finishing as the best team in the Eastern Conference, and thought by many to be a serious threat to win the NBA Finals. However, as happened many times before and since in Atlanta, the Hawks would fail to get past the 2nd round of the playoffs, losing to the Pacers. That team was Blaylock's best chance at an NBA Title. Blaylock finished his career with the Warriors, but will be remembered for his time with the Atlanta Hawks...that and that Pearl Jam named their best/first album in his honor.