Times have drastically changed.

Let me give you a hypothetical situation: In oh, around 2007 you fall into a deep sleep for 4 years. You come to, You might expect to find flying cars, hover crafts, mind reading machines, you'd expect it to be very Back to the future 2-esque. You don't find any of that, instead you find  the 2011 College football season. You might ask, did Texas and Baylor switch teams? Did the Big 12 forget how to count? What you've found is that Baylor has won the Heisman and has finished 2nd in the Big 12. Texas is a very mediocre 7-5, and just the year before they were a horrible 5-7, Oklahoma is the 2nd best team in well, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M is going to the SEC!?? You'd think "Oh, I'm still dreaming, I'm sure I'll wake up eventually.

Here's the kicker: This is reality my friend. Those of us who weren't in a coma saw all of this unfold right before our very eyes, and even we're expecting Ashton Kutcher to show up to tell us we all got "punk'd"

The reality is, there has been a  major shift in the sporting landscape, especially College football. 2 short years ago the Texas Longhorns were coming off a season where they played in the BCS National Championship Game, a game in which they might have won if star quarterback Colt McCoy had not been injured on the first play (it's one of those things we'll never know). The very next season they finished a very disappointing 5-7, failing to be bowl eligable. Then things in their conference, the Big 12 got a little crazy. Nebraska got fed up with conference management and headed to the Big 10, Colorado got poached by the Pac 10. Texas and Oklahoma threatened to take their talents to the Big 10 as well. The Big 12 begged Texas to stay. They gave Texas the Longhorn network. Texas stayed. Texas A&M got jealous and bitter, whined about it for a while and packed their bags for the SEC (good luck with that.) Somehow TCU and West Virginia got thrown into the mix and are now a part of the Big 12. (That's the nutshell version of it.) 

Even now, Texas has major, major quarterback issues, and is really struggling to find their identity as the top dog in their own state. On the flip side of that Baylor, yes Baylor has become a football power. It's believable that their basketball team could be #7 in the nation and undefeated, it's even more believable that their Women's basketball team is #1 in the nation, but in football? come on, now, quit messing around, They've been the whipping boy for teams like Texas, A&M, and Texas Tech for a good 15 years or so. Not anymore, Baylor's Robert Griffin III has put Baylor on the map. RG3, as they call him, has transformed the once lowly laughing stock of College football into a force to be feared both within and outside the Big 12 conference. As of right now, Baylor is the best team in the state of Texas. Did you catch that? Baylor is the best team in Texas.  In both football and basketball. Texas football is about to change for along time, not just because of Baylor, but also because it's two biggest rivals Texas and Texas A&M won't be playing for a while. That could take some getting used to.  Longhorns fans will have no one to boast to at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Aggies will have no one to taunt the months leading up to Thanksgiving.

When will things change again? When will everything be back to "normal". Will it ever be the same? Will the Longhorns ever  return to their once prominant place among college football's elite. Will they ever play A&M again? Only time will tell. No one really knows. So, for now enjoy it, Especially you Baylor fans.

Back in the saddle.... potentially.

Many times over the last over the last 6 years it's been said that it's "ridiculous that Silsbee is a 3A" school competing with the likes of Hardin Jefferson, Hamshire- Fannet, Orangefield, Bridge City, and other 3A schools in the South East Texas area.  Previous to dropping down to 3A, Silsbee was 4A for many years even 5A for a handful of years in there. I've heard people complain that the "gap between the likes of Silsbee, Jasper and West Orange- Stark and every other 3A school around is lightyears apart" 

Well, that could change when the 2012 season starts. Silsbee is projected to have more than 1,000 students enrolled, making them 4A for the first time since 2003. Tiger fans would like to erase 2003 from their memory they left district 204A on a 19 game losing streak.  That was then, this is now. If the Tigers entered District 20-4A now they would be favored to make the playoffs, possibly even contend for the district title.  There are 3 potential things that could happen should Silsbee pass the 1,000 student mark when the official count takes place: 1. They would become a part of district 20-4A as is making them the 9th team in the district. 2. They would replace Livingston and the district would remain at 8 teams. 3. District 20-4A would split and Silsbee would join a district with Livingston, Lumberton, Vidor, Beaumont Central, Beaumont Ozen (Which Silsbee would be the 7th team) PN-G, Nederland and LCM would become a part of district 21-4A.  Here's the Potential part: It's very likely that Silsbee could remain 3A keeping District 21-3A as is.

Let's get down to the truth, Silsbee belongs in 4A. They belong with the likes of PN-G, Nederland, Central, Dayton etc. I know Silsbee had a 19 game losing streak the last time they were 4A as I said that was then, this is now. As of now, Silsbee has one of the more explosive offenses in the area. They have key players that are only sophomores. They have the Albert Einstein of offensive coordinators on their sideline.  They have speed, they have size, they have depth. I've yet to hear anyone say "Silsbee belongs in 3A" We all know, 4A is where they belong.  One thing that hasn't changed in decades is Silsbee continually produces pure athletes on both sides of the ball. Don't believe me? go to rivals.com and type in Silsbee it will give you a list of recruits that have gone on to play college ball. Whether they actually go 4A or not, remains to be seen. What I'm saying is they deserve it, what I'm saying is they could compete in 4A (if you don't agree I'll give you my personal number and debate with you til I'm blue in the face....if you're from Vidor don't bother calling, I would just make fun of you.) It would be exciting it would good for Silsbee, and the district they would join. 

My top 10 movies from the last decade (2000-2010)

I've been thinking a lot about movies I've seen recently that I like; I figure countdowns are really popular, so why not rank my favorite movies from the last decade? So I did. Since the current decade is only just over a year old, rather than wait another 10 years to make a list for them, I've included films from 2010. So really these are my favorite movies from the last 11 years.

Keep in mind these are my favorite movies, not necessarily the best. So if I haven't seen it, it doesn't qualify (i.e. The King's Speech, Slumdog Millionaire, etc.).

So counting down from 10 to 1, I present my favorite movies of 2000-2010:

10. Invictus (2009)

Directed by the Legendary Clint Eastwood, Invictus tells us the story of the 1995 South African Rugby team that wins the Rugby World Cup, and unites their great nation, which had recently done away with their apartheid laws (separated the Whites from the Blacks), and had established a new government by electing their first President, Nelson Mandela. The new president takes office on shaky ground racism, and violence erupts, but he puts his efforts towards uniting the country's people through sport. It also gives us a glimpse of South Africa's history, and Nelson Mandela's trying 27 years in prison. Morgan Freeman gives an Academy Award nominated performance as Nelson Mandela—heartfelt, and spot on. This film also features Matt Damon, who portrays Francois Pienaar, Captain of the Springboks. Call me biased, since this movie is about one of my favorite countries in the world, but it is truly a moving story with crisp cinematography, brilliant acting and an ultimately moving plot.

9. Phoebe in Wonderland (2009)

Phoebe in Wonderland takes us inside the mind of a 9 year old girl who suffers from Schizophrenia, and Tourette's Syndrome. She struggles to fit in at school, and always seems to get in trouble for things she can't control, until she auditions for the school play, "Alice in Wonderland". There she thrives; she discovers she is happy when she is pretending to be Alice, when she enters her own Wonderland. Phoebe is played by Elle Fanning who gives an astonishing performance—not bad for a 10 year old. It is a truly moving and heart-wrenching, but overall, heartwarming story about self worth, the importance of family, and discovering what really matters.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Nominated for Best Actor in 2006 for his role as Chris Gardner, Will Smith redefined himself as an actor. This is by far his best role, but let's be honest, his role as Agent J in Men in Black and Jim West in Wild, Wild West couldn’t really compare. This film tells the story of Chris Gardner's struggle to survive in the ever changing economic world, and ultimately, his determination to succeed. In reality, the performance of Smith makes this movie. Without him this would be one of those Lifetime-made-for-TV-movies you'd see your mom watching on your way to the kitchen. Fortunately for the film's producers, his heart felt, genuine performance elevates it to one of the best films of the last decade.
Nominated for Best Actor in 2006 for his role as Chris Gardner, Will Smith redefined himself as an actor. This is by far his best role, but let's be honest, his role as Agent J in Men in Black and Jim West in Wild, Wild West couldn’t really compare. This film tells the story of Chris Gardner's struggle to survive in the ever changing economic world, and ultimately, his determination to succeed. In reality, the performance of Smith makes this movie. Without him this would be one of those Lifetime-made-for-TV-movies you'd see your mom watching on your way to the kitchen. Fortunately for the film's producers, his heart felt, genuine performance elevates it to one of the best films of the last decade.

7. The Dark Knight (2008)

Simply brilliant. I'm not big into Super Hero movies adapted from comic books, but this Christopher Nolan masterpiece succeeds, not only as an adventurist comic book movie, but also as a thrilling crime saga. The sequel to Batman Begins (which could also easily be on this list), The Dark Knight has set a new standard for film making. Its cinematography, screen play, and acting are light years ahead of other films in its category, such as Iron Man, Spider Man, Fantastic Four, and all others of the same kind. It's natural to categorize it with those films, but in reality, it's so much more. Let's not forget the breath-taking, deep performance of Heath Ledger, who won Best Actor for his role as the Joker. An all-around great film.

6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Oh, Wes Anderson. No wonder white people love you. Much like any of Wes Anderson's films, this one is very witty. It's got George Clooney playing a fox, Bill Murray playing a badger, and Owen Wilson playing a coach. What more could you ask for? It's the story of the sly and clever Mr. Fox who gets his family and friends into a lot of trouble when he messes with "three of the meanest and nastiest" farmers in the valley. It's a very happy movie, and if you get the humor you find it hilarious, if not you're just caught staring. This movie is cussin’ great!

5. The Pianist (2002)

Based on a true story, The Pianist is a very heart-felt and serious movie of a pianist, Polish Jew Wladyslaw Szpilman during World War II whose life is drastically changed when the Germans invade Poland. Adrian Brody does a wonderful job playing Szpilman. The Pianist is a very heart-breaking and moving film.

4. Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in the African country of Rwanda when genocide breaks out. He uses the hotel as a place for hunted refugees to take shelter. A story of courage, and one man's desire to help people no matter what he faces, it paints an ugly picture of war, and those who suffer, much like the previous movie on this list. Hotel Rwanda is not an easy watch, but the message it ultimately brings is peace.

3.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Technically, it's a sci-fi romance, but not really. It's a barrage of stunning visual effects, mixed with great acting, and a deep screenplay. In this film, Jim Carrey plays Joel Barish who finds out his girlfriend Clementine, played by Kate Winslet, has erased all of her memories of him through a new medical procedure. Out of bitterness and pride he decides to undergo the same procedure. We get an inside look at Joel Barish's mind, and memories as they are being erased. Over the course of the procedure Joel realizes that some memories are worth keeping. In the end both their memories of each other are erased, but the moral of the story is that fate cannot be erased. The film also features Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood, and David Cross. Amazing cinematography, it's filmed very much like a dream, very "trippy" at times, but overall very cool. It's also got Beck on the soundtrack, so it couldn't really fail.

2. Inception (2010)

I could probably just say the word "Inception" and most people who have seen Inception would completely understand. I could use other terms such as heart-pounding, intense, original, clever, thought-provoking or dazzling. Inception spins your head, and then takes the time to explain how it’s doing that. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan who has clearly made a place for himself in the realm of great directors with this one. Mind blowing visual effects, profound and witty dialogue, Inception has a lot going for it. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, an "extractor" who secretly goes into people’s minds through their dreams and steals vital information. This is a program called Dream Sharing which was developed by the military for soldier training purposes. Cobb struggles with his past, and wants only to return to his estranged family. When an opportunity arises to get him home, he takes it with all the odds against succeeding. Inception definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, begging you to pay attention. In 2010, Inception was nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Visual Effects, and Best Motion Picture.

1. 127 Hours (2010)

My favorite movie of the last 11 years. Watching 127 hours is an interesting experience. It evokes every emotion possible. It's certainly not a comfortable watch, but it's not meant to be. Definitely not for anyone who faints at the sight of blood. 127 hours is the incredible true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston who was hiking in Canyonlands National Park when he had his arm crushed and pinned under a 1,800 lb boulder. There he stays, trapped, for 5 days and 7 hours, during which time he contemplates life, decisions, regrets; he remembers family, friends’ faces, and times. The ultimate survival story, Ralston battles hunger, dehydration, hypothermia, and fatigue. He eventually resorts to drastic measures to free himself, and survive. The movie and the true story both teach us "There is no force on earth more powerful than the will to live." 127 Hours is a beautiful film that takes you on an adventure while watching actor James Franco sit in the same spot for two hours. Franco's performance is amazing. The film paints a good picture of what it would have been like, without actually having to go through it personally. 127 Hours was nominated for 8 Academy Awards: Best Actor (James Franco), Best Director (Danny Boyle), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, Best Song (“If I Rise”), and Best Motion Picture of 2010. A truly inspiring film.

Other films not on the list, but worthy of note:

Batman Begins, The Royal Tenenbalms, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Million Dollar Baby, Gladiator, School of Rock, United 93, Juno, A Beautiful Mind, the Last Samurai, and Remember the Titans.