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.

The Hate Runs Deep

The Neches River runs, twists, and bends all through Southeastern Texas. It is a natural barrier for towns, cities, and counties—most importantly, Hardin and Jasper Counties. Within these lie two historically renowned high school football programs: The Silsbee Tigers and the Jasper Bulldogs. The thing to remember about these two programs is this: sheer hatred runs deep.

Thank goodness there's a river between the two of them.

It's not a rivalry that's necessarily celebrated by news and media, but to the residents of Silsbee and Jasper, there's nothing more important than beating the ever living tar out of the other. It's one of the oldest rivalries in Texas.

"If we lose every game but one in a year, as long as that one came against Jasper, you can count it as a winning season," says a Silsbee High School teacher as she explains that she once had to run an errand in Jasper and mistakenly left a Silsbee Tiger towel in the back of her car. She returned to find the window shattered and the towel ripped.

Former Silsbee lineman Zach Skinner recounts an experience in 2004 when both teams were undefeated, and ranked #1, and #2 in the state. "The tension was high, when we ran onto the field both teams went to mid field and taunted each other, I was sure a brawl was going to break out. Tigers Stadium was packed and the roaring from both sides of the crowd was deafening. In the end we won in overtime 29-28 and all of our fans stormed the field. It was a night I will never forget."

"I hate Jasper, my dad hated Jasper, his dad hated Jasper, and I'm pretty sure his dad hated Jasper."

When these two get together, you know you're in for a treat. There are few places where football is bigger than Texas, and there are few schools that absolutely despise one another as Silsbee and Jasper.

REMEMBER US?

This offseason in the National Basketball Association has been busy, particulary the Miami Heat. Since signing superstars Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh the Miami Heat have been considered favorites. Some are going to extremes, claiming they will win 70 plus games next year, and that they are a lock for the NBA finals where they will clash with the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling and epic series. This may be true, but before you go filling out your 2011 playoff brackets in ink, you may want to take a closer look at the most consistant team of the last decade, the team with the least offseason exposure. "Experts" and fans who claim the Miami Heat are already 2011 World Champions are forgetting one thing; The San Antonio Spurs.
There are many reason to write off the Spurs: age, lack of scoring, lack of star power, mostly age. Some have said the Spurs' "Dynasty is over", or that their anchor Tim Duncan is "over the hill". However, in my opinion, there are many more reasons to believe the Spurs will be right back where they were as heavyweight contenders in the Western conference. They are still a fundamentally sound team with young, up and coming stars meshed with experience and talent.

The second round playoff matchup between the Spurs and the Phoenix Suns taught us two things. The Spurs need bench scoring, and they need youth. The Spurs had arguably the best draft in 2010. No, they didn't pick up John Wall or Demarcus Cousins, but they did manage to nab the 2009 Big 12 player of the year, and first team All- American, James Anderson. At Oklahoma State Anderson was a pure athlete and a dead-eye shooter. To be the best player in the Big 12 means something. the Big 12 isn't a cupcake conference by any means. To be first team All-American means of all the shooting guards in America, he was the best. How a player of this caliber fell out of the lottery picks and to the Spurs is truly mind blowing. Some had him projected in the top 10. He's a great asset that will have an immediate impact. The Spurs also signed the reigning Euroleague MVP Tiago Splitter. The Brazilian will add strength and rebounding to the Spurs' inside game. With the inevitable decline of Tim Duncan it's getting easier and easier for other teams to get points in the paint. Splitter will take a lot of that pressure off of Duncan. They didn't sign LeBron or Wade, but the Spurs have had a tremendous offseason.

The Spurs are also returning some very dynamic young players. George Hill caught the sporting world's attention in the first round of the playoffs against the Mavericks lighting up the scoreboard, hitting big time shots, and really taking over games at times. He is quick, smart, and clutch. He finished runner- up for the Most Improved Player award. The thing is this: he is only going to get better in 2010. Also, let's not forget Dejuan Blair another young talent that didn't exactly explode onto any scenes but showed us alot of promise. At 6'7" he's not the biggest big man, but he fights for rebounds, hustles for put backs and honestly looks like he could bench press an 18-wheeler. I'm not by any means saying he's the next Shaq, but he will definitely make an impact. How big of an impact remains to be seen. If anything he gives you a bench player you can give Duncan or Splitter a breather with, and not have your stomach cringe as your lead evaporates. They also return two very experienced players in Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyss. These two probably have the biggest question marks because....you guessed it, their age. If (and this is a big IF) Jefferson can regain some of his dominance, that will add another scoring threat to their arsenal. Last season he had his moments, but was far too inconsistant to be considered dominant if his scoring average can hover around 16-17 points a game he will be far more than adequate.

Now, the number one reason the Spurs should not be taken lightly and absolutely no one should leave them dead in the water :
The BIG three (of San Antonio)
2 time league MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, 12 time first team All-NBA Tim Duncan. All-Star and Finals MVP Tony Parker and All-Star Manu Ginobili refuse to let their team slip into mediocrity. Together these three have won 3 NBA titles, and there's no substitute for winning experience.
Though Tim Duncan may be past his prime he is still regarded as one of the best big men in the league. Why else would he have been voted All-NBA? He's still the "Big Fundemental" in every aspect of his game. He'll never be the player that's on the highlight reel on Sports Center every night, but he doesn't have to be, he gets the job done. He is THE BEST POWER FORWARD OF ALL TIME! He has been the anchor of this team and next season shouldn't be any different. He may not be as fast or as athletic as he once was, but he is still a true leader.
Most Spurs fans will tell you Manu Ginobili is their favorite Spur, and for good reason. He plays with heart night in and night out, he is the first player on the ground diving for a lose ball, he is the their leading scorer, and he is their best and most consistant free-throw shooter, which is a problem they have yet to resolve. He is vital to their success as a franchise next season.

The Spurs finished the 2009-10 season with the seventh best record in the Western Conference. viewed by many as the end of their dominance. However, something huge was missing for a good bulk of the Spurs 2009 campaign: Tony Parker was injured. He did come back for the playoffs, though he didn't do much; just helped the Spurs beat their passionately hated in-state rivals the Dallas Mavericks. If Tony Parker remains healthy next season (which he has no reason not to) there's no reason the Spurs shouldn't be right back in the conversation of title contenders. Parker is THE BEST point guard when it comes to getting in the paint and creating difficult shots. He's not the best premier passer in the game, but he gets points. Parker is also a steller defender, and arguably one of the best point guards in the game today.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, George Hill, Dejuan Blair, Tiago Splitter, James Anderson, Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyss.... Let's not forget Gregg Popovich, he's a pretty good coach too. A great mesh of experience and youth, talent and fundementals, the Spurs are known for being a defensive and fundemental TEAM, in every sense of the word. All in all, The Spurs are definitely a force to be reckoned with, and by no means should we crown next year's NBA champion today. Keep in mind, this is my opinion, the opinion of one individual. I'm not predicting the future, the Miami Heat may very well win 70 games and defeat the Lakers in the Finals. Don't forget the Boston Celtics or the Orlando Magic either. the Utah Jazz will be pretty good too. I just don't see how you can not take the Spurs seriously and consider them a legitimate threat. As I said, I'm not guaranteeing anything, but watch out for them. They're dangerous.

If you don't care about Sports and have managed to read this far I apologize for your lost time.

GO SPURS GO!

White people love Flight of the Conchords. Period.

White people

I love white people. They are amazing.