Two Students and Their Opinions

New Blog!!!

2012-10-17T13:23:00.002-05:00

Check out my new blog nerdsNbeasts!!!

nerdsnbeasts.tumblr.com

New Niche Blog!

2012-02-18T14:34:00.001-06:00

If you are interested in personal fitness, check out my new personal fitness blog by clicking the link below! Also expect some great new posts from this blog coming up since I don't have as many news shifts this week. Thanks!

http://poundersclub.blogspot.com/

MIZ-DGB: Commentary for the Tigers' New Star

2012-02-01T10:22:00.000-06:00

It's official--Springfield, Mo native Dorial Green-Beckham has decided to "continue his education" at the University of Missouri. Green-Beckham, a 6'6, 220 pound wide receiver from Hillcrest High School, is the consensus number one recruit in the nation as well as the U.S. Today Offensive Player of the Year. He decided on Mizzou this morning after considering other college football giants such as Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama. "DGB" is probably the greatest recruit ever brought in by the Tigers, but what lured this sure-fire NFL first rounder to Mizzou?

National top football recruit, Dorial Green-Beckham, at a University

of Missouri basketball game with MU offensive football coordinator, David

Yost. During his signing interview, DGB joked that he wants to convince

Yost to cut his hair, revealing some sort of early personal connection

between the star and his future coach.

It's obvious that there are school's with greater prestige and talent than MU right now, particularly at the QB position, so why did DGB choose us? Well a for sure reason is that it is close to home, DGB has a brother battling cancer and wants to stay close by to support him (a noble cause). Another reason is the allure of Mizzou to SEC and the Tiger community. DGB took a recent trip to an MU basketball game where students and fans made his presence felt, cheering MIZ-DGB and creating signs specially for him. This type of support let DGB know as soon as he steps onto this campus that he is going to be a focal point and star player on the team. Mizzou making the move to arguably the best football conference in the nation probably didn't hurt either, and going into the weaker, east-side of the conference gives Mizzou tremendous upside heading into the SEC with DGB.

I really like this signing decision by the young star, not only because I study at Mizzou (obviously), but because it shows tremendous self-confidence in his own ability. He could have easily taken the easier road and gone to a better overall team with more supportive talent around him, but this signing shows he wants and will demand the ball all the time. He is going to be the best player on the team as soon as he steps on the field, and I love the swagger he has to be the go-to-guy right away. He has a tall order ahead of him, however, as Mizzou will have a tough schedule next season--taking on powerhouses Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Moving onto DGB the player, I believe his athleticism and skill set are most comparable to that of Detroit star receiver, Calvin Johnson ("Megatron"). Tall, fast, and extremely physical--they are both the type of player where a QB could just lob the ball in their general vicinity and have confidence they will raise up and snatch it every time. These types of plays will be key to Mizzou's success with DGB, considering they do not have the most pass-savvy or accurate QB (unless Franklin vastly improved in the offseason). His ability, along with fellow receiver T.J. Moe, to catch mid-range passes will be crucial to opening up the part of the field where DGB truly shines--deep, down-field passes. No matter what happens, it is obvious that DGB will have a great career where-ever he decided to go to school, but I'm more than ecstatic to have him in a Missouri Tiger uniform.

What's your take on the DGB signing--good or bad decision? Can he make an instant impact? Where will Mizzou end up in the SEC now that they have him? Be sure to comment below and let's get a discussion going!

-John Jr.
follow on twitter @JJ_OConnor

Be on the Look Out!

2012-01-28T12:01:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, it's been a busy week with classes really starting to kick-in and what not (I've been particularly busy with my reporting classes). Starting tonight I have a slew of great new articles and ideas in the works! Tonight's post will be about The Grey with Liam Neeson, I am going to see it this afternoon and should have a full review and analysis out by tonight!

I have been waiting a while to see this movie, and it actually scored a solid 77% on Rotten Tomatoes which only further increases my excitement. I also plan to do a preview for the Super Bowl, some more news-based work, tons more show reviews, and if I can muster the energy--a full review on Modern Warfare 3 vs. Battlefield 3. So be sure to be checking back frequently for great new posts, or follow me on twitter for instant updates!

Best,
-John Jr.

NOT a State of the Union Post

2012-01-25T22:09:00.002-06:00

Disappointed? Get over it, I have really nothing I want to discuss about the State of the Union address except that it was beautifully written (I just read the transcript). I wouldn't know anything about how it was delivered because I was too busy watching perhaps the greatest show on television. That's right I'm talking about FX's hit comedy, The League. After a test first-season of only six episodes, The League has really hit it's open-field stride in the second and third seasons. This semi-scripted blend of crazy antics and adult-rated humor spells for television greatness for the likes of men (and women) everywhere, but what makes such a simple idea so great?

The League - The Return of Rafi

Scene from the premiere episode of Season 3: The Lockout

The League is built upon the premise of a group of friends participating together in a Fantasy Football league. Basic enough, but there is some unseen beauty behind such a simple male activity, an essence that is captured perfectly in this show. Every guy has that tight group of friends that just like to hang out and talk shit on each other the whole time, and that is exactly what this show captures with perfect technique.

The on screen chemistry and humor produced by this group of actors is unlike anything I have ever seen from a television series before. Every line--every joke--every plot keeps me hooked and hanging on every word. It's a television experience unlike anything I have ever experienced before. It's rude, crude, and classless--which only makes it that more fresh and real; it's a real breathe of fresh air from your standard television sitcom.

The Cast of FX's hit show The League

I absolutely love this show. I mean, I love this show so much that I was watching re-runs on Netflix as opposed to the State of the Union Address! Call me crazy, but that is the level of entertain this show can provide. An entertainment so great that I completely disregard all the problems and tribulations of our country's crumbling greatness (sounds bad when I put it that way). This might perhaps be my favorite television show right now, and that is a bold statement for someone of such high standards for acting and production as myself.

If you haven't watched The League yet, than you are missing out on television genius. Season three wrapped up not too long ago, but you can be sure I am ready for the next season of this witty and hysterical mastermind of a show. You can catch it only on FX (or Netflix, or any other place you can "download" it off the internet).

Slightly buzzin,

-John Jr.

Joe Paterno: A Heartbreaking Farewell

2012-01-22T11:38:00.001-06:00

Legendary Penn St. football coach, Joe Paterno, passed
away early this morning at the age of 85.

This is not easy--the scandal that occurred at Penn St. will always blemish the legacy of this great football coach. It is not easy to see what happened to Joe Paterno and Penn St. University, and it's evener harder to understand why it had to be this way. I believe that Joe Paterno was a great man, and it is just my hope that he will be remembered for the lives he impacted positively, but it simply is not that easy.

I'm not going to delve deeply into presenting the news or life of Joe Paterno, it is all over ESPN and other media outlets right now, and I have posted a link below. This commentary is designed to present my opinion of Joe Paterno's life-long dedication to his passion, and also the heartbreaking issues that possibly contributed to his death. I realize I am just a college student, but I really was deeply saddened by Joe Paterno's faltering state, and I awoke at the crack of dawn today just to see if he had survived the night. So while I may not have expert opinion or knowledge, this is clearly an issue that means something to me. This has been a long time coming for me to share my honest opinion about this, and with that being said, here is my insight...

I believe, despite all the negative questions about the character of Joe Paterno, that he was a man of great moral integrity, and I believe he was wrongfully terminated. Attack my character if you want, but if you saw Paterno's interview about how he wished he had done more, than you would also have seen the expression of a man with a truly broken heart. A broken heart that I undoubtedly believe contributed to the set of complications Paterno was already dealing with from his ongoing battle with lung cancer.

Coaching was his life, and that life was ripped from him by the despicable actions and mistakes of others. Sure, Paterno's actions involving the scandal might have been considered naive, but many people criticizing fail to place themselves in the context of the situation. At an institution such as Penn St., one cannot just assume that because someone tells you they saw something that you can report it to the police. How many times do we see in the sports and pop culture that someone is falsely accused for an action they simply did not do. Sure, Paterno could have further investigated the situation, but making a call to the police based on the word of one person would be an extremely foolish move.

I believe the blame for the lack of action from the university falls solely on assistant coach Mike McQueary. When you actually witness a crime being committed, you are obligated as a citizen of the United States to take action and report such crime. If anyone should have called the police, it undoubtedly should have been McQueary because he was a first-hand witness. Paterno was placed between a rock and a hard-place when McQueary reported to him what he had seen. If Paterno got the police involved and the allegations were false, he would have destroyed the life of one of his colleagues and friends, and would have done so based on the word of someone else.

The problem with the action that Paterno took is the allegations look overwhelming true, and so now his image is tarnished because of something almost completely out of his control. It's obvious in that situation that Paterno handled the situation with the utmost professionalism and class while abiding to all of Penn St.'s legal procedures, but anyone would wish they could do more to help protect innocent children.

All of this is hard to deal with because it destroyed the lives of so many, including irreversible pain to the lives of innocent children. I needed to express my dismay for how the situation was handled in regards to Joe Paterno, however. It's not about him losing his job, it's about a man who for 85 years prided himself on his character and class, and was then stripped of those titles that he so deserved. One action (or lack of action) cannot undo 45 years of previous greatness. I am not wavering, Joe Paterno's legacy of character and class will live on my heart as well as the heart of countless others.

I will always look up to Joe Paterno as a role model for his pride, character, passion, and professionalism. This is a heartbreaking farewell for a truly great man who deserved nothing but our respect and admiration. Paterno's football legacy may or may not be tarnished by this scandal, but his legacy of character remains pure and eternal in the hearts of us all.

Click here for all the details about Paterno's death and legacy via ESPN

-John Jr.

Redefining an Industry: Honoring Sarah Burke

2012-01-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

Canadian freeskier, Sarah Burke, passed away last night after
battling critical injuries she received from a training crash on Jan. 10.

Many of you (including myself) knew little-to-nothing about the Canadian freeskier, Sarah Burke, until her recent training crash on January 10th. I'm not trying to be shallow, but honestly much of what I knew about her I feel like was only available because she was in the limelight for being very attractive while being successful. After her accident I obviously watched the news and ESPN to delve deeper into the life of this revolutionary athlete, and that was how I discovered the ways in which she completely redefined the sport she loved.

Burke began skiing at the age of 5, and found an immediate attraction to performing aerial tricks and spins. As a teenager she began to compete in half-pipe and slope-style competitions, but was turned away or forced to compete with the boys because of the lack of women's divisions. After proving that she was more than capable of competing with even some of Canada's best male skiers, she moved on to compete in the Winter X-Games where she would win 4 gold medals and press them to add a division for women's slope-style competition.

Her list of accolades do not end there, however, as Burke was the first skier to win an ESPY athlete of the year award in 2007. She was also was the first woman to ever land a 720, 900, and 1080 at a competition, but perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her campaign to include her sport as an official competition in the Winter Olympics. A campaign that proved to be successful when in 2011 the Winter Olympics Committee announced that the 2014 Winter games would include both half-pipe and slope-style women's skiing competitions.

Unfortunately Burke would never get the opportunity to win an Olympic Gold Medal when she passed away last night at the age of 29, but her legacy will live on through the countless number of women who will now have the opportunity to compete as Olympic athletes in the sport the Burke held so dear to her heart. Those close to Burke, however, would tell you her best qualities were not her skiing prowess, but her humbleness and accessibility. She was always trying to make connections with her fans and spread her knowledge for the sport to aspiring competitors.

Even in death she was trying to impact the lives of those around her, requesting that her usable tissues and organs be donated. I hope I have been able to shed some light on the life of this amazing athlete and even more spectacular human being. Take some lessons from Burke in her remembrance today, and share you life, time, and passion for what you love. Who knows, it might be you that opens the door for great new accomplishments for not only yourself, but more importantly, other people with the same passion.

Click here if you wish to make a donation to Sarah's family to help pay for her costly medical treatment.

-John Jr.

The Return of 2 Students!

2012-01-18T10:45:00.001-06:00

After getting completely lazy and taking an unnecessarily long break from posting, I am happy to inform you that "2 Students and Their Opinions" is coming back stronger than ever! My expectations are to have new posts daily (topics permitting), and to also have more engaged discussion amongst the comments that are posted. Be ready for more honest opinions about the latest news from around the world, nothing is to significant or insignificant for us to argue about!

Be sure to check back daily for all the latest news and opinions!

-John Jr.

Romney Takes "Strong" Stance

2012-01-18T10:37:00.001-06:00

I have been blankly starring at my computer screen for 2 hours trying to decide whether or not I actually want to journey down this road and write about politics (particularly Republican politics). Blogging about politics is generally a lose-lose situation because no matter what you say, fact or fiction, people are going to lash out and people are going to get pissed. It's a fact of life that people (educated or not) will take a "never back down" stance in politics for what they believe is correct. So it is with much reluctance that I finally decided I am intrigued enough by this Romney statement to post about it. Let the debacle begin...

Republican primary front runner, Mitt Romney, sets his sights on
South Carolina after a decisive victory in the state of New Hampshire

After winning the primaries in both Iowa and New Hampshire, Mitt Romney spoke some parting words as he plans to head down to South Carolina. Some of what he said was particularly interesting, but none more-so than this: "I will insist on a military so powerful no one will ever think of challenging it." Literally nothing could stereotype a Republican or us as Americans more than such a statement (sorry I'm not sorry conservatives), but the question remains--is Romney for real? Or just giving himself some fire-power against Ron Paul for the upcoming battle in South Carolina?

Now that I've presented the questions, you can probably see where I am heading with this. I was massively critical of this remark at first thinking to myself, "really that's how you want to lead our foreign policy?" My inner college kid and satirical personality consumed my thoughts, "yeah, great statement Romney, if the rest of the world didn't hate us before, they will if you become President." Being an non-confrontational person and avid supporter of world peace (that's right, make love not war), this comment really bothered and even disgusted me. As my temper simmered though, and I continued to sit on this egg for a while, and it finally hatched for me. I pushed the grand scope out of the way and focused in on the small picture. I decided that whether or not Romney actually believes what he said (and Lord do I hope he doesn't), it was incredibly smart to make this comment heading into a state that places an extremely high priority on military service.

This statement was even more valuable because second place man, Ron Paul, has different views on military service and issues. Paul's views aren't necessary something that South Carolina republicans will not favor, however; I just believe it was a nice (dare I say "subtle") move by Romney to gain a competitive edge heading down South (yes, I realize that's an innuendo). In this election people want to be inspired by something, and a strong statement towards a state that places a high precedence on military service is going to give Romney a significant advantage.

I guess I must be overreacting because I didn't see anything on the morning news or CNN about this statement, but I thought it was an important point to talk about because I felt like it was really stereotypical. At this day and age, I really want to soak in everything I can about each candidate before I make a decision about who I want to be our next President. I feel like we are in an extremely critical point in our country's history, and making the correct choice in this election could be the difference between renewed prosperity or decades more of recession.

-John Jr.

Is Tebow's Performance Finally Good Enough?

2012-01-18T10:35:00.002-06:00

It was said to be improbable... unfathomable... impossible. All the Tebow critics and even non-critics said, "There is not a shot in hell that Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers." They reiterated, "The Broncos are going to get demolished, and Tebow is but one bad snap away from losing his starting job and NFL career. Tebow can't throw, he can't make quick decisions, he just isn't good enough."

Last night the impossible happened--Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-23 in overtime. The question is though, is this finally good enough? Call it crazy, call it lucky, call it stupid, call it cliche--whatever you want to call it, I absolutely love it. I have the ultimate "Tebowner" right now, and so should you. I am absolutely mystified by what this guy has been able to do despite such adversity and such hardship. No young player in any sport has had to deal with more issues and negative publicity than Tim Tebow, and for what? Why do people hate such a positive role-model in an NFL league full of gangsters and thugs?

Tim Tebow exemplifies everything we as sports fans and human beings should love. He is the ultimate underdog and produces those moments of magic that keep us hooked and flabbergasted. This Denver win is the latest in legendary moments in NFL history, and I know 30 years from now I will not have forgotten exactly where I was when Tebow threw that 80-yard TD pass on the first play of overtime.

We can't give all the credit to Tebow, however. I know that I (nor Tebow himself) would want to take anything away from the team effort that produced this win for Broncos. I can't take away any credit from the Steelers either, who made this victory remarkably easier than it should have been. I still question the decision the bring the safety up on that last play of the game. Why as a defensive coordinator would you make such an aggressive call on 1st and 10 in overtime? Who cares if they run every first down, and who cares if they get a 10 yard run on the first play. When you are in overtime in a hostile environment you had better be playing bend but don't break defense (especially with the new overtime field goal rule). For that reason alone, the Steelers deserved this loss. I don't care if it is Tim Tebow at QB, you have to play smart football and respect that big plays can occur on any down.

I'm not going to rant about the stupidity of the Steelers though, this one is all about the Denver Broncos and Tim Tebow. Many people are tired of hearing about the Tebow debate on ESPN (myself included), but I am enamored by the story of Tim Tebow this year. He inherits a 1-4 team, and when no one gave him a chance, he turns the table winning the next 7 out of 8 games to help the Broncos win the AFC West. Next, after playing awful and losing 3 games straight, Tebow comes out in a huge playoff game and sets 3 NFL post season passing records on the way to winning in extravagant fashion.

I love this story because Tim Tebow represents hard-work, faith, perseverance, and never giving up on a dream. To me, he stands for everyone who has ever told anyone else they aren't good enough to achieve their dreams. He has stood up in the face of the harshest criticism and proved, "I am good enough, and I belong here." Everyone should take a page from the book of Tebow and let it be known that no one can tell you that you can't accomplish your dreams, and no one can tell you are not good enough to do what you love.

-John Jr.

Upcoming this Weekend

2011-11-12T00:56:00.001-06:00

Well it seems another long week has come and gone, and with the beginning of the weekend I wanted to create a list of big-time sports and show previews so you don't miss any of the action!

College GameDay Feature Game--Oregon - Stanford (coverage starting Saturday 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC):

Power vs. Speed, Luck vs. LaMichael, is there any better way to spend your Saturday than watching this Pac-12 match-up with national title implications on the line? We didn't think so, and either should you. Assemble you football compatriots, grab a beer, and watch the fireworks fly in this GameDay offensive showcase.

The Walking Dead (starting Sunday 9:00 p.m. EST on AMC):

After discovering the dark side or Rick in the first few episodes, Season 2 of The Walking Dead is on a roll now, leaving cliff-hanger after cliff-hanger. Be sure to check out this weekends episode to discover if the crew will find Sophia--what will happen to Daryl after he falls onto one of his arrows--and last, but certainly not least, what appears to be the return of Daryl's brother! Make sure you don't miss the next suspense-packed episode of one of AMC's greatest shows!

Hell On Wheels (starting Sunday 9:00 p.m. EST on AMC)

The season premiere of AMC's latest show certainly was great, and with a quick plot twist early on in the series we should expect bigger things from this week's installment. Be sure to stay-tuned to AMC right after The Walking Dead to see if Hell On Wheels can keep up its head of steam!

Enjoy your weekend and be sure to follow and keep commenting!

-John Jr.

Destruction of an Icon

2011-11-09T02:24:00.000-06:00

As many of you may know, Joe Paterno, coach of the Penn St. Nittany Lions will most likely be exiting his position as head coach of the Penn St. men's football team. Paterno has 409 Division I football wins and has served as Penn St. head coach for 45 years, both Division I records. He is known as a legend and an innovator, but now he is amidst fire for the child sex-scandal that took place by one of Penn St.'s former assistant coaches Jerry Sandusky. I am not going to lavish you with all the details (check out the article below this post for more infomation), but basically Paterno testified early today before the grand jury, and then his scheduled media conference was cancelled shortly after The New York Times reported that he would be "exiting the position of head football coach" sometime this coming week.

Sandusky (left) and Paterno (right)

I am going to be upfront, I can't give you a straight answer on who is right and who is wrong in this horrific situation. If Paterno is telling the truth, then he technically followed proper protocol involving the situation, but why wouldn't he ensure an investigation occurred? And furthermore, why didn't he confront Sandusky when he heard from his graduate assistant that Sandusky was sexually abusing a ten-year-old boy in the locker room shower?

Much of this puzzle remains unsolved, and it is clear that the university will terminate Paterno in an effort to save what dignity they have left. Penn St. officials cancelled Paterno press conference in order to avoid the spread of his controversial testimony that he properly reported this situation. They are trying to gain a buffer and maintain some damage control for a situation that is spiraling out of control in the media. Although it is controversial evidence against Penn St., Paterno may just hold the key to the prosecution's case, and provide enough elements to turn a jury decision in favor of a conviction for both Athletic Director Tim Curley (charged with perjury) and Sandusky (charged with over 40 counts of sexual abuse and assault on a child). It is my hope that Paterno is true to the image he has earned for himself as a caring and honest man over his many years as head football coach, and that he testified truthfully--regardless of the implications and penalties it may cause Penn St. University and its officials.

This is a deeply sad day not only for the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire United States. How did this storied program fail to protect innocent children from unspeakable crimes? Why did Penn St. officials fail to launch an investigation at the time of the initial allegations? Was it to protect the prestige and sacredness of the Penn St program? Was it worth it?

All these questions are yet to be answered, and we the people must demand these answers. Penn St. must have been able to more than it did to protect the innocence and seek justice for these 8 children forever scarred. Now they will pay the price and answer to the public--Sandusky, A.D. Curley, and even Paterno must explain. There will be no easy way out, and Pennsylvania State University will be forever tarnished in what truly is the destruction of an icon.

(Click here to see an interesting and highly edgy/controversial article about the scandal from Sports Illustrated. Also please follow and comment your opinions, and donate to our cause if you are feeling generous!)

-John Jr.

Modern Warfare 3 vs Battlefield 3--Preview

2011-11-08T01:35:00.000-06:00

With the release of Modern Warfare 3 a little over an hour ago (central time), the long awaited debate will begin--what is the better game, Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3? This seems like a considerably hard decision, hell, I can't even decided which commercial is better!

Modern Warfare 3--There is a Soldier in All of Us

Battelfield 3--99 Problems

I was able to play the Battlefield 3 Beta test during the two weeks it was out, and I have to say I really enjoyed the way the gameplay flows. I have also been keeping a close eye on Modern Warfare 3 streams in the last hour and noticed the gameplay is at least what we have come to expect from the Call of Duty series (take it as good or bad--your call). With that being said, I feel as though we might be comparing apples and oranges.

Battlefield takes on a larger scale, placing one amongst an full chaotic war-zone (pitting players up to 64 vs. 64 in a single game!) BF3 is also much more realistic and holds a much more accurate depiction of modern combat than the Call of Duty series (No, you can't quick-scope in it).

Modern Warfare, like the rest of the Call of Duty games, places a higher precedence on individual skill and competitive play, and will most likely be played on the Major League Gaming circuit next year. Basically what I am trying to say is MW3 plays more of arcade-shooter role, where game awareness, shooting ability, call-outs, and in-game strategy and map knowledge give a player a greater advantage than they do in BF3 (Advanced and highly-skilled players will thrive in this game).

We all knew these games would play very differently, and how differently they are enjoyed will be up to you. Whether you enjoy picking off a foe with a precision sniper shot 200 yards away in Battlefield 3, or running train on a group of noobs using the throwing knife and UMP 45 combo in Modern Warfare--one thing is certain--these latest installments of the prolific Call of Duty and Battlefield series will be sure-fire hits amongst FPS fans.

Stay tuned for further analysis of these games' strengths and flaws in the full review coming soon!

Signing out,

John Jr.

Hell on Wheels Season Premiere

2011-11-07T00:58:00.000-06:00

After watching the season premiere of Hell on Wheels, we have to say that it has us waiting anxiously for the next episode. Honestly we are very surprised--although AMC excels in television shows--that a "western" genre captured our attention like Hell on Wheels.

Hell on Wheels jumped straight into the action, with the first scene involving a bullet through the head of an unfortunate union soldier via our main character Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount). Bohannon is a rough around the edges ex-Confederate soldier who seems to be hiding a sympathetic side drawn out by his late wife. After killing the union soldier during a confessional, Bohannon wastes no time in his search to find the men who murdered his wife. This leads him to the outer reaches of the Union Pacific Railroad, where he meets Elam Ferguson (Common) and Daniel Johnson (Ted Levine). Lily Bell (Dominique McElligott) is briefly introduced in a scene involving an Native American attack on her expedition and mapmaking team's camp site. A greedy entrepreneur, Thomas 'Doc Durant (Colm Meaney), is portrayed in another scene as taking full advantage of the changing economic landscape through the railroad industry. The way all these characters will interact is not completely revealed in the premiere, and it will be interesting to see how it pans out throughout the rest of the season. The first episode depicts the brutal working environments and intense racism that will envelop the senses, and an early plot twist towards the end of the episode will leave you begging for more.

The Hell on Wheels premiere provided a raw and unadulterated view into the social norms and culture of post-civil war era, manifested through the ideals of white supremacy amongst the upper level task overseers. It's use of course language and visual indecencies add to it's sense of realism and allure. Hell on Wheels is rough around the edges, and we definitely like the brash and blunt beginning to what appears to be like the next great series from AMC.

Follow and comment below if you are excited for next week's episode!

-JJ and JT

Hell on Wheels - A Pre Thought

2011-11-06T18:13:00.001-06:00

The premiere of Hell on Wheels is approaching quickly, and with that I wanted to share some of the thoughts I have on it. First off, it's from AMC which has some of the best shows on television at the moment. Secondly, the presented story line is very original in a time when many shows lack a unique plot. Finally, if the show doesn't lack action and isn't too slow, something most Americans unfortunately need to stay interested, then I feel it will do well. Hopefully it can live up to the same level as the show that precedes it. Look for our opinion about it after the show.

Please Comment.

-JT

Nearly a Belle: M-I-Z! S-E-C!

2011-11-06T14:19:00.000-06:00

Nearly a Belle: M-I-Z! S-E-C!

M-I-Z S-E-C?

2011-11-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

It is official--the South Eastern Athletic Conference has announced the University of Missouri has been accepted to join starting in the academic year of 2012-2013. After a lengthy exchange between Mizzou and SEC presidents and chancellors over the period of a several weeks, the Tigers were voted unanimously to join the conference along with fellow Big 12 competitor Texas A&M. For official details about the move click here.

Now to the point, was this a good or bad move for the Tigers? On pen and paper, it looks like a solid new fit for most Missouri athletics besides wrestling (The SEC doesn't have wrestling, go figure). The majority of Mizzou fans are really excited about the move out of the Big 12 and into the SEC, but there is pivotal point that they fail to realize about the transition--THE SEC IS BEST FOOTBALL CONFERENCE IN THE NATION.

Let's be honest, no one gives shit about softball or wrestling or any other college sport for that matter. It all boils down to football, that is all the fans really care about, and in terms of football this move was a terrible decision. "Being in the SEC will lure in better recruits," a Mizzou fan will tell you. Wrong, going 3-9 will not bring in better recruits, especially when Mizzou can't even secure the best recruits from it's own state. "We will at least be able to beat Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss," wrong again, people fail to realize the size and speed difference of the athletes in the SEC, even from the lower tier teams such as those listed above. They are big and fast and can actually play defense, unlike most teams in the Big 12.

Mizzou was sitting pretty right where it was, playing in the incredibly over-hyped conference known as the Big 12. Point in example, Mizzou has lost it's past two bowl games to out of conference opponents although they were ranked in the top 25 (and one of them was a blow-out to Navy!). This is because the Big 12 is a conference will smaller athletes and less defense, which plays right into the hands of Mizzou's Spread and shoot-out style offense. Leaving the Big 12 was probably the worst thing that could happen to Mizzou's football program, especially in what they would consider a rebuilding year (they are 4-5 after a loss to Baylor last night).

Some will read this and think I'm bashing Mizzou, no I am not all, I am bashing Mizzou's ignorance. Mizzou needs to know what they are--a mid-tier team in an over-hyped conference. In the Big 12, Mizzou is almost guaranteed a bowl game every year (I mean come on, they play Kansas and Iowa State every year), as well as a top 25 ranking. People are going to tell me they didn't just change for football though, and I will tell them right back "Yeah that is why they joined a conference with no wrestling when Mizzou has been a national contender in wrestling every year for the past 4 years."

They clearly don't care about the other sports, this was a football move and a business move, and if you were a student at Mizzou you would realize the university is just doing what it can to get it's greedy hands on a little more of that green.

-John O'Connor

Alabama vs. LSU

2011-11-06T01:35:00.000-05:00

With all the hype surrounding this game I wouldn't be surprised that people are going to scrutinize it for its lack of "excitement." I can just hear the complaints about how both teams lack offense and flamboyancy, most of this probably coming from the fans of the Big 12 and Pac 12, who are used to high scoring games that usually lack a true defense. In my opinion these teams are among the best in the nation and deserved every bit of attention they got. If you need proof just look at who has won the National Title the last few years. Remember offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships. The idea of low scoring games may turn people away, but I hope that the days of smash mouth and run first football start to flourish again in College Football.

Newcastle United

2011-11-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

With the brutal stretch of games oncoming in the weeks to follow (Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea) the true test of how good this side is will be tested. Newcastle has composed themselves, even without the help of star players, proving that the right combination can be more important than the combination of the 0's on a players contract. I hope that the next games will only help to fuel their passion to remain one of the top clubs in the EPL this year. As long as injuries don't plague the team and spirits remain high, Tyneside has a lot to look forward too. C'mon Magpies!

First Post

2011-11-06T00:29:00.000-05:00

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