207 Things I'll Never Forget About 2007

1. Sitting around that Ellsworth Campfire with Mateo on New Year's Eve. When 2007 came, we formed the Pact. My birth certificate says "August 1, 1989", but I still believe that was really the date of my conception.
2. Listening to Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone" for an hour straight; that song would come to define 2007.
3. Spamelot.
4. Eating THE BEST CHILI EVER @ The Coney on Six & Haggerty.
5. Steve Yzerman, my favorite Detroit athlete of all time, having his 19 jersey retired. I nearly cried watching the ceremony.
6. Hittin' up The Auto Show.
7. Chris Webber's Return to Detroit.
8. All the waffle runs at the Jones', and the rest of the hardcore training I did in the winter to prep for Track 07. It wound up paying huge dividends.
9. The Audioslave breakup- the world of rock lost one of its best bands.
10. Smokin' Aces.
11. Watching The Departed once a day for 19 straight days; I also recall the night it rightfully won best picture at The Oscars.
12. The Dropkick Murphys' "I'm Shipping Up To Boston".
13. Martin Scorsese, the greatest film director ever, finally winning his long-overdue oscar.
14. Todd Bertuzzi's short stint with The Wings.
15. Hittin' up the Coffee Bean with E-Smith, Kayla, and Co. on numerous occasions.
16. Reuniting with A TON of my Coolidge homies- Emily Zinn, John Karasinki, and Haley Michaelsen to name a few.
17. Sledding in Subzero degree weather with a couple real dummies, ha ha ha.
18. Almost deleting my space back in February.
19. The 2007 NBA "All-Star" Game- what a joke, but at least The Pistons team won The Shooting Stars event!!!
20. Zodiac.
21. The First Week of Track 07: It was HELL.
22. Brad Delp's Tragic Suicide.
23. At long last, getting my license.
24. The Class of 07 FINALLY winning the Spirit Drum!
25. Lime Gatorade Rain.
26. The YMCA St. Patty's Day Run!
27. Coming Home 07 (specifically slow-dancing with the two greatest girls I know; Kelly Roulier & Allison Bonsall)- it was a night I will never forget.
28. After Coming Home, watching Heat.
29. Van Halen, my favorite band of all time, finally getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
30. The Miami Heat's absolutely anemic title defense.
31. Kobe Bryant's 4-game streak of 50+ points; I hate to admit it, but it was an incredible feat.
32. J-Walks and J-Dimes jacking my matchmaker before I could even look at it; they have yet to return it to this day.
33. The fiesta at my place in late March where we watched the Pistons beat the Nets. It was a great time.
34. The Lions drafting supposed saviors in Calvin Johnson and Drew Stanton.
35. My Short-but-Sweet "Eastwood For President" Campaign.
36. Supporting Rudy Guiliani, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul, and hating on Hilary!
37. Sheed's Miracle Shot vs. The Nuggets.
38. Spring Break 07: The Beach was awesome. Oh no, I wasn't on a beach- I was freezing my ass off in Michigan! All in all, it was one of the absolute worst times of my life; but I survived it, and am a better person because of it.
39. Fun Times at the Career Center; the time I spent with cool cats like Lauren, Megan, Carse, Steve S., Amber, Kelly, Emily, and many other cool people.
40. The Golden State Warriors beating The Dallas Mavericks in the greatest upset in NBA history. I also remember Baron Davis' sweet-ass dunk over AK-47.
41. The 1984 Anti-Hilary ad.
42. My Pre Spikes- the green and white, and the glory they'd bring me over the course of Track 07.
43. Medaling and setting my PR in the 400 (:55) on the 4x4 at the Raider Relays.
44. My "Wine Bottle and Paper Bag": The single greatest piece of art I've ever produced.
45. Blades of Glory.
46. Facebook.
47. Military Ball 07- my stunning date Shea, winning another medal, and the bonfire at JD's afterwards.
48. Linkin Park's Minutes To Midnight; A great album with a ton of new LP Classics ("No More Sorrow", "Bleed It Out", "What I've Done").
49. TOOL.
50. Pearl Jam's "Love Reign O'er Me", Incubus' "Dig", Our Lady Peace's "Kiss On The Mouth", Paramore's "Misery Business" and all the other great songs from 2007.
51. Getting nominated for "Myspaceaholic" in the FHS Mock Elections.
52. The Detroit Red Wings & Detroit Pistons whom, despite disappointingly fizzling out in the playoffs, had successful regular seasons and gave their fans hope.
53. "Survivor Fiji"… NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
54. DC O7- My Last ROTC Trip, and a damn good one to go out on!
55. Crushing on "The Girl Who's Got A Crush on Obama."
56. My Charcoal Johnny Cash drawing.
57. Tearin' it up in Pokemon Blue all over again!
58. Finishing my Track Career, by all-out sprinting the last straight-away of the 800, setting my all-time PR at 2:10
59. Reading The Kite Runner and Life Of Pi, two of the most powerful and lush books I've ever read- ones that I will never forget!
60. Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End, a more-than-fitting conclusion to the ventures of the legendary Capt. Jack Sparrow.
61. The drama before Prom, and the calmness that came to be when our Limo arrived.
62. Conversing with so many great friends at Prom, fainting on the dance floor, and of course my gorgeous date Ms. Kelly Roulier.
63. The after-party at Megan's.
64. May 31, 2007- FHS' Prom, the single greatest night of my life.
65. The Hines Chill and Grill, with The O-Club and co.
66. Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.
67. Taking that final walk through the halls of FHS.
68. Graduation at Compuware.
69. Smoking everyone not named Seth McRobb on the obstacle course @ All-Night Party.
70. Dodgeball later that night- I recall myself rockin' everyone, and gettin' rocked myself by Ally B.
71. Rallying with my FHS homies one last time, during the last dance of the All-night party (Akon, "Don't Matter").
72. Pulling over to the side of the road, and balling my eyes out on my way home from the All-night party. At that moment, I realized the great life I'd known for four years was actually over.
73. Watching the Sun rise that same morning.
74. Missing Cross Country; life wasn't the same without it.
75. Justin Verlander's No-Hitter.
76. Gary Sheffield: All his homeruns, his incredible book "Inside Power", and how he became my Tiger.
77. Spider-Man III.
78. Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer.
79. Fun nights at the Spree with tons of my homies.
80. The Spree Fireworks.
81. All the pathetic initial KG Trade Rumors, and then the one to Boston that actually happened.
82. The Pistons drafting Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, signing Jarvis Hayes, and resigning Chauncey Billups.
83. The RGX Body-spray Girl.
84. Live Free Or Die Hard, proof that John McClane is undeniably one of the biggest bad-asses in cinematic history.
85. Greenbush '07- skipping out on the trout hunt, but spending quality time with my family.
86. Talking Tiger baseball with my favorite Maggs-oholic, J-Stailey!
87. The 2007 MLB All-star game; Vlad Guerrero tearin' it at the homer run derby, Ichiro's inside-the-park HR, and Alfonso Soriano's late heroics stand out.
88. Making fools out of Kyle, Allison and Jenn @ Battle-put. After getting served by her in dodgeball and in go-carts, I got my revenge on Ally B- lol ;)
89. Playing one game of Risk with Curry and Evan from 11 PM until 6 AM.
90. Cedar Point with Kyle, Allison & Jenn; Jenn getting crapped on by a seagull, "Mickey Mice" (Ally B rocks my world), and many other fun moments. It was a perfect trip.
91. Barry Bonds hitting 756, and then getting indicted later in the year.
92. The incredible MVP season of Alex Rodriguez. Like the Yankees or not, what he accomplished was commendable to say the least.
93. All the Grad. parties, that made my summer complete: I recall the following- Jason Eldred, Josh Walker, Elliot Smith, Amber Cicala, Jeremy Diamond, Brandon Cramer, Megan Wilson, Pat Roumayah, Kelly Roulier, Chris Casciano, Amanda Bills, Laura Marshall, Loren Thompson, Kari Saarela, Seth McRobb, Jenn Harris, Alex Quint, Will McSorley, Katie Rogala, Devan Walley, Jabra Barakat, Christine Day, Kristin Gardner, Angelica Kalasz, Caleb Lindsay, Meghan Horgan, Kyle Brown, Sabrina Rumrill, Emma Melvin, Nick Norton, Leanna Hirtzel, Kristine Ostrosky, Allison Bonsall, Mike Wood, Jackie Covert, and finally Shea Nyeste & Megan Priebe. Those parties were a blast, the highlight of my summer.
94. My own Grad. Party; playing pool, eating good food, playing volleyball, but above all- spending time with my friends and family, my most sacred possessions. It was more perfect than I could've ever imagined. To all who came, thank you ;)
95. Losing whatever faith I had left in the Tour-De-France.
96. Brandon Inge jumping two rows into the stands to catch a foul-ball, C-Grands' robbing the homerun, and all the other great Tiger webgems.
97. Getting the worst restaurant service (BB King's café at the airport), and the best (a breakfast joint in MB) on the same day. Sammy is the man!!!
98. The bumpy-ass flight down to Myrtle Beach.
99. Dolphin-Watching in a pontoon boat on the Atlantic.
100. Watching some good TV; "Saving Grace", "Burn Notice", "The Bronx Is Burning", and "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" all come to mind.
101. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.
102. All my walks along the Beach down south, spent in deep thought.
103. Tearin' it up at hardcore Frisbee on the beach with Mateo, Analise, Chris and Jamie.
104. That final walk around the condos with Matt and Jamie.
105. The seamless blur that was Myrtle Beach 07- a fantastic trip that went by way too fast.
106. The stupid H-1 party that Walker and I left, to go back to his place and watch us some pokemon ;)
107. All the games of RISK; won some, lost more- but enjoyed myself.
108. My 18th birthday, spent at Hooters, eating a steak at Logans, and bowling with some of my closest friends- not a bad birthday at all.
109. Watching 300 with Kyle and Will the next day.
110. The Simpsons Movie.
111. The Revelation that came in the form of a double quarter-pounder: and helped me cut down on my fast food.
112. All my mid-day breakfasts at IHOP.
113. Walking all over my homies on bowling night 8-7-07, to the tune of 141.
114. Eating Stucchi's and playing tag with the Cross Country kiddies.
115. The Bourne Ultimatum.
116. Magglio Ordonez' multi-homerun game (excuse me, I meant multi homerun INNING) against the A's on 8-12-07.
117. Walking all over KB, Della, J-Dimes and J-Walks in a little H2.
118. Watching American Beauty for the first time; I now consider it one of my favorite movies.
119. Michael Vick, Tim Donaghy, Barry Bonds, Marion Jones, O.J. Simpson, Stephon Marbury, Bobby Petrino, and all the other scumbags who gave pro sports a bad name in 2007.
120. All the nights at Merri-Bowl, bowling with good friends.
121. B-Dubz with Katie, Lauren and Megan; my wings sucked, but it was great hanging out with those girls one last time.
122. Hangin' with Kyle, Will, Allison, and Jenn one last time for the summer; putt-putt, go-carts, BS, and Dogma- doesn't get much better than that.
123. Superbad, easily the funniest movie of 2007. McLovin' is the man.
124. Heather's going-away bash, playing catchphrase all night long- a night to remember for sure.
125. Eating at Famous Dave's on my Dad's birthday.
126. Staying up 'til 3:30 to watch the Tiger's 8-24-07 game against the Yankees (and getting rewarded with a Carlos Guillen walkoff homerun).
127. My Late Summer trip to Chicago, Wisconsin, and The UP.
128. Convocation at WSU.
129. Enjoying the company of JD, B-Crames, Priebe, BillsB and Rachel at an FHS game, and then eating @ Senate and playin' pool in my basement later that night.
130. Chugging syrup and snorting powdered sugar at Ram's Horn with a couple fellow idiots ;)
131. My bowling-slugfest with Ally B, which I narrowly won 122-120; it was CLASSIC.
132. BD's with Kyle, Allison, and Jenn, which was followed not by good times at the movies or bowling, but by one of the most heartfelt, intimate intellectual conversations of my life. I will never forget that night.
133. That same night, where I made a selfless decision that wasn't easy to do. In making the decision I did, I knew that I was a good person (if only for that night).
134. All the nights spent driving along the road, listening to Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti" ("Ten Years Gone" is my personal favorite), and contemplating life's issues.
135. Concluding Summer and ushering in the school year by watching the Sun set at Newburgh Lake.
136. Summer 2007- the single greatest summer of my life, my personal 'Summer of '69', and a glorious three months I'll never forget as long as I live.
137. Getting started at WSU.
138. Bowling at Wonderland Lanes in memory of Coach Brian, R.I.P.
139. Wii baseball with E-Smith, and a little ultimate Frisbee with him, Seth, and Mary later on.
140. The Tigers' miraculous 5-run 9th inning (all scored with 2 out) against the Blue Jays on 9-10-07, truly one of the great Tiger comebacks of our time.
141. Getting locked inside Westland Mall with J-Dimes.
142. Wasting 3 hours of my life on a 1,000 Question Survey ;)
143. Appalachian State: need I say more?
144. U of M starting out 0-2, before spanking Notre Dame.
145. Jon Kitna giving Lions' fans hope with a gutsy performance against The Vikings, a convincing 37-27 victory over the Bears, and a great start for The Lions that wound up culminating into yet another disappointing season.
146. Big Bill Hell's, Impossible Mario, Powerthirst, and all the other great youtube vids.
147. PK-MI: 07 with my boy McRobb, meeting Frosti from Survivor, and doing better than I thought I would. It was a good time.
148. E-Smith's surprise B-day party later that day.
149. My Ford Exploder breaking down on the side of the road; it taught me that you really don't know what you have 'til its gone.
150. Mike Gundy's rant after the Texas Tech-Oklahoma game; one of the absolute most hysterical post-game press conferences I've ever seen.
151. The Preseason Wings game with Mateo, the unforgettable bus shuttle that followed ("You see, I'm Canadian eh?"), and a little Lafayette Coney Island for good measure.
152. Going to FHS' Homecoming Game: they lost, but that didn't matter- what did was that I spent good times with tons of great old friends I hadn't seen in a long time.
153. Watching The 2007 FHS Boys' Cross Country team tear it up all season long; it touched my heart to see their success.
154. Coming to the realization that all Cleveland fans SUCK.
155. Magglio Ordonez- The 2007 American League Batting Champion.
156. The Detroit Tigers, despite missing the postseason, having another solid year of +500 baseball and fighting it out to the very end. It was a worthy effort.
157. Seeing Resident Evil: Extinction with J-Dimes and J-Walks.
158. Later that day wasting $19 on a dumb haunted house with Kyle and Allison, driving home cranking Pat Benatar, Shania Twain and Celine Dion, and more intimate conversations down by Newburgh Lake.
159. The crazed NL Races, all culminating in an unforgettable one-game playoff where the Rockies beat the Padres 9-8 in 13 innings.
160. Being a good sport (and a good MLB fan) by cheering on the Angels, Cubs, Rockies, and Red Sox after the Tigers were eliminated from playoff contention.
161. "Lone Star", "The Shining, "Do The Right Thing" and the other great movies I watched in Intro To Film. It was the most rewarding class I've ever taken.
162. Thanks to Tom Brady and Randy Moss, the New England Patriots owning everyone in the league and flirting with perfection; it was an incredible run and they are easily the favorites to win the Super-Bowl next year.
163. Carlos, Jaron, and all the others cool kats I met at WSU.
164. The Colorado Rockies going 21-1 en route to the World Series.
165. Wasting my money on another Haunted House, eating some good donuts, and cranking Earth, Wind, & Fire and Stevie Wonder with Jeremy, BillsB, and Rachel.
166. The FHS Football team rebounding from a bad start to make the playoffs.
167. All the hype for the Celtics new big three of Allen, Pierce, and Garnett.
168. After nearly a month without a car, finally getting a new one.
169. My personal odyssey home from a cross country race, where I drove aimlessly around Detroit for three hours before finally getting home.
170. Watching the ROTC kids at Annual Inspection.
171. The Boston Red Sox winning the 2007 World Series; they deserved it and I was very happy for them.
172. The Tigers acquiring Edgar Renteria and Jacque Jones; I go into 2008 with high hopes for them both.
173. The wildfires that ravaged Southern California; the land I love. It was truly tragic.
174. EMU's Homecoming with JD, Priebe, A Bay Bay, and 'Gel.
175. JC's Crew, my fantasy B-Ball squad that boasted some sweet-ass ballas such as Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Garnett.
176. Lots of good early season memories for the 2007-2008 Detroit Pistons, including two impressive road wins against Miami and Orlando to start the season, coming back from 22 down against The Warriors, getting sweet revenge on The Cleveland Lebrons, and Chauncey Billups' clutch free throws winning the Pistons a classic game against the Boston Celtics.
177. Chillin' with Ally B and J-Harris and then seeing American Gangster, easily the best film of 2007 and now one of my favorite movies of all time.
178. Watchin' the U of M/ MSU game with J-Dimes, Priebe, BillsB, Johnny, Leanna, Jessica, and Rachel; U of M won 28-24.
179. November 6th- a day where I got my priorities straight for good, and a day that changed my life forever.
180. The 2007 FHS Cross banquet, where I watched Tori win the Coach's award and Mallory team MVP. I was so proud of them both.
181. The FHS-SHS postseason meeting which the boys lost but performed valiantly nonetheless.
182. Wii baseball, Guitar Hero 3, Live Led Zep, and more good times with Mateo.
183. Led Zeppelin, the greatest band in the history of rock music, reuniting for a show in London. I am hoping they will tour next year in the U.S.
184. The Lightfest Run; I ran a 5 mile race after virtually having not run in 5 months. Not bad for an old man like me ;)
185. Hangin' with Kyle, Ally B, J-Harris, Will and JD the night before turkey day.
186. Llloyd Carr's legendary career at Michigan coming to an end, and U of M rebounding by signing Rich Rodriguez.
187. All the MLB offseason action; Joe Torre leaving the Yankees, A-Rod opting out only to eventually return to New York, and the Angels coming from out of nowhere to sign Torii Hunter.
188. Thanksgiving 07: watching the Lions lose, eating good food with good company, and Mall's homemade apple pie for desert.
189. Going to Ellsworth at the end of Thanksgiving 07: Sequence, Listening to some old school Nelly, and reclining down a 100 foot clay cliff (no equipment or anything) with Mateo. A good trip no doubt.
190. The "Unforgivable" Trilogy; possibly the funniest youtube vid EVER.
191. The Tragic Shooting of Sean Taylor.
192. Unleashed Gaming; a sweet arcade where I spent many days honing my Wii baseball skills.
193. The 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show; watching my lovely wife Alessandra Ambrosio strut her stuff ;)
194. The Detroit Tigers acquiring Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in a blockbuster trade for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, and 4 other players. It speaks for itself, and I go into 2008 more anxious and excited about the upcoming season than I have ever been.
195. Good times with J-Dimes and J-Walks over the course of a crazy December weekend.
196. The utter failure that was The Mitchell Report.
197. I Am Legend.
198. Sledding and Laser-tagging like the gold old times with J-Dimes, J-Walks, Megan, and Staijker, and watching Kill Bill: Vol. II with Kyle and Will the same night.
199. Kayla's two late December bashes; twas a couple very fun nights ;)
200. Christmas Eve + Christmas; spending quality time with family, getting some cool gifts, and thoroughly enjoying myself.
201. VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s: it convinced me that the 90s was the best era for music ever!
202. Finishing my first semester of college with a 3.72 GPA.
203. Ending 2007 with a trip to Ellsworth, the same place it began; a fitting storybook ending for a storybook year.
204. I will never forget smiling, frowning, laughing, and crying over the course of a crazy twelve months.
205. I will never forget this sense of closure and wholesomeness I feel at year's end.
206. I will never forget the great places I went, and the great people whose company I shared through it all.
207. I will never forget 2007, the unabashed greatest year of my life.


At the end of 2006, I had no reason to live. I had given up on life and was ready to throw in the towel. I had no problem with dying because the way I saw it, maybe this life just wasn't worth it. In a time where I needed sympathy and for people to understand me, I felt nothing but loneliness. I needed a shoulder to lean on and an outstretched hand to pull me back up, but I didn't have that (in retrospect, I know I simply wasn't looking). The pressures of life were pressing down on me to the point where my soul came inches away from caving in. My longing for love had shattered my heart and I gave up on love forever. It was an illusion to me; something that didn't exist and even if it did, it clearly wasn't meant for me.

I pray every night that none of you have to ever endure a period of time so miserable and hopeless as those last few months of 2006 were for me. It was the absolute worst time of my life, and I will never understand how I survived it all.

So when my cousin Matt (truly a brother), asked me as 2007 began to pretty much vow that I would enjoy 2007 no matter what happened, it wasn't easy to do.

Yet somehow, I made good on my word; and then some. 2007 wound up being the greatest year of my life. On the surface, it's hard for me to look back at 2007 and regret one single thing. Unlike years past where I spent most of my nights alone and bored, I actually decided to be a little social this year. I made many good friends just in time as we prepared to graduate. Whether we watched movies, chilled, went to social events, drove around, or simply just talked intellectually and whether we did anything productive or not, we always seemed to thoroughly enjoy ourselves (at least I did, and hope you all did as well).

Many of the year's best experiences came as total surprises, none more memorable than Coming Home 2007- a dance I came dangerously close to not attending. 2007 was also noteworthy because it saw the end of my time at Franklin High School. I graduated in June, and said goodbye to the life I'd known for four interesting years. My last few months were significant because for the first time in a while, I remembered to appreciate what FHS had given me and that was a slew of the best friends a guy like me could ask for. No longer concerned with my miserable little life, I finally saw that I really didn't have too much to feel bad about and I wish I would've felt that way throughout my entire time at FHS. I made a comment in a blog six months earlier where I stated that Michigan was my home for better or for worse. In retrospect, I don't think that is true; Franklin High School was my home. Franklin High School was where I felt I belonged, it was a place where I felt important. I miss it terribly right now. All in all, my time at Franklin came to a glorious end; the experience was capped off by two absolutely surreal experiences- Prom and The All-Night Party. To this day, Prom still stands as the best night of my life and All-Night Party was so perfect that as I drove home from it, I had to pull over to the side of the road and cry my eyes out (and in retrospect, am not ashamed at all). The fact that nights like that were gone forever and that there was no reliving them absolutely killed me. If Heaven is anything like I imagine it, I will be able to relive those days.

The end of the school year ushered in Summer 2007, the absolute greatest time of my life. Summer 2007 was in every way plausible, flawless. If I'd have gone back to California like the summer before, it would've been simply too perfect. The Tigers tore it up most of the summer and I watched almost every game, I saw too many great movies to name, and I went back to Myrtle Beach for the first time in two years. All those things mentioned though, the definitive element of the summer and the thing that made it stand out was simply the fact that my top priority was hanging out with my friends. I can think of at least six or seven groups of people (to hell with it, I called them posses- lol) who I spent many summer nights with. And of course, there were the Grad. Parties- where I celebrated with many of my best friends and enjoyed their company one last time. I tried so hard to make it to as many as I could, and even considering all the ones I went to (I'm surprised I was able to list them all, but that goes to show how memorable they were), I still wish I could've gone to more. My own Grad. Party was absolutely perfect, and that's even considering that there are a lot of people I care about who weren't able to make it. To those of you who came, I will be in debt to you forever for making it an absolutely flawless day. I concluded Summer 2007 by sitting down by Newburgh Lake watching the sun set, and watching a season straight from heaven end forever.

The defining element of Fall was my time at Wayne State University. WSU presented an excellent situation for me, as it was one of the only colleges in the area that provided a chance to major in film. Over the course of my first semester, I did very well despite the workload and I met some very cool people as well, whom I hope to keep in touch with in the future. I had initially planned on going there for two years, and then transferring to a school in Chicago or L.A., but if my experience at Wayne State continues to be this good I envision myself staying there all four years. As for Winter 2007, it got off to a slow start but wound up being almost as good as the Summer (the weather SUCKED though).


After this past summer, I preemptively would claim 2007 was the best year of my life and would use words like "perfect" to describe it. As of this day, it still easily stands as the best year of my life thus far- yet despite that, I think I made a mistake in calling it "perfect". As great as this past year has been, I inevitably go into 2008 with a curious set of questions and dilemmas.

My sense of identity at year's end is shaky to say the least; I honestly don't have any clue who John Church really is. Because I don't have a concrete sense of who I am, I no longer have any clue of what people really think of me. I have no idea how people perceive me and worst of all, I have no idea how people would remember me if I died tomorrow. I have always lived my life trying to make other people happy, rather than make myself happy and it's not easy to do (yet I do it any way). Whether this really is an issue, I don't know and I can only live on hoping that my peers understand, accept, and respect me.

In many ways, I just don't fit the mold of a happy person. I'm not independent or confident, I eat most of my meals alone, I frown when I should smile, and though I have so many great friends, I still isolate myself and spend a lot of my time alone. Though I did spend a lot of time with friends this year, I can't help but think that I could've spent more time with them and that's for good reason; I clearly could have. I simply hope that with the time I did spend with you all, I was able to make good impressions and that you came to value my company.

Love wasn't too big a problem for me this year; after all, I stopped believing in it after last year. One experience is an exception though and as great as 2007 was, it also boasted two of the worst weeks of my life; spring break. For whatever reason my longing for love returned stronger than ever, and it inevitably led me to heartbreak. I can't deny those two weeks put a major stain on what is an otherwise perfect year for me. I still am not convinced that love is meant for me; every time in recent memory that I've been miserable, it's been because of love. But I can't stop believing in it, because I don't want to. I want to believe in love, to believe that some girl is out there who will complete me. As pessimistic as I may be about it all, the truth is that only time will tell.


Life is imperfect; I've come to learn this in 2007. Being a huge movie freak, I want for my life to be the sort of seamless experience I expect to feel when I go to the movies. I need to do a better job of reminding myself that that can never be; with Adam and Eve, God unleashed pain and suffering into this world and I am as obliged to feel it as everyone else is. Paradise is lost, and I cannot aspire to have everything. Buckcherry said "If I had everything, would I still want to be alive" and that's very true; life is about conquering obstacles and slowly attaining what you want. It's in times where you're miserable that you have everything to gain; nirvana isn't meant for this world, because God meant for life to be a search for wisdom and perfection. This is one of many lessons I've learned over the course of 2007.

And even though I did it so often last year, I will never pray for my own death again or even imagine that I'd be better off dead. It's simple really, and Our Lady Peace said it best- "Life is waiting for you, it's all messed up but we're alive. Life is waiting for you, it's all messed up but we'll survive". In a nutshell- no matter how much life sucks, a better life is never out of reach. I believe this now, and that's what I hold on to now whenever I have my doubts.

Most of you don't know me as such, but it's obvious in my writing; I am a pure emotional trainwreck and I have little to no internal strength. However, I'm still here aren't I so I obviously have enough to get by and I gained a lot of it this past year. For that, I'll never forget 2007.


As hard as it is to say good-bye to 2007 and as impossible as it is that I will ever live a better twelve months, the truth is that 2008 could be even better (it's not conceivable to me though). A simple reasoning is that I didn't try too hard to enjoy this past year; I let it come to me. I can't imagine if I'd just been a little more affirmative and tried to make more out of the year.

In general, my life at year's end has very little structured direction right now and I'm not doing much to control my fate. I'm very passive, and also a big believer in destiny. I relate greatly to Jackson Browne's "Running On Empty"; I feel that "I don't know where I'm runnin', I'm just runnin' on". I don't even think about how I'm spending my time but "if I can get you to smile before I leave", chances are I've spent it well. And of course, I'm "runnin' into the sun, but I'm running behind".

That means that though every second is symbolic of me moving down the road that is life, I am always occupied by memory and for me, there is no sweeter memory than 2007.

And it would've been nothing, without all of you. You know who you are, and I love with every inch of me and want you all to know you are the air I breath and the only thing that keeps me going when times are bad. You are the best friends a guy like me could ask for, and God must really love me to grace me with your friendship.

Thank you.

I will never forget this past year as long as I live; perfect or not, it was the greatest year of my life. I already see myself looking back on it many years from now and crying nostalgically. I will look back on it forever, and in doing so I will remind myself that life is good and that I had things pretty good whether I knew it or not.

This is not a VH1 playlist or anything like that, so don't expect me to make a countdown of songs based on ridiculous criteria like popularity, how good the beat is, or anything stupid like that. This is merely myself making a list of my favorite songs of the past year. Quite frankly, I am not a fan of modern-day pop, country, or rap, and don't believe any of those genres are producing any good, memorable music today. If you have a problem with that, then go read another damn blog.

Also, any non-substantial criticism will surely be deleted; back up what you have to say kiddies ;)

Thanks, here ya go…


20. Kid Rock, "Amen"- Kid Rock's range as an artist is more impressive than you may think; he can do rap-metal anthems, Skynryd-esque southern rock, and in the case of this song, soulful ballads. Kid is seriously underrated, just like Ted Nugent, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, and the rest of the Detroit rockers who came before him.

19. Paramore, "Crushcrushcrush"- Paramore in my opinion, were THE breakout band of 2007. They have a great sound, and their lead singer is one of my favorite female vocalists. "Crushcrushcrush" is a great song that is terribly addicting, and its songs like this that have helped transform me into a bonafide "parawhore"- lol.

18. Bullet For My Valentine, "All These Things I Hate"- Liked this song from the moment I heard it (I thought, "Wow! Who the hell is this!?"). I interpreted this song as being about a relationship coming to an end, and I was instantly able to relate to it.

17. Nickelback, "If Everyone Cared"- The way Nickelback manages to appeal to rock fans with their heavier tunes, but still appeal to the girls with ballads like "If Everyone Cared", is pretty rare; they deserve it though because All The Right Reasons was their best album yet.

16. Evan's Blue, "Beg"- It took me a while to warm up to this song but when I finally did, I fell in love with it. The vibe I got was that the narrator in this song was singing about the girl he loves, though he can never be with her. Whether that's the true meaning or not, I really connected to this song.

15. The White Stripes, "Icky Thump"- What Icky Thump means, I'll never know. I do know this; this song kicks serious ass. The guitar and thumping bass line is awesome, and Jack White's vocals are always original and unique. Good track that rivals "Seven Nation Army" as the Stripes' best song.

14. Buckcherry, "Everything"- Knowing them for tracks like "Crazy Bitch" and "All Lit Up", I laughed the first time I heard this was a Buckcherry song. Awkward as it may sound, I think this just might be their best song. The line "If I had everything, would I still want to be alive" is very thoughtful and really intrigued me; one of the best breakup songs of the year (and clearly, there were quite a few of them- lol).

13. Linkin Park, "What I've Done"- This song is all about a departure; lyrically, it's a song about leaving behind your regrets and starting anew, and it's also a change for this band itself, as Minutes To Midnight showed Linkin Park heading in a very different direction- which I feel is the right one and I love their new sound. Rap-metal is dead, but Linkin Park clearly are not.

12. Avenged Sevenfold, "Almost Easy"- I love them; their music is so catchy but so well-made at the same time. Avenged Sevenfold is one of the only bands trying to bring guitar solos back into fashion and I really dig that; their drummer is excellent too. "Almost Easy" isn't quite on the same level as "Beast and The Harlot" or "Bat Country", but it's still a very good song and I think this band is headed in the right direction.

11. Finger Eleven, "Paralyzer"- This song is so addictive, it's almost annoying. I never even thought about what this song meant when I first heard it (in retrospect, I think it's about blind desire), but you really don't need to 'cause the music itself just hooks you and never lets go. This is easily Finger Eleven's best song, and they've really earned my respect because of it.

10. Paramore, "Misery Business"- I love this song and am not the least bit ashamed! People tell me it's a pop-rock version of Avril Lavigne- First off, the girl in this band is twenty times more attractive than Avril Lavigne, and secondly, she has a better voice and more inventive lyrics than Avril could ever write. Not sure why this song even appealed to me in the first place, but it did. Very good track, and did I mention the lead singer is a babe!

9. Linkin Park, "Bleed It Out"- Linkin Park moved on after Meteora, but a lot of their old sound still lingers in songs like this. As nice as it is for Chester to accentuate his great voice thanks to him doing a lot more of the vocals, it's always great to hear Mike Shinoda rap. I actually think this song is Linkin Park attacking all their critics and examples are present throughout the song. I hope LP continues to make rap-heavy songs like this.

8. Nickelback, "Side Of A Bullet"- Probably the most kickass tribute/ ballad ever made. Though one of Nickelback's heaviest songs, it's actually a tribute to Dimebag Darrell and it even includes some of his signature riffs in the song. Whenever this one comes on and I'm driving along, I just have to crank it to max volume and forget the speed limit. "Side Of A Bullet" is a true standout song on an excellent album.

7. Ozzy, "I Don't Wanna Stop"- He's old and way past his prime, but "I Don't Wanna Stop" is actually a pretty good Ozzy track. As a matter of fact, it just flat out kicks ass (though it clearly is no "Crazy Train" or "Bark At The Moon). Not sure what inspired Ozzy's new album considering it had been a while since he'd done anything (and considering he clearly is slowing down), but in the spirit of rock and roll, he refuses to go down quietly and you gotta respect that.

6. Our Lady Peace, "Kiss On The Mouth"- Our Lady Peace are the most underrated and underappreciated band in the world today. They have been making great music for almost ten years, and they never get their due. Raine Maida is a phenomenal singer and lyricist, and as a whole they simply have a very signature sound. As for this song itself, it's right up there alongside "One Man Army" and "Sell My Soul" as one of OLP's best songs to date, and I imagine they'll be making great music for a while.

5. Velvet Revolver, "The Last Fight"- While I was incredibly disappointed with the awful "She Builds Quick Machines", Velvet Revolver won me back over with "The Last Fight". Born out of the ruins of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots, the raw energy and virtuosic passion of those two bands lives on in Velvet Revolver and they have done nothing but amaze since they first debuted back in 2004. I'm looking forward to more great music from them.

4. Incubus, "Dig"- I have loved Incubus for as long as I can remember; I have always thought of them as one of the genuinely talented bands of recent times. A catchy tune about friendship and "digging" past superficiality, this song just has such an uplifting and clean feel to it a la some of their earlier classics like "Stellar" and "Wish You Were Here". I really didn't dig A Crow Left Of The Murder, but am largely impressed with Light Grenades. It boasts great songs like "Anna Molly" and "Oil & Water", but "Dig" is the best song on the album (and also one of Incubus' all-time best songs).

3. Pearl Jam, "Love Reign O'er Me (Cover)"- Quite frankly, this is one of my absolute favorite covers of all time! Pearl Jam do the original version complete justice, but still put their own spin on it and that's what every good cover song should do. I didn't even know that Eddie Vedder could still sing like this. This song has enormous personal importance to me; I first heard it during Spring Break 07, one of the roughest and most miserable times of my life. When I needed it most, this song inspired me and helped me channel my feelings and will always have a special place in my heart. Seventeen years after Ten came out, Pearl Jam are still making music that counts; you have to give them props for that.

2. TOOL, "Jambi"- TOOL are the modern-day Led Zeppelin. All four band members compliment each other in a way that very few bands do nowadays, and they are holding down the fort for album-oriented rock in the modern music world. The opening riff of "Jambi" is absolutely savage, and the rest of the song is not much different. As expected, the lyrics are top-notch and I don't think anyone beats TOOL when it comes to writing witty and intelligent songs. 10,000 Days is a modern classic in my opinion, and it wasn't even as good as Aenima or Lateralus. If you're into well-written, well-made, and flat-out ass-kicking rock music, you can't do much better than TOOL nowadays.

1. Linkin Park, "No More Sorrow"- A true gem of a song from the diamond ruff that is Minutes To Midnight. You don't have to be a genius to realize this song is political and has some kind of relevance to what's going on in the world nowadays. Though I still maintain that politics is the antithesis of rock music, I am actually sort of pleased to see Linkin Park write a song like this as it shows them trying new things and growing as a band. Chester sings this violent sermon of a song with an anger that is plain as day and very powerful. Ultimately, "No More Sorrow" is one of Linkin Park's greatest songs, the best song off of Minutes To Midnight, and is in my opinion, the best song of 2007.

We're at the half-way point of the season. About three months to go until the post-season arrives. First off, some observations...

* The Boston Celtics are not only alive and well, but they have rejuvenated the Pistons too.

* The Heat still suck and after winning that 2006 championship in true-fluke fashion, I have NO remorse for them.

* The West is STACKED! If the playoffs started today, defending champ San Antonio would be the 6th seed!

* There are too many sweet guards out West; a lot of them deserve all-star recognition and won't get it.

* The New Orleans Hornets are for real! I called it, I knew they were going to do well. Chris Paul is playin out of his mind right now, and Tyson Chandler and David West are making names for themselves. This is a team to fear!

* Can someone please tell me where the hell this Laker bench came from?

* Orlando has cooled off since the hot start, and The Rockets and Jazz continue to disappoint.

* Lots of trade rumors flyin' around this month as well; I'll be surprised if ONE major trade goes down.

* Kevin Martin= Most Underrated Player in the NBA. That kid can score with the best of them.

* Whereas KG is livin' it up in Beantown, this year's T-Wolves might be the worst team ever.

Season Awards

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
Coach of The Year: Byron Scott, New Orleans Hornets
Scoring Champion: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Rookie of The Year: Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics
Defensive Player of The Year: Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets
6th Man of The Year: Manu Ginobli, San Antonio Spurs
Most Improved Player: Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers

Playoff Seeds: EAST

1. Boston Celtics
2. Detroit Pistons
3. Orlando Magic
4. Washington Wizards
5. Toronto Raptors
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Atlanta Hawks
8. New Jersey Nets


Playoff Seeds: WEST

1. Dallas Mavericks
2. Phoenix Suns
3. New Orleans Hornets
4. Denver Nuggets
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Los Angeles Lakers
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Houston Rockets


Playoff Predictions

1st Round (East)
Celtics over Nets in 4
Pistons over Hawks in 5
Cavs over Magic in 7
Wizards over Raptors in 7

1st Round (West)
Mavs over Rockets in 4
Suns over Warriors in 6
Hornets over Lakers in 6
Nuggets over Spurs in 7

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Celtics over Wizards in 6
Pistons over Cavs in 5

Western Conference Semifinals
Nuggets over Mavs in 6
Suns over Hornets in 7

2008 Eastern Conference Finals
Pistons over Celtics in 7

2008 Western Conference Finals
Suns over Nuggets in 6

2008 NBA FINALS
DETROIT PISTONS over Phoenix Suns in 6

These are 1,000 Songs that have had a profound influence on me and for whatever reason, are songs with great personal meaning to me.

Hopefully this proves that…

A. My musical taste is far more vast than anyone will give me credit for.

B. My musical taste is far better than most will give me credit for.

C. And finally, that I am a worthless loser from Livonia with NO LIFE and too much time, lol

They range from songs I consider some of the greatest ever written, to others that simply evoke emotion by bringing back a specific, single memory.

Enjoy…


.38 Special, "Hold On Loosely"
.38 Special, "Rockin' Into The Night"
2Pac, "All Eyes On Me"
2Pac, "Brenda's Got A Baby"
2Pac, "California Love"
2Pac, "Dear Mama"
2Pac, "Me Against The World"
311, "Amber"
311, "Creatures (For Awhile)"
311, "Love Song (Cover)"
3 Doors Down, "Away From The Sun"
3 Doors Down, "Kryptonite"
A Tribe Called Quest, "Jazz (We've Got)"
A Tribe Called Quest, "Scenario"
AC/DC, "Back In Black"
AC/DC, "Have A Drink On Me"
AC/DC, "Hells Bells"
AC/DC, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
AC/DC, "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)"
AC/DC, "Highway To Hell"
AC/DC, "T.N.T."
AC/DC, "Thunderstruck"
AC/DC, "Who Made Who?"
AC/DC, "You Shook Me All Night Long"
Aerosmith, "Back In The Saddle"
Aerosmith, "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)"
Aerosmith, "Dream On"
Aerosmith, "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing"
Aerosmith, "Jaded"
Aerosmith, "Janie's Got A Gun"
Aerosmith, "Love In An Elevator"
Aerosmith, "Seasons Of Wither"
Aerosmith, "Sweet Emotion"
Aerosmith, "Walk This Way"
AFI, "Girls Not Grey"
AFI, "Miss Murder"
Afroman, "Palmdale"
Al Green, "Call Me"
Al Green, "Let's Stay Together"
Alice Cooper, "Eighteen"
Alice Cooper, "Elected"
Alice Cooper, "No More Mr. Nice Guy"
Alice Cooper, "Only Women Bleed"
Alice Cooper, "Poison"
Alice Cooper, "School's Out"
Alice In Chains, "Again"
Alice In Chains, "Angry Chair"
Alice In Chains, "Down In A Hole"
Alice In Chains, "Got Me Wrong"
Alice In Chains, "I Stay Away"
Alice In Chains, "Man In The Box"
Alice In Chains, "Nutshell"
Alice In Chains, "Rooster"
Alice In Chains, "Them Bones"
Alice In Chains, "Would?"
Alicia Keys, "Fallin'"
Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You"
The Allman Brothers Band, "Ramblin' Man"
The Allman Brothers Band, "Whipping Post"
America, "A Horse With No Name"
The Animals, "House Of The Rising Sun"
Anthrax, "Caught In A Mosh"
Anthrax, "Indians"
April Wine, "All Over Town"
April Wine, "Just Between You And Me"
Aretha Franklin, "Chain Of Fools"
Aretha Franklin, "Respect"
Argent, "Hold Your Head Up"
Ashes Of Soma, "Somebody Else"
Asia, "Heat Of The Moment"
Asia, "Only Time Will Tell"
The Ataris, "The Boys of Summer (Cover)"
Audioslave, "Cochise"
Audioslave, "Like A Stone"
Audioslave, "Original Fire"
Audioslave, "Revelations"
Audioslave, "Show Me How To Live"
Avenged Sevenfold, "Bat Country"
Avenged Sevenfold, "Beast And The Harlot"
B.B. King, "The Thrill Is Gone"
B.B. King, "Sweet Little Angel"
B.B. King, "When Love Comes To Town"
Bad Company, "I Feel Like Makin' Love"
Bad Company, "Rock And Roll Fantasy (Cover)"
The Band, "The Weight"
Barry White, "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe"
The Beastie Boys, "Fight For Your Right"
The Beastie Boys, "Sabotage"
The Beatles, "A Hard Day's Night"
The Beatles, "Here Comes The Sun"
The Beatles, "Hello, Goodbye"
The Beatles, "Hey Jude"
The Beatles, "Twist And Shout"
The Beatles, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends"
Beck, "Loser"
Billy Idol, "Rebel Yell"
Billy Squire, "In The Dark"
Billy Squire, "Lonely Is The Night"
Billy Squire, "My Kinda Lover"
The Black Crowes, "Hard To Handle"
The Black Crowes, "She Talks To Angels"
The Black Crowes, "Twice As Hard"
Blackfoot, "Highway Song"
Black Label Society, "In This River"
Black Label Society, "Stillborn"
Black Sabbath, "Heaven And Hell"
Black Sabbath, "Iron Man"
Black Sabbath, "Sweet Leaf"
Black Sabbath, "The Wizard"
Black Sabbath, "War Pigs"
Blind Faith, "Presence Of The Lord"
Blink 182, "Adam's Song"
Blink 182, "All The Small Things"
Blink 182, "What's My Age Again?"
Blue Cheer, "Girl Next Door"
Blue Cheer, "Summertime Blues"
Blue Oyster Cult, "Burnin' For You"
Blue Oyster Cult, "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"
Blue Oyster Cult, "Godzilla"
Bob Dylan, "Hurricane"
Bob Dylan, "Like A Rolling Stone"
Bob Dylan, "Shelter From The Storm"
Bob Dylan, "Subterranean Homesick Blues"
Bob Dylan, "Tangled Up In Blue"
Bob Marley, "Exodus"
Bob Marley, "I Shot The Sheriff"
Bob Marley, "No Woman, No Cry"
Bob Marley, "Redemption Song"
Bob Seger, "Against The Wind"
Bob Seger, "Hollywood Nights"
Bob Seger, "Katmandu"
Bob Seger, "Night Moves"
Bob Seger, "Turn The Page"
Bon Jovi, "Lay Your Hands On Me"
Bon Jovi, "Livin' On A Prayer"
Bon Jovi, "Runaway"
Bon Jovi, "Wanted Dead Or Alive"
Bon Jovi, "You Give Love A Bad Name"
Boston, "Amanda"
Boston, "Don't Look Back"
Boston, "Foreplay/ Long Time"
Boston, "More Than A Feeling"
Boston, "Peace Of Mind"
Breaking Benjamin, "Diary Of Jane"
Bruce Springsteen, "Born To Run"
Bruce Springsteen, "Glory Days"
Bruce Springsteen, "Secret Garden"
Bruce Springsteen, "The Rising"
Bruce Springsteen, "Thunder Road"
Bryan Adams, "Heaven"
Bryan Adams, "Summer of '69"
Buckcherry, "All Lit Up"
Buckcherry, "Everything"
Bush, "Comedown"
Bush, "Everything Zen"
Bush, "Machinehead"
Carrie Underwood, "Before He Cheats"
The Cars, "Just What I Needed"
The Cars, "Moving In Stereo"
The Cars, "You're All I've Got Tonight"
Celine Dion, "A New Day Has Come"
Celine Dion, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now"
Charlie Daniels Band, "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"
Cheap Trick, "Dream Police"
Cheap Trick, "I Want You To Want Me (Live)"
Cheap Trick, "Surrender"
Chuck Berry, "Johnny B. Goode"
Chuck Berry, "You Never Can Tell"
The Clash, "London Calling"
The Clash, "Rock The Casbah"
The Clash, "Train In Vain (Stand By Me)"
The Clash, 'White Riot"
Coldplay, "Clocks"
Collective Soul, "December"
Collective Soul, "Shine"
Coolio, "Gangsta's Paradise"
Cream, "Crossroads (Live)"
Cream, "Sunshine Of Your Love"
Cream, "White Room"
Creed, "My Own Prison"
Creed, "With Arms Wide Open"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Bad Moon Rising"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Fortunate Son"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Proud Mary"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Up Around The Bend"
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, "Carry On"
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes"
The Cult, "Fire Woman"
Damn Yankees, "Coming Of Age"
Damn Yankees, "High Enough"
Danzig, "Mother"
Dashboard Confessional, "Screaming Infidelities"
Dave Matthews Band, "Crash Into Me"
Dave Matthews Band, "Everyday"
Dave Matthews Band, "The Space Between"
David Bowie, "Panic In Detroit"
David Bowie, "Rebel Rebel"
David Lee Roth, "Yankee Rose"
Deep Purple, "Child In Time"
Deep Purple, "Highway Star"
Deep Purple, "Hush"
Deep Purple, "Knockin' At Your Back Door"
Deep Purple, "Perfect Strangers"
Deep Purple, "Smoke On The Water"
Deep Purple, "Space Truckin'"
Deep Purple, "Woman From Tokyo"
Def Leppard, "Bringin' On The Heartbreak"
Def Leppard, "Foolin'"
Def Leppard, "Love Bites"
Def Leppard, "Photograph"
Def Leppard, "Pour Some Sugar On Me"
Def Leppard, "Rock Of Ages"
Def Leppard, "Rocket"
Deftones, "Minerva"
Derek & The Dominoes, "Layla"
Dick Dale, "Miserlou"
Dio, "Holy Diver"
Dio, "Rainbow In The Dark"
Dire Straits, "Money For Nothing"
Dire Straits, "Sultans Of Swing"
Dire Straits, "Walk Of Life"
Disturbed, "Down With The Sickness"
Disturbed, "Guarded"
Disturbed, "Land Of Confusion (Cover)"
Disturbed, "Remember"
Disturbed, "Stupify"
Don Henley, "All She Wants To Do Is Dance"
Don Henley, "The Boys Of Summer"
Don McLean, "American Pie"
Donna Summer, "Bad Girls"
Donnie Iris, "Ah! Leah!"
The Doobie Brothers, "China Grove"
The Doors, "Break On Through"
The Doors, "L.A. Woman"
The Doors, "Light My Fire"
The Doors, "Love Me Two Times"
The Doors, "Roadhouse Blues (Live)"
The Doors, "The End"
Dragonforce, "Evening Star"
Dragonforce, "Field Of Despairs"
Dragonforce, "Revelation"
Dream Theater, "A Change Of Seasons"
Dream Theater, "Metropolis Part I"
Dream Theater, "Pull Me Under"
The Drifters, "On Broadway"
The Drifters, "Under The Boardwalk"
Dropkick Murphys, "I'm Shipping Up To Boston"
Drowning Pool, "Bodies"
The Eagles, "Hotel California"
The Eagles, "Life In The Fast Lane"
The Eagles, "Take It Easy"
The Eagles, "Tequila Sunrise"
The Eagles, "Witchy Woman"
Earth, Wind & Fire, "Devotion"
Earth, Wind & Fire, "Let's Groove
Earth, Wind & Fire, "September"
Earth, Wind & Fire, "Shining Star"
Earth, Wind & Fire, "Sing A Song"
Eddie Money, "Take Me Home Tonight"
Eddie Money, "Two Tickets To Paradise"
The Edgar Winter Group, "Frankenstein"
The Edgar Winter Group, "Free Ride"
Elton John, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
Elton John, "Rocket Man"
Elton John, "Tiny Dancer"
Eminem, "Lose Yourself"
Eminem, "My Name Is"
Eminem, "Stan"
Eminem, "The Real Slim Shady"
Eric Clapton, "After Midnight"
Eric Clapton, "Bad Love"
Eric Clapton, "Cocaine"
Eric Clapton, "Forever Man"
Eric Clapton, "It's In The Way That You Use It"
Eric Clapton, "Lay Down Sally"
Eric Clapton, "Tears In Heaven"
Eric Clapton, "Wonderful Tonight"
Evan's Blue, "Beg"
Eve & Gwen Stefani, "Let Me Blow Ya Mind"
Everclear, "Santa Monica"
Faith No More, "Epic"
Faith No More, "Falling To Pieces"
Faith No More, "Midlife Crisis"
Finger Eleven, "One Thing"
Finger Eleven, "Paralyzer"
The Fixx, "One Thing Leads To Another"
Fleetwood Mac, "Go Your Own Way"
Fleetwood Mac, "Hypnotized"
Fleetwood Mac, "Little Lies"
Fleetwood Mac, "Rhiannon"
Foghat, "Slow Ride"
Foo Fighters, "All My Life"
Foo Fighters, "Baker Street (Cover)"
Foo Fighters, "Everlong"
Foo Fighters, "Learn To Fly"
Foo Fighters, "My Hero"
Foreigner, "Double Vision"
Foreigner, "Feels Like The First Time"
Foreigner, "Head Games"
Foreigner, "Jukebox Hero"
Fountains Of Wayne, "Stacey's Mom"
Free, "All Right Now"
Fuel, "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)"
Fuel, "Shimmer"
The Fugees, "Killing Me Softly"
Garbage, "Vow"
George Harrison, "What Is Life"
Gob, "Oh! Ellen!"
Godsmack, "Awake"
Godsmack, "Keep Away"
Godsmack, "Serenity"
Godsmack, "Whatever"
Godsmack, "Voodoo"
Golden Earring, "Radar Love"
Golden Earring, "Twilight Zone"
Gorillaz, "Clint Eastwood"
Goo Goo Dolls, "Iris"
Grand Funk Railroad, "Some Kind Of Wonderful"
Grand Funk Railroad, "The Loco-Motion"
Grand Funk Railroad, "We're An American Band"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, "Freedom"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, "New York, New York"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, "The Message"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, "White Lines"
Green Day, "Longview"
Green Day, "Time Of Your Life"
Green Day, "Welcome To Paradise"
The Guess Who, "American Woman"
Guns N' Roses, "Ain't It Fun?"
Guns N' Roses, "Civil War"
Guns N' Roses, "Mr. Brownstone"
Guns N' Roses, "November Rain"
Guns N' Roses, "Paradise City"
Guns N' Roses, "Patience"
Guns N' Roses, "Sweet Child O'Mine"
Guns N' Roses, "Welcome To The Jungle"
Guns N' Roses, "You Could Be Mine"
Heart, "Alone"
Heart, "Barracuda"
Heart, "Crazy On You"
Heart, "Magic Man"
Heart, "Never"
Hinder, "Lips Of An Angel"
Hoobastank, "Crawling In The Dark"
Hootie And The Blowfish, "Hold My Hand"
Hootie And The Blowfish, "Only Want To Be With You"
Ice Cube, "It Was A Good Day"
Ice Cube, "Wrong Nigga To Fuck Wit"
Ice T, "Cop Killer"
Ike & Tina Turner, "Proud Mary (Cover)"
Incubus, "Dig"
Incubus, "Drive"
Incubus, "I Miss You"
Incubus, "I Wish You Were Here"
Incubus, "Nice To Know You"
Incubus, "Pardon Me"
Incubus, "Stellar"
INXS, "Devil Inside"
INXS, "New Sensation"
Iron Maiden, "Flight Of Icarus
Iron Maiden, "Hallowed Be Thy Name"
Iron Maiden, "The Number Of The Beast"
Iron Maiden, "Run To The Hills"
Iron Maiden, "The Trooper"
Iron Maiden, "Wasted Years"
The Isley Brothers, "Shout"
The J. Geils Band, "Centerfold"
The J. Geils Band, "Detroit Breakdown (Live)"
The J. Geils Band, "Freeze-Frame"
Jackson Browne, "Doctor My Eyes"
Jackson Browne, "Rock Me On The Water"
Jackson Browne, "Running On Empty"
Jackson Browne, "Somebody's Baby"
Jackson Browne, "Take It Easy (Cover)"
James Brown, "Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine)"
James Brown, "I Got You (I Feel Good)"
James Brown, "Out Of Sight"
James Brown, "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"
James Taylor, "Fire And Rain"
Jane's Addiction, "Been Caught Stealing"
Jane's Addiction, "Jane Says"
Jane's Addiction, "Just Because"
Jane's Addiction, "Mountain Song"
Jay-Z, "99 Problems"
Jay-Z, "Big Pimpin'"
Jay-Z, "Can I Getta…"
Jeff Buckley, "Grace"
Jeff Buckley, "Hallelujah"
Jeff Buckley, "So Real"
Jefferson Airplane, "Somebody To Love"
Jefferson Airplane, "White Rabbit"
Jethro Tull, "Aqualung"
Jewel, "Standing Still"
Jimi Hendrix, "All Along The Watchtower"
Jimi Hendrix, "Castles Made Of Sand"
Jimi Hendrix, "Dolly Dagger"
Jimi Hendrix, "Fire"
Jimi Hendrix, "Foxey Lady"
Jimi Hendrix, "If Six Was Nine"
Jimi Hendrix, "Hey Joe"
Jimi Hendrix, "Purple Haze"
Jimi Hendrix, "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)"
Joe Satriani, "Is There Love In Space?"
Joe Walsh, "Rocky Mountain Way"
John Lennon, "(Just Like) Starting Over"
John Lennon, "Instant Karma"
John Lennon, "Mind James"
John Mayer, "Bigger Than My Body"
John Mayer, "Waiting On The World To Change"
Johnny Cash, "Folsom Prison Blues (Lives)"
Johnny Cash, "Hurt"
Johnny Cash, "I Walk The Line"
Johnny Cash, "Ring Of Fire"
Joni Mitchell, "A Case Of You"
Joni Mitchell, "Big Yellow Taxi"
Journey, "Faithfully"
Journey, "Lights"
Journey, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"
Journey, "Separate Ways"
Journey, "Stone In Love"
Journey, "Wheel In The Sky"
Judas Priest, "Breaking The Law"
Judas Priest, "Freewheel Burning"
Judas Priest, "Headin' Out To The Highway"
Judas Priest, "Living After Midnight"
Judas Priest, "The Green Manalishi (Cover)"
Judas Priest, "The Hellion/ Electric Eye"
Judas Priest, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"
Kamelot, "Nights Of Arabia"
Kamelot, "Until Kingdom Come"
Kansas, "Carry On Wayward Son"
Kansas, "Dust In The Wind"
Kanye West, "Jesus Walks"
Kanye West, "Through The Wire"
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, "Blue On Black"
Kid Rock, "American Badass"
Kid Rock, "Bawitaba"
Kid Rock, "Cowboy"
Kid Rock, "I Am The Bull-God"
Kid Rock, "Only God Knows Why"
The Killers, "Mr. Brightside"
The Killers, "Smile Like You Mean It"
The Killers, "When You Were Young"
Killswitch Engage, "When Darkness Falls"
King's X, "Dogman"
The Kinks, "Catch Me Now, I'm Falling"
The Kinks, "Victoria"
The Kinks, "You Really Got Me"
Kiss, "Calling Dr. Love"
Kiss, "Detroit Rock City"
Kiss, "I Love It Loud"
Kiss, "I Wanna Rock & Roll All Night"
Kiss, "Strutter"
Kool & The Gang, "Celebration"
Kool & The Gang, "Jungle Boogie"
Kool & The Gang, "Hollywood Swingin'"
Korn, "Coming Undone"
Korn, "Did My Time"
Korn, "Falling Away From Me"
Korn, "Freak On A Leash"
Korn, "Got The Life"
Korn, "Here To Stay"
Korn, "Make Me Bad"
Korn, "Thoughtless"
Lacuna Coil, "Our Truth"
Lacuna Coil, "Swamped"
Lauryn Hill, "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
Lauryn Hill, "Every Ghetto, Every City"
Led Zeppelin, "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You"
Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog"
Led Zeppelin, "Dancing Days"
Led Zeppelin, "Dazed and Confused"
Led Zeppelin, "Fool In The Rain"
Led Zeppelin, "Four Sticks"
Led Zeppelin, "Gallow's Pole"
Led Zeppelin, "Good Times, Bad Times"
Led Zeppelin, "Going To California"
Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir"
Led Zeppelin, "Over The Hills and Far Away"
Led Zeppelin, "Rock and Roll"
Led Zeppelin, "Stairway To Heaven"
Led Zeppelin, "Ten Years Gone"
Led Zeppelin, "The Battle of Evermore"
Led Zeppelin, "Trampled Underfoot"
Led Zeppelin, "What Is And Would Should Never Be"
Led Zeppelin, "When The Levee Breaks"
Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love"
Lenny Kravitz, "Again"
Lenny Kravitz, "American Woman (Cover)"
Lenny Kravitz, "Fly Away"
Linkin Park, "Bleed It Out"
Linkin Park, "Crawling"
Linkin Park, "Faint"
Linkin Park, "From The Inside"
Linkin Park, "In The End"
Linkin Park, "My December"
Linkin Park, "One Step Closer"
Linkin Park, "Papercut"
Linkin Park, "Place For My Head"
Linkin Park, "Pushing Me Away"
Linkin Park, "Somewhere I Belong"
Linkin Park, "What I've Done"
Lita Ford, "Kiss Me Deadly"
Live, "Lightning Crashes"
Living Colour, "The Cult Of Personality"
LL Cool J, "Mama Said Knock You Out"
Lynryd Skynryd, "Free Bird"
Lynryd Skynryd, "Gimme Three Steps"
Lynryd Skynryd, "Simple Man"
Lynryd Skynryd, "Sweet Home Alabama"
Lynryd Skynryd, "That Smell"
Lynryd Skynryd, "Tuesday's Gone"
The Mamas & The Papas, "California Dreamin'"
Mana, "Angel De Amor"
Mana, "Arrancame El Corazon"
Maroon 5, "Makes Me Wonder"
Martha & The Vandellas, "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave"
Martha & The Vandellas, "Dancing In The Street"
Martha & The Vandellas, "Nowhere To Run"
Martina McBride, "Independence Day"
Marvin Gaye, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
Marvin Gaye, "Heaven Must Have Sent You"
Marvin Gaye, "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get It On"
Marvin Gaye, "Mercy, Mercy Me"
Marvin Gaye, "Sexual Healing"
Marvin Gaye, "Trouble Man"
Marvin Gaye, "What's Goin' On"
Matchbox Twenty, "If You're Gone"
MC Hammer, "Can't Touch This"
Megadeth, "Foreclosure Of A Dream"
Megadeth, "Hangar 18"
Megadeth, "Peace Sells"
Megadeth, "Symphony Of Destruction"
Metallica, "Enter Sandman"
Metallica, "Eye Of The Beholder"
Metallica, "Fade To Black"
Metallica, "For Whom The Bell Tolls"
Metallica, "Fuel"
Metallica, "I Dissapear"
Metallica, "Master Of Puppets"
Metallica, "Nothing Else Matters"
Metallica, "One"
Metallica, "Ride The Lightning"
Metallica, "The Unforgiven"
Metallica, "Until It Sleeps"
Metallica, "Wherever I May Roam"
Metallica, "Whiskey In The Jar (Cover)"
Molly Hatchet, "Flirtin' With Disaster"
Montrose, "Rock Candy"
Motley Crue, "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)"
Motley Crue, "Dr. Feelgood"
Motley Crue, "Girls, Girls, Girls"
Motley Crue, "Home Sweet Home"
Motley Crue, "Kickstart My Heart"
Motley Crue, "Looks That Kill"
Motley Crue, "Shout At The Devil"
Motley Crue, "Wild Side"
Motorhead, "Ace Of Spades"
Mott The Hoople, "All The Way From Memphis"
Mott The Hoople, "All The Young Dudes"
Mudvayne, "Not Falling"
Muse, "Hysteria"
N.W.A., "Fuck Tha Police"
N.W.A., "Straight Outta Compton"
Nas, "I Can"
Nas, "One Mic"
Nazareth, "Hair Of The Dog"
Neil Young, "Heart Of Gold"
Neil Young, "Keep On Rockin' In The Free World"
Neil Young, "Long May You Run"
Neil Young, "Ohio"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse, "Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black)"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse, "My My, Hey Hey (Out of The Blue)"
Nelly, "Country Grammar"
Nelly, "E.I."
Nelly, "Ride Wit' Me"
New Radicals, "You Only Get What You Give"
Nickelback, "Because Of You"
Nickelback, "Photograph"
Nickelback, "Never Again"
Nickelback, "Savin' Me"
Nickelback, "Side Of A Bullet"
Nine Inch Nails, "Closer"
Nine Inch Nails, "Head Like A Hole"
Nirvana, "About A Girl"
Nirvana, "All Apologies"
Nirvana, "Come As You Are"
Nirvana, "Heart-Shaped Box"
Nirvana, "In Bloom"
Nirvana, "Lithium"
Nirvana, "Pennyroyal Tea"
Nirvana, "Rape Me"
Nirvana, "Sliver"
Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
Nirvana, "The Man Who Sold The World (Cover)"
Nirvana, "You Know You're Right"
No Doubt, "Don't Speak"
No Doubt, "Ex-Girlfriend"
No Doubt, "Hella Good"
No Doubt, "Sunday Morning"
Notorious B.I.G., "Big Poppa"
Notorious B.I.G., "Juicy"
Notorious B.I.G., "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems"
Notorious B.I.G., "Sky's The Limit"
The O'Jays, "Love Train"
Oasis, "Champagne Supernova"
Oasis, "Wonderwall"
Ohio Players, "Fire"
Ohio Players, "Love Rollercoaster"
Ol' Dirty Bastard, "Got Your Money"
Otis Redding, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of The Bay"
Our Lady Peace, "Innocent"
Our Lady Peace, "Kiss On The Mouth"
Our Lady Peace, "Life"
Our Lady Peace, "One Man Army"
Our Lady Peace, "Sell My Soul"
Our Lady Peace, "Thief"
The Outfield, "Your Love"
OutKast, "Ms. Jackson"
OutKast, "Rosa Parks"
OutKast, "So Fresh, So Clean"
OutKast, "The Way You Move"
Ozzy, "Bark At The Moon"
Ozzy, "Breakin' All The Rules"
Ozzy, "Crazy Train"
Ozzy, "Diary Of A Madman"
Ozzy, "Flying High Again"
Ozzy, "I Don't Wanna Stop"
Ozzy, "Mama, I'm Comin' Home"
Ozzy, "Mr. Crowley"
Ozzy, "Mr. Tinkertrain"
Ozzy, "No More Tears"
P.O.D., "Alive"
P.O.D., "Set It Off"
P.O.D., "Sleeping Awake"
P.O.D., "Youth Of The Nation"
Pantera, "Cemetery Gates"
Pantera, "Cowboys From Hell"
Pantera, "I'm Broken"
Pantera, "Mouth For War"
Pantera, "This Love"
Pantera, "Walk"
Papa Roach, "Last Resort"
Parliament, "Give Up The Funk"
Pat Benatar, "Heartbreaker"
Pat Benatar, "Invincible"
Pat Benatar, "Promises In The Dark"
Pat Benatar, "Shadows Of The Night"
Pat Benatar, "We Belong"
Pearl Jam, "Alive"
Pearl Jam, "Animal"
Pearl Jam, "Black"
Pearl Jam, "Better Man"
Pearl Jam, "Daughter"
Pearl Jam, "Dissident"
Pearl Jam, "Elderly Woman…"
Pearl Jam, "Even Flow"
Pearl Jam, "Jeremy"
Pearl Jam, "Love Reign O'er Me (Cover)"
A Perfect Circle, "Judith"
Peter Frampton, "Baby, I Love Your Way"
Peter Frampton, "Black Hole Sun (Cover)"
Peter Frampton, "Do You Feel Like We Do?"
Peter Frampton, "Show Me The Way"
Peter Frampton, "Something's Happening"
Peter Gabriel, "In Your Eyes"
Pink Floyd, "Comfortably Numb"
Pink Floyd, "Have A Cigar"
Pink Floyd, "Hey You"
Pink Floyd, "Money"
Pink Floyd, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
Pink Floyd, "Time"
Pink Floyd, "Wish You Were Here"
Pink Floyd, "Young Lust"
The Police, "Every Breath You Take"
The Police, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"
The Police, "King Of Pain"
The Police, "Message In A Bottle"
The Police, "Roxanne"
Priestess, "Talk To Her"
Prince, "1999"
Prince, "Let's Go Crazy"
Prince, "Little Red Corvette"
Prince, "Purple Rain"
Prince, "When Doves Cry"
Public Enemy, "911 Is A Joke"
Public Enemy, "Brothers Gonna Work It Out"
Public Enemy, "Fight The Power"
Public Enemy, "Welcome To The Terrordome"
Public Enemy & Anthrax, "Bring The Noise"
Puddle Of Mudd, "Blurry"
Puddle Of Mudd, "Drift And Die"
Puddle Of Mudd, "She Hates Me"
Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody"
Queen, "Fat-Bottomed Girls"
Queen, "I Want It All"
Queen, "We Will Rock You/ We Are The Champions"
Queen, "You're My Best Friend"
Queen & David Bowie, "Under Pressure"
Queens Of The Stone Age, "No One Knows"
Queensryche, "Another Rainy Night (Without You)"
Queensyrche, "Empire"
Queensryche, "Eyes Of A Stranger"
Queensryche, "I Don't Believe In Love"
Queensryche, "Jet City Woman"
Queensryche, "Silent Lucidity"
Quiet Riot, "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)"
The Raconteurs, "Steady As She Goes"
Rage Against The Machine, "Bulls On Parade"
Rage Against The Machine, "Guerilla Radio"
Rage Against The Machine, "Killing In The Name Of"
Rage Against The Machine, "Renegades Of Funk"
Rage Against The Machine, "Sleep Now In The Fire"
Rainbow, "Gates Of Babylon"
Rainbow, "Man On The Silver Mountain"
Rainbow, "Stargazer"
Rainbow, "Stone Cold"
Rainbow, "Street Of Dreams"
Ram Jam, "Black Betty"
Ratt, "Lay It Down"
Ratt, "Round and Round"
Ratt, "You're In Love"
Ray Charles, "Unchain My Heart"
Ray Charles, "What'd I Say?"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Breaking The Girl"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "By The Way"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Californication"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Especially In Michigan"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Give It Away"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Higher Ground (Cover)"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Love Rollercoaster (Cover)"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Soul To Squeeze"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Suck My Kiss"
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under The Bridge"
REO Speedwagon, "Keep On Lovin' You"
REO Speedwagon, "Time For Me To Fly"
Rick Derringer, "Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo"
Rick James, "Superfreak"
The Righteous Brothers, "Unchained Melody"
The Righteous Brothers, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"
Rob Zombie, "Dragula"
Rob Zombie, "Let It All Bleed Out"
The Rolling Stones, "Blinded By Rainbows"
The Rolling Stones, "Gimme Shelter"
The Rolling Stones, "Jumpin' Jack Flash"
The Rolling Stones, "Miss You"
The Rolling Stones, "Paint It Black"
The Rolling Stones, "Street Fighting Man"
The Rolling Stones, "Sympathy For The Devil"
The Rolling Stones, "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
The Rolling Stones, "You Got Me Rocking"
Roy Orbison, "(Oh) Pretty Woman"
Run DMC, "It's Tricky"
Run DMC, "My Adidas"
Run DMC, "Rock Box"
Run DMC, "Walk This Way (Cover)"
Run DMC, "You Talk Too Much"
Rush, "2112"
Rush, "Closer To The Heart"
Rush, "Limelight"
Rush, "Red Barchetta"
Rush, "Subdivisions"
Rush, "The Spirit Of Radio"
Rush, "Time Stand Still"
Rush, "Tom Sawyer"
Rush, "Working Man"
Sammy Hagar, "Heavy Metal"
Sammy Hagar, "I'll Fall In Love Again"
Sammy Hagar, "There's Only One Way To Rock"
Sam & Dave, "Soul Man"
Santana, "Black Magic Woman"
Santana, "Evil Ways"
Santana, "Soul Sacrifice"
Santana & Rob Thomas, "Smooth"
Sarah McLachlan, "Building A Mystery"
Sarah McLachlan, "Fallen"
Sarah McLachlen, "I Will Remember You"
Scorpions, "Big City Nights"
Scorpions, "Rock You Like A Hurricane"
Scorpions, "Still Loving You"
Scorpions, "The Zoo"
Seal, "Kiss From A Rose"
Sepultura, "Refuse/ Resist"
Sevendust, "Driven"
Sevendust, "Enemy"
Sevendust, "Face To Face"
Shaggy, "It Wasn't Me"
Shaggy, "Luv Me, Luv Me"
Shaggy & Max-A-Million, "Sexual Healing (Remix)"
Shania Twain, "Don't Be Stupid"
Shania Twain, "(If You're Not In It For Love) I'm Outta Here!"
Shania Twain, "Man, I Feel Like A Woman"
Shania Twain, "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under"
Shania Twain, "That Don't Impress Me Much"
Sheryl Crow, "All I Wanna Do"
Sheryl Crow, "Every Day Is A Winding Road"
Sheryl Crow, "If It Makes You Happy"
Shinedown, "Burning Bright"
Shinedown, "Fly From The Inside"
Sir Mix-A-Lot, "Baby Got Back"
Skid Row, "18 And Life"
Skid Row, "Youth Gone Wild"
Slaughter, "Fly To The Angels"
Slayer, "Angel Of Death"
Slayer, "Hell Awaits"
Slayer, "Raining Blood"
Slayer, "South Of Heaven"
Slipknot, "Wait And Bleed"
Sly & The Family Stone, "Dance To The Music"
Sly & The Family Stone, "Everyday People"
Sly & The Family Stone, "Family Affair"
Smashing Pumpkins, "1979"
Smashing Pumpkins, "Tonight, Tonight"
Smile Empty Soul, "Bottom Of A Bottle"
Smile Empty Soul, "Silhouettes"
Smokey Robinson, "Being With You"
Smokey Robinson, "Cruisin'"
Smokey Robinson, "The Tracks Of My Tears"
Snoop Dogg, "2 Of Amerika's Most Wanted"
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, "Ain't Nothin' But A G Thang"
Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, "Gin And Juice"
Soundgarden, "Black Hole Sun"
Soundgarden, "Burden In My Hand"
Soundgarden, "Fell On Black Days"
Soundgarden, "Flower"
Soundgarden, "Jesus Christ Pose"
Soundgarden, "My Wave"
Soundgarden, "Outshined"
Soundgarden, "Pretty Noose"
Soundgarden, "Rusty Cage"
Soundgarden, "Spoonman"
Staind, "It's Been Awhile"
Staind, "Mudshovel"
Staind, "Outside"
Staind, "The Price To Play"
Steely Dan, "Reelin' In The Years"
Steppenwolf, "Born To Be Wild"
Steppenwolf, "Magic Carpet Ride"
Steve Miller Band, "Fly Like An Eagle"
Steve Miller Band, "Jet Airliner"
Steve Miller Band, "Jungle Love"
Steve Miller Band, "Rock'n Me"
Steve Miller Band, "The Joker"
Stevie Nicks, "Edge Of Seventeen"
Stevie Nicks, "Stand Back"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Couldn't Stand The Weather"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Crossfire"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Pride And Joy"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Texas Flood"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "The House Is Rockin'"
Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Voodoo Child (Cover)"
Stevie Wonder, "Fingertips, Pt. II"
Stevie Wonder, "Higher Ground"
Stevie Wonder, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours"
Stevie Wonder, "Superstition"
Stevie Wonder, "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"
Sting, "Desert Rose"
Stone Sour, "Through Glass"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Big Empty"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Creep"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Interstate Love Song"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Plush"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Sex Type Thing"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Vasoline"
Stone Temple Pilots, "Wicked Garden"
Straylight Run, "Existentialism On Prom Night"
Sublime, "What I Got"
Sum 41, "Fat Lip"
Sum 41, "The Hell Song"
The Supremes, "Baby Love"
The Supremes, "Stop! In The Name of Love"
Sweet, "Fox On The Run"
Switchfoot, "Meant To Live"
System Of A Down, "Aerials"
System Of A Down, "Chop Suey!"
System Of A Down, "Hypnotize"
System Of A Down, "The Legend Of Zelda"
System Of A Down, "Toxicity"
T. Rex, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)"
Taproot, "Poem"
Ted Nugent, "Cat Scratch Fever"
Ted Nugent, "Fred Bear"
Ted Nugent, "Free For All"
Ted Nugent, "Stranglehold"
Ted Nugent, "Weekend Warriors"
Temple Of The Dog, "Hunger Strike"
The Temptations, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"
The Temptations, "My Girl"
The Temptations, "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"
Thin Lizzy, "Cowboy Song"
Thin Lizzy, "Jailbreak"
Thin Lizzy, "The Boys Are Back In Town"
Thin Lizzy, "Whiskey In The Jar"
Thousand Foot Crutch, "Move"
Three Days Grace, "Animal I've Become"
TLC, "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg"
TLC, "Creep"
TLC, "Let's Talk About Sex"
TLC, "No Scrubs"
TLC, "Waterfalls"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "Refugee"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "Breakdown"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "You Got Lucky"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "Free Fallin'"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "I Won't Back Down"
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, "Running Down A Dream"
TOOL, "Aenima"
TOOL, "Forty-Six & 2"
TOOL, "H"
TOOL, "Jambi"
TOOL, "The Pot"
TOOL, "Schism"
TOOL, "Sober"
TOOL, "Stinkfist"
TOOL, "Vicarious"
Toto, "Africa"
Toto, "Hold The Line"
Traffic, "Feelin' Alright"
Train, "Drops Of Jupiter"
Train, "Meet Virginia"
Trapt, "Echo"
Trapt, "Headstrong"
Trillville, "Neva Eva"
Triumph, "Fight The Good Fight"
Triumph, "Lay It On The Line"
Twisted Sister, "I Wanna Rock"
Twisted Sister, "We're Not Gonna Take It"
U2, "Angel of Harlem"
U2, "Beautiful Day"
U2, "City Of Blinding Lights"
U2, "Desire"
U2, "Even Better Than The Real Thing"
U2, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Lookin' For"
U2, "New Year's Day"
U2, "Pride (In The Name of Love)"
U2, "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
U2, "Vertigo"
U2, "Where The Streets Have No Name"
The Used, "Blue And Yellow"
The Used, "The Taste Of Ink"
Van Halen, "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love"
Van Halen, "And The Cradle Will Rock…"
Van Halen, "Dance The Night Away"
Van Halen, "Dreams"
Van Halen, "Eruption"
Van Halen, "Finish What Ya Started"
Van Halen, "Hot For Teacher"
Van Halen, "Jamie's Cryin'"
Van Halen, "Jump"
Van Halen, "Love Walks In"
Van Halen, "Panama"
Van Halen, "Poundcake"
Van Halen, "Right Now"
Van Halen, "Runaround"
Van Halen, "Runnin' With The Devil"
Van Halen, "The Best of Both Worlds"
Van Halen, "Unchained"
Van Halen, "Why Can't This Be Love?"
Van Morrison, "Brown-Eyed Girl"
Velvet Revolver, "Come On, Come In"
Velvet Revolver, "Fall To Pieces"
Velvet Revolver, "Money (Cover)"
Velvet Revolver, "Slither"
The Verve, "Bittersweet Symphony"
Warron Zevon, "Werewolves Of London"
Weezer, "Buddy Holly"
Weezer, "Keep Fishin'"
The White Stripes, "Seven Nation Army"
White Zombie, "More Human Than Human"
White Zombie, "Thunder Kiss '65"
Whitesnake, "Fool For Your Loving"
Whitesnake, "Give Me All Your Love"
Whitesnake, "Here I Go Again"
Whitesnake, "Love Ain't No Stranger"
Whitesnake, "Slow An' Easy"
Whitesnake, "Still Of The Night"
The Who, "Baba O'Riley"
The Who, "Behind Blue Eyes"
The Who, "Eminence Front"
The Who, "I Can See For Miles"
The Who, "My Generation"
The Who, "My Wife"
The Who, "Pinball Wizard"
The Who, "Who Are You?"
The Who, "Won't Get Fooled Again"
Will Smith, "Miami"
Wings, "Band On The Run"
Wings, "Jet"
Wings, "Live And Let Die"
Wings, "Magneto And Titanium Man"
Wings, "Mull Of Kintyre"
Wings, "Venus And Mars/ Rock Show""
Yes, "Changes"
Yes, "It Can Happen"
Yes, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart"
Yes, "Roundabout"
ZZ Top, "Gimme All Your Lovin'"
ZZ Top, "La Grange"
ZZ Top, "Legs"
ZZ Top, "Sharp Dressed Man"
ZZ Top, "Tush"

1. On the 1-10 scale, rate the past year:
15

2. What was your New Year's Resolution?
To enjoy the year no matter what happened

3. Did you keep it?
Yes, somehow

4. Are you happier now then you were this time last year?
Easily

5. Where were you when 2007 started?
Sitting around a campfire with Mateo up north.

6. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Hung out with friends pretty much every other day

7. What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single, as always

8. How was your birthday? What did you do?
It was a blast. I went to Hooters for lunch, Logan's for dinner, and bowled with a lot of good friends later that night.

9. Did anyone important in your life die?
No

10. Did you make any new friends?
Yeah- Shea and Jenn among many others

11. Did you go to any concerts/ sporting events?
No concerts, a couple Tiger games, a couple Piston games

12. What was the best month of the year for you?
July, a month I'll never forget

13. Were you in any relationships?
No

14. What was your biggest accomplishment of the year?
Graduating? lol

15. What was your biggest failure?
Spring Break 2007; didn't do anything, wallowed in misery, and made it into one of the worst times of my life

16. How did you spend your friday nights?
With friends, livin' it up

17. Did you buy anything meaningful?
A lot of good DVDs

18. Did you party a lot?
No, never have probably never will

19. Were you sexually active?
Ha, no

20. Did you break someone's heart?
I surely hope not

21. Did you get used?
Unlike years past, No.

22. Did you go on any vacations? If so, what was your favorite?
Myrtle Beach was the best

23. Who did you hang out with most?
Matt, Kyle, Jeremy, Josh, Allison, Megan, Brandon, Megan P, Shea, Della, Nick, Will, Jenn, Elliot, Seth, Staijker, Allen, Jabra, Billsb, Kayla, Andrew, and SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE and I loved it

24. How was the Spring?
Aside from Spring Break, very enjoyable

25. Summer?
The absolute best summer of my life

26. Fall?
It was a dropoff from summer, but still fun

27. Winter?
Wouldn't know, hasn't started yet

28. Who was your summer fling?
No one

29. How long was your longest relationship?
0 Days

30. Did you go swimming?
Yes

31. Did you run from the cops?
Ha, not this year

32. Did you cry?
Yes

33. What was the best book you read this year?
Gary Sheffield's "Inside Power", Life of Pi, and THE KITE RUNNER

34. What was your favorite song from 2007?
Linkin Park "No More Sorrow" and TOOL "Jambi"

35. What was your favorite movie from 2007?
American Gangster by far, but there were MANY other great ones (Superbad, Pirates 3, Live Free or Die Hard, Bourne Ultimatum, etc.)

36. What's one sports moment from the last year you'll always remember?
Justin Verlander's No-hitter and The Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis trade

37. Describe your fashion sense from the past year?
I have no fashion sense

38. What was your most visited website this year?
Myspace, facebook, cbssports, youtube

39. What political issue stirred you the most?
The election next year

40. What pop culure event from the last year will you always remember?
Anna Nicole Smith's death

41. Did you crush on any celebs?
Alessandra Ambrosio, my lovely wife (I wish) ;)

42. How did you survive 2007?
The love of my family and friends, and a red bull every morning ;)

43. What could've been better about 2007?
If the Tigers/ Pistons/ Wings would've won their league's championships, if I'd have gone to California

44. What was the biggest surprise in 2007?
Coming Home 07, I almost didn't go and it wound up being one of the best nights of my life

45. What did you want at the start of 2007, and end up getting?
The time to hang out with the people I love

46. What did you want at the start of 2007, and NOT get?
I wanted to move to California, I didn't even go back

47. Summarize 2007 in 3 words
Nearly-Perfect, Unforgettable, Insurmountable

48. What song will you forever associate with 2007?
Led Zeppelin, "Ten Years Gone"

49. Many years from now when you think of 2007, what will be your first instinct?
To cry, in nostalgia

50. At year's end, is your outlook on life good or bad?
Both

51. Have you found out anything new about yourself?
I've learned that for all my flaws, my intentions are good at heart and that my first instinct really is to love

52. Do you still believe in love?
I still believe in love; I just know it's not meant for me

53. Do you think 2008 will be better than 2007?
It will have to be a DAMN good year

54. What was the single best moment of the year for you?
3-way tie between Prom, My Grad Party, and Myrtle Beach

55. What is one life lesson you will take away from 2007?
That love is all you need, it is the only thing that matters

56. Use a song lyric to sum up 2007..
The entire lyrics to Led Zeppelin's "Ten Years Gone"...

"Then as it was, then again it will be
An' though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea
Blind stars of fortune, each have several rays
On the wings of maybe, down in birds of prey
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to grow
But as the eagle leaves the nest, it's got so far to go

Changes fill my time, baby, that's alright with me
In the midst I think of you, and how it used to be

Did you ever really need somebody, And really need 'em bad
Did you ever really want somebody, The best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby, did it feel so good
'Cause it was just the first time, And you knew you would

Through the eyes an' I sparkle, Senses growing keen
Taste your love along the way, See your feathers preen
Kind of makes makes me feel sometimes, Didn't have to grow
We are eagles of one nest, The nest is in our soul

Vixen in my dreams, with great surprise to me
Never thought I'd see your face the way it used to be
Oh darlin', oh darlin'

I'm never gonna leave you. I never gonna leave
Holdin' on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone"

It took me 3 hours to do this; don't ask why I did it. Ha ha, enjoy though

1. Are you happy with your life right now?
A: Very much so, somehow

2. How do you feel and what made you feel that way?
A: Free/ at-peace, because I'm spending time with the people I care about

3. Do you often lose hope?
A: Yes

4. If you get depressed, do you try to get yourself happy or keep dwelling?
A: I lack the inner strength to pick myself back up on my own; it usually takes a very significant/genuine rush of hope to start thinking positively again.

5. Do you have a shoulder to cry on?
A: I know there are people I can turn to when I'm sad and disheartened. However, 9 out of the 10 times I'm miserable- I keep it to myself

6. Do kids make you happy or annoyed?
A: Some make me happy, others annoy me.

7. When was the first time you realized you were an adult?
A: Driving home from The All-Night Party

8. Are you a loner or someone who needs people around them?
A: I need others to be happy. Ironically though, I have been known to isolate myself

9. Does love ever end?
A: Wouldn't know.

10. Is there a song that defines you?
A: "Life" by Our Lady Peace

11. What's the most important thing to you?
A: The happiness and well being of the people I love

12. Do you stereotype?
A: I do my absolute best not to

13. If so, What do you stereotype yourself as?
A: There isn't any one stereotype that I entirely fit the mold of (and I couldn't possibly be prouder of that).

14. What are you most afraid of?
A: Hurting others, Heartache

15. What's your greatest fantasy?
A: I have several, it's hard to pick one out

16. Describe a dream you once had
A: I dream about California often

17. Why are you alive (not meant to trigger suicide, but what keeps you alive?)
A: The feeling that I am loved; that, and that alone

18. Do you get along with your family?
A: For the most part

19. When did you have the most fun in your life?
A: Specifically would be Prom, but overall- 2007 has been the most fun year of my entire life

20. When was the last time you smiled?
A: When I read the first question, and I realized "wow, there really isn't anything I can complain about right now"

21. When was the last time you cried?
A: On the way back from All-Night Party; the life I knew kept getting better with every passing day, and suddenly- it was over

22. What does it take to make you cry your heart out?
A: Extreme loneliness. I have also shed many tears over betrayal and love

23. Would you rather be dead or blind?
A: Dead; my life is too relient on my ability to see

24. Do you think people can change?
A: Yes

25. Is there life on other planets?
A: None like we see in the movies

26. What is your religious affiliation?
A: I am a Christian; I love Jesus Christ and embrace him before any other religious being. However, I am well versed in many religions and respect and practice different aspects of several religions.

27. How do you feel about God?
A: My central desire is to grow closer to God. I believe people should not be bound by the guidelines of specific religions, but should simply try to love God and grow closer to him by whatever means seems logical/reasonable.

28. U.N.-- effective or ineffective?
A: Ineffective to the point that it would be funny, if it weren't so sad

29. Should foreign aid be increased?
A: As the World's superpower, I believe we should intervene when situations grow dire ("With great power, comes great responsibility" in a nutshell)

30. Why do you think there is still poverty?
A: Because NOTHING is free

31. Are you offended by the thought of prayer in schools?
A: I don't think School is the place for Religion

32. What do you think of money?
A: It is the source of several of our problems (though it is necessary)

33. Which would you choose, being famous or being rich?
A: Being rich; I have no desire to be famous

34. Someone close to you asks you to turn off their life support machine; they are in pain, do you?
A: Without thinking twice

35. Is human nature inherently good or bad?
A: Inherently bad; as we grow, we're influenced by the immediate world around us; from that we develop ethics/ personal standards. Some of us ascend to a higher moral state, some of us descend; and it's never too late to start doing either

36. What is your personal philosophy that you try to live by?
A: I have 2 important ones. First- Karma: sooner or later, God will reward good deeds and punish bad ones. And secondly- live to be remembered, because that is the closest thing to immortality this life has to offer

37. Why is vanity seen so negatively?
A: Vanity is viewed negatively because it takes effort/work to be faithful. It's easier to be apathetic than it is to be sympathetic, but that doesn't stop countless people from being sympathetic anyway. Those not willing to put forth that sort of effort are shunned (with good reason too).

38. What do you believe happens after death?
A: The soul is washed clean (by whatever means necessary eg. Hell, Purgatory), and we can then ascend to Heaven.

39. Have you ever...
Taken unprescribed pills? No
Cut? No
Cried yourself to sleep? Yes
Hid your true self to please your parents? Yes
Hid your true self to please your friends? Unfortunately, yes
Gotten arrested? No
Stole someone else's boyfriend/ girlfriend? No
Stalked someone? No
Been taken to an asylum? No
Gone for therapy? No
Been abandoned by friends? Yes
Thought about suicide? Not seriously
Took a year or over to get over someone? Yes
Shared your darkest secrets? Never

40. Is there someone you had true feelings for and never told them?
A: Yes

41. If so, who?
A: Uh, how about no

42. Are you in a relationship?
A: No

43. How many serious relationships have you been in?
A: None

44. Out of all those, which was the best/ worse?
A: See above

45. If you could say one thing to any of your exes, what would you say?
A: Kinda hard to have exes, if you've never had a girlfriend period

46. What is love, to you?
A: A distant dream I chase restlessly, seemingly hopelessly

47. Is love ever painful?
A: Love can be more painful than any other human emotion

48. What is falling in love like?
A: It's like being blinded

49. Do you believe in love at first sight?
A: No

50. Do you want to get married? Yes

51. Is there more to life than love?
A: Though love is really the only thing in life that matters (and also, the most powerful force in the universe), there certainly is more to life; hate, evil, rejection, betrayal, etc. You can only hope love gives you shelter from those things

52. Have you ever loved someone only for them not to love you?
A: Yes

53. Ever felt stupid because of it?
A: Yes

54. Kissed someone and knew they were the one?
A: No

55. Had someone tell you they loved you, and then do you wrong?
A: Yes

56. Ever loved someone not knowing why?
A: My love is always earned; I never love without reason

57. Would you rather know when you are going to die or not know?
A: Not know, by far. Life is supposed to be fragile/delicate, that's what so beautiful about it.

58. Your best friends partner kisses you..do you tell them?
A: I'd like to say I would

59. Does sex = Love?
A: Absolutely not

60. What song never fails to get your strongest emotions going?
A: "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

61. Is the glass half empty or half full?
A: At the moment, I'll say it's half-full

62. What are some things you feel are traumatic to you?
A: Loneliness, Betrayal, Heartache

63. Have you been in a fight before?
A: No

64. Would you ever harm someone?
A: Only if it were a case of self-defense

65. How are you unlike the rest?
A: Because my first instinct is to love, not to hate

66. What do you think makes you just like the general public?
A: I'm imperfect

67. Do you have a sense of reality or not?
A: Yes

68. What was your first relationship like?
A: Couldn't tell ya, I've never been in one

69. Are you a virgin?
A: Yes

70. Is there anything you regret?
A: Yes

71. Who is your best friend?
A: Don't have one specific best friend.

72. Tell me about your morals
A: It's simple really; I believe in equality. EVERYONE deserves to be appreciated, to be understood, to be loved, and to be whatever they want to be so long as they respect their neighbor's same right

73. Are you popular or a loner?
A: I hate this fucking question. I don't have many enemies, and the feelings that I get from people is that most of them do in fact like me. If that makes me popular, then so be it- but that's not something I'm going to pass judgment on

74. What first impression do you hope others get from you?
A: "He will show me respect, care, trust, and admiration as long as I deserve it"

75. What embarrasses you most about yourself?
A: The fact that men aren't supposed to be emotional, and I am.

76. What animal do you think you resemble most & why?
A: Figuratively speaking, I am a total Chameleon.

77. If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
A: I'd buy my parents a new house and pay off their debts. I'd buy property all over the place

78. What do you want to accomplish during your life?
A: Win an oscar for screenwriting, buy an NBA Franchise, open up a restaurent in the Southwest.

79. If you could break any habit, what would it be?
A: Swearing

80. Who was the last person you kissed?
A: IDK, it was probably something stupid like Truth or Dare

81. Do you trust people easily?
A: I will trust anyone, until they give me the notion that my trust was misplaced

82. Are you open about your feelings?
A: At times yes, others no

83. What's the most beautiful sight you've ever seen?
A: The Sun setting behind the Mountains at the beach, when I was in LA

84. If you could experience something new for one day what would it be?
A: A clean moral state, with no regrets

85. What's your largest desire in life?
A: To achieve the most permanent, longest-lasting peace I possibly can.

86. What would you do if you knew today was your last day on earth?
A: I'd spend it with the people I love

87. Who are you, at your deepest level?
A: A terrified kid, doing his best to fit in

88. After you've died, how do you want to be remembered?
A: As a friend, as someone who cared.

These are 24 anonymous statements directed at 24 different people (my Top 24). Try to guess who you are, have fun ;)

7-16-07: I've put up the answers. My top 24 has undergone some changes since I first wrote this, so some of my current top 24 may not be featured.

1. Cross wouldn't have been the same without you my man. If I need some good sports talk, you're my man. MIKE KRCATOVICH

2. I didn't meet you until this year, and you helped make it a memorable one. You are sweet, hilarious, crazy, and cute; truly one of a kind, and I'm really gonna miss you ;) SHEA NYESTE

3. When I'm down and depressed, you're always there to lift me back up; it's been that way since I met you. There isn't anything I'd feel uncomfortable telling you; you have achieved my total trust. KYLE BROWN

4. Never a dull moment around you, ha ha ha. I didn't really get to know you until this year, but now, you're almost like a sister to me. Life will be much less interesting without you (we'll have to keep in touch on "muttspace", ha ha ha). DEVAN WALLEY

5. You sir, are a mofo- a mofo among mofos. In some sick, weird, unforgiveable sort of way, I do love you though. You and I are four-year Track/Cross vets, and it was an experience I'll never forget. We had some good times dude. JOSH WALKER

6. "You're a river, and right now there's a rock sitting in the middle of that river". Need I say more? Ha ha ha, anyway man- from RISK to The Coffee Bean to Tracin' it Up in miserable-ass weather, we've had plenty of laughs- thanks man. SETH McROBB

7. You're a crazy mothertrucker; you're pretty fast, not a shabby volleyball player either. Ms. Berg's health class was pretty fun too. Have fun next year dude; I know you will. STUART GREGORY

8. You bug the shit out of me from time to time, but the circumstances considered, I guess that's normal (and I'm sure you think the same about me). I love you very much though, and you know I'm there for you if you ever need anything- I always will be ;) VICTORIA CHURCH

9. I'll never forget you pile-drivin' me into a pine tree during football, ha ha ha. Later that day, ya kicked my ass at Poker. Oh man, where have all the good times gone? Ha ha ha, anyway man- you and I gotta hang this summer, dehydrate our asses playin in the heat. Ha ha ha MATT CHAPMAN

10. You're the new crazy kat for Cross bro; we're countin' on you to retain the craziness and absurdity that is Franklin Cross Country, so don't dissapoint! You and I can't beat E-Smith's ass in Risk to save our lives (wonder who's fault that is >:( Ha ha ha, anyway man- we should hang again soon. ALEX CURRY

11. You tolerate that mofo BF of yours; so that's enough to win my respect. You helped make these past 4 years fun; you're another one in a million. Keep me posted on what the group is doin this month. KATIE STAJKA

12. I can tell you've enjoyed yourself these past 4 years, along with the rest of the "O" clubbers (often at my expense, ha ha ha- lol) Like the rest of that crew, your musical and political standpoints make me want to vomit; you however, have pretty good taste in movies, so you redeem yourself. Ha ha, "FUCKING LIBERALS" NICK NORTON

13. Not sure if you know, but your truck is a piece of shit ("very nice, how much?" ha ha ha). Anyway bro, we've had some good times- DC, Football, O-Clubbin, Movies, Listening to Redneck bullshit at the fireworks. I'll never forget those days my man, they wouldn't have been the same without you.BRANDON CRAMER

14. Your hair's a bit crazy, but you wouldn't be the same without it. Beneath that crazy, fun-filled demeanor of yours, is a heart of gold though. You're a genuinally nice guy, and neither ROTC or Cross would've been the same without you. DEREK DUKE

15. "Slap A Bitch". Ha ha, glad to be your hero babe ;) KAYLA SCHULTZ

16. I can ball with the best of 'em, and you know it!!! Anyway dude, I've been hangin with you more often lately, and it's been fun. Lookin forward to more fun shit my man. JABRA BARAKAT

17. For all your eccentricities and Ska-listenining tendencies, I love you man; we've checked out a lot of good flicks so far this summer, and there's still good times to be had even now. Happy birthday, by the way. WILL McSORLEY

18. The only thing more painful than listening to your music, is listening to you talk politics. You and I really don't have too much in common, but we developed a pretty damn strong bond over these past 4 years (they wouldn't have been the same without you). Cross, ROTC, Stupid Movies, Bowling, etc. You and I have had good times a plenty, and they're not done yet. Yeah, I'm gonna miss you man. JEREMY DIAMOND

19. I met you junior year, and since then, I've become really comfortable around you and consider you one of my best friends. I don't think I've ever heard you get angry, mean, or rude, and that's a huge testament to the kind of person you are. Thanks for the fun times babe ;) MEGAN WILSON

20. The Pact baby: need I say anything else ;) Life-changing without a doubt. Brotha, you and I are gonna live it up this month. MATT PUZ

21. You humiliate me at Track, Risk, just about everything other than pool, but I love you you sonuvabitch, ha ha ha. I gotta admit, you were a pretty influential person these past 4 years. Take care, and have fun @ the "University of Hawaii" ELLIOT SMITH

22. You and I better chill soon, or I'll "blow out ya kneecaps". Anyway man, H2 & White Castle man; what more do ya need? Maybe a little life-threatening tag/ loitering to top it all off. You and I party-boyed those dances like sex-gods baby, and I'll never forget it. Thanks for the memorable moments bro. NICK MONDELLA

23. There's no way I spent as much time with you these past 4 years as I wanted to, but based on the time I DID spend with you, I can undoubtedly say you're one of the nicest, most sincere people I know, and also one of the most influential people in my life. Keep me posted on Cedar Point babe; I can't wait ;) ALLISON BONSALL

24. You've gotta be the coolest dude ever named after his shoes, ha ha ha. Anyway man, thanks for the good times: Cross, Track, B-Dubs, V-ballin at my grad party. Glad I know you man, you're a pretty cool guy. I'll give ya a buzz sometime, we gotta hang soon. ALLEN SPONENBURGH

Why is it that the newborn bird only truly appreciates its nest the day if must leave?

It spends its infant days perplexed on the horizon, convinced it will fly with the sun beating down on its little wings until the end of time. Time goes by, the bird endures some bumps and bruises, and suddenly a lifetime safely sitting in the nest doesn't sound half-bad.

By the time this revelation comes about, it's time for the bird to leave.


Ladies and gentlemen, it seems my time in high school has come to an end. FHS is the nest, and I am now gone for good.

My experience was nothing short of incredible; it's hard for me to complain about the way things have gone these past four years. I made some great friends, had fun times, and I feel I've become a better person.

I can say without a doubt these were the best four years of my life. I'm proud to say that (whether you like me or not) I got where I did without trampling on anyone or putting my morals on the backburner; for better or for worse, I maintained my integrity through four years of high school. For that, I deserve respect. Day in, day out; from freshman orientation up until this day itself, I've done my best to be fair to you all, to judge you for who you are within and not for the clothes you wear, the music you like, the god you love, or the color of your skin. Those things didn't matter to me four years ago, and they don't today either.


I started at FHS with a totally clean slate; most of my friends from Riley wound up going to Churchill. I had my great friend Kyle Brown (a brother, at heart), and about a handful of other people who I knew going into 9th grade, and that was it. 4 years after walking through the doors uncertain if I would make any friends at all, I have befriended more people than I can think of.

I am embarrassed to think of those early days, back when I was the shy, depressed kid afraid of everyone, the kid who would give his dominant hand just to fit in. I had a chip on my shoulder, thought I had something to prove. I imagine some of you had some pretty fun things to say about me back then; and hey, good on you, 'cause I should've been laughing with you!

Ha ha, what matters though is that I've made so much progress socially and personally throughout the course of this experience. I had never been really popular before coming to FHS, but for whatever reason I got along with most people here. Cross Country probably had a lot to with it, as did Track; I made numerous friends through those experiences, one mofo in particular (lol). Joining ROTC wound up being a great decision, both in terms of the friends I made and what it did for me ethically and spiritually.

Cross Country was a full-circle experience; the defining element of my four years at FHS. Freshman year, I decided to join the team one day before the first official practice. You all will never understand how dangerously close I came to not running cross country; it would've totally altered how things went in the coming years. I considered quitting the team several times, all the way up until senior year as a matter of fact. I never did though and in four years time, I went from being the worst kid on the team, to one of its three captains as well as a three-time varsity-letter winner. It stands today as one of my greatest achievements, as does Track.


Sophomore year was where things started getting fun. I earned my letter in Cross, I started enjoying the school dances, my grades got better, everything was going my way. That summer was the greatest summer of my life- a point in time where I truly came of age and evolved into the person you know today. Junior year was a year I'll never forget; everything so significant as the football team's perfect season, to the laid-back days I spent playing Halo and eating White Castle with my boys.

No words can express how much fun this past year, my senior year, has been. The critical moment was Labor Day Weekend, when I sat in that boat with Mateo in the middle of the lake in Ellsworth, hoping within I would have fun over the course of the next few months. I decided then that nothing was going to stop me from enjoying this last year of high school. And that's how it went down; over the course of ten months, nothing stopped me from enjoying myself and reaping this experience to the core.

Coming Home 07 was an unlikely memorable moment for me. I nearly didn't go, but decided to at the last minute and wound up having the time of my life. Trusting my gut instinct was not something I'd been very good at prior to high school, but as time went by, I developed the skill. Something inside told me to go to the dance, and I'm forever grateful that I did.

It seems fitting this incredible experience was capped off by the single best night of my entire life. That night, of course, was Prom; on that night, I knew life was good, I knew I'd done well over the course of seventeen years, and I knew that I would never have to run from my past again- because everything I'd done at that point, had led up to that heavenly night at St. Mary's that wound up being the greatest moment of my life. I felt a definite freedom that night; freedom from anxiety, from fear, from the uncertain future, I achieved a wholesome blissful state of mind and it was a fantastic feeling that I'm certain was a once in a lifetime thing. Hence, I'm glad I made the most of it.


This blog would be very one-sided and preachy if I weren't to look at things that didn't go so well these past four years. Make no mistake; I had my fair share of blood, sweat, and even tears spilled throughout this period of time. I had a couple friendships go up in flames, often for no reason. My grades often preoccupied me for too much; to the point where I lost sleep actually.

I learned a hard lesson these past four years too; "Being the nice guy is never easy". High school life taught me that bitches and assholes have it easy; they're expected to be bitches and assholes and hence have no inner drive to act morally. Nice guys on the other hand, don't have it so easy. Even when the most Christlike person commits a sinful act, you can bet there will be loads of hypocrites on hand to point the finger. A nice guy must be moral and upright through thick and thin in order to survive in this world; one screw-up, and your reputation is flawed until your peers feel you've repented.

High school showed me the dark side of human beings like I'd never seen it before; I saw hatred on a sickening scale, lies, backtalk, trashiness, self-righteous pricks, I saw it all. Many times, I abandoned all hope in mankind because of what I saw from day to day. It genuinely stung in the early days, but I learned to cope as time went by. That's another thing I learned to do in high school; cope with the world instead of waiting for it to stop for me. That was a terrific revelation, one that solved several of my daily problems.

I'd by lying if I didn't say that many of the wounds I suffered over the past four years were self-inflicted. As those of you who know me best know, I always blame myself before anyone, and I generally don't have a very easy time respecting/ liking myself. Many times, I have cussed myself out and wanted to tear my heart out for fear of it being so black and cold. I have never had high self-esteem, probably never will. This considered though, I feel I've learned to cope with that personal setback. FHS was the first time I could remember comfortably speaking out about my personal demons and my depressed tendencies. In wake of recent events, I think I've finally realized that though I'm not perfect, NO ONE ELSE IS EITHER- and I don't need to be the guy who hates on himself and drowns in guilt purposelessly. Day by day, I feel that I'm making peace with my tortured soul.

Without a doubt, nothing caused me more misery or sadness these past four years, than my longing for love and the complete inexistence of my love life. I wasn't involved in one serious relationship these past four years. It grew to the point where I decided to swear off romance until I moved to California. I don't know what bone Cupid had to pick with me, but I really was a cursed romantic; someone searching for love without knowing how to recognize it. I crushed on a lot of girls these past four years and didn't achieve a true full-circle relationship with one of them. It stings a little bit, no doubt. I've learned to live with it though, and I just go about my business saying 'good things come to those that wait'.


There's no doubt that I didn't spend as much time with some of you as I would've liked (hey, we've got one more Summer!) and believe me, it saddens me. I have been pretty active these past 4 years; haven't always had the time to chill. I apologize; I can't say I've always made the conscious effort to hang out. I'm a far more solitary person than I appear to be. I know now that on one of those past days, when I was out walking alone, thinking to myself, one of you was sitting on your couch, getting hypnotized by daytime TV, wanting someone to hang out with.

More times than not, that guy wasn't me. I whole-heartedly apologize to you all. It's my burden though, and trust me, it weighs pretty heavy right about now as I prepare to say goodbye to some of you for good.


These setbacks considered, the good has outweighed the bad during this tenure at FHS. For every thorn to this rose, there has been a rose petal to glisten it out of sight. For every storm, there have been sunny days on end to make it a thing of the past. For every fall I've taken, I've risen (though not unscathed).

The dances for the most part were some of the greatest nights of my life. Watching the football team play was an honor, especially during the '05 season. I met a lot of different people, and was totally unbiased in my judgment of others around me. If I made any enemies, then I don't know who they are because the consensus I got around the school was that there wasn't anyone who seemed to hate or strongly dislike me.

It still hasn't set in yet; that feeling that I'm done, free from this routine I've been living for the better part of grown life. Everything will change next year. Hell, in 5 years I'll be supporting myself, living free.

Coming into senior year, I couldn't wait to leave Michigan behind. I had gone to L.A. the summer before, and became 'Californicated'; I fell in love with the west coast. I've actually hated on Michigan for awhile now. It's finally clicked within that for better or for worst, Michigan is my home, the place I know, my everything, where everyone I care about lives and a life in California is a life without them. This is a change that must happen; to be successful in the movie business, I WILL have to move to L.A.- I've accepted this. But like that bird sitting in the nest waiting to leave, I've realized before my final plunge outward that there is no place like home, because home is what's familiar to you, what's comfortable to you, the rock you build your life around. I still love California, but I'm glad I have a few more years left here in Michigan before I tear my life down and build back up in a new setting.


In my self-glorifying siege, I have to remind myself that this is not a new world order unfolding. The story is continuing at Franklin High School; I'm just not a part of it any more, that's all. To all of you who remain a part of that story, I wish you nothing but the best throughout these coming years. I'm telling you now that you'll fall on black days, get beaten to your knees at some point in time, and will feel helpless in some way, shape, or form. Overcome that pain, believe in your heart that your best days are ahead of you, and trust to hope- it isn't totally forsaken in this world. The school is yours to inherit, enjoy ;)

As for my fellow graduates, congratulations all; we've made it. Some of you are probably in the same boat as I, unable to grasp the fact that this is the end of our high school days (I'm willing to bet it's gonna hit us all like a freight train on Sunday though). I hope you all enjoyed the last four years, because things will probably never be more poised to go right than they have been since our freshman year. The world is ours to lose guys; I wish you the best in whatever you do. Knowing you all has been a privilege.


To those of you who grew close to me, who reached for my hand but touched my heart, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me and seeing a goodness in me that almost no one had seen before I came to FHS. The warmth of your kind words and loving gestures has been like the Sun itself beating down on my heart. My world will be a darker place now that I won't see your faces or hear your voices as often as I've grown used to; it will take a while for me to adjust. I've always prided myself in adapting well; these next few months will serve as the ultimate test of adaptation. No words can ever express my gratitude to you; I hope that I have been as good to you as you have been to me.

Thank you.


I leave high school life behind with one final wish; that one day, years and years from now, you can remember my name and think positively of me. I hope you all can find a way to see me with the same admiration and love I feel for you; if not, I've done my best and can live with the outcome. If I have hurt or insulted any of you at any time these past four years, please know it's not what I wanted. No matter what you may think of me, please know I did everything in my power to be fair and kind-hearted. Remember that; remember me.

And to you brothers and sisters, who I shared the halls of Livonia Franklin High School with for four wild years, I want you to know that I will cherish this experience until the day I die. No matter how many miles separate us, no matter how much contact we maintain, I will keep a place for you in my heart and look back on the memories we made with smiles and pained wishes to relive these glorious days.

Wherever life takes you, I hope that you all find happiness (however you may define it) and try with what's left of your long lives to find a goodness and meaning to this life.

It was fun, it was grand, and now it's all over, and trust me; I don't like to admit it. Thanks guys, for the four greatest years of my life.

FHS, I'm never gonna leave you.


Love, forever and for always
-John

FINAL NBA Playoff Predictions- April 20, 2007


This is my final, official prediction for how things will work out in the NBA Playoffs this year.

It's been an exciting and fun season; I can't believe it'll be over in less than two months.

It was a season rich in storylines and subplots. I'll pause from the Playoff talk to recognize the 5 storylines that helped shape the season…


THE DOMINANCE OF THE DALLAS MAVERICKS AND THE PHOENIX SUNS

These two teams hogged the national spotlight just about from start to finish this season. Filling in for aging legends such as The Lakers and Spurs, as the ultra-marketed Western powerhouses, these teams boasted the two most prominent MVP candidates of the season; Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash.

Dallas flirted with a 70-win season this year, falling short by 3 games. They've had their way with just about every team in the league, and have shown a rage and fire to their play in wake of their disappointing loss in the Finals last year.

The Suns ended the season red-hot; they too have had a sensational season. Steve Nash has continued to be the league's best all-around player.

The accomplishments of The Phoenix Suns and Steve Nash considered, every other team has walked in the shadow of the Dallas Mavericks this season; and that isn't undeserved. The Dallas Mavericks have outplayed every other team in the league; Dirk Nowitzki is the clearcut favorite to win the MVP, just as his team is clearcut favorite to win it all this season.

But then again, weren't the 64-18 Pistons the favorite to win it all last year?


THE STRUGGLES OF THE MIAMI HEAT

Miami did not enter the season in championship form, dropping their home-opener to the Bulls by 42 points. The struggles didn't end there.

The Heat spent the vast majority of the season under .500. They were on the receiving end of criticism from endless amounts of people (including yours truly), wondering if their championship the prior year had been a fluke.

At one point in the season, Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Williams, Jason Kapono, Dwayne Wade, and Coach Pat Riley, were out of the rotation. It was after D-Wade's injury, that I finally realized that the Heat didn't suck; they were simply the victims of really bad luck.

That didn't make me feel sorry for them; make no mistake, I HATE the Miami Heat, but I did learn to respect them this season.

The Heat actually looked better without D-Wade; they ended the season pushing above .500, going 44-38. They haven't had the stranglehold on the Southeast division that most thought they'd have (actually, they've been in a dogfight with Washington all season long), but they now look like prime candidates to fight for a second conference championship.


THE HOLY ( UNHOLY) TRINITY OF SCORING GODS: 'MELO, AGENT ZERO, AND KOBE

No season would be complete without a resident scoring god, and as each third of the season progressed, we seemed to see a new one.

It was Carmelo Anthony for the first third of the season, Gilbert Arenas for the second, and Kobe Bryant for the last third.

For those first few months before the Knicks-Nuggets brawl, 'Melo looked like he was on a mission. But while throwing one punch, he pretty much threw away the MVP that, at that point in the season, was clearly his, and a spot on The All-Star team (which he wound up getting anyway due to injuries among Western stars).

With the abrupt end of Melo's reign, came the rise of Agent Zero: Gilbert Arenas. For a good bulk of the season, Zero was looking like the only reasonable choice for MVP: he was scoring, The Wizards were winning, all seemed well. But after the All-Star break, it all just fell apart; Antawn Jamison got hurt, Gilbert's numbers went down, Caron Butler got hurt, and finally, Arenas himself went down for 2 months, taking with him all of The Wizard's playoff hopes.

It took nba.com's Maurice Brooks' statement that the MVP race was "a two-man race between Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki", to usher in the final reign of the season; the reign of Kobe Bryant. One week after that statement was made, Kobe put together a string of four straight 50-point games (in the 5th game of that stretch, he scored 43). In the month of March, he averaged over 40 points a game. His success helped the waning Lakers get back on track. In a Western Conference as stacked as this though, his individual ability probably won't be enough to work any wonders for them though.


THE PAINFUL TRUTH COMES ABOUT

This season served as a wake-up call for several teams.

The message that came was quite simple; YOUR CURRENT FORMULA ISN'T WORKING AND NEVER WILL.

Indiana and Golden State both got the message, as they completed an 8-player trade in January.

One of the teams that did not take action (not yet, at least), was The New Jersey Nets. Rumors surrounding possibilities of superstars Vince Carter going to Orlando, and Jason Kidd getting an L.A. address, were among the most prominent at the trade deadline (both trades ended up going over like a pregnant pole-vaulter). In light of the Nets' impressive end of season boom, the Nets should think twice before bringing the Kidd/ Carter/ Jefferson era to an end.

Another team that ought to be looking to rebuild are The Sacramento Kings. Ron Artest has been nothing but poison since his arrival, hounding his teammates on their lack of defensive priority. Mike Bibby, one of the lone remainders from the King's glory days, was heavily believed to be on his way to Cleveland at the trade deadline, but that never happened. Instead, it's likely he (like Jason Kidd) will be traded for the rights to a draft pick.

The truth could not be more painful or obvious to a team, than it is to The Minnesota Timberwolves. They will never be successful until they let go of Kevin Garnett; as long as he makes as much as he does, they have no money to go out and get him the support he needs to lead the team back to playoff-form. I understand why it would be hard to let go of the big ticket; he IS the Minnesota Timberwolves, the first person that comes to your mind when you hear those words. But I believe the writing is on the wall; if KG is not traded this offseason, I will be genuinally shocked.


THE REBUILDING OF THE 76ers (AND HOW IT TRANSFORMED THE DENVER NUGGETS AND DETROIT PISTONS)

The Philadelphia 76ers boasted one of the most impressive rosters in the NBA, the most impressive pieces to the puzzle being Allen Iverson and Chris Webber. But somehow, the Sixers always missed out; since losing in the 2001 NBA Finals, they had never made it past the 2nd round of the Playoffs.

By the end of January, both of Phillie's aces were gone; and they totally transformed the teams they joined thereafter.

It had been inevitable for almost 6 years; The 76ers were going to part with Allen Iverson.

This season it finally happened.

Iverson was traded to the Nuggets in December, in the aftermath of the brawl that saw superstar Carmelo Anthony receive a 15-game suspension. In 'Melo's absence, AI made the Nuggets his team.

People wondered if one ball would be enough to satisfy both superstars. After all, at the time of the trade, 'Melo and AI were the two-leading scorers in the league.

When 'Melo came back, it took awhile to establish chemistry. But what went around finally came around at season's end, as the Nuggets won 9 of their last 10.

However, AI was not the Ex-Sixer who made the biggest impact this season. That honor, belongs to Chris Webber; who signed with The Detroit Pistons after being waived, and wound up turning the washed-up had-beens, into legit title contenders.

Detroit had been missing Ben Wallace all the way up until January; Nazr Mohammed had done nothing to fill his shoes. In came Webber, and The Pistons were a threat again (they were having fun again).

After acquiring Webber, the Pistons went 32-14. As of now, they remain the most-likely candidate to represent the East in this year's NBA Finals.


It was fun, it was grand; but the regular season is just about done. In the next two weeks, I don't see anything changing much, so I'll give you my final picks for The Season Awards as well…


MVP: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz
SCORING CHAMP: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (32 PPG)
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Brandon Roy, Portland Trailblazers
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
6th MAN OF THE YEAR: Leandro Barbossa, Phoenix Suns


Ah hell, I'll throw in my first and last picks for the All-NBA Teams too...


ALL NBA-FIRST TEAM

Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Amare Stoudamire, Phoenix Suns
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

ALL NBA-SECOND TEAM

Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons

ALL NBA-THIRD TEAM

Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls
Allen Iverson, Denver Nuggets
Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards


…and without further ado, I give you my final, official predictions for the entire 2007 Postseason.


Quarter-Finals

EAST

Pistons (1) vs. Magic (8): PISTONS in 4
Cavs (2) vs. Wizards (7): CAVS in 5
Raptors (3) vs. Nets (6): NETS in 7
Heat (4) vs. Bulls (5): HEAT in 7

WEST

Mavs (1) vs. Warriors (8): MAVS in 5
Suns (2) vs. Lakers (7): SUNS in 6
Spurs (3) vs. Nuggets (6): NUGGETS in 7
Jazz (4) vs. Rockets (5): ROCKETS in 7


Semi-Finals

EAST

Pistons (1) vs. Heat (4): PISTONS in 6
Cavs (2) vs. Nets (6): CAVS in 6

WEST

Mavs (1) vs. Rockets (5): MAVS in 7
Suns (2) vs. Nuggets (6): SUNS in 6


Eastern Conference Finals

Pistons (1) vs. Cavs (2): PISTONS in 6

Western Conference Finals

Mavs (1) vs. Suns (2): SUNS in 7


2007 NBA FINALS: DETROIT PISTONS vs. PHOENIX SUNS

Game 1@ Phoenix: SUNS 107, Pistons 104
Game 2@ Phoenix: PISTONS 101, Suns 88
Game 3@ Detroit: PISTONS 120, Suns 92
Game 4@ Detroit: SUNS 115, Pistons 90
Game 5@ Detroit: PISTONS 94, Suns 92
Game 6@ Phoenix: PISTONS 114, Suns 111


THE DETROIT PISTONS BEAT THE PHOENIX SUNS IN 6 GAMES, TO WIN THE 2007 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.

Finals MVP- Tayshaun Prince