Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Best of 2009

2009 brought us some some bright superlatives. Every year I reflect back on the year that was and make a "Best of" list of sorts. This year I thought I would share with you guys.

-Best song I heard for the first time in 2009. Katy Perry - Waking up in Vegas. This one was tough because there were a bunch. Pink's Please don't leave me was good as well as The Black Eyed Peas I've got a feeling. Jimmy Buffett's "Wings" might have been the pick but I am not exactly sure that I didn't hear it for the first time in 09 so I went with the Katy Perry tune.

-Best new time waster/trend - Twitter. Yes I joined the Twitter revolution in 2009 because I like to be connected and in a lot of ways my Twitter friends (you guys) got me missing blogging and brought me back to the fold so to speak. (because sometimes 140 characters just ain't enough)


-Best Concert - Billy Joel and Elton John Face to Face. Not only the best of the year but one of the best of all time. This show was great. Three and a half hours of all the hits from both superstars. My only regret is that I believed the ticket stub that no cameras were allowed and left mine at home. It would have been great to have a few snapshots to keep.

-Biggest news Story - The Death of Michael Jackson. This was not just a huge news story but it just so happened that I was home sick from work the few days following his death so I was even more deluged with coverage than many. Sad story but almost seems like the man died the same way that he lived, Bigger than life.


-Best New Book read - The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown. For all it's hype this story lived up to it. It's not Shakespeare but Brown doesn't sell it as such. This book takes Brown's protagonist Robert Langdon on a harrowing search across Washington DC for the secret to enlightenment that has been held for centuries by the Masons. If you haven't read it's worth picking up. It's better than the DaVinci Code but not quite as good as Angels and Demons.

-Best Movie - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. How could it possibly be anything else? This movie should have come out in November of 2008 but was held by the company because of the Twilight movie so the two wouldn't come out the same weekend. Instead I had to wait until July for this movie to come out. It was worth the wait. I bought a ticket online (for the first time) and left work for a half day to be among the first to see it. Harry Potter is quite addicting and I can almost bet that 2010's best movie will probably be part 1 of Deathly Hallows.


-Best New TV Show - Leverage on TNT - I discovered this hidden gem by accident this past summer. What a great show. The premise is that a group of 5 talented con-people play Robin Hood and steal from the rich and powerful when they step on little people. The cast is great and includes Timothy Hutton. A new season kicks back in during January and Jeri Ryan gets added to the group. If you haven't seen it give it a look or at least set your TiVo to record a few episodes.

-Best Sporting Event - Florida State at North Carolina on Thursday Night Football - What a great night! I was given free tickets and a parking pass by a friend of my wife's and my buddy Wyatt (a huge NC fan) and I went to the game together. The Seminoles put on a furious second half comeback to stun the overly cocky Tarheel fans who just knew they had the 'Noles beat. I walked out a happy camper that night!


-Best Radio Show - The Candy and Potter Show on 107.9 The Link - Once again the 10am - 2pm show which features a husband and wife team came up with innovative and funny ways to keep current and entertain me at work in 2009. Candy and Potter are not only great on air but do a lot to give back to the community as well. In the coming year things should get even more interesting as the couple recently announced that they are expecting their first child in May.

-Best New Discovery that other people already knew about - TIE between Jimmy John's sandwiches and Crocs. - The Crocs have been well documented here on YJKOBT but I need to take a second to extol the virtues of the best sandwiches around in Jimmy Johns. They are not only fantastic but are not too huge to eat the whole thing. I suggest the #9 (with no mayo and extra tomato) if you like a classic Italian sub. As a matter of fact I plan on having one today for lunch.

So share some of yours with us. What was your favorite new song of the year? TV show? Book? Sporting Event? How about something you discovered that everyone else already knew about? What was your Best of 2009? Speak up and let us know.
-Doc

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love Katy Perry and Pink....all of their songs, but my new discovery in 2009 was Kings of Leon.

Best book in the means of laughing, crying and just out right mad was My sisters Keeper....great book. Hard to choose this because i have read a lot of good books this year. This includes the Twilight series which is also a good read.

I have tried and love the CROCS and discovered those in 2008....you are little behind in that one. At least you finally put your dignity behind you and gave them a try.

Anonymous said...

HATE Katy Perry. Such an attention whore.

Love Harry Potter! I like Twilight ok, but HP is the best.

I think Jimmy John's were started near my hometown. I remember my stepdad talking about the first shop when he was in college. He still loves them!

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Best Vacation of 2009: Walt Disney World...worth the 13 hour drive!

Best purchase: My Flip Ultra videocamera.

Best hobby: Photography - I'm really getting into it.

Plus, I've met loads of really cool people thru Twitter, FB and my blog/their blogs. Definitely makes life MUCH more interesting.

The AbsolutGator said...

Best of '09, lets see....

Song - I haven't had much to say about music the last few years as much of it has sucked. However, I agree w/ Belle on Kings of Leon and also like Airborne Toxic Event. Seether's remake of Careless Whisper rocks; I like it more than the original.

Time waster/trend - For me, it will end up being the PS3 we got for Christmas. It will be a lot of fun though.

Concert - AC/DC!!! No, their songs don't all sound the same. Just very similar. Hey, why fix what ain't broke?

News story - Miracle on the Hudson. I'll pick this one to stay safe.

Book - 2009 Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership. There is no retreat mandate anymore...SWEET! Actually, I'd have to say Uncommon by Tony Dungy was my favorite.

Movie - I can't remember the last time I went to a theater. Irony is that I will be going tonight to see Sherlock Holmes. I did see The Hangover a few days ago...very funny. Still not quite as good as Old School.

TV show - I'm not a TV show kind of guy. I watch movies and sports. The one show (not new) that I don't miss is Burn Notice.

Sports event - Florda/Florida State. Bowden and Tebow's final games in The Swamp. (sniff)

Radio show - Sports Final Radio on 1010XL here in Jax. Tony Boselli is not the best speaker, but he does bring some great insight and good humor.

New to me - Texting. Shut up, Doc. You still don't have an iPod.

Doc said...

....and Urban Meyer's last game... or Not.

LOL

Karen said...

Best Song - Daugtry's No Surprise or Shooter Jenning's 4th of July.

Best Movie - Funny People

Most Insane Historical Event - Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

Best New TV Show - The Good Wife.

Best Book - New to me, but not new in general The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

Best Sporting event - Tiger gets outed as a man-whore.

The AbsolutGator said...

Glad I'm not the only one on here that thinks that about the Nobel Sellout Prize.

BTW, which was the focus of your 'event'...the outing or the man-whoring?

Doc said...

Yeah, I am an Obama fan but who gets a pre-emptive Nobel Peace prize? Even Obama was taken aback by that.

Will Shealy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
terri said...

Okay, I'll give this a shot!

Song - Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now"

Time waster/trend - The Wii (new for me in 09)

Concert - Haven't been to one in a couple years. The last one I saw was (I think) Bonnie Raitt.

News story - Agreed. M.J.

Book - Tie: Eat, Pray, Love or The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Movie - Gran Torino

TV Show - Don't watch enough to know

Movie - ditto

Sporting event - The Brett Favre fiasco coverage. Will he join the Vikings? Yes. No. Maybe. Yes.

Radio show - my fave is a local one - Donna & Muss on K102

New discovery that others already knew about - Facebook

Will Shealy said...

And here I was thinking crocs were just tragic footwear. I'll head out to Jimmy John's if/when I get a chance and check it out.

You did include a best show, but how about Dollhouse? I realize I'm one of maybe six people who watch it, but it's good stuff - very creative. (As with anything Joss Whedon).

I agree with the Lost Symbol - awesome story, but two things bother me about Dan Brown. 1) Robert Langdon is about as multi-dimensional as Sergeant Joe Friday, (though there was at least some development in this one). And 2), the villains are always so villainous you can almost see them twisting their moustaches and sneering. I prefer it when the reader can at least somewhat relate to the antagonist - makes the development more interesting.

Unknown said...

I agree, Best Song, Lady A-Need You Now...LOVE IT!

Best Book-HA, like I ever get a chance to read a whole book..hahahahahahahahahahahah

I have also developed quite an addiction for Twitter/Facebook/Blogging, but I've met some really cool people that I enjoy "chatting" with.


I haven't had Jimmy John's, just discovered we do have one in downtown Charleston. Will have to check that out at some point, sounds really good.

DILLIGAF said...

Right. Here we go. Now please remember, this is me. Oh eck...

Katy Perry? Oh dear.....

Twitter? I actually found myself agreeing with a politician..which has been ungeard of in my 52 years. Conservative leader David Cameron quote "Too many twits make a twat". Classic and he may get my vote for that...

Elton & Billy? As an old punk I should hate them both but I don't. I reckon they are both terrific. (I will deny saying that in the presence of other old punks mind)...;-)

Jackson - One less paedo. Good stuff. Talented? Yep. Mad as a hatter? Undoubtedly.

Dan Brown - Write a book/get lucky/make a fortune/write another book. Pile of shite but good luck to him.

Harry Potter - Daughter and wifey loved the books. I tended to skim through them. Didn't really grip me but enjoy the movies. Well made/acted. Yep. Good movies all.

Leverage - No idea. Not on in the UK. Bring back Hill Street Blues!!! Daughter just introduced me to 'Lie To Me'. Quite like it up to now.

Best Sporting Event - Gimme a break!!!! Come on guys!!!!! Try beating the world and then it's worth it!!!! The World Cup (soccer to you) is REAL. Mind you you're in Englands group so you might get a scalp there eh? The World Series? er... who else outside of the US is in it? Several years back your then top American Football team hadn't the balls to play The British Lions at American Football and Rugby as they'd have to take off their padding for the rugby bit!!! Wooses!!...;-)

Best Radio Show - Take yer word for it. Over in't UK? Absolute Radio - The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show. Magic!!!

Best New Discovery - Chicken Tikka Madras. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Happy New Year to you and yours!!!

4D x

FanStacia said...

Best song of 09 hands down...Fireflies...Owl City. I have a music blog. I know.

DILLIGAF said...

Ginge - Get a life!!!!

Doc said...

I don't get that firefly song either...

Anonymous said...

Not sure I get Firefly song either....it would have to be one of the worst songs I have heard in 2009.

Lu' said...

Book: Real Vampires series by Gerry Bartlet. Funny, scarey and hot hot hot.

Music: I get to rediscover the old now that I can listen to my vinyl again :)Tonight Allman Brothers Eat A Peach.

I just watched the Harry Potter movie this past Sunday. I don't go to the movies so I have to wait until Christmas for the video. It wasn't my favorite of the series.

Candy Minx said...

I loved reading your list here. Great stuff and learned a lot about you! I am looking forward to the Dan Brown book. And I LOVE Leverage too!

Deech said...

Doc,

I think the best add for me this year believe it or not is your blog. Not sucking up here...the Joker simply does not do this.

I had a friend here in Texas who had a blog that was very similar to yours called "When Your Only Tool is a Hammer." The blog is gone now and has left a tremendous void in my reading.

I found yours and I must say that you have picked up the ball quite nicely.

Kudos to you!

Doc said...

Thanks Joker... I remember Hammer... Miss that guy too!