After the last couple weeks I swore that I wouldn't watch another Mountaineer football game this year, I lied. Not only did I watch last night's game, but I also fell in love with WVU again because of the play of one little man, Tavon Austin.
Austin, a senior, played running back for the first time since high school, and he was wondrous. The man had 574 all purpose yards, that combines his receiving, rushing, and kick returning yards. That is a new Big 12 record. 344 of those 574 yards came on the ground. Austin had 21 carries for 344 yards, that's 16.4 yards a carry. That is ridiculous for someone who has never played running back at this level. Every time Austin touched the ball something magical happened, I was in awe.Just look at some of his many highlights.
Throughout most of the game it was Oklahoma, one of the most prized college football programs, versus Tavon Austin. Austin is only five foot nine and one hundred seventy four pounds. He played his heart out on every play and embodied the Mountaineer belief back into me. It would have been easy for Austin to quit on this season that has gone awry, but he didn't. It was a truly inspiring effort.
Austin single-handily brought his team and his fans to life last night. I am usually never proud after a loss, but I am proud with the preformance last night. I can't wait to watch Tavon and this team play again, and I promise, thanks to Tavon Austin, that I will never ever give up on my team again. Let's go Mountaineers!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Fall Video Project
This was our second video project, and I have mixed feelings about it. I didn't really have enough time to plan out and shoot a great video, but I had fun doing this project. The fall, for me, signifies basketball and friends. Almost on every Friday and weekends my friends and I am hanging out on a basketball court or in my basement. In this video I was able to incorporate both places. The video was shot using my IPhone 3gs.
Shot List
1. Hooligans making leaf angels
2. Andreas missing a jumper and Landon chasing down the board
3. Me getting an and-one
4. Ian Donaldson getting buckets
5. The skyline on the walk back to my house
6. Chilling in the basement
7. Ian Kiefhaber and Andreas playing 2k13 with my dog watching attentively
8. Andres throwing an oop in 2k13
9. The various Gatorade bottle left by us
10. Me hanging on a 10 foot rim with two hands
This project was fun, but next time I think we should be able to do it during school. Youtube's video editor is nothing compared to Final Cut Pro. I think that we could use class time to plan out different shots, and then actually create really cool videos with out ideas.
Social Distortion is Still Alive and Kicking
I saw Social Distortion play last Wednesday at the 9:30 Club in DC. It was amazing. Social Distortion formed in 1978. Mike Ness, the lead singer and guitarist, and Dennis Danell, a guitarist, fronted the band for many years, until Danell's death in 2000. From 1978-2000 the band was constantly off and on due to Ness's various drug addictions. The band's first four albums, Mommy's Little Monster, Prison Bound, Social Distortion, and Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell are masterpieces that gained the band a lot of popularity. Even though Danell died in 2000 the band has continued to tour and put out new music. Mike Ness is the only current member of the band who has been a member since the start in 1978.
I saw Social Distortion when I was in 7th grade in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The show that I saw on Wednesday blow the Allentown show out of my mind. Ness was the center of the sell-out crowd's attention, and he delivered everything that anyone could want. He was jumping around the stage and interacting with the crowd. He chatted the crowd up about the election, and told them that he was glad Obama won. He said that everyone should take the next day off, and that if their boss had a problem with it, that he should talk to Mike Ness because Ness would tell him where to put that problem. Ness showed his experience on stage and was an absolute pleasure to watch.
The only problem I had with the show was the setlist. The band played great, but they didn't play all the songs that I wanted to hear, but after the show I realized that I was okay with that. The band played great music and I got to hear some new songs that I had never heard before. The one song I was extremely glad to hear was the last song of their set, Story of My Life. When they started playing it I began jumping up and down and screaming the lyrics out.
After they played that song the band went off the stage. The crowd cheered and eventually the band came back on for an encore set. Again, the first couple songs they played in this set I wasn't familiar with, but it was all good. Before their last song, Ness had his last conversation with the audience. He started naming the various influences of the band, such as The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, The Clash, and other bands. After naming those bands Ness said that all those bands were incredibly influential, but that nobody should ever forget Johnny Cash. With that the band played Ring of Fire and I found myself jumping up and down again and screaming the lyrics out.
The night was awesome. Social Distortion and Mike Ness showed no signs of getting old, they would have played all night if they were allowed to. I hope that they come to DC again because I know that I will be there.
I saw Social Distortion when I was in 7th grade in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The show that I saw on Wednesday blow the Allentown show out of my mind. Ness was the center of the sell-out crowd's attention, and he delivered everything that anyone could want. He was jumping around the stage and interacting with the crowd. He chatted the crowd up about the election, and told them that he was glad Obama won. He said that everyone should take the next day off, and that if their boss had a problem with it, that he should talk to Mike Ness because Ness would tell him where to put that problem. Ness showed his experience on stage and was an absolute pleasure to watch.
The only problem I had with the show was the setlist. The band played great, but they didn't play all the songs that I wanted to hear, but after the show I realized that I was okay with that. The band played great music and I got to hear some new songs that I had never heard before. The one song I was extremely glad to hear was the last song of their set, Story of My Life. When they started playing it I began jumping up and down and screaming the lyrics out.
After they played that song the band went off the stage. The crowd cheered and eventually the band came back on for an encore set. Again, the first couple songs they played in this set I wasn't familiar with, but it was all good. Before their last song, Ness had his last conversation with the audience. He started naming the various influences of the band, such as The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, The Clash, and other bands. After naming those bands Ness said that all those bands were incredibly influential, but that nobody should ever forget Johnny Cash. With that the band played Ring of Fire and I found myself jumping up and down again and screaming the lyrics out.
The night was awesome. Social Distortion and Mike Ness showed no signs of getting old, they would have played all night if they were allowed to. I hope that they come to DC again because I know that I will be there.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Japandroids Are Amazing
Recently I started listening to the Japandroids's new album Celebration Rock, and I would just like the say that this album is amazing. It came out in June, but I neglected to listen to it until now. The album has a mixture of punk and classic rock infused in it. Listen to the first track on the album, and you can immediately see the influences in it.
It's pretty incredible that a Canadian duo could put something like that out. The album has reached 37th on the Billboard 200, which is rare for a band that produces music like this. The second song on the album is my favorite.
The band is touring right now, and in December they will come to the Black Cat, a local DC night club. Unfortunately the show has sold out, and I won't be able to see them live.
In my opinion, this band represents hope for musicians like me. The band is just a drummer and a guitarist. I play guitar, so if I could ever find a drummer, I could emulate the Japandroids. Of course writing music would present quite a big challenge, and I never in my wildest dreams would expect to be a member of a successful band, but hey anything can happen.
This band is unique, and I've never heard anything like it. It is exciting for me to listen to, and hopefully the band becomes more popular because this album needs to get heard. Whenever I feel down because West Virginia lost, I just play the record, and things get better.
I'll leave you with the band's most popular song off the new album. I can't wait to see what the Japandroids come out with next.
It's pretty incredible that a Canadian duo could put something like that out. The album has reached 37th on the Billboard 200, which is rare for a band that produces music like this. The second song on the album is my favorite.
The band is touring right now, and in December they will come to the Black Cat, a local DC night club. Unfortunately the show has sold out, and I won't be able to see them live.
In my opinion, this band represents hope for musicians like me. The band is just a drummer and a guitarist. I play guitar, so if I could ever find a drummer, I could emulate the Japandroids. Of course writing music would present quite a big challenge, and I never in my wildest dreams would expect to be a member of a successful band, but hey anything can happen.
This band is unique, and I've never heard anything like it. It is exciting for me to listen to, and hopefully the band becomes more popular because this album needs to get heard. Whenever I feel down because West Virginia lost, I just play the record, and things get better.
I'll leave you with the band's most popular song off the new album. I can't wait to see what the Japandroids come out with next.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
WVU Basketball, It's Almost Back!
Mountaineer fans, I know that it has been a tough couple of weeks. Our once top five football team has gotten crushed in its last two games, and our Heisman-lock quarterback has faltered, but it will all be okay. Basketball starts in a week and a half.
The Roster
The Mountaineers bring back a lot of talent and experience, led by Deniz Kilicli. Kilicli, a Turkish player with a nice hook shot, will have to lead this team. Kilicli has been steadily improving even since he came to WVU. This year the team will revolve around him, and I think we will make the most of it. Last year, Kilicli averaged 10 points a game, and he was the third scoring option on the team. This year he will be the first option. Coach, Bob Huggins, recently stated that Kilicli is in the best basketball shape of his life. I am looking for big things out of the "Istan-Bull."
The Mountaineers also return three key members of their backcourt, Jabarie Hinds, Aaron Brown, and Gary Brown. All three players were freshman last year, and each had their own share of good and bad moments. This year all three players have gained experience, and should help lead this team, along with Kilicli. Check out some of Hinds's highlights from last year.
There are some other key role players returning, such as lock-down defender Keaton Miles, and big men Kevin Noreen and Dominique Rutledge. Also three men will get more playing time this year, and will get the opportunity to make key contributions. Rutledge could be a breakout player this year.
Rounding out the roster are role players and freshman. One player to watch in this group is freshman Terry Henderson. Henderson is an athletic guard with a good upside. Here's his highschool mixtape.
New Conference
WVU moved to the Big 12 Conference this year. This move was made for the football team. The Big East, WVU's old conference, was the best basketball conference in the country. Now WVU will play in a weaker conference, but they will still face stiff competition. One school that will be a major obstacle for WVU this year, and years to come, is Kansas. Kansas has one of the most storied histories in college basketball. They get some of the best recruits and they have an electric fanbase. They have dominated the Big 12 in years past and look to continue their domination. Baylor, Kansas State, Texas, and some other teams also have very solid basketball programs, but Kansas is at the top.
Season Expectations
This year is going to be hard for the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers lost their best player in Kevin Jones, and a dynamic scoring point guard in Darryl "Truck" Bryant. The majority of the team is underclassmen, and even though some of this underclassmen played last year, they will still make mistakes.
WVU got no love from the USA Today or Coaches Poll and didn't even receive a single vote from anyone to make it into the top 25. To put it into perspective, Marshall University even got one vote.
Even though the country doesn't believe in the Mountaineers, coach Bob Huggins does, and I believe in him. Huggins always seems to make something out of nothing. His teams always make the NCAA Tournament and preform well.
Last year was a let down, after a blowout loss to Gonzaga ended the Mountaineers season. This year the Mountaineers get to start the season off against Gonzaga, in a new conference, under new player leadership, but one thing remains the same, and it is that Bob Huggins is leading the team. Huggins will teach his players how to play the game the right way. Maybe WVU won't be so good this year, but in one or two years, this team could be formidable. Let's go Mountaineers!
The Roster
The Mountaineers bring back a lot of talent and experience, led by Deniz Kilicli. Kilicli, a Turkish player with a nice hook shot, will have to lead this team. Kilicli has been steadily improving even since he came to WVU. This year the team will revolve around him, and I think we will make the most of it. Last year, Kilicli averaged 10 points a game, and he was the third scoring option on the team. This year he will be the first option. Coach, Bob Huggins, recently stated that Kilicli is in the best basketball shape of his life. I am looking for big things out of the "Istan-Bull."
The Mountaineers also return three key members of their backcourt, Jabarie Hinds, Aaron Brown, and Gary Brown. All three players were freshman last year, and each had their own share of good and bad moments. This year all three players have gained experience, and should help lead this team, along with Kilicli. Check out some of Hinds's highlights from last year.
There are some other key role players returning, such as lock-down defender Keaton Miles, and big men Kevin Noreen and Dominique Rutledge. Also three men will get more playing time this year, and will get the opportunity to make key contributions. Rutledge could be a breakout player this year.
Rounding out the roster are role players and freshman. One player to watch in this group is freshman Terry Henderson. Henderson is an athletic guard with a good upside. Here's his highschool mixtape.
New Conference
WVU moved to the Big 12 Conference this year. This move was made for the football team. The Big East, WVU's old conference, was the best basketball conference in the country. Now WVU will play in a weaker conference, but they will still face stiff competition. One school that will be a major obstacle for WVU this year, and years to come, is Kansas. Kansas has one of the most storied histories in college basketball. They get some of the best recruits and they have an electric fanbase. They have dominated the Big 12 in years past and look to continue their domination. Baylor, Kansas State, Texas, and some other teams also have very solid basketball programs, but Kansas is at the top.
Season Expectations
This year is going to be hard for the Mountaineers. The Mountaineers lost their best player in Kevin Jones, and a dynamic scoring point guard in Darryl "Truck" Bryant. The majority of the team is underclassmen, and even though some of this underclassmen played last year, they will still make mistakes.
WVU got no love from the USA Today or Coaches Poll and didn't even receive a single vote from anyone to make it into the top 25. To put it into perspective, Marshall University even got one vote.
Even though the country doesn't believe in the Mountaineers, coach Bob Huggins does, and I believe in him. Huggins always seems to make something out of nothing. His teams always make the NCAA Tournament and preform well.
Last year was a let down, after a blowout loss to Gonzaga ended the Mountaineers season. This year the Mountaineers get to start the season off against Gonzaga, in a new conference, under new player leadership, but one thing remains the same, and it is that Bob Huggins is leading the team. Huggins will teach his players how to play the game the right way. Maybe WVU won't be so good this year, but in one or two years, this team could be formidable. Let's go Mountaineers!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Lemonheads Are Back!
Finally, the Lemonheads albums are getting remastered. I can't wait to hear a remastered version of "It's a Shame About Ray," just listen to wait it sounds like already.
The Lemonheads formed in 1986, but really hit it big in 1992. that was when the band released the album It's a Shame About Ray. After that album the band slowly began to become less popular, but still put out great songs, like "Into Your Arms."
I have seen The Lemonheads twice, but really all I saw was their lead singer and songwritter, Evan Dando, preform. Don't get me wrong I love Evan Dando, but the band was at it best with some other members. One of these members is the lovely backup vocalist, Juliana Hatfield. Listen to the way her and Dando mesh on this song.
Juliana Hatfield has decided to preform with Dando and the band in their upcoming tour in 2013. Another important member that has decided to also preform with the band is Ben Deily. Deily played on the first couple records with the band. He wrote songs and played guitar, just like Dando, but his songs are much more punk.
With Deily and Hatfield back, The Lemonheads are going to be a must see band in 2013. The tour should appeal to multiple audiences, such as the more punk or poppy crowds. The band is also working on a new album produced by Ryan Adams, an established musician in his own right.
I can't wait until 2013. The Lemonhead's albums will be remastered, the band will go on tour with its most important members, and there will be a new Lemonhead's album! 2013 can't come quick enough.
The Lemonheads formed in 1986, but really hit it big in 1992. that was when the band released the album It's a Shame About Ray. After that album the band slowly began to become less popular, but still put out great songs, like "Into Your Arms."
I have seen The Lemonheads twice, but really all I saw was their lead singer and songwritter, Evan Dando, preform. Don't get me wrong I love Evan Dando, but the band was at it best with some other members. One of these members is the lovely backup vocalist, Juliana Hatfield. Listen to the way her and Dando mesh on this song.
Juliana Hatfield has decided to preform with Dando and the band in their upcoming tour in 2013. Another important member that has decided to also preform with the band is Ben Deily. Deily played on the first couple records with the band. He wrote songs and played guitar, just like Dando, but his songs are much more punk.
With Deily and Hatfield back, The Lemonheads are going to be a must see band in 2013. The tour should appeal to multiple audiences, such as the more punk or poppy crowds. The band is also working on a new album produced by Ryan Adams, an established musician in his own right.
I can't wait until 2013. The Lemonhead's albums will be remastered, the band will go on tour with its most important members, and there will be a new Lemonhead's album! 2013 can't come quick enough.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
JD Woods, The Forgotten Wide Receiver
This has been one of the greatest starts in West Virginia University football history. The team has one of the most explosive offenses in the country, a top five ranking, a win at Texas in front of the largest crowd ever assembled at Darrell K Royal Stadium, two flashy receivers in Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, and the Heisman frontrunner Geno Smith. West Virginia fans can't ask for much more. Hopefully over the upcoming weeks the wins keep piling up, and come January the Mountaineers will be playing in the National Championship game. If this is going to happen, then the Mountaineers are going to need steady production by their unknown receiver, who probably has the best hands of all of the WVU wide outs, senior JD Woods.
JD Woods is a senior from Naples, Florida. He played football for Golden Gate High School. Woods was only a two-star recruit when he signed with West Virginia. He has been overshadowed throughout his time at West Virginia, but now it's time for Woods to leave his mark on WVU.
West Virginia has two of the most talked about wide receivers in the country in the explosive Tavon Austin, and the touchdown producing machine Stedman Bailey. The Mountaineers also have the nation's top quarterback in Geno Smith. Woods is the third string wide receiver on the team. His stats so far this year aren't overwhelming, but are still positive nonetheless. According to ESPN, Woods has 29 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns. He had a career game two weeks ago against Baylor when he had 13 catches for 114 yards. Wood's numbers aren't going to be great this year because he is the third option for Geno Smith, but he will still impact the game.
Woods has the best hands on the team. Just look at this catch against Baylor.
Woods is going to make his touches count. The catch above saved the game for West Virginia, as they were able to keep their drive alive and run out the clock. Geno Smith constantly looks for Woods on third down and long plays, and Woods usually delivers. This is a trend that must continue.
Last week versus Texas Woods played a little flat. He dropped a couple passes, and struggled to get open all night. This is bound to happen to a player who rarely got playing time until this season and has to play in an atmosphere like Darrell K Royal Stadium. There aren't any worries in my mind about whether Woods will bounce back from that rough outing. He has a monstrous quarterback, who when given time gives his receivers many opportunities to catch the ball. I am looking for Woods to have an amazing game next Saturday against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech.
The Mountaineers have a chance to make something special out of this season, and their stars players will be the ones' who get all the attention, but let's not forget about JD Woods and his hands that can catch anything. When it comes down to third and long and Geno Smith drops back to pass, Woods could easily find himself open across the middle of the field ready for that first down catch. This man has waited four years to get his chance, and he surely won't blow it.
JD Woods is a senior from Naples, Florida. He played football for Golden Gate High School. Woods was only a two-star recruit when he signed with West Virginia. He has been overshadowed throughout his time at West Virginia, but now it's time for Woods to leave his mark on WVU.
West Virginia has two of the most talked about wide receivers in the country in the explosive Tavon Austin, and the touchdown producing machine Stedman Bailey. The Mountaineers also have the nation's top quarterback in Geno Smith. Woods is the third string wide receiver on the team. His stats so far this year aren't overwhelming, but are still positive nonetheless. According to ESPN, Woods has 29 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns. He had a career game two weeks ago against Baylor when he had 13 catches for 114 yards. Wood's numbers aren't going to be great this year because he is the third option for Geno Smith, but he will still impact the game.
Woods has the best hands on the team. Just look at this catch against Baylor.
Woods is going to make his touches count. The catch above saved the game for West Virginia, as they were able to keep their drive alive and run out the clock. Geno Smith constantly looks for Woods on third down and long plays, and Woods usually delivers. This is a trend that must continue.
Last week versus Texas Woods played a little flat. He dropped a couple passes, and struggled to get open all night. This is bound to happen to a player who rarely got playing time until this season and has to play in an atmosphere like Darrell K Royal Stadium. There aren't any worries in my mind about whether Woods will bounce back from that rough outing. He has a monstrous quarterback, who when given time gives his receivers many opportunities to catch the ball. I am looking for Woods to have an amazing game next Saturday against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech.
The Mountaineers have a chance to make something special out of this season, and their stars players will be the ones' who get all the attention, but let's not forget about JD Woods and his hands that can catch anything. When it comes down to third and long and Geno Smith drops back to pass, Woods could easily find himself open across the middle of the field ready for that first down catch. This man has waited four years to get his chance, and he surely won't blow it.
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