Best of 2006: TV

The Office - Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, Jim & Pam. Need I say more? Ok, how about Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, Chilies and Jan Levinson. Need more? How about "Thats what she said!" or "If luck weren’t involved, I would always be winning." or "Why tip someone for a job I’m capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."

LOST - as much as season 2 dragged on and on, I still stuck with this show. It has lost some of it's luster but it's like crack TV, I cant get enough. Please no more flashbacks! I just want to know all of the now details, NOW!

Deal or No Deal - I have admitted here on Life & Times my like for this prime time game show. What is so great about this show is that it is brainless and any shmo can play it. People get all worked up thinking that they could pick a better case than the contestant. Howie represent us bald folks well.

Dateline - Internet predators busted. Crimes solved. I love how Stone Phillips takes you step by step through a crime or Chris Hansen walks up to a dirty old man who is anticipating a 13 year old. I never knew how many twisted messed up crimes of passion went on in this country until I watched this show.


30 Rock - Alec Baldwin steals the show in this outrageous SNL-influenced comedy. I think this show helps solidify the new "Must See TV" on NBC, along with My Name is Earl, previously mentioned The Office, Scrubs and late night with ER.

Best of 2006: Music

Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - It took a while for this recording to grow on me. If you are into experimental hip-hop then you'll dig this. Cee-Lo from Goodie Mod and DJ Danger Mouse make up this unique collaboration.

Daughtry, Daughtry - Former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry and his band rock out on this predictable, yet good release.

Mute Math, Mute Math - Wow. Not bad for a couple of home school kids from Louisiana. Good modern rock with a key-tar twist.

John Mayer, Continuum - The best recording of the year. John Mayer is no longer just a pop guy, but a genuine rock icon. This dude is the real deal and ten years from now he will still be headlining and packing out concert halls.

Day of Fire, Cut and Move - The former front man from band Full Devil Jacket is now the leader of the best hard rock band in Christian music. All of their songs are anthems with an edge.

LeCrea, After the Music Stops - Holy hip hops latest star is lyrically brilliant for the most part and the beats defiantly get your head nodding.

Best of 2006: Movies

"Apocalypto" - Mel Gibson's epic about a young Mayan man trying to survive. Read my review here.

"Deja Vu" - A literally unbelievable movie about a cop that gets involved in a a crazy investigation turned time travel caper. Doesn't get good reviews. So what. Denzel's latest. Need I say more?

"Invincible" - Another sappy but true sports story about a guy who goes from a bartender to a pro football player for the Philly Eagles. Not bad for Marky Mark.

"United 93" - An interpretation of what may have happened on United flight 93 on September 11, 2001. It really welled up some of the emotions from that day.

"Madeas Family Reunion" - Tyler Perry plays an old school crazy old lady who takes in a troubled teen. Hilarious, quirky and good moral of the story. Family and God's love are the most important values.

"Click" - A funny movie about a guy who gets a special remote that can operate his life. I'm a sucker for an Adam Sandler movie.

Best of 2006: Blogs

The Unofficial Apple Weblog - Keeps me up to date on all things Mac! Loads of cool app's, software and hardware are reveiwed. If you don't have this on your favorites, stop sleepin'.

Mondok Blog - One of my mentors and closest friends (as well as co-worker!) always has something to say about something. Dude should write a book, soon.

Spitbox - This blog-zine encapsulates some of my favotite bloggers Los, Pete and Dustin along with others. Always pithy and usually funny.

UM Hurricanes - Omar Kelly posts daily keeping me up to date on my boys down at the U. Big O can be controversial and always has hundreds of comments to comb through.

TV Squad - Helps me keep up to date on my favorite TV shows and more. Great, simple writing with tons of current information.

Honorable Mention - BobFranquiz.com; Jonathan Herron; Bob.Blog; ysmarko

Best of 2006: Books

"The Tozer Pulpit" - I purchased it this summer. It's a 2 volume set of some of AW Tozers messages. I always have enjoyed his writings and thoughts. If you are a fan, you should scoop up this set.

"Spiritual Leadership" - the classic by Sanders is an annual read for me and always will be. No comment needed.

"The Emotionally Healthy Church" - by Peter Scazzero is a good read about the importance of emotional health and stability in the life of a leader. I enjoyed reading his own story and how Jesus restored him and his family.

"Elements" - by Bob Franquiz a fellow blogger and I think a reader of "Life & Times" does a good job examining John the Baptist. J the B was a revolutionary and you can be too! One problem with the book: he had to mention the Hail Flutie pass against the U from '84, ouch!

"10 Lies of Student Ministry" - (by another blogger) Michael Lukaszewski, made me mad in this book. Michael is a former student pastor who took me to task on the whole "it's all about relationships" idea in student ministry. Is he right? Maybe. Did he make me think? Absolutely.

Best of 2006: TV

The Office - Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, Jim & Pam. Need I say more? Ok, how about Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, Chilies and Jan Levinson. Need more? How about "Thats what she said!" or "If luck weren’t involved, I would always be winning." or "Why tip someone for a job I’m capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."

LOST - as much as season 2 dragged on and on, I still stuck with this show. It has lost some of it's luster but it's like crack TV, I cant get enough. Please no more flashbacks! I just want to know all of the now details, NOW!

Deal or No Deal - I have admitted here on Life & Times my like for this prime time game show. What is so great about this show is that it is brainless and any shmo can play it. People get all worked up thinking that they could pick a better case than the contestant. Howie represent us bald folks well.

Dateline - Internet predators busted. Crimes solved. I love how Stone Phillips takes you step by step through a crime or Chris Hansen walks up to a dirty old man who is anticipating a 13 year old. I never knew how many twisted messed up crimes of passion went on in this country until I watched this show.

30 Rock - Alec Baldwin steals the show in this outrageous SNL-influenced comedy. I think this show helps solidify the new "Must See TV" on NBC, along with My Name is Earl, previously mentioned The Office, Scrubs and late night with ER.

Best of 2006: Movies

"Apocalypto" - Mel Gibson's epic about a young Mayan man trying to survive. Read my review here.

"Deja Vu" - An unbelievable movie about a cop that gets involved in a a crazy investigation turned time travel caper. Doesn't get good reviews. So what. Denzel's latest. Need I say more?

"Invincible" - Another sappy but true sports story about a guy who goes from a bartender to a pro football player for the Philly Eagles. Not bad for Marky Mark.

"United 93" - An interpretation of what may have happened on United flight 93 on September 11, 2001. It really welled up some of the emotions from that day.

"Madeas Family Reunion" - Tyler Perry plays an old school crazy old lady who takes in a troubled teen. Hilarious, quirky and good moral of the story. Family and God's love are the most important values.

"Click" - A funny movie about a guy who gets a special remote that can operate his life. I'm a sucker for an Adam Sandler movie.