By CJ Tiernan A song has the power to hit you in the face; to bowl you over. It can strike an emotional chord that plucks your heartstrings like a harp. Or, sometimes it’s just really funny. Either way, when you hear a song that hits, you often seek that song out to discover more songs by the artist. Unfortunately, sometimes that song is by an artist that doesn’t exist. They have no sprawling oeuvre because they are simply a character in a TV Show or Movie. Alas, you can’t win them all. Below is a list of my Top 11 favorite songs I've ever heard by fictional artists. 1. “Shallow” by Ally and Jackson Maine - A Star is Born Lady Gaga is real. Technically, her real name is Stefani Germanotta, but she is very real. However, she and Bradley Cooper (triple-threat writer/director/actor) star in the movie as an up-and-coming pop star and a descending alcoholic musician, respectively. They make magic when they meet in the middle with this beautiful song. While some of the other songs in the movie are tinged with (née drenched in) melancholy, this is a raw, emotional power ballad. “Always Remember Us This Way” is also fantastic. 2. “Man Of Constant Sorrow” by The Soggy Bottom Boys - O Brother, Where Art Thou? Only in a Coen Brothers film, could a trio of escaped convicts push pause on running both away from the law and toward buried treasure to cut a record. The song itself is over a century old, meaning it would have been relatively new at the time of the movie, but the first time I heard it was watching this movie. It is a wonderful hit and the fake beards really tie the band together. 3a. “Stand Out” by Powerline - A Goofy Movie Powerline is a pop superstar that feels like an amalgamation of Prince and Michael Jackson, with moves like Jagger. I couldn’t decide which of his songs to put on the list, so you get both. “Stand Out” allows Max Goof to express himself and impress the girl he likes. 3b. “I2I” by Powerline - A Goofy Movie Both songs were performed by Tevin Campbell when he was still in his teens. That’s pretty impressive for a teenager. When I was a teenager, I binge-watched the first couple of seasons of Lost and learned how to gleek. Game recognize game. 4. “5,000 Candles in the Wind” by Mouse Rat - Parks and Rec Andy Dwyer, portrayed by the incomparable Chris Pratt, is charged with creating a song for the funeral of a miniature horse named Li’l Sebastian. He attempts to create a song that is 5000 times sadder than “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John. It’s surprising the title is so on the nose because of how great Mouse Rat was at coming up with subtle band names. These are, after all, the same guys that came up with Scarecrow Boat, Scrotation Marks, Threeskin, Fiveskin, and Everything Rhymes with Orange, along with countless others. 5. “Husavik (My Hometown)” by Fire Saga - Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a weird movie. It is so earnest, but it follows a couple musicians whom we are led to believe simply don’t have the goods, dude. But God bless ‘em they’ve got heart. They are relentless in the pursuit of their dreams and they mostly refuse to listen to naysayers. Then, we get to this incredible song at the end and it absolutely blows you away and melts your heart. While the masses may clamor for more “Jaja Ding Dong,” this song is the absolute star of the show. 6. “School of Rock” by School of Rock - School of Rock Most of the music in this Jack Black vehicle are classic rock staples. You pour over the soundtrack and we’re talking artists like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Cream, The Who, and The Ramones. Nevertheless, it is this song that is the culmination of the whole shebang. It is the, well it’s the title of the movie, and of the band, but it’s also the thesis of the story. It packs energy, embraces teamwork, and turns the tide on the parental sentiment (which takes a lot because just before the scene, Principal Mullins a.k.a. Joan Cusack tells the parents she’s “just been informed that all of your kids are missing.”) As a bonus, StickItToTheManiosis is a legendary rock ‘n’ roll affliction (like Syphilis). 7. “Let's Go to the Mall” by Robin Sparkles - How I Met Your Mother New York news reporter Robin Scherbatsky is revealed to have been a Canadian teen pop star. It is such a satisfying turn, as she is often the most buttoned up and put together of the bunch. In a world where “the 80s didn’t come to Canada until like ’93,” we get a delicious, peppy teen tune complete with maximum levels of denim and a robot. Warning: the song is an earworm. Once you teen pop, the fun don’t stop. 8. “Please Mr. Kennedy” by The John Glenn Singers - Inside Llewyn Davis Inside Llewyn Davis is the first time I ever saw Adam Driver on screen. What an absolute treat! He doesn’t have a big role in this movie, but boy oh boy does Driver deliver. In the song, he offers what can best be described as verbal sound effects. He is like the hype man for a 1960s song. It is so wonderfully offbeat it will surprise no one that it once again is a Coen Brothers film. Those guys don’t believe in half-measures. This whole soundtrack is the bee's knees and a bag of chips. 9. “Loser Like Me” by The William McKinley High Glee Club - Glee This is an anthem for the marginalized and disenfranchised. “Loser Like Me” is a High School clap back at bullies... and it's friggin’ catchy! While Glee is known mostly for covering famous artists, this song is one of their first and only originals. It is seemingly designed specifically to be played at maximum volume whilst singing along in your car alone but, you know, feel free to conduct your own experiments. 10. “Gitchee Gitchee Goo” by Phineas and the Ferb-Tones - Phineas and Ferb As a send-up of the love song genre, Phineas and Ferb nailed it with this one. Comprised largely of nonsense words, “Gitchee Gitchee Goo” is catchy and poppy and full of verve. Tragically, this was Phineas and the Ferb-Tones’ one and only foray into the pop music space. Perhaps the loss to Marty the Rabbit Boy and his Musical Blender hit them hard. But probably not. They tend to shrug everything off, like their inventions (and pet platypus) disappearing on a daily basis. 11. “I'm So Humble” by Connor4Real - Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping The Lonely Island was responsible for ushering SNL into the digital (short) age and possibly for a lot of unwanted packages in packages. They also brought forth a rather underrated comedy gem in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. I’m admittedly a sucker for a mocumentary and for a musical. If you dare to trod where few ever have and mish-mash the two together than I’m hopping to the front of the line decked out in bells from head to toe. The Bin Laden song is also worthy of your time (and a very confusing sentence if you’re unfamiliar with the soundtrack). I love movies and television and music. When we get to smush together multiple buckets, it makes my insides all warm and fuzzy. I find it quite enjoyable to be entertained by an entertainer who is being played by an entertainer (insert mind blown emoji here). These are my Top 11ish but if you have one I missed, please be sure to let me know in the comments. I left a small list below of the ones that just missed my list. Thanks! I'm Lindana and I Wanna Have Fun by Lindana - Phineas and Ferb Werewolf Bar Mitzvah by Tracy Jordan - 30 Rock Finest Girl (Bin Laden Song) by Conner4Real - Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Sandcastles in the Sand by Robin Sparkles - How I Met Your Mother That Thing You Do! by The Wonders - That Thing You Do! Killer Tofu by The Beets - Doug Machinery Of Torment by Skullflower - Metal Lords You Snuck Your Way Right Into My Heart by Love Händel - Phineas and Ferb Fever Dog by Stillwater - Almost Famous

By CJ Tiernan Saturday Night Live (SNL) has just entered its 51st season. That is an impressive run in a genre that is ever-evolving: comedy. It is a show that has been on for so long, it has touched and shaped the comedic sensibilities of generations. I've seen clips of some of the shows that came out before I as born, but with one or two exceptions, my list is comprised of people that were on the show when I was old enough to watch. Below is a list of my 11 favorite comedians that have ever graced the stage of Studio 8H at 30 Rock as cast members of Saturday Night Live. 1. Kate McKinnon (2012-2022) ColliderVideo, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The Performer - Kate was able to inhabit a character like few others. She was fully committed to the bit. She was able to be weird or play it straight. Well, mostly she was weird, but in the best and most complimentary way. 2. Darrell Hammond (1995-2009) The Chameleon - Darrell was a great impressionist. He played countless politicians and news broadcasters. He wasn't bigger than the character, he let the idiosyncrasies of the person speak for themselves. Except for his Sean Connery impression. That one on Celebrity Jeopardy was delightfully over the top. 3. Dana Carvey (1986-1993) The Impressionist - Dana was one of the best imitators I've ever seen. He is great with accents and dialectics but never loses sight of the fact the impression was a conduit to laughter. 4. Chris Parnell (1998-2006) The Stoic - Chris was often foisted into the straight-man role. At the spelling bee, he is the guy reading the words. His earnest delivery made him the perfect pitchman in a fake ad or as a newscaster in a breaking news report. He had such an established type that, whenever he'd get a chance to play against it, he always killed (like when he raps). 5. Kristen Wiig (2005-2012) The Goofball - Kristen may have had some of the zaniest characters in the history of the show. The Target Lady (pronounced TURR-git) was loud and effervescent but Wiig was great even as a side character with her ridiculous accents and willingness to improvise. That character with the small hands lives rent-free in my nightmares. 6. Bill Hader (2005-2013) The Character - Bill had some wild characters. Stefon, obviously, was untethered. He had great chemistry with Kristen and Fred Armisen in "The Californians." I kinda just liked when he was a weirdo, like the old interviewer, Herb, that shoved microphones in people's faces or that time he played Alan, the future of entertainment. He was also a great impressionist (His Alan Alda in the Jurassic Park auditions is too good). 7. Phil Hartman (1986-1994) The Charmer - Whether he played the guy you root for, or the guy you root against, you rooted for Phil Hartman. He oozed charisma. He was so great at playing the comedy right at the audience (or to the audience? With the audience?). 8. Will Ferrell (1995-2002) The Energy - Will was the ultimate "commit to the bit" performer. He brought everything he had to the role. He could ham it up and milk every ounce of laughter out of his character. It's a talent he brought with him to Hollywood. 9. Kenan Thompson (2003-?) The Glue - Kenan's longevity is second to none. He's just seven seasons away from having been on the show for half of it's entire run. He brings an unbridled charisma to the show. He will often play the straight man that just turns to the audience as if to say "I agree, this guy is crazy." He is so much fun and can so effortlessly turn a bomb into a classic. 10. Andy Samberg (2005-2012) The Game-Changer - Andy, in partnership with his fellow "The Lonely Island" collaborators Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, helped usher in a new wave of Saturday Night Live. They brought non-live sketches to air in the form of "Digital Shorts." Consistently, Andy delivered funny sketches, bringing them to life in a new format (and made some absolute musical bangers along the way). 11. Chris Farley (1990-1995) The Presence - Chris Farley was special in his run on SNL. He brought an energy and physical comedy to his performances that really hasn't been matched since. His ability to shout comedically was unparalleled, and he could also steal the show with his soft spoken, timid characters. Steven Dahlman, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Final Thoughts For a show to last 50 years, it has to catch a few breaks. This show has found some really talented comedians over the years, and while they may feel that SNL was their big break, it was a bit of a break for the show to have all this talent. There are countless greats that I left off my list. From Eddie Murphy and John Belushi, to Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, there are too many to list all of the wonderful people that have made SNL the enduring legacy it is today. Please let me know which of your favorites I left off my list in the comments below. Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan Romantic Comedies, or Rom Coms, are the dessert of the movie world. They're delicious and put a smile on our face without all that pesky nutritional value. I have assembled a list of my Top 11 favorite Rom Coms of all time and I'm willing to bet it differs from yours. That's all right. We all like different things. The thing we can agree on is a happy ending. A happy ending is a delicious morsel that I'll take a bite of every time. Please enjoy! 1. The Princess Bride (1987) A lot of the movies that came out this long ago have an inaccessibility to me. They just feel a note off, as though inside jokes are whipping over my head. However, this one is perfect. The fantasy elements and the action are perfectly woven together with a litany of larger-than-life characters. The six-fingered man, Wallace Shawn, and a giant? As you wish. 2. The Big Sick (2017) Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons I was a huge fan of Kumail Nanjiani's stand-up comedy and loved him in Silicon Valley, so when I found out he was gonna be in a movie, I was so in. Then, it turned out that movie was a deeply personal story of how he met his real-life wife written by the two of them. That alone is moving. But the story itself? Oh boy is it a beautiful ride. 3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) This one is also written by the star of the film (Jason Segel) but apart from the famous "naked breakup" scene, it isn't based on a true story. It is, however, a delightful story following the aftermath of a breakup in a very comedic fashion (Featuring puppets!). 4. Wedding Crashers (2005) Wedding Crashers is one of the most quotable movies I've ever seen. It's also one of the funniest. It is largely a comedy, but there is a fun love story in the middle with Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams. It also unleashes Vince Vaughn to go full Vince Vaughn up against a stage-5 clinger. And I could be wrong, but I think this is the movie that introduced the world to Bradley Cooper. 5. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) This is a fun one. A hit man (John Cusack) returns to his 10-year High School Reunion and bumps into the one that got away (Minnie Driver). He also has to fend off a rival hit man (Dan Aykroyd) all while his handler is in his ear (John's real-life sister Joan Cusack). Definitely worth the watch. 6. Little Shop of Horrors (1986) If you don't count the singing Dracula in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (although how could you not?), this is the first musical on the list. It's an adaptation of a stage play, which was a musical adaptation of a previous Little Shop of Horrors movie. A musical in a small floral shop down on Skid Row may sound like a tough spot for music glory, but you'd be wrong. The guys behind the music (Howard Ashman and Alan Menken) went on to team up for the music and lyrics in The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991). They know how to tickle the heart-strings (check out my Top 11 of their songs here). 7. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021) A time loop Rom Com. What more do you need? How about being stuck in a time loop and finding a fellow time looper. This movie is fun and simultaneously inventive and familiar. Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen are enchanting as the teenagers at the heart of this one. Also, it's based on the book by Lev Grossman (a wonderful fantasy author). 8. Palm Springs (2020) Another time loop movie? Heck yeah! This movie has some of the melancholy of the O.G. (Groundhog Day) while also harboring the comedy you'd expect from a movie with Andy Samberg. It's heartfelt and genuinely funny. That's the definition of a Rom Com. 9. Dan In Real Life (2007) Meet cute. Check. Widower. Check. Falling for someone you can't be with. Check. This baby is out here checking Rom Com boxes left and right. It also has great performances from Steve Carrell, Juliette Binoche, and (perhaps surprisingly) Dane Cook. Definitely worth checking out. 10. About Time (2013) Alright. I admit it. I have a type. Yes this is yet another time loop/time travel movie. What do you want me to do? I can't leave it off the list and if you've seen it you know it belongs here. A beautiful Rom Com about a man who inherited the ability to travel through time genetically. Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson are beautiful in this. 11. Hitch (2005) Man, Will Smith is so good. This is toward the tail end of his epic run of blockbuster smashes, but it is great. He plays the titular Hitch, a man who coaches other men on the art of wooing women. He is great at what he does and it's all going well until he falls for Eva Mendes' character. This movie also has a top-notch Kevin James as the perfectly named Albert Brennaman, who hires Smith's Hitch to help him get a date. Very fun movie and another movie that is very easy to quote over and over. "This is home." A Heartfelt Finale There are many great reasons to watch a movie, but ultimately we seek entertainment. Whether it's the wish fulfillment of a happy ending, the immersion in another world, or the joy of seeing things from inside someone else's shoes, movies have the power to move us emotionally. I love the opportunity to escape for a couple of hours and live through things that don't or can't happen in reality. Below is a list of some of the wonderful movies that just missed making the Top 11 list. The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) Superbad (2007) The Fall Guy (2024) Jerry Maguire (1996) Meet the Parents (2000) Knocked Up (2007) Moonrise Kingdom (2012) Hit Man (2024) Her (2013) Bridesmaids (2011) Definitely, Maybe (2008) Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) Midnight in Paris (2011)

Robin Williams was a remarkable actor. He brought an unrivaled energy and enthusiasm to his performances. While rightly remembered for his comedic chops, he was so good at bringing a tenderness and humanity to his characters that he also excelled in dramatic roles. Robin Williams is one of my very favorite actors of all time. Below is my list of my 11 favorite Robin Williams movies. John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 1. Good Will Hunting (1997) Good Will Hunting is a beautiful story of a young man (the title character Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon) working as a janitor at MIT. He is discovered by a professor to be a genius in the field of mathematics. The movie is full of humor and hope, two of the strongest emotions a human can possibly feel. Williams plays Dr. Sean Maguire, a therapist charged with cutting through Will's very thick Boston armor. He helps to lend a gravitas to the film, serving as a Mr. Miyagi to Matt Damon. Robin Williams offers up some all time great lines in this movie while bringing his trademark wit and heart. It's one of the best movies of all time and the role earned Robin Williams his only Oscar. 2. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) This is Robin's best role. It feels perfectly crafted to his skill set. He plays a voice actor who loses custody of his three children to his ex-wife and masquerades as an old-lady housekeeper in order to be able to see his children. It is a role that perfectly encapsulates his range. He gets to be over-the-top funny, showcasing his physical comedy, and he gets to be human and vulnerable. According to Robin (a biography by Dave Itzkoff), he was also the driving force behind the way in which the movie ends. He fought to ensure the ending was realistic and the divorced parents didn't get back together at the end. He felt it was important for kids to see divorce portrayed realistically in film, as he was a divorced father himself. 3. Jumanji (1995) Jumanji is the story of supernatural board game that seems to have a mind of its own and forces the players into jungle-themed hazards as the game goes along. Robin Willams plays a man-child, an adult who was pulled into the jungle during the game as a kid and forced to survive there for many years all on his own. It offers another opportunity to showcase his physical comedy skills. He also works along side child actors, bringing a tenderness to the performance. 4. The Birdcage (1996) Robin Williams brings all the energy to this one. He plays one half of a gay couple (with Nathan Lane) who have to throw together a dinner party and pretend to be straight to gain the approval of their son's fiancé's conservative parents. Hijinx ensue! This is a non-stop laugh riot and highly worth the watch. Hank Azaria, Gene Hackman, and Dianne Wiest round out a fantastic cast. 5. Night at the Museum (2006) Robin Williams is a star. A bonafide star. He is the leading man in almost every movie he is in. This movie is the only one on my list where he is neither the main character, nor essential to the heart of the film. The movie itself is a lot of fun, though. Featuring Ben Stiller as a nightwatchman, the story takes place in a NYC history museum where the exhibits come to life at night. Williams portrays the Rough Rider himself, Theodore Roosevelt. It is a great family flick. 6. What Dreams May Come (1998) What Dreams May Come is a fantastical story of love and loss. Robin Williams plays a doctor named Chris who, along with his wife Annie (Annabella Sciorra), lose their two children in a car accident. Several years later, Chris dies in a separate car accident. Annie is left broken and alone, while Chris watches on helplessly from the afterlife. Annie eventually succumbs to the grief and takes her own life. Chris then sets out from his perch in heaven to save her from hell, the place where people who die by suicide go. It is a gripping, devastating story with a beautiful performance from Williams. 7. Hook (1991) Man-Child Alert! In this Spielberg flick, Robin plays a version of Peter Pan that has left Neverland, grown up, and forgotten he was ever Peter Pan. He has to return to Neverland to save his children, who have been kidnapped by Captain Hook. Another great showcase for Robin's energy and tenderness, this movie is a really fun one to watch. Rufio! 8. Aladdin (1992) This is the only animated movie on my list. Robin Williams plays the Genie. This role is so totally and completely Robin Williams. It feels a lot like a PG-version of his stand-up comedy. This role and his role in "Good Morning, Vietnam" are probably the two roles that showcase how amazing an improviser he was and how mile-a-minute his mind operated. This performance is energetic and hilarious. 9. The Fisher King (1991) Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are both fantastic in this one. It is directed by Terry Gilliam (Monty Python, 12 Monkeys, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) so it is understandably difficult to quickly distill the plot. Williams plays a homeless man in pursuit of the holy grail whose status and mental state were altered by a traumatic event fomented, in part, by Bridges character. It is one of Robin Williams most human and vulnerable performances. This movie is worth a watch. 10. Popeye (1980) Popeye was Robin's first starring role in movie. It was really his first feature film period. The energy in this movie is insane, although seeming explainable. The comedy is broad and physical and the makeup and costumes are pretty true to the comic strip the movie is based on. Those forearms are ridiculous! Also, it's a musical! Plus, check it out. The whole thing takes place in a coastal town (that they built from scratch) in the beautiful island country of Malta. 11. Dead Poets Society (1989) "O captain, my captain" and "carpe diem. Seize the day, boys!" are two of the lasting and poignant quotes from the movie. Williams once again deftly portrays a sculptor of the young mind, this time as John Keating. His character offers the hope of infinite possibility to his young pupils, rattling the cages of the conventions of the time. The movie is beautiful and tragic, hopeful and humorous. It is Robin Williams. Final Thoughts Comedy doesn't always translate to acting. Sometimes people are too sardonic to be vulnerable and it just doesn't work. That was never the case with Robin Williams. He always had a gleam in his eyes. It was magical. He operated on screen with such humanity. His loss was felt by so many. He was in so many great movies that I'm sure your list differs from mine. How great a compliment is that to the great Robin Williams that we can't agree on which of his films were the best because he did so many wonderful ones? Below is a ranking of the rest of his movies I've seen. I haven't seen them all, so if I missed any winners, please let me know. Thanks! Patch Adams (1998) Flubber (1997) Absolutely Anything (2015) Jack (1996) The World According to Garp (1982) Awakenings (1990) Insomnia (2002) Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996) One Hour Photo (2002) FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992) The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) Bicentennial Man (1999) Robots (2005) World's Greatest Dad (2009) Man of the Year (2006)

By CJ Tiernan Amusement parks are the bees knees. The proverbial cat's pajamas. I have been to Universal multiple times over the years and have always loved my time there. Now I haven't been to Universal Studios Florida in several years, so I haven't gotten the chance to explore DreamWorks Land. I've also had the pleasure of attending the park dating way back to the early '90s, so I have several attractions on this list that no longer exist (insert sad face emoji here). This list doesn't include any rides from Universal Islands of Adventure or the newly opened Epic Universe (future lists en route). Here are my 11 favorite rides of all time at Universal Studios. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 1. E.T. Adventure This ride is a nostalgic delight. More and more, rides are utilizing screens and discontinuing animatronics. Keep the animatronics, please! They create such a uniquely magical experience at theme parks. This ride starts with a queue that weaves through impossibly tall trees. Then you get to hop on a bike and fly through the air to aid the titular alien in getting home after the little dude has already made the phone call. Soaring over a tiny town is always fun (Peter Pan in Magic Kingdom lets you do the same thing) and then there's the end. E.T. thanks you for your help. By name! It was such a cool wrinkle when I was a kid, even though he kinda butchered my cousin Siobhan's name. To be fair, that one gets most of us from this planet as well. Check this ride out next time you're there. I don't think you'll have to worry about it being replaced anytime soon (unlike some of the other rides on this list). Legend has it, as long the theme park remains, this ride is contractually obligated to exist. Yay! 2. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Full disclosure: I only ever got to ride this one once and now it's gone forever, so I don't have quite the sample size of most of the other rides on this list. However, my one experience was all time great. My sister, 2 of my brothers, my brother-in-law, and my dad were just getting to the lockers before the ride and stowing our valuables when an employee went up to my dad (who looked a lot like Santa Claus at the time) and asked us to come with them. We didn't know what was going on, but we followed to an elevator. At the top, we had a small area to stow our effects, and then came around the corner and the ride was right there. We were chosen like the 3-eyed alien in Toy Story (sorry, wrong IP) and got the VIP treatment. It was magical. We called it a Christmas miracle because it happened on Christmas Eve. The ride itself starts with a full 90 degree vertical climb and then it's off to the races. I found out after the ride you can also choose your song from a pretty long list of options. I went default. No regrets. If you got a chance to ride this one, be thankful. If you're looking for the VIP treatment, I recommend you go with Santa. 3. Revenge of the Mummy This is an indoor roller coaster. It is based on one of my Top 20 favorite movies of all time. When I rode it in 2021, they announced that it would be undergoing a revamp, so I don't know how different it is now, but when I was on it, it was sick! Even my mom loved it and she doesn't do roller coasters. My favorite part is when you're in one of the rooms and then the entire ceiling lights on fire and you can feel the burn. How cool!? 4. Jaws This ride is also extinct. If you got a chance to climb aboard, cherish it. This ride has shades of Jungle Cruise, as you would hop on a boat and someone would talk to you as they led you around. They would take you to spots where there were shark attacks and show you the sights, but then there is a distress call over the radio and the game is on. Don't worry! Your skipper has a frickin' grenade launcher. Aw man, I wish this one was still in play. 5. Earthquake: The Big One This ride gave you the opportunity to live out an 8.3 earthquake while in a train car in San Francisco. It was so cool to watch the infrastructure crumble above and around you (and not feel like you were going to die). There was a semi-truck that came sliding down at you from the road above and a giant flood of water came rushing by. There was a second version of the ride that I don't remember, but this first one, based on a '70s movie I never saw, was so much fun! 6. Transformers: The Ride 3D The 2007, Michael Bay-helmed movie was tons of fun. It transported these animated robot cars into the real world. This ride took it a step further, by placing you in that world at the same time. In 3-D! This ride is very reminiscent of the Spider-Man ride in Islands of Adventure, as the style of the ride is quite similar, but the action and sound-effects are a real treat. Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, two of the greatest vocal performers of all time, go head-to-head as Optimus Prime and Megatron and we come out the winners. Check this one out. It still exists! 7. Back to the Future - The Ride Nerd fantasy became a reality with this ride as you had the opportunity to hitch a ride with Doc Brown in the DeLorean (An 8-passenger, convertible facsimile) to try and catch Biff Tannen as he runs amok in the space-time continuum. Alas, it has gone the way of the paper map, and the effects would seem pretty crude by todays standards, but man was it a real treat back in the '90s. Speaking of treat, just outside the queue for this ride, a youthful 6 and a half year old me was about to bite into a footlong hotdog when a seagull swooped in and Bogarted about 10 inches. Core memory. 8. The Simpsons Ride The entire Simpsons world (Springfield, U.S.A.) is a really cool thing to see. There are several landmarks from the show, and who doesn't love the idea of Duff Beer topiaries? The ride itself takes you through Springfield and puts its cast of zany characters on full display. It's pretty cool. They take you to a little room with the Simpsons car parked in it. Then they raise the car up into the air and you get to view a giant domed screen as the story plays out. The car you're sitting in does whip around a lot, so make sure to keep your head pressed against the head rest or you'll look like Sideshow Bob after he steps on all those rakes. 9. Hogwarts Express The Hogwarts Express is both a ride and a mode of transportation. It allows you to travel between Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios. The train looks just like it does in the movies from the outside, but the bigger surprise is that it becomes an attraction while in motion. There are silhouettes of Harry Potter characters that talk as they walk by the train corridors, and the window is a screen that allows you to watch some Harry Potter characters and easter eggs play out. Plus, it gives a different show depending on which way you're traveling. And yes, you get on to the train at platform 9¾. And yes, you can have a butterbeer (or 10) when you arrive. 10. Men in Black: Alien Attack Can you tell why I like this amusement park? After Back to the Future was in my Top 10 favorite movies of all time, and The Mummy was in the Top 20, Men in Black makes the list and is in my Top 30. The queue alone is so fun for this ride as you get to parade through the starched-white walls of the Men in Black headquarters. You even get to eavesdrop on the little smoking worm aliens as they hang out in the break room. Once you get on the ride, it is a shoot-'em-up adventure. You are out there shooting the bad aliens (remember, they're not all bad) and trying to rack up a higher score than the person next to you. You don't get Noisy Cricket, but you still get to wield a lot of fire power. Check it out while it lasts! 11. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts Back to the Potterverse, y'all! This ride allows you to hurl through Gringotts bank in a mine cart. As the title would suggest, it's not a leisurely stroll. The ride is a lot of fun, even if it is a little too reliant on video screens. More animatronics, please! The queue for this ride is the greatest queue I've ever experienced. You enter through the big, marbled lobby of the bank before descending into the bowels of the operation. Every Harry Potter fan ought to be given the chance to live a day in this universe. From the immersion in Diagon Alley (with a fire-breathing dragon) to the chance to team up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the ride, this place is an honor and a privilege. Unlock your next trip right now! Alohomora! Final Thoughts All of these rides were so much fun. If you are someone who makes an annual pilgrimage, or frequents this park even more often than that: Jealous! I had the great fortune to attend several times with my family, and it forged memories I wouldn't trade for anything (except maybe a frozen butterbeer on a hot July afternoon). I hope you get the chance one day. Plus, I even had to leave some great attractions off my list. Kongfrontation was a really cool King Kong ride where you rode an aerial cable car during an evacuation of New York due to the presence of an oversized gorilla. You would get to play witness to Kong himself, as well as the carnage he wrought. Twister...Ride It Out was also cool. Like Earthquake, it gave you an opportunity to ride out (eh, see what I did there?) a natural disaster without all the pesky imminent demise vibes. Imminent Demise Vibes! Dibs on that as my band name! Anyway, please let me know in the comments what your favorite rides in the Universal Studios park are. Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan Canada has exported an incredible number of actors to Hollywood. Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Michael J. Fox, Keanu Reeves, John Candy, both Ryans Gosling and Reynolds, and Donald Sutherland are some of the laundry list of Canadian actors we've had the pleasure of being entertained by. Rachel McAdams belongs on the list. She has been nominated for an Academy Award and has starred in some of the best movies of the last two-plus decades. Below is a list of my Top 11 Favorite Movies Featuring Rachel McAdams that I’ve ever seen. Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 1. Wedding Crashers (2005) This is one of the funniest movies of all time. While the conceit is a little single-note, the execution is perfection. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn are an incredible comedy duo (look no further than their recent Xfinity commercials) but this movie displays them at the peak of their powers. Rachel McAdams is the love interest and driving force of the story and the conflict. It was one of her earlier roles and one of her best. 2. About Time (2013) Cool time travel movie alert! If you haven’t seen this movie, do yourself a favor and get on it. It is one of the best rom coms of all time and one of the best time travel movies. Domhnall Gleeson (pronounced as though the ‘m’ is invisible. Oh, also, he’s the son of the guy that plays Mad Eye Moody) plays a guy who has gotten the ability to travel in time genetically and attempts to use it to improve his life. Rachel McAdams once again stars as the love interest. 3. Spotlight (2015) It will not surprise you to find that this movie is incredible. It won the Academy Award for best picture in a strong year that included The Martian, Sicario, Mad Max: Fury Road, Everest, and The Big Short. It is a tough subject that is portrayed in a really fascinating way. “Spotlight” follows a small group of journalists inside The Boston Globe that help unearth a local coverup inside of the Catholic church. What are they covering up? The rampant sexual abuse of children. It is a devastating movie that is top notch from start to finish. This was Rachel McAdams lone Oscar nomination, a Best Supporting Actress nod. 4. Midnight in Paris (2011) Cool. Let’s follow up a story about the sexual abuse of children with a movie written and directed by Woody Allen. I’m a big separate the art from the artist kind of guy, but if you’re not than your list probably looks a little different. This movie, the second time travel movie in the first four here, follows Owen Wilson (another second in the first four) as a writer who, while on vacation with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams), transports back in time while going on midnight walks from his hotel. The movie is steeped in nostalgia and introspection, which can be difficult to portray on film, but is absolutely nailed here. 5. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) I love this movie. It is very weird. It follows Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as lifelong friends in Iceland who enter the Eurovision Song Contest, despite the outside pressure and commentary that they aren’t good enough. Both actors play it so straight it is perfection. As an added bonus, the music is genuinely great. 6. Game Night (2018) John Francis Daley (Sweets in “Bones”) co-directed this movie. He was also involved in the writing and/or directing of Spider-Man: Homecoming, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and Horrible Bosses. It was an underrated gem. Co-starring Jason Bateman, Lamorne Morris, Kyle Chandler, and Jesse Plemons, this movie follows the titular couple activity as it goes completely off the rails. It’s worth your time and quite rewatchable. 7. Sherlock Holmes (2009) Guy Ritchie movies, amirite? You know what you’re stepping into when you go to one of these. In a word: hyper-stylized violence. It’s awesome. Robert Downey Jr. is your Sherlock and Jude Law serves as your Watson. Rachel McAdams plays the femme fatale that hires Sherlock to find a missing dude, kicking off the plot. This is a fun one. 8. Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (2023) This was based on the book of the same name. I didn’t read the book. I don’t know how it stacks up against the book. All I can tell you is the movie is incredible. They did a great job of casting in this one. The kids are incredible. Kathy Bates is wonderful. Rachel McAdams plays the mother of the main character and is fantastic. I highly recommend this movie, even if you aren’t a young woman navigating puberty. Added bonus, the sometimes-best friend of Margaret is named Nancy Wheeler (where my Stranger Things fans at?). 9. Doctor Strange (2016) This was not the strongest offshoot of the MCU, but it was still pretty great and exposes a lot of the mythos and lore required during the Avengers movies. Benedict Cummerbund looks dope as a doctor turned wizard and Rachel McAdams plays a fellow doctor and (stop me if you’ve heard this one before) love interest. Some of the magical stuff is tough to follow but, again, Benedict Cucumber looks dope. 10. Mean Girls (2004) I graduated High School in ’06. This movie was quoted an awful lot in my periphery back in the day. It was well deserved. The movie, written by Tina Fey and based on the book “Queen Bees and Wannabes" by Rosalind Wiseman, features kids in cliques trying to make it to graduation. Rachel McAdams plays the Queen Bee and Lindsay Lohan (remember her?) plays a naïve transplant that is caught between friend groups. It’s one of the better High School movies out there (although it didn’t make my Top 11 High School Movies) and worth checking out. 11. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) A lot of things happen in this movie. It’s all over the place and that results in its place behind the first movie on this list. However, some of the stuff is really cool. Elizabeth Olsen is an Avenger that largely plays the bad guy. The MCU brass also crammed in a bunch of new characters like a recasting or rehashing of some superheroes from other movies. The best character is a new one they added for the movie named America Chavez. Rachel McAdams’ Dr. Palmer gets a little bit more to do in this movie but it’s not the most exciting plotline. Fun Fact: the movie was directed by Sam Raimi of Evil Dead fame. Final Thoughts Rachel McAdams is in an incredible number of great movies. It kind of sneaks up on you how many great ones she’s been in because she is rarely the star of the show. Her performances are spot on time and time again. She makes great choices. Sing her praises! Below is a list of the three movies I’ve seen of hers that didn’t make my list. Thanks so much! Red Eye (2005) Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) The Notebook (2004)

By CJ Tiernan To quote Michael Scott: "Pizza. The great equalizer. Rich people love pizza. Poor people love pizza. White people love pizza. Black people love pizza." Pizza is awesome and everyone that doesn't have some allergy to one of its ingredients, loves the stuff (heck, my body says no to dairy and I power through anyway). Below I've crafted a quick list of my 11 favorite toppings on a pizza. 1. Pepperoni This one is the best and it is the most popular for a reason. It's weird because, unlike a lot of the other things on this list, pepperoni doesn't really occur much in the wild. Outside of an Italian sub, pizza is really the only place you see a pepperoni. I don't know who decided this, but as long the pepperoni pizza doesn't go extinct, I'm good. 2. Sausage Sausage: The great 1-2 punch to accompany pepperoni on a pizza. It works great on its own, but is even better when it partners with the 'roni. Sorry to those of you allergic to fennel, sausage is dope. 3. Salami This is basically the cousin or step brother of the pepperoni. I highly recommend it. It has a similar taste and texture. Usually, the slices they put on a pizza are a lot larger in diameter than a pepperoni. How fun is that!? 4. Bacon This is a topping that lives well outside of the surface of a pizza. It has carved out a pretty profitable niche as a breakfast food (and it's doing okay in the burger-topping business), but I highly recommend it on a pizza. There is nothing like the taste of bacon. 5. Meatball Don't worry, they don't usually serve this one the same way on a pizza as they do with a plate of spaghetti. They dice it up. The meatball is a great addition to one of those pizzas where they just throw all sorts of different meats on there. The more the merrier I always say. 6. Jalapeno or Serrano Peppers Hey there vegetarians! If you stuck it out this far, good for you. I'm not a big "vegetables on pizza" guy, but I do like a bit of a kick. One of these peppers, diced and sprinkled on the 'za, is an absolute delight. 7. Diced or Sliced Tomato I didn't include tomato sauce or cheese on the list because they are basic ingredients of pizza. It is not a topping, it is super necessary, dare I say: essential. However, topping the pizza with some tomatoes that are either thinly sliced or diced really hits. 8. Buffalo Sauce Buffalo sauce is another great way to add kick to your pizza. Some pizza places will offer a buffalo chicken pizza, where you can dip you toes into these waters. I actually like adding it to a pepperoni pizza as well. It adds some pizzaz to pizza. So I guess it, like, adds a third 'z'? I don't know, man. Try it! 9. Crushed Red Pepper When you go to a pizzeria, you will often get some shakers put on the table with parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. If you like a little kick on your pizza, I'm sure you're no stranger to this one. It helps zhuzh it up. 10. Pesto This is great option if you're looking for a replacement for the tomato sauce base. You usually break out the pesto for a white pizza or something with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes on top. Maybe some basil or garlic? Maybe something to give it a little kick? I don't know, go wild! 11. Pineapple Controversy Alert! I know some people say pineapple doesn't belong on pizza. I don't believe in legislating another man's pizza toppings. If you're a Hawaiian pizza guy, do you're thing. I'm not a big Canadian bacon guy (it's a texture thing) but I will absolutely say "aloha" to a pepperoni and pineapple pizza. My siblings and I enjoying pizza from the friendly confines of a Ford Econoline. Florida - 2001 Final Thoughts Obviously, most of the toppings on this list don't live alone. A pizza is a concert of different flavors and textures. Have it your way (wait that's Burger King). Please let me know in the comments if I left any of your favorite toppings off the list (if your answer is mushrooms, I did that on purpose). Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan Phineas and Ferb is one of my very favorite shows of all time. If you've ever watched the show, you know that there is a small list of boxes that get checked every single episode. The boys are going to invent something great, Dr. Doofenshmirtz is going to invent something that is thwarted by Perry the Platypus, Candice is going to fail to bust Phineas and Ferb, and there is going to be a musical number. I have created a list of my 11 favorite songs from the show, and it includes both the recurring songs and the songs that are one-offs for a given episode. I only included the music from the original run (2007-2015) as I have not yet seen the reboot season in 2025. 1. Today is Gonna Be a Great Day (Theme Song) This, as you could probably tell from the title, is the theme song. See, right there in parentheses, it says "Theme Song." That's because this is the song that starts every episode. It was also performed by Bowling for Soup of "1985" fame. 2. E.V.I.L. B.O.Y.S. This is a song that Candace sings while she is vocally compromised. She is allergic to wild parsnips and her voice sounds more like Harvey Fierstein than Ashley Tisdale (the voice actress for the character). She sings this song to her mom, venting frustration on all the things Phineas and Ferb get away with. 3. Gitchee Gitchee Goo This is a love song by Phineas and the Ferb-Tones. After learning about the concept of a "one-hit wonder," and their mother's past as pop-star Lindana, Phineas and Ferb set out to create a "one-hit wonder" of their own. They succeed in writing a hit, and it became a hit for the show as this was the first song written for an episode of Phineas and Ferb and caused the Disney Brass to insist on more! Good call, suits! 4. S.I.M.P. (Squirrels in my Pants) An impromptu rap performance by "2 Guyz N the Parque" is launched because Candice accidentally gets squirrels in her pants. Well, accidentally to her, as she has been sabotaged during her babysitting duties. The performance is delightful, as Candice shouting about squirrels in her pants is used like a hip-hop sample. Look out world, it's the dance craze just waiting to sweep the nation. 5. Quirky Worky Song This song is a recurring song. It is the fun name given to song they use during a montage, usually of the boys building their contraption of the day. It is a delightful ear worm without the use of any real words. 6. Ain't Got Rhythm The episode "Dude, We're Getting the Band Back Together," begins in a world where the '80s rock band "Love Händel" has broken up due to infighting and a dwindling fan base. But that won't do for Phineas and Ferb, who attempt to get the band back together for their parents, as it was their favorite band in their youth (and Lawrence forgot Linda and his anniversary). This song plays out in a Public Library as Phineas and Ferb win over Sherman (also known as "Swampy", an obvious hat-tip to show co-creator Jeff "Swampy" Marsh), the drummer. 7. Izzy's Got the Frizzies Due to the humidity, the character Izzy, a.k.a Isabella Garcia-Shapiro (whose signature move is to drop in on the boys at work and ask "whatcha doin'?"), has developed frizzy hair. She's says she is going to leave to wash it when an impromptu, soulful performance breaks out. This song is the only time she is ever referred to as Izzy in the show. 8. Perry the Platypus Theme Song Secret Agent/Pet Platypus Perry is the hero that always thwarts the efforts of Dr. Doofenshmirtz to take over the entire Tri-State area. Naturally, he is provided with a theme song. This one conjures up the old tune "Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers. 9. My Undead Mummy "All the kids at school are gonna have a conniption, when they get a load of my funky Egyptian MC..." is an absolutely delicious line. The boys watch an old mummy movie with their dad and then launch into a quest to find their own. They quickly get there, after this fun daydream of a song in bubblegum pop style. 10. Fabulous "Fabulous" comes from the same episode as "Ain't Got Rhythm." This time, the boys are recruiting the bass player. It takes place in a hair salon and Candice goes against her usual M.O. by hiding what her brothers are doing so that the reunion concert featuring "Love Händel" can be a surprise. 11. Paul Bunyan's Pancake Haus Theme This is more of a jingle than a song, but it is a delightful, recurring jingle. Every time there is a chase scene that drives by The Paul Bunyan's Pancake Haus, the theme plays. I couldn't not include this quirky little ditty on my list. Joe Meno from Raleigh, NC, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Final Thoughts From the "Where's Perry?" line, to Ferb's only line, to the "aren't you boys a little young..." line, there are countless running gags in the show. That is part of the charm. I'd argue there is no bigger charm than the music. The show, co-created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, has music in its DNA, as both men have musical backgrounds. The story goes, they would entertainingly sing the songs into the answering machine of musical composer Danny Jacob, who would return with it fully formed a few days later. Charming, simple, yet extremely successful, these songs live on years after the show. There were so many different songs throughout the shows run, so I'm sure your list differs from mine. Please, let me know in the comments which ones I left off that you find unforgivable. Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan Pat Hughes, the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, brings a joy and energy to the broadcast on a daily basis. He has been on the call for the Cubs since 1996 and was recently inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame. I have always delighted in his idiosyncrasies when listening to him call a game. The Cubs are my favorite baseball team and I quite enjoy listening to him whenever I can't watch the game. Below is my list of my 11 favorite things to hear (or see) Pat Hughes say (or do) on a broadcast. Garrett Craig from Madison, WI, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons 1. "Chicago Cubs Baseball is ON the air" This iconic expression sets the perfect mood for every single Cubs game. It comes at the top of each broadcast, before the first pitch has even been thrown. It comes with the excitement of the start of a game and the hope of infinite possibility. It opens the door to the chance to see something you've never seen before and the ultimate goal of flying the W. 2. Calling pants "trousers" When going over the uniforms of both teams (brought to you by Benjamin Moore), he will describe the colors of the different parts of the uniform. He always refers to pants as "trousers." It is a quaint and antiquated term that always slaps a smile on my face. 3. "This ball's got a chance…GONE!" The home run call is a signature of all baseball broadcasters. Every one of them have to attempt to balance a unique call with making sure the fans can still tell what is happening in the game. This call is great because it is coupled with a growing sense of excitement and volume as he becomes more and more sure that the ball will travel over the fence. It is reserved for the Cubs. If an opposing player hits a homer he offers a disappointed "this one is gonna leave the yard." Dude's an icon. 4. Calling the tarp a "tarpaulin" One of the unsung sights at a ball park is seeing a comically large, rolled-up tarp along the stands. Any park without a roof requires a tarp to cover the infield in the event of inclement weather. The Cubs have theirs delightfully sponsored by Reynolds Wrap (designed to look a little like a roll of tin foil). When referencing the tarp, whether it is being draped over the field or just as an obstacle for a fielder attempting to catch a foul pop fly, he will always refer to it is a "tarpaulin." There is nothing wrong with that, as tarp is simply the abbreviation used in most walks of life. He is literally the only person I've ever heard use the full name and it always tickles the ivories of my funny bone. 5. "…But thanks for asking" When calling a game, you aren't on an island. A play-by-play man is usually issued a side-kick, known as the color commentator. They are almost always someone who played the sport and is capable of adding insight to decisions and strategies of the game. Helpfully, Pat's last 2 color commentators have been named Ron. As they are filling 9 innings, and not all moments bring the action, the topics tend to wander. Sometimes, current color man Ron Coomer will ask Pat Hughes a ridiculous question that he dismisses out of hand with a "No, but thanks for asking." Blowouts are great for this flavor of banter. 6. "Impartial arbiter" In baseball, there are 4 referees, known as umpires, and each is in charge of a different base around the diamond. At the top of the broadcast, in addition to introducing the players, the umpires are introduced and their base assignments are revealed. Pat will often refer to a specific umpire as the "impartial arbiter" of whatever base they happen to be manning. While it is another way of phrasing and accurately defining their role, it is always fun to hear a twist on the normal term. 7. Palindromic attendance guesses With so many sponsors to cram into a nine-inning broadcast, it often feels like they are making up reasons to have sponsors. The TV broadcast does this by playing "mound ball" which is just observing whether the umpire keeps the ball on the dirt part of the mound when rolling the ball from home plate during the fourth inning. The umpire is unaware they are playing, but money is at stake for a random fan in the stands. On the radio broadcast, they play the Binny's Beverage Depot attendance game (no stakes are attached to this game apart from bragging rights). They are simply taking a stab at being closest to the actual attendance number revealed later in the game. Every time Pat makes a guess, he proffers a palindrome. A palindrome is a word or number that is read the same way forward and backward. "Race car" is an example of this. He'll throw out a guess like 41,414 in attendance today. He's clearly just doing it to amuse himself, which makes it all the more fun for the rest of us. 8. "Fasten those seatbelts as we go to the (bottom of the) 9th" This phrase is used in a close game. If the Cubs are poised to win, and just need to cling for dear life to a close lead, he'll throw this phrase out there. It helps to conjure the emotion of the moment. He usually says it right before the commercial break leading to the top or bottom of the 9th inning, depending on the game situation and whether they are home or away. The Cubs have had issues closing games during my tenure as a fan, so the seatbelt metaphor is... quite apt. 9. "The lights have taken full effect" When you are calling a game on the radio, you're obligated to paint a vivid picture. The people listening to you can't actually see the game, so they are looking at the sights and action through your eyes. Pat Hughes has always painted a delightfully beautiful picture. He is no stranger to standing in awe at the historic nature of Wrigley Field and the one-of-a-kind power of the fans at the Friendly Confines. He will sometimes step back and let the force of the crowd noise take over. He helps put the listener in the stadium. In addition to helping you feel like you're there, he will also paint the picture of what you'd see. He likes to use the line "the lights have taken full effect" when the day has given way to night to such a degree that the game wouldn't be functional without the many stadium lights encircling the park. It is a simple, almost throwaway line that he utters frequently throughout the season. I love it. 10. "Get out the tape measure LONG home run" This is an extension of his home run call. Some homers will just squeak over the fence while others are hit so far and hard they threaten to make their way to the streets of Sheffield or Waveland. This call is reserved for the no-doubters. It is often also reserved for days when the wind is blowing out. Wrigley Field is, perhaps more than any other MLB park, beholden to the weather of the day and when the wind is blowing out, look out! 11. Hawaiian shirts and sweaters I couldn't make this list without touching on Pat Hughes' signature look. When the weather is nice, he is known to rock some loud shirts. When the weather turns cool, he rocks a sweater. It became signature enough a look to be a giveaway at the stadium. The loud and bright color scheme is one that I'm no stranger to, so I hold a soft spot for the look. Final Thoughts Pat Hughes-isms run rampant through his countless broadcasts and spear the hearts of Cubs fans around the world. There is nothing like the magic of taking in a game at Wrigley, but Pat does his darnedest to put us in the bleachers. This is a thank you to the man, the myth, the legend of Pat Hughes. Just missing my list were the phrases "can you believe it" and "this is a potential turning point in this game." Please let me know if I left any of your favorites off the list in the comments below. Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan The opening scene of a movie can be used in so many different ways. It can be used to drop you into a new world, introduce an important character in an impactful way, or sometimes it's just B-roll with the credits rolling by. I love being transported into a world to see or feel something different from what I know. Most of the movies I have on the list below establish a tone or tension that carries well past the opening scene. The beginning of a movie sets the tone that carries throughout the rest of the picture. Here are my 11 favorite opening scenes in movies that I've ever seen. 1. Up (2009) - Montage Pixar is notorious for churning out banger after banger. They have created a great number of animated movies that impacted adults just as much as they did kids. "Up" is the story of an old man attempting to save his home from being demolished and ending up in a retirement home. To establish who this man is, and why the home is of so much importance to him, we get an opening montage of his relationship with his late wife. In less than 5 minutes, we are left so teary-eyed and heart broken by the monumental loss that this man has suffered, we feel like we understand his every action. The adventure that follows feels true to both characters, and builds off the relationship established at the beginning. Plus, that Russell kid is hilarious as an accidental stowaway. 2. The Dark Knight (2012) - Bank Heist From the one-note score of Hans Zimmer, to the what-is-going-to-happen-next nature of guys in clown masks on the same team offing each other one after another, this movie starts with a bang. The opening scene is a bank heist introducing us to the crown prince of crime: The Joker. A delightful, tone setting scene to set up not only one of the greatest villains in cinema history, but the best Christopher Nolan movie period. 3. Inglourious Basterds (2009) - Interrogation This entire scene is a masterclass in tension-building. Christoph Waltz, as Colonel Hans Landa, is relentless in his pursuit of Jewish people during World War II. His character is literally nicknamed "The Jew Hunter." The sprawling, wide-shot landscapes create an impression of isolation and a sense that there will be no escape. The interior shots, alternating between the people hiding under the floor and the interaction between Landa and the farmer, further heighten the sense of claustrophobia. The scene feels like it lasts forever and leaves your stomach tied in knots, perfectly establishing the villain and the stakes of the film. It works so well even though we all know coming in that Nazi = bad guy. Waltz's performance is one of my very favorites of all time. Also, Quentin Tarantino crushed it as the writer/director of this one. 4. The Lion King (1994) - Circle of Life I won't pretend I know how to pronounce the opening lyrics to this song, but that doesn't stop me from singing along. The movie opens on the African plains as baby Simba is introduced to the pride (and the rest of the food chain) as the heir to Mufasa. He is hoisted aloft by Rafiki right as the music crescendos. It is such a powerful moment, a perfect balance of animation and music, that kicks off the film and establishes the hierarchy in the animal kingdom. The movie sets up the world and some of the characters all at once. 'Tis beautiful cinema. 5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) - Coconuts This movie is ridiculous. If you're not into a ridiculous tale set against the backdrop of Arthurian legend, you are provided a very early exit ramp. The movie opens in a foggy countryside, with Arthur, King of the Britons, riding in on a horse. Only he is not actually on a horse, he is pretending he is riding on a horse while his trusty servant, Patsy, bangs two coconut halves together behind him. Arthur is in search of the Holy Grail (you read the title, you probably knew that) and he is moving across the land asking various tenants if they have any information on its location. The opening scene devolves quickly into speculation on where they could have possibly gotten the coconuts, as they're not indigenous to the area. Every scene in this movie is dynamite, as would be expected from my favorite movie of all time. Watch it! Rewatch it! It's so funny! 6. The Devil's Rejects (2005) - Shootout/Midnight Rider This is the second film in a trilogy, following Rob Zombie's 2003 film "House of 1000 Corpses." It is also the second of three films on this list that are the middle film in a trilogy. If you haven't seen the movie, it is a fairly graphic horror movie with a smattering of comedic elements sprinkled in. The opening scene starts with a disfigured member of the titular villains dragging a dead woman naked through the woods. He is bringing the body back to this ramshackle farm where the rest of the crew is asleep. It is revealed that they are believed to have killed like 75 people and a whole mess of law enforcement officers descend upon the farm they are staying at early in the morning. There is an incredibly exciting shootout between the two sides and not everyone makes it. However, a couple of the crime family members escape and steal a car and initiate a dramatic car chase. The opening credits begin, with the The Allman Brothers' Midnight Rider blasting. Every time there is a gap in the guitar riff, the screen freezes for a beat. It is how the opening credits begin. It is really cinematic and a joy to watch. In my opinion, the beginning and ending scenes are the two best in the whole movie. 7. Baby Driver (2017) - Get Away Music is such a fun part of so many of these opening scenes. This particular one is an all-timer. The opening scene features the titular character as the getaway driver for a bank heist. The song BellBottoms by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion blares diegetically throughout the scene, courtesy of Baby's iPod earphones. Writer/director Edgar Wright, of Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead fame, perfectly synchs the music with the action throughout the scene. It is tense, dramatic, exciting, and offers insight in to the title character. We see him as smart, talented, and unflappable, while also getting a slight peek at his vulnerability. It is a chase scene for the ages. 8. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017) - Dance/Fight This is one of the funniest and most joyous opening scenes I've ever seen in a movie. The title characters are in a dramatic fight for their lives with characters being thrown all over and the "big bad" villain creating a real struggle. However, the camera is focused on Baby Groot, the tiny version of Groot (whom we last saw dancing in a pot at the end of the first installment). He is rocking out to Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra while the rest of his crew is battling to the death out of focus in the background. Am I out over my skis in saying it's one of the most fun fight scenes ever? 9. Drive (2011) - Car Chase Another car chase! What a brilliant way to start a movie. In this one, Ryan Gosling plays a getaway driver for a robbery in LA. He oozes a cool/aloof hybrid every second he is on screen, a man of very few words and a sick jacket. The opening scene sees him opt for a stealthy attempt at a getaway. We hear the Clippers game on the radio and at first it seems the tension of a close finish is just matching the tension of whether or not he is going to successfully evade the police pursuit. Then we see him pull into a parking garage right as the Clippers game ends and exit the car and get lost in the crowd. It is a level of cunning that feels so calculated. The rest of the movie is a little slow for my taste but this opening scene is perf. 10. The Suicide Squad (2021) - Beach Fight/Team 1 & Team 2 This is the second James Gunn movie on the list. Does this guy know how to kick off a movie or what? Technically there is a little bit of movie before this scene, but I couldn't leave this one off the list. If you haven't seen it, STOP! Spoilers Ahead! There is a nighttime beach invasion with a clearly defined A-team and a clearly defined, sacrificial, Team 2. However, due to a slight case of betrayal, the roles quickly become reversed. Not only is this scene both hilarious and extremely violent, it also creates a beautiful misdirect. I love this one so much. 11. The Player (1992) - Long Take I had to shout out a single-take scene here. I am a sucker for a long, unbroken shot. The so-called "oner." Robert Altman opens his movie by dropping us in on the hustle and bustle of a Hollywood studio lot. In The Player, Tim Robbins stars as a film studio executive who is in fear for his life because he is being sent death threats. He ends up confronting, and sorta kinda accidentally killing, the man he believes to be behind the threats. The scene is like 8 straight minutes of just people pitching ideas. It even has a couple of characters commenting on opening a movie with a long, unbroken shot. The vibe is very Aaron Sorkin-esque (the first movie he wrote, "A Few Good Men," was released this same year). I like how this just completely drops you into the life of the main character, and you get a sense of not only how many people he interacts with (or fends off) in a day, but also how many people may want a piece of him. This movie is worth the watch and also has like 60+ celebrities make cameos as themselves throughout the movie. Final Thoughts While I feel the ending of a movie can make or break the whole thing more than the beginning, the opening scene is so exciting. So pivotal. It can be tension-filled, a laugh riot, or just paint a vivid picture of the world in which you're about to spend 2 hours. Based on my list, it seems the key to good opener is a lot of tension, violence, a car chase, or a musical number. The opening scene of "The Usual Suspects" (where the titular suspects are in a police lineup) and the opening scene in "Children of Men" (where you find out the youngest person in the world was both 18 years old and just killed) are the two movies that just missed my list. Please let me know if I left any of your favorite movie beginnings off of my list in the comments below. Thanks!

By CJ Tiernan On the heels of my list of best names in the NFL for current players, I decided to create a list of players that are no longer in the league. Though these players have retired, their names live on. In fact, some of these players were fantastic and their legacy lives on as well. But for a handful, they live on purely because their names were poetry in motion and/or barely fit on the back of a jersey. I present to you, my Top 11 favorite names in the history of the NFL for players that have since retired. 1. Koa Misi - LB 2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson - OT 3. Nnamdi Asomugha - CB 4. T. J. Houshmandzadeh - WR 5. Prince Amukamara - CB 6. Barkevious Mingo - LB 7. BenJarvus Green-Ellis - RB 8. Osi Umenyiora - DE 9. Frostee Rucker - DE 10. Pierre Garçon - WR 11. Ndamukong Suh - DT Final Thoughts While they may no longer be a part of the game, these players left a legacy that few can soon forget. They honored their family name and carried on or established a legacy with the name on the jersey. I know that for me, there are several players on this list that I only remember because I remember the name. I don't mean that as a slight, I simply intend to point out how unique and fantastic their names are. Please let me know if I left any all-time great names off the list. I will include a few that just missed my list down below. Thanks! Nickell Robey-Coleman - CB Lawyer Milloy - S Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila - DE Ziggy Hood - DT Quentin Jammer - CB Takeo Spikes - LB Frank Zombo - LB Bacarri Rambo - S Tiki Barber - RB

By CJ Tiernan When you're watching the broadcast of a football game you hear a few different things. The roar of the crowd, the crashing of the pads, and the announcers. The announcers will break down the previous play and project possibilities for the next play. When they shoutout a great play, they will shout (or, you know, just say) the player's name. Below is a list of current players in the NFL whose names are my absolute favorite ones to hear. They are so fun and unique and just roll off the tongue with such rhythm. 1. Deommodore Lenoir - 49ers - CB 2. Olamide Zaccheaus - Bears - WR 3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah - Browns - LB 4. Divine Deablo - Falcons - LB 5. Stone Forsythe - Raiders - OL 6. Ka'imi Fairbairn - Texans - K 7. Akeem Davis-Gaither - Cardinals - LB 8. Stetson Bennett IV - Rams - QB 9. Elic Ayomanor - Titans - WR 10. Gardner Minshew - Chiefs - QB 11. Miles Killebrew - Steelers - S Jjanhone, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Final Thoughts I have a ton of names that just missed my list so I will give you a few of those below. Repeatedly hearing the top 2 names on my list is what spurred on the decision to make this list. I'm sure you have your own favorites, so please include those in the comments below. Thanks! And don't worry, I have a list of all-time players names that are no longer active in the NFL, which you can see here. Paulson Adebo - Giants - CB Azeez Al-Shaair - Texans - LB Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders - CB Jaxson Dart - Giants - QB Charvarius Ward - Colts - CB Darnay Holmes - Raiders - CB Calijah Kancey - Buccaneers - DL Alohi Gilman - Ravens - S Ahkello Witherspoon - Rams - CB Jadeveon Clowney - Cowboys - DE Talanoa Hufanga - Broncos - S Olu Fashanu - Jets - OL Mo Alie-Cox - Colts - TE