ShooterB’s Greatest Hits brings together a collection of his most popular posts for the first time ever.Relive the magic, from the critically acclaimed ‘Lessons in Life’ to the power ballad ‘Moments in Sport That Inspire Us’.Whether you’re driving down the road, or jammin’ at home…this collection is a must have for your blogging library.#### it up!
OK, I probably deserve a greatest hits collection less than Michael Bolton.Nevertheless, here is a collection of my posts that I picked out.Hope you enjoy!
Can you say ‘random #### rant’?Everything you could want in a random rant, including:a floating Bruce Willis, Shaq’s poor free-throw shooting, cowbell, sidebar, and Jodie Foster’s sexual preferences.What more could you ask for?
For the second assignment of NGS II, our topic was ‘Best of’ or ‘Worst of’.I chose to write about the Best Never to Win it All, which was focused on the NBA.
My first assignment in the 2nd ‘Next Great Sportswriter’ contest.The assignment was to write about any athlete.I chose to write about Charlie Ward, and his choice to play in the NBA rather than the NFL.
Sadly enough, by the beginning of May…the Pittsburgh Pirates were already in big trouble.How about an 8-22 record to start the season?Rather than conventional strategies, I suggested that the Bucs improve their team by recruiting Crash Davis from the movie Bull Durham.
This may have been my favorite topic to write about so far.It’s about 3 NBA prospects that I got to play against and watch (back in the day, of course).It illustrates the difficult road of a youngster trying to become a pro, and all the factors that contribute to success.
My reaction to the Barry Bonds documentary show on ESPN.Not really an extremist opinion of Bonds either way, just trying to show that the Bonds bashing and hating is out of control.
Just having a little fun here.A few fictitious quotes, and a collection of my own baseball nicknames.Includes a few nickname gems like:Keith “I can’t pitch worth a” Foulke, Kerry “my arm might as well be made of” Wood, and Rickie “haven’t touched the ball in” Weeks.
My opinion of how to get baseball back on track, and the players that can do it.Includes:Derek Jeter, Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, and…cough, cough…Mark Prior (I may have to take a mulligan on that one).
Just trying to give some respect to a few sports occupations that aren’t so easy.Looking back at it, this may be my first officially censored post. I guess I should have said "Richard Vermeil" instead.
The day that the NGS finalists were announced, and I wasn’t one of them.I chose this post as a highlight because it reflects my attitude and philosophy towards competition, and in a corny way…life in general.
My first ever blog entry!This one was short and opinionated, much like a midget at a protest.I tried to take an optimistic view of the Eagles’ squandered season.We’ll see if I was right…
Following the theme of Greatest Hits, here are few compilations that I would recommend...and also those that I would recommend you stay away from.
Recommended Listening
These Will Make Your Ears Bleed
Aerosmith - Big Ones (not only a clever title, but a solid collection.Janie’s Got a Gun is, and will always be, a classic)
Britney Spears Greatest Hits - My Prerogative (at least listening to this isn’t as bad as watching her try to act in a crappy movie)
ZZ Top - Greatest Hits (it just doesn’t get much cooler than this)
Michael Bolton Greatest Hits 1985-1995 (in our hearts, did he ever really go away?)
Eagles - The Very Best of (if you can excuse ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’, you’ll like the rest of this)
Styx Greatest Hits, & Greatest Hits Part II (if the first didn’t make you want to sail away, the second one will)
George Strait - 50 Number Ones (make fun all you want, you know you like it)
Celine Dion -A Decade of Song (dear lord in heaven, please save us)
The Very Best of Prince (maybe he’s a bit weird, but does anyone not like Purple Rain?)
Limp Bizkit Greatest Hitz (how clever with the whole “Z” thing)
Outstanding my friend. You are a true shooter and I see that everything comes from the hip, or the putter. Now I can pick and choose the Shooter that I want to read. Is this piggybacking (or flyingpiggybacking) off of CarolynT's suggestion for the "Best of ShooterB"? I especially like how you fit cute little Cari Strugg into your post on Dec 22. She inspired me too.
Last edited by FlyingPig on August 2nd at 6:16 AM.
Thanks flyingpig. And yep, it was definitely some flyingpiggybacking off of CarolynT's suggestion. I thought that was a pretty good idea. And Norcal kind of topped off the idea by suggesting a summary for each one. I wasn't sure if anyone would take the time to go through some of the old stuff. I hope that others do something similar, so I can go check them out...and maybe catch up on a few things I missed.
And Kerri Strug was a must for that post. I know that afterwards, it was an overdone topic. But if you watched it, it had to get you then and there. Lots of heart...
The lessons in life random #### rant is my favorite from this collection.
"Baseball season is much more exciting before it begins" Spoken like a true Pirates fan.
*sniffle* The inspiring moments one got me, Shooter, right where I live. (Which I think on women is the heart...lol...anyway...) Nice one. Captured those inspiring moments concisely and brought back the emotion of the moment. I still say Bella Karoli's (sp?) inspiring, "You can DO it!" to kids when I coach them...of course, they have no clue why I'm using an east-European accent...
Crackin' Up, Sid! Why didn't I think of that? That would have been the perfect intro for this one.
"Your empty driving time, and lonely nights just got a little better...introducing...SHOOTERB'S GREATEST HITS! Relive the magic...and #### it up!"
I felt a little bit like those crappy bands that come up with a greatest hits album. Like "Limp Bizkit's greatest hits". Or "Michael Bolton: Anthology".
Burger: Thanks for checking it out. And thanks for the very gracious compliments. They are very much appreciated.
I like the niche you've carved with The Truth. Keep up the good work.
Dan: I guess Buscemi = cowbell. Who would have known?
I can't tell you how honored I am to be mentioned in the same sentence as Styx. Talk about classic. The sultry stylings of Tommy Shaw. The power percussions of John Panozzo. The vivacious versatility of Dennis DeYoung. For my money, I don't know if it gets any better than Come Sail Away.
I'm making my way through your list. All great stuff. I agree with The Dan's comment. How can you go wrong with a line about Buschemi striking out at the Playboy Mansion?
And I couldn't agree more on the point you made in the "Lessons Learned" post. I know that Shaq missing free throws shouldn't bother me but it does. I'm not even a Miami Heat fan, so I cannot explain why the big fella's ineptness at the line irritates me but it does.
Again, great stuff. In the meantime, I'll continue reading through your list.
The free-throw shooting will probably always bother me. I think because even at the high school level, it's a fundamental that players spend hours working on. There is no reason that a pro shouldn't be able to at least shoot 60% or so. I realize that Shaq really isn't a shooter, and has big hands which makes it difficult. But his technique is terrible, even with high paid shooting coaches trying to help him. I think it's a matter of him just not wanting to do it like someone else tells him. But that's just me...
I think I just have one more to read on your list. So far, all solid posts.
Very good. Your set up and presentation makes mine look bland.
I did want to do a brief explanation of each one, thanks for the visual aesthetic ideas...
Oh, it's on "edclinchsaint". I need to do one for "edclinch" still...
This weekend, I promise CarolynT!
Absolutely Fab-Tab! You have to be working those ABC's. Always Be Closing! Your pitch was perfect, and you have the melody to back it up. But where are the liner notes? This is some greatest hits that deserves some air time. I am impressed. I think your 'You May Be a Pirate,' is top notch. Great stuff all around. I am a few months away from busting out a greatest hits, but it will be there.
I agree with all of your recommended listenings, and the ear bleedings with them. I would add Led Zeppelin to that list on the left, and put anything from the outed-Bass foursome on the left.
Thanks for stopping by my place. I worked my #### off for that entry, so I appreciate the support!
Thanks Sid. I tell you, the real winner today is the city of...
OK, won't go there again.
I did think about Led Zeppelin for one of the top greatest hits. Should have done a top 10 list instead of 5. Lots of good ones out there.
And to think, ShooterB's greatest hits could be yours for the low, low price of $39.95! Act within the next 24 hours, and we'll throw in tickets to a Pittsburgh Pirate game.
Oh wait, that may not help with the sales.
Look forward to Sid's greatest hits. Your most recent definitely has to go in there...
Shooter: Dude, classic stuff. How soon we forget it if it goes into the archives, no? I'm too depressed to do a best of (if there even were any, that is). I was "auditioning" for a paid journalism position and (do you believe this?) they told me my writing style wasn't relaxed enough and too formal. Me? Formal? If my writing style is too formal, I'd hate to see something they classified as stiff and stuffy! Keep up the good work.
ShooterB - The Crash Davis post was, and still is, one of my favorites. Here is a little ZZ Top story for you. One of the parents on my soccer team two years ago said that if we won the state tournament he could get me backstage at the ZZ Top concert at the state fair. We did, he did and I had one of the greatest times of my life. Had dinner sitting next to Billy Gibbons. Played the part of a "roadie" that night helping out. It was awesome. Just a little bit better than the Crash Davis post, but close, man! So close!!!
Sleepless, thanks a bunch! You could definitely do a best of. I have to agree with you about your writing style. It is plenty relaxed, and very easy to read. Doesn't seem too formal at all. Sorry about that. But if that was the feedback you got, then there is probably a better journalism job for you somewhere.
gcoach, gotta love that Crash Davis character. Wouldn't mind watching Bull Durham right now. That ZZ Top story is awesome. What a cool experience! I missed a chance to see ZZ Top at a small place, due to being out of town. I bet hanging with them was quite a treat. Wonder what those guys are like in person.
ShooterB - I have been a huge ZZ Top fan for years. But I was actually surprised to see how physically small they were, even Dusty Hill. You see their album covers and think they are fairly tall. Gibbons might be 5'8" or 5'9". The rules for the night were don't talk to them unless they talk to you. It was basically small talk. Nothing elaborate at all. Gibbons said hello to me at dinner, asked me how it was going, etc., etc. But he was polite. Hill and Beard weren't around much before the show and I was in the sound trailer after the show so the extent of personal contact was with with Gibbons. But it was a great freakin' show. I worked on the crew that set up the huge screens on the sides of the stage so people in the back can see what is happening on stage. Hang the screen, monitor wind (minimal at best on this night) and get up close for the show. I have a picture of Dusty Hill standing right above me during Viva Las Vegas! Absolutely awesome. Tried to hook the same gig for Lynard Skynard last year and was lined up to do it when they cancelled. You can make quite a few worthy acquaintances from coaching. Bull Durham tonight with a steak, baked spud and a beer! Yes, the simple life. Later.
I agree with Sidd on the Zep box set, and I'm partial to Van Halen's greatest as well, just to hear Eddie, Alex, and Mike play. Good list...I think - I hope - he meant put the backseat...oops, STREET...boys on the list that makes the ears bleed list.
gcoach: I think that is the case with most celebrities...actors and musicians. They all seem smaller in person. How about Prince? I think he's about 5'4", or something like that.
A lot of work goes into those shows. Incredible how much can be set up in a day or so. Those crews work hard, that's for sure.
I still think it's crazy that rock stars are treated like royalty. I know it's part of our star-struck culture. And some of them may be nice people...but they still live the life. But oh well.
Burger: Zeppelin is definitely one of the top bands for the ages. But somehow it just would have been wrong to put their name on the same page as Michael Bolton. Lightning might have struck me down or something. And hopefully nobody thinks that a boy band belongs on the recommended list...
Will the Shooter B Greatest Hits collection be hawked by Rick Springfield and the info-mercial run between 1-3 in the morning? As for the Spear Britney move, it was somewhat worth it for the 10 seconds of panty jumping joy.
Last edited by Morisato on August 10th at 9:33 PM.
Hey Shooter - I just dropped by to let you know that I will be giving an Advanced Swearing and Cussing class. The cost will be $250 and includes a Continental Breakfast. The only pre-requisite is that you have already attended my Beginner Swearing and Cussing class and we prefer that you have attended the Swearing and Cussing 101. I do give extra credit if you have your certificate in "Swearing and Cussing like a Sailor". Sign up soon as seats are filling fast.
Hey, FlyingPig, while the cussin-class might not come in handy for a minivan-drivin-mom, I could use a basic sports-analogy class. Ya know, to bone up on my cliches. Ran slower than a _____...jumped higher than a _____, etc.
I just don't have that hardwired. Any good fall classes?
FP, let me see...a sailor's vocabulary, a muffin, and a cup of mediocre coffee for just $250? Let me think about that.
And Carolyn, that's a completely different department. FlyingPig doesn't specialize in those classes...but I do. We must start with some basics, and then to the advanced analogies. Will teach for soup, no other fees involved.
Carolyn, these are freebies and very VERY simple. I realize that you can't use them while actually toting around a bunch of screaming kids in your soccer mom van, but they do work with the guys and you'll win credibility points as well.
Ran slower than a "MOFO with is #### Locked UP tighter than a PIG's #### in fly season"...jumped higher than a "MOFO with a flaming corncob stuck up his ####!!!", etc.
See how that works? Carolyn, being the lady that she is, would not use the actual word "####" but by using MOFO, she is blunt, too the point and retains cred with the hard cores.
Last edited by FlyingPig on August 11th at 8:27 AM.
Shooter-As I was scrolling the list of your Greatest Hits, I realized that I had read most of them and all were enjoyable. Like sleepless said earlier, amazing how fast posts are forgotten about with the amount that get posted daily. And I couldn't agree more on your list that will make your ears bleed. I don't know how Michael Bolton ever sold one record, quite frankly. (See also: Tears for Fears). And Styx actually was decent until Paradise Theatre or whatever came out. Even though I used to be a head####er, I listen to a lot of country now, and it's hard to beat George Strait. I would have added Van Halen's first album in there. Even now, 28 years later, I still #### it up once in a while.
Nice job all the way around. When I get more time, I'll check out your best posts that I haven't read yet.
Thanks for checking out the Greatest Hits. Maybe someday I'll have enough for a box set.
The Michael Bolton stuff from the movie Office Space cracks me up everytime.
As for the albums, I might even do another one...not about Greatest Hits, but just some of the Greatest Albums. Van Halen might have one in there...would also have to put Guns N' Roses on there.
Glad you liked it...and thanks again for reading. Good luck with your album sales, I hope your marketing campaign goes well.
Dude, you were saying this post wasn't as snazzy (well you used a different word) as my highlight list and that's just wrong. You've got music influences, very nice touch.
ZZ Top's GH is 20 some odd tunes of poor bliss. They had some stupid reality show on NBC maybe a week ago with one of their bearded band members as guest judge. Looks like he could still rock. Their videos and that car blow away any stupid gimmicks these dips today could muster up.
I remember being too young to listen to Darling Nikki back in the day. That track had to be skipped.
Thanks Norcal. Still think your highlight list is more pleasing to the eye...but appreciate the comments.
I might have just as much interest in music as I do in sports, which says a lot.
I hope you meant to say ZZ top was "pure" bliss...but you wrote "poor" bliss. Those guys were the ultimate cool...and can still rock I bet. I like the way the kept their references fairly subtle...although with tunes like Tube Snake Boogie...and Pearl Necklace...maybe subtle is the wrong word.
Classic Ricko. How about, "I got a gal...she lives on the hill...she won't do it, but her sister will".
I figured that was a typo, Norcal. I do that stuff all of the time. The funny thing is that I can mispronounce a word in my head somehow, and type the wrong one. Like what you did with "pure" and "poor".
Ever watch the movie "Little Nicky"...where Nicky's brother tells him "even the voice inside your head has a speech impediment"? That must be me I guess.
Just wanted to check in and see how the album sales were doing. It looks like you may be on your way to another album. Don't be a smuck and just release another greatest hits to cover your record contract. I hate it when bands do that!
Sidd...sales are slowly picking up. But I saw that Paris Hilton has a top 100 song on the pop charts. If she sells more albums than me, I may go all Kurt Cobain.
I've got another album in production. Just arguing with some of the execs over the contents. I'm trying not to be a sell-out, and remain true to the fans...but you know how they are.
The next album should be one for the ages...and it isn't one of those Greatest Hits II albums either.
"Just when you thought you heard the last of ShooterB, he fires back with a new collection of killer tunes. What's that I hear, more ShooterB? Well #### it up man!"
Hey, when you are ready to release another album, I would like to contribute some cover art for your approval. Don't go all Cobain on the fans. And if you were a record exec, and got to sleep with Paris, you would release the album too. It makes sense to me! I hope this new album has bonus tracks on it. It's all about gauze and ball barrings these days. Bonus tracks and liner notes!
Selected as a finalist in the 2nd "Next Great Sportswriter" contest, but I didn't bring enough cowbell to win it.
I am the self-appointe d chairman of the National Sarcasm Society. If you don't believe me, I guess I don't really care...
I enjoy reading anything that is well written...nov els, articles, whatever. I also enjoy writing for recreation. I believe that writers and athletes have the best jobs on the planet.
