Line up like you 'bout to run the 100

The Lineup: July ‘12

What I can’t live without: And of course N-A-S are the letters that spell.  Nas has created his best and most complete album in over a decade.  With production that manages to simultaneously capture the essence of the classic “boom-bap” without sounding dated, Nas was able to comfortably weave in his signature rhymes.  In the past Nas struggled trying to make “current” songs that didn’t fit his style.  It’s one of those albums that remind me why I fell in love with Hip-Hop in the first place.  This is truly a classic and a must have in the collection.

(Related: Cargo shorts.  Pretty much wore them every day of the month.)

Asinine, as-a-ten, as-eleven...

Needle Mover

In 2003, while trying to remain ahead of the curve, ESPN launched Cold Pizza – a two-hour morning television show to give sports fans an alternative to Good Morning America.  It was essentially Sportscenter with couches and coffee.  They recapped the biggest storylines, interviewed athletes and celebrities and featured skits and other comedic segments.  In 2007, ESPN gave Cold Pizza a total makeover.  They moved production to Bristol, CT, started broadcasting in high-definition and changed the name to First Take.  Shortly after, First Take added a debate-style segment called 1^st & 10”.  Throughout the two-hour program, Skip Bayless would debate someone on four separate issues.  These hotly contested debates quickly became the most popular segments on the show; so much that the ESPN created a 30-minute spin off that aired in the afternoon.  Slowly but surely the ratings spike during the 1^st & 10 segments could no longer be ignored.  In 2011, the show's entire format was altered to resemble a two-hour version of 1^st & 10.  There's only one reason for this – people couldn't get enough of Skip.