STUDY

1. The (famed/famous) writer Terry Kay will read from his new novel at an upcoming Athens-Clarke County Chamber-After Hours event. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. famed 0% B. famous Score: 0/1 2. The police officer (single-handedly/single handedly) captured two robbers leaving the scene of the crime. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. single-handedly 100% B. single handedly Score: 1/1 3. He (cited/sighted/sited) three sources within the article. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. sighted B. cited 100% C. sited Score: 1/1 4. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “Nobody listens to the radio,” he said. “Radio has lost its influence.” 100% B. “Nobody listens to the radio,” he said, “Radio has lost its influence.” Score: 1/1 5. “The media (villified/vilified) my son after the 2003 invasion of Iraq,” said his mother, Barbara Bush. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. villified B. vilified 100% Score: 1/1 6. The Monroe (city council / City Council / City council) is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. City Council 100% B. city council C. City council Score: 1/1 7. The professor (purposefully, purposely, purposively) designed test questions that would challenge students. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. purposively B. purposely 100% C. purposefully Score: 1/1 8. It is estimated that the company employs several thousand (undocumented workers / illegal aliens / illegal immigrants). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. illegal immigrants 100% B. undocumented workers C. illegal aliens Score: 1/1 9. Barack Obama won the election with more than (53 percent / 53% / 53 %) of the vote. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 53 percent 100% B. 53% C. 53 % Score: 1/1 10. The defense attorney (refuted/rebutted) the prosecutor’s argument, but he failed to prove his case. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. rebutted 100% B. refuted Score: 1/1 11. Chicago is in the running to host the 2016 (Summer Olympics / summer olympics / summer Olympics). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Summer Olympics 100% B. summer Olympics C. summer olympics Score: 1/1 12. The falling stock market has caused many Americans to lose money in their (401-K / 401(k) / 401k) plans. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 401k B. 401-K C. 401(k) 100% Score: 1/1 13. The Ford dealership is the place (that/who) sold me my car. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. that 100% B. who Score: 1/1 14. All three (squirrel’s/squirrels’/squirrels) nuts were taken from their nests. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. squirrels’ 100% B. squirrel’s C. squirrels Score: 1/1 15. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “I moved a lot when I was young,” he said. 100% B. “I moved a lot when I was young.” he said. Score: 1/1 16. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. He listened to the radio, and read a book. B. He listened to the radio and read a book. 100% Score: 1/1 17. That book is (composed/comprised) of 13 chapters. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. composed 100% B. comprised Score: 1/1 18. I want to go to the store (to/too). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. to B. too 100% Score: 1/1 19. Don’t touch the (childrens/children’s/childrens’) food. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. children’s 100% B. childrens C. childrens’ Score: 1/1 20. Many of the students (that/who) pass this test will get good grades. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. that 0% B. who Score: 0/1 21. I will exchange words with (whoever/whomever) stands in my way. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. whomever B. whoever 100% Score: 1/1 22. He worked all day preparing (others’/others/other’s) meals. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. others B. other’s C. others’ 100% Score: 1/1 23. Students are encouraged to consult their academic (adviser/advisor) before registering for classes. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. advisor 0% B. adviser Score: 0/1 24. I don’t know (if/whether) I should go. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. if B. whether 100% Score: 1/1 25. The decision to hire his brother put Sam Fountain in an ethical (quandary/quandry). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. quandary 100% B. quandry Score: 1/1 26. “The ongoing investigation has resulted in (facetious/factious/factitious/fictitious) struggles in this university department,” Professor William Martin said. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. factitious 0% B. factious C. facetious D. fictitious Score: 0/1 27. Police are expected to arrest the mayor at 3 (p.m./pm). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. pm B. p.m. 100% Score: 1/1 28. The court (supenaed/subpoenaed) the sister of the accused rapist to testify. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. subpoenaed 100% B. supenaed Score: 1/1 29. That hairbrush is (hers/her’s) Student Response Value Correct Answer A. her’s 0% B. hers Score: 0/1 30. I don’t want to discuss this any (farther/further). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. farther B. further 100% Score: 1/1 31. There are way (less/fewer) people at this party than I expected. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. less B. fewer 100% Score: 1/1 32. The President plans to visit Houston and Dallas before arriving in (San Antonio, Texas, / San Antonio / San Antonio, TX,) to deliver his press conference. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. San Antonio 100% B. San Antonio, TX, C. San Antonio, Texas, Score: 1/1 33. I’m tired. I’m going to (lay/lie) down. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. lay 0% B. lie Score: 0/1 34. They are expected to meet over lunch at (noon / 12 noon / 12 p.m. noon). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. noon 100% B. 12 noon C. 12 p.m. noon Score: 1/1 35. The National Council of Churches (is/are) planning a convention in Washington, D.C., this year. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. is 100% B. are Score: 1/1 36. The two presidential candidates hurled (epithets/epitaphs) at one another during the debates. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. epitaphs B. epithets 100% Score: 1/1 37. (You’re/Your) the best! Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Your B. You’re 100% Score: 1/1 38. Georgia (Senator / Sen.) Saxby Chambliss narrowly won re-election in 2008. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Sen. 100% B. Senator Score: 1/1 39. The group of journalists from The New York Times sat (all together/altogether) at the press conference. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. altogether B. all together 100% Score: 1/1 40. Officer Fred Sims was suspended for his (alleged/alledged) misconduct. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. alleged 100% B. alledged Score: 1/1 41. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I like the following cars: Cadillacs, Mustangs, BMWs and Volvos. 100% B. I like the following cars, Cadillacs, Mustangs, BMWs and Volvos. Score: 1/1 42. The (biannual/biennial) event is held every June and December. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. biennial B. biannual 100% Score: 1/1 43. The ruling from the booth (supercedes/supersedes) the ruling on the field. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. supercedes B. supersedes 100% Score: 1/1 44. Tara Sloan is the (great-great-grandmother / great great grandmother / great-great grandmother) of Ashley Johnson. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. great-great-grandmother 100% B. great great grandmother C. great-great grandmother Score: 1/1 45. After the media frenzy over the 2008 election, politics (is/are) my least favorite subject. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. is B. are 0% Score: 0/1 46. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I like birds, snakes, airplanes, and Lenny Bruce. B. I like birds, snakes, airplanes and Lenny Bruce. 100% Score: 1/1 47. (Detective / Det.) George Jackson would not comment on the police investigation. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Detective 100% B. Det. Score: 1/1 48. He weighs 30 pounds (less/fewer) than he used to. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. less 100% B. fewer Score: 1/1 49. I (hope/would hope) that students studied for the upcoming exam. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. hope B. would hope 0% Score: 0/1 50. The story was originally reported in (The Washington Post/”The Washington Post”). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “The Washington Post” B. The Washington Post 100% Score: 1/1 51. (Among/Between) the three of them, Sally is the best at math. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Between B. Among 100% Score: 1/1 52. The crowd was evenly split between (pro-life / anti-abortion) advocates and those who support abortion rights. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. pro-life 0% B. anti-abortion Score: 0/1 53. Despite the recent transformation in the media industry, companies continue to search for individuals with (in-depth/in depth) reporting skills. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. in-depth 100% B. in depth Score: 1/1 54. I wonder how that change will (affect/effect) him. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. effect B. affect 100% Score: 1/1 55. The new (post office / Post Office) is expected to be built later this year. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. post office 100% B. Post Office Score: 1/1 56. Professor Samuel E. Mudd offered the confused student (council/counsel). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. council B. counsel 100% Score: 1/1 57. Don’t let the cat out of (it’s/its) bag. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. its 100% B. it’s Score: 1/1 58. More than (1 million / one million / 1,000,000) people are expected to attend the victory rally. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 1 million 100% B. 1,000,000 C. one million Score: 1/1 59. Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and (runningback / running back) Knowshon Moreno declared for the NFL draft. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. runningback B. running back 100% Score: 1/1 60. Jake Andrews was charged with (burglary / larceny / robbery / theft) after entering the library during business hours and searching through backpacks left at the study tables. There was no indication that any items were taken. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. larceny B. theft C. burglary 100% D. robbery Score: 1/1 61. The United States launched several (missle/missile) strikes into Pakistan. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. missile 100% B. missle Score: 1/1 62. Sheila is the person (that/who) told me your name. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. who 100% B. that Score: 1/1 63. He went to (Carol and Fred’s/Carol’s and Fred’s) house. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Carol and Fred’s 100% B. Carol’s and Fred’s Score: 1/1 64. The candidate was (embarrassed/embarassed) by revelations from his private life. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. embarrassed 100% B. embarassed Score: 1/1 65. Editors should always check (his, her, his/her, their) facts before printing an article. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. his/her B. his C. their 100% D. her Score: 1/1 66. Do you really think (it’s/its) time for dinner now? Student Response Value Correct Answer A. its B. it’s 100% Score: 1/1 67. All of the sailors (was/were) lost at sea. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. were 100% B. was Score: 1/1 68. Georgia (lead/led) through the third quarter but gave up a last-minute touchdown. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. led 100% B. lead Score: 1/1 69. The schedule required him to work for (fifteen/15) days every month. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. fifteen B. 15 100% Score: 1/1 70. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Change, which is a break from the routine can be disruptive for children. B. Change, which is a break from the routine, can be disruptive for children. 100% Score: 1/1 71. The scandal (excited/incited/insighted) a massive campaign contribution reform movement. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. incited 100% B. excited C. insighted Score: 1/1 72. The chef prepared an epicurean delight with Hellmann’s (mayonaise/mayonnaise). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. mayonnaise 100% B. mayonaise Score: 1/1 73. Mel Kiper (,Jr. / Jr. / Junior) predicts Matt Stafford will be the top quarterback taken in the 2009 NFL draft. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Jr. 100% B. Junior C. ,Jr. Score: 1/1 74. WGN is running reruns of the TV show (WKRP in Cincinnati / “WKRP In Cincinnati” / “WKRP in Cincinnati”). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. WKRP in Cincinnati 0% B. “WKRP In Cincinnati” C. “WKRP in Cincinnati” Score: 0/1 75. His latest album (composes/comprises) 11 songs. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. composes B. comprises 100% Score: 1/1 76. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “When I feel insecure,” the student said, “it’s hard for me to punctuate.” 100% B. “When I feel insecure,” the student said. “it’s hard for me to punctuate.” Score: 1/1 77. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. There’s a frog in the bakery, he hopped in by accident. B. There’s a frog in the bakery; he hopped in by accident. 100% Score: 1/1 78. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. She went to the ice cream store and she bought two milkshakes. 0% B. She went to the ice cream store, and she bought two milkshakes. Score: 0/1 79. The governor (implied/inferred) to the press that he was not involved in the scandal. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. inferred B. implied 100% Score: 1/1 80. After a 17-year wait, rock band Guns N’ Roses released their new album, (“Chinese Democracy” / Chinese Democracy), in 2008. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “Chinese Democracy” B. Chinese Democracy 0% Score: 0/1 81. The President is expected to vacation in Oceanside, (CA, Ca., Calif., California) over the holidays. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Ca. B. Calif. 100% C. California D. CA Score: 1/1 82. Teammates Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher acted as Roger Bannister’s (pace-setters/pacesetters) in his attempt to break the four-minute mile. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. pacesetters 100% B. pace-setters Score: 1/1 83. Alyssa Young graduated from Northern Illinois University with a (B.A., BA, bachelor of arts, bachelor’s degree) in journalism. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. bachelor of arts B. BA C. B.A. 0% D. bachelor’s degree Score: 0/1 84. He has one son, age (3/three). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 3 100% B. three Score: 1/1 85. This is the cow (that/which) I have been telling you about. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. that 100% B. which Score: 1/1 86. The school board was unable to (accommodate/acommodate/accomodate) the parents’ request for fewer standardized tests. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. accomodate B. accommodate 100% C. acommodate Score: 1/1 87. The University of Georgia has its own (zip code / ZIP code / Zip Code). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. zip code B. ZIP code 100% C. Zip Code Score: 1/1 88. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I went the the grocery store and bought three gallons of ice cream. B. I went the the grocery store, and bought three gallons of ice cream. 0% Score: 0/1 89. The bluegrass band featured a (ukulele/ukalely) player. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. ukalely B. ukulele 100% Score: 1/1 90. The editors decided to hire the student (who/whom) scored highest on the Associated Press style test. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. who 100% B. whom Score: 1/1 91. In the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” Forrest drinks a number of [Dr. Peppers, Dr Peppers] before delivering the memorable line “I gotta pee” to President John F. Kennedy. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Dr. Peppers B. Dr Peppers 100% Score: 1/1 92. He was charged with (burglary/robbery) for breaking into the empty house. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. robbery B. burglary 100% Score: 1/1 93. Rain was expected to pour on much of the (Midwest / Mid-west / midwest) today. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Midwest B. midwest 0% C. Mid-west Score: 0/1 94. The (weatherman / weather person / weather forecaster) predicted a chance of thunderstorms for the weekend. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. weather person B. weather forecaster 100% C. weatherman Score: 1/1 95. The defendant had (7/seven) previous convictions on her record. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. seven 100% B. 7 Score: 1/1 96. The college students were dressed in the appropriate (paraphenalia, paraphernalia) to cheer on their team. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. paraphernalia 100% B. paraphenalia Score: 1/1 97. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Commas often come at natural pauses which means reading out loud can be helpful. B. Commas often come at natural pauses, which means reading out loud can be helpful. 100% Score: 1/1 98. My other car, (that/which) is red, is in the garage. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. which 100% B. that Score: 1/1 99. Hikers gain a (bird’s eye/bird’s-eye) view from the peak of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. bird’s eye B. bird’s-eye 100% Score: 1/1 100. The Atlanta Braves will host a (double-header / doubleheader / double header) tomorrow against the New York Mets. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. double-header B. doubleheader 100% C. double header Score: 1/1 1. The story was originally reported in (The Washington Post/”The Washington Post”). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. The Washington Post 100% B. “The Washington Post” Score: 1/1 2. The schedule required him to work for (fifteen/15) days every month. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 15 100% B. fifteen Score: 1/1 3. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. She moved from Virginia Beach, Va. when she was young. B. She moved from Virginia Beach, Va., when she was young. 100% Score: 1/1 4. John Smith has been accused (of / with) murdering his brother. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. with B. of 100% Score: 1/1 5. Former University of Georgia whistler blower Jan Kemp died recently of complications from (Alzhiemer’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Alzheimer’s disease 100% B. Alzhiemer’s disease Score: 1/1 6. There are way (less/fewer) people at this party than I expected. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. fewer 100% B. less Score: 1/1 7. Many of the students (that/who) pass this test will get good grades. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. who 100% B. that Score: 1/1 8. Teammates Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher acted as Roger Bannister’s (pace-setters/pacesetters) in his attempt to break the four-minute mile. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. pacesetters 100% B. pace-setters Score: 1/1 9. The United States launched several (missle/missile) strikes into Pakistan. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. missle B. missile 100% Score: 1/1 10. I want to go to the store (to/too). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. to B. too 100% Score: 1/1 11. I (hope/would hope) that students studied for the upcoming exam. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. would hope B. hope 100% Score: 1/1 12. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was (censored/censured/censered) for his unethical behavior. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. censered B. censured C. censored 0% Score: 0/1 13. Barack Obama won the election with more than (53 percent / 53% / 53 %) of the vote. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 53 % B. 53 percent 100% C. 53% Score: 1/1 14. The school board was unable to (accommodate/acommodate/accomodate) the parents’ request for fewer standardized tests. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. acommodate B. accomodate C. accommodate 100% Score: 1/1 15. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “When I feel insecure,” the student said, “it’s hard for me to punctuate.” 100% B. “When I feel insecure,” the student said. “it’s hard for me to punctuate.” Score: 1/1 16. The (florescent/fluorescent) lights buzzed overhead as the warehouse workers took inventory. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. fluorescent 100% B. florescent Score: 1/1 17. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I like birds, snakes, airplanes, and Lenny Bruce. B. I like birds, snakes, airplanes and Lenny Bruce. 100% Score: 1/1 18. He has one son, age (3/three). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 3 B. three 0% Score: 0/1 19. Officer Fred Sims was suspended for his (alleged/alledged) misconduct. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. alledged B. alleged 100% Score: 1/1 20. The chef prepared an epicurean delight with Hellmann’s (mayonaise/mayonnaise). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. mayonaise B. mayonnaise 100% Score: 1/1 21. (You’re/Your) the best! Student Response Value Correct Answer A. You’re 100% B. Your Score: 1/1 22. He worked all day preparing (others’/others/other’s) meals. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. other’s B. others 0% C. others’ Score: 0/1 23. Hikers gain a (bird’s eye/bird’s-eye) view from the peak of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. bird’s eye B. bird’s-eye 100% Score: 1/1 24. The two presidential candidates hurled (epithets/epitaphs) at one another during the debates. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. epitaphs B. epithets 100% Score: 1/1 25. “The ongoing investigation has resulted in (facetious/factious/factitious/fictitious) struggles in this university department,” Professor William Martin said. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. factitious B. factious 100% C. fictitious D. facetious Score: 1/1 26. After the media frenzy over the 2008 election, politics (is/are) my least favorite subject. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. is 100% B. are Score: 1/1 27. The (vetrenarian/veterinarian) recommended that the severely injured horse be euthanized. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. veterinarian 100% B. vetrenarian Score: 1/1 28. (Captain / Cap. / Capt.) Alex Ramsey said the fire department is currently hiring firefighters. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Captain B. Capt. 100% C. Cap. Score: 1/1 29. The defendant had (7/seven) previous convictions on her record. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. seven 100% B. 7 Score: 1/1 30. That book is (composed/comprised) of 13 chapters. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. composed B. comprised 0% Score: 0/1 31. The biodiesel research facility will be built in Manhattan, (Kansas, KS, Kan.). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Kansas B. Kan. 100% C. KS Score: 1/1 32. The decision to hire his brother put Sam Fountain in an ethical (quandary/quandry). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. quandary 100% B. quandry Score: 1/1 33. Do you really think (it’s/its) time for dinner now? Student Response Value Correct Answer A. it’s 100% B. its Score: 1/1 34. (Detective / Det.) George Jackson would not comment on the police investigation. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Detective 100% B. Det. Score: 1/1 35. Not only Matt Stinchcomb but also his brother Jon (has/have) won jobs in the National Football League. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. has B. have 100% Score: 1/1 36. The defense attorney (refuted/rebutted) the prosecutor’s argument, but he failed to prove his case. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. rebutted B. refuted 0% Score: 0/1 37. The robberies occurred at 1510 Harris (Street/St.). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Street B. St. 100% Score: 1/1 38. The competition for the 31st MLB franchise has come down to New Orleans and (Nashville/Nashville, Tenn./Nashville, TN). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Nashville, Tenn. B. Nashville, TN C. Nashville 0% Score: 0/1 39. This is the cow (that/which) I have been telling you about. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. that 100% B. which Score: 1/1 40. Discount stores like (K-Mart/Kmart) and Wal-Mart watched revenues increase in the recent economic downturn. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Kmart 100% B. K-Mart Score: 1/1 41. There has been much discussion as to who will emerge as the next leader of the (G.O.P. / GOP). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. GOP 100% B. G.O.P. Score: 1/1 42. All of the sailors (was/were) lost at sea. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. was B. were 100% Score: 1/1 43. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. He listened to the radio, and read a book. B. He listened to the radio and read a book. 100% Score: 1/1 44. Jake Andrews was charged with (burglary / larceny / robbery / theft) after entering the library during business hours and searching through backpacks left at the study tables. There was no indication that any items were taken. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. robbery B. theft C. burglary 100% D. larceny Score: 1/1 45. Las Vegas is the (United States/United State’s/United States’) gambling capital. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. United State’s B. United States’ C. United States 0% Score: 0/1 46. Don’t touch the (childrens/children’s/childrens’) food. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. childrens’ B. childrens C. children’s 100% Score: 1/1 47. (Among/Between) the three of them, Sally is the best at math. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Between B. Among 100% Score: 1/1 48. I’m tired. I’m going to (lay/lie) down. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. lie 100% B. lay Score: 1/1 49. I wonder how that change will (affect/effect) him. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. affect 100% B. effect Score: 1/1 50. The retiring principal took her clipboard home as a (memento/momento) from her career. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. memento 100% B. momento Score: 1/1 51. Don’t let the cat out of (it’s/its) bag. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. it’s B. its 100% Score: 1/1 52. Georgia (Senator / Sen.) Saxby Chambliss narrowly won re-election in 2008. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Senator B. Sen. 100% Score: 1/1 53. I don’t know (if/whether) I should go. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. if B. whether 100% Score: 1/1 54. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. There’s a frog in the bakery; he hopped in by accident. 100% B. There’s a frog in the bakery, he hopped in by accident. Score: 1/1 55. The (29-year-old / 29 year old) woman has accomplished a lot in her career. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 29-year-old 100% B. 29 year old Score: 1/1 56. Ask not for (who/whom) the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. who B. whom 100% Score: 1/1 57. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Change, which is a break from the routine, can be disruptive for children. 100% B. Change, which is a break from the routine can be disruptive for children. Score: 1/1 58. The professor was exonerated of sexual (harassment/harrassment) charges. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. harrassment B. harassment 100% Score: 1/1 59. His latest album (composes/comprises) 11 songs. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. comprises 100% B. composes Score: 1/1 60. Between you and (I/me), this movie lacks the thrills the trailer advertised. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. me 100% B. I Score: 1/1 61. Alyssa Young graduated from Northern Illinois University with a (B.A., BA, bachelor of arts, bachelor’s degree) in journalism. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. BA B. B.A. 0% C. bachelor of arts D. bachelor’s degree Score: 0/1 62. My other car, (that/which) is red, is in the garage. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. which 100% B. that Score: 1/1 63. All three (squirrel’s/squirrels’/squirrels) nuts were taken from their nests. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. squirrels B. squirrel’s C. squirrels’ 100% Score: 1/1 64. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I went the the grocery store and bought three gallons of ice cream. 100% B. I went the the grocery store, and bought three gallons of ice cream. Score: 1/1 65. The (Cincinatti/Cincinnati) Bengals recently defeated the New York Giants 14-7. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Cincinnati 100% B. Cincinatti Score: 1/1 66. He (lead/led) a team of experts through the crash site. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. led B. lead 0% Score: 0/1 67. That hairbrush is (hers/her’s) Student Response Value Correct Answer A. her’s 0% B. hers Score: 0/1 68. Charlayne Hunter-Gault is an (alumnus/alumni/alumna/alumnae) of the Grady College. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. alumnus B. alumnae C. alumni D. alumna 100% Score: 1/1 69. Georgia (lead/led) through the third quarter but gave up a last-minute touchdown. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. lead B. led 100% Score: 1/1 70. Several (tee shirt / T shirt / T-shirt) vendors are expected to profit from the presidential inauguration. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. T-shirt 100% B. tee shirt C. T shirt Score: 1/1 71. Tara Sloan is the (great-great-grandmother / great great grandmother / great-great grandmother) of Ashley Johnson. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. great great grandmother B. great-great grandmother C. great-great-grandmother 100% Score: 1/1 72. Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and (runningback / running back) Knowshon Moreno declared for the NFL draft. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. running back 100% B. runningback Score: 1/1 73. Rain was expected to pour on much of the (Midwest / Mid-west / midwest) today. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Mid-west B. Midwest 100% C. midwest Score: 1/1 74. The patient was (anxious/eager) about the possible side effects of his prescription. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. anxious 100% B. eager Score: 1/1 75. Students in the residence halls are asked to take their garbage to the (Dumpster / dumpster / trash bin) each Friday. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Dumpster B. dumpster C. trash bin 100% Score: 1/1 76. The Georgia men’s swimming and diving team won (its/their) last meet against Southeastern Conference foe Auburn. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. its 100% B. their Score: 1/1 77. She’s the one (who/whom) is responsible for bringing the bacon. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. whom B. who 100% Score: 1/1 78. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. I like the shows: “Saved by the Bell,” “Webster” and “30 Rock.” B. I like the shows “Saved by the Bell,” “Webster” and “30 Rock.” 100% Score: 1/1 79. The firefighter became a (hometown/home-town) hero after saving eight people from a burning building. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. hometown 100% B. home-town Score: 1/1 80. In 2008, researchers identified a new species of octopus with only six (tennacles/tentacles). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. tennacles B. tentacles 100% Score: 1/1 81. The government bailout plan is estimated to be between ($12 million to $14 million / $12 to $14 million). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. $12 million to $14 million B. $12 to $14 million 0% Score: 0/1 82. It is suspected that the victim consulted a (fortuneteller / fortune teller / Fortune Teller) before fleeing the city. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. fortuneteller 100% B. fortune teller C. Fortune Teller Score: 1/1 83. In the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” Forrest drinks a number of [Dr. Peppers, Dr Peppers] before delivering the memorable line “I gotta pee” to President John F. Kennedy. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Dr Peppers 100% B. Dr. Peppers Score: 1/1 84. The Nile is the river (which/that) gives Egypt life. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. which B. that 100% Score: 1/1 85. The National Council of Churches (is/are) planning a convention in Washington, D.C., this year. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. are B. is 100% Score: 1/1 86. The Board of Regents is searching for a (long-term/long term) replacement for the university’s athletic director, who is planning to retire in 2010. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. long term B. long-term 100% Score: 1/1 87. Police are expected to arrest the mayor at 3 (p.m./pm). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. p.m. 100% B. pm Score: 1/1 88. (Who/Whom) did you give the report to? Student Response Value Correct Answer A. Whom 100% B. Who Score: 1/1 89. The Monroe (city council / City Council / City council) is scheduled to meet Tuesday evening. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. City council B. city council C. City Council 100% Score: 1/1 90. The falling stock market has caused many Americans to lose money in their (401-K / 401(k) / 401k) plans. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. 401k B. 401-K C. 401(k) 100% Score: 1/1 91. The (famed/famous) writer Terry Kay will read from his new novel at an upcoming Athens-Clarke County Chamber-After Hours event. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. famous B. famed 0% Score: 0/1 92. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. “I moved a lot when I was young,” he said. 100% B. “I moved a lot when I was young.” he said. Score: 1/1 93. He (cited/sighted/sited) three sources within the article. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. sited B. cited 100% C. sighted Score: 1/1 94. The (biannual/biennial) event is held every June and December. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. biennial B. biannual 100% Score: 1/1 95. When you said I was ignorant, were you (implying/inferring) that I’m stupid? Student Response Value Correct Answer A. implying 100% B. inferring Score: 1/1 96. Found at the scene of the crime, John Doe was (indicted for / accused of / arrested for) murder. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. arrested for B. accused of C. indicted for 0% Score: 0/1 97. Editors need to exercise good (judgement/judgment) in everything they do. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. judgement 0% B. judgment Score: 0/1 98. I will exchange words with (whoever/whomever) stands in my way. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. whoever 100% B. whomever Score: 1/1 99. Chicago is in the running to host the 2016 (Summer Olympics / summer olympics / summer Olympics). Student Response Value Correct Answer A. summer Olympics B. summer olympics C. Summer Olympics 100% Score: 1/1 100. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence. Student Response Value Correct Answer A. He listened to the radio and she read a book. B. He listened to the radio, and she read a book. 100% Score: 1/1

Fourth & Forever – 1st Edition – University of Georgia vs Louisiana-Lafayette

Sports and Variety have declared war. Each week, Zach Dillard and I will be battling it out on NCAA 2011 for the Xbox 360, laying both our pride and innate manhood on the line. 7 minute quarters and updated rosters set the scene for this epic bloodbath.

This was our first “preview” for last weeks game against Louisiana-Lafayette. Each edition will feature both a stat box and a column from both of us. For the sake of well-rounded journalism, I offer you both.

Sports Editor’s Take – Zach Dillard
Georgia

Caleb King could not have picked a better time to live up to his high school hype.

The senior running back came up with the best game of his career just in time for me to trounce the Ragin’ Cajuns — and crush Joe’s soul. He was a one-man nightmare on offense, racking up 314 yards of glory to deliver knock-out blow after knock-out to Variety’s weak attempts at virtual athleticism.

There is a fine line between gracious dominance and necessary gloating, but I feel the latter is most appropriate in this instance.

See, you must understand the competition here.

Our variety editor has done nothing but patronize and boast for the past weeks since we conjured up this hatred-filled idea.

Asking for a moment of silence or a sliver of humility was uncalled for — too unrealistic for such a person with little respect and even less friends. Did his arrogance end when the bad news came to me that I had to bench Washaun Ealey as well as Tavarres King due to suspensions?

No, it fueled his pitiful fire.

Yet, after the game was underway, silence prevailed  from the one man who will try to play the “victim” in this scenario.

But the numbers of the victory are self-explanatory, and every single one of the 73 points felt better than the last.

And it could have been worse. Much worse.

Just know that it feels extraordinary up here at the office, staring through our shared cubicle window with disdain and utter superiority.

And finally, the world can see Joe Williams for what he really is — a loser.

Thank you, Caleb King.

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Variety Editor’s Take
Louisiana-Lafayette

Unfortunately, the gods weren’t with me this week.

The coin flipped in the air, I yelled “tails!” and in one uncertain motion my destiny was set — I would be representing Louisiana-Lafayette in  the first epic clash between the editors.

While I may have been stuck with arguably one of the worst teams in the game, I feel I made the most of my situation.

You see, the first key of any successful battle is sizing up your opponent.

In the case of Mr. Dillard, a few things must be noted.

First off, despite anything he may have said to the left of my column, he is not a true Bulldog fan.

The guy has never even attended a Georgia football game. Oh, but his work schedule was so hectic?

Then how did he manage to make it to so many North Carolina games last season?

Secondly, once you get past the whole “look at me, I wear gym shorts and Nikes to work so I can reiterate my position as sports editor” image that he desperately puts on,  the facts are plain as day — there is truly nothing remotely close to intelligence behind that little puzzled face of his.

A.J. Green is rated at 99 in the game. Sure, Zach didn’t throw to him every play, but when he did, A.J. never missed. He never misses.

Considering my team was completely fatigued after every four plays — I literally had to sub my QBs in and out once a drive — I still managed to score 28 points, respectively.

Mr. Sports Editor might talk the big talk, throw out his impressive numbers and brag about how his shirt matches his shoes, but when it comes down to it, I threw for more than 400 yards and managed 21 first downs.

How ’bout them apples?

Calling all lovers of epic entertainment

This is a column I wrote in the Variety section last week in an attempt to get some new writers. It was quite the success – I know have a whole army of Variety writers.

Boredom can cause a man to lose himself in the work day.

Earlier I was sent to fetch a mushroom pizza from Domino’s for Beth Pollak, our copy editor.

As I write this, our beloved sports editor Zach Dillard is trying to hunt down quotes from freshmen in regards to the University’s student ticket system.

I know this because I can see him through our cubicle window.

He is speaking softly under his breath, staring intently at his oversized computer monitor.

Yesterday, Dillard and I dined on yogurt and discussed the qualities of V.V. Brown’s new album “Traveling Like the Light.”

He prefers strawberry; I opted for blueberry.

Why do I have so much time on my hands you ask?

Surely there’s something I need to be doing, being the variety editor and all.

Unlike other sections in the paper, however, there is an extreme lack of writers that I can call upon for quality pieces.

Don’t get me wrong — there are plenty of interesting things happening in the world of Athens.

Heck, Rex Lee of HBO’s “Entourage” is speaking next week at Tate.

Stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt will be splitting sides at the 40 Watt Club this Friday.

I understand the nature of breaking news, and the appeal to be the one writing up a piece about the most recent football player who thought it was a logically sound idea to drive drunk.

I can also see why interviewing football players or writing an opinions piece on Sarah Palin’s breasts might just make your day.

But what I don’t understand is why writers, and even your everyday University student, wouldn’t want to listen to free albums before they hit the shelves and write about how it is an instant classic, or worthy of becoming a reflective Frisbee.

Why wouldn’t you want to interview bands such as Cage The Elephant and Motion City Soundtrack as they come through Athens on national tours?

Do you frequent the multiplex? Does Stephenie Meyer and the entire “Twilight” saga make you want to drink Drano?

Maybe you’re just an addict for salty popcorn drenched in melted buttery goodness.

These are all things that fall in the realm of variety — including art exhibits and the grand opening of yet another coffee chain.

Perhaps theater, music, art and humanitarian profiles aren’t for everybody — but when you pop in that new CD you just bought and immediately cringe at the horrific sound coming through your speakers, then subsequently tell your friends why they should save themselves from the agony, you practically just wrote a variety article.

Practically.

If you find yourself wanting to be a part of something beautiful, The Red & Black is here waiting with open arms.

If you don’t like the types of things we run, come up here and do it better.

We are your paper — we are here to inform and educate on all things Athens.

And if you happen to like music, movies, video games, books, art and theater as much as I do, then maybe you’re a variety writer and you just don’t know it yet.

— Joe Williams is the variety editor and can be reached at variety@randb.com

University of Georgia declared No. 1 party school – Our Take: Overrated.

I apologize for my extended absence away from the blogging universe. Once I took over the reigns of Variety editor at The Red & Black, I got a tad swept away with things. However, I return, and will post what I have written in the mean time.

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The Red & Black – “Our Take: Ratings Overrated” – (the ‘Our Take’ in The Red & Black is a spot where we, the editors, can offer our opinion on a current issue. For this particular week, I wrote about UGA’s title as “No.1 Party School in America.”

It has terrified parents, excited students and rattled the administration to their core.

Online forums have exploded as Georgia Tech alumni shake their finger. Local Atlanta radio stations such as DaveFM salute the University every hour, congratulating our newfound crown.

But what exactly did we win? Why should everyone suddenly fear that the Classic City now bears a tainted image?

The University’s newly-bestowed title as the “No.1 Party School” should be laughed about in passing — a joke between friends. Ultimately, a rigged poll with unlimited votes can’t knock down the spirit of our students or make others afraid to enroll.

While I feel the utmost pride in my status as a senior at the University of Georgia, I’m all aware that the drunk guy you see sitting on the curb with a touch of drool on his lower lip is practically a staple of every college town, from Athens to Cambridge. I transferred from Georgia Southern. Enough said.

Enjoy the new title. And when November comes, and our players cripple Tech in front of a sold-out audience, take a shot on Broad Street.

It’s the least you can do.

— Joe Williams for the editorial board

Song of the Day: fun. — “The Gambler”

The perfect song rattles our bones and lifts our soul – but why?

Is it the love of a minor chord progression, or the warm, raw sound of an acoustic guitar? Perhaps it’s the heavy distortion and pounding drums of your favorite metal song, or the screaming that seems to put into words what words cannot.

Maybe it’s the delicate keys of your favorite piano piece, or the roaring orchestra behind the soundtrack to fallen soldiers, or a father who saves his family. Maybe it’s the beat that takes ahold of your feet and has you out on the floor, shaking things that have never shaken.

Or maybe it’s the lyrics, painting a picture of  lives lost and love found. A blue-print of sorts to the human condition.

For the next few days, I want to focus my “Song of the Day” on this all encompassing “why?”

I want to draw attention to the artists and bands who do more than create catchy little ditties that we hum through our work day; I want to acknowledge those who put it all on the line and created something for themselves, or for someone else.

Yesterday, I described the overwhelming humility displayed by Nate Ruess on stage as he and fun. seized the evening and caused a stale disappointment once headliners Motion City Soundtrack finally took the stage.

Like I said before, I was never a huge fan of fun. to begin with, though my obsession with Ruess and The Format dates back to when I was 16. I had the privilege of seeing them open for Jimmy Eat World and Taking Back Sunday at the Gwinnett Civic Center, which to this day stands as one of my all-time favorite concerts.

The Format - Nate Ruess and Sam Means

The Format always had a way of putting an original, ‘up-beat’ twist on otherwise touchy emotions. Their songs don’t play as “emo,” nor do they ever sound as if they are tugging downward with depressing instrumentation and whiny vocals.

So leave it to Ruess to perfectly intwine these lines into a song you could very easily find yourself driving down the road singing along to, sunroof open, tapping your fingers on the steering wheel with a slushy in your lap:

Just tie the rope
Oh and kick the chair
Just leave me hanging there,
Gasping for air
Yeah dont mind me three feet from the ceiling

The stand out on the album, and I feel many Format fans would agree, is “On Your Porch,” a soft guitar piece which sounds very reminiscent of Iron & Wine. There’s debate as to the meaning, though many believe it is about Nate’s father and how he dealt with his cancer.

The “Interventions & Lullabies” CD could be put on repeat and implanted into my brain, and I truly don’t think I’d ever get tired of it. I’ve played it religiously now for five years. Here’s to five more.

It is because I loved this album so much that I was unable to accept their follow up album “Dog Problems,” which to this day is loved by mostly everyone but me. What’s my beef with it? Carnival music. That’s all I have to say.

fun. performing in Florida

When fun. came into the picture, I’ll admit I got rather excited. Maybe Ruess would bring back his classic “sound” that tickled my heart and left me giddy? A friend showed me “Light a Roman Candle with Me.” Not as bad as “Dog Problems,” but still (to me, anyways) nothing special.

It is then that I accidentally found myself in the crowd for a fun. performance. I was ecstatic to say the last! Regardless of my feelings for Ruess’s work after “Interventions & Lullabies,” this is a guy who was capable of pouring himself through honest, exciting lyrics.

My original train of thought was a complete understatement.

About half-way into fun.’s performance a song was played that still hits me like a tidal wave – “The Gambler.”

You could tell the seriousness of Ruess was about to unfold by the way he held himself on stage – his classic smile and mesmerizing  demeanor were all but hidden by a porcelain glare in his eyes. This next song was to be a serious one. I knew that much for sure.

“The Gambler” is a song told through the eyes of Nate’s mother, and explains how is parents first fell in love, trials of their relationship, and the diagnosis of his sickness. He sings of his sister, his family, the way his parents met by firelight.

It speaks of a desire to love for 50 years, of breaking the mold and saving ourselves.

Of seeing the best in everyone.

It’s a deeply honest and magnificent song, heightened even more so by Nate’s phenomenally emotional voice. I truly don’t believe any other singer could have pulled off this song even half as impressively.

“The Gambler” is the type of song you listen to three times before you can even begin to explain how it makes you feel.

Ruess is a master at the craft of emotional and honest music. This song could be interpreted a thousand different ways by a thousand different people, but still leave the same lingering feeling in everyone –

Hope.

This is a live performance of fun. performing “The Gambler” for Paste Magazine. I hope you enjoy.

Song of the Day: Regina Spektor — “On the Radio”

Live music has always been my favorite.

There’s something downright intoxicating about getting to your favorite venue hours early, waiting patiently for the opening band to finish, then attempting to maintain some sort of balance while a sea of sweaty people press against your body from every direction and crowd surfers randomly kick you in the throat.

It’s the whole atmosphere – smoke in the air, beer on your shoes, drunkards shouting at one another. Oh, the magic.

But while It’s simply electrifying to see your favorite band take the stage to a sold out crowd chanting their name, it’s nothing compared to a single little trait that can make or break the entire experience — humility.

Yes, we all know you’re rich – my apartment and everything in it could probably only purchase the down-payment on three of your guitar strings. My entire wardrobe could be traded in for your socks.

But can you come out on to that stage, the spotlight following your every step, and still feel anything? Are you jaded to the life you were once willing to spill blood for?

There are a lot of musicians who radiate “stardom.” This isn’t a horrible thing, per say. If I pay $50 to see a band, I want them be just as bad ass on stage as they are in my head. Spit in the crowd, wear your leather – I won’t judge.

However, when an artist/band can walk on to that stage and make you feel like very  your presence means the world to them – that’s when the concert is truly memorable. That’s when you feel the energy.

Kings of Leon. Forgive the quality - I took this on my cell phone.

There are several shows I’ve been to over the years where I felt strongly one way or the other about how the band carried themselves on stage.

My girlfriend and I saw Kings of Leon when they were on the cusp of being famous (the next time they came back to Atlanta they sold out Philips Arena – for you non-Georgians, that’s where our NBA team plays!) I remember very clearly that the Kings held themselves as budding stars : leather jackets, crazy hair, the works.

Yes, they seemed to be having fun. But if I were to walk out and bail on the show, they would have never cared.

This was not the case for either for either Nate Reuss (lead singer of The Format and fun.) or Regina Spektor.

I first saw fun. play last semester by accident.

Motion City Soundtrack was headlining a show at the 40 Watt, and I had already done a preview article and interviewed bassist Matt Taylor for the Red & Black newspaper. MCS put me on the guest list so I’d be able to do a review (they really liked the preview), and to be honest, I had never been that impressed with fun. in the past (nor was I even aware they were on the ticket.)

[Don’t get me wrong – I am a die-hard Format fan. Interventions & Lullabies is practically aural cocaine.]

I don’t recall off the top of my head who opened the show, but I can tell you with utmost certainty who closed it out – and it wasn’t MCS.

Nate Ruess

When Reuss took stage, he was absolutely floored by the crowds response. There were several times during the evening where he would just stand in the center, smiling from ear to ear, as he soaked in all the applause and cheers. The man looked like he had never been happier in his life.

He thanked the crowd, laughed with the crowd; he practically married us right there on the stage.

And that “feeling” really transitioned into their music. I wasn’t a fun. fan when I first got to the show, but during that hour when they melted every heart in the room, I felt like their biggest fan on earth.

Regina Spektor was the exact same way.

I wasn’t able to afford tickets to the show, so my girlfriend Ally took us (that’s what you call an amazing girl.)

Regina Spektor. Front row = great photo opportunities

The show was sometime last year, and though I don’t remember many of the finer details, I know we got there many hours early in order to solidify our chances at getting front row.

(The show was at the Tabernacle, and as I mentioned in an earlier post, if you get there early – front row is guaranteed.)

When Spektor walked out to her piano, the Tabernacle erupted with applause. And the crazy thing was, the happier the crowd got, the happier Regina got.

Her entire performance was utterly phenomenal – again, not just because she sang flawlessly and tore up every one of her best hits (which she did), but because she legitimately appeared to be having the time of her life on stage.

My taste in female singers has always been quite picky. I dislike 90% of them, but the ones I DO like, I love almost twice as much as my favorite male singers. (Straylight Run, Venice is Sinking and Ingrid Michaelson….AMAZING.)

Regina’s lyrics have always been what strike me most. Particularly, the song I chose for today.

This part gives me goose-bumps (and not the R.L. Stein kind) every single time.

“This is how it works
You’re young until you’re not
You love until you don’t
You try until you can’t

You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
Until their dying breath”

Music is a cultural universal. We love to sing-a-long, stomp our feet and shake about while we listen to our favorite artists and bands. But when they come out into the bright lights and make you feel at your very core that there is truly no where else in the world they would rather be  — that is the difference between an epic concert and one you tell your kids about.

That is the difference between a band you support, and a band whose discography you downloaded online.

Song of the Day: Green Day — “Good Riddance (Time of your Life)”

With the exception of Tupac, Kilo Ali and 311, Green Day might just stand as the first band I ever listened to.

[The exception lies in the fact that all four proved to be essential during my learning to spell, naptime, kindergarten years. It’s impossible to remember who was first introduced to me, however, I CAN say that Green Day had the longest lasting effect.]

R.I.P. Green Day

When my family first moved to Georgia from Texas, we moved into an apartment while our house was being built. This was a predominately African-American complex, and lets just say we weren’t overly welcomed (it was the key marks on our mini-van, along with the shouts of “cracker” that first gave it away.)

Needless to say, I didn’t make many friends right off the bat. My mom refused for me to go to the local elementary school (I was but a tender age of five), so she drove me – every day – to the elementary school I would be going to when our house was finished.

Every morning – we would drive an hour to school, she’d drive an hour back, then she would drive an hour to pick me up, then we’d drive an hour back. That’s love.

After all the non-stop shuffling around was settled and we moved into our new home, I again lacked any friends. I spent my first few days/weeks (I have no idea the length of time) walking around the neighborhood, riding my bike, doing whatever a child does.

Then I met my next door neighbor Nick Kruger, who would prove to be one of the most pivotal people in my life.

Nick was everything you’d expect in a ’90s child – his Jnco jeans were so massively large that he could take 10 steps in them before it seemed like he moved; he had the perfect dirty blonde bowl-cut; he loved to skateboard and worship Tony Hawk; he loved music — but most importantly, he had an older brother.

I don’t remember a whole lot about Nick’s brother. What’s most notable is the age difference between all of us – I was five, Nick was roughly nine or ten, and his brother was seventeen or eighteen.

[I have no earthly idea what his brothers name is. From here on out we’ll call him Dan.]

There was a chain of command that was followed very strictly during my years with Nick. Whatever Dan did, Nick did. Whatever Nick did, I did.

Tupac Shakur

It is because of this that my childhood was put on a bit of a fast-forward. While most five-year-olds were galavanting through the woods playing with toy guns or playing kick ball with their friends, I could be found in Nick’s bedroom, Nintendo 64 controller in hand, listening to Tupac, 311, Nirvana and Green Day.

We cussed, could recite every episode of Beavis and Butthead and watched MTV religiously.

We practically worshipped the ground that Dan walked on.

There is, of course, a down-side  to what a grungy, chain smoking, most-likely-on-probation, 18 year old kid  can have on a 5 year old — it was explained to me that the stork did not indeed exist (pictures were provided). I was also corrected on the fact that Rated-R movies were not indeed the “worst” movies available.

I cried the first time I saw a porno. The whole idea didn’t sell well with me. It was at this point that my parents put a limit on how often I was allowed to see Nick – and required that I never see Dan again.

The plus side (of course there’s a plus side!) is that my introduction to music was only just beginning.

Nick was my closest friend for two or three years.

During my time with him, I learned off all the ’90s greats — The Offspring, Third Eye Blind, Nirvana, Eve 6, Weird Al, Coolio, Blink-182 (to name a few).

For those of you who don’t remember Coolio….sweet Jesus. I recited this song on the school bus religiously. Rap at its finest.

My years with Nick were cut short when he moved away one day … without even so much as a good-bye.

Odd right? The guy you spend every single day with for years moves away with his family and never even acknowledges it.

While Nick continues to exist somewhere out there — i’ve attempted to find him on both Myspace and Facebook with no success — I owe my love, passion and knowledge of music 100% to him.

It’s definitely not a good thing when a five year old is exposed to more “adult” material at such a young age, but I wouldn’t go back and change a single thing about those years.

I was sad when Tupac died. How many 6 year old southern white boys can say that?

Song of the Day: Sufjan Stevens — “For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti”

I thought I’d throw a curveball into the hardcore/metal vibe that’s taken over the “Song of the Day” the last couple of days, and introduce an artist that nestles himself right next to my love for the Taco Bell Beefy 5-layer burrito, the Green Bay Packers and Diet Coke. Right there in the core of my very being.

The name “Sufjan Stevens” probably doesn’t mean a whole lot to the mass majority.

Other than the indie kids running around with face paint and feathers stuck in their hair, Ol’ Sufjan hasn’t necessarily made a major impact in the mainstream world. You might recognize his biggest single “Chicago” from the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack, or maybe you heard about the crazy guy attempting to write and record a record for every state in the United States.

Yep, that was Sufjan.

Quite the multi-instrumentalist, Stevens plays many of the instruments heard through out his albums, including the banjo, drums, guitar and piano (to name a few.)

The 50-states project, which he later admitted to being mainly a “promotional gimmick,” first began with “Greeings from Michigan.” Two years and the album “Seven Swans” later, he released “Come on Feel the Illinoise.”

Both Michigan and Illinoise stand as monumental releases because of his time invested in each — Stevens would research the stories of each state (Michigan being his birth state; he currently resides in New York), and dig up the stories in both.

A personal favorite of mine is “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” from the Illinoise album. The music itself represents torn emotion — intwined within Steven’s beautiful piano playing is a darker tone, hinting at the story to unfold.

(For those unaware, Gacy was a serial killer from Illinois who focused on little boys; he would dress up as a clown, was well loved in the commuinty, and hid his young victims underneath his house.)

The song truly is a beautiful telling of a dark and horrid story.

My Sufjan discography  means significantly more to me than many other albums I own. Many songs I enjoy conjure images of my youth and fun times with friends, but Sufjan specifically reminds me of my first visit to New York City with my family back in high school. I didn’t have a whole lot of money saved, so I was hell bent on getting a CD from the Virgin Megastore as my souvenir.

While my family spent most of the trip seeing the more “touristy” attractions, I walked the streets all day, nibbling on various kabob’s and ending up in random shops and stores. Since the train not only terrified me, but existed as a mere torture device to my otherwise keen sense of direction, I walked everywhere I needed to go, from Times Square to Central Park and back.

For days Sufjan played as my background music.

Sufjan Stevens

It sounds odd now, but most of that trip plays back in my mind like a music video — all of my memories involved both my iPod and the Sufjan album I picked up at Virgin — “The Avalance” : random out takes from the Illinoise album.

Many bands are only as strong as a single member — driving bass guitar, a quick fingered guitarist, or a drummer capable of defying what the human body should be capable of (see: Cinemechanica review).

However, Sufjan’s voice is my favorite instrument.

Over gentle, acoustic plucking and simple piano, Sufjan’s voice – soft and passionate – puts more into words than he even actually sings.

I’ve never had the opportunity to see hin perform live, but you better bet your bottom dollar that will all change next time he emerges from his cave and releases a new album.

It’s been four years since he released “The Avalanche,” which was new music, but not a theme; a new direction.

If you have an opportunity, spend some time listening to both “Greetings from Michigan” and “Come on Feel the Illinoise” in their entirety.

You will not be disappointed.

[“For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti” is featured on “Michigan.” “Chicago” and “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”  are featured on “Illinoise.”]

Song of the Day: The Human Abstract — “Vela, Together We Await the Storm”

I’m amazed when progressive metal bands get lumped in with the likes of their hardcore brethren.

Don’t get me wrong, I love hardcore — most of the time — but other than the fact that both genres scream, growl (or pig squeal for that matter), their similarities really aren’t all that…well, similar.

If I were to compare K-Ci & JoJo with Justin Bieber, obvious correlations could be made — they  both project noise through a microphone, and will be forgotten in ten years. However, K-Ci & JoJo (at the very least) will forever be immortalized by their presence on Now That’s What I Call Music (NOW): Volume 1.

“All My Life” = Damn good song. I’d post the video, but then I’d be robbing myself of a future “Song of the Day.” A sexy picture of the duo will have to suffice.

K-Ci & JoJo

(Bieber doesn’t get a picture.)

The Human Abstract exists in that happy little medium between beautiful, rhythmic, joy and melt-your-face, slap your mother, metal. While hardcore tends to have one “level” to it (layered noises over unusual time signatures), true, talented metal bridges the gap between “musical,” complex chord progressions and angsty, fast, noice.

The missing link? Neo-classical metal.

This special little sub-genre of heavy metal owes a lot to guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, who meshed super fast picking with harmonic scales, minor scales, and sweeping arpeggios.

Fast-forward from the ’80s and what do you get? The Human Abstract and Children of Bodom, to name a couple.

Personally, I think the argument of “how can you call that music? it’s just noise…and yelling” went stale a long time ago. I listened to 95.5 The Beat earlier and heard a touching piece of musical genius.

Yngwie Malmsteen

In the words of Travie McCoy — “I wanna be a billionaire so fricking bad / Buy all of the things I never had”

Bad? Had? Come on, that’s a genius rhyme. A true lyrical Mozart.

Or what about my all-time favorite band, Blink-182? If you can spell B-A-R-C-H-O-R-D, then you probably have enough intellect to play nearly every song from “Cheshire Cat” and “Dude Ranch.” No, Blink isn’t musically intricate, and their songs are occasionally about “fucking dogs in the ass” (which isn’t exactly award winning material), but they exist on a level people can relate to. They’re fun, genuine guys who make music that will last forever.

[Plus, they offer a fine niche for those animal “lovers” who want some special tunes thrown their way. Get it? I put “lovers” in quotations. Sex with animals implication. Good stuff.]

If I can say these things about my all-time favorite band, a band that will forever grace my body via the “crappy punk rock bunny” tattoo I got when I turned 18, we as music listeners need to get off our high-horse and keep an open mind to all types of music.

You may not like it, but you should at least appreciate it.

In the case of progressive metal —or even hardcore, death metal, and Justin Bieber — the music needs to be appreciated for what it brings to the table: excitement, energy, and all-around fun.

[Except Bieber. He just sucks.]

“Vela, Together We Await the Storm” is my favorite song by The Human Abstract because of the soft piano intro, and the suspensful guitar riffs that follow. Even if you have never considered yourself a fan of “that screaming music,” give it a try.

If Kenny Chesney can sing about how his tractor is sexy, and still sell albums, then both progressive and neo-classical metal stand a chance at one day bringing home a shiny, golden “song of the year” trophy.

[As a side note: I saw The Human Abstract play last year at the 7 Venue in Douglasville, and yes — the guitarist DOES have the crazy long fingers you would imagine necessary to play such amazingly difficult guitar.]

Song of the Day: Elefant — “Lolita”

When I first came to terms with the fact that I would have to part with my gas guzzling, oil burning, beast of a Jeep Wrangler, I couldn’t really imagine myself driving anything else.

I miss you.

Though I had once romped the streets of Dallas in a dinged up, maroon Honda Accord with no front bumper or side mirrors, I felt fairly content moving upward in the automotive world.

It’s really quite the burst of adrenaline to drive down the interstate with your top down, doors off, and your foot propped up on the stepping bar.

I was only lucky enough to receive such a ride because a girl totaled my beat-up Accord in a parking lot, and my dad fought the insurance company for everything a dented, bumperless Accord is worth.

Sadly, rising gas prices and an engine waiting to blow caused me to part with it the same way it came into my life, via Craigslist.

I first caught the Wrangler bug when my good, life-long pal Josh Shore got one in high school. To say I was envious is like saying the holocaust was “unfortunate.” — a complete understatement.

[Yes, I just compared my desire for a car to that of a 6 million person genocide. Let’s move on.]

Elefant

One evening, as Josh and I were driving around in his Jeep, he popped in a CD and successfully blew my mind. Josh was notorious for liking his own brand of music — while all the pre-indie kids were running around listening to “Plans” by Death Cab For Cutie, Josh could be found blasting the Bouncing Souls and Reverend Horton Heat.

That’s the first time I listened to “Lolita” by Elefant. The speakers weren’t exactly Boise quality, and i’m pretty sure my brain was drying out from all the wind gushing through every orifice of my body, but damn if I didn’t get instantly hooked to that song.

I’ve never really been a fan of anything else Elefant produced, nor am I very up to date on their music.

[I do know, however, that they just broke up last month.]

You may never get to see Elefant live, or have the privilege listening to them while being driven around by a bald, lovable, rough-neck like Josh, but I highly advise you give the song a try.

You might just find yourself craving a Jeep Wrangler.