The 2011 Quotes

Well, I’m definitely way behind on posting these, but here they are, in their completely inappropriate glory. Well, some of them, anyway. About half didn’t stand the test of time or public decency. Names have been removed to protect the least innocent.

My sincere apologies to those offended.
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The 2010 Earle Awards

Presented by Drew Allen.

Better late than never.

Album of the Year

Kanye West: My Dark and Twisted Fantasy

Runner Up: The Roots: How I Got Over

This was a super tough call. I think that the emotio-moral dichotomy these two albums thematically represent is very reflective of the same dichotomy that existed in my life in 2010.

Film of the Year

Inception

Runner Up: Black Swan

SO many good movies came out this year, but in the end these were such all-encompassing experiences to Behold. The King’s Speech is definitely just behind these two for me.

New Artist of the Year

Mumford & Sons

Runner Up: The Black Keys

I think this is indicative of the rise of both meaning and groove in my musical tastes this year. Mumford is such a perfect sacred in secular example. Awesome.

TV Show of the Year

Mad Men

Runner Up: Community

Mad Men is a beautiful, dark, character-driven study of a broken man and his struggle to regain a sense of morality, purpose, and identity. Community is a uniquely written, simply hilarious look at a group of misfits learn to like and love each other. Both are amazing.

Author of the Year

Jeff Wilser

Runner Up: George Orwell

Maxims of Manhood was a great example of hilarity colliding with plain, good things that men should hear. And thanks to George, I’m afraid of my iPad.

Store of the Year

Target

Runner Up: Publix

I’ve made the switch from a generally corrupt and uncaring big box store to a clean and more socially aware one. Plus, there’s nothing like having your own place to enjoy shopping at Publix all the more.

Man of the Year

Ricky Kendall

I don’t really feel the need to say too much here, as his songs speak so much better of him than I can. Authentic, honest, wise passion roaring from his heart, mind, voice and guitar.

Lifetime Achievement Earle:

George Clooney

No explanation necessary.

Drew Allen is retiring like Michael Jordan (not Brett Favre).

Ladies, and Gentlemen, friends, family, members of the press,

I am here to announce my retirement from the game of Words with Friends™. I think everyone has their own reasons. There has been a lot of speculation in terms of why. The games I’m currently in will be my last.

It really comes down to time. When I do something, I do it big. So when I play, I play big. And so I’ve been playing a dozen or more games at a time. Most of my free moments are spent working on my next moves.

It’s time for me spend more time reading, writing, working out, speaking more actual words with friends. It’s been a fun ride, but it’s time to move on.

I want to say thank you to all of the fine opponents I have had the pleasure of playing Word with Friends with as well as thank Apple and New Toy Inc. for giving me an opportunity to play the game.

"That’s all I really, truly had to say. I thought about saying just two words, ‘I’m gone’, but I figured I owe the fans and certainly the media a little bit more than that. So that’s one of my reasons for being here." – Michael Jordan (and Drew Allen)

The game is bigger than me– bigger than any of us. I wish the best of luck to all those out there playing. That’s all.

There will be no questions. Are there any questions?