I'm a Mutli-blogger

So I am now a writer on another blog. I feel the need to share this with you guys because I won't be double posting my stuff. So to check on my new blog, The Game, a sports related feed where I dissect happenings in the wide world of athletics, go to Hustler of the Weak and check it out.

The site also contains blogs by several other people and if you enjoy my work, you'll enjoy theirs as well. For other stuff related to HOTW and its creator, check out BkJaxon and enjoy the content!

~Ian

Drifter

This is the prologue to my new story. Tell me what you think.

On July 9, 2012, 95 percent of the population died. In less than one month, nearly 7 billion people were wiped out. Whether it was pestilence, nuclear bombs and their fallout, or the war in general, life on Earth was totally and utterly altered.

Those of us who survived, were left to make an existence out of nothing. We had a world raped of its resources, demolished by its wars, and pillaged by its people. Maybe it was better to have died, then to have lived.

Communities began to come together, and for a while things looked up. Unfortunately, human nature soon took over and the lesser side of humanity showed itself again. The communities became as dangerous as the open unprotected lands.

Some people chose to brave these open lands, moving from place to place, either alone or in small groups. These people were known as drifters. One drifter wanted nothing but to be left alone, but the world needed more of him. The people are in need of a hero, and the most unlikely person has to rise to the challenge. This is his story.

I would love some constructive criticism on the premise, and I would love to hear ideas and suggestions.

~Ian

No one cares, so I'm closing the doors early

It seems that no one reads this blog besides my sister, so due to this fact, I am moving up my Hiatus Day. I was going to be not available after March 1 due to the fact that i am going off to the Navy, so i was going to close the site off then, but I think now is as good of a time as any.

I appreciate all of you who did stop by and read my stuff, and it will still be up and online for anyone's perusing, but there will be nothing new until after Basic Training if not later.

So unless I am struck with the urge to write between now and March 1, you will see nothing new for a good while. As a writer, I crave an audience, and to not have one is disheartening. BUT, I am sure one day people will flock to read my writings, but these are not those days, and I am OK with this. It is a part of life, and as with everything, it must be taken with a grain of salt.

So again, thank you to the people who took the time to read and enjoy my writings, and I hope to be back with a whole new load of stories in the not too distant future.

So I say farewell, and off into the great seas I sail...

~Ian

Predictable? I think not...

The 2007 season of college football came to an end last night in historic fashion. LSU beat Ohio State 38-24 to make them the first team to win the BCS National Championship twice, and also the first 2-loss team to win a BCS National Championship.

That's only the ENDING to the madness of this season. Let's recap shall we?

There was not a single team that was ranked no. 1 or 2 that DIDN'T lose while being ranked in that position. 20 different teams held the no. 1 or 2 spot this season, the highest amount in history.

The only team that went undefeated during the regular season, Hawaii, only got to no. 10 because of their weak schedule then got embarrassed by Georgia in the Sugar Bowl 41-10.

Only 6 of the original top-10 teams were ranked in the final 10, and only Chokelahoma at no. 8 and Virginia Tech at no. 9 were ranked in the same position.

USC- Preseason rank: 1, Final rank: 3 (11-2)

LSU- Preseason rank: 2, Final rank: 1 (12-2)

West Virginia- Preseason rank: 3, Final rank: 6 (11-2)

Texas- Preseason rank: 4, Final rank: 10 (10-3)

Michigan- Preseason rank: 5, Final rank: 18 (9-4)

Florida- Preseason rank: 6, Final rank: 13 (9-4)

Wisconsin- Preseason rank: 7, Final rank: 24 (9-4)

Oklahoma- Preseason rank: 8, Final rank: 8 (11-3)

Virginia Tech- Preseason rank: 9, Final rank: 9 (11-3)

Louisville- Preseason rank: 10, Final rank: Not ranked (6-6)

The other 4 teams that made their way into the final top-10 rankings were Georgia, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio State.

Georgia- Preseason rank: 13, Final rank: 2 (11-2)

Missouri- Preseason rank: NR, Final rank: 4 (12-2)

Ohio State- Preseason rank: 11, Final rank: 5 (11-2)

Kansas- Preseason rank: NR, Final rank: 7 (12-1)

How crazy is that? There was so much drama and shake up this season, that you never knew who would win from week to week. Missouri gets beaten in the first week by Appalachian State, a Div. 1AA school. USC gets beaten by Stanford, a 41-point underdog, at home. This pattern goes on and on and on.

To add to the mayhem, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, last year's Heisman runner-up is told he didn't win because he was a sophomore, then he proceeds to have a better year than last season, and has to watch Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a sophomore, win the Heisman. How fucked up is that? Personally, I wanted Tebow to win, because he is the best player in college football hands down, but I felt bad for McFadden who was a victim of circumstance.

As a Big 12 fan, I was so happy to see 4 teams from the conference ranked in the top-10: Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. For all those assholes who talk about how the Big 12 is a weak conference, and how the SEC and PAC-10 are better, here is retribution. The Big 12 and SEC are tied for most teams ranked in the top 25 with 5. Let's see what people say next year about the Big 12.

I'm really not going to go into the amazing player stories and fiascoes of this year right now, because that will require a much longer post, and perhaps more than one, whenever I get around to it. So heres my overall team/season wrap up for 2007.

This season proved that you always expect the unexpected. Never get used to the way things are because they will always change on you. National powers like Notre Dame fall, and new powers like Missouri rise. So in my opinion, the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Oscar for Best Drama should go to the NCAA. They kept us on the edge of our seats all season, and make us excited for next season's craziness.

This is why I love football.

~Ian

Coming to you LIVE from the Muskogee Phoenix newsroom

I am effectively BORED at work. I love my job, mind you, but it has its downtime. And when I say downtime, I mean looking for things to do to keep from chewing my own arm off.

I usually work anywhere from 3-5 hours a night (sweet job right?) but for the first 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.... BOREDOM. Unless I am taking call in scores, it's pretty dead. I build my page layout and throw in the early stuff... then it's a waiting game. I have to wait until the scores, standings, and roundups to cross the AP wire (Associated Press database for said work) and plug them in, which usually come in all at the same time right before deadline. So it's hectic for like 30-45 minutes at the end.

Right now is downtime. I'm watching the BCS Championship, which I could give less than a shit about who wins... actually I retract that statement... I hope LSU wins, because I think Ohio State is severely overrated for the second year in a row, and cheated their way to their last National Championship. (Edit: LSU won 38-24. Congrats to the Bayou Bengals. I'll do a blog tomorrow about the crazy NCAA football season.)

I also get to read all the AP stories before the rest of the public universe gets a shot at them (nah nah nah) so I feel superior in that respect.

Anyways... I guess I will get back to "work"... Just thought I would blog a little bit to break the monotony.

That's all for now. Thanks for tuning in. You can go back to your lives now.

~Ian

Welcome back!

11 visits yesterday hooray!

Welcome back everyone, and to the new visitors, welcome for the first time. Please leave comments for me, because I would like to know what everyone thinks, and as a professional writer (that's awesome to say) I like to have feedback.

So feel free to read the new stuff, check out the old stuff and look forward to the coming attractions. Also feel free to email me at iantownsend32@gmail.com or number32tx@gmail.com with any ideas for the site, things you would like me to write about, or critiques or comments.

And if you're wondering my credentials, here they are:

Associates Degree of Arts in Journalism from Bacone College

Award winning writer/photographer for the Baconian

Writer/photographer/sports copy editor/paginator for the Muskogee Daily Phoenix

So I am qualified. Drop by anytime y'all and enjoy yourselves ya hear?

~Ian

16 and OH!

It's not often you get to see football history in the amounts I've seen lately with the New England Patriots. Now before anyone hauls off calling me a bandwagon rider, lets get the facts straight. I like the Pats, not my favorite team, but a team I do like, respect, and like to see succeed.

Unlike the numerous haters and lovers that have come out this year, my stance on the team remains unchanged. I have liked them since Tom Brady became their QB and like to watch them win, unless they play the Broncos. I will always pick the Broncos over the Pats, even if I know it's hopeless, but that's being a true fan for ya.

Anyways let's get to my assessments.

I think Tom Brady is the best QB in the league and has a chance to be the best ever.



He came in his first year as a sixth-round pick and led the underdog team to an improbable victory. In the 5 years following, he has led them to two more Super Bowl victories, a perfect season, and a shot at an unprecedented 4th SB in 6 years. Tell me he's not the shit.

Bill Belichick makes me laugh. Yes he is an asshole. But you cant deny his ability to coach, and create a TEAM out of superstars. Not a single Patriot talks about themselves as better than the team, and always talk about what the other players are doing while downplaying their own accomplishments. Did Belichick cheat with that whole Spygate scandal? I don't know, and frankly I don't care. Every team steals signals, so give it a rest.

Now let's have a rundown of what New England did this year.

1) First time a team has gone 16-0 during the regular season. The Dolphins went 14-0 in their undefeated season.

2) Broke the single season scoring record with 589 points. The old record was 552.

3) Brady threw 50 TDs, 23 to Randy Moss, both records. (49-Peyton manning, 22-Jerry Rice)

4) 19 straight regular season victories.

Tell me that isn't amazing. Tell me in the era of individuals, cheating, and scandal, a team accomplishment like this isn't huge. Tell me that with a straight face and the chance of eternal damnation.

It also seems the Pats are poised to deliver Beantown its second championship of the season, with the Red Sox delivering earlier this year. If things keep progressing the way they are, the Celts may deliver number 3, earning a city 3 major sport championships in one year for the first time in history. (I think. I will check my facts) The NE Revolution was in the MLS Cup this year as well, but couldn't pull off the win. If only the Bruins woke up from sucking, then it would be the first time a city has won or been in the championship game in every major sport in history... wow right? Of course this is all based on the Pats and Celts doing the probably inevitable, and the Bruins doing the improbable.

As an avid SPORTS fan, such things rarely happen, and witnessing them in my lifetime is amazing. I congratulate the Sox for being baseball's best team and the Pats for making history. Keep up the good work fellas.

*On a side note, I plan on using the weekends to build posts and won't usually post a "real entry" unless it's called for like in this case. I just wanted to let you guys know. And also thanks for reading, and for not giving up on me after such a long layoff. I promise to be more consistent from here on out. Please let your friends know about this site and lets get the Word of the Wolf out to the masses. ~Ian*

Back by popular demand

So it has been a ong time since I posted anything with substance. The truth is, I haven't felt like writing. I suppose when you write for a living, all of your recreational writing tends to take a backseat.

BUT

I decided that writing for fun helps keep my skills sharpened, and also is exactly what it's meant for... FUN.

So here we go.

As a few of you have heard, I'm finished with school (for now). I finished all of my course work and will walk in May for my Associates in Journalism. An A.A degree is pretty much a joke for me, considering I spent 4 years in school for it. Yes, I changed my degree 3 or 4 times, but still... Anyways, I PLAN on pursuing a Bachelors at the very least, but I don't know when. I'm sure it will happen sometime, but unless one of my jobs wants/needs me to, then I won't be planning it for anytime soon, i.e. within the next 6 months.

I am enjoying my job as a sports agate clerk/sports copy editor at the Muskogee Phoenix. To check out some of my work, simply go to muskogeephoenix.com and search for me. You'll find my stuff. I'm hoping that my job will become a full-time one soon, but I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket. So keep your fingers and toes crossed for me, pray, or do whatever to send good vibes my way.

I am enjoying being home for an extended period of time. this is the first time since last Christmas that I have been home for more than 3 days. I got to see family and friends, and most importantly relax. I also hope to see my girlfriend, Renee when she comes down for New Years. Now if I can just talk Christel into coming up here, the New Years Bash will be complete...

Oh and yes, you read the above right... I am dating someone. Her name is Renee, she is 26 and lives in Shawnee, OK. Anyone who has ever heard Oklahoma Girl by the Eli Young Band would know that the song is TOTALLY fitting. If you haven't heard said song, do check it out.

ALSO, as plans stand, I will be seeing 2 concerts within 8 days of each other, On Feb. 29, I will be seeing a band I have managed to miss on numerous occasions, Linkin Park in OKC, then will be going to Austin to see the Dropkick Murpys on March 7 with the best sister in the whole world. So I'm excited.

Well that about wraps up the updates for me. It's been a crazy ride lately and I hope to keep everyone more updated and treat you to the best I can come up with to keep you entertained.

Stay tuned...

Oh and by the way, HOW BOUT THEM HORNS! They drubbed Arizona State tonight, and for all those jackasses out there... Texas STILL owns the streak for consecutive 10 win seasons (7), and Mack Brown is the winningest coach in the last 12 years with 122 victories. Eat that Sooner fans!

A Poem for YOU

It's not award winning material, but it is short, sweet, and to the point. Enjoy.

The shine in your eyes,
brings a smile to my face,
and the sound of your laugh,
touches me deep in a very special place.

I think of you and find my self happy,
Of your touch that sets fire in my chest,
Your presence that lightens my day,
And your presence that brings out my very best.

With you, I have come forth from a cold dreary world,
to a place in which my joy can be unfurled.

I'm a man who believes in the depth of true emotion,
and to the ever present feel of true devotion.

You have made a new man of me in this time,
And have even made me begin to speak in rhyme.

So thank you, for all that you do,
And for most simply, just being you.

Happiness has found a home in my heart
And its the thing I've wished for from the very start.

The Things I'd Do For You

If you were mine,
I would love you like no other.

If you were mine,
We would always have each other.

When times got hard,
We would always have someone to turn to.

And when times are good,
We would always have someone to share them with.

We would laugh,
We would talk,
We would fight,
We would walk,
We would smile,
We would cry,
We would love,
We would fly.

If you were mine,
You would be my everything.

But until I find you,
I can only dream.

Writing...

I am currently working on two books. Yes... BOOKS. While I want to write for newspapers and be a journalist, I want to eventually write books, and I'm starting now. I know it's going to take a while to get my ideas out on paper, and worthwhile to show to the public, but it will be worth it. I also wouldn't mind writing scripts either, but that's another story... no pun intended.

ANYWAYS... I just thought I would let everyone know about my plans and how they are progressing, and if anyone REALLY wants to know the plot lines I have so far, and may want to help me work, twiddle, fidget, and mess with them, let me know. I'm not one of those people who doesn't accept help or criticism. I welcome it, so bring it on.

For the curious, I will give you the title so far A.K.A. the working title... and a the genre of the novel.

The Guilds: Sci-Fi/fantasy set in medieval times

Cold Blood: Mystery Thriller

I know.... totally opposite ends of the spectrum, but that's me...

So if anyone wants the low down or wants to help... just let me know.

And to those who have ALWAYS supported me in my endeavors... thanks for the continuance of the support... I need it.

And Sis... we need to write our book too.... cause it just has to happen. the world NEEDS it.

That's all for now.

~Ian