I had to drive from Dallas to Houston earlier this week. I had two people – both of whom I consider friends and similar to me in taste – insist that I stop at Buc-ee’s along I-45. I kept thinking: “It’s a gas station – what’s the big deal?” So, I stopped and assumed that I’d be disappointed and that Buc-ee’s was overrated. Well, it wasn’t overrated. Yes, it was a huge gas station, but it was also a huge and amazing convenient store… with more jerky that one has ever seen in one spot. As I continued my drive, it got me thinking about overrated and underrated things. Hence, today’s post.
Below is a list of five of the most overrated and underrated things, in my opinion. I spent most of my flight between Houston and Orlando developing this list. First, I brainstormed and came up with a list of several dozen items. I then narrowed it down with a proprietary algorithm. I documented everything on my I-phone notes app so the guy next to me didn’t see me typing a random list that included Tom Brady and double decker tacos from Taco Bell – neither of which made the final cut, although it’s worth noting that Brady was the only item that made both the underrated and overrated lists. These items listed are not my favorite or most despised things. Nor are they things that get too much attention or press. These two lists include the top five things that I believe get too much credit or not enough credit.
Without further delay (and I know you’re anxiously awaiting), my Top 5 Overrate and Underrated Things List…
My Top 5 Overrated Things
In and Out Burger. I’ve been waiting for years to fit this burger place into a blog post. When someone posts a selfie at an In and Out Burger, here is the translation: “I’m in California and want everyone to know how cool I am because I’m hanging at the CA burger place.” That’s it – there is no way they actually like this very average restaurant that much.
U2. This is difficult because U2 is one of my top two or three favorite musical acts. However, they’ve reached a status throughout the world that is above human and unrealistic. They’re great, but no band or person is that great. Don’t tell their fans though. Three people you shouldn’t argue: Trump haters, Trump lovers, and U2 fans.
Starbucks Coffee. Marketing academics give Coke and Kleenex credit because they took a commodity and influenced the public to refer to it as theirs. How many times have you hear the term “Coke” used instead of “soda”? That’s impressive, but Coca Cola practically created and built the soda industry – they deserve that notoriety. However, we’ve been drinking coffee for a gazillion years, but suddenly in the late 20th century its: “I need to grab a Starbucks.” I have no idea how they did it because their coffee isn’t that great. BTW, I’m typing this from a Starbucks.
Amy Schumer. If you told me I could make millions by being a female comedian that told unoriginal jokes and acted like a disgusting, foul-mouthed male comedian from 1985, I would’ve gotten a sex change (not really). How she has risen to the top of the comedy ranks is beyond me. I’ve challenged myself that I’m being sexist, but I don’t think so. It’s not that she is a woman, but that her language and act is old – very 1980s Eddie Murphy stuff.
Everything anyone did as a kid. Just because your memories of Halloween or playing in the neighborhood or riding without a seatbelt is nostalgic doesn’t mean life was grand in the 1960s, 70s, 80s, etc. Give me today’s world any day. You can keep three TV channels, second hand smoke, and terrible beer.
My Top 5 Underrated Things
Pilsners and merlots. I’m an IPA and Cabernet guy, and an obnoxious one. Yeah, I’m the guy that takes 10 minutes to order a beer. I’m not bad with wine because I don’t know enough about it, but my friends don’t include me in certain outings because of my beer inquiries during the ordering process. However, I think pilsners and merlots have taken a real hit over the last decade and they’re very good beers and wines. For the record, I mean Pilsners like Stella or Warsteiner, not MGD or Bud Light.
Air travel. The next time someone complains about flying, ask them this question: “What happened next? Did you leave Philadelphia, take a nap for a few hours, and wake up in Paris?” Seriously, think about the luxury we have had in the last 100 or so years because of air travel, but most of us complain about it.
Blizzards from Dairy Queen. I don’t care how much people love these or how much credit they get … Blizzards are still underrated.
Johnny Depp. If you don’t agree with this, then over the next month or so watch Blow, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hollow, and Black Mass. When you’re done, tell me that you would honestly know that Depp’s characters were played by the same actor. Yes, he gets credit, but he’s never in that top of the top discussion like he should be.
A toddler’s laugh. Ok, I admit that this topic also made my Top 5 Annoying Things list in 2008. However, since then I’ve become a dad, and there is nothing better than this sound… nothing. Not even a Reese’s Blizzard.
So, that’s it. A little piece of my opinionated thoughts leading into the weekend. What do you think?
