This past Sunday we all took part in a historical sweep - whether at the game, glued to the TV or watching "America's Next Top Model" re-runs while people screamed/honked/created bedlam across the Boston area. Sweep moments have a tendency to rile up the best of us - nothing's more exciting than seeing anything/anyone be completely and totally obliterated, whether it be the Colorado Rockies or a pile of dust.
In commemoration of such an exciting, moving moment in Boston Red Sox history, the Daily Arts Department compiled a list of sweeps almost as awesome - and as far from the Sports world as possible.
1. Being swept off one's feet: No matter your gender or sexuality, being swept off your feet by your one true love is downright romantic, and countless movies and TV shows have strung viewers along in anticipation of that one too-good-to-be-true moment.
2. Sweepstakes: Winning the sweepstakes would be pretty awesome. For one thing, you could quit college and spend the rest of your life worrying about how to spend the millions of dollars you got in prize money. Or alternatively, you might actually be able to pay for these four magical years at Tufts and not spend the rest of your life toiling to pay your debt to the institution.
3. "Supermarket Sweep": There was no Showcase Showdown or anything but this game show was much better than The Price is Right because instead of playing pricing games, you get to buy high value food supplies and answer trivia questions about products found in the grocery store!
4. Sweeps: Ever noticed that in May and November your favorite television shows start adding crazy plot twists and special guest stars? During "sweeps" time, a network's ratings are gathered. It's a mutually beneficial system: They make money; we sit around waiting to see if Ross will finally kiss Rachel..
5. "Mary Poppins" (1964) Chimney Sweeps: The classic musical about the caring nanny created a magical world where all is well. The London chimney sweepers didn't have it so bad. After all, "a sweep is as lucky as lucky can be." Screw William Blake and his depiction of the little London boys.6. "Fantasia" (1940): I don't care how badass you were as a child, the demonic army of mops and brooms chasing Mickey Mouse around was terrifying - not to mention epic.
7. Sweep Picking: For all you guitarists out there, this one should hit close to home. The style of playing an entire chord in single notes with one fell pick swoop up and down the strings is a daunting task for even the most hardcore of shredders. If you don't play guitar, think of it this way: that thing that guitarist did once that made you go "wow, he's really good." Yeah, that's sweep picking.
8. Curling: Yes, we know it's a sport, but this insipid sport was most likely invented by the Danish, Dutch or some type of pastry. We've all seen it in the Olympics; in order to keep your team's diffused land mine from going too far off target, a team of sweepers brooms the ice to reduce friction. This game could definitely do with some more tackling, or at least a few bench-clearing brawls? Give us something to redeem your sport, Scotland.
9. Cher's sweeping of her hair: "I got you babe," SWEEP "I got you babe." This chick may be old - with really long, black, mildly disgusting hair. But her sweep's got style.
10. "Swept Away" (2002): This is certainly one of Madonna's finest moments. She and hubbie Guy Ritchie got together and remade a 1974 Italian comedy - and added some sex and prescription drugs ... and a deserted island.
-compiled by the Daily Arts Department
