With only a few weeks left in 2008, everybody’s coming out with tons of year-end lists. And if you ask us, that’s awesome. Today, Advertising Age released its list of “Ad Songs of the Year,” which includes both the best and the worst songs to make it into the coveted spot of a national advertising campaign.

We’ve put together this playlist of their Top 10 best songs, but you’ll have to check out the article to see which songs were the worst. But we’ll save you a little grief – “Saved By Zero” made the list.

Who Is The Big Brand On Campus?

Among college kids’ favorite brands: Facebook, Nike, iPod — and Time magazine. Those were among the findings of this year’s Anderson Analytics fall survey, which since 2005 has posed a series of open-ended questions to college kids about their favorite brands and activities. This year more than 1,000 students across the nation were asked to quickly list things such as a favorite magazine or good book they had read recently. [Ad Age]

Real Classes I Wish I Could Have Taken in College

Whether you think so or not, college was a pretty easy place in life. Think about it. The majority of people who attend college are going there on their parents’ bill. There’s virtually zero responsibility and we all know well over 50% of people wind up doing something career wise that has nothing to do with their majors. I’m sure the number is higher but I don’t feel like finding the link. In any event, here are some real college classes I wish I could have taken back in my school days. [Uncoached]

5 Things Facebook Needs to Improve Right Now

We love Facebook, ok? It’s a wild love affair. However, just like in every relationship, frustration abounds, because many of Facebook’s features either don’t work as intended, are too slow, or simply lack the details to be truly great. Here’s our list of possible Facebook improvements that would make our hearts smile. [Mashable]

8 Reasons Why You MUST Hit A USC Game At Least Once This Year

And I’m talking about the USC Trojans ladies and gentlemen. Nothing against South Carolina as that is a fine choice as well. However, the Trojans have been one of the elite NCAA college teams for quite some time now.

Obviously it’s nice to go to a game when you pretty much know your team should be winning by at least 30 points. It’s almost like you don’t even need to cheer. Sure you watch the games but the atmosphere itself is electric.

Just go there, have a few beers, and chances are you will end up having a blast. Here are 8 reasons you should go to a USC game this year. [Uncoached]

Nefarious Nike Placement, or Just a Mistake?

Syracuse legend Ernie Davis died in 1963. Nike gave birth to its iconic swoosh in 1971. The school unveiled a statue of the Elmira Express recently. Mysteriously, with a swoosh or two.

The school claims it was a simple mistake, and the sculptor is on the case. Be interesting to see how this one plays out. [The Big Lead]

16 Penalties Committed By College Freshmen

College can be a confusing place for freshmen. So, in an effort to better prepare them for life on campus, we’ve acquired the help of an NFL referee to alert them when they’ve committed a penalty.
1. PENALTY: TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE WITH YOUR DJ SKILLS
2. PENALTY: ASKING ANNOYING QUESTIONS THAT DELAY THE END OF CLASS
3. PENALTY: JACKING OFF WHILE YOUR ROOMMATE IS TRYING TO SLEEP

Check out penalties 4 – 16 [Holy Taco]

Before the War on Terror, Iraq, Afghanistan and the first Gulf War; before Vietnam, Korea and the long Cold War, the old world order was dominated by the tyranny of fear of Nazi Germany and the atrocities of catastrophic world war. But within the tumultuous years between WWI and WWII emerged two of today’s most dominant shoe companies: Puma and Adidas. And they each owe their existences to a mere family misunderstanding between broken brothers. (more…)

This is how it all started…the first ever college game of “Mike Jordan”.

In this highlight video from 1981, Jordan’s shots were mostly jumpers under Dean Smith’s famous four corners offense. He missed his first shot which was eerily similar to the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Final game. He made his next three. (more…)

Nike co-founder Phil Knight knows a thing or two about chivalry, good will towards men and resuscitating college sports arenas.

When Knight got word that University of Oregon’s McArthur Court had fallen prey to veined cracks-and-bruises he and his faithful wife Penny, The Duchess of Dunks donated a large sum of money to rescue it from complete dilapidation.

Fear not, humble Oregon University: Knight’s pledge of $100 million dollars will restore order to your crumbling court.

Properly known as the Oregon Athletics Legacy Fund, Knight’s contribution will show support to all ailing sports programs and arenas under the school banner. (more…)