Help KG Out [Half Life Edition]

Okay so Since I found a small clump of money, and because now I have a computer capable of running it. I decided to download Half Life 2. However it occurs to me that I have never played through Half Life 1 and wanting to keep myself away from too many spoilers I didn't look up the plot. So I ask you, is there anything that I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO KNOW before I enjoy Half Life 2?

I don't think so. Having played through Half-life 2, it seems as if you're slowly brought up to speed just by paying attention to what is being said.

Sooooo, alien cocksuckers open portal to earth, one guy is chosen as "leader" of earth, there is a rebellion against the leader and the alien cocksuckers. Nuff said, now play the damn game.

Thank you Rbz, I will now play the game. Also thank you for contributing to all of my threads today. We are the friend?

Not. Really.

Just think of me as that guy you talked to in a thread once or twice.

I am filled with great sadness...