So, from my understanding and worldview, we have new readers. Welcome and I apologize in advance for anything you find offensive... and then I apologize for saying something even worse in the next paragraph after the one that offended you... and I _definitely_ apologize for the comment after that. I mean, seriously... Chelsea Clinton pimped out for use in a donkey show? Like that'd really happen!
We've been on a bit of a movie rental kick lately which is ironic in an Alanis Morissette kinda way as we barely used Netflix and/or Blockbuster Online for the whole time we had them. Both are canceled now and we suddenly find ourselves renting movies over the past two weeks. Who knew?
In honor of that and that pesky award show coming up next weekend where awards will be given to movies none of us have seen, actors whose names we don't recognize without crib notes, original songs sung by rodents [Come on, Enchanted!] and the phrase "Who are you wearing?" is used ten times per second and _not_ to a man named Buffalo Bill. But a shiny nickel if someone tucks and poses ala Jay from Clerks 2. Bonus points if Goodbye Horses is playing.
But I digress.
I shall now do my very best Siskel and Ebert impression which'll likely end up a lot more like when Howard Stern talks about movies...
Before I go into the rentals, let me talk about Eragon.
Ohhhh my, let me talk about Eragon.
You see, Eragon, as a novel, holds a special piece of inspiration for me. For those who don't know the story, the author Christopher Paolini, a home-schooled little bastard who lives in Bumfuck, Montana where there is nothing to do but smoke lots and lots of weed [come on, Phil Jackson "summers" there... girl, you know it's true] was all of fifteen years old when he wrote the first draft of Eragon upon "graduating from high school."
...
Let's let that sink in for a bit.
He was fifteen.
FIFTEEN.
Now, granted, living in Montana and being home-schooled, he must have felt like he was forty but HE WAS FIFTEEN!
According to the bio on his site, he "took a second year to revise." His family decided it was good and decided to self-publish. The book was sent to press and the first copies hit stores in November 2001... when he was eighteen.
That son of a bitch.
So, as you can see, for an aspiring writer like myself, that really toasts my balls. Or inspires me. Sometimes I can't decide which.
See, while I was eighteen and doing dumb shit like drinking on golf courses, this guy was a published author...
...but he was still living in Montana with his parents.
Hrmm.
Tossup, I guess.
BUT I DIGRESS!
Anyways, the book was goodish. It wasn't setting the world on fire but it was a solid read and I was looking forward to more. In between reading the first book and the second, I went through all of George RR Martin's "Song of Fire And Ice" saga that's been published so far which I can not imagine has a peer in the realm of sci-fi/fantasy writing so... I'm not all hot and bothered by Eragon anymore.
But I still dug it enough to be somewhat stoked when at Comic-Con a couple years ago, they announced that they were making an Eragon movie. It really was a book meant to have a movie made of it and coming fresh off LOTR and Potter being megahits, it seemed like it might be a chance for sci-fi/fantasy to make a huge comeback in the cinema which would rock my proverbial socks.
I didn't go see the movie in the theaters... sue me. I didn't even rent it on DVD. I felt bad! I really did!
Now that I've seen it on HBO last week? Not so much.
What a steaming pile of crap that was. I don't even know where to start about how bad it was. The acting was terrible. Some of the effects were just embarassing considerin the level of effects that are possible now. The action sequences were uninspiring. The story was rushed and barely clung to the original plot.
It was ass. Major stinky ass.
Oh, and the dragon! See, I'm going to spoil shit for you so don't read it if you really plan on watching or reading this but I would suggest doing neither because the second book [which I read a few weeks ago] basically pissed me off so DON'T GIVE THE LITTLE MONTANA BASTARD ANY MORE MONEY! The dragon "talks" to Eragon through their minds. Don't laugh, asshole. It's cool. But not when the dragon sounds like Angela Lansbury! GRRRARRRRGH!
Anyways... don't watch that movie. It sucked. If I was Roger Ebert, I would not give this movie a thumbs up. I wouldn't give it a thumbs down either. I'd track down the writer that adapted that screenplay, cut off _his_ thumb, and bury it deep in his rectal region.
So, after seeing that, I was reluctant to race into watching Stardust, one of the other movies we rented that I was really looking forward to.
We opted to start with Shoot 'Em Up.
Shoot 'Em Up was another movie we were pissed we missed in the theater because the footage they screened at the Con was amazingly cool. So, we were stoked at finally getting the chance to see it.
The action scenes were beautifully done... brilliantly choreographed. We had just seen Smokin' Aces [not a bad flick, btw] the week prior so it had some tough competition but came out like a champ. Clive Owen continues to look like a badass in every movie he's in. This could have just as easily been a continuation of his segment of Sin City. Paul Giamatti is perfect as the slimy, snarky, always-a-step-ahead villain. Monica Belluci is hot... well, she is, dammit! And really that was her only purpose in the movie so bravo, my lady, bravo! The plot's a little convoluted and flabby but it's really only window dressing for the action scenes anyways. It had a lot of Charlie's Angelsesque "Did he really just fucking do that?" action so go in prepared to put your disbelief under your chair for 80 minutes and enjoy. I'd give it a thumb to the side... nothing fantabulous but I didn't wish I'd had the hour and a half of my life back.
In showing true cinematic diversity, we progressed on to Ratatouille, Pixar-Disney's latest fling in computer animation.
Sigh.
What the fuck is with computer animation? I mean, I know they like it cause it's pretty. I know they can make things look "more real" with it. But what the hell is wrong with hand-drawn cel animation?! The stuff in Enchanted was the bombdiggity and gave me great hope that the heart and soul hadn't been ripped out of Disney's Animation department and replaced with that fucking clock the Tin Man got from the Wizard of Oz. Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin, Lion King... that's the good shit, baby. I love Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc, Nemo... so don't get me wrong, the computer stuff can be good too. But dammit... just give me someone with a pencil every now and again so my brain doesn't bleed. If you ever get a chance, check out a fantastic documentary called Dream On Silly Dreamer. We saw it at the Con two years ago and bought the DVD on the spot. It's about the "high times and tragic fate of Disney Feature Animation" according to the box. A beautiful and depressing as hell story. But we hold out hope, John Lassiter. Get 'er done.
What was I talking about? Oh, the rat movie.
It was alright. The wife liked it more than I did. She was all giddy for it and looked like she might cry at any moment which doesn't say much because I swear she may have cried at the end of Anchorman... true story! But not.
Anyways... rat movie was okay. It had some heart and looked pretty. I might like it more on a rewatch. Absolutely hated Nemo the first time I watched it and didn't even make it through my first viewing of A Bug's Life. On the grand scale of Pixar flicks, I'd slot it in above Cars [since I haven't seen it!] but... well, below everything else. It _might_ check in higher than Bug's Life. I'd have to rewatch that one too.
NEXT!
We went to watch Across The Universe but the DVD player suddenly decided it didn't want to play dialogue which makes watching a musical a little tricky. I swapped in Stardust to see if that'd work... it didn't. I fiddled with some cables for a bit and suddenly, we had sound. Beautiful! I AM A GENIUS! Actually, I just unplugged one of the audio cables so I only had Mono sound... but still, genius!
Stardust was... well, awesome. I don't have a single complaint actually. The acting was great, the effects were perfect, the plot was awesome [thank you, Mr. Gaiman and thanks adapters for not fucking it up... GO FIX ERAGON!], the music was incredible, and... well, yeah. I was stoked after it was over. Go out of your way to see this movie if you're any fan of sci-fi/fantasy at all. If you're not, give it a shot... you still might like it.
The one negative I took away from Stardust was simple. After seeing Stardust and Serenity both get absolutely destroyed at the box office, I have great fear for the future of the genre in the cinema. Now, obviously we can expect things like The Hobbit and the Potter movies to continue to get churned out and clean house but the smaller films seem to be suffering. Is it a matter of having too much of a niche audience? Is it bad marketing? It's not the movies, dammit, because they were both near flawless. Numbers, you say? Here are the numbers...
Stardust made a total domestic gross of almost 39 million. They tacked on another 96 or so worldwide for a total of 135 million. The production budget was estimated at 70 million and doesn't include marketing and such.
Serenity made 25.5 mil domestic and 13 and change worldwide for a total of about 39 mil on a 39 mil production budget. That makes me want to cry. I WEEP FOR THE WORLD!
And you know why I weep for the world?
Because Step Up 2 The Streets made 26 million dollars this weekend.
Because Eragon made 250 million dollars worldwide... and made me want to stab out my eyes and cut off my ears.
BECAUSE THE PACIFIER MADE 200 MILLION DOLLARS WORLDWIDE! VIN DIESEL AS A BABYSITTER MADE 200 MILLION DOLLARS!
I weep because shows like Arrested Development, Firefly, Wonderfalls, and Journeyman end up scrapped while we get treated to sixteen versions of CSI and Law & Order. I weep because crap like Air Bud 2 gets green-lighted while The Watchmen and Justice League sat in developmental hell for years. I weep because it makes national headlines when a reporter quips that Chelsea Clinton got "pimped out" and because Britney's dad hates her lawyer. I weep that trainwreck television like Celebrity Rehab is made... and that I somehow find myself watching it because it's so damn amazing to see former "stars" on the last rung of life.
Erm... I got carried away again.
BUT I DIGRESS!
Go see Stardust. You know what else you should see? Across The Universe. Well, let's make things really clear on that...
1] You should enjoy musicals. As was referenced this evening, I have "an affinity for musicals" [thanks Mark] - so I enjoyed this movie a lot.
2] You should at least have a mild interest in the Beatles' music. If you hate the Beatles, your money may be better spent on buying a copy of Eragon to use as a coaster if you run out in a crisis.
3] You should be able to least imagine you've been on a mind-altering drug at some point in your life - and yes, we'll include SEVERE doses of alcohol in this. If you've ever drank so much that you looked at your blurry hand and thought it was amusing that you had fingers, that'll do, donkey.
If you meet all three of these criteria, you will likely enjoy this movie.
Nice, clear, concise review! No rants there!
Although, I could discuss the insanity of the Beatles segment on the Grammys again if you'd like. No? Fine.
NEXT!
3:10 To Yuma.
I love me some Westerns. It's a genre that tends to get forgotten for lengthy periods of time and then gets rediscovered when someone knocks one out of the park. 3:10 To Yuma is a remake of a movie I've never seen... which makes it new to me! This movie rocked. Lots of moments of the Gladiator dude being cool. Lots of Christian Bale looking like a pansy-ass mofo... but somehow being cool while doing it. A couple fun cameos. Good shit! Westerns rock. Watch this one.
Concise! That's the keyword since this post is going to take the full length of the front screen and has taken me close to an hour to finish [which is awesome since it'll serve as my hour of writing for Sunday and keep my anti-laziness pledge.]
One last movie and it's one we just watched tonight...
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
Lawd have mercy. A documentary about a subculture that is described as "competitive video gaming." For most of us, "competitive video gaming" was like Brian and I sitting under my mom's staircase playing Tecmo Bowl and using the Raiders so that you could run circles around everyone with Bo Jackson or dropping back to your own endzone for the 100 yard pass.
For these guys? It's an addiction, it's life and death [death threats are exchanged according to one player], and for some, it's really the pinnacle of their lives. You'll watch this and at times think it's got to be a show. It's got to be a mockumentary like Drop Dead Gorgeous or Best In Show but there's no Fred Willard to make me giggle every few seconds. There's just poor, sad souls that make you fill up with a mix of sympathy and a desire to mock.
It's a tough internal struggle that all viewers of this flick must endure.
At first, you feel sorry for the man who gets laid off the day he and his wife sign the papers for their new house. But that pity kinda goes in a different direction as his wife, friends, and family members go on and one about how he's never accomplished anything in life and how they just want to see him excel at something and be happy for once. And then when you find out what he's decided to excel in is breaking the world record for Donkey Kong? The pity goes yet another direction! And then to see the lengths he has to go to to try and accomplish that goal? This is really a masterfully done character piece. In wrestling terms, this guy is the ultimate babyface... even after his mother says she thinks he might be a little autistic while we're watching him play the drums on a 5 year old's drumkit.
On the other side of the coin, the current record holder is a dick... plain and simple. The pure ego this guy has for holding world records for a video game will make you want to kick the shit out of him and laugh at the same time. He is the ultimate heel, the perfect foil to our babyface. He uses political pressure to deny our hero, he faces allegations of cheating, he ostracizes, he challenges and then avoids. He basically turns into the perfect pussy heel that's just aching for the final showdown.
I don't want to spoil this one for anyone so... go watch it. It's one of the my favorite things I've seen lately.
Ok... I'm done. Hopefully for you new readers, you weren't too traumatized. The wife can't believe I used a donkey show reference in the first paragraph but as a very wise man once said, "I am what I am."
Pass the spinach cause I be out!
2008-02-17
2008-02-15
Indulge Your Inner Geek
So... I felt a great disturbance in the Force and I'm looking for answers.
I just was watching Revenge Of The Sith on HBO and something at the end struck me as being a little odd.
Death Star Facts!
1. We know that at the end of Episode 2, Count Dooku fled with the plans to the Death Star. So, at earliest... that's when they started working on the "that's no moon, it's a..." space station.
2. At the end of Episode III after Anakin gets "suited up", he joins the Emperor on the deck of what will become a Star Destroyer. As they're looking out the bridge window, they're looking at a partially completed Death Star... the exterior structure in place with no outside cosmetic shielding, etc. Presumably they've got the superlaser and propulsion in place since that would seem to be done early in the process.
3. As we know, the first Death Star is not completed until A New Hope when it becomes fully operational. Luke and Leia are 18 years old in A New Hope which means that the first Death Star took at least 18 years [presumably longer] to build. And of course, that shit gets blown up at the end of the movie.
4. At the beginning of Return of the Jedi, we learn there's a new Death Star being built. It's not fully complete but it's pretty close as they can land on it, live on it, rule on it, all sorts of shit. And of course, by the end, we know that the superlaser is functional. That means that shit's pretty close to being done. The events of ROTJ take place a mere 4 years after A New Hope.
So, you can see where I'm going with, right?
Right?
Are you telling me that there are that many technological advances in the Star Wars universe that they somehow manage to go from a 18+ year build time for the first Death Star to sub-5 years? CRAZY!
And honestly, if there _are_ that many technological advances in the Star Wars universe, why the fuck can they not get some shields on a god damn TIE Fighter?
I just was watching Revenge Of The Sith on HBO and something at the end struck me as being a little odd.
Death Star Facts!
1. We know that at the end of Episode 2, Count Dooku fled with the plans to the Death Star. So, at earliest... that's when they started working on the "that's no moon, it's a..." space station.
2. At the end of Episode III after Anakin gets "suited up", he joins the Emperor on the deck of what will become a Star Destroyer. As they're looking out the bridge window, they're looking at a partially completed Death Star... the exterior structure in place with no outside cosmetic shielding, etc. Presumably they've got the superlaser and propulsion in place since that would seem to be done early in the process.
3. As we know, the first Death Star is not completed until A New Hope when it becomes fully operational. Luke and Leia are 18 years old in A New Hope which means that the first Death Star took at least 18 years [presumably longer] to build. And of course, that shit gets blown up at the end of the movie.
4. At the beginning of Return of the Jedi, we learn there's a new Death Star being built. It's not fully complete but it's pretty close as they can land on it, live on it, rule on it, all sorts of shit. And of course, by the end, we know that the superlaser is functional. That means that shit's pretty close to being done. The events of ROTJ take place a mere 4 years after A New Hope.
So, you can see where I'm going with, right?
Right?
Are you telling me that there are that many technological advances in the Star Wars universe that they somehow manage to go from a 18+ year build time for the first Death Star to sub-5 years? CRAZY!
And honestly, if there _are_ that many technological advances in the Star Wars universe, why the fuck can they not get some shields on a god damn TIE Fighter?
2008-02-14
PITCHERS AND CATCHERS ARE THERE!!!
Oh, hell yes.
Baseball season officially begins today as pitchers and catchers start reporting. It's the time of year where optimism and hope spring eternal and everyone's team is undefeated. I can almost smell the fresh cut grass at Dodger Stadium already. It's a beautiful day, baseball fans.
The news already is spilling from Vero Beach as the Dodgers prepare for their final spring training Dodgertown. I have mixed feelings on that as Dodgertown is flat out awesome. The one season I got to go is filled with great memories and I was just a little kid. On the other hand, they're going to be in Arizona now and a yearly weekend trip to check out spring training is no longer out of the question.
The Dodgers are in for an interesting camp. There's not a lot of new players to work into the mix but there are a lot of questions to answer. Here's my Top 5 questions for Dodgers Spring Training.
1. Who will be the fifth starter?
Esteban Loaiza and Jason Schmidt are the likely two choices barring a trade or a shocking spring from someone on the fringe [Stults or Kuo most likely.] Loiaza and Schmidt were both at camp early and already hard at work. Loaiza says that he's ready to complete for the fifth starter spot. He says he's healthy and that we didn't see the real him last year. Let's hope not. Jason Schmidt is "on schedule" in his rehab but they're already anticipating he won't be ready for the start of the season. He sounds less than optimistic in his interviews too for a full recovery. He's working hard and making progress but it's not all sunshine and roses like I'd hope to hear on the first day of spring training. If he doesn't recover, Loaiza will have a huge spotlight on his every pitch.
2. Who's on third?
Andy LaRoche has been the Dodgers assumed third-baseman-of-the-future for a long, long time but somewhere along the way, he seemed to fall out of favor with the brass. There was a lot of talk about trading for a third baseman in the winter but nothing ever developed. Nomar Garciaparra had a horrible 2007 and is very lucky he signed a two-year deal after his Comeback Of The Year season. Nomar is probably the presumed Opening Day Starter until LaRoche can steal it away from him.
3. Will the odd spring training affect the team?
The Dodgers will have spring training in four places this year. They're starting in Florida... then half the team is going to China for an exhibition game while the other half moves to Arizona. When returning from China, they've got more exhibition games scheduled for Los Angeles. It's a tough schedule and I'm really hoping they don't show up in April worse for wear.
4. How do we resolve the outfield problem?
In the winter of 2007, Ned Coletti panicked and signed Juan Pierre to a ridiculous deal. While I really enjoy the speed he brings to the team as I think the stolen base is becoming an antique in the current game, his defense and weak throwing arm proved to be an annoyance to fans and a subject of constant criticism for the team. When confronted with the need to upgrade the offense, Coletti went for another CF in Andruw Jones with the idea that he'd push Pierre to a corner OF spot. The problem there is that most teams get a large part of their production from the corner OF spots and don't use them for a slap-hitting, speed demon. Especially when you already have two slugging corner OFers in place in Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp. Dodger fans rioted at the news, stunned that they would actually bench Ethier or Kemp in favor of Pierre. Many wonder if new manager Joe Torre will go along with the plan or if Pierre is about to become a very expensive pinch runner. Lots of trade rumors involving Ethier as well. Something's gotta give!
5. What effect will Joe Torre have?
The million dollar question. A lot of the blame in last year's total collapse fell on Grady Little. Well, that's no excuse now. Torre's got the tough job of patching the clubhouse back together, developing young players, keeping old players productive, solving at least two position player situations, keeping the pitching staff strong [including avoiding the Torre rep of abusing his relievers], and getting this team through a tough NL West and into the playoffs where the Dodgers have won _one_ game in twenty years. It's time for the Dodgers to get back in business... and much of that falls on Joe Torre's shoulders.
Lots of questions and I can't wait to get the answers.
Game f'n on!
Baseball season officially begins today as pitchers and catchers start reporting. It's the time of year where optimism and hope spring eternal and everyone's team is undefeated. I can almost smell the fresh cut grass at Dodger Stadium already. It's a beautiful day, baseball fans.
The news already is spilling from Vero Beach as the Dodgers prepare for their final spring training Dodgertown. I have mixed feelings on that as Dodgertown is flat out awesome. The one season I got to go is filled with great memories and I was just a little kid. On the other hand, they're going to be in Arizona now and a yearly weekend trip to check out spring training is no longer out of the question.
The Dodgers are in for an interesting camp. There's not a lot of new players to work into the mix but there are a lot of questions to answer. Here's my Top 5 questions for Dodgers Spring Training.
1. Who will be the fifth starter?
Esteban Loaiza and Jason Schmidt are the likely two choices barring a trade or a shocking spring from someone on the fringe [Stults or Kuo most likely.] Loiaza and Schmidt were both at camp early and already hard at work. Loaiza says that he's ready to complete for the fifth starter spot. He says he's healthy and that we didn't see the real him last year. Let's hope not. Jason Schmidt is "on schedule" in his rehab but they're already anticipating he won't be ready for the start of the season. He sounds less than optimistic in his interviews too for a full recovery. He's working hard and making progress but it's not all sunshine and roses like I'd hope to hear on the first day of spring training. If he doesn't recover, Loaiza will have a huge spotlight on his every pitch.
2. Who's on third?
Andy LaRoche has been the Dodgers assumed third-baseman-of-the-future for a long, long time but somewhere along the way, he seemed to fall out of favor with the brass. There was a lot of talk about trading for a third baseman in the winter but nothing ever developed. Nomar Garciaparra had a horrible 2007 and is very lucky he signed a two-year deal after his Comeback Of The Year season. Nomar is probably the presumed Opening Day Starter until LaRoche can steal it away from him.
3. Will the odd spring training affect the team?
The Dodgers will have spring training in four places this year. They're starting in Florida... then half the team is going to China for an exhibition game while the other half moves to Arizona. When returning from China, they've got more exhibition games scheduled for Los Angeles. It's a tough schedule and I'm really hoping they don't show up in April worse for wear.
4. How do we resolve the outfield problem?
In the winter of 2007, Ned Coletti panicked and signed Juan Pierre to a ridiculous deal. While I really enjoy the speed he brings to the team as I think the stolen base is becoming an antique in the current game, his defense and weak throwing arm proved to be an annoyance to fans and a subject of constant criticism for the team. When confronted with the need to upgrade the offense, Coletti went for another CF in Andruw Jones with the idea that he'd push Pierre to a corner OF spot. The problem there is that most teams get a large part of their production from the corner OF spots and don't use them for a slap-hitting, speed demon. Especially when you already have two slugging corner OFers in place in Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp. Dodger fans rioted at the news, stunned that they would actually bench Ethier or Kemp in favor of Pierre. Many wonder if new manager Joe Torre will go along with the plan or if Pierre is about to become a very expensive pinch runner. Lots of trade rumors involving Ethier as well. Something's gotta give!
5. What effect will Joe Torre have?
The million dollar question. A lot of the blame in last year's total collapse fell on Grady Little. Well, that's no excuse now. Torre's got the tough job of patching the clubhouse back together, developing young players, keeping old players productive, solving at least two position player situations, keeping the pitching staff strong [including avoiding the Torre rep of abusing his relievers], and getting this team through a tough NL West and into the playoffs where the Dodgers have won _one_ game in twenty years. It's time for the Dodgers to get back in business... and much of that falls on Joe Torre's shoulders.
Lots of questions and I can't wait to get the answers.
Game f'n on!
You Call Him Dr. Jones, doll!
Oh... my... god.
After all these years of speculation and bullshit, the trailer for the new Indiana Jones movie officially premiered this morning on Good Morning America [more on that in a moment.]
I just can't believe it's finally here. I never really thought this movie would get made. For years, everytime it was mentioned, all we heard was how Lucas didn't like this script or that script, how a new writer was being brought on board, how it didn't fit in their schedules. And as Harrison Ford got older and older, I really did loose faith that it would ever get made.
But finally... once again... it must be said that if adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones.
The trailer gives me chills. But honestly, I probably could close my eyes, just hear the music and have the same reaction. The trailer is a beautiful piece of work and does exactly what a trailer for a well-established brand name should. It should tease you and just give enough to make you a giddy child again inside.
I remember standing in line waiting for Temple of Doom. I remember going to see the Last Crusade in the theater. And I definitely remember closing my eyes tightly during the end of Raiders when the skin was melting off the Nazis. Ahhh... memories.
At some point last year after going to a midnight Order of the Phoenix screening, I said there are very few movies anymore that would get me out at midnight to see them. Well, Dr. Jones will definitely do that. May 22, midnight... mark it down, people.
Oh, and if you haven't seen the trailer...
Oh, side note... fuck Good Morning America. They get exclusive rights to premiere the trailer on television and they throw up all these fucking graphics advertising "FIRST LOOK ON GMA!" plus the standard GMA logo/clock thing in another corner with the god damn newscrawl at the bottom of the screen. Way to kill the moment, bitches. And then they say they're going to show it again... and proceed to talk over it. Thank god for the internet. And the networks wonder why people piss on their shows.
After all these years of speculation and bullshit, the trailer for the new Indiana Jones movie officially premiered this morning on Good Morning America [more on that in a moment.]
I just can't believe it's finally here. I never really thought this movie would get made. For years, everytime it was mentioned, all we heard was how Lucas didn't like this script or that script, how a new writer was being brought on board, how it didn't fit in their schedules. And as Harrison Ford got older and older, I really did loose faith that it would ever get made.
But finally... once again... it must be said that if adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones.
The trailer gives me chills. But honestly, I probably could close my eyes, just hear the music and have the same reaction. The trailer is a beautiful piece of work and does exactly what a trailer for a well-established brand name should. It should tease you and just give enough to make you a giddy child again inside.
I remember standing in line waiting for Temple of Doom. I remember going to see the Last Crusade in the theater. And I definitely remember closing my eyes tightly during the end of Raiders when the skin was melting off the Nazis. Ahhh... memories.
At some point last year after going to a midnight Order of the Phoenix screening, I said there are very few movies anymore that would get me out at midnight to see them. Well, Dr. Jones will definitely do that. May 22, midnight... mark it down, people.
Oh, and if you haven't seen the trailer...
Oh, side note... fuck Good Morning America. They get exclusive rights to premiere the trailer on television and they throw up all these fucking graphics advertising "FIRST LOOK ON GMA!" plus the standard GMA logo/clock thing in another corner with the god damn newscrawl at the bottom of the screen. Way to kill the moment, bitches. And then they say they're going to show it again... and proceed to talk over it. Thank god for the internet. And the networks wonder why people piss on their shows.
Cro Cop back to Japan
Ugh.
Just plain "ugh."
That was my reaction when I saw the news on Wrestling Observer on Tuesday that Mirko CroCop was heading to Japan where he was going to announce that he was going to be part of a new K-1 funded MMA promotion.
Ugh.
The reports say that CroCop had gone mute after his last UFC loss and that UFC officials didn't know if he was retiring or not. Apparently they set some kind of a deadline to hear from him before they'd cut his contract [I don't understand how you cut a contract and don't have to pay the money... does UFC have contracts like WWE?] It's a little fuzzy on whether or not CroCop told them he wanted to stay but apparently he was told that he should accept a pay cut because his performance thusfar wasn't worth what he was being paid. If only other major sports could get away with that. Kevin Brown, Darren Dreifort, Darryl Strawberry... man, the Dodgers could've gotten a lot of mileage out of that clause.
Cro Cop rightfully told them to stuff it, was cut from his contract, and now has returned to the Land of the Rising Sun.
So much for my MMA dream match of Cro Cop vs Brock.
It's not all bad, I suppose. This new promotion has an alliance with M-1 so we may get another Cro Cop/Fedor fight. And watching Cro Cop fight in Japan is always awesome no matter who the opponent is. He's just a fucking hero to those people. I sent this to a few people earlier in the year but this was his appearance he made at a PRO WRESTLING event on New Year's. Check it out and then have absolutely no question as to why he's going back to Japan.
Just plain "ugh."
That was my reaction when I saw the news on Wrestling Observer on Tuesday that Mirko CroCop was heading to Japan where he was going to announce that he was going to be part of a new K-1 funded MMA promotion.
Ugh.
The reports say that CroCop had gone mute after his last UFC loss and that UFC officials didn't know if he was retiring or not. Apparently they set some kind of a deadline to hear from him before they'd cut his contract [I don't understand how you cut a contract and don't have to pay the money... does UFC have contracts like WWE?] It's a little fuzzy on whether or not CroCop told them he wanted to stay but apparently he was told that he should accept a pay cut because his performance thusfar wasn't worth what he was being paid. If only other major sports could get away with that. Kevin Brown, Darren Dreifort, Darryl Strawberry... man, the Dodgers could've gotten a lot of mileage out of that clause.
Cro Cop rightfully told them to stuff it, was cut from his contract, and now has returned to the Land of the Rising Sun.
So much for my MMA dream match of Cro Cop vs Brock.
It's not all bad, I suppose. This new promotion has an alliance with M-1 so we may get another Cro Cop/Fedor fight. And watching Cro Cop fight in Japan is always awesome no matter who the opponent is. He's just a fucking hero to those people. I sent this to a few people earlier in the year but this was his appearance he made at a PRO WRESTLING event on New Year's. Check it out and then have absolutely no question as to why he's going back to Japan.
Doin' Time
So, like I mentioned earlier this week [I think}, I've been doing an hour of writing every other day as part of this anti-laziness campaign. Now, all of that writing so far has been on a sitcom teleplay that's been rattling around my brain for a year or two that I finally decided to put the proverbial pen to paper on. But I'm kinda stuck on it and I need to write something to fulfill the deal. And yes, it's past midnight on the 13th so I'm technically not writing on the day I'm supposed to write but it'll do, donkey.
The Writers Strike is over!
You can't understand how happy I am about that. For a couple different reasons actually. Mainly, it's because all my favorite shows [well, most] are about to get some extra episodes added to their abbreviated seasons. Shows like Lost will come pretty close to meeting what they had promised. More eps of How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, and The Office is awesome. And everyone's favorite guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl, has been instructed to put out as many eps as they can.
But with every silver lining comes a big fuckin' cloud.
Turns out that the 24 team will not go back to work to finish up their season and we are delayed until January 2009. Now, if it were me producing 24 and I was coming off my worst season so far, I'd probably rush my show back on the air to take the bad taste out of everyone's mouth. But that's just me.
Pushing Daisies won't be back til fall which blows but... I'll deal with that one. It was such a pleasant surprise, I won't shed any tears considering we're damn lucky that any of these shows are coming back this spring at all.
But the biggest "fuck you" of all news post-strike? NBC apparently isn't sure if they want to air the last episodes of Scrubs.
...
Let that sink in a second.
The network gave the show seven years on the air and as its final episodes are approaching to wrap the series up, NBC suddenly isn't sure if they want to show them.
Seriously?
You're fucking kidding me, right?
Not only is it a total and blatant slap in the face to all the artists [producers, writers, actors, etc.] that have worked on the show over the past six years to not allow it the send-off it richly deserves but what about the fans? You know, those fans that stuck with the show no matter what even when you jerked them around with late renewals and short seasons and timeslot Musical Fucking Chairs? You know, those same fans that are making 30 Rock and The Office successful because they appreciate smart comedies. Ringing any bells yet?
Apparently the Scrubs execs say they'll finish the show no matter what. They're co-owned by Disney so apparently the option is there to wrap things up on ABC... but God knows how that would turn out. Probably buried in the worst time slot they can possibly dream up. The other option is a straight to DVD release of the final eps. Honestly, I think I'd be happy with that. They could do the shows as they wanted... they could release them as they were meant to be seen and they can go out on the high note they deserve.
NBC has really made some jackass decisions lately. They're damn lucky I have no choice but to watch them for 30 Rock, Earl, and The Office [even though I'd drop Earl in a heartbeat with little sadness if I had to.] Well, Heroes too. Damn you, NBC. But seriously... they put a ton of money into Bionic Woman promotions... a show that was so "eh" that they couldn't even get a huge reaction from a Comic-Con crowd that pretty much jizzes over anything geek-related. And they shitcan Journeyman which was ten times the show that they churn out usually. Apparently they're also considering dropping Friday Night Lights which sadly I haven't been watching but I've heard nothing but great things about and is definitely on my "catch up on DVD someday" list.
God forbid you show quality scripted television. There might be an urgent need to shovel a few more hours of American Gladiators, To Catch A Predator, or the like onto the schedule. Maybe you can create a few dozen more Law And Order spinoffs so we can get "original" stories "ripped from the headlines" which is a nice, cute way of saying, "We pay our writers to sit in front of CNN and write down any shit that Nancy Grace is going to cover tonight." I can't wait for the episode where the steroid-fueled pro wrestler murders his wife and child before offing himself. It'll be money for sure. I know I'll be glued to the TV to watch it... unless it conflicts with one of the dreaded VH1 reality shows which are like visual crack.
Jesus... that was a major tangent.
Anyways... my other reason for being happy about the strike being over?
Apparently they got a decent deal... better than they expected. As an aspiring writer who would treasure a WGA membership card, I'm happy that they made the sacrifice for the future. Since the entire disagreement was based on residuals, it really is more for the future of the union... the future members who aren't quite there yet. Sure, some current writers will benefit but as the Internet becomes more and more a force in television/film viewing, it's those who've yet to pen their first screenplay that will beenfit. And for that, I thank them in advance.
I mean, they took a lot of heat from people for it... even from members of their own union. I don't think people quite understand the conviction and courage it takes to go out on strike like that. Overall, I'm not a huge union fan because I've been burned by watching the major sports unions do their damndest to torture fans all over the world. I've also had the displeasure of being bullied by union rules on worksites at my last job. But... honestly, to walk out of your job with no guarantee of when you're going back? Guts. To risk your house, your health, your children's educations, your... well, you get the point. It's an admirable... or really stupid... thing to do. Let me know which one you decide it is.
Anyways... the strike is over... I've written for 20 minutes or so now... uhhhh... more in a bit maybe?
Pens to paper, my friends. Pens to paper.
The Writers Strike is over!
You can't understand how happy I am about that. For a couple different reasons actually. Mainly, it's because all my favorite shows [well, most] are about to get some extra episodes added to their abbreviated seasons. Shows like Lost will come pretty close to meeting what they had promised. More eps of How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock, and The Office is awesome. And everyone's favorite guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl, has been instructed to put out as many eps as they can.
But with every silver lining comes a big fuckin' cloud.
Turns out that the 24 team will not go back to work to finish up their season and we are delayed until January 2009. Now, if it were me producing 24 and I was coming off my worst season so far, I'd probably rush my show back on the air to take the bad taste out of everyone's mouth. But that's just me.
Pushing Daisies won't be back til fall which blows but... I'll deal with that one. It was such a pleasant surprise, I won't shed any tears considering we're damn lucky that any of these shows are coming back this spring at all.
But the biggest "fuck you" of all news post-strike? NBC apparently isn't sure if they want to air the last episodes of Scrubs.
...
Let that sink in a second.
The network gave the show seven years on the air and as its final episodes are approaching to wrap the series up, NBC suddenly isn't sure if they want to show them.
Seriously?
You're fucking kidding me, right?
Not only is it a total and blatant slap in the face to all the artists [producers, writers, actors, etc.] that have worked on the show over the past six years to not allow it the send-off it richly deserves but what about the fans? You know, those fans that stuck with the show no matter what even when you jerked them around with late renewals and short seasons and timeslot Musical Fucking Chairs? You know, those same fans that are making 30 Rock and The Office successful because they appreciate smart comedies. Ringing any bells yet?
Apparently the Scrubs execs say they'll finish the show no matter what. They're co-owned by Disney so apparently the option is there to wrap things up on ABC... but God knows how that would turn out. Probably buried in the worst time slot they can possibly dream up. The other option is a straight to DVD release of the final eps. Honestly, I think I'd be happy with that. They could do the shows as they wanted... they could release them as they were meant to be seen and they can go out on the high note they deserve.
NBC has really made some jackass decisions lately. They're damn lucky I have no choice but to watch them for 30 Rock, Earl, and The Office [even though I'd drop Earl in a heartbeat with little sadness if I had to.] Well, Heroes too. Damn you, NBC. But seriously... they put a ton of money into Bionic Woman promotions... a show that was so "eh" that they couldn't even get a huge reaction from a Comic-Con crowd that pretty much jizzes over anything geek-related. And they shitcan Journeyman which was ten times the show that they churn out usually. Apparently they're also considering dropping Friday Night Lights which sadly I haven't been watching but I've heard nothing but great things about and is definitely on my "catch up on DVD someday" list.
God forbid you show quality scripted television. There might be an urgent need to shovel a few more hours of American Gladiators, To Catch A Predator, or the like onto the schedule. Maybe you can create a few dozen more Law And Order spinoffs so we can get "original" stories "ripped from the headlines" which is a nice, cute way of saying, "We pay our writers to sit in front of CNN and write down any shit that Nancy Grace is going to cover tonight." I can't wait for the episode where the steroid-fueled pro wrestler murders his wife and child before offing himself. It'll be money for sure. I know I'll be glued to the TV to watch it... unless it conflicts with one of the dreaded VH1 reality shows which are like visual crack.
Jesus... that was a major tangent.
Anyways... my other reason for being happy about the strike being over?
Apparently they got a decent deal... better than they expected. As an aspiring writer who would treasure a WGA membership card, I'm happy that they made the sacrifice for the future. Since the entire disagreement was based on residuals, it really is more for the future of the union... the future members who aren't quite there yet. Sure, some current writers will benefit but as the Internet becomes more and more a force in television/film viewing, it's those who've yet to pen their first screenplay that will beenfit. And for that, I thank them in advance.
I mean, they took a lot of heat from people for it... even from members of their own union. I don't think people quite understand the conviction and courage it takes to go out on strike like that. Overall, I'm not a huge union fan because I've been burned by watching the major sports unions do their damndest to torture fans all over the world. I've also had the displeasure of being bullied by union rules on worksites at my last job. But... honestly, to walk out of your job with no guarantee of when you're going back? Guts. To risk your house, your health, your children's educations, your... well, you get the point. It's an admirable... or really stupid... thing to do. Let me know which one you decide it is.
Anyways... the strike is over... I've written for 20 minutes or so now... uhhhh... more in a bit maybe?
Pens to paper, my friends. Pens to paper.
2008-02-12
That's Entertainment
Some items on AICN caught my eye this morning as being worth commenting on so here goes...
NEWS: New Star Wars Movie! Well, sorta.
RESPONSE: On August 15th, Warner Brothers is going to release a roughly 100 minute feature animated flick that will serve as the jumping off point for the new 3-D Animated Series which apparently will air on Cartoon Network and TNT. The other interesting news in the article is that they already have 30 half-hour episodes in the can and that Anthony Daniels will be back to voice C-3PO. That's hot. I'm looking forward to this. I mean, after all, it's Star Wars, right? Like I'd be pissed about new Star Wars even if it's Episode 2.5. The footage shown at Comic-Con to preview it looked amazing so I'm eagerly anticipating August 15th... and if I were a betting man, I'd wager that Lucasfilm gives an advanced screening at the Con so I may get to see this early. Sweet!
NEWS: Writers Strike Vote Today
REACTION: Eeeeeek. So much tension. I can't wait for tonight so we know the score.
NEWS: Dr. Who's Chris Eccleston as Destro
REACTION: Apparently David Murray stepped out and was replaced. I don't know much about Eccleston either other than I've heard a lot of good things about him. I vote this as an UPGRADE!
NEWS: Marisa Tomei scores lead role in THE WRESTLER
REACTION: Okay, so if you haven't heard, Darren Arnofsky is directing a movie called THE WRESTLER starring Mickey Rourke. For months, they have been visiting east coast indy shows [ROH, CZW, etc.] to do research and this week, news broke that they will actually be filming at a couple ROH shows soon. The basic storyline is that Rourke is a big time wrestler [think WWE] who suffers a heart attack while on top of the world and has to battle his way back to the top through the indies. Marisa apparently has been cast as a stripper who is Rourke's love interest. As a wrestling fan, this could be very, very good... or very, very bad. So far, I'm going to be hopeful as the cast seems good. Apparently Ms. Tomei is on a comeback.
NEWS: Fanboys gets its heart cut out
REACTION: There's a movie called "Fanboys" that has been hyped for the past two years at Comic-Con but has not been released yet. The basic story is a group of friends travelling cross-country to break into Skywalker Ranch to see Episode I before it is released. Along the way, there are tons of Star Wars references to make any SW fan giggle with joy. Here's the snag... the original version of this movie has these fans going on this journey because of the group has been diagnosed with cancer and is not expected to survive until the movie actually comes out. This is where the heart and soul of the movie comes from and as someone who lost a friend to cancer in '06, I can relate to the situation. But Hollywood thinks cancer has no place in a comedy and made them re-cut the movie removing that part of the story. It's things like this that make me unsure about trying to be a writer in their world.
NEWS: Sigh... lawyers.
REACTION: Two hugh fanboy movies are being hit hard by legal action. First, THE WATCHMEN finds itself in trouble as Fox apparently just decided that they, and they alone, have the rights to make a WATCHMEN movie... a fact that might have been useful to share before the movie was shot by WB. And perhaps in worse news, THE HOBBIT is in trouble again as the Tokein estate is suing New Line over Rings. Of course. Because New Line apparently just fucked everyone on Rings. Their suit states that the estate was entitled to 7.5 percent of the total gross and got nothing. Now... I just don't understand this one at all. How can you pay nothing on a multi-billion dollar franchise? Of course, part of the suit is asking for the termination of any future Tolkien projects by New Line until the matter is settled. Christ, that movie is cursed.
NEWS: Val Kilmer is the voice of KITT
REACTION: Hell, I'm just glad Kilmer has a job still. This news does nothing for me unless word breaks that he's doing it as Doc Holiday. "Why, Michael, you look like someone just... walked over your grave." Money. Pure money.
NEWS: New Star Wars Movie! Well, sorta.
RESPONSE: On August 15th, Warner Brothers is going to release a roughly 100 minute feature animated flick that will serve as the jumping off point for the new 3-D Animated Series which apparently will air on Cartoon Network and TNT. The other interesting news in the article is that they already have 30 half-hour episodes in the can and that Anthony Daniels will be back to voice C-3PO. That's hot. I'm looking forward to this. I mean, after all, it's Star Wars, right? Like I'd be pissed about new Star Wars even if it's Episode 2.5. The footage shown at Comic-Con to preview it looked amazing so I'm eagerly anticipating August 15th... and if I were a betting man, I'd wager that Lucasfilm gives an advanced screening at the Con so I may get to see this early. Sweet!
NEWS: Writers Strike Vote Today
REACTION: Eeeeeek. So much tension. I can't wait for tonight so we know the score.
NEWS: Dr. Who's Chris Eccleston as Destro
REACTION: Apparently David Murray stepped out and was replaced. I don't know much about Eccleston either other than I've heard a lot of good things about him. I vote this as an UPGRADE!
NEWS: Marisa Tomei scores lead role in THE WRESTLER
REACTION: Okay, so if you haven't heard, Darren Arnofsky is directing a movie called THE WRESTLER starring Mickey Rourke. For months, they have been visiting east coast indy shows [ROH, CZW, etc.] to do research and this week, news broke that they will actually be filming at a couple ROH shows soon. The basic storyline is that Rourke is a big time wrestler [think WWE] who suffers a heart attack while on top of the world and has to battle his way back to the top through the indies. Marisa apparently has been cast as a stripper who is Rourke's love interest. As a wrestling fan, this could be very, very good... or very, very bad. So far, I'm going to be hopeful as the cast seems good. Apparently Ms. Tomei is on a comeback.
NEWS: Fanboys gets its heart cut out
REACTION: There's a movie called "Fanboys" that has been hyped for the past two years at Comic-Con but has not been released yet. The basic story is a group of friends travelling cross-country to break into Skywalker Ranch to see Episode I before it is released. Along the way, there are tons of Star Wars references to make any SW fan giggle with joy. Here's the snag... the original version of this movie has these fans going on this journey because of the group has been diagnosed with cancer and is not expected to survive until the movie actually comes out. This is where the heart and soul of the movie comes from and as someone who lost a friend to cancer in '06, I can relate to the situation. But Hollywood thinks cancer has no place in a comedy and made them re-cut the movie removing that part of the story. It's things like this that make me unsure about trying to be a writer in their world.
NEWS: Sigh... lawyers.
REACTION: Two hugh fanboy movies are being hit hard by legal action. First, THE WATCHMEN finds itself in trouble as Fox apparently just decided that they, and they alone, have the rights to make a WATCHMEN movie... a fact that might have been useful to share before the movie was shot by WB. And perhaps in worse news, THE HOBBIT is in trouble again as the Tokein estate is suing New Line over Rings. Of course. Because New Line apparently just fucked everyone on Rings. Their suit states that the estate was entitled to 7.5 percent of the total gross and got nothing. Now... I just don't understand this one at all. How can you pay nothing on a multi-billion dollar franchise? Of course, part of the suit is asking for the termination of any future Tolkien projects by New Line until the matter is settled. Christ, that movie is cursed.
NEWS: Val Kilmer is the voice of KITT
REACTION: Hell, I'm just glad Kilmer has a job still. This news does nothing for me unless word breaks that he's doing it as Doc Holiday. "Why, Michael, you look like someone just... walked over your grave." Money. Pure money.
2008-02-11
It's just another Manic Monday
Sooooo... yeah. It seems to be a good time for some random randomocity.
NEWS: Pitchers and catchers report on Thursday!
REACTION: It's about damn time! Having suffered through another NFL season, I'm sooooo ready for baseball season to start. I'll have more on this later in the week but needless to say, I'm stoked, people!
NEWS: Lakers lookin' good
REACTION: With the latest addition to the lineup firmly ensconced, the Lakers are bringin' the pain. They haven't quite gotten to the level I expect they can play at with Gasol in the lineup but it'll come. And when Bynum gets back? Katie bar the door! It's gonna be a pier sixer!
NEWS: Superdelegates
REACTION: Okay, did anyone even know what the hell a superdelegate was before this year? And does anyone else see a major problem with someone being appointed as being so special that their opinion matters more than several thousand voters? Big problem. No matter who you're supporting in this election, you've gotta have issues with that crap.
NEWS: Grammys
REACTION: The "biggest night of the year for the music industry" was last night and shockingly, I wasn't too badly annoyed. I dug some of the collaborative performances as Tina Turner put her young counterpart to shame... as Groban and Bocelli rocked the joint... as the Beatles' love was in the air [although the Cirque stuff was too drug-addled for me to understand]... AND MORRIS DAY AND THE MOTHERFUCKIN' TIME! Herbie Hancock wins Album of the Year? Oooookay. I can't judge. I haven't heard an entire album in a long, long time.
NEWS: Writers strike
Nope, no no way, uh uh, forget it. Not saying a word until it's _really_ over.
That's it for today. Until next time, we wish you love, peace, annnnnd....
SOUL!
(Fade out on Blue doing the Robot down the middle of the Soul Train line!)
Oh man, Soul Train Scramble Board. Good times... good times.
NEWS: Pitchers and catchers report on Thursday!
REACTION: It's about damn time! Having suffered through another NFL season, I'm sooooo ready for baseball season to start. I'll have more on this later in the week but needless to say, I'm stoked, people!
NEWS: Lakers lookin' good
REACTION: With the latest addition to the lineup firmly ensconced, the Lakers are bringin' the pain. They haven't quite gotten to the level I expect they can play at with Gasol in the lineup but it'll come. And when Bynum gets back? Katie bar the door! It's gonna be a pier sixer!
NEWS: Superdelegates
REACTION: Okay, did anyone even know what the hell a superdelegate was before this year? And does anyone else see a major problem with someone being appointed as being so special that their opinion matters more than several thousand voters? Big problem. No matter who you're supporting in this election, you've gotta have issues with that crap.
NEWS: Grammys
REACTION: The "biggest night of the year for the music industry" was last night and shockingly, I wasn't too badly annoyed. I dug some of the collaborative performances as Tina Turner put her young counterpart to shame... as Groban and Bocelli rocked the joint... as the Beatles' love was in the air [although the Cirque stuff was too drug-addled for me to understand]... AND MORRIS DAY AND THE MOTHERFUCKIN' TIME! Herbie Hancock wins Album of the Year? Oooookay. I can't judge. I haven't heard an entire album in a long, long time.
NEWS: Writers strike
Nope, no no way, uh uh, forget it. Not saying a word until it's _really_ over.
That's it for today. Until next time, we wish you love, peace, annnnnd....
SOUL!
(Fade out on Blue doing the Robot down the middle of the Soul Train line!)
Oh man, Soul Train Scramble Board. Good times... good times.
2008-02-08
Time Flies Part Deux
I can't believe I haven't posted here since Tuesday. Not even sure how that happened. I really haven't had much to post about so maybe that's why.
Still sitting around the house waiting for the phone to ring. The job market seems pretty dry at the moment though. The economy may be in worse shape than we realize. Who knows?
I started writing again yesterday. Maybe something will come of that. Hopefully. It'd be awesome to be able to work from home and never have to work 9 to 5 sitting in some stuffy fucking office again. To riding your bike mid-day past the three-piece suits. Who knows?
So, Obama and Hilary duked it out to a draw on Tuesday night. The Republicans are ducking out to clear the way for their nominee while the Democrats are going balls to the wall to battle it out for the nod. Which approach will work better? Who knows?
American Idol Hollywood Week starts up next week. Should be fun. The auditions were pretty entertaining this year. Not as much venom in some of the rejections and some good stories. Best story is a tie between the kid who lives in his car and sings with a British accent and the chick whose dad died while she was on her way to the auditions. Will it be enough to get them through to the next round? Who knows?
Smackdown off the CW? Great. The only WWE show that I actually get in HD is bailing off the channel. It's an interesting situation. I wonder where it'll land. They're talking about USA and MyNetworkTV. Someone somewhere proposed Raw moving to NBC on Monday nights and Smackdown on Thursday on Raw. Like that'd ever happen. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Who knows?
The wife gave up "laziness" for Lent. I usually try to do the same every year as part of being supportive and all. That's an odd one though. She's using it as her motivation to go to the gym. I'm mixing it between that and writing every other day [at least.] We'll see if it'll stick. Who knows?
The Comic-Con buzz is in the air as hotel room reservations opened this week... and closed just as quickly. For the second year in a row, it was almost impossible to get through to reserve a hotel room. As of this writing, we still don't have one. Between the hotel situation and the crazy crowds last year, the Con is getting a little... a lot... frustrating. Not sure how much longer it'll be worth the trouble. I love getting all the advance buzz... the screenings of clips... the panels, etc. There were people on the Comic-Con blog saying they were going to get a refund on their pre-registrations and skip this year. May not be a bad idea. Who knows?
Annnnnd... I'm out.
Still sitting around the house waiting for the phone to ring. The job market seems pretty dry at the moment though. The economy may be in worse shape than we realize. Who knows?
I started writing again yesterday. Maybe something will come of that. Hopefully. It'd be awesome to be able to work from home and never have to work 9 to 5 sitting in some stuffy fucking office again. To riding your bike mid-day past the three-piece suits. Who knows?
So, Obama and Hilary duked it out to a draw on Tuesday night. The Republicans are ducking out to clear the way for their nominee while the Democrats are going balls to the wall to battle it out for the nod. Which approach will work better? Who knows?
American Idol Hollywood Week starts up next week. Should be fun. The auditions were pretty entertaining this year. Not as much venom in some of the rejections and some good stories. Best story is a tie between the kid who lives in his car and sings with a British accent and the chick whose dad died while she was on her way to the auditions. Will it be enough to get them through to the next round? Who knows?
Smackdown off the CW? Great. The only WWE show that I actually get in HD is bailing off the channel. It's an interesting situation. I wonder where it'll land. They're talking about USA and MyNetworkTV. Someone somewhere proposed Raw moving to NBC on Monday nights and Smackdown on Thursday on Raw. Like that'd ever happen. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out. Who knows?
The wife gave up "laziness" for Lent. I usually try to do the same every year as part of being supportive and all. That's an odd one though. She's using it as her motivation to go to the gym. I'm mixing it between that and writing every other day [at least.] We'll see if it'll stick. Who knows?
The Comic-Con buzz is in the air as hotel room reservations opened this week... and closed just as quickly. For the second year in a row, it was almost impossible to get through to reserve a hotel room. As of this writing, we still don't have one. Between the hotel situation and the crazy crowds last year, the Con is getting a little... a lot... frustrating. Not sure how much longer it'll be worth the trouble. I love getting all the advance buzz... the screenings of clips... the panels, etc. There were people on the Comic-Con blog saying they were going to get a refund on their pre-registrations and skip this year. May not be a bad idea. Who knows?
Annnnnd... I'm out.
2008-02-05
Time Flies
It's been 20 years to the day since Hulk Hogan lost the World Title to Andre The Giant on NBC. Wow.
20 years.
I remember watching it on Prime Time on NBC. It was such a huge deal to get to watch wrestling on one of the major networks and it was completely unheard of to get to do it in Prime Time. This was the first of the WWF's "The Main Event" specials that ran for a few years.
The Hogan/Andre match, workratewise, was nothing special. But it was an electric atmosphere with the big Wrestlemania III rematch. Add in that Andre had promised to hand over... to sell the World Title to Ted Dibiase if he won [completely unimaginable to my young brain] and the stage was set. Hogan had held the belt for years but this was definitely his biggest challenge and the WWF did a masterful job of making you think the title just might change hands. They sewed controversy in the WMIII match by showing the nearfall at the beginning of the match and going so far as to ban Joey Marella from refereeing this match because of the controversy. They had the big Andre attack on Hogan on Saturday Night's Main Event a couple months earlier with the choke heard 'round the world. Hogan looked vulnerable... but there was no way he would lose, right? Damn that plastic surgery. Damn it to hell.
The undercard saw the Honky Tonk Man lose to Randy Savage by countout, a disappointing win when I was a kid as Savage didn't get the title back. As an adult, I found out that HTM actually refused to lose the title that night before going to the ring and Vince brokered the countout finish to keep everyone happy. You have to wonder how much different things would have turned out if Savage won the title there. Would he still have been in the tourney at WMIV? Would he have won?
In case you have no clue what I'm talking about...
20 years.
I remember watching it on Prime Time on NBC. It was such a huge deal to get to watch wrestling on one of the major networks and it was completely unheard of to get to do it in Prime Time. This was the first of the WWF's "The Main Event" specials that ran for a few years.
The Hogan/Andre match, workratewise, was nothing special. But it was an electric atmosphere with the big Wrestlemania III rematch. Add in that Andre had promised to hand over... to sell the World Title to Ted Dibiase if he won [completely unimaginable to my young brain] and the stage was set. Hogan had held the belt for years but this was definitely his biggest challenge and the WWF did a masterful job of making you think the title just might change hands. They sewed controversy in the WMIII match by showing the nearfall at the beginning of the match and going so far as to ban Joey Marella from refereeing this match because of the controversy. They had the big Andre attack on Hogan on Saturday Night's Main Event a couple months earlier with the choke heard 'round the world. Hogan looked vulnerable... but there was no way he would lose, right? Damn that plastic surgery. Damn it to hell.
The undercard saw the Honky Tonk Man lose to Randy Savage by countout, a disappointing win when I was a kid as Savage didn't get the title back. As an adult, I found out that HTM actually refused to lose the title that night before going to the ring and Vince brokered the countout finish to keep everyone happy. You have to wonder how much different things would have turned out if Savage won the title there. Would he still have been in the tourney at WMIV? Would he have won?
In case you have no clue what I'm talking about...
2008-02-04
Yes We Can
I'm going to set the record for most posts in a day but I keep finding stuff I want to share. This was distributed to the Obama mailing list just moments ago and I was struck by how awesome it was. Like I said last week, I really don't want this to be a political blog at all but sometimes you've just gotta spread the word.
So, for all the cynics out there like the one who gave birth to me and says, "It doesn't matter who you vote for because none of them can do anything different"... this one's for you.
So, for all the cynics out there like the one who gave birth to me and says, "It doesn't matter who you vote for because none of them can do anything different"... this one's for you.
GI Joe casting making progress
Ugh. Just ugh.
I wrote a while back about the possibilities for Duke of which there were a few. And the one that I least wanted was that bastard from Step Up. And who gets the role?
As I said... ugh, just ugh.
But it gets worse. Some guy named Joseph Gordon-Levitt [who I just found out is the kid from 10 things I Hate About You] had been rumored to be in the cast for a while now but there was no news on what role he'd be playing. Well, the news broke recently that he'll be playing "Duke's best friend." Right. No such character that we know of, correct? And then it gets one notch worse. Not only is he Duke's best friend... but he turns evil and becomes Cobra Commander. AHHHHHH!
I don't understand how Larry Hama is a creative consultant for this movie and they do something like that.
The hits keep coming as the guy who played Habib Marwan on 24 has been cast as Zartan. Yep, apparently as I predicted they will be using Cobra Commander, Baroness, Destro, Zartan, and the Dreadnoks as villains. Talk about overkill. Destro, you ask? Yep, he's going to be played by a stage actor by the name of David Murray that I've never heard of. And apparently Destro is going to be the main villain with Cobra Commander acting as a "puppet master."
Dennis Quaid landed the role of Hawk... which could be okay.
In an interview with producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, he compared the film to Batman Begins in terms of tone and it's desire to be true to the source material but to make the film a litte more grounded in reality. He also says that while the G.I. Joe team will be an international team, they will not be based in Brussels, and that the Joe commander, Duke, is still the embodiment of the "real American hero."
Apparently the Snakes/Stormy feud will be a big part of the movie as well.
One question I have? Where the hell is Stalker? It almost sounds like Ripcord is replacing him which just completely blows my mind.
So, yeah... quite the mixed bag of news there. Comments?
I wrote a while back about the possibilities for Duke of which there were a few. And the one that I least wanted was that bastard from Step Up. And who gets the role?
As I said... ugh, just ugh.
But it gets worse. Some guy named Joseph Gordon-Levitt [who I just found out is the kid from 10 things I Hate About You] had been rumored to be in the cast for a while now but there was no news on what role he'd be playing. Well, the news broke recently that he'll be playing "Duke's best friend." Right. No such character that we know of, correct? And then it gets one notch worse. Not only is he Duke's best friend... but he turns evil and becomes Cobra Commander. AHHHHHH!
I don't understand how Larry Hama is a creative consultant for this movie and they do something like that.
The hits keep coming as the guy who played Habib Marwan on 24 has been cast as Zartan. Yep, apparently as I predicted they will be using Cobra Commander, Baroness, Destro, Zartan, and the Dreadnoks as villains. Talk about overkill. Destro, you ask? Yep, he's going to be played by a stage actor by the name of David Murray that I've never heard of. And apparently Destro is going to be the main villain with Cobra Commander acting as a "puppet master."
Dennis Quaid landed the role of Hawk... which could be okay.
In an interview with producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, he compared the film to Batman Begins in terms of tone and it's desire to be true to the source material but to make the film a litte more grounded in reality. He also says that while the G.I. Joe team will be an international team, they will not be based in Brussels, and that the Joe commander, Duke, is still the embodiment of the "real American hero."
Apparently the Snakes/Stormy feud will be a big part of the movie as well.
One question I have? Where the hell is Stalker? It almost sounds like Ripcord is replacing him which just completely blows my mind.
So, yeah... quite the mixed bag of news there. Comments?
Super Bowl recap + UFC Picks Results
So, the Super Bowl was yesterday. I don't really care that much about football but we watched it anyways. Pretty much everyone watching with us was rooting for the Giants... not really because anyone likes the Giants [I felt dirty rooting for any team named "Giants" actually] but because everyone's sick of the Patriots/Brady hype and wanted to see their "dream season" get crushed. It was a slow-paced game but the low, close score made things interesting. The Giants' late score sent everyone into a frenzy and... yeah, game over. The commercials [the real reason to watch] were kinda eh this year but the game was decent. Talk about a switch.
Anyways... UFC Picks Results... blah.
I successfully picked 4 out of 9 fights for an average of: .444
Which puts me at 13 out of 27 for the year, an average of: .482
Moneywise, I started the night at +$57
Lost $30 on the Lytle beatdown of Bradley
Lost $30 on the Griffin/Tibau draw
Lost $20 on my split bet for Sylvia
Won $44 on my split bet for Mir.
Soooooo...
On the night, I ended up down $36.
Which puts me at being up $21 on the year.
Better luck next time!
Anyways... UFC Picks Results... blah.
I successfully picked 4 out of 9 fights for an average of: .444
Which puts me at 13 out of 27 for the year, an average of: .482
Moneywise, I started the night at +$57
Lost $30 on the Lytle beatdown of Bradley
Lost $30 on the Griffin/Tibau draw
Lost $20 on my split bet for Sylvia
Won $44 on my split bet for Mir.
Soooooo...
On the night, I ended up down $36.
Which puts me at being up $21 on the year.
Better luck next time!
2008-02-02
UFC Picks
Here goes nothing...
Just for review:
Picks Average For The Year: .500 (9 out of 18)
Money For The Year: +$57
PRELIMINARY CARD
---------------------------
Rob Emerson vs. Keita Nakamura
Odds: Nakamura -265, Emerson +205
Emerson carries a record of 6-6. He was riding a four win streak until the bizarre No Contest with Gray Maynard last June. 9 of his 12 career fights have gone the distance so don't look for a big KO in this one. Nakamura is 14-2-2 on his career. He's coming off a first round KO win but had two decision losses in the UFC before that. Maybe it's a cage thing?
PICK: Nakamura by decision
BET: No bet
Tim Boetsch VS. David Heath
Odds: Boetsch +210, Heath -270
Boetsch is 6-1 coming off his only career loss [a decision.] This is his UFC debut. Heath is 7-2 on his career and he's coming off the only two losses... one to Babalu and one to Lyoto... not bad.
PICK: Heath by RNC in Rd 2
BET: No bet
Marvin Eastman vs. Terry Martin
Odds: Eastman +160, Martin -200
Eastman is 14-7-1 and at 37 is on the downside of his career. He's the guy who got brought in and fed to Rampage in Quinton's UFC debut. That was his first UFC fight in years so it's obvious what his role is in the UFC's eyes. Martin is 16-3 coming off a loss to Chris Leben in that crazy Leben last minute KO a few months back. This is a match designed to get Martin back on track as he was on a bit of a roll before the Leben fight.
PICK: Martin by TKO in Rd 2
BET: No bet
Kyle Bradley vs. Chris Lytle
Odds: Lytle -600, Bradley +400
Wowsers. Steep odds there. That might be worth an upset bet. Lytle is 24-15-5 and is probably best known for losing to Serra in the TUF Finale and then taking Hughes to the limit. He does have a win over Pete Spratt on his resume but as my friend Poff and I were discussing last month, I think I might be able to take Pete Spratt. Bradley is 13-4 in his UFC debut... nothing much of note on his record. This is going to be one of those "pick one guy to win, bet on the other."
PICK: Lytle by triangle in Rd 1
BET: Kyle Bradley - $30 to win $120
Tyson Griffin vs. Gleison Tibau
Odds: Griffin -450, Tibau +300
More steep odds. Griffin is 10-1 and has been on a tear through UFC. Most of his fights have been going to decision but he's been putting on some of the most exciting fights which makes the UFC happy. Tibau is 15-4 on a four fight win streak. I think this might be closer than the odds would show.
PICK: Griffin by decision
BET: Gleison Tibau - $30 to win $90
MAIN SHOW
----------------
Jeremy Horn vs. Nate Marquardt
Odds: Horn +185, Marquardt -225
Horn owns one of the craziest records I've ever seen at 79-16-5... good grief. But he really hasn't had a win of note since David Loiseau in 2004. Marquardt is 25-7-2 and was on a six fight win streak until Anderson Silva cut that shit short back in July.
PICK: Marquardt by decision
BET: No bet
Ricardo Almeida vs. Rob Yundt
Odds: None
Almeida has a career record of 8-2 but hasn't had a fight since 2004. Yundt is 6-0 making his UFC debut. Jeez, no wonder they're not taking action on this one.
PICK: Yundt by TKO in Rd 1
BET: No bet
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Tim Sylvia (for interim heavyweight title)
Odds: Nogueira -165, Sylvia +135
Sad, sad, sad. Nogueira vs Couture would have rocked my fuckin' socks but instead, the MMA cockroach Tim Sylvia survives to be in another title match again. Minotauro is 30-4-1 with wins over some of the best in the MMA game [Barnett, Werdum, Cro Cop, and a ton more.] He won his UFC debut over Herring but it wasn't a dominating performance. Maybe the Pride Curse? Maybe the cage? Who knows. Sylvia is 24-3 with some of the most boring [but effective] fights ever. He's the eternally hated heavyweight champ/challenger and I can very easily imagine him using his reach to keep Nogueira off the mat, clinching whenever Minotauro gets close, and just doing enough to stall out a decision win. I really, really, really hope Nogueira can finish Sylvia and I'm sure the UFC does as well. But how can you not imagine Sylvia winning the belt and wearing it everywhere forever? I'm gonna split my pick again.
PICK: Nogueira by submission in Rd 3
BET: Sylvia $20 to win $27 but I feel fuckin' dirty doing it.
Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
Odds: Lesnar -150, Mir +120
The rumor is that the oddsmakers put Lesnar as the favorite because they figured that's where the money was going to come in anyways, not because they think he'll win. Lesnar is 1-0 in MMA with an impressive win over a unimpressive opponent. We know he can wrestle, we know he's strong as a fuckin' beast, and we know he weighed in at 265... the upper limit for heavyweights. Big motherfucker. Mir is still riding the comeback trail and this is his chance to get right back in line for that title shot. In fact, if Mir pulls off a win here, I bet he gets the next title match. If Brock does... not as sure. Mir is 10-3 in his career but really hasn't been the same since the accident. He's a dangerous opponent for Brock though. Brock's All Access was impressive with his workout but I didn't see him working on his jiu-jitsu like he told us he was. If he's not prepared on the ground, he's gonna be in trouble. My heart doesn't know who to pick here either. Part of me wants to see Brock lose for a lot of reasons. He walked out on the company that made him so he could go play football and when he failed at that, he went to get a paycheck to pro wrestle in Japan... then bailed on them [with their title belt] to sit at home to hold out for more money... _then_ he went to MMA. So don't buy their bullshit that he left the WWE for "real competition." This is a moneygrab and he went to the last option he had left after the WWE turned him down when he wanted to come back. Part of me wants to see Brock win just to see the MMA snobs eat their own asses that a pro wrestler came in and handed a former champ his ass. And I still have that dream of Cro Cop kicking his fucking skull off in Japan [although I hear they're talking of doing a UFC show in Croatia which would have to main event the Pro Wrestler Hunter-Killer.] Sigh. What to do.
PICK: Brock Lesnar by decision [don't think he'll have the tools in place to finish him but he's strong enough to pull a Sylvia against the fence and hold him down on the ground]
BET: Mir [$20 to win $24]
Check back on Monday for the results.
Just for review:
Picks Average For The Year: .500 (9 out of 18)
Money For The Year: +$57
Date: Feb. 2, 2008
Location: Las Vegas, Nev.
Venue: Mandalay Bay Events Center
Broadcast: Pay-Per-View
PRELIMINARY CARD
---------------------------
Rob Emerson vs. Keita Nakamura
Odds: Nakamura -265, Emerson +205
Emerson carries a record of 6-6. He was riding a four win streak until the bizarre No Contest with Gray Maynard last June. 9 of his 12 career fights have gone the distance so don't look for a big KO in this one. Nakamura is 14-2-2 on his career. He's coming off a first round KO win but had two decision losses in the UFC before that. Maybe it's a cage thing?
PICK: Nakamura by decision
BET: No bet
Tim Boetsch VS. David Heath
Odds: Boetsch +210, Heath -270
Boetsch is 6-1 coming off his only career loss [a decision.] This is his UFC debut. Heath is 7-2 on his career and he's coming off the only two losses... one to Babalu and one to Lyoto... not bad.
PICK: Heath by RNC in Rd 2
BET: No bet
Marvin Eastman vs. Terry Martin
Odds: Eastman +160, Martin -200
Eastman is 14-7-1 and at 37 is on the downside of his career. He's the guy who got brought in and fed to Rampage in Quinton's UFC debut. That was his first UFC fight in years so it's obvious what his role is in the UFC's eyes. Martin is 16-3 coming off a loss to Chris Leben in that crazy Leben last minute KO a few months back. This is a match designed to get Martin back on track as he was on a bit of a roll before the Leben fight.
PICK: Martin by TKO in Rd 2
BET: No bet
Kyle Bradley vs. Chris Lytle
Odds: Lytle -600, Bradley +400
Wowsers. Steep odds there. That might be worth an upset bet. Lytle is 24-15-5 and is probably best known for losing to Serra in the TUF Finale and then taking Hughes to the limit. He does have a win over Pete Spratt on his resume but as my friend Poff and I were discussing last month, I think I might be able to take Pete Spratt. Bradley is 13-4 in his UFC debut... nothing much of note on his record. This is going to be one of those "pick one guy to win, bet on the other."
PICK: Lytle by triangle in Rd 1
BET: Kyle Bradley - $30 to win $120
Tyson Griffin vs. Gleison Tibau
Odds: Griffin -450, Tibau +300
More steep odds. Griffin is 10-1 and has been on a tear through UFC. Most of his fights have been going to decision but he's been putting on some of the most exciting fights which makes the UFC happy. Tibau is 15-4 on a four fight win streak. I think this might be closer than the odds would show.
PICK: Griffin by decision
BET: Gleison Tibau - $30 to win $90
MAIN SHOW
----------------
Jeremy Horn vs. Nate Marquardt
Odds: Horn +185, Marquardt -225
Horn owns one of the craziest records I've ever seen at 79-16-5... good grief. But he really hasn't had a win of note since David Loiseau in 2004. Marquardt is 25-7-2 and was on a six fight win streak until Anderson Silva cut that shit short back in July.
PICK: Marquardt by decision
BET: No bet
Ricardo Almeida vs. Rob Yundt
Odds: None
Almeida has a career record of 8-2 but hasn't had a fight since 2004. Yundt is 6-0 making his UFC debut. Jeez, no wonder they're not taking action on this one.
PICK: Yundt by TKO in Rd 1
BET: No bet
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Tim Sylvia (for interim heavyweight title)
Odds: Nogueira -165, Sylvia +135
Sad, sad, sad. Nogueira vs Couture would have rocked my fuckin' socks but instead, the MMA cockroach Tim Sylvia survives to be in another title match again. Minotauro is 30-4-1 with wins over some of the best in the MMA game [Barnett, Werdum, Cro Cop, and a ton more.] He won his UFC debut over Herring but it wasn't a dominating performance. Maybe the Pride Curse? Maybe the cage? Who knows. Sylvia is 24-3 with some of the most boring [but effective] fights ever. He's the eternally hated heavyweight champ/challenger and I can very easily imagine him using his reach to keep Nogueira off the mat, clinching whenever Minotauro gets close, and just doing enough to stall out a decision win. I really, really, really hope Nogueira can finish Sylvia and I'm sure the UFC does as well. But how can you not imagine Sylvia winning the belt and wearing it everywhere forever? I'm gonna split my pick again.
PICK: Nogueira by submission in Rd 3
BET: Sylvia $20 to win $27 but I feel fuckin' dirty doing it.
Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
Odds: Lesnar -150, Mir +120
The rumor is that the oddsmakers put Lesnar as the favorite because they figured that's where the money was going to come in anyways, not because they think he'll win. Lesnar is 1-0 in MMA with an impressive win over a unimpressive opponent. We know he can wrestle, we know he's strong as a fuckin' beast, and we know he weighed in at 265... the upper limit for heavyweights. Big motherfucker. Mir is still riding the comeback trail and this is his chance to get right back in line for that title shot. In fact, if Mir pulls off a win here, I bet he gets the next title match. If Brock does... not as sure. Mir is 10-3 in his career but really hasn't been the same since the accident. He's a dangerous opponent for Brock though. Brock's All Access was impressive with his workout but I didn't see him working on his jiu-jitsu like he told us he was. If he's not prepared on the ground, he's gonna be in trouble. My heart doesn't know who to pick here either. Part of me wants to see Brock lose for a lot of reasons. He walked out on the company that made him so he could go play football and when he failed at that, he went to get a paycheck to pro wrestle in Japan... then bailed on them [with their title belt] to sit at home to hold out for more money... _then_ he went to MMA. So don't buy their bullshit that he left the WWE for "real competition." This is a moneygrab and he went to the last option he had left after the WWE turned him down when he wanted to come back. Part of me wants to see Brock win just to see the MMA snobs eat their own asses that a pro wrestler came in and handed a former champ his ass. And I still have that dream of Cro Cop kicking his fucking skull off in Japan [although I hear they're talking of doing a UFC show in Croatia which would have to main event the Pro Wrestler Hunter-Killer.] Sigh. What to do.
PICK: Brock Lesnar by decision [don't think he'll have the tools in place to finish him but he's strong enough to pull a Sylvia against the fence and hold him down on the ground]
BET: Mir [$20 to win $24]
Check back on Monday for the results.
2008-02-01
OHHHH LAKER FANS!!!
Just heard the rumor that apparently this Gasol deal is going down. Kwame/Javaris/picks for Pau friggin' Gasol.
That's amazing. Incredible. Awe-inspiring.
We haven't won anything yet but that's a hell of a big step to take towards that.
Mitch should win an award instantly and for Laker fans around the world, it's time to start drinking to celebrate!
That's amazing. Incredible. Awe-inspiring.
We haven't won anything yet but that's a hell of a big step to take towards that.
Mitch should win an award instantly and for Laker fans around the world, it's time to start drinking to celebrate!
Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey
I will be doing my UFC picks for tomorrow night's PPV later tonight or tomorrow but right now, there are a handful of topics I wanted to drop a few quick thoughts on.
NEWS: Lost is back and the beginning of the end started last night.
THOUGHTS: After a lonnnnnnnng wait, we have seen the last of the final 48 episodes and may I say... Ho. Lee. Shit. This show, admittedly, has had some rough spots in its' history but last night may have been one of the greatest season premieres of any show ever. When it's all said and done, I think we will look back on Lost as one of the greatest series of all time and one that we should feel honored that we got to see in our lifetimes. Now if only the congloms would give the writers' a fair deal and send them back to work!
NEWS: John Edwards, Rudy Giuliani drop out of the race
THOUGHTS: I don't usually post much on politics as that's not really something I want to drone on and on about on this blog buuuuut... I liked Edwards. I don't know if I liked him enough to vote for him in the California primary next week but I liked him. I thought he had a good message, a good heart, and I believed he truly did care about the working class of this country. Rudy? Well, maybe he can talk about 9/11 in his next job interview and see if it puts him over the others.
NEWS: UFC goes negative
THOUGHTS: On the Countdown show for UFC this week, they took the approach to hyping the Lesnar/Mir match that I knew was coming but was hoping they'd avoid. As a lifelong pro wrestling fan, hearing one of my favorite forms of sports and entertainment derided for an hour as being fake is not exactly my idea of fun. But to see the utter audacity of Dana White in using pro wrestling shows to hype his PPV... by openly admitting he's hoping to draw in pro wrestling fans... and then to spend an hour trashing that business? It's disrespectful and low-class.
NEWS: Pau Gasol on the market
THOUGHTS: Buzz on the street is that the Grizz are looking to shed contracts as they're hoping to sell the team in the near future. Their hope is that a buyer will be more intrigued by a team with little salary commitments in the future. Further buzz speculates that if they decide to go this route, they might be willing to part with Gasol for Kwame Brown, Sasha "The Machine" Vujacic, and Coby Karl. Pardon me? Did I hear that right? Mitch, make sure it's Pau Gasol we're getting and not trading for Marc Gasol who we already have. In the words of Laker fans everywhere, DO IT MITCH!
NEWS: American Idol goes soft
THOUGHTS: Typically, I watch a few of the audition shows and then bail out but this year, they've managed to keep me through the whole process. The main reason is obviously the writers' strike. There's nothing else to fucking watch so I've been roped into things like Celebrity Apprentice [did you see that fucking show last night? Awesome!], Pros vs Joes, Rock of Love, and I even caught an episode of Celebrity Rehab. Back on topic, as someone who has watched Idol for several years now, it strikes me as very noticeable this year that they seem to be going softer on the shitty tryouts. Simon has yet to quip about needing a bigger stage when someone fat... and I mean Orca fat... walks into the room and he's had plenty of chances. He hasn't bashed a mentally ill child this year... already a plus over last year. Do you think they finally heard the criticism over their treatment on these shows? Amazing. If they really want to punish the bad auditioners though, they should shove them in a room to listen to the new Paula Abdul song. I love me some Paula but dear god, where is MC Skat Kat when you need him?
NEWS: Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of the night that The Radicals [Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and He Who Shall Not Be Named] made their WWE debut
THOUGHTS: Man, that seems like an eternity ago. I was so happy that night as some of my favorite in-ring performers had jumped to my company of choice. I remember my mind going nuts with all the possible matchups we were going to see. Of course, it was all pissed away in mere days as the Radicals went heel but eventually we got memorable moments from all four men. Unfortunately, two of them provided memorable moments that we wish we could forget... and I'm not talking about Moppy or the Dean/Lita angle.
NEWS: Lost is back and the beginning of the end started last night.
THOUGHTS: After a lonnnnnnnng wait, we have seen the last of the final 48 episodes and may I say... Ho. Lee. Shit. This show, admittedly, has had some rough spots in its' history but last night may have been one of the greatest season premieres of any show ever. When it's all said and done, I think we will look back on Lost as one of the greatest series of all time and one that we should feel honored that we got to see in our lifetimes. Now if only the congloms would give the writers' a fair deal and send them back to work!
NEWS: John Edwards, Rudy Giuliani drop out of the race
THOUGHTS: I don't usually post much on politics as that's not really something I want to drone on and on about on this blog buuuuut... I liked Edwards. I don't know if I liked him enough to vote for him in the California primary next week but I liked him. I thought he had a good message, a good heart, and I believed he truly did care about the working class of this country. Rudy? Well, maybe he can talk about 9/11 in his next job interview and see if it puts him over the others.
NEWS: UFC goes negative
THOUGHTS: On the Countdown show for UFC this week, they took the approach to hyping the Lesnar/Mir match that I knew was coming but was hoping they'd avoid. As a lifelong pro wrestling fan, hearing one of my favorite forms of sports and entertainment derided for an hour as being fake is not exactly my idea of fun. But to see the utter audacity of Dana White in using pro wrestling shows to hype his PPV... by openly admitting he's hoping to draw in pro wrestling fans... and then to spend an hour trashing that business? It's disrespectful and low-class.
NEWS: Pau Gasol on the market
THOUGHTS: Buzz on the street is that the Grizz are looking to shed contracts as they're hoping to sell the team in the near future. Their hope is that a buyer will be more intrigued by a team with little salary commitments in the future. Further buzz speculates that if they decide to go this route, they might be willing to part with Gasol for Kwame Brown, Sasha "The Machine" Vujacic, and Coby Karl. Pardon me? Did I hear that right? Mitch, make sure it's Pau Gasol we're getting and not trading for Marc Gasol who we already have. In the words of Laker fans everywhere, DO IT MITCH!
NEWS: American Idol goes soft
THOUGHTS: Typically, I watch a few of the audition shows and then bail out but this year, they've managed to keep me through the whole process. The main reason is obviously the writers' strike. There's nothing else to fucking watch so I've been roped into things like Celebrity Apprentice [did you see that fucking show last night? Awesome!], Pros vs Joes, Rock of Love, and I even caught an episode of Celebrity Rehab. Back on topic, as someone who has watched Idol for several years now, it strikes me as very noticeable this year that they seem to be going softer on the shitty tryouts. Simon has yet to quip about needing a bigger stage when someone fat... and I mean Orca fat... walks into the room and he's had plenty of chances. He hasn't bashed a mentally ill child this year... already a plus over last year. Do you think they finally heard the criticism over their treatment on these shows? Amazing. If they really want to punish the bad auditioners though, they should shove them in a room to listen to the new Paula Abdul song. I love me some Paula but dear god, where is MC Skat Kat when you need him?
NEWS: Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of the night that The Radicals [Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn, and He Who Shall Not Be Named] made their WWE debut
THOUGHTS: Man, that seems like an eternity ago. I was so happy that night as some of my favorite in-ring performers had jumped to my company of choice. I remember my mind going nuts with all the possible matchups we were going to see. Of course, it was all pissed away in mere days as the Radicals went heel but eventually we got memorable moments from all four men. Unfortunately, two of them provided memorable moments that we wish we could forget... and I'm not talking about Moppy or the Dean/Lita angle.
2008-01-30
Get the gators ready!
With American Gladiators on the air once more [and am I the only one who finds it hard to watch?], the question must be asked...
Whatever happened to Rollergames?
I mean... seriously... Rollergames and the original American Gladiators came on the air at roughly the same time. What makes AmGlads [my new shorty for it!] so damn special?
Rollergames had it all. It had some crazy figure 8 track with a banked wall that got you more points if you skated higher up it. It had a jump that got your more points if you jumped further. It had the awesome owners cutting promos on each other. It had hot girls in spandex. Come on! It was perfect!
And if that wasn't enough, anyone remember Lita Ford performing at half time? Or Warrant? Rollergames these days could have like... Lita Ford... or Warrant performing on it because everyone knows you wouldn't want jackasses like My Chemical Romance or the like on there.
I still remember the premiere of Rollergames when the hype started coming towards the end of the game. It was a close game and they kept teasing that if a tie happened, they would have to go to sudden death. But this was no normal sudden death period... SOMEONE MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE! You see, if they dared to end regulation tied, they would have to "GET THE GATORS READY! WE'RE GOING TO SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME!"
Do you get that? They took live alligators and threw them in this pit on the side of the track. Whoever got shoved in the pit first lost... a limb potentially.
The perfect idea for all sports! Hockey? Screw the shootout. Get the gators ready! That tennis match that went on forever recently? A gator gnawing on Federer's ass would have popped the ratings for sure.
With AmGlads a major disappointment for a fan of the original, I'm calling for it now. The writer's strike is still on. You still need programming. Put Nannies Swapping Partners on hold and bring back Rollergames!
And don't forget the gators.
Whatever happened to Rollergames?
I mean... seriously... Rollergames and the original American Gladiators came on the air at roughly the same time. What makes AmGlads [my new shorty for it!] so damn special?
Rollergames had it all. It had some crazy figure 8 track with a banked wall that got you more points if you skated higher up it. It had a jump that got your more points if you jumped further. It had the awesome owners cutting promos on each other. It had hot girls in spandex. Come on! It was perfect!
And if that wasn't enough, anyone remember Lita Ford performing at half time? Or Warrant? Rollergames these days could have like... Lita Ford... or Warrant performing on it because everyone knows you wouldn't want jackasses like My Chemical Romance or the like on there.
I still remember the premiere of Rollergames when the hype started coming towards the end of the game. It was a close game and they kept teasing that if a tie happened, they would have to go to sudden death. But this was no normal sudden death period... SOMEONE MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE! You see, if they dared to end regulation tied, they would have to "GET THE GATORS READY! WE'RE GOING TO SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME!"
Do you get that? They took live alligators and threw them in this pit on the side of the track. Whoever got shoved in the pit first lost... a limb potentially.
The perfect idea for all sports! Hockey? Screw the shootout. Get the gators ready! That tennis match that went on forever recently? A gator gnawing on Federer's ass would have popped the ratings for sure.
With AmGlads a major disappointment for a fan of the original, I'm calling for it now. The writer's strike is still on. You still need programming. Put Nannies Swapping Partners on hold and bring back Rollergames!
And don't forget the gators.
2008-01-28
Mixtape Of The Month!
Oh yeah, baby!
Due to absolutely no demand at all, the Mixtape Of The Month returns! Longtime readers of this blog remember that I used to do a monthly mixtape with an explanation of why I chose the songs in question.
It's back... and it's back with a vengeance!
Enjoy the mixtape for January.
Are Ya Havin' A Laugh?
The title is inspired by the catchphrase for the main character on Extras' show-within-a-show. Make sense? I don't fucking care.
1. The New Year - Death Cab For Cutie
I couldn't not have Death Cab on here and since it's a New Year... well, duh. I really have no other reason for this song to be on here other than it sounds fucking amazing the two times I've heard it live. You should all be swearing by Death Cab even if you can't stand how often they get played on the radio now. One of the only reasons I'd drag my ass out to Coachella this year.
2. Ole! - Bouncing Souls
This is a great, fun song. I don't see how anyone can listen to this song and not smile instantly. Not your traditional punk/ska stuff but it rocks your socks. It's also the theme song for indy wrestling megastar El Generico.
3. Rooftops - Lost Prophets
I originally bought this song because they played it on the most recent Jeff Hardy highlight video but it's actually a pretty catchy tune. I've been very prone to getting it stuck in my head recently. Give it a listen, I think you'll dig it.
4. World Over - Edna's Goldfish
An acquaintance got me into Edna's Goldfish about eight years ago right in the middle of my punk/ska phase. I really dug the band but at some point several years ago, I deleted most of their mp3s from the computer to save space. I stumbled back upon them recently and rediscovered how awesome they are. Check it out.
5. Care Of Cell 44 - The Zombies
This one comes to us thank to Michael Cera's Celebrity Playlist on iTunes. How can you not like Michael Cera? Have you seen Juno? Have you even watched Arrested Development? It's George Michael Bluth, dammit! Go listen to this because it's fucking great just like Michael Cera.
6. Rich Girls - The Virgins
I think we determined that this song came from this year's TV guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl. I've picked up far worse songs than this from GG though so be happy it's this one. I still find the job of Music Supervisor to be incredible and I wish I could figure out how the hell you get that job because I think I'd rock at that.
7. A Bitchslap - Sebastian Bach
Thanks to the wonders of iTunes, I recently discovered that Sebastian Bach actually has a new album out. Coincidentally, I was at a Guns And Roses show with Skid Row opening in late 2006. When Bach came out to perform with GNR, he mentioned that he thought he had just signed a record deal... and apparently he had. This track actually features Axl on backing vocals which makes it even cooler. Close your eyes and drink a lot... you could imagine this actually as a GNR song.
8. Let's Duet - John C. Reilly & Angela Correa
Anyone who didn't see Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is missing out. A truly great parody of flicks like Walk The Line and Ray, it succeeds where dreck like Meet The Spartans fails and falls on it's pathetic ass. It was tough to pick which track from the soundtrack I wanted to use so I picked the one that I first heard at Comic-Con last year that made me think this might be a fun flick. Go watch the movie, buy the soundtrack... YOU DON'T WANT NONE OF THIS SHIT, DEWEY!
9. Accidents Can Happen - Sixx A.M.
If you check out the side of the blog, you can see what books I've read this year. The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx was an amazing read and gave tremendous insight into the life of a rock star/drug addict. I found out before I had read the book that Nikki Sixx had created a soundtrack for the book with his new band. This is one track off that soundtrack. It's a shame that the bands of today can't truly rock and we have to resort to seeing what Nikki Sixx and Sebastian Bach are doing these days.
10. I Was Made For You - Rivers Cuomo
Usually discs of B-Sides and demos are pretty soft... there's a reason they are B-Sides and Demos after all. But the new album by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer fame may have permanently changed my tune on this. This song is awesome... the album sounds great from what I've heard... beautiful stuff. Oh, and check out the Eels demo/b-side album too.
11. Believe - The Bravery
I don't know where I got this, I don't know why, I don't even really care for the band that much. But.. uh... I like it. So try it.
12. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
One of the other reasons I'd drag my ass out to Coachella. One of the best shows I've ever seen featured Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins... which is also Rilo Kiley in case you're looking for relevance. I found this song by... well, looking for more songs by Rilo Kiley that I'd like. This one fits that bill. If you're not listening to Jenny Lewis, you're a sad, sad panda.
13. Umbrella - Marie Digby
Longtime readers know my passion for interesting covers. So, when you take a wildly popular pop song... mix it up a bit... and give a different take that makes it sound actually soulful, I'm in like Flynn. Game on, baby!
14. Dreamgirls - Dreamgirls Sdtck
Yeah, yeah, yeah... let your mocking begin. What can I say? I'm a sucker for musicals... both screen and stage. As a lover of music, I'm fascinated by the ability to tell a full two to three hour story solely through song. Amazing. I didn't really care for Dreamgirls the first time I saw it even though I found the music to be catchy. But I've watched it a few times this month on HBO and I've developed a new appreciation for it. I chose the title track for this mixtape just because!
15. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips
I can never decide if I really like the Flaming Lips. There are songs of theirs that I adore and no, it's not "She Don't Use Jelly" but there are songs that I can't stand to hear. Kinda like Sonic Youth. This is one of those I stumbled upon recently while putting this tape together that I just found a certain kind of magic in that I couldn't bear to part with.
16. Birds And Bees - Ben Lee
Oh. My. God. Is there anyone who works harder at being hot as Mandy Moore? Come on, she had that performance in American Dreamz [which kinda sucked but is oddly a movie I can't usually turn off when it's on], she did a stint on Scrubs, and now she's doing duets with Ben Lee? Laaaaaawd have mercy.
17. The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
It was on a commercial before Christmas... I can't remember which one. Catchy little ditty that's almost worked itself out my head so I thought I'd include it before it falls on the "I really don't want to hear this anymore" list.
18. That's How You Know - Amy Adams
From the Enchanted sdtck... yeah, well... fuck you too.
19. Du Og Meg - Of Montreal
Can't remember where I found it or why... but enjoy!
20. This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
Absolutely haunting tune from Kate Bush that made it's way onto the Extras series finale that I just got to watch finally. Was an absolutely amazing scene. The song is depressing as shit but so was the finale. The song still stays strong in my head though.
21. Rise - Eddie Vedder
Or should I say Golden Globe winner Eddie Vedder? This soundtrack smokes all too. I'm on a soundtrack kick lately and I still need to pick up the Sweeney Todd and Juno soundtracks in the near future. You should own the Into The Wild soundtrack... seriously... go buy it... NOW!
22. Now That We're Done - Metro Station
No idea. But it's awesome and a very different song than I usually listen to.
23. Lookin' Out My Back Door - Credence Clearwater Revival
I've been watching Lebowski quite a bit lately and the scene where he almost lights his cock ablaze features this song with him providing rhythm section on the roof of his car. Awesome. It gets stuck in my head everytime I see the scene so there you go.
24. Tea For The Tillerman - Cat Stevens
The end credits song for Extras. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it but just never did anything about it. Finally figured out what it was and picked it up. It seemed fitting to end the first mixtape of the year with the song that wrapped up every episode of Extras.
Due to absolutely no demand at all, the Mixtape Of The Month returns! Longtime readers of this blog remember that I used to do a monthly mixtape with an explanation of why I chose the songs in question.
It's back... and it's back with a vengeance!
Enjoy the mixtape for January.
Are Ya Havin' A Laugh?
The title is inspired by the catchphrase for the main character on Extras' show-within-a-show. Make sense? I don't fucking care.
1. The New Year - Death Cab For Cutie
I couldn't not have Death Cab on here and since it's a New Year... well, duh. I really have no other reason for this song to be on here other than it sounds fucking amazing the two times I've heard it live. You should all be swearing by Death Cab even if you can't stand how often they get played on the radio now. One of the only reasons I'd drag my ass out to Coachella this year.
2. Ole! - Bouncing Souls
This is a great, fun song. I don't see how anyone can listen to this song and not smile instantly. Not your traditional punk/ska stuff but it rocks your socks. It's also the theme song for indy wrestling megastar El Generico.
3. Rooftops - Lost Prophets
I originally bought this song because they played it on the most recent Jeff Hardy highlight video but it's actually a pretty catchy tune. I've been very prone to getting it stuck in my head recently. Give it a listen, I think you'll dig it.
4. World Over - Edna's Goldfish
An acquaintance got me into Edna's Goldfish about eight years ago right in the middle of my punk/ska phase. I really dug the band but at some point several years ago, I deleted most of their mp3s from the computer to save space. I stumbled back upon them recently and rediscovered how awesome they are. Check it out.
5. Care Of Cell 44 - The Zombies
This one comes to us thank to Michael Cera's Celebrity Playlist on iTunes. How can you not like Michael Cera? Have you seen Juno? Have you even watched Arrested Development? It's George Michael Bluth, dammit! Go listen to this because it's fucking great just like Michael Cera.
6. Rich Girls - The Virgins
I think we determined that this song came from this year's TV guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl. I've picked up far worse songs than this from GG though so be happy it's this one. I still find the job of Music Supervisor to be incredible and I wish I could figure out how the hell you get that job because I think I'd rock at that.
7. A Bitchslap - Sebastian Bach
Thanks to the wonders of iTunes, I recently discovered that Sebastian Bach actually has a new album out. Coincidentally, I was at a Guns And Roses show with Skid Row opening in late 2006. When Bach came out to perform with GNR, he mentioned that he thought he had just signed a record deal... and apparently he had. This track actually features Axl on backing vocals which makes it even cooler. Close your eyes and drink a lot... you could imagine this actually as a GNR song.
8. Let's Duet - John C. Reilly & Angela Correa
Anyone who didn't see Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is missing out. A truly great parody of flicks like Walk The Line and Ray, it succeeds where dreck like Meet The Spartans fails and falls on it's pathetic ass. It was tough to pick which track from the soundtrack I wanted to use so I picked the one that I first heard at Comic-Con last year that made me think this might be a fun flick. Go watch the movie, buy the soundtrack... YOU DON'T WANT NONE OF THIS SHIT, DEWEY!
9. Accidents Can Happen - Sixx A.M.
If you check out the side of the blog, you can see what books I've read this year. The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx was an amazing read and gave tremendous insight into the life of a rock star/drug addict. I found out before I had read the book that Nikki Sixx had created a soundtrack for the book with his new band. This is one track off that soundtrack. It's a shame that the bands of today can't truly rock and we have to resort to seeing what Nikki Sixx and Sebastian Bach are doing these days.
10. I Was Made For You - Rivers Cuomo
Usually discs of B-Sides and demos are pretty soft... there's a reason they are B-Sides and Demos after all. But the new album by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer fame may have permanently changed my tune on this. This song is awesome... the album sounds great from what I've heard... beautiful stuff. Oh, and check out the Eels demo/b-side album too.
11. Believe - The Bravery
I don't know where I got this, I don't know why, I don't even really care for the band that much. But.. uh... I like it. So try it.
12. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
One of the other reasons I'd drag my ass out to Coachella. One of the best shows I've ever seen featured Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins... which is also Rilo Kiley in case you're looking for relevance. I found this song by... well, looking for more songs by Rilo Kiley that I'd like. This one fits that bill. If you're not listening to Jenny Lewis, you're a sad, sad panda.
13. Umbrella - Marie Digby
Longtime readers know my passion for interesting covers. So, when you take a wildly popular pop song... mix it up a bit... and give a different take that makes it sound actually soulful, I'm in like Flynn. Game on, baby!
14. Dreamgirls - Dreamgirls Sdtck
Yeah, yeah, yeah... let your mocking begin. What can I say? I'm a sucker for musicals... both screen and stage. As a lover of music, I'm fascinated by the ability to tell a full two to three hour story solely through song. Amazing. I didn't really care for Dreamgirls the first time I saw it even though I found the music to be catchy. But I've watched it a few times this month on HBO and I've developed a new appreciation for it. I chose the title track for this mixtape just because!
15. Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1 - The Flaming Lips
I can never decide if I really like the Flaming Lips. There are songs of theirs that I adore and no, it's not "She Don't Use Jelly" but there are songs that I can't stand to hear. Kinda like Sonic Youth. This is one of those I stumbled upon recently while putting this tape together that I just found a certain kind of magic in that I couldn't bear to part with.
16. Birds And Bees - Ben Lee
Oh. My. God. Is there anyone who works harder at being hot as Mandy Moore? Come on, she had that performance in American Dreamz [which kinda sucked but is oddly a movie I can't usually turn off when it's on], she did a stint on Scrubs, and now she's doing duets with Ben Lee? Laaaaaawd have mercy.
17. The Way I Am - Ingrid Michaelson
It was on a commercial before Christmas... I can't remember which one. Catchy little ditty that's almost worked itself out my head so I thought I'd include it before it falls on the "I really don't want to hear this anymore" list.
18. That's How You Know - Amy Adams
From the Enchanted sdtck... yeah, well... fuck you too.
19. Du Og Meg - Of Montreal
Can't remember where I found it or why... but enjoy!
20. This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
Absolutely haunting tune from Kate Bush that made it's way onto the Extras series finale that I just got to watch finally. Was an absolutely amazing scene. The song is depressing as shit but so was the finale. The song still stays strong in my head though.
21. Rise - Eddie Vedder
Or should I say Golden Globe winner Eddie Vedder? This soundtrack smokes all too. I'm on a soundtrack kick lately and I still need to pick up the Sweeney Todd and Juno soundtracks in the near future. You should own the Into The Wild soundtrack... seriously... go buy it... NOW!
22. Now That We're Done - Metro Station
No idea. But it's awesome and a very different song than I usually listen to.
23. Lookin' Out My Back Door - Credence Clearwater Revival
I've been watching Lebowski quite a bit lately and the scene where he almost lights his cock ablaze features this song with him providing rhythm section on the roof of his car. Awesome. It gets stuck in my head everytime I see the scene so there you go.
24. Tea For The Tillerman - Cat Stevens
The end credits song for Extras. I've loved this song since the first time I heard it but just never did anything about it. Finally figured out what it was and picked it up. It seemed fitting to end the first mixtape of the year with the song that wrapped up every episode of Extras.
2008-01-27
Booking The Rumble
I couldn't get the Rumble out of my head last night after my picks post. So, I decided I'd write up a little bit of fantasy booking for the 2008 Royal Rumble. This'll probably get pretty lengthy so bear with me...
Show opens with the traditional hype piece putting over the Rumble and all the people who've gone on to win the World Title at Mania after winning the Rumble.
Pyro and ballyhoo!
MVP vs Flair kicks off the show. It's a sprint with a lot of near falls by MVP before a ref bump. Matt Hardy runs in, Twist of Fate, Flair gets the pin to avoid having to retire in about 12 minutes.
Backstage bit with Jeff and Matt Hardy. Matt tells Jeff to take the title from Orton for him and reminds him that he gets the first shot. Jeff promises to "take it to the extreme" to win the gold. Edge walks in on the brothers and makes a few negative comments before excusing himself for his title match.
Smackdown Title Match - Edge vs Rey Misterio Jr.
This should be a great match. The story of the match should be Edge using the Edgeheads to his advantage and Rey Jr. fighting a numbers game. Vickie should also be at ringside. At a key point about 3/4 through the match, Rey should go for a big dive onto the Edgeheads... who spill into Vickie, taking her out too. The Edgeheads take Vickie to the locker room, leaving it one on one. Lots of Rey Jr. nearfalls culminate in a ducked 619 turned into a schoolboy with the feet on the ropes for an old school heel victory in about 19 minutes.
Backstage piece with Vince in Flair's locker room. Flair looks exhausted. Vince congratulates him on his win over MVP but informs him that he's signed another Career Threatening match for him for tomorrow night on Raw... against a mystery opponent. "So, I hope you're feeling up to it after tonight. Cause you see, there's still a few spots left in the Rumble... and one of them is yours. But don't worry. Your career's not on the line in the Rumble... just what's left of your body."
Backstage piece with people drawing numbers. Santino makes Maria pick for him and seems happy with his pick. Holly and Rhodes make their picks and Holly slaps him hard on the chest with a "See you out there, partner." Chuck Palumbo makes his pick, Noble charges in and jumps him. Total brawl in the picking room knocking over the number holder as we cut back to ringside.
JBL/Jericho hype piece.
Chris Jericho vs JBL
Super elaborate JBL entrance. Total brawl from the get-go. All over the place. The ref "uses discretion" to let it go. JBL gets the camera cable to "hang" Jericho again but Chris fights back, gets the cable, and gets the DQ when he won't let go of JBL. Jericho has to be dragged off of JBL to end the match in about 11 minutes.
Backstage piece with Vince screaming at the GMs about being unable to control their talent. Points out the Palumbo/Noble brawl and what just happened with Jericho as evidence. He's ranting and raving... Triple H enters. Triple H makes his pick and smirks... insulting Vince as he leaves. HBK enters, rinse and repeat. Ron Simmons makes his pick as does Foley and Batista, both who take verbal shots at Vince before the leave which gets us a "DAMN!" before we go back to the ring.
Raw Title Match - Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy
One of the most eagerly anticipated title matches in a long time should live up to the hype. We should see Orton dominate the majority of the match after a missed high-risk move. But Jeff should just keep kicking out. RKO... foot on the ropes. Head kick avoided for a rollup, etc. In the end, Jeff should hit the Twist of Fate, hit the Swanton, but Randy pops a shoulder out just in time. Jeff goes to the floor, pulls out a ladder. JR/King question the legality of a ladder being used if he doesn't hit Orton with it. Jeff leaps off the ladder for a Swanton, comes up empty. Randy throws an arm over him to barely escape with the World Title. I really want Jeff to win but I'll sacrifice it for what's to come. [SIDE NOTE: I'd have Orton declare on Raw the next night that Jeff Hardy is a menace to society and that he will never receive another World Title shot at Orton. This should lead nicely to Hardy continuing his hot streak and being the obvious top challenger but having to win Money In The Bank to get his title shot (which he would of course)]
Backstage, Vince is giving Hornswoggle a "peptalk" when Finlay enters. Finlay reminds Vince of their deal - Vince flips his shit. Khali comes to make his pick, leaves. Henry/BDV come to make their pick, Hornswoggle hides behind Finlay. Vince says it's going to be an interesting night. Finlay/Hornswoggle leave. Regal rushes in to tell Vince that "he's here... Triple H doesn't stand a chance now." Vince gets the big grin and says, "It's going to be a VERY interesting night."
RUMBLE!
Fink goes over the rules, both feet touch the floor, over the top, etc. EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF! And the man who drew #1...
#1 - Bob Holly
JR/Tazz are the announcers for it. JR puts over how tough Holly is and if anyone could go "coast to coast", it would be him. Tazz points out that people have won it from the #1 spot before.
#2 - Cody Rhodes
Cody looks exciting but a little nervous as Holly starts pacing the ring. The tag champs square off and Cody offers a handshake as the bell rings... only to get chopped down to the mat. Holly beats down Cody for a bit but Cody fires back. They trade near eliminations as the countdown starts.
#3 - The Miz
Miz walks right into a beatdown from the Raw tag champs. No offense at all from the Miz but he manages to avoid being eliminated as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz
#4 - John Morrison
JR questions the wisdom of the slo-mo entrance when his tag partner is about to be eliminated. Morrison eventually reaches the ring and helps the Miz. A nice little squareoff between the two tag champs is a stalemate as the countdown starts up. Tazz speculates that someone will tip the balance here.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz, Morrison
#5 - Tommy Dreamer
Dreamer races in and true to "Every man for himself" take a shot at each of the four men in there. JR questions the wisdom of that strategy. Tommy working over the Miz in the corner as Rhodes/Holly works on Morrison, trying to push him out.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz, Morrison, Dreamer
#6 - Kane
The Big Red Machine hits the ring, immediately throws out Tommy and The Miz. Holly follows shortly after. Cody/Morrison working together to try and toss Kane as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Rhodes, Morrison, Kane
#7 - Mark Henry
Henry joins the fray, tossing Rhodes/Morrison aside to beat down Kane. The two big men beat the hell out of each other as Morrison bumps all over the place making Cody look like a king.
In The Ring: Rhodes, Morrison, Kane, Henry
#8 - Big Daddy V
BDV makes an immediate impact, tossing both Rhodes and Morrison to the floor. Henry/BDV working over Kane with big power moves.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV
#9 - Ron Simmons
Simmons gets a brief power rally, even hitting the spinebuster on Henry but gets leveled from behind by BDV, gets an elbow dropped on him and tossed to the floor. Big splash on Kane as the time ticks down.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV
#10 - The Undertaker
Crowd goes apeshit for Taker as he hits the ring, working on both Henry and BDV. Kane eventually rallies to his feet and the Brothers of Destruction tee off on Striker's boys.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker
#11 - Snitzky
Snitzky joins in on the side of Striker's boys, helping work over Kane and Taker.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Snitzky
#12 - Ric Flair
Flair walks into the lion's den with so many big bodies in the ring. JR talks about how Flair went the hour in the past but Tazz points out how long ago it was. Flair looks weary already but he goes immediately into action with chops on any open chest. Gets caught by a big boot from Snitzky to cut off the offense as time ticks down.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Snitzky, Flair
#13 - Sgt. Slaughter
Slaughter gets a huge pop as he slowly makes his way to the ring, immediately hitting offense on the heels. Hooking the Cobra Clutch on Snitzky... Flair tosses them both from behind. Turns around to a goozle from Taker... Flair drops to a knee and low blows Taker.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair
#14 - Mr. Kennedy
Kennedy takes a shot at anyone standing, totally disregarding any potential allies. Suddenly, he finds himself ganged up on by all five. Kane chokeslams, Henry powerslams, BDV drops an elbow, Flair drops a knee. Taker picks up for the Tombstone as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy
#15 - MVP
MVP sprints to the ring and goes after Flair. Everyone pairs off for a while with Henry/BDV trying to push Kane over the top.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP
#16 - CM Punk
Punk goes after MVP, saving Flair, some offense on MVP and Kennedy but gets caught from behind by BDV as Taker saves Kane. Taker/Kane double-up on Henry, throwing him from the ring with a double chokeslammish move.
In The Ring: Kane, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP, CM Punk
#17 - Shawn Michaels
Michaels tears into action, hitting SCM on Kane to eliminate him. Hits one on MVP to knock him over the top but he skins the cat to get back in. Kennedy clips him from behind, beating him down. As the countdown starts, Taker and Punk are working on BDV, Kennedy's working over HBK, MVP and Flair are going at it.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP, CM Punk, HBK
#18 - Finlay
Finlay enters the ring as a house of fire, saving Flair and sending MVP out to the floor. He helps Taker/Punk with BDV as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay
#19 - Great Khali
Khali levels people with the big chop until he's standing all alone. He tries to toss HBK but Punk and Flair help. Taker and BDV working each other over again. Kennedy tries to help Khali but gets thrown aside for his help.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay, Khali
#20 - Triple H
HHH is in a fury as he hits the ring, immediately drills everyone in the ring save HBK and Flair. HBK grabs a wobbly Kennedy and hurls him over the ropes to the floor. Triple H and Khali going at it as the countdown goes.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#21 - Carlito
Carlito struts down the aisle, steps in, gets popped by HHH and goes back out for a super quick elimination. HBK hits a SCM on Khali to knock him back against the ropes. He sets for another one but Kennedy reaches back in, drags him over the top to eliminate. Kennedy beats down HBK very badly on the floor, smashing his knee with the steel steps repeatedly. HBK is stretchered out. HHH/Taker toss BDV and then square off. They're about to go at it when Khali hooks the vice grip on HHH from behind.
In The Ring: Taker, Flair, CM Punk, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#22 - Shelton Benjamin
Shelton struts down the aisle, springboards for a fancy entry, gets caught on the shoulders of Punk who delivers the Go To Sleep that sends Shelton back over the ropes to the floor. Flair low blows Khalit to break the vice grip. Finlay and Khali square off. Taker and Punk square off in a striking battle. Taker gets the best of it and has Punk near elimination when two masked guys [Edgeheads] hit the ring and toss both Taker/Punk over the ropes, eliminating both of them. Flair/Finlay/HHH trying to take out Khali.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#23 - Chuck Palumbo
Palumbo tries to help eliminate Khali, Khali shoves them all off. Khali almost tosses Flair but he manages to stay on the apron. Khali battering Flair on the apron, trying to knock him to the floor. HHH makes the save.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo
#24 - Mick Foley
Foley hits the ring as the house of fire, taking down everyone... and getting the head chop from Khali to lay him out. Khali standing tall alone in the middle of the ring.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo, Foley
#25 - Hornswoggle
Hornswoggle takes his sweet time getting down the aisle as Khali is the only one standing. Eventually, Khali's translator charges out and hurls the midget into the ring. Khali towers over him, grabs him in the double choke. Foley and Finlay with a double low blow on Khali. They work over the big man... trying to eliminate with double clotheslines.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo, Foley, Hornswoggle
#26 - Jamie Noble
Noble hits the ring, eliminates Palumbo, then eliminates himself chasing after Palumbo. Regal and Vince make their way down to the ring, "cheering on Hornswoggle" as he gets the chance to kick Khali a few times. Finlay goes for a running clothesline on Khali, Regal pulls down the ropes to eliminate him. Hornswoggle looks scared to death as Finlay/Regal brawl to the back.
In The Ring: Flair, Khali, HHH, Foley, Hornswoggle
#27 - Umaga
Umaga hits the ring and destroys everyone but a dazed Khali and Hornswoggle. Moving in on Hornswoggle, Khali moves in as well. The two meet in the middle with Hornswoggle cowering between them... and actually end up brawling over who gets to beat up Hornswoggle. Vince loses his shit outside the ring.
In The Ring: Flair, Khali, HHH, Foley, Hornswoggle, Umaga
#28 - Batista
JR talks about what a good position Batista is coming in at. With Umaga and Khali brawling by the ropes, Batista somehow manages to upend them both over the ropes for the double elimination. Foley and Hornswoggle are laughing at Khali and Umaga... Umaga storms back in, hits Foley with the Samoan Drop and Samoan Spikes him over the ropes to the floor for an elimination.
In The Ring: Flair, HHH, Hornswoggle, Batista
#29 - Big Show
Big Show is announced by Vince as his "guarantee" that HHH won't be in the main event of Wrestlemania. Show hits the chokeslam on HHH... hits one on Flair... hits one on Batista... Vince screams for him to grab Hornswoggle. He hooks Hornswoggle... biiiiiiig chokeslam. Dumps him over the ropes like trash. Vince is ecstatic, mocking his son... then screaming for Show to finish off HHH as well. Show picks up HHH and sets for another chokeslam... Flair with a crawling low blow to save HHH.
In The Ring: Flair, HHH, Batista, Show
#30 - Santino Marella
Santino is cocky as fuck as he strolls the aisle, slides in, and starts stomping Flair. HHH/Batista doubleteaming the Show. Santino picks up Flair... and gets poked in the eyes before being tossed to the floor. HHH/Batista/Flair working on the Show... Evolution trying to toss the Big Show.
Orton makes his way out on the stage... as does Edge and Chavo, waiting to see who will be the Rumble winner. Taker attacks Edge on the stage, Punk goes after Chavo, chasing them both off. A battered Jeff Hardy staggers out on the stage, Orton backpedals down the aisle. Taker/Edge brawling at ringside. Batista gets distracted, screaming at them both, Flair tosses him over. Batista pulls Flair out, busts open his head on the ringpost. Flair barely moving on the floor, soaked with blood. JR says he hasn't been eliminated but he can't get back in the ring.
Show/HHH working each other over. Show hooks for the chokeslam... HHH goes low, hooks for the Pedigree... gets backdropped over the top to the floor. HHH eliminated! Show's music plays, Vince celebrating in the ring with him but a bloodied Flair rolls back in, chops down Vince. Chops on the Show, backing him down... Show hooks for a chokeslam... HHH rolls back in, sledge hammer to the back of the head. Flair pulls down the top rope and heaves...
FLAIR WINS THE RUMBLE!
A bloodied Flair celebrates with HHH in the ring as Vince fumes over his unconscious "guarantee" and we fade to black with JR screaming, "RIC FLAIR IS GOING TO THE MAIN EVENT OF WRESTLEMANIA AND FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE NIGHT, HE _IS_ THE MAN!"
Fade out.
Show opens with the traditional hype piece putting over the Rumble and all the people who've gone on to win the World Title at Mania after winning the Rumble.
Pyro and ballyhoo!
MVP vs Flair kicks off the show. It's a sprint with a lot of near falls by MVP before a ref bump. Matt Hardy runs in, Twist of Fate, Flair gets the pin to avoid having to retire in about 12 minutes.
Backstage bit with Jeff and Matt Hardy. Matt tells Jeff to take the title from Orton for him and reminds him that he gets the first shot. Jeff promises to "take it to the extreme" to win the gold. Edge walks in on the brothers and makes a few negative comments before excusing himself for his title match.
Smackdown Title Match - Edge vs Rey Misterio Jr.
This should be a great match. The story of the match should be Edge using the Edgeheads to his advantage and Rey Jr. fighting a numbers game. Vickie should also be at ringside. At a key point about 3/4 through the match, Rey should go for a big dive onto the Edgeheads... who spill into Vickie, taking her out too. The Edgeheads take Vickie to the locker room, leaving it one on one. Lots of Rey Jr. nearfalls culminate in a ducked 619 turned into a schoolboy with the feet on the ropes for an old school heel victory in about 19 minutes.
Backstage piece with Vince in Flair's locker room. Flair looks exhausted. Vince congratulates him on his win over MVP but informs him that he's signed another Career Threatening match for him for tomorrow night on Raw... against a mystery opponent. "So, I hope you're feeling up to it after tonight. Cause you see, there's still a few spots left in the Rumble... and one of them is yours. But don't worry. Your career's not on the line in the Rumble... just what's left of your body."
Backstage piece with people drawing numbers. Santino makes Maria pick for him and seems happy with his pick. Holly and Rhodes make their picks and Holly slaps him hard on the chest with a "See you out there, partner." Chuck Palumbo makes his pick, Noble charges in and jumps him. Total brawl in the picking room knocking over the number holder as we cut back to ringside.
JBL/Jericho hype piece.
Chris Jericho vs JBL
Super elaborate JBL entrance. Total brawl from the get-go. All over the place. The ref "uses discretion" to let it go. JBL gets the camera cable to "hang" Jericho again but Chris fights back, gets the cable, and gets the DQ when he won't let go of JBL. Jericho has to be dragged off of JBL to end the match in about 11 minutes.
Backstage piece with Vince screaming at the GMs about being unable to control their talent. Points out the Palumbo/Noble brawl and what just happened with Jericho as evidence. He's ranting and raving... Triple H enters. Triple H makes his pick and smirks... insulting Vince as he leaves. HBK enters, rinse and repeat. Ron Simmons makes his pick as does Foley and Batista, both who take verbal shots at Vince before the leave which gets us a "DAMN!" before we go back to the ring.
Raw Title Match - Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy
One of the most eagerly anticipated title matches in a long time should live up to the hype. We should see Orton dominate the majority of the match after a missed high-risk move. But Jeff should just keep kicking out. RKO... foot on the ropes. Head kick avoided for a rollup, etc. In the end, Jeff should hit the Twist of Fate, hit the Swanton, but Randy pops a shoulder out just in time. Jeff goes to the floor, pulls out a ladder. JR/King question the legality of a ladder being used if he doesn't hit Orton with it. Jeff leaps off the ladder for a Swanton, comes up empty. Randy throws an arm over him to barely escape with the World Title. I really want Jeff to win but I'll sacrifice it for what's to come. [SIDE NOTE: I'd have Orton declare on Raw the next night that Jeff Hardy is a menace to society and that he will never receive another World Title shot at Orton. This should lead nicely to Hardy continuing his hot streak and being the obvious top challenger but having to win Money In The Bank to get his title shot (which he would of course)]
Backstage, Vince is giving Hornswoggle a "peptalk" when Finlay enters. Finlay reminds Vince of their deal - Vince flips his shit. Khali comes to make his pick, leaves. Henry/BDV come to make their pick, Hornswoggle hides behind Finlay. Vince says it's going to be an interesting night. Finlay/Hornswoggle leave. Regal rushes in to tell Vince that "he's here... Triple H doesn't stand a chance now." Vince gets the big grin and says, "It's going to be a VERY interesting night."
RUMBLE!
Fink goes over the rules, both feet touch the floor, over the top, etc. EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF! And the man who drew #1...
#1 - Bob Holly
JR/Tazz are the announcers for it. JR puts over how tough Holly is and if anyone could go "coast to coast", it would be him. Tazz points out that people have won it from the #1 spot before.
#2 - Cody Rhodes
Cody looks exciting but a little nervous as Holly starts pacing the ring. The tag champs square off and Cody offers a handshake as the bell rings... only to get chopped down to the mat. Holly beats down Cody for a bit but Cody fires back. They trade near eliminations as the countdown starts.
#3 - The Miz
Miz walks right into a beatdown from the Raw tag champs. No offense at all from the Miz but he manages to avoid being eliminated as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz
#4 - John Morrison
JR questions the wisdom of the slo-mo entrance when his tag partner is about to be eliminated. Morrison eventually reaches the ring and helps the Miz. A nice little squareoff between the two tag champs is a stalemate as the countdown starts up. Tazz speculates that someone will tip the balance here.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz, Morrison
#5 - Tommy Dreamer
Dreamer races in and true to "Every man for himself" take a shot at each of the four men in there. JR questions the wisdom of that strategy. Tommy working over the Miz in the corner as Rhodes/Holly works on Morrison, trying to push him out.
In The Ring: Holly, Rhodes, Miz, Morrison, Dreamer
#6 - Kane
The Big Red Machine hits the ring, immediately throws out Tommy and The Miz. Holly follows shortly after. Cody/Morrison working together to try and toss Kane as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Rhodes, Morrison, Kane
#7 - Mark Henry
Henry joins the fray, tossing Rhodes/Morrison aside to beat down Kane. The two big men beat the hell out of each other as Morrison bumps all over the place making Cody look like a king.
In The Ring: Rhodes, Morrison, Kane, Henry
#8 - Big Daddy V
BDV makes an immediate impact, tossing both Rhodes and Morrison to the floor. Henry/BDV working over Kane with big power moves.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV
#9 - Ron Simmons
Simmons gets a brief power rally, even hitting the spinebuster on Henry but gets leveled from behind by BDV, gets an elbow dropped on him and tossed to the floor. Big splash on Kane as the time ticks down.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV
#10 - The Undertaker
Crowd goes apeshit for Taker as he hits the ring, working on both Henry and BDV. Kane eventually rallies to his feet and the Brothers of Destruction tee off on Striker's boys.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker
#11 - Snitzky
Snitzky joins in on the side of Striker's boys, helping work over Kane and Taker.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Snitzky
#12 - Ric Flair
Flair walks into the lion's den with so many big bodies in the ring. JR talks about how Flair went the hour in the past but Tazz points out how long ago it was. Flair looks weary already but he goes immediately into action with chops on any open chest. Gets caught by a big boot from Snitzky to cut off the offense as time ticks down.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Snitzky, Flair
#13 - Sgt. Slaughter
Slaughter gets a huge pop as he slowly makes his way to the ring, immediately hitting offense on the heels. Hooking the Cobra Clutch on Snitzky... Flair tosses them both from behind. Turns around to a goozle from Taker... Flair drops to a knee and low blows Taker.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair
#14 - Mr. Kennedy
Kennedy takes a shot at anyone standing, totally disregarding any potential allies. Suddenly, he finds himself ganged up on by all five. Kane chokeslams, Henry powerslams, BDV drops an elbow, Flair drops a knee. Taker picks up for the Tombstone as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy
#15 - MVP
MVP sprints to the ring and goes after Flair. Everyone pairs off for a while with Henry/BDV trying to push Kane over the top.
In The Ring: Kane, Henry, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP
#16 - CM Punk
Punk goes after MVP, saving Flair, some offense on MVP and Kennedy but gets caught from behind by BDV as Taker saves Kane. Taker/Kane double-up on Henry, throwing him from the ring with a double chokeslammish move.
In The Ring: Kane, BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP, CM Punk
#17 - Shawn Michaels
Michaels tears into action, hitting SCM on Kane to eliminate him. Hits one on MVP to knock him over the top but he skins the cat to get back in. Kennedy clips him from behind, beating him down. As the countdown starts, Taker and Punk are working on BDV, Kennedy's working over HBK, MVP and Flair are going at it.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, MVP, CM Punk, HBK
#18 - Finlay
Finlay enters the ring as a house of fire, saving Flair and sending MVP out to the floor. He helps Taker/Punk with BDV as the countdown starts.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay
#19 - Great Khali
Khali levels people with the big chop until he's standing all alone. He tries to toss HBK but Punk and Flair help. Taker and BDV working each other over again. Kennedy tries to help Khali but gets thrown aside for his help.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, Kennedy, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay, Khali
#20 - Triple H
HHH is in a fury as he hits the ring, immediately drills everyone in the ring save HBK and Flair. HBK grabs a wobbly Kennedy and hurls him over the ropes to the floor. Triple H and Khali going at it as the countdown goes.
In The Ring: BDV, Taker, Flair, CM Punk, HBK, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#21 - Carlito
Carlito struts down the aisle, steps in, gets popped by HHH and goes back out for a super quick elimination. HBK hits a SCM on Khali to knock him back against the ropes. He sets for another one but Kennedy reaches back in, drags him over the top to eliminate. Kennedy beats down HBK very badly on the floor, smashing his knee with the steel steps repeatedly. HBK is stretchered out. HHH/Taker toss BDV and then square off. They're about to go at it when Khali hooks the vice grip on HHH from behind.
In The Ring: Taker, Flair, CM Punk, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#22 - Shelton Benjamin
Shelton struts down the aisle, springboards for a fancy entry, gets caught on the shoulders of Punk who delivers the Go To Sleep that sends Shelton back over the ropes to the floor. Flair low blows Khalit to break the vice grip. Finlay and Khali square off. Taker and Punk square off in a striking battle. Taker gets the best of it and has Punk near elimination when two masked guys [Edgeheads] hit the ring and toss both Taker/Punk over the ropes, eliminating both of them. Flair/Finlay/HHH trying to take out Khali.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH
#23 - Chuck Palumbo
Palumbo tries to help eliminate Khali, Khali shoves them all off. Khali almost tosses Flair but he manages to stay on the apron. Khali battering Flair on the apron, trying to knock him to the floor. HHH makes the save.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo
#24 - Mick Foley
Foley hits the ring as the house of fire, taking down everyone... and getting the head chop from Khali to lay him out. Khali standing tall alone in the middle of the ring.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo, Foley
#25 - Hornswoggle
Hornswoggle takes his sweet time getting down the aisle as Khali is the only one standing. Eventually, Khali's translator charges out and hurls the midget into the ring. Khali towers over him, grabs him in the double choke. Foley and Finlay with a double low blow on Khali. They work over the big man... trying to eliminate with double clotheslines.
In The Ring: Flair, Finlay, Khali, HHH, Palumbo, Foley, Hornswoggle
#26 - Jamie Noble
Noble hits the ring, eliminates Palumbo, then eliminates himself chasing after Palumbo. Regal and Vince make their way down to the ring, "cheering on Hornswoggle" as he gets the chance to kick Khali a few times. Finlay goes for a running clothesline on Khali, Regal pulls down the ropes to eliminate him. Hornswoggle looks scared to death as Finlay/Regal brawl to the back.
In The Ring: Flair, Khali, HHH, Foley, Hornswoggle
#27 - Umaga
Umaga hits the ring and destroys everyone but a dazed Khali and Hornswoggle. Moving in on Hornswoggle, Khali moves in as well. The two meet in the middle with Hornswoggle cowering between them... and actually end up brawling over who gets to beat up Hornswoggle. Vince loses his shit outside the ring.
In The Ring: Flair, Khali, HHH, Foley, Hornswoggle, Umaga
#28 - Batista
JR talks about what a good position Batista is coming in at. With Umaga and Khali brawling by the ropes, Batista somehow manages to upend them both over the ropes for the double elimination. Foley and Hornswoggle are laughing at Khali and Umaga... Umaga storms back in, hits Foley with the Samoan Drop and Samoan Spikes him over the ropes to the floor for an elimination.
In The Ring: Flair, HHH, Hornswoggle, Batista
#29 - Big Show
Big Show is announced by Vince as his "guarantee" that HHH won't be in the main event of Wrestlemania. Show hits the chokeslam on HHH... hits one on Flair... hits one on Batista... Vince screams for him to grab Hornswoggle. He hooks Hornswoggle... biiiiiiig chokeslam. Dumps him over the ropes like trash. Vince is ecstatic, mocking his son... then screaming for Show to finish off HHH as well. Show picks up HHH and sets for another chokeslam... Flair with a crawling low blow to save HHH.
In The Ring: Flair, HHH, Batista, Show
#30 - Santino Marella
Santino is cocky as fuck as he strolls the aisle, slides in, and starts stomping Flair. HHH/Batista doubleteaming the Show. Santino picks up Flair... and gets poked in the eyes before being tossed to the floor. HHH/Batista/Flair working on the Show... Evolution trying to toss the Big Show.
Orton makes his way out on the stage... as does Edge and Chavo, waiting to see who will be the Rumble winner. Taker attacks Edge on the stage, Punk goes after Chavo, chasing them both off. A battered Jeff Hardy staggers out on the stage, Orton backpedals down the aisle. Taker/Edge brawling at ringside. Batista gets distracted, screaming at them both, Flair tosses him over. Batista pulls Flair out, busts open his head on the ringpost. Flair barely moving on the floor, soaked with blood. JR says he hasn't been eliminated but he can't get back in the ring.
Show/HHH working each other over. Show hooks for the chokeslam... HHH goes low, hooks for the Pedigree... gets backdropped over the top to the floor. HHH eliminated! Show's music plays, Vince celebrating in the ring with him but a bloodied Flair rolls back in, chops down Vince. Chops on the Show, backing him down... Show hooks for a chokeslam... HHH rolls back in, sledge hammer to the back of the head. Flair pulls down the top rope and heaves...
FLAIR WINS THE RUMBLE!
A bloodied Flair celebrates with HHH in the ring as Vince fumes over his unconscious "guarantee" and we fade to black with JR screaming, "RIC FLAIR IS GOING TO THE MAIN EVENT OF WRESTLEMANIA AND FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE NIGHT, HE _IS_ THE MAN!"
Fade out.
2008-01-26
Rumblin' Rumblin' Rumblin' Rawhide
So, I was delaying doing this as the WWE has another five entries into the Rumble to announce but I may not get a chance tomorrow so I'm going to assume none of those five will be a surprise winner.
This year, we have a little bit of a fuzzy picture with the Orton/Hardy match. As much as I'd love to see it and will mark like a school girl if it happens, I just don't see Jeff picking up the gold. So, these picks are done assuming Orton and Edge are your champs.
Without further adieu, my annual Rumble picks...
First, my picks for the "surprise entrants." We go into Sunday morning with five open spots. I'm picking a returning Big Show for one, Legends Slaughter and Simmons, and pulling double-duty Flair and MVP. I'll include them in my breakdown.
The Bottom Of The Barrel
----
Bob Holly - he's good for a beatdown spot on Cody to put over the "Every man for himself" but he's not gonna sniff victory
Cody Rhodes - See above
The Miz - he and Morrison might do the partners beating each other up spot instead but nothing will ever match Ax and Smash beating each other up in '89.
Snitsky - I miss babykicking Snitsky
Carlito - Ahhh, how the mighty have fallen.
Santino Marella - he's got the gimmick and the character down but the ringwork won't hold up yet
Tommy Dreamer - not even sure how Tommy gets in there but he's got no chance
Chuck Palumbo - Nice angle on Smackdown but feuding with Jamie Noble doesn't line you up for the World Title
Jamie Noble - insert "Palumbo" in the sentence above
Sgt. Slaughter - do I need to explain this?
Ron Simmons - DAMN!
What's Left Of the Glass
----
Mark Henry - I think they're past the Henry as World Title contender phase. He should get a couple nice power eliminations but nothing of note.
Kane - Kane has gotten to the spot where he almost gets a World Title program every year or two but he'd never be considered as a Rumble winner unless the perfect angle came up or perhaps if he was retiring.
John Morrison - I think Morrison is a future superstar for the WWE but this year, he's just a part of a very entertaining tag team and doesn't stand much hope unless they decide to really put over ECW and let Morrison challenge for that title at Mania.
Shelton Benjamin - He's getting a pretty good push but unless ECW is in for a big push, not going to happen this year.
Getting Closer
----
Mick Foley - I suppose it's always possible that we might see Foley challenge for a big title again but most likely he's there for a comedy spot, add some star power, and possibly set up a Mania match if there's one to be done [I vote Foley/Umaga Street Fight.]
Finlay - The only thing that gives Finlay an outside chance is the Vince angle but I can't imagine Finlay/Orton or Finlay/Edge main eventing Mania. His purpose in the Rumble is to do most of the work for Hornswoggle to set up whatever angle that's going to develop.
Mr. Kennedy - If he hadn't had the suspension, I would say it might be possible. But he got sidetracked so badly because of it, he still hasn't recovered.
Great Khali - He's there for the giant spots. Nothing more. Some big elims. A lot of Finlay/Hornswoggle interactions. But he's not getting the World Title match on the big show.
Big Daddy V - See above minus the Irishmen.
MVP - I think MVP is destined to finish the Matt Hardy angle at Mania so this isn't his year... maybe next year.
Big Show - if he's in this, I'd say he's Regal and Vince's attempt to eliminate HHH from the match. He might be there at the end but he's not winning it.
Almost There
----
Umaga - The only chance he has is if Rey or Hardy pull off wins. Hardy's his best chance but even with that, I can't imagine they'd run this match again already. It'd be a great one but not likely.
CM Punk - Again, unless ECW is getting a huge push with the Rumble winner picking an ECW Title shot, I just don't think Punk is there yet. A couple more years under his belt, perhaps.
Hornswoggle - I just can't see it. I can imagine Vince finding it funny as shit to do but I can't imagine it happening. He'll get pretty deep I'd imagine but he'll get eliminated in some screwy fashion... maybe Vince doing it himself for "tough love"
The Top 5
----
In the end, there's really only five guys who seem like they stand a chance.
The Undertaker - winner last year... readymade revenge match with Edge for the ultimate undefeated at Mania showdown. It just seems to fit perfectly. I'm not fond of back-to-back Rumble wins though.
Triple H - Triple H vs Orton? Check. HHH vs Hardy? Check. HHH vs Edge would actually be pretty incredible but I don't think they're going that way. HHH has to be the odds-on-favorite to be in the RAW title match at Mania.
Shawn Michaels - There's a chance. I'd say it's slim. I really think we're heading all the way to Mania with HBK/Kennedy. I'd expect those two to eliminate each other. Maybe Kennedy lays in a post-elim beatdown that puts HBK on the shelf for six weeks or so to give a break before the heatup. But HBK/Edge, HBK/Rey, HBK/Hardy would all work for me. And they never really did finish HBK/Orton. Not a bad option but I don't think it'll happen.
Batista - I don't really want another Batista/Edge match. Batista/Orton could be possible, I guess. Batista turning heel on his "best friend" Rey would work for me too. He's got a decent chance.
Ric Flair - I know, I know. It's the sentiment in me. If Flair's last match is going to be at Mania, how could it be any better than for it to be a World Title match. If it's me, I have Flair win the World Title in the last match at Mania in a bloodbath, give a tearful retirement speech, and have a tournament over the next month leading to Backlash for the gold. I mean... it's Ric Flair, dammit. He's going into the HOF at Mania hopefully so Rumble win, HOF entry, title win at Mania. Have him announce he's retiring at Mania win-lose-or-draw. It's just too perfect.
Who Will Win: The Undertaker
Who Should Win: Ric Flair
Those are my picks and I'm stickin' to it!
This year, we have a little bit of a fuzzy picture with the Orton/Hardy match. As much as I'd love to see it and will mark like a school girl if it happens, I just don't see Jeff picking up the gold. So, these picks are done assuming Orton and Edge are your champs.
Without further adieu, my annual Rumble picks...
First, my picks for the "surprise entrants." We go into Sunday morning with five open spots. I'm picking a returning Big Show for one, Legends Slaughter and Simmons, and pulling double-duty Flair and MVP. I'll include them in my breakdown.
The Bottom Of The Barrel
----
Bob Holly - he's good for a beatdown spot on Cody to put over the "Every man for himself" but he's not gonna sniff victory
Cody Rhodes - See above
The Miz - he and Morrison might do the partners beating each other up spot instead but nothing will ever match Ax and Smash beating each other up in '89.
Snitsky - I miss babykicking Snitsky
Carlito - Ahhh, how the mighty have fallen.
Santino Marella - he's got the gimmick and the character down but the ringwork won't hold up yet
Tommy Dreamer - not even sure how Tommy gets in there but he's got no chance
Chuck Palumbo - Nice angle on Smackdown but feuding with Jamie Noble doesn't line you up for the World Title
Jamie Noble - insert "Palumbo" in the sentence above
Sgt. Slaughter - do I need to explain this?
Ron Simmons - DAMN!
What's Left Of the Glass
----
Mark Henry - I think they're past the Henry as World Title contender phase. He should get a couple nice power eliminations but nothing of note.
Kane - Kane has gotten to the spot where he almost gets a World Title program every year or two but he'd never be considered as a Rumble winner unless the perfect angle came up or perhaps if he was retiring.
John Morrison - I think Morrison is a future superstar for the WWE but this year, he's just a part of a very entertaining tag team and doesn't stand much hope unless they decide to really put over ECW and let Morrison challenge for that title at Mania.
Shelton Benjamin - He's getting a pretty good push but unless ECW is in for a big push, not going to happen this year.
Getting Closer
----
Mick Foley - I suppose it's always possible that we might see Foley challenge for a big title again but most likely he's there for a comedy spot, add some star power, and possibly set up a Mania match if there's one to be done [I vote Foley/Umaga Street Fight.]
Finlay - The only thing that gives Finlay an outside chance is the Vince angle but I can't imagine Finlay/Orton or Finlay/Edge main eventing Mania. His purpose in the Rumble is to do most of the work for Hornswoggle to set up whatever angle that's going to develop.
Mr. Kennedy - If he hadn't had the suspension, I would say it might be possible. But he got sidetracked so badly because of it, he still hasn't recovered.
Great Khali - He's there for the giant spots. Nothing more. Some big elims. A lot of Finlay/Hornswoggle interactions. But he's not getting the World Title match on the big show.
Big Daddy V - See above minus the Irishmen.
MVP - I think MVP is destined to finish the Matt Hardy angle at Mania so this isn't his year... maybe next year.
Big Show - if he's in this, I'd say he's Regal and Vince's attempt to eliminate HHH from the match. He might be there at the end but he's not winning it.
Almost There
----
Umaga - The only chance he has is if Rey or Hardy pull off wins. Hardy's his best chance but even with that, I can't imagine they'd run this match again already. It'd be a great one but not likely.
CM Punk - Again, unless ECW is getting a huge push with the Rumble winner picking an ECW Title shot, I just don't think Punk is there yet. A couple more years under his belt, perhaps.
Hornswoggle - I just can't see it. I can imagine Vince finding it funny as shit to do but I can't imagine it happening. He'll get pretty deep I'd imagine but he'll get eliminated in some screwy fashion... maybe Vince doing it himself for "tough love"
The Top 5
----
In the end, there's really only five guys who seem like they stand a chance.
The Undertaker - winner last year... readymade revenge match with Edge for the ultimate undefeated at Mania showdown. It just seems to fit perfectly. I'm not fond of back-to-back Rumble wins though.
Triple H - Triple H vs Orton? Check. HHH vs Hardy? Check. HHH vs Edge would actually be pretty incredible but I don't think they're going that way. HHH has to be the odds-on-favorite to be in the RAW title match at Mania.
Shawn Michaels - There's a chance. I'd say it's slim. I really think we're heading all the way to Mania with HBK/Kennedy. I'd expect those two to eliminate each other. Maybe Kennedy lays in a post-elim beatdown that puts HBK on the shelf for six weeks or so to give a break before the heatup. But HBK/Edge, HBK/Rey, HBK/Hardy would all work for me. And they never really did finish HBK/Orton. Not a bad option but I don't think it'll happen.
Batista - I don't really want another Batista/Edge match. Batista/Orton could be possible, I guess. Batista turning heel on his "best friend" Rey would work for me too. He's got a decent chance.
Ric Flair - I know, I know. It's the sentiment in me. If Flair's last match is going to be at Mania, how could it be any better than for it to be a World Title match. If it's me, I have Flair win the World Title in the last match at Mania in a bloodbath, give a tearful retirement speech, and have a tournament over the next month leading to Backlash for the gold. I mean... it's Ric Flair, dammit. He's going into the HOF at Mania hopefully so Rumble win, HOF entry, title win at Mania. Have him announce he's retiring at Mania win-lose-or-draw. It's just too perfect.
Who Will Win: The Undertaker
Who Should Win: Ric Flair
Those are my picks and I'm stickin' to it!
2008-01-24
Fight Night Picks In Review
Ahhh, much better.
Final results?
Out of nine fights, I picked 7 out of 9 winners correctly for a .778 score. Not too shabby.
Moneywise, I was perfect on the night betting $100 and getting a profit of $67.
Picks Average For This Show: .778 (7 out of 9)
Picks Average For The Year: .500 (9 out of 18)
Money For This Show: +$67
Money For The Year: +$57
Next show is the big PPV with Brock Lesnar's debut against Frank Mir and Noguiera vs Sylvia for the interim heavyweight title. Should be an interesting show coming up on Super Bowl weekend. Check back a couple days before for all the picks.
Final results?
Out of nine fights, I picked 7 out of 9 winners correctly for a .778 score. Not too shabby.
Moneywise, I was perfect on the night betting $100 and getting a profit of $67.
Picks Average For This Show: .778 (7 out of 9)
Picks Average For The Year: .500 (9 out of 18)
Money For This Show: +$67
Money For The Year: +$57
Next show is the big PPV with Brock Lesnar's debut against Frank Mir and Noguiera vs Sylvia for the interim heavyweight title. Should be an interesting show coming up on Super Bowl weekend. Check back a couple days before for all the picks.
2008-01-23
Random randomness
Got nothing big to write about today so here's a few random observations just to keep me active.
** The weather forecast is calling for rain every day until next Tuesday. And they say it never rains in Southern California. Well, Toni Tony Tone does anyways. Whatever happened to them?
** Bobby Lashley apparently requested to be released from his WWE contract today. No big loss as he never developed into the worker they thought he would. I suppose he still could but it's probably not likely. He's rumored to be looking into MMA as a new career option. Good grief.
** Rumors run wild that Brock Lesnar is penciled into headlining UFC 86 in a few months. Seriously? Talk about counting your chickens. I'm rooting for Brock against Mir just in hopes of seeing Lesnar vs Cro Cop but the sadist in me would like to see Lesnar submitted in 30 seconds just to punish him for his lack of gratitude to the WWE.
** Royal Rumble's this weekend. I'll be doing my annual Rumble predictions whenever the final lineup is released... hopefully soon.
** Lakers are leading the Spurs after one quarter as I write this. It's gonna be a two month dogfight for them to stay in a good playoff position as they wait for Bynum and Ariza to recover. Such a shame. They were really looking good.
** Don Mattingly is out already as the Dodgers hitting coach. Apparently he's having some family issues so he was re-assigned to a "special assignment" coach. So much for being the heir apparent, I guess. Hard to be groomed by Torre for the manager's job when apparently you won't be in the dugout most of the year.
** Good review for Rambo on AICN today. I've never seen any of the Rambo movies but I may have to change that in the near future.
** AICN also confirmed that Heath Ledger completed all his post-prod work on The Dark Knight so it'll be the final film to have a full Ledger performance in it. The autopsy came back inconclusive so they have to dig a little deeper [no pun intended.] We're thinking of having a Ledger movie night just to pay a little respect.
** Finished the second book in the Eragon trilogy the other day. It was okay. I was slapped across the face about 3/4 of the way through by how much of a Star Wars backbone it has. Almost too much. I suppose it's difficult to write a sci-fi/fantasy without either ripping off Star Wars or LOTR but man... this guy is blatant in a lot of ways. You have to be impressed that he was published so young but still... annoying.
** Almost time to reserve rooms for Comic-Con. The past year or so it has become increasingly hard to duck out of the Hollywood panels to some of the smaller comic panels even though there's always stuff I want to see. This year might not be so hard though as I haven't bought comics in probably six months. And after reading some of the stuff going on in Spidey, I'm pretty happy about that.
** The weather forecast is calling for rain every day until next Tuesday. And they say it never rains in Southern California. Well, Toni Tony Tone does anyways. Whatever happened to them?
** Bobby Lashley apparently requested to be released from his WWE contract today. No big loss as he never developed into the worker they thought he would. I suppose he still could but it's probably not likely. He's rumored to be looking into MMA as a new career option. Good grief.
** Rumors run wild that Brock Lesnar is penciled into headlining UFC 86 in a few months. Seriously? Talk about counting your chickens. I'm rooting for Brock against Mir just in hopes of seeing Lesnar vs Cro Cop but the sadist in me would like to see Lesnar submitted in 30 seconds just to punish him for his lack of gratitude to the WWE.
** Royal Rumble's this weekend. I'll be doing my annual Rumble predictions whenever the final lineup is released... hopefully soon.
** Lakers are leading the Spurs after one quarter as I write this. It's gonna be a two month dogfight for them to stay in a good playoff position as they wait for Bynum and Ariza to recover. Such a shame. They were really looking good.
** Don Mattingly is out already as the Dodgers hitting coach. Apparently he's having some family issues so he was re-assigned to a "special assignment" coach. So much for being the heir apparent, I guess. Hard to be groomed by Torre for the manager's job when apparently you won't be in the dugout most of the year.
** Good review for Rambo on AICN today. I've never seen any of the Rambo movies but I may have to change that in the near future.
** AICN also confirmed that Heath Ledger completed all his post-prod work on The Dark Knight so it'll be the final film to have a full Ledger performance in it. The autopsy came back inconclusive so they have to dig a little deeper [no pun intended.] We're thinking of having a Ledger movie night just to pay a little respect.
** Finished the second book in the Eragon trilogy the other day. It was okay. I was slapped across the face about 3/4 of the way through by how much of a Star Wars backbone it has. Almost too much. I suppose it's difficult to write a sci-fi/fantasy without either ripping off Star Wars or LOTR but man... this guy is blatant in a lot of ways. You have to be impressed that he was published so young but still... annoying.
** Almost time to reserve rooms for Comic-Con. The past year or so it has become increasingly hard to duck out of the Hollywood panels to some of the smaller comic panels even though there's always stuff I want to see. This year might not be so hard though as I haven't bought comics in probably six months. And after reading some of the stuff going on in Spidey, I'm pretty happy about that.
2008-01-22
Heath Ledger found dead
Man, that's a bit of a surprise. I mean... there are certain deaths you expect to come at any moment. I've been expecting Britney to either OD or kill herself for a few months now so I'm prepared for that one. This one surprises me.
And yes, as the comic book guy, my immediate curiosity is how it affects The Dark Knight. That probably shouldn't be my reaction that quickly but I'll be honest and admit that it is. From AICN, it sounds like all the initial shooting is done but it's unclear how much post is done. Not sure what his role in the planned third movie [if any] was planned to be either. From all accounts, Ledger may have knocked this role out of the park so it's always sad to see a talented actor on the verge of even greater superstardom crash and burn.
Oh, and of course, there are drugs on the scene. Read into that what you will, I guess.
Never saw Brokeback or A Knight's Tale so until The Dark Knight hits the screen, the first Ledger scene that will always come to mind is him singing and dancing in the football stadium in 10 Things I Hate About You.
Anyways... just a few quick thoughts on the matter.
R.I.P. Heath Ledger
And yes, as the comic book guy, my immediate curiosity is how it affects The Dark Knight. That probably shouldn't be my reaction that quickly but I'll be honest and admit that it is. From AICN, it sounds like all the initial shooting is done but it's unclear how much post is done. Not sure what his role in the planned third movie [if any] was planned to be either. From all accounts, Ledger may have knocked this role out of the park so it's always sad to see a talented actor on the verge of even greater superstardom crash and burn.
Oh, and of course, there are drugs on the scene. Read into that what you will, I guess.
Never saw Brokeback or A Knight's Tale so until The Dark Knight hits the screen, the first Ledger scene that will always come to mind is him singing and dancing in the football stadium in 10 Things I Hate About You.
Anyways... just a few quick thoughts on the matter.
R.I.P. Heath Ledger
Picks Again
Alright, let's try this again...
UFC Fight Night 12
Date: Jan. 23, 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Venue: The Palms
Broadcast: Spike TV
MAIN CARD
* Josh Burkman vs. Mike Swick
* Patrick Côté vs. Drew McFedries
* Nate Diaz vs. Alvin Robinson
* Thiago Tavares vs. Michihiro Omigawa
PRELIMINARY CARD
* Alberto Crane vs. Kurt Pellegrino
* Gray Maynard vs. Dennis Siver
* Cole Miller vs. Jeremy Stephens
* Corey Hill vs. Joe Veres
* Justin Buchholz vs. Matt Wiman
Justin Buchholz vs. Matt Wiman
Odds: No action being taken
My memory sparks at Matt Wiman's name. A quick look shows him at 8-3 with nothing really impressive on his record. He's coming off two wins in a row. Bucholz is 7-1 with nothing really standing out for him either. Four straight wins for him. Not much to on on here.
MY PICK: Justin Bucholz by TKO in Rd 1
Corey Hill vs Joe Veres
Odds: No action being taken
Corey Hill was that lanky mofo from TUF. Veres is 4-2 with his last loss being a 9 second KO to Gray Maynard.
MY PICK: Corey Hill by TKO in Rd 2
Cole Miller vs Jeremy Stephens
Odds: No action being taken
Miller is 13-2 with 4 straight wins. Stephens is 12-2 with 2 straight and his last loss coming to Din Thomas. This looks pretty close actually. Miller has a lot of submission wins, Stephens has a lot of TKOs.
MY PICK: Cole Miller by decision
Gray Maynard vs. Dennis Siver
Odds: No action being taken
Siver is 11-4 with nothing of note in his record. Maynard's 3-0 with no big wins either. This could go either way. I always thought Maynard looked like he should be a badass so I'll go that way.
MY PICK: Gray Maynard by TKO in Rd 2
Alberto Crane vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Odds: No action being taken
Crane is 8-1 with the loss coming to Huerta back in August in his UFC debut. No shame in losing to Huerta. Pellegrino is 10-3 with losses to Joe Daddy and Drew Fickett. Both are coming off losses.
MY PICK: Kurt Pellegrino by submission [armbar] in Rd 2
MAIN CARD
Thiago Tavares vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Odds: No action being taken
Omigawa is 4-5. Pretty rare that someone with a losing record pops up on a UFC show. He does have a win in the past over Aoki though and is a Yoshida student. Tavares is 12-1 coming off a loss to Tyson Griffin.
MY PICK: Thiago Tavares by submission [armbar] in Rd 1
Nate Diaz vs Alvin Robinson
Odds: Diaz at -165, Robinson at +135
Robinson is 9-2 coming off a win over Jorge Gurgel. Nate Diaz is 7-2 coming off a two win streak incl. the TUF Finale.
MY PICK: Diaz by decision
BETTING: $10 on Diaz to win $6
Patrick Côté vs. Drew McFedries
Odds: Cote at -125, Drew at -105
Cote is 11-4 on a three fight win streak and coming off a win over Kendall Grove. McFedries is 6-2 with the losses coming to Nate Quarry and Martin Kampmann.
MY PICK: Cote by TKO in Rd 2
BETTING: $40 on Cote to win $32
Josh Burkman vs. Mike Swick
Odds: -175 for Swick, +135 for Burkman
Burkman is 9-4. His biggest win is probably over Drew Fickett. Swick is 10-2 and was on a 5 fight win streak before the decision loss to Okami. This is Swick's first fight in his new weight class as well.
MY PICK: Swick by TKO in Rd 2
BETTInG: $50 on Swick to win $29
Cross your fingers, folks!
UFC Fight Night 12
Date: Jan. 23, 2008
Location: Las Vegas
Venue: The Palms
Broadcast: Spike TV
MAIN CARD
* Josh Burkman vs. Mike Swick
* Patrick Côté vs. Drew McFedries
* Nate Diaz vs. Alvin Robinson
* Thiago Tavares vs. Michihiro Omigawa
PRELIMINARY CARD
* Alberto Crane vs. Kurt Pellegrino
* Gray Maynard vs. Dennis Siver
* Cole Miller vs. Jeremy Stephens
* Corey Hill vs. Joe Veres
* Justin Buchholz vs. Matt Wiman
Justin Buchholz vs. Matt Wiman
Odds: No action being taken
My memory sparks at Matt Wiman's name. A quick look shows him at 8-3 with nothing really impressive on his record. He's coming off two wins in a row. Bucholz is 7-1 with nothing really standing out for him either. Four straight wins for him. Not much to on on here.
MY PICK: Justin Bucholz by TKO in Rd 1
Corey Hill vs Joe Veres
Odds: No action being taken
Corey Hill was that lanky mofo from TUF. Veres is 4-2 with his last loss being a 9 second KO to Gray Maynard.
MY PICK: Corey Hill by TKO in Rd 2
Cole Miller vs Jeremy Stephens
Odds: No action being taken
Miller is 13-2 with 4 straight wins. Stephens is 12-2 with 2 straight and his last loss coming to Din Thomas. This looks pretty close actually. Miller has a lot of submission wins, Stephens has a lot of TKOs.
MY PICK: Cole Miller by decision
Gray Maynard vs. Dennis Siver
Odds: No action being taken
Siver is 11-4 with nothing of note in his record. Maynard's 3-0 with no big wins either. This could go either way. I always thought Maynard looked like he should be a badass so I'll go that way.
MY PICK: Gray Maynard by TKO in Rd 2
Alberto Crane vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Odds: No action being taken
Crane is 8-1 with the loss coming to Huerta back in August in his UFC debut. No shame in losing to Huerta. Pellegrino is 10-3 with losses to Joe Daddy and Drew Fickett. Both are coming off losses.
MY PICK: Kurt Pellegrino by submission [armbar] in Rd 2
MAIN CARD
Thiago Tavares vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Odds: No action being taken
Omigawa is 4-5. Pretty rare that someone with a losing record pops up on a UFC show. He does have a win in the past over Aoki though and is a Yoshida student. Tavares is 12-1 coming off a loss to Tyson Griffin.
MY PICK: Thiago Tavares by submission [armbar] in Rd 1
Nate Diaz vs Alvin Robinson
Odds: Diaz at -165, Robinson at +135
Robinson is 9-2 coming off a win over Jorge Gurgel. Nate Diaz is 7-2 coming off a two win streak incl. the TUF Finale.
MY PICK: Diaz by decision
BETTING: $10 on Diaz to win $6
Patrick Côté vs. Drew McFedries
Odds: Cote at -125, Drew at -105
Cote is 11-4 on a three fight win streak and coming off a win over Kendall Grove. McFedries is 6-2 with the losses coming to Nate Quarry and Martin Kampmann.
MY PICK: Cote by TKO in Rd 2
BETTING: $40 on Cote to win $32
Josh Burkman vs. Mike Swick
Odds: -175 for Swick, +135 for Burkman
Burkman is 9-4. His biggest win is probably over Drew Fickett. Swick is 10-2 and was on a 5 fight win streak before the decision loss to Okami. This is Swick's first fight in his new weight class as well.
MY PICK: Swick by TKO in Rd 2
BETTInG: $50 on Swick to win $29
Cross your fingers, folks!
2008-01-21
UFC Picks Results
Well, that blew.
The fights weren't very good for the most part but I had a good time watching the show. But man oh man, were my picks all fucked up.
The final results?
Out of nine fights, I picked two winners correctly for a .222 score. I'll keep a running total throughout the year but this is a bad, bad way to start.
Moneywise, I did okay. I started with $100 in bets. I lost $80 on Gonzaga and Stevenson. The $20 that I bet on Rivera as an upset pick landed me $70. So, I total out at $90 for the show, losing only $10.
Picks Average For This Show: .222 (2 out of 9)
Picks Average For The Year: .222 (2 out of 9)
Money For This Show: -$10
Money For The Year: -$10
Next show is Wednesday for Fight Night so check back tomorrow or Wednesday morning for the next batch of picks.
The fights weren't very good for the most part but I had a good time watching the show. But man oh man, were my picks all fucked up.
The final results?
Out of nine fights, I picked two winners correctly for a .222 score. I'll keep a running total throughout the year but this is a bad, bad way to start.
Moneywise, I did okay. I started with $100 in bets. I lost $80 on Gonzaga and Stevenson. The $20 that I bet on Rivera as an upset pick landed me $70. So, I total out at $90 for the show, losing only $10.
Picks Average For This Show: .222 (2 out of 9)
Picks Average For The Year: .222 (2 out of 9)
Money For This Show: -$10
Money For The Year: -$10
Next show is Wednesday for Fight Night so check back tomorrow or Wednesday morning for the next batch of picks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
