tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2817165711589013732024-03-08T18:53:35.246-05:00Do you know what honks me off...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-56221901823642656442018-04-08T16:42:00.000-04:002018-04-08T16:42:38.912-04:00WrestleMania 34 PredictionsI figured for a change I'd actually blog about something that makes me happy and not so depressed. Well, if your a Wrestling fan like I am, today is a HUGE DAY as it's WrestleMania. The biggest wrestling event of the year. So, I thought if anybody is interested I will give you my predictions for WrestleMania.<br />
Let's start with the top matches and work our way down.<br />
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Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar. I don't know for sure if Lesnar is leaving or not for UFC but it seems like Reigns has been the anointed one for forever. I don't even think that some of the WrestleMania crowd will turn on Lesnar. I think Reigns wins The Championship and WrestleMania goes off the air with the crowd booing for the 3rd year in a row.<br />
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Triple H/Stephanie McMahon vs. Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey. I think this could be a good match as I think HHH/Angle will do the heavy lifting. Rousey has been up and down for me as sometimes she's serious and other times she can't smile enough,(see,The Royal Rumble). I do think Angle and Rousey win but I think HHH/McMahon lay out Angle and Rousey maybe setting up a match at Summerslam. I can't see them losing and then what do you do with Rousey in the meantime considering Stephanie is The Commissioner?<br />
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AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. This could be a lot of fun. From what I say, the buildup to this really didn't really blow me over. I think AJ is going to win because I don't think WWE is fully behind Nakamura. He won The Royal Rumble but something has been off since he got to Smackdown. Hasn't helped that his feud Ziggler and Mahal was lousy.<br />
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Shane McMahon/Daniel Bryan vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. It seems WWE finally got the match they wanted. I would think and hope this is the blowoff feud. I've been some that think Shane or Bryan will turn heel. I hope not. Shane is too popular plus I see that on Raw with Stephanie. WWE turning Bryan would make no sense. He is one of the most popular superstars in years. I want to say Shane and Daniel win, Daniel has another feel good moment in The Superdome but something tells me Kevin and Sami might win. What if Shane is taken out and it's 2 on 1? Why not, I'll go with Bryan and Shane to win.<br />
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John Cena vs. The UnderTaker. Obviously The UnderTaker will be there as they've been promoting it. I think Cena has acted like a big baby in this angle. He didn't what he wanted so he challenges The UnderTaker. He did it for himself and not the fans. How many times did he say I don't mind going to WrestleMania as a fan yet he still challenged The UnderTaker. I think Kid Rock plays American Badass and The UnderTaker comes out they have physical, short match, think Goldberg/Lesnar last year and The UnderTaker wins.<br />
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Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair. This, again, could be a show stealer. I don't think they end the streak. Why would they. Say if Charlotte ends The Streak how can Asuka get her revenge if there on different shows? Maybe have Asuka win and have Charlotte start a heel turn on Smackdown, frustrated she couldn't end the streak.Charlotte, and I agree with what I've read, that she's been spinning her wheels on Smackdown so a heel turn could be good. Now, Asuka being a champion with Alexa Bliss. Maybe Alexa AND Nia move in The Superstar Shakeup.<br />
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Braun Strowman and a Mystery Partner vs. The Bar. We don't know who The Mystery Partner is but it's been rumored to be a bunch of different guys. Me, I'm going with Samoa Joe. Maybe Joe gets his team DQ'd and we have Strowman vs. Joe after WrestleMania which would be pretty cool. Yeah, I'll go with that. The Bar wins by DQ.<br />
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The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The New Day vs. The Usos. I think this should be a good match but I don't think The New Day need The Tag Title. I also think they've been pushing The Bludgeon Brothers hard so I think they win The Tag Team Championship.<br />
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The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins. This could be another sleeper. I don't by Miz's babyface comments. I think he's going to do something sneaky and win the match. I do think Balor and Rollins fight toe to toe and Miz sneaks in with the victory. Maybe Balor moves to Smackdown? I do think Miz wins, breaks The IC Title record and then finally have the dream match between him and Daniel Bryan.<br />
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Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Rusev vs. Randy Orton. I agree with some people that Mahal has cooled off. I do think that if he wins, it will let the air out of the crowd. For the record, I like Jinder but he's been pushed badly. Roode seems off on Smackdown as well. That leaves Rusev and Orton. I think Rusev gets one of the biggest pops of the night and I would be stunned if he doesn't win. Rusev wins and why not...it's Rusev Day.<br />
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Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss. I like the build to this but I don't think Nia wins the title. I expect Mickie James to get involved giving Alexa the advantage because I can see a lot of stalling by Bliss not wanting to face Jax. Like I mentioned, I don't think Nia wins The Championship as I can see Bliss knowing that she might lose The Title, runs and gets counted out. Nia Jax wins by Countout..<br />
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The Andre The Giant Battle Royal on The Kickoff Show. I expect a few surprises plus an Elias song. Maybe one of the surprises win but I'll go with Bray Wyatt and he forms some type of Alliance with Matt Hardy<br />
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The Women's Battle Royal on The Kickoff Show. See above regarding The Men. I do think that Bayley eliminates Sasha Banks to win it and Sasha finally turns.<br />
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Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali on The Kickoff Show. Both guys have great offense. I honestly don't know. I do think Cedric is a name more fans are familiar with. I'll go with Cedric to win The Cruiserweight Championship after a good, hard fought match.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-42560020320208088562018-03-23T20:06:00.002-04:002018-03-23T20:21:38.070-04:00Why I feel I'm not attractiveAs you guys know, I've had it rough. You guys remember me blogging about this:<a href="http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-name-of-this-blog-says-it-all.html">http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-name-of-this-blog-says-it-all.html</a><a href="http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-name-of-this-blog-says-it-all.html">.</a> Don't forget about this one<a href="http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/valentines-day-2018.html">http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/valentines-day-2018.html</a>and don't forget about this one <a href="http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/03/this-might-be-hardest-post-ive-ever.html">http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/03/this-might-be-hardest-post-ive-ever.html</a><a href="http://superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-name-of-this-blog-says-it-all.html">l</a>(If you haven't read all of them, when you get chance, take a look. And also click on the ads. I get .00001 cents when you do, can you say score??!!)<br />
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Well, anyway, this is more of a personal one. As you may or may not know, I haven't had many girlfriends. As a matter of fact, I've never had one. I've never been on a date, with the exception of The Junior Prom, but that was as friends, I've never kissed a woman. I haven't even been close. The funny thing, I get along great with women. I can be funny and talk to them but when it comes to romance, they've done wayyy better than me and who can blame them. The thing of all this is that I don't think I've ever had a woman have a crush on me. I'm trying to remember over the years but I don't think so. I wonder if there is something wrong with me. I know I'm not attractive or A Greek God but I thought by now I wouldn't have steady girlfriend but at least date one. Even though, they don't know, I don't plan getting married or having kids. When I think what I've gone through already, I just can't do it anymore. I can't give up anymore of my life.<br />
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I just never thought as myself as attractive. I remember a few times growing up in School and someone would say "so and so likes you." I never fell for that for a minute. I knew damn well it was a joke. You look at what I can give a woman and there's really nothing. I'm unemployed at the moment. I have no Driver's License. I have a Mental Illness. I can't do a lot things guys can do. I don't even know how to swim. I just feel like I'm a loser. And I wouldn't want anybody's pity or anything nor would I want to be a 3rd or a 5th wheel. With everything else going on in my life, this is just one more thing.<br />
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Honestly, I wouldn't know where to begin. A Dating Site? I don't know. Are they free? I know this is kind of depressing but I have no confidence in myself. I know that women would rather be with somebody else. I'd be lying if I said I didn't mind my alone time because I think everybody needs some alone time once in a while. It's just I have nothing to offer a woman. I have nothing in common with them. But then you might say "Well, what about on Facebook etc." That's true but I've known you women for years.<br />
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It would be nice, though, to kiss someone at Midnight on New Year's Eve or spend Valentine's Day with somebody or kiss somebody under The Mistletoe at Christmas. I just don't know how to go about things. I've always felt I was kind of ugly. You can probably understand that sometimes I need a rocket up my ass to get going. Do you blame me? There are days, weeks when I wake up in the morning and know it won't get better until I go back to bed at night. I just don't know what to do next. It HAS to get better, right? Right?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-42678257319476042682018-03-14T17:56:00.003-04:002018-03-14T18:04:32.830-04:00This might be the Hardest Post I've ever PostedSometimes things happen for a reason. That certainly happened to me just moments ago. As you know, I applied for SAGA Assistance recently. I mentioned it on Facebook. But, what I didn't know is that it was for people with Medical/Mental Issues. Well, the truth is that I have a Mental Illness. I have OCD, voices and Hallucinations. I guess it started with me back in the year 2000. I was just starting College and I read The Southern CT. State University Handbook. When I read it, it triggered something in me. I don't know what but from then on I would reread things over and over again and just do simple tasks over and over again. Basically, it would be like if your driving to work and you picture that you left the stove or the iron on. So what do you do? You go all the way back home and see that the stove and the iron wasn't on. But, but, in your mind, in your head, you could literally see the stove and iron on but it wasn't. And that's me, 24/7, 365. I would get all these bad images and pictures in my mind and all these bad thoughts it was very hard. But I just kept going along day by day. I really don't want to get into all the different things and whatnot. Plus, I really can't remember of all them. An example would be that if I saw an American Flag, I'd have to look at it walking by because in my mind, if I didn't, I would be disrespecting America.<br />
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Another thing would be I would reread things over and over again. If it was an article about Cancer or somebody died, I would reread it over and over again because in my mind if it read it once or skimmed it, I felt like I was being disrespectful to the article, like I didn't care, which as you all know is totally dead wrong. But I kept going day by day. In Feb. 2009, I went to a Career Counselor because I needed a job at the time. He's a good friend of mine and he knew my father and my mother, ironically, remembered him. Well, as time went on trying to get a job, my OCD/Hallucinations/Voices got worse. In fact, in late July 2009, I had a bad thought every day for a week and it bothered me. So, on August 8,2009, I called my Career Counselor, hysterical in tears, because I couldn't take it anymore. The thing is as he assured me, I remember one thing he said. He said that he didn't know what it was. It could be anything. Was it my blood, was it the food I was eating? Then he said something to me that still resonates to this day. He said you could be hospitalized or go to a half way house or something like that.<br />
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The good news out of all this is that I went and still go to therapy. The fact is I haven't seen my Career Counselor or my Psychiatrist in a while for obvious reasons. I do take medication that helps me try to focus although it's hard sometimes just doing simple things like reading an article. Anybody who knows about OCD, Voices or Hallucinations or if you look it up, I've probably had it. It's been very hard for me the past decade and now with My Grandparents and now My Mother gone, it's hard. Big Y knows about my disability but this job is part time. That's why I'm trying everything I can to get disability, SAGA, SNAP and anything else.<br />
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I know I probably should've mentioned this earlier but I couldn't. My Career Counselor and talked about that and he mentioned that maybe you guys would get scared or couldn't help me because your not doctors. Or maybe you'd keep your distance from me because it's not easy to admit or talk about. I don't want this to define me. Let me be the guy that knows about sports. Let me be the guy that knows all The Super Bowls and gives you The Super Bowl Fun Fact of The Day. Most days it's hard for me to read articles just because I read them over and over again. Sometimes, I have to shut the television off to concentrate. I do things over and over again. Like on my digital cable guide, they have the show and the synopsis of it. I read that over and over again just because if it's a serious topic I don't want to think I'm being disrespectful by skimming or glancing at it.<br />
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I'm glad I did this. It was very cathartic for me. And it helps me. I just hope you guys look at me as you used to. I don't want to be defined as "Jack, who has OCD, Hallucinations etc" but as Jack, the guy who knows about Sports and The Super Bowls."There is nothing you can do except support me and be my friend.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-176858401523311892018-02-13T21:57:00.002-05:002018-02-13T21:58:11.777-05:00Valentine's Day 2018To think, my life, believe it or not has gotten worse. You guys know about what's been happening with me the last two months. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. About 3 1/2 years ago, I wrote in the blog about "Will Life Ever Break for Me?" which I posted below. And somehow it's gotten worse since then.<br />
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Will my life ever break for me??</h3>
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<b><i>This is a question I ask constantly. I'm in a terrible rut and have been for seemingly ages. I mean I just cant find a way to be happy or feel good about myself. I mean its been a tough life, a tough go of it for years now. As you may or may not know, my grandparents started to take ill in the year 2000. My grandmother, who was 80 at the time had stomach cancer surgery. I think the surgery was only to be for a couple of hours but literally took all day. In 2001, in fact it was the first week college football was being played after 9/11, my grandfather collasped at the Yale/Cornell game. So, in essence, my plate was full helping taking care of them. Taking care of my grandmother who made out of surgery and my grandfather who had quadrouple bypass surgery is a lot to take but I kept going.<br /><br />In 2003, my grandmother had a case of Yellow Jaudice. In fact she was rushed to the hospital the day we toppled Saddam's statue in Iraq. My grandfather died in 2006 and my grandmother died in 2010. Throughout those 10 years, my life wasnt my own. You know I tried to do everything for them. I got there mail, there medication, helped them when they had doctor's appointments, threw there garbage out, went grocery shopping with them and lots more. I did what I had to do.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Now we fast forward to my grandmother's funeral in 2010, where I see my father. Up until that day, I hadnt seen my father in over 10 years. I dont know what happened but it was like he vanished off the face of the earth. There are reasons how it started but I wont get into that right now. Well, anyway, he shows up. Here I'm thinking that I'm going to have some sort of relationship with the guy and after about a year(?) of having communication with my mother and myself, he just disowns me again. I mean, in some circles, I guess you would call him a "deadbeat dad." I dont know what I did to deserve being treated like that but it is what it is. I've phoned many times but get no response. Sent cards and whatnot but still nothing. Its like he wants nothing to do with me and frankly from a financial standpoint, I need his help, so right now, pardon my french, but it really sucks. So basically, its really my mother and me.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Now for some of you who know, my mother has to have hip surgery. She had to postpone it because she had to go back to work and doesnt get paid for sick time. Right now, like I mentioned, I have no job or money. I'm just very disgusted with the way my life turned out. I didnt think it would be this bad. I'd like to know if there will ever be an end in sight? I mean its just one thing after another. You know the old saying "when it rains, it pours," yeah, by this time, I'm pretty much drowning. I dont have a social life, per say, as I understand people have lives and responsiblites of there own. Believe me, I understand that. You have no idea how much I understand that. There are days where its harder than others. I mean all you do is work to pay bills. Thats not a life, thats existing. I just hope my life gets better sooner than later.</i></b></div>
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Fast forward to now. You guys know about my mom. But, tomorrow, it might be worse. As, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. It's just another day for me. Do you know that I've never had a Valentine's Day date. I've never had a New Year's Eve date. I've never had a date, period. Never had a first kiss. I don't think I'm a great catch or anything. I've never had a social life. I was always taking care of my family and I think lots of times I just didn't feel like going anywhere. Do you blame me? Your in a rut, for a month, 2 months, 6 months, a year etc. how can you be motivated to do anything? Now, I haven't really thought about Valentine's Day for obvious reasons as I'm worrying about how to pay the bills. I get along with Women. But when it comes to dating or going out, they could do a lot better. Something I have to do once I get settled is find me a woman or women. :) </div>
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It's just when you add up everything from my grandparents, to my mom to now being lonely, it's just very tough and very frustrating. I know I never thought of myself as an adonis or anything but I never thought of myself as ugly but sometimes I feel that way. Facebook has the "On this Day" notifications and almost everyone from today, Feb. 13, said the same thing. Me being alone. I think what really hurts sometimes is that I don't think a Woman has ever been interested in me. As a friend? Yes. But as anything else? No. I mean being dateless for Valentine's Day hasn't really bothered me this year. How can it? What I've been thinking about has taken up all my time. But, if you ask me if it bothers me, I will say yes. And, I appreciate it all the support I've received the past couple of months. And I appreciate the invites to hang out. And once all this over, we will hang out. I just don't want to be a third wheel or a fifth wheel. There also comes a time where its great to have friends but it would be nice to at least try to have a girlfriend. </div>
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I guess the point of this blog was to just say that I've been through a lot of stuff. Realizing now, that not only helping my grandparents and my mom then them passing away and now this. So, I ask the original question now just like I did in 2014. "Will Life Ever Break for Me?"</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-50916481996131400262018-02-09T00:39:00.000-05:002018-02-09T00:39:11.039-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-25281152241304309932018-02-08T19:09:00.002-05:002018-02-08T19:12:16.893-05:00The Name Of This Blog Says It All!!!I want to say that I'm very frustrated, nervous, sad, angry and overwhelmed. I really don't need this. As you know my mother died. I'm just trying to get by day by day. I mean I'm in that house that my grandmother and my mom were in and now there gone. I'm trying and trying doing the best I can. I spent The Holidays alone. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and my personal Holiday, The Super Bowl, by myself. You know why I was alone as I was waiting for my father to call and then I called him but it was hit or miss. Well, anyway, I guess the point of this blog is to just vent.<br />
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I will watch my swearing but I am mad. I have to say the treatment I have received from "Services" to help me is a disgrace. Let's look at some examples. My mom wasn't dead 24 hrs. before The Pension was cut off. Actually, I did get her Pension for the following month but it was half than what she usually got. Now, like I have mentioned before, I was unemployed. I was taking care of my mom. Cooking meals, paying bills, going grocery shopping, helping her get up off the couch etc. All the things that the wonderful nurses do in Hospice, in The Hospital and in Rehab, I did that by myself for 6 years!!! Not, 6 days!!! Not 6 weeks!!! 6 years!!! Plus, the fact that, and I kid you not, from mid 1998 to she went until The Hospital on July 21 of last year, my mom and I were in the same roof EVERY NIGHT. In other words, whether it was on vacation, at my grandparents house, my grandparents townhouse or my home, every night under the same roof. She didn't go on vacation without me and vice versa, I didn't move into a dorm etc. Well, anyway, my mom was creamated. Why? Because it cost an arm and a leg. THAT is a disgrace. Cementaries are fleecing family members. Why? It's not bad enough to lose a family member? It's not bad enough having a Funeral, Wake and Calling Hours? That's not bad enough?</div>
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Then, what last week being called by Citizens Bank looking for My Mom and when I told her she died, they deactivate her Debit and ATM Cards. Forget, that she died. Forget, I need that money, you know to pay the bills. I mean when I say that I'm her son and everything is in her name, you would think that I was a stranger. It's a FREAKING disgrace!!! I keep hearing she should've put me on the account. When was I supposed to ask her? When she had tubes in her? When she could only eat through an IV? When she was so out of it after medication? When she had chemo? When she had Physical Therapy? You would think that some people thought we are on a vacation. </div>
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Then, The Probate Court. You know I've been told so many Freaking things, maybe I should've done this earlier. But then I have to sign forms and whatnot and then hire a Lawyer with money I don't have. Now, with the exception of The EBT Card, every DAMN thing I have tried for has been a problem. Trying to get SAGA(Cash Assistance), Social Security, Social Security Income, etc. I mean trying to call 211, Social Services is a DISGRACE!! First, I didn't get all my paper work in on time. Why? Because I had questions and not one damn person could help you. And I'm not going to wait on hold for an hour. So, then, I scrimp and save to make copies of all the bills and send all the information and I was denied because I didn't get it in on time. So, then I call The Mortgage People and they don't tell me anything because I'm not on the account. I was, but not now. The Oil people were a little different. I told them my mom died and then they said you can't get anymore oil. So, I guess, if I freeze to death, you'll know why. </div>
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Now, I'm trying to get The State ID Card. It cost 30 dollars which I don't have and get this PROOF of My Social Security Card. Well, I don't have a Social Security Card. Now, I have to get a Social Security Card. I mean hell, now I got to go to the local Social Security Office I believe, to fill out a Temporary Card. </div>
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So, now, tomorrow is the big day. The Job Interview. I just hope I get it. But you know, in a way, even if I don't as mad as I'll be, at least they thought of me. NOTHING is more demoralizing than trying to find a job, applying for a job and then you don't hear from them. I hope like hell my life changes. It's bad enough that I'm alone on Valentine's Day, My Birthday, New Year's Eve etc. But at least I had my mom. Now, I don't even have that. Forget a Driver's License. Who has money for that? </div>
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So basically, in essence, I think everything stinks!! You know when you lose a parent or a friend, life shouldn't get ANY harder than it already is. I mean what happened to compassion? You know the people that have screwed me and not helped me, they are going to lose somebody and then they'll be in my position. Then, you know what? Let them live out in the freaking street. Better them than me, right? The bottom line is that some of those same people eat Lobster Bisque and Lobster and some people eat Tuna Fish and Top Ramen to stay afloat. Why is that fair? Not only that, but it takes forever to get things done. Who has the time for that? I mean I can't wait months for Social Services, DMV etc. to give me an answer and I need it now!!</div>
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Believe it or not, as I wrap this up, I'm going to somewhat quote The Andy Griffith Show. Barney Fife said "Sometimes, when it comes to sheriffin', sometimes you have to go less by the book and more by the heart." I think most people should think that way. </div>
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Now, Thank You for reading my blog. I just really had to vent and get some stuff off my chest. Thank You to my friends on Facebook, The506.com, Sitcoms Online, Aging Care, The American Cancer Society and Daytime Confidential for being there for me during this hard time for me. YOU GUYS make it easier for me. I also appreciate all the kind words and encouragement that you've given me. It really helps me. </div>
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As far as helping me, just keep being there. Just keep encouraging me.If I need any of you, I'll know where to turn. I am humbled by all the kind words. You know what's funny? How is it that losing my mom WOULDN'T be the worse thing that happened to me?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-5864832524560031902018-01-06T13:53:00.003-05:002018-01-06T13:54:07.414-05:00A Classic Sports ChannelNow, I know I should've updated The Blog but with taking care of my mom and then her in The Hospital and then her passing away, The Blog wasn't a priority. But now it is. I want to toss some ideas out there and get this thing going but first, I want to blog about something that I think is important. I got this idea for this post because 10 years I mentioned it on Facebook and my opinion still holds up today. Plus, I'm trying to see if This Blog can make money by using Google AdSense and right now I need all the money I can get. That's another story. But here is The Post from Jan. 2008.<br />
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<i>Their should be a network for classic games. I know you have NBAtv, Nhl Network, NFL Network and cough, ESPN Classic among others. My point is their should be a network that shows games in their entireity. I mean when you get a classic game you have plays not shown and edited down. No pregame or postgame or halftime. No intros. on some of the games. If you look at NFL Network-it's a joke. Check their schedule for the next 3 days. It's a joke. Oh yeah, the next 3 days because that's how far their schedule is online. In other words, they have up until Jan. 6. I would like to see the old days-Scott, Summerall, Madden, Gowdy, Scully etc. In one of my posts that I did, somebody responded and said that the NFL has 10,000 games but where are they? What do think? Do you think I'm making a mountain out of a molehill? I mean, I'm only 25 yrs. old so I missed some of the legendary announcers. Should I be penalized for that? If I had money and people who agreed with me I would start my own network. Do you think I'm nuts for saying their should be a network for classic games? What do you think?</i></div>
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Now, yes, The NFL has uploaded games on Youtube which is a miracle in itself but there's still a long way to go, imo. Classic Games SHOULD be on a channel. I find it interesting watching these old games. I'd rather watch that then some of today's programs. I think there should be a Classic Games Channel because I think there would be a big audience for it. People like to remember and talk about the old days<span style="font-family: inherit;">. I know I'm not the only one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you look at NFLNetwork, NHL Network, NBATV and MLBNetwork. Now, I can't speak for NHLN and NBATV because I don't watch NHL or NBA but this would pretain to NFLN and MLBN. Have you ever seen there lineup during there particular offseasons? To me, it's underwhelming. A lot of talking heads. MLBN, I watch a lot. But if your in the offseason like they are right now, how many more times can you talk about Hot Stove? How many times can you talk about where Eric Hosmer or Jay Bruce is going to go?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Same for NFLN. They got The NFL Draft which I understand is huge but The Combine? Who cares? Even if you do care, is it </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;">necessary</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> to show The Combine live all day and then have it replayed at night? I just think The Draft is more important. NFL Total Access, Good Morning Football etc. is pretty much the same show. Can you watch those two shows all day?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I always felt like with NFLN, ANYTHING </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;">pertaining</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> to The NFL is shown but I think it's more about "hey, we need to fill programming" then about whatever they are going to show. Same goes with MLBN. I just think with both networks get a little more variety would help. </span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-52977264216283828942016-02-04T23:16:00.001-05:002016-02-04T23:16:27.605-05:00Some of my favorite Super Bowl CommercialsWith the Super Bowl coming up, one thing that the fans and even non fans enjoy are the commercials. I enjoy the commercials and for a 30 second spot costs 5 million dollars. So, in no particular order, some of my favorite Super Bowl Commercials:<br />
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A classic ad. It's nice that these two "rivals" can have a friendly feud. Also, I do think some people drink both Pepsi and Coke. Nice, light hearted ad.<br />
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The following year the same Coke guy tries a Pepsi and gets caught. Great ad and the music that's playing just fits. 20 years later and its great.<br />
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LOVE THE BUD BOWL!!! Just very innovative. I wish the Bud Bowl was still around today. I think it's better than a lot of the ads that you see today. I just thought there were a lot of creative spots. Also all the colorful nicknames that were part of the game.<br />
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The one that really started it all. This ad really started how we view Super Bowl ads. That reason is because when this ad aired during Super Bowl 18, I think the results of the ad is why the Super Bowl ads have become so popular. It aired only once, but its lasting impression has lasted a lifetime.<br />
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These are only a few of my favorites. What are some of yours?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-54518742959661441342016-01-14T17:05:00.001-05:002016-01-14T17:05:57.227-05:00MTV's The Real World, Really??<br />
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Forgive me. I came into this late in the game. Back in 1992, MTV's The Real World broke ground. It was television's first reality show. Now, granted, if anybody know some of the back story and the history, the show got off to a sluggish start. I mean who wants to watch a show that have people just talking?? Well, thanks to the grossness of Season 2 San Francisco member, Puck and the courage of Pedro battling HIV, it seemed like The Real World turned a corner. Now, over the years, despite the sexual content and the hookups, The Real World did give you a first look at all different issues that people were dealing with. Being in the Military, being Gay, Politics, Religion, AIDS, Racism etc.<br />
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But now I think the Real World has jumped the shark or maybe it already did. Now, based on this article from mtv.com: <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/2724109/real-world-go-big-or-go-home-twist/?xrs=_s.tw_main">http://www.mtv.com/news/2724109/real-world-go-big-or-go-home-twist/?xrs=_s.tw_main</a> it seems like they are adding a different twist. It seems like they are combining The Real World with Road Rules as far as doing different stunts. If they cant complete each stunt, they are eliminated and somebody else takes there place. Frankly, I dont think this is needed. You already have The Challenge why change The Real World.<br />
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Now I must say for years, I railed on The Real World and hated it. I always felt like what was shown on TV wasnt real as opposed to somebody's real life. I just felt like the hookups and living in a nice area and drinking and partying and having all the pretty people wasnt neccesarily "The Real World." Staying home, paying the mortgage, paying the bills etc. is what I thought of. Nevertheless, being bored one night, I watched The Real World, San Diego, want to say it was in 2004. Then I watched it again, and again and again. And you know it wasnt a bad show.<br />
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Over the past few years, I havent watched. The Explosions and The Skeletons seasons was uncessary. I mean why tweak something that has worked for years? Ok, will The Real World be water cooler talk like it was 20 years ago? Probably not. But what show is? Look at American Idol. They are limping home. Look at Survivor. Still a hit but not the mega hit it was 15 years ago. I dont think a show like The Real World needs tinkering. I think its find the way it is. And besides, why tinker a show called "THE REAL WORLD?"" I mean if thats the case, wouldnt we all want to tinker our real world's??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-76084600560548581462016-01-12T17:50:00.004-05:002016-01-12T17:50:53.593-05:00Whats a bargain??<br />
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Now, I had started this "Whats a bargain?" back in July 2013. I would tell you what I thought were good deals at different stores for the week. Well, when the computer shut down later in the month, there was no way I could do this. I needed more time to do this and I couldnt because I was checking other websites and whatnot because I only had x amount of time because I was at the library. Now with the tablet, I'm able to have more time for different things like this.<br />
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Make sure you check your ads, because this is just one man's opinion.<br />
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Rite Aid<br />
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Purex, 43.5 to 50 oz.- $1.97<br />
Haribo Candies-Buy 1, get 1 free<br />
Baking Soda-.99<br />
Comet Cleanser-.99<br />
Gain, 9 oz.- .99<br />
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Also, I believe they still have some Christmas stuff out. I think its between 50-75% off.<br />
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Walgreens<br />
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Arm and Hammer Detergent-Buy 1, Get 1 free.<br />
Chicken of the Sea Tuna with Coupon, - .69<br />
Gummy Candy- .99<br />
Paper Plates, 64pk., Napkins, 80pk.-.99 with Coupon<br />
Nice Facial Tissues-76 to 240 sheets- .99<br />
Mitchum Deodorant-1.99(1.00 off coupon in Sunday's paper)<br />
Progresso Soup-2 for 2.00(.50 off coupon in Sunday's paper)<br />
Dawn Dish Liquid, 9 oz., .74(.25 off coupon in Sunday's paper)<br />
Toilet Paper or Paper Towels-10 for 5.00 or .69 each<br />
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CVS<br />
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Bumble Bee Tuna Fish-.88<br />
Pepsi-.99 (.24 instant coupon)<br />
Special K.-3 for 8.00(3.00 extra bucks when you buy 3)<br />
Chex Mix and/or Pringles- 2 for 3.00<br />
Scott Bath Tissue-3 for 3.00(1.00 instant coupon)<br />
Total Home Facial Tissue-70 to 160 count.-.99<br />
Dawn-9 oz.- .99<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-48574373919935947112016-01-12T17:22:00.001-05:002016-01-12T17:22:15.110-05:00Super Bowl 50<br />
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I hope for this blog I will be able to update it more. I mean I now have my tablet but its hard to talk about different things because I dont know what I want to talk about.<br />
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I did figure that with Super Bowl 50 on the horizon I would talk about that. As some of you, well all of you know me from High School, you know that was a wiz, some say, Guru, when it came to football, specifically The Super Bowl. As you know, I can name them all. Dates, times, MVPs, locations, QB's etc.<br />
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I cant describe the feeling I have about The Super Bowl. Maybe because its only one game as opposed to the other sports, like the NBA, NHL and MLB. Now, I know College has its National Championship games for basketball and football but for me, I just always gravitated towards The Super Bowl. I guess it would have to do with the pomp and circumstance that leads up to the game. All the hype and not only that but now its bigger than a game. I mean you have A list celebrities performing at Halftime. You have the commericals which have become just as big as the game itself. Plus, there's radio row where hundreds of sports shows are for the week.<br />
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The brain child of Pete Rozelle and Lamar Hunt worked. It really did. As humble as the first game was, the game wasnt even a sell out, hard to believe. Would the Super Bowl work? Well, ironically, 47 years ago today, it did as the Jets beat the Colts 16-7 and turned the Super Bowl on its ear. Hopefully, I will be able to count down some of my favorite moments, commercials and whatnot from the big game.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-37674482482948093272015-10-28T16:23:00.000-04:002015-10-28T16:23:05.815-04:00My Television ScheduleFor years now, I've made mock schedules for television. I still think and hope that one day this dream will turn into a reality. TV schedules that make sense and are for the people. I think their are so many cord cutters and people just fed up with their tv programming. This is where I come in. I will do a series of mock tv schedules and tell me what you think.<br />
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First off, Vintage TV. Obviously you know what that means.<br />
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<b><i><u>Monday thru Fri.</u></i></b><br />
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5:00 am-Kojak<br />
6:00am-Who's the Boss (x2)<br />
7:00am-Mary Tyler Moore (x2)<br />
8:00am-Rhoda-x2<br />
9:00am-Webster-x2<br />
10:00am-The Wonder Years-x2<br />
11:00am-Punky Brewster<br />
12:00pm-Step by Step<br />
1:00pm-Charles In Charge<br />
2pm-The Hogan Family<br />
3pm-Silver Spoons<br />
4pm-Benson<br />
5pm-Diff'rent Strokes<br />
6pm-Beauty and the Beast (cbs version)<br />
7pm-Jake and the Fatman<br />
8pm-ALF<br />
9pm-Blossom<br />
10pm-My 3 Sons (the entire series)<br />
11pm-Archie Bunker's Place<br />
12am-The Lucy Show<br />
1am-The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet<br />
2am to 5am-Repeat of 2pm to 5pm<br />
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<b><i><u>Saturday</u></i></b><br />
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5am-Eight is Enough<br />
7am-Saved by the Bell:The New Class<br />
9am-California Dreams<br />
10am-City Guys<br />
11am-Bachelor Father<br />
12pm-The Millionaire<br />
1pm-Family Affair<br />
2pm-One Hit/One season Wonders<br />
7pm-Blossom<br />
8pm-The Wonder Years<br />
9pm-ALF<br />
10pm-The Hogan Family<br />
11pm-Father Dowling Mysteries<br />
1am-Life Goes On<br />
3am-Step by Step<br />
4am-Webster<br />
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<b><i><u>Sunday</u></i></b><br />
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5am-Eight is Enough<br />
7am-City Guys<br />
8am-California Dreams<br />
9am-Saved by the Bell:The New Class<br />
10am-One hit/one season wonder<br />
2pm-The Wonder Years<br />
3pm-ALF<br />
4pm-Mary Tyler Moore<br />
5pm-Rhoda<br />
6pm-Blossom<br />
7pm to 11pm-Gem TV featuring<br />
Bachelor Father, The Millionaire, My 3 Sons, The Lucy Show<br />
11pm-Archie Bunker's Place<br />
12am-Life Goes On<br />
2am-Father Dowling Mysteries<br />
4am-Family Affair<br />
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So what do you guys think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-49894476686209290612015-10-26T18:10:00.002-04:002015-10-26T18:10:39.313-04:00The Decline in Print Newspapers<br />
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Let me just say I like newspapers. Maybe its because I grew up at a time where the newspaper was gospel. Now, you hear that the newspaper is dying and I dont think its right. How is it that we have selfie sticks and apps for every little thing yet, the newspaper is dying along with people's jobs? I always thought the newspaper was very insightful and I dont know if the newspapers threw in the towel because I've seen a decline just in quality alone. Look at the New Haven Register. Besides the inserts and coupons why should you get the paper? For me, I like the sports section of any paper. The Register has a good sports section as well. The person "Associated Press" does a great job. Notice the sarcasm. I mean now its to the point that we cut and paste articles now? When was the last time you saw a great piece by a Register Sports Writer that did not talk about high school sports, Yale or Uconn? Yeah, I cant think of it either.<br />
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I'm not trying to pick on the Register per say. Its just I would love to have people get out physically read a newspaper. I guess I've always found myself "very adult" if you read a newspaper. I dont know why but I just do. Look at the USA Today. I loved that paper growing up. Colorized, big print, full of information. Now, like Parade, its very thin. I think we get a little bit to dependent on computers and whatnot. I get that there a great tool in all but now its to the point where everything is computerized. Doesnt anybody want to read a newspaper anymore? Or actually, physically go to a library and take a book out?<br />
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The sad part is with a little imagination and a lot of good writers, the newspaper problem could be solved. Give people variety and insight and not so much slander. Plus, it would give people jobs. How many people in this country would want to blog/write for a newspaper? Millions of them. They should be given an opportunity. If they fail, they fail. Its a part of life. But they should be given a chance. I still believe there are great writers out there but its a shame that their talent would not be put to good use.<br />
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Lets face it, not everybody is computer savvy. I'm talking whether they are people 5 or 50 years old, some people cant grasp technology. Why make it any harder? You think a Senior Citizen knows what an app is? Or how to download ebooks or whatever? Some do but a lot of them don't. And why should they have too? Give people options.<br />
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I guess in closing, I'm old school. I dont mind reading a magazine or a newspaper. Doesnt take a lot of effort. Its too bad that the newspaper as far as size and distribution is getting smaller and smaller and thinner and thinner. Their's a lot of great work that will never be published which is a shame to the publisher and most importantly, the reader.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-33770262375456933842015-03-26T17:58:00.001-04:002015-03-26T17:58:11.598-04:00Wrestlemania 31 PredictionsThe Showcase of the Immortals, WrestleMania 31 takes place this Sunday. The hype for WrestleMania has been somewhat all over the place. There's the good (Sting/HHH), the bad (I-C Title hype-well anything involving R-Truth) and the bizarre (Orton/Rollins). Here are my predictions and my thoughts on how these matches were built.<br />
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<b><u>Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns.</u></b> I thought I missed something on Raw when Reigns came out and the next thing I saw he was playing tug o war with the title. He didnt speak? That, to me, was somewhat mind boggling. Now, people have really railed against Reigns since the Royal Rumble feeling that Daniel Bryan and maybe even Dolph Ziggler deserved Reigns' spot. I will say the crowd reaction should be interesting. I mean now that Lesnar is staying, I would think the fans at WM will cheer Lesnar wildly. Its too bad for Roman. I like Roman, I really do. I think the problem is that fans wanted some closure to Bryan's chase for the title and never got it. He got injured but there was never him chasing the title he never lost story and the fans resent Roman for it. Its not Roman's fault in the least. Btw, Paul Heyman has been nothing short of phenomonal during this. Actually, he's always great. I mean what else is there to say about him that hasnt already been said? Onto the match, I think Reigns beats Lesnar and Rollins cashes in MITB.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Sting vs. HHH</u>- I'm a little surprised at all the WCW talk going into this considering WCW shut down 14 years today. I've liked the hype to this. Sting, standing for morals and seeing how WCW shut down wants to make sure HHH doesnt do the samething to WWE. Its obvious that fans want Sting based on his reactions and he looked good on Monday. He seemed fired up. I will say I dont think this will be Sting/Flair at the first Clash but I think it will be good enough that it will have a lot of drama. I think Sting wins clean. I'd actually have HHH call out Sting after WM and continue to taunt him to giving him a rematch and Sting comes through the crowd every other week or every two weeks and attacks Authority members like he did in 1996/1997 until they have there rematch at Summerslam.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt.</u>-Tough for a guy to carry a feud when the other guy isnt there but Wyatt has done a great job. I mean he's a great talker. I see a lot of Jake Roberts and even some Mick Foley in his delivery. I guess I can understand why Taker wasnt on tv before WM but I would have liked to seen him on Raw because he is The UnderTaker. Believe it or not, I'd have Wyatt win and then build The UnderTaker for next year as a guy whose struggling after the streak. This would lead me into the UnderTaker vs. John Cena match up next year. UT wins and UnderTaker retires.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">John Cena vs. Rusev- </u>I've liked the hype to this match. Rusev looked like a badass on Monday and that was a great angle. Sadly, we've been down this road before. Cena will hulk up and give AA's to about 50 guys and he'll end Rusev's streak. I mean that shouldnt happen. Give that Ziggler or Ambrose. I mean give it to somebody that can be pushed with that. Cena doesnt need to end his winning streak. He doesnt need it. Not only that but Cena gets a little too rah-rah with me being the Ultra Patriot. I mean I get where he's coming from but he's getting a little annoying. I mean, what's next? Him coming down at WM looking like Apollo Creed in Rocky 4 with the USA Top Hat etc. So, in closing Cena wins.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">The IC-Title Match</u>- The hype for this as of a couple of weeks ago has been lousy. R-Truth adds or has added nothing to the match. Its a shame because I like Truth and loved when he was a heel with Little Jimmy. I mean all Truth has done is take a a title that doesnt belong to him, clown around on commentary and not put over the guys in the ring on commentary and treats the title as a joke. In fact, everybody played hot potato with the title doesnt make the title look strong. I think this will be a dangerous, fun and memorable match. I think Daniel Bryan wins, just because...well give the guy a break already.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins-</u>This could be the sleeper match. The hype was strange as Orton came back at Fastlane attacked The Authority only to go back with them the next night. Lets face it, it made The Authority look like fools for thinking Orton was back. The whole story wasnt good. I mean what if at Fastlane Orton came back and attacked Ryback's team instead and THEN a few weeks do the beat down? I mean everybody could see that Orton was setting a trap and made The Authority look bad. That being said, I loved the beatdown that Orton gave to Rollins. It was vicious. Now Rollins should have gotten his heat back. Maybe on Monday he should have snuck in and curb stomped Orton but Orton looked stronger. Me, my prediction, I see Orton winning overshadowing that Rollins cashes in later that night.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">The Divas Tag Team Match</u>- Believe it or not, this could be the show stealer. I think if there given time to work they could steal the show as all 4 divas are ones the fans care about. Nikki Bella is really shining and Paige and AJ are great. I think Brie has lost some momentum since SummerSlam but the fact is that these 4 draw some crowd reactions and when given time to work they could put a pretty good match on. Hopefully #GiveDivasAChance is starting to resonate in WWE. I think The Bellas cheat but they win Sunday.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Andre the Giant Battle Royal-</u> My gut feeling is saying Ryback is going to win. They seem to be pushing him a little more but I think the Big Guy takes it. I also think it comes down to Miz and Ryback and Mizdow either turns here or somehow Mizdow costs Miz the match either by accident or on purpose. If its by accident then Mizdow tries to apologize, Miz wont have none of it and Mizdow attacks the Miz. Think of when Virgil turned on Ted Dibiase at the Royal Rumble in 1991.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">The 4 Way Tag Match</u>-It shows how much I care about this match as I had to see who the 4 tag teams were. I like New Day. I do for some reason but I think they get booed so bad that there not winning. Forget Los Matadores. I cant stand that bull. Natalya could've eaten him for all I care. What an annoying gimmick they are. The Usos I would have picked but I dont know about Jimmy or is it Jey's, injury. The Uso might not do too much because of it. So, I'll say Kidd and Cesaro retain. They deserve it. Two great workers with a great worker, Natalya, in there corner.<br />
<br />
<br />
So what do you guys think of my predictions for WrestleMania 31?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-85271863907339493422015-03-26T17:01:00.001-04:002015-03-26T17:03:04.182-04:00How I would change the NCAA Womens Basketball Tournament<br />
<br />
I like the NCAA Womens Tournament. I like the fact, that just like the men, all the games are televised. Its a far cry from the days where maybe you saw one or two women's tournament games on ESPN or CBS or wherever. I like the fact that the Women's tournament gets treated on par with the Men's as far as tv exposure, sites where the games are held etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
But like everything else the Women's Tournament does need help. I mean if you follow the tournament somewhat you'll see that the Women's Tournament does need to broaden itself to make the overall experience good. This blog will hopefully give some ideas on how I'd fix the Women's Tournament.<br />
<br />
<br />
1) <u style="font-weight: bold;">Go to neutral sites for the first 2 rounds just like the men. </u> I know what your saying "why do this when the games for each site which has home teams draws nobody? Honestly, to me, its a pride thing. I mean if you watched Albany at. Duke last week, there was nobody there. Duke. At Duke and there tons of empty seats. I mean how can you justify that? <br />
<br />
Check out this article from espn.com about the women's attendance. <a href="http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/espns-coverage-womens-ncaa-tournament-carries-echoes-sports.html">http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/tournament/2015/story/_/id/12553346/attendance-ncaa-tournament-sees-boost </a><br />
<br />
Uconn, the Kings of College Basketball only drew 4,000 per game for each of there first 2 games, about half of what they usually draw. Now, yes, South Carolina drew about 10,000 for each of there games but you cant tell me that even having a home game that you don't sell out doesn't worry you. The reason for the neutral sites is just to get away from being home because its embarrassing. I mean at least try what the Men's tournament is doing. Technically there not home games but at least there not campus. Imagine watching Duke play at home and nobody's there? Besides, neutral sites grow the game and I'm not talking that far away. I'll get to that in a moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
2)<u style="font-weight: bold;">ESPN needs to be better on there coverage.</u> This article from awful announcing says it best. <a href="http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/espns-coverage-womens-ncaa-tournament-carries-echoes-sports.html">http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/espns-coverage-womens-ncaa-tournament-carries-echoes-sports.html</a><br />
<br />
If there's a better game to get to, go to it. There's no reason you have to stay with a Uconn game when there winning by 30 points and there are other games that are close. I know ESPN would stay with the game in my area because I live in CT. but you have to do a better job with there whip-around coverage as well. There have been lots of times a team will have a 20 pt. lead and they stay with the game even though its not a local team. Be like the Men's tourney used to be and when a team leads by over 10pts. switch to another game.<br />
<br />
<br />
3)<u style="font-weight: bold;">Move the Tournament back to Saturday.</u> This Friday thing didn't work. How could it when half of the Men's Tournament started on Friday? Empty seats all over the place. I'd go to a Saturday/Monday, Sunday/Tuesday format like it was before. Therefore, you'll have the Men's Tournament involved but it wont be as bad.<br />
<br />
4)<u style="font-weight: bold;">Move the Selection Show back to Sunday.</u> ESPN2 at 8pm sounds good to me. I mean something like that should be on a Sunday. Mondays at 7pm is somewhat of a burial time slot. I'd rather have it on Sundays at 8pm instead of the old days when I believe it was on before the Men's Tournament. That just didn't fit.<br />
<br />
<br />
5)<u style="font-weight: bold;">Focus on more than Uconn.</u> We get it. There great. They draw ratings. But if you want to grow the Women's game, you need to focus more than Uconn. South Carolina, Duke, Kentucky, Baylor, Norte Dame etc. It gets pretty boring when you have one team superior to the whole Women's game. People will get turned off if they don't see anybody that can be on Uconn's level, at least when it comes to exposure.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, back to the neutral sites. Here's how I would have scheduled the first round of the tournament:<br />
<br />
<br />
March 21<br />
<br />
FGCU/Okla. St.-12:30pm(Orlando)<br />
Maryland/New Mexico St.-1pm(Baltimore)<br />
Northeastern/Ark.-1:15pm(Dallas)<br />
Dayton/Iowa St.-1:30pm(Dayton)<br />
FSU/Alabama St.-3pm(Orlando)<br />
Princeton/G.B-3:30PM(Baltimore)<br />
Baylor/Northwestern St.-3:45pm(Dallas)<br />
Norte Dame/Montana-4:15pm(Dayton)<br />
Louisville's game-7pm(Orlando)<br />
Ohio St.'s game-7:15pm(Baltimore)<br />
Arizona St.'s game-7:40pm (Dallas)<br />
Minnesota's game-8pm(Dayton)<br />
South Florida's game-9:40 pm(Orlando)<br />
UNC's game-9:50pm(Baltimore)<br />
Texas A&M game-10pm(Dallas)<br />
Kentucky's game-10:10pm(Dayton)<br />
<br />
March 22<br />
<br />
To save time, I will just list one of the teams, the times and the venues<br />
<br />
South Carolina-12:30pm(Raleigh)<br />
Iowa-12:45pm(Nashville)<br />
Oklahoma-1:15pm(Moeghan Sun)<br />
Gonzaga-2:05pm(Los Angeles)<br />
Syracuse-2:45pm (Raleigh)<br />
Chattanooga-3pm(Nashville)<br />
Stanford-3:50pm-Moeghan Sun<br />
Texas-4:40pm-Los Angeles<br />
Duke-7pm-Raleigh<br />
Miami-7pm-Nashville<br />
Rutgers-7pm-Moeghan Sun<br />
Oregon St.-8pm-L.A.<br />
Miss. St.-9pm-Raleigh<br />
Tenn.-9:20-Nashville<br />
Uconn-9:30-Moeghan Sun<br />
California-10:20-L.A.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now the venues would be:<br />
<br />
CFE Arena, Orlando-9,000<br />
Baltimore Arena, Baltimore-14,000<br />
Moody Coliseum-University Park-7,000<br />
The Nutter Center-Dayton-10,400<br />
Municipal Auditorium-Nashville-8,000<br />
Mohegan Sun Arena-Uncasville, CT.-9,000<br />
Rabobank Arena-Bakersfield, CA.-10,400<br />
Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum-Winston Salem, NC.-14,000<br />
<br />
All venues, locations and seating capacity are thanks to wikipedia.org.<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so the venues don't match up to what I planned but I think you understand. The venues are there and I think if they were announced in advance you can get a little bit of a buzz going on. So, what do you guys think of my fixing of the NCAA Womens' Basketball Tournament?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-78614619345846313372015-01-08T17:38:00.001-05:002015-01-08T17:38:17.958-05:00Impact Wrestling on Destination America-Episode 1We will see how long this last but I will be reviewing Impact Wrestling on Destination America. I was looking forward to the show as all the hype they put into it and plus they have been off for a while with the exception of there year in review specials. Ok, on to my thoughts:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thought the show was ok. I really liked the opening. That was an expensive yet very well done opening. I didnt like the beginning 30 mins. of the show. I mean the brawl went on way too long. Also, the building seemed very dark and the sound was off. I mean maybe it was me, but I couldnt hear a lot of the chants. When I did hear the chants some of it was edited by Destination America. The street fight was eh. I mean I really couldnt hear Angle and MVP on the mic but from what they said sounded good. I do like when they have street fights, falls count anywhere matches and they dont have there gear on. Just street clothes. I guess that's what I remember when I was growing up watching wrestling. Anyway, back to the street fight. It was eh like I said. Nothing wrong with it but who has submission holds in a street fight? Thats what I didnt like about it.<br />
<br />
I thought production had a bad night. I mean especially when they missed the reveal of Low Ki and Joe and the slap JB gave EC3. Instead there seemed to be a shot of Tyrus's crotch. Hopefully, that can be corrected. I dont see why JB is now inserted in this feud. I mean is he going to fight EC3?<br />
<br />
Can somebody stop Storm's character? I mean he's ripping off Bray Wyatt. Hell he even did the "I'm the devil" that Wyatt did on Raw. Storm deserves a lot better than this. He should be challenging for the World Title. The Revolution looks more like the 1998 version of the Job Squad. I will say that I am looking forward to The Wolves vs. The Hardys. That should just be a damn good match.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
The battle royal is what you'd see on Raw or Smackdown although I liked Kong coming back and loved the staredown between her and Havok. Btw, didnt Havok win her first match in a battle royal? That should've been mentioned. DJ was actually one of the highlights with his intro of Robbie E. I will say if Brooke could attack Robbie E. during the battle royal, why couldnt she compete in it?<br />
<br />
X-Division was very good and Aries and Low-Ki have great chemistry. I'd like to see these guys go 20 mins. Surprised they took the title off of Low-Ki considering he's in the group with MVP. I mean didnt Low-Ki win the title on the final show before Impact went on hiatus? Then why bother having him win the title in the first place?<br />
<br />
I mean I dont like the heel turns of Joe and Young. Young as a heel will give me flashbacks to the World Elite faction. Joe is too popular to turn heel. I just dont like it. EY was good as the babyface in peril and why they need to turn him I'll never know. I'd like to see EY stay babyface and maybe turn Roode heel although he just turned babyface recently. Joe IS your best babyface option in my opinion without AJ Styles. I mean over the years Joe has had some lousy story lines(remember when he was kidnapped? The big knife he used to carry to the ring? His ill conceived turn and joining the Main Even Mafia?) Despite all that, the fans love Joe. I like Joe too. He reminds me somewhat of Taz, a guy that can throw suplexes, is no nonsense and just kicks ass. He's more agile than Taz was but I think he should be the centerpiece of Impact Wrestling.<br />
<br />
<br />
What did you guys think of the show? These are just my opinions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-54582785392601419562014-12-03T17:43:00.005-05:002014-12-03T17:43:59.513-05:00If I was running the NFL...I actually tinkered with this idea a few days ago and I like it but what do you guys think? Is this crazy? Here is how I would run the NFL. Now this is just my opinion. Ok, here it goes...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
THE NFL SEASON 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Season starts on Sept. 13. No kickoff game. The real NFL starts on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Season ends on Jan 10, 2016. 16 games over 18 weeks. 2 bye weeks for each team.<br />
<br />
Week 12 is Thanksgiving so no bye weeks that week and the Turkey Day games are Divisional <br />
games.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving Games<br />
<br />
<br />
Packers at. Lions<br />
Giants at. Cowboys<br />
Steelers at. Bengals<br />
<br />
There would be 8 1pm games and 3 4pm games for week 12.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Bye Weeks<br />
<br />
Week 3, 10-AFC South and NFC West<br />
Week 4, 11-AFC East and NFC South<br />
Week 5, 13-AFC West and NFC South<br />
Week 6, 14-AFC North and NFC East<br />
<br />
On those weeks-6 1pm games and 3 4 pm games plus SNF and MNF.<br />
<br />
When there are no bye weeks, you could really have 10 1pm games and 4 4 pm games or any other combination.<br />
<br />
Next year, Christmas Eve falls on a Thursday so I'm assuming there will be an NFL game. Put it at 3:30 ET. and feature maybe 2 west coast teams.<br />
<br />
<br />
Bring back the Saturday Games!!<br />
<br />
I would do that for Sat. Dec. 19 and Dec. 26. Therefore there would be no bowl games on those Saturdays. Have them in the middle of the week. Probably get better ratings too.<br />
<br />
<br />
So the Saturday schedule would go:<br />
<br />
12:30pm-CBS<br />
4pm-FOX<br />
8pm-ESPN<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then the following week I'd alternate the networks so for example:<br />
<br />
12:30 PM -FOX<br />
4PM-CBS<br />
8PM-ESPN<br />
<br />
Now, next year, Christmas Eve falls on a Thursday so I'm assuming there will be an NFL game. Put it at 3:30 ET. and feature maybe 2 west coast teams. Then on the 26th have the 3 Saturday games and then on the 27th have 7 1pm games and 3 4pm games with SNF and MNF.<br />
<br />
Now if NBC wanted in, then put some network would be left out although they have SNF so I think they would be happy. So then on Dec. 20, you could have 8 1pm games and 3 4pm games along with SNF and MNF.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have 3 London games. Start each one at 9:30 am. Have one be televised by FOX, another by CBS and the last one by ESPN.<br />
<br />
I'd eliminate the TNF package and move those games to Sundays.<br />
<br />
So the last week of the season would be week 18 on Jan. 11, 2016<br />
<br />
Wild Card Round on Jan. 17 and 18, 2016<br />
Divisional Round on Jan. 24 and 25, 2016<br />
Championship Games on Feb. 1, 2016<br />
Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 15, 2016<br />
<br />
<br />
So what do you guys think? Do you like it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-86361525166035812552014-10-17T16:50:00.001-04:002014-10-17T16:50:07.735-04:00Dear NFL...Dear NFL,<br />
<br />
<br />
My name is Jack C. Catalano. I'm 32 years old and have been a huge NFL fan ever since I could remember. When I was a kid, I would wear the Starter Jackets, buy the football magazines and when Sunday came, watch the games. Let me just say, I am glued every Thursday, Sunday and Monday to the NFL. I watch as much as I can. I try not to make any plans on those days so I could watch the games. There is one thing that I miss that isnt on every Sunday during the season. Its not on during the week or on any of the pregame shows. That one thing is the Classics. You must be saying to yourself "Whats the classics?" Well, for me, the classics is the history of the NFL. Where is it? I mean I hear previews of the week's games ad nauseum, which is fine, but I would like to have a balance. So my question is where are the classics?<br />
<br />
<br />
I mentioned above that I'm 32 years old so my football history is limited but I'd like to know what happened to the NFL, pre 2000? Does that even exist anymore? Did it ever? I mean what I want and I think what a lot of fans want is maybe a channel(?) devoted to the classics of the NFL. Old NFL games in its entirety, old NFL Films shows, Old NFL Pregame shows, heck even the old NFL PrimeTime shows. Make the old stuff accessible on youtube, hulu and other forms of media. Now, I know you will argue and say "well we have old stuff. A Football Life, America's Game, etc. Its not enough. Honestly, and this is just my take, but I think a lot of the NFL fans would rather watch classic games and films and whatnot, instead of hearing hours upon hours of hype for a game. I mean how much can you hype a game, week in and week out? I mean every game played isnt the Super Bowl. I would just like to see, maybe, the playing field being leveled a little more. Devote time to the games each Sunday like you do now and the offseason with the Draft and the NFL Combine which is fine. I have no problem with that. I just wish you would throw some of the old school fans a bone.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'd like to learn more about the game by looking at its past. I mean I know very little of the 86 Giants. Why? Because when they won Super Bowl 21, I was 4 years old. How could I follow my team and not know really anything about them? Thats what I would like. Educate the fans to see that there were and was football in the past. If it wasnt for the past, we wouldnt be in the present.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, NFL, is it too much too ask to give the fans what they want? I mean we are your fanbase. We are who you cater to. Hopefully, you do agree with me but even if you dont I'll be there this Sunday watching the NFL like I always do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank You,<br />
Jack C. CatalanoUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-88896284145437469212014-10-16T16:32:00.002-04:002014-10-16T16:32:36.958-04:00Bound for Glory did happen, right? and other wrestling thoughtsI wanted to start off by saying that I didnt order Bound for Glory. I will say I thought from reading the spoilers and live coverage and the build-up to the show in general, it was one of the weirder shows of all time. This is TNA's signature event and they had very little hype to it. In fact, they hyped the tag team series, which were excellent, by the way, more than there premiere event of the year. I mean where was the Bound for Glory Series this year? Where was the hype and importance that TNA usually places on this event? I mean the tag team champions were not even on the show. I understand that The Wolves couldnt appear because Davey Richards broke his leg. I mean the thing is I dont think they were ever even going to be booked at the event. It just seemed odd that the tag champions wouldnt be there. What might be even odder is not having the world champion, Lashley be there. Again, why wasnt he booked? He should've been in the main event. It almost seemed like the show was an afterthought. Plus, guys like MVP and EC3 wrestling guys you never heard of before. It just doesnt make any sense. The whole show really didnt make any sense and I wonder why TNA did this. I mean there biggest show of the year and it was hardly mentioned on tv. Very strange.<br />
<br />
<br />
I watched Raw this past week. I thought it was way better than the past few weeks. I thought the triple threat tag match was good and it gave John Cena and Dean Amborse other opponents besides The Authority. I still think that the WWE has to shake up the top of the card a bit. How many more times are we going to see Cena and/or Ambrose against the Authority? Now, this Monday is a handicapped street fight. Hopefully, after Hell in a Cell, Cena and Ambrose and The Authority move on to other programs.<br />
<br />
I could smell it a mile away but I see a heel turn coming for Mark Henry. Just the whole "I'm dejected, I'm upset, I'm angry" usually leads to a heel turn. In fact, it cant come any sooner. Let Henry go back to destroying people like he was doing before. I'd love to see maybe, a Henry vs. Ambrose match soon. I could see Big Show on his way to beating Rusev until Henry comes in and turns on Big Show and giving Rusev another win. Maybe Rusev finally loses to Kurt Angle if Kurt comes back to WWE? It would make sense because Angle is a former Olympian for the US and Rusev is billed from Russia.<br />
<br />
<br />
For a while now, I have actually wished that the WWE would bring back Sunday Night Heat. Now, your saying the WWE market is over saturated as it is but hear me out. I really wish they would go back to what they did when they started Main Event. Everybody raved about it. They did pre match video packages and interviews before the top match and had and interview with the winner later in the show. That would be gold for a show like Sunday Night Heat or Main Event. For ex. imagine, Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton with proper build? How about Bo Dallas vs. Jack Swagger with proper build? What I'm trying to say is that they dont have to be PPV quality type main events but a little buildup could go a long way. I think it would get the viewer invested in the product and the wrestlers because there not just throwing matches out there. Also, a show like Heat would be a nice preview to Raw. Now the show would get pounded now because of the NFL, but a nice little vechile to promote Raw would help. Hell, if the WWE ever got serious about crusierweights and the divas, a cruiserweight match, Tyson Kidd vs. Kofi Kingston, maybe, and a divas match AJ Lee vs. Alicia Fox plus maybe a Swagger/Dallas match and its not a bad show. If the talent was given enough time, it would hardly be a missable show.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-51907197229911750162014-09-17T17:57:00.002-04:002014-09-17T17:57:14.273-04:00Will my life ever break for me??<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a question I ask constantly. I'm in a terrible rut and have been for seemingly ages. I mean I just cant find a way to be happy or feel good about myself. I mean its been a tough life, a tough go of it for years now. As you may or may not know, my grandparents started to take ill in the year 2000. My grandmother, who was 80 at the time had stomach cancer surgery. I think the surgery was only to be for a couple of hours but literally took all day. In 2001, in fact it was the first week college football was being played after 9/11, my grandfather collasped at the Yale/Cornell game. So, in essence, my plate was full helping taking care of them. Taking care of my grandmother who made out of surgery and my grandfather who had quadrouple bypass surgery is a lot to take but I kept going.<br />
<br />
In 2003, my grandmother had a case of Yellow Jaudice. In fact she was rushed to the hospital the day we toppled Saddam's statue in Iraq. My grandfather died in 2006 and my grandmother died in 2010. Throughout those 10 years, my life wasnt my own. You know I tried to do everything for them. I got there mail, there medication, helped them when they had doctor's appointments, threw there garbage out, went grocery shopping with them and lots more. I did what I had to do.<br />
<br />
Now we fast forward to my grandmother's funeral in 2010, where I see my father. Up until that day, I hadnt seen my father in over 10 years. I dont know what happened but it was like he vanished off the face of the earth. There are reasons how it started but I wont get into that right now. Well, anyway, he shows up. Here I'm thinking that I'm going to have some sort of relationship with the guy and after about a year(?) of having communication with my mother and myself, he just disowns me again. I mean, in some circles, I guess you would call him a "deadbeat dad." I dont know what I did to deserve being treated like that but it is what it is. I've phoned many times but get no response. Sent cards and whatnot but still nothing. Its like he wants nothing to do with me and frankly from a financial standpoint, I need his help, so right now, pardon my french, but it really sucks. So basically, its really my mother and me.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now for some of you who know, my mother has to have hip surgery. She had to postpone it because she had to go back to work and doesnt get paid for sick time. Right now, like I mentioned, I have no job or money. I'm just very disgusted with the way my life turned out. I didnt think it would be this bad. I'd like to know if there will ever be an end in sight? I mean its just one thing after another. You know the old saying "when it rains, it pours," yeah, by this time, I'm pretty much drowning. I dont have a social life, per say, as I understand people have lives and responsiblites of there own. Believe me, I understand that. You have no idea how much I understand that. There are days where its harder than others. I mean all you do is work to pay bills. Thats not a life, thats existing. I just hope my life gets better sooner than later.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-10057639289593387152014-09-17T17:30:00.001-04:002014-09-17T17:30:13.812-04:00WWE Network -Why its great and maybe a way to expand the network & it will still cost you $9.99!!<br />
<br />
I'll admit, I dont have the WWE Network. Finanically I cant afford it right now and thats a different story. I think the WWE Network is the be all, end all for pro wrestling, er, sports entertainment fans. I mean the WWE has bent over backwards for you to purchase the network for 6 months for only $9.99. I'll admit that 9.99 song gets in your head. I think they've pushed the network than some of the roster in the last 6 months. Here in lies the problem. The WWE is bending over backwards for the fans to purchase the network. Well I got one thing to say about that, screw the fans!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's why I say that. I mean I know times are tough out there but if your a true, die hard wrestling fan and you could afford it, there's NO WAY you cant pony up 10 bucks to see all the classic PPVs as well as Battleground, Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble etc.??? I mean its a wrestling fan's dream. You get to see ALL the old PPV's and Monday Nitro's etc. for 10 bucks. I think some of the fans dont appreciate a great outlet like the WWE Network. Do you know how many years wrestling fans like myself have waited for something like this? Now, to be fair, you might ask "well, what was WWE Classics on Demand?" Thats a fair point. I had Classics on Demand and enjoyed the hell out of it. But even w/o classics on Demand, you still get live shows like Main Event and the PPVs plus all the great DVD/documentaries that WWE excels in. Not to mention NXT which people have raved about.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, I've also heard that the distrubution isnt where it should be. I'm not a big tv guy but I still say that maybe WWE Network should try to be like an HBO or Showtime instead of Netflix. I say that because people still have cable and or satelitte tv and having an entire network on your laptop as well as other devices may work out well for you but let's face it people still have HDTV's and cable boxes and whatnot. If all channels, like FX, ESPN, MTV etc. were exclusively on there computers, than there would be no argument. I say to compete with the big boys, try to get on an actual channel. Show that you can compete. "Well, there isnt a marketplace for wrestling." Thats bull. You know how many lousy channels and networks there are out there? Wrestling cant fit? I dont buy it.<br />
<br />
<br />
If the WWE ever wanted to tap into other forms of entertainment I would do this and it might be crazy enough to work. How about a channel off of the network(like ESPN2 or even ESPNEWS is to ESPN) that carries game shows, past and present? What about a channel that carries current and old soap operas? WWE says that there female audience is 40%(?) female, why not cater to them? So many soap opera fans were up in arms because the Daytime Emmy Awards didnt even air on a broadcast or cable channel. I think if you aired those awards not only would you get a broader audience but the WWE would excel because they've been doing PPV's and specials and whatnot since I could walk.<br />
<br />
What about the WWE producing a classic tv channel? Do you know how many fans are mad at the way classic television shows are being presented? They edit scenes, cut out scenes, edit out theme songs, music, way to many commericals etc. How about WWE tapping into that audience?<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, maybe the WWE can produce a Fantasy Football show? Or how about there own version of NFL Countdown or SportsCenter where the anchors talk about the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL? They talk sports but its produced by WWE? The WWE has a huge fanbase, male and female, that love sports so why not expand into that area? What about them previewing the MLB Postseason?<br />
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I know these are crazy ideas but tapping into different markets will give WWE goodwill and maybe get some fans to subscribe to the network. And remember you can get the network for only $9.99!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-82053506261288072922014-05-15T17:14:00.002-04:002014-05-15T17:15:17.113-04:00The Government and the State of ConnecticutNow, if you've read my blogs in the past, you know I never really talk politics. Thats really not my thing but two things have gotten my goat recently. First of all there was this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Lawmakers-Vote-to-Ban-Chocolate-Milk-in-Schools-259427741.html">http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Lawmakers-Vote-to-Ban-Chocolate-Milk-in-Schools-259427741.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wfsb.com/story/25525302/chocolate-milk-ban-close-to-coming-to-connecticut-schools">http://www.wfsb.com/story/25525302/chocolate-milk-ban-close-to-coming-to-connecticut-schools</a><br />
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If you have not clicked on the links, it is the absurd notion to ban chocolate milk. Whats next? I'm glad the politicans in CT. know whats really needed to be acted on. If you look at this link it will tell you where we stand on unemployment here in CT.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm">http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm</a><br />
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Now, I'm not a math whiz by any means but when your tied for 39th in the nation as far as unemployment, something is wrong there. How can something like chocolate milk be banned and yet nothing is done about unemployment? The way we are going we wont be even able to afford chocolate milk. Instead of worrying about if a kid has a french fry or a can of soda, why dont, you know, we worry about the unemployment rate??!! I mean if a child is going through a messy family situation, drugs, alcohol, divorce or whatnot, do you really think he or she has to be hassaled about what she eats or drinks? Dont you think that the child has enough on there plate without worrying about what he or she eats or drinks? I mean if your going through the pains of hell at home, you should be at least rewarded whether that be a Big Mac, A Whopper, a can of soda or even chocolate milk.<br />
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I have to ask about this. Again, stop policing the internet. Instead the FCC should be having stricter rules on about what you can and cant see on the internet. What about all those disgusting sites that should be banned that I really dont want to mention on here? What about stricter rules for all the "trolls" or cyber bullies that bully poor kids on the internet? :<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/05/15/gop-lawmakers-tell-fcc-to-back-off-net-neutrality-rules/">http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/05/15/gop-lawmakers-tell-fcc-to-back-off-net-neutrality-rules/</a><br />
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I mean the internet is a nice place for information, whether it be news, television or in my case, sports. You could meet your future husband or wife via the internet, listen to some classic music, watch some classic tv shows. You could reconnect with someone via Facebook that you lost touch with.<br />
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I just think that what the FCC is trying to do now could be only the beginning. What if it gets worse? What if they start imposing more rules about the internet? What happens then?<br />
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To me, I dont mind browsing the internet as there is so much positive things you could do on there. And you could eat while you browse. Whether it be a Big Mac or a Whopper and you could wash it down with a can of soda or even some chocolate milk.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-70524247108615178372014-05-01T16:16:00.000-04:002014-05-01T16:20:05.297-04:00The NWA VS. WWE Part 2We have covered part 1 here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2014/04/nwa-vs-wwe-head-to-head-part-1.html">http://www.superbowlgreatness.blogspot.com/2014/04/nwa-vs-wwe-head-to-head-part-1.html</a><br />
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Now we continue with part 2.<br />
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A Couple of months later in January 1988, the NWA and WWE would once again go head to head on the same day. Jan. 24 to be exact. The NWA, off of Starrcade 87, would hold there "Bunkhouse Stampede" PPV at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island New York, right in the heart of WWE country. Now here's a snippet of what has happened to the NWA since Starrcade 87. The UWF is pretty much done as it has merged with the NWA. Nikita Koloff unified the NWA and UWF TV Titles at Starrcade by beating Terry Taylor. Despite winning at Starrcade over Barry Windham, the UWF champion "Dr. Death" Steve Williams disappeared. He along with Taylor, Eddie Gilbert and Chris Adams, who was briefly in the NWA, vanished. Windham would hold one of the most famous titles that really nobody ever heard of, The Western States Heritage Title. He would challenge Larry Zbyszko at the Bunkhouse Stampede. Meanwhile, the 4 Horsemen broke up soon after Starrcade when Lex Luger lost the US Title to Dusty Rhodes. The Horsemen, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard attacked Luger in Miami after a Bunkhouse Stampede match when Luger refused to go over the top rope and make JJ Dillon the winner. Also, Ric Flair regained the World Championship at Starrcade over Ron Garvin. Now Flair would face Road Warrior Hawk as Road Warrior Animal was in the Bunkhouse Stampede cage match.<br />
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Nikita Koloff opened the show by wrestling Bobby Eaton of The Midnight Express to a 20 minute draw so Koloff retained the NWA Television Title. Larry Zbyszko won the Western States Title from Barry Windham. Ric Flair retained the World Heavyweight Championship over Hawk by disqualification. The main event consisted of a Bunkhouse Stampede Steel Cage Match. Dusty Rhodes, Road Warrior Animal, The Warlord, Lex Luger, Tully Blanchard, The Barbarian, Ivan Koloff and Arn Anderson would meet to see who would win a prize full of money and the bunkhouse boot and become "Bull of the Woods." This was a bloody match and the wrestlers came in there bunkhouse gear-blue jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, no tights or robes this night. You could eliminate your opponent over the cage or through the cage door. A memorable highlight was when Luger, Blanchard and Anderson all got eliminated by going through the cage door at the sametime. The match came down to The Warlord and Dusty Rhodes with Rhodes winning by elbowing The Warlord off the cage to win the match and become as he would famously say "MMMOOOOOO, The Bull of the Woods." Watching this show was kind of what the NWA was famous for. It wasnt really fancy as far as glitz and glamour but the NWA was what a lot people thought was an alternative to WWE and its cartoon aspect. The NWA was more blood and guts and a little more risqué, not with sex but with violence.<br />
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Which leads us to the first ever Royal Rumble. A brainchild from the mind of Pat Patterson, the Royal Rumble was a first in wrestling. It would be a new twist on a battle royal, whereas a battle royal all the superstars were in at one time, the Royal Rumble would actually start with 2 guys in the ring and then every 2 mins. have another guy enter. Whats interesting about this is that is the only Rumble to have 20 superstars. All the other Rumbles have had 30 except, 2011 where there were 40 superstars won by Alberto Del Rio. The Royal Rumble would take place at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton Ontario, Canada and drew a huge rating(8.2) for the USA Network which held the event. It was also have the contract signing for the rematch from WrestleMania 3 as Hulk Hogan would face Andre the Giant on an NBC special called "The Main Event", Feb. 5.<br />
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We start off with a hall of famer and hopefully a soon to be hall of famer as Ricky Steamboat beating "Ravishing" Rick Rude by Disqualification. Steamboat would soon leave the WWE after WrestleMania 4 but watch this match because I dont think Rude and Steamboat a whole lot in WWE. They have a great rivalry 4 years later over the US Title in WCW. There was infamous segment where Dino Bravo set the World Benchpress record of 715 lbs. I say this is infamous because its noted that Jesse Ventura helped him as Ventura was the spotter for Bravo.<br />
The second match consisted of the Jumping Bomb Angels defeating Jimmy Hart's Glamour Girls of Judy Martin and Lelani Kai.Nothing much here as the Womens Tag Team Championship would soon vanish although this is a 2 out of 3 falls match with the Angels winning in the 3rd fall.<br />
Next, was the contract signing of the Hulk Hogan/Andre the Giant match on Feb. 5. Ted Dibiase and his bodyguard Virgil, were there with Andre to sign the contract. Hogan signed it and then I could still hear Dibiase saying "Andre, put your stamp of approval on it." He did and rammed Hogan's head on the table and then dumped the table over on him.<br />
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Next, was the Royal Rumble match. The first 2 superstars in the Rumble match itself was Bret Hart and Tito Santana. Two great hall of famers and a little backstory on these 2 guys. Bret Hart of the Hart Foundation tag team lost the tag team championships to Tito Santana and Rick Martel, Strike Force in November of 1987. The superstars kept coming in. Guys like "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, One Man Gang, Butch Reed, Hercules, Jake Roberts and the late, great Ultimate Warrior. The final four would be Don Muraco, One Man Gang, Dino Bravo and Duggan. In the end, Duggan would eliminate the One Man Gang to win the first ever Royal Rumble.<br />
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In another 2 out of 3 falls match, The Islanders defeated The Young Stallions (Jim Powers and Paul Roma). Roma injured his knee and his team was beaten 2 straight falls to lose the match. It was just a regular tag match. I dont remember any feuding between these two before or after the match. That concluded the show.<br />
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Now, based on some research that I've done and remember being banted about the NWA show only drew 6,000 while the WWE show drew 18,000. To me, the WWE was so big at the time that you can call it a win and success for the WWE but thats me. As far as glitz and glamour, WWE wins, in fact, they've always won on that account. But for in ring action, maybe give it to the NWA. If you want violence, I think the NWA show is for you. But I think the true winners were fans who were lucky enough to watch either show or maybe both at the time. Not only that but the winners are the fans of yesterday and today who can sit back and watch 2 shows that took place on the same day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-19278102157088899662014-04-11T16:53:00.000-04:002014-04-11T16:53:06.626-04:00NWA vs. WWE Head to Head Part 1Being a huge wrestling fan that I am something I always wanted to talk about is the NWA vs. WWE. Notice how I said NWA because in this blog, I want to talk about 4 specific moments during the hayday of the 1980s, which literally was NWA vs. WWE on the same day at the same time. This was way before the Monday Night War even began.<br />
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<u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">1) Thanksgiving Day 1987</u>-At the time the NWA always promoted Starrcade on Thanksgiving Night. Starrcade was what Wrestlemania is today. Now, Wrestlemania has more padgetry and glitz and glamour than Starrcade ever did but for the NWA it was <i style="font-weight: bold;">there </i>event. Starrcade started in 1983 and featured Ric Flair defeating Harley Race in a cage match to become World Heavyweight Champion for the second time. There was a sell out in the Greensboro Coliseum and Starrcade was on its way. After, Starrcade 86 which was held in Greensboro and Atlanta, at the Omni, what would Starrcade 87 bring? Change and lots of it. First off, Jim Crockett Promotions purchased the Universal Wrestling Federation in April 1987. Crockett would use that promotion to promote the NWA. The thing is was that all those television stations plus having a studio in Dallas and Atlanta cost money. To this day people look at this as the end of the NWA for a few reasons. One, they moved the show from Greensboro/Atlanta to Chicago, alienating the loyal Greensboro/Atlanta fanbases. Second, fans wanted to see the hometown Road Warriors win the tag team titles but that didnt happen, with a finish known as the "dusty finish." <a href="http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Dusty_Finish">http://prowrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Dusty_Finish</a> Third, production wise it seemed like the WWE Survivor Series was a fastly polished product. Fourth, and this is an argument to this day as to why Ron Garvin was the World Heavyweight Champion. Those 4 factors really contributed as to why Starrcade got beat on that day. Not to mention that the Survivor Series and Starrcade would be on at the same time which meant cable companies had to choose which one to air. The WWE threatened to pull WrestleMania 4 from the cable companies unless they show the Survivor Series. To the cable companies, it was a no brainer as Survivor Series won out. I will say selfishly that I'm kind of glad this happened because I have enjoyed the Survivor Series from the very first one. The Survivor Series with there elmination rules was just so fantastic to watch. Tag team elmination matches, 5 on 5 where you strive to survive, having team captains for each team. That was never done before. Fans flocked to the Survivor Series as the WWE sold out the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield Ohio. The show which had a women's survior series match, a tag team survivor series match plus 3, 5 on 5 matches is well received because of what it started. The Survivor Series would stay on Thanksgiving Night until 1991 where it moved to Thanksgiving Eve. That would last until 1995 where they would tradionally move to the Sunday before Thanksgiving where they have been ever since. Starrcade, on the other hand, moved away from Thanksgiving the following year to the day after Christmas. Starrcade was never on Thanksgiving again up until WWE bought out WCW/NWA in March 2001.<br />
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Its debatable as to who had the better show. Some people to this day liked Starrcade because the NWA wasn't as cartoony as the WWE was at the time. I mean fans just were loyal to the NWA over WWE and you could tell that the NWA and WWE were two big but different companies. As cliched as it might sound, I think the true winners were the fans. If your a hardcore wrestling fan like myself, back then and even now you could enjoy not one great PPV but two of them. I think thats a pretty good deal. Too bad, we wont have those days again anytime soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281716571158901373.post-9044973861733616072014-04-10T17:12:00.003-04:002014-04-10T17:16:36.108-04:00The Ultimate Warrior Dying Like many fans all over the world I was shocked and saddened to hear that the Ultimate Warrior passed away. It just seemed so shocking that a man that was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday and appear on Monday Night Raw on Monday would pass away on Tuesday. It seems like the Warrior made peace with everyone including Hulk Hogan and the McMahons. I actually did a double take when I saw on my local news Wednesday morning a crawl that said that he passed away. I actually did a double take for a minute. I didnt think it was true until the story was picked up on other news stations and outlets. I think its too early to speculate how he died but lets remember him for his memories as The Ultimate Warrior and most importantly as a husband and a father.<br />
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Its funny I dont remember Jim Hellwig when he teamed with Sting. I didnt get the UWF back then but I do remember him in WCCW as the Dingo Warrior. Believe or not, before he had "little warriors" he was a villian or a bad guy. Soon after he became a good guy feuding with I believe, Matt Borne and Buzz Sawyer. Soon after that, he went to the WWE. He caught on like wildfire and a moment to this day that I watch over and over again was when he beat the Honky Tonk Man at Summerslam 88 to win the Intercontinental Championship. From when his music hit, to the quick win and the crowd going crazy at Madison Square Garden, its one of my personal, favorite Ultimate Warrior moments.<br />
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Another one of my favorite Warrior moments is at the Royal Rumble 1990 when he faced off against Hulk Hogan. The crowd was going crazy and that was a huge matchup. Also the very fact that two babyfaces or "good guys" facing off was unheard of back then. There encounter was brief but it did lead to WrestleMania 6 at the Skydome where Warrior beat Hogan for the WWE Championship. A couple of things came out of that match. First, it was the first time two babyfaces headlined WrestleMania against each other. It was always a good guy vs. a bad guy. Second, its one of the best WrestleMania matches of all time. Just a great match all the way around. Finally, Warrior winning meant that he was a double champion. He was the WWE Champion as well as the Intercontinental Champion. The image of Warrior holding both belts as fireworks shot off in the Skydome is an iconic WrestleMania moment.<br />
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His match the following year against the legendary "Macho Man"Randy Savage at WM 7 is fantastic as well. A career ending match, meaning who lost had to retire, Savage and Warrior put on a hell of a match including Warrior kicking out after 5 elbow drops from the Macho Man. Now, we all know Warrior then left the WWE in the summer of 1991 only to return at WM 8 in the main event. His music and him running down to the ring at WM 8 was another WrestleMania moment. As a closelined Papa Shango, you could feel the power of the warriors going crazy because he had come back.<br />
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Everytime, the Warrior came back, the fans WANTED him back. They would go crazy. I had the pleasure of being in Hartford, CT., the night of August 17, 1998, when he debuted on WCW Monday Nitro. Again, the fans WANTED him back as he got a huge ovation. Nobody can doubt his charmisa and appeal. I think he's one of the best characters in the history of sports entertainment and pro wrestling. To have people just go crazy for you night after night, year after year is outstanding.<br />
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Now, I have to admit, I didnt watch the Hall of Fame. I only saw snippets of what aired on USA Network and what I've read online. I did however watch Raw and saw his last interview. I dont know if he knew it was over but again, the fans went crazy for him. Hey look, people are going to have opinions about him. But I'd rather remember him as The Ultimate Warrior and the guy who was accompied by his daughters onstage to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.<br />
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To the friends and family of the Ultimate Warrior, my thoughts and condolences go out to you during this obviously tough time. To have a character like that and even better being a husband and a father makes your life, well, Ultimate. RIP.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0