If you know me well you will surely be aware that my favourite kind of comedy is the one where unsuspecting people are pranked. That's why I have dedicated posts on here to the likes of Borat, The Fonejacker and the books by Robin Cooper.
My introduction to this form of comedy began in the eighties at a small flat on a Saturday night.
My Aunt would look after us on Saturday's because my Mother would be at work and my Father would be playing rugby. We would spend the day there before getting picked up in the evening we would make sure we didn't leave until Beadle's About was over.
Jeremy Beadle was a devious-minded man and the country loved it.
I remember nearly shedding tears of laughter at one of his pranks where people would be sat at a restaurant table with a picture hanging beside them on the wall. This painting was no ordinary picture, though. It was 3D so the head was sticking out. Unbeknownst to the diners this portrait was an actual person and he would jump out at them.
That was just one example of what I can remember from those Saturday evenings.
The most spectacular prank Jeremy Beadle pulled was when he faked an alien landing in a lady's garden. I bruised a rib laughing when the scientist asked the lady to welcome it to the world and she came out with; 'Would you like a cup of tea?'
In 1995, Beadle joined Talk Radio UK (now Talk Sport) and he hosted a weekend show that was - at the time - one of my favourites. It was a phone-in quiz mixed with strange facts. This show didn't last long as Jeremy Beadle left the station a few weeks after its launch.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Return Of The Gladiators
American Gladiators - the TV show that was famous in the eighties and early nineties - made its return to US television early this year.
The physical game show is now hosted by Hulk Hogan and Leila Ali and is a revamped version of the original.
I haven't seen this new version and I doubt I really want to. American Gladiators was okay when you see it the first time, a second time and it's plain boring.
Same for the UK version of the show. One episode and you have seen it all before. That's not to say I just watched one episode, I watched many - but it was extremely repetitive.
I woke up this morning to news that the UK is following suit and bringing back Gladiators to our screens. Ian Wright is meant to be the host of the new show which will more than likely air on Sky One.
The renaissance won't last. If they had sustained their popularity in the first place we wouldn't be here today talking about their return. It's just going to be a question of how long until the television companies pull the plug again.
And I thought Virgin Media not carrying Sky One was a bad thing!
The physical game show is now hosted by Hulk Hogan and Leila Ali and is a revamped version of the original.
I haven't seen this new version and I doubt I really want to. American Gladiators was okay when you see it the first time, a second time and it's plain boring.
Same for the UK version of the show. One episode and you have seen it all before. That's not to say I just watched one episode, I watched many - but it was extremely repetitive.
I woke up this morning to news that the UK is following suit and bringing back Gladiators to our screens. Ian Wright is meant to be the host of the new show which will more than likely air on Sky One.
The renaissance won't last. If they had sustained their popularity in the first place we wouldn't be here today talking about their return. It's just going to be a question of how long until the television companies pull the plug again.
And I thought Virgin Media not carrying Sky One was a bad thing!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Next Week's Poker
I will be returning to the poker sites next week!
There are three freerolls set to take place starting from Monday that I want to take part in so - as I have nothing else to do - I am going to register for them.
Let's see if the time off has done any good.
There are three freerolls set to take place starting from Monday that I want to take part in so - as I have nothing else to do - I am going to register for them.
Let's see if the time off has done any good.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Out Of Nowhere
I didn't see it coming.
I had grown used to not seeing the name on my screen.
But...
He's back!
When the thirtieth entrant of the Royal Rumble's music hit I had to do a double take. Was I hearing what I thought I was?
'Entrant 30 - John Cena'.
The WWE totally pulled one over on all of its fans. They brought back John Cena a few months after being shelved due to a pectoral injury that was meant to have sidelined him until the late Spring.
Do I hate the fact that he is back? Absolutely not.
A lot of people hate the way he has been forced down their throats for the last few years. I can understand their anger but I like his act. That's not to say I was missing him, though. The WWE storylines have been good as of late.
The shock value of seeing him return and actually win the Rumble gets a thumbs up from me. Now all we need to know is which champion he is going to select to face at Wrestlemania.
My money is on Cena versus Randy Orton.
I had grown used to not seeing the name on my screen.
But...
He's back!
When the thirtieth entrant of the Royal Rumble's music hit I had to do a double take. Was I hearing what I thought I was?
'Entrant 30 - John Cena'.
The WWE totally pulled one over on all of its fans. They brought back John Cena a few months after being shelved due to a pectoral injury that was meant to have sidelined him until the late Spring.
Do I hate the fact that he is back? Absolutely not.
A lot of people hate the way he has been forced down their throats for the last few years. I can understand their anger but I like his act. That's not to say I was missing him, though. The WWE storylines have been good as of late.
The shock value of seeing him return and actually win the Rumble gets a thumbs up from me. Now all we need to know is which champion he is going to select to face at Wrestlemania.
My money is on Cena versus Randy Orton.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Rumble Odds
I believe that tonight's Royal Rumble is a two-horse race so - like a true bookmaker - I am going to put the entrants down and give them odds of winning.
The Undertaker EVENS
Triple H EVENS
Batista 3/1
Shawn Michaels 5/1
Umaga 5/1
Kane 6/1
Mark Henry 6/1
Mr Kennedy 6/1
Great Khali 6/1
Big Daddy V 7/1
Snitsky 7/1
Mick Foley 10/1
Finlay 10/1
Shelton Benjamin 11/1
John Morrison 12/1
Carlito 12/1
Santino Marella 12/1
Hardcore Holly 12/1
Chuck Palumbo 13/1
The Miz 13/1
Cody Rhodes 14/1
Jamie Noble 14/1
Tommy Dreamer 15/1
Hornswoggle 25/1
The Undertaker EVENS
Triple H EVENS
Batista 3/1
Shawn Michaels 5/1
Umaga 5/1
Kane 6/1
Mark Henry 6/1
Mr Kennedy 6/1
Great Khali 6/1
Big Daddy V 7/1
Snitsky 7/1
Mick Foley 10/1
Finlay 10/1
Shelton Benjamin 11/1
John Morrison 12/1
Carlito 12/1
Santino Marella 12/1
Hardcore Holly 12/1
Chuck Palumbo 13/1
The Miz 13/1
Cody Rhodes 14/1
Jamie Noble 14/1
Tommy Dreamer 15/1
Hornswoggle 25/1
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The Best Rumble Finish
Seeing as the Royal Rumble takes place tomorrow night the WWE website has a section where a number of wrestlers comment on what their favourite finish was.
Mine has to be the end of the 1995 match.
The Royal Rumble starts off with two wrestlers and every two minutes afterwards an extra person enters the ring. This process continues until all thirty entrants have appeared. Eliminations occur when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope and both of their feet hit the floor.
I was banking on Shawn Michaels to win the match in 1995 and when it came down to him and the British Bulldog I was sure he would be walking away and securing victory as well as the prize of a title-shot against the champion at Wrestlemania.
The Bulldog clotheslined Michaels out of the ring and the camera centred on Davey Boy as he raised his arms in triumph. As Rule Britannia played over the PA system the Heartbreak Kid returned to the ring and threw the Bulldog out and was declared the winner.
Both of Michaels' feet hadn't hit the floor.
In a replay they showed how Michaels had hung on and used one foot to leverage himself before sneaking back into the ring. It was such a smart way of ending the match. I keep wondering what would have happened if he had slipped.
I appreciate this finish more than any other because it took a lot of skill from both wrestlers to do such a perfect ending.
Mine has to be the end of the 1995 match.
The Royal Rumble starts off with two wrestlers and every two minutes afterwards an extra person enters the ring. This process continues until all thirty entrants have appeared. Eliminations occur when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope and both of their feet hit the floor.
I was banking on Shawn Michaels to win the match in 1995 and when it came down to him and the British Bulldog I was sure he would be walking away and securing victory as well as the prize of a title-shot against the champion at Wrestlemania.
The Bulldog clotheslined Michaels out of the ring and the camera centred on Davey Boy as he raised his arms in triumph. As Rule Britannia played over the PA system the Heartbreak Kid returned to the ring and threw the Bulldog out and was declared the winner.
Both of Michaels' feet hadn't hit the floor.
In a replay they showed how Michaels had hung on and used one foot to leverage himself before sneaking back into the ring. It was such a smart way of ending the match. I keep wondering what would have happened if he had slipped.
I appreciate this finish more than any other because it took a lot of skill from both wrestlers to do such a perfect ending.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Lost Boys 2
There are a few movies that have a cult status amongst people which grew up in my generation. Films like The Goonies and The Lost Boys were so popular that we prayed that there would be a sequel for either one of them. But there never was.
Until now.
I read this morning that the second part of Lost Boys is in post-production and should be released later this year. The movie - entitled The Lost Boys 2 : The Tribe - will be brought out straight to DVD.
Yeah, straight to DVD. Sounds rubbish, huh?
Corey Feldman, who played a role in the first movie, is the only original cast member left from the 1987 movie. His real-life friend who played the lead in the first film, Corey Haim, pulled out a few weeks before filming began.
Does this sound worth the over twenty year wait? I don't think so.
What we obviously have here is a film company (Warner Brothers) trying to capitalise on the current nostalgia trips people seem to have looking for sequels from their favourite movies.
It will all end in tears.
Until now.
I read this morning that the second part of Lost Boys is in post-production and should be released later this year. The movie - entitled The Lost Boys 2 : The Tribe - will be brought out straight to DVD.
Yeah, straight to DVD. Sounds rubbish, huh?
Corey Feldman, who played a role in the first movie, is the only original cast member left from the 1987 movie. His real-life friend who played the lead in the first film, Corey Haim, pulled out a few weeks before filming began.
Does this sound worth the over twenty year wait? I don't think so.
What we obviously have here is a film company (Warner Brothers) trying to capitalise on the current nostalgia trips people seem to have looking for sequels from their favourite movies.
It will all end in tears.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Goodbye & Good Riddance
It seems that Bobby Lashley has left the WWE. I hope these rumours prove to be true because he has done nothing for me as a top star in the company.
Lashley was forced down our throats for two years and didn't prove to be as popular as the higher-ups had anticipated. There was an apparent change in his ego after he was involved in the hair .vs. hair angle between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump at last year's Wrestlemania.
His girlfriend - Kristal Marshall - was also released by the company in the later part of 2007 due to 'attitude issues'. Whether this is one of the reasons behind Lashley giving notice has yet to be revealed.
The WWE has yet to make an announcement regarding this situation. Lashley broke the news himself on a message board on his website. The fact that the WWE still hasn't responded to this makes me think there is more to this than meets the eye.
Could this be a swerve so people are surprised when he returns from injury at the Royal Rumble this Sunday?
It's possible but I hope not.
Lashley was forced down our throats for two years and didn't prove to be as popular as the higher-ups had anticipated. There was an apparent change in his ego after he was involved in the hair .vs. hair angle between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump at last year's Wrestlemania.
His girlfriend - Kristal Marshall - was also released by the company in the later part of 2007 due to 'attitude issues'. Whether this is one of the reasons behind Lashley giving notice has yet to be revealed.
The WWE has yet to make an announcement regarding this situation. Lashley broke the news himself on a message board on his website. The fact that the WWE still hasn't responded to this makes me think there is more to this than meets the eye.
Could this be a swerve so people are surprised when he returns from injury at the Royal Rumble this Sunday?
It's possible but I hope not.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Cold War
I'm in the middle of a war against a cold.
I'll return when I am 100%
In the meantime check out the new Video Game Nerd review on his website.
I'll return when I am 100%
In the meantime check out the new Video Game Nerd review on his website.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Fakerer
I am typing this as I am watching last night's edition of Monday Night Raw. It was the first time the show was aired in High-Definition so there was a lot of notable changes to the production. As I haven't got a HD-TV then I cannot say whether it was a success or not. What I can say, however, is that it is going to cause the WWE a lot of problems from now on.
On a message board I am a member of someone has asked a few weeks ago what would HD do to the product. The first response made me laugh.
His reply was 'it will make it fakerer'.
And it is true.
I've seen HD televisions on display in the shops. They look amazing and everything stands out. Now, imagine watching wrestling on one. You're going to see a lot more than what you really should see.
The WWE had a meeting with all their performers a number of weeks ago to explain a new change in how they operate their televised events. All performers have been told they can no longer 'call spots' during their matches.
Calling spots is where they set-up their next moves. Most of today's matches are made with a skeleton outline of what they want to accomplish in the ring. Most of the additional moves in the match are made on the fly. Taking that out of the match may prove to be a challenge for the wrestlers.
Another thing that was brought up in the meeting was the use of spray-on tans. As HD-TV can pick up blemishes in the face and make the appearance seem more realistic there is a concern that sprayed tans can be caught on camera when they begin to run.
Fans without HD-TV will see something different, however. The company has spent millions on a new set that will be used from now on. I read somewhere that the wall has 1.2 million LEDs on it. New pyrotechnics are also being introduced.
Obviously, the new set and pyrotechnics will look good on normal television but the real winners are going to be the people there live at the arena or - the next best thing - sitting at home watching the WWE in High-Definition.
On a message board I am a member of someone has asked a few weeks ago what would HD do to the product. The first response made me laugh.
His reply was 'it will make it fakerer'.
And it is true.
I've seen HD televisions on display in the shops. They look amazing and everything stands out. Now, imagine watching wrestling on one. You're going to see a lot more than what you really should see.
The WWE had a meeting with all their performers a number of weeks ago to explain a new change in how they operate their televised events. All performers have been told they can no longer 'call spots' during their matches.
Calling spots is where they set-up their next moves. Most of today's matches are made with a skeleton outline of what they want to accomplish in the ring. Most of the additional moves in the match are made on the fly. Taking that out of the match may prove to be a challenge for the wrestlers.
Another thing that was brought up in the meeting was the use of spray-on tans. As HD-TV can pick up blemishes in the face and make the appearance seem more realistic there is a concern that sprayed tans can be caught on camera when they begin to run.
Fans without HD-TV will see something different, however. The company has spent millions on a new set that will be used from now on. I read somewhere that the wall has 1.2 million LEDs on it. New pyrotechnics are also being introduced.
Obviously, the new set and pyrotechnics will look good on normal television but the real winners are going to be the people there live at the arena or - the next best thing - sitting at home watching the WWE in High-Definition.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Giants and Patriots
The teams facing each other at this year's Super Bowl are the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.
I am feeling a little disappointed that the San Diego Chargers didn't beat the Patriots last night. I had made a bet with a free five pound I was given on Sky Bet so had predicted the Chargers would lift the Vince Lombardi trophy on February 3rd.
The team I want to win now is the Giants.
I am not being bitter, I am rooting for the underdog because I think it will rewrite the story of the season if New York win.
New England have yet to be beaten this season and clinching the Super Bowl is expected from the game's know-it-alls.
The two teams faced each other in the final game of the regular season and it was an enjoyable contest. Hopefully, the upcoming match-up will be similar if not better.
I am feeling a little disappointed that the San Diego Chargers didn't beat the Patriots last night. I had made a bet with a free five pound I was given on Sky Bet so had predicted the Chargers would lift the Vince Lombardi trophy on February 3rd.
The team I want to win now is the Giants.
I am not being bitter, I am rooting for the underdog because I think it will rewrite the story of the season if New York win.
New England have yet to be beaten this season and clinching the Super Bowl is expected from the game's know-it-alls.
The two teams faced each other in the final game of the regular season and it was an enjoyable contest. Hopefully, the upcoming match-up will be similar if not better.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
UFC 80
I spent yesterday evening watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship's eightieth show.
It was live on British television from the Metro Arena in Newcastle. I'm not sure when it was played in the USA but I doubt they would have aired it live due to the time difference.
I'm not a hardcore fan of mixed martial arts but I usually watch it if it's on. A lot of my friends are big fans of it, though.
There were two great, bloody matches. The main event was one of these and it pitted BJ Penn against Joe Stevenson.
Penn elbowed his opponent in the forehead in the first round and the cut was ghastly looking. But - despite this - the fight wasn't stopped until a little while later with Penn walking out the victor.
There was a few preliminary bouts that took place earlier in the evening played on the live broadcast as they needed to fill time. There was one match that was a mismatch if ever I saw one, and I am no expert on MMA remember.
There was a Northern Irish fighter called Colin Robinson. He looked like David Taylor, the WWE wrestler not that other David Taylor we know. His opponent was Antoni Hardonk and was much younger than the Irishman.
The match lasted seventeen seconds after Hardonk took out Robinson's leg with a few stiff kicks.
The next event is the first weekend in February and I am looking forward to it for one reason - it will be the debut of Brock Lesnar in the UFC.
I'm sure I will write about this in the next few days.
It was live on British television from the Metro Arena in Newcastle. I'm not sure when it was played in the USA but I doubt they would have aired it live due to the time difference.
I'm not a hardcore fan of mixed martial arts but I usually watch it if it's on. A lot of my friends are big fans of it, though.
There were two great, bloody matches. The main event was one of these and it pitted BJ Penn against Joe Stevenson.
Penn elbowed his opponent in the forehead in the first round and the cut was ghastly looking. But - despite this - the fight wasn't stopped until a little while later with Penn walking out the victor.
There was a few preliminary bouts that took place earlier in the evening played on the live broadcast as they needed to fill time. There was one match that was a mismatch if ever I saw one, and I am no expert on MMA remember.
There was a Northern Irish fighter called Colin Robinson. He looked like David Taylor, the WWE wrestler not that other David Taylor we know. His opponent was Antoni Hardonk and was much younger than the Irishman.
The match lasted seventeen seconds after Hardonk took out Robinson's leg with a few stiff kicks.
The next event is the first weekend in February and I am looking forward to it for one reason - it will be the debut of Brock Lesnar in the UFC.
I'm sure I will write about this in the next few days.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Defeated
I have finally lost my crown.
I am no longer the family champion at bowling on the Nintendo Wii.
We had a game yesterday afternoon and I was placed third out of three in a game between Josh, my sister and myself.
So, not only did I lose to a six year old, I also lost to my younger sister.
A double blow!
I knew it was going to come sooner or later seeing as they had a Wii at Christmas. I just didn't think it would be this early.
But never fear - in true heel fashion I blamed the green ball for the upset and demanded a rematch.
The challenge has yet to be answered.
I am no longer the family champion at bowling on the Nintendo Wii.
We had a game yesterday afternoon and I was placed third out of three in a game between Josh, my sister and myself.
So, not only did I lose to a six year old, I also lost to my younger sister.
A double blow!
I knew it was going to come sooner or later seeing as they had a Wii at Christmas. I just didn't think it would be this early.
But never fear - in true heel fashion I blamed the green ball for the upset and demanded a rematch.
The challenge has yet to be answered.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
4025 Days Later
I remember the day Kevin Keegan left Newcastle United.
We were in the changing room of the National Sports Centre of Wales and I was wearing my Newcastle shirt. My friend Martin came in and broke the news to me.
When I got home I spent the evening watching it unfold on the news. Bear in mind this was in a time before Sky Sports News so I had to watch it on those brief news updates they did on Sky Sports at the top of the hour.
To me it was like someone famous had died. It was the worst time I experienced as a Newcastle United supporter.
Four thousand and twenty-five days later and Keegan has returned to the club.
And I'm luvvin' it.
I wrote this post yesterday evening to attempt to capture my feeling at the time I heard of the news. I spent most of the night watching Setanta Sports News and the thing that I wanted to add is - I am more shocked that he has returned than I was when he left in 1997.
We were in the changing room of the National Sports Centre of Wales and I was wearing my Newcastle shirt. My friend Martin came in and broke the news to me.
When I got home I spent the evening watching it unfold on the news. Bear in mind this was in a time before Sky Sports News so I had to watch it on those brief news updates they did on Sky Sports at the top of the hour.
To me it was like someone famous had died. It was the worst time I experienced as a Newcastle United supporter.
Four thousand and twenty-five days later and Keegan has returned to the club.
And I'm luvvin' it.
I wrote this post yesterday evening to attempt to capture my feeling at the time I heard of the news. I spent most of the night watching Setanta Sports News and the thing that I wanted to add is - I am more shocked that he has returned than I was when he left in 1997.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Final Four
By the end of this week we will know for sure which teams are going to be at this year's Super Bowl.
The Divisional Championships are on Sunday night. In the AFC the unbeaten New England Patriots are up against the San Diego Chargers whilst the Green Bay Packers play the New York Giants in the NFC.
As I have mentioned in previous posts - I have a bet on San Diego to win the Super Bowl. For the team to make it to the final they need to get past the roadblock that is the Patriots. I know my bet is facing an uphill struggle but I won't give up on them.
Yet.
I am undecided in the NFC divisional game. I would like either team to win and progress to the Super Bowl.
Let's put it this way - if the Patriots do beat the Chargers on Sunday I will be rooting for the Packers or the Giants on February 3rd.
The Divisional Championships are on Sunday night. In the AFC the unbeaten New England Patriots are up against the San Diego Chargers whilst the Green Bay Packers play the New York Giants in the NFC.
As I have mentioned in previous posts - I have a bet on San Diego to win the Super Bowl. For the team to make it to the final they need to get past the roadblock that is the Patriots. I know my bet is facing an uphill struggle but I won't give up on them.
Yet.
I am undecided in the NFC divisional game. I would like either team to win and progress to the Super Bowl.
Let's put it this way - if the Patriots do beat the Chargers on Sunday I will be rooting for the Packers or the Giants on February 3rd.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
More From The Video Game Nerd
I have uncovered the official website of the Video Game Nerd.
This site includes videos that are unavailable on his Youtube page. His most recent update is an angry rant at the expense of the Zelda series of games and how they aren't in chronological order.
Funny stuff.
http://www.cinemassacre.com/Home_page/frameset.html
This site includes videos that are unavailable on his Youtube page. His most recent update is an angry rant at the expense of the Zelda series of games and how they aren't in chronological order.
Funny stuff.
http://www.cinemassacre.com/Home_page/frameset.html
Monday, January 14, 2008
What The People Want
It appears that my dream of Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer as Newcastle manaagers is shared by a lot of other Newcastle United supporters.
I was reading this morning that this is the public vote. The boardroom - on the other hand - are looking at Mark Hughes as the successor to Sam Allardyce.
And I'm not surprised.
I think there is one main reason why the owner and chairman won't approach the duo. It's because they fear the appointment.
Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan are icons. Mike Ashley and Chris Mort are newcomers.
The owner and the chairman could cause a fan revolt down the road if the Keegan and Shearer partnership fails. They probably understand this so that is why they will be going for a safer choice and go for an experienced manager with no passionate connection with the club.
I would prefer Keegan and Shearer but I can understand why it's unlikely.
I was reading this morning that this is the public vote. The boardroom - on the other hand - are looking at Mark Hughes as the successor to Sam Allardyce.
And I'm not surprised.
I think there is one main reason why the owner and chairman won't approach the duo. It's because they fear the appointment.
Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan are icons. Mike Ashley and Chris Mort are newcomers.
The owner and the chairman could cause a fan revolt down the road if the Keegan and Shearer partnership fails. They probably understand this so that is why they will be going for a safer choice and go for an experienced manager with no passionate connection with the club.
I would prefer Keegan and Shearer but I can understand why it's unlikely.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Happy Easter
May I be the first to wish you all a Happy Easter.
I am not kidding - the adverts for Cadbury Creme Egg have already started. They seem to be selling the eggs earlier and earlier each year.
I wonder if I'll get an egg next Christmas...
I am not kidding - the adverts for Cadbury Creme Egg have already started. They seem to be selling the eggs earlier and earlier each year.
I wonder if I'll get an egg next Christmas...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Giant Letdown
In yesterday's post I wrote about the person returning to the WWE. My initial thought was it was going to be Ron Killings and said how his return would be a letdown.
The news has now hit - I was wrong about the star being Ron Killings (although he is possibly on his way back). I wasn't wrong with it being a letdown, though.
The Big Show is coming back.
Yes - the guy who came to the WWE with a lot of potential in 1999 and was a waste of air-time is now on his way back after a year off.
I can't see any value in bringing him back. He's a giant and that's all. Nobody in wrestling has been able to book a giant since the heyday of Andre the Giant. I can't see that about to change.
The news has now hit - I was wrong about the star being Ron Killings (although he is possibly on his way back). I wasn't wrong with it being a letdown, though.
The Big Show is coming back.
Yes - the guy who came to the WWE with a lot of potential in 1999 and was a waste of air-time is now on his way back after a year off.
I can't see any value in bringing him back. He's a giant and that's all. Nobody in wrestling has been able to book a giant since the heyday of Andre the Giant. I can't see that about to change.
Friday, January 11, 2008
'Big New WWE Signing'
In Dave Meltzer's plug for the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter he make the announcement that the WWE have signed a returning 'former multi-time world champion'.
I don't know for sure who this person is but I have an idea who it could be.
And if I am right this 'big signing' will be nothing but a letdown.
I read a few weeks ago that Ron Killings - a former NWA-TNA world champion - has left the TNA and there had been talks between him and the WWE.
Killings was in the WWE during the early 2000's when he was called K-Kwik and tagged up with the Road Dogg. He didn't last in the company for long but went over to TNA when it was launched and became one of the company's first world champs.
His star began to fall, though. He became lost in the shuffle when they began introducing well-known names into the company.
I hope I am wrong with this guess. A lot of people subscribing to the newsletter expecting to read of a major name signing will definitely feel cheated.
I don't know for sure who this person is but I have an idea who it could be.
And if I am right this 'big signing' will be nothing but a letdown.
I read a few weeks ago that Ron Killings - a former NWA-TNA world champion - has left the TNA and there had been talks between him and the WWE.
Killings was in the WWE during the early 2000's when he was called K-Kwik and tagged up with the Road Dogg. He didn't last in the company for long but went over to TNA when it was launched and became one of the company's first world champs.
His star began to fall, though. He became lost in the shuffle when they began introducing well-known names into the company.
I hope I am wrong with this guess. A lot of people subscribing to the newsletter expecting to read of a major name signing will definitely feel cheated.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Big Fish
It was going to happen sooner or later.
When there is speculation about a manager's job at a particular football club it's not so long before that boss is given his marching orders - especially after being given a vote of confidence by the chairman.
It happened to Sam Allardyce at Newcastle United yesterday.
I wasn't a big fan of Big Sam. That's not to say I didn't anticipate his appointment at the helm of the Magpies. I was looking forward to seeing how the team would do under his influence. He had done a good job at Bolton - I just wasn't sure whether he would be able to do it at Newcastle.
He made some good summer signings - on paper.
The team just didn't perform the way they were meant to. To cut a long story short, Sam Allardyce was a big fish in a small pond while at Bolton and proved how heavy the expectation is on Tyneside.
The attention will now be on a successor.
My personal dream is for a Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer double-act. Keegan can be in charge with Shearer as his understudy and then - when Shearer gets enough experience - move Keegan up into a director of football role and let the pupil take over.
A lot of speculation has centred on Alan Shearer becoming the next boss. That would not be a wise move considering the lack of experience from the legend.
As I mentioned earlier, this is just a dream wish. It looks even more likely that Harry Redknapp will be the man to take over. Redknapp may end up being another Allardyce, though.
Harry Redknapp is currently the big fish at Portsmouth.
When there is speculation about a manager's job at a particular football club it's not so long before that boss is given his marching orders - especially after being given a vote of confidence by the chairman.
It happened to Sam Allardyce at Newcastle United yesterday.
I wasn't a big fan of Big Sam. That's not to say I didn't anticipate his appointment at the helm of the Magpies. I was looking forward to seeing how the team would do under his influence. He had done a good job at Bolton - I just wasn't sure whether he would be able to do it at Newcastle.
He made some good summer signings - on paper.
The team just didn't perform the way they were meant to. To cut a long story short, Sam Allardyce was a big fish in a small pond while at Bolton and proved how heavy the expectation is on Tyneside.
The attention will now be on a successor.
My personal dream is for a Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer double-act. Keegan can be in charge with Shearer as his understudy and then - when Shearer gets enough experience - move Keegan up into a director of football role and let the pupil take over.
A lot of speculation has centred on Alan Shearer becoming the next boss. That would not be a wise move considering the lack of experience from the legend.
As I mentioned earlier, this is just a dream wish. It looks even more likely that Harry Redknapp will be the man to take over. Redknapp may end up being another Allardyce, though.
Harry Redknapp is currently the big fish at Portsmouth.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Playoffs!?
It is the Divisional Playoffs in the NFL this weekend.
My predictions for the Wild Card stage of the off-season ended with me getting three out of the four match-ups right. The game I lost on was the Washington Redskins against the Seattle Seahawks. I had picked the Redskins to win because they were in the midst of a renaissance. Seattle were the better team on the night.
Here are my picks for the weekend. They are highlighted in bold.
NFC DIVISIONAL
Seattle @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
AFC DIVISIONAL
Jacksonville @ New England
San Diego @ Indianapolis
Yes, I am predicting that the Patriots will lose. I think if anyone is going to do it then it will be Jacksonville. As for the other game in the AFC - My favourite team are the Colts and the team I put £5 on to win the Super Bowl are the Chargers. I'm letting my heart rule on this one.
In the NFC I would like to see one of two things - a Manning get to the Super Bowl (even better if it turns out to be Manning vs Manning in the big game!) or I would like to see Green Bay get to the Super Bowl so Brett Favre can add one more Super Bowl win to his resume. Retirement seems to be the question on every body's lips when Brett Favre is nearing the end of each season. It would be a good way to leave the game if he were to win another ring. But, will he retire? He has proved that he can still do it.
My predictions for the Wild Card stage of the off-season ended with me getting three out of the four match-ups right. The game I lost on was the Washington Redskins against the Seattle Seahawks. I had picked the Redskins to win because they were in the midst of a renaissance. Seattle were the better team on the night.
Here are my picks for the weekend. They are highlighted in bold.
NFC DIVISIONAL
Seattle @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
AFC DIVISIONAL
Jacksonville @ New England
San Diego @ Indianapolis
Yes, I am predicting that the Patriots will lose. I think if anyone is going to do it then it will be Jacksonville. As for the other game in the AFC - My favourite team are the Colts and the team I put £5 on to win the Super Bowl are the Chargers. I'm letting my heart rule on this one.
In the NFC I would like to see one of two things - a Manning get to the Super Bowl (even better if it turns out to be Manning vs Manning in the big game!) or I would like to see Green Bay get to the Super Bowl so Brett Favre can add one more Super Bowl win to his resume. Retirement seems to be the question on every body's lips when Brett Favre is nearing the end of each season. It would be a good way to leave the game if he were to win another ring. But, will he retire? He has proved that he can still do it.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Sounding Familiar
I had my first game of poker in weeks last night but the result remained the same.
The tournament was a qualifier for the GUKPT event in Brighton ans was open to readers of Inside Poker magazine.
There were hundreds of players entered which always annoys me. I don't think there are that many readers available to play. It is obvious that the password must have been posted on a message board somewhere.
I lasted the first hour but ended up losing just after the initial break. Sounds familiar doesn't it?
The tournament was a qualifier for the GUKPT event in Brighton ans was open to readers of Inside Poker magazine.
There were hundreds of players entered which always annoys me. I don't think there are that many readers available to play. It is obvious that the password must have been posted on a message board somewhere.
I lasted the first hour but ended up losing just after the initial break. Sounds familiar doesn't it?
Monday, January 07, 2008
I Hate TNA
I hate TNA and do you want to know why?
Way back in 1993 I went to my first American wrestling show. It was WCW. Back then I was a big-time WWF fan and felt the WCW was inferior. I was right - anybody could have seen that World Championship Wrestling was nothing compared to its more glitzy rival.
I started to prefer WCW to the WWF once I went to see their event at the Cardiff International Arena.
This love affair with WCW didn't last long, however. Two months after seeing the WWF at the same arena I was back to being a WWF mark. I didn't give up on WCW, though. They were a very close second in my eyes.
I kept up to date with what was going on in WCW each week by watching their television shows on the German DSF channel on satellite. As the years went on I got cable television and DSF was no longer available to me. I had to resort to reading about WCW in the company's magazine and then Monday Nitro came on our screens every Friday night on the TNT movie channel.
WCW was better than WWF for real. They were kicking their ass in the ratings over in the USA because the concepts being introduced were fresher. The WWF were the sleeping hare and WCW had become the tortoise nearing the finish line.
So why do I hate TNA? It's easy.
Remember those new concepts I mentioned? And how WCW had out performed the WWF? Well, the WWF learnt from their lackadaisical approach to booking wrestling and started to put on a better show than their competitor. It took a while but they eventually started to beat them in the ratings.
And that's when things went awry.
WCW became a joke. For the last few years of their existence I sat bewildered watching the show as they pissed away opportunity upon opportunity to at least catch up with the number one company.
Those last two years of television were awful. The storylines made no sense whatsoever and it turned a lot of people off.
TNA reminds me of the latter days of WCW.
The company is being run by the same idiot who thought he could turn around the fortunes of WCW and ended up making it more of a laughing stock than it already was. The further away Vince Russo is to professional wrestling the better. He has proved time and time again that he is nothing but a mark for himself and he thinks his vision will win out.
TNA will cease to exist soon enough. I won't miss it as much I miss some of the good days of WCW. I never was nor will be a fan of TNA.
Fifteen years from now we could be reading someone write about how much they missed TNA and how history is repeating itself by those who didn't learn from it.
Or we could be watching WWE as usual.
Way back in 1993 I went to my first American wrestling show. It was WCW. Back then I was a big-time WWF fan and felt the WCW was inferior. I was right - anybody could have seen that World Championship Wrestling was nothing compared to its more glitzy rival.
I started to prefer WCW to the WWF once I went to see their event at the Cardiff International Arena.
This love affair with WCW didn't last long, however. Two months after seeing the WWF at the same arena I was back to being a WWF mark. I didn't give up on WCW, though. They were a very close second in my eyes.
I kept up to date with what was going on in WCW each week by watching their television shows on the German DSF channel on satellite. As the years went on I got cable television and DSF was no longer available to me. I had to resort to reading about WCW in the company's magazine and then Monday Nitro came on our screens every Friday night on the TNT movie channel.
WCW was better than WWF for real. They were kicking their ass in the ratings over in the USA because the concepts being introduced were fresher. The WWF were the sleeping hare and WCW had become the tortoise nearing the finish line.
So why do I hate TNA? It's easy.
Remember those new concepts I mentioned? And how WCW had out performed the WWF? Well, the WWF learnt from their lackadaisical approach to booking wrestling and started to put on a better show than their competitor. It took a while but they eventually started to beat them in the ratings.
And that's when things went awry.
WCW became a joke. For the last few years of their existence I sat bewildered watching the show as they pissed away opportunity upon opportunity to at least catch up with the number one company.
Those last two years of television were awful. The storylines made no sense whatsoever and it turned a lot of people off.
TNA reminds me of the latter days of WCW.
The company is being run by the same idiot who thought he could turn around the fortunes of WCW and ended up making it more of a laughing stock than it already was. The further away Vince Russo is to professional wrestling the better. He has proved time and time again that he is nothing but a mark for himself and he thinks his vision will win out.
TNA will cease to exist soon enough. I won't miss it as much I miss some of the good days of WCW. I never was nor will be a fan of TNA.
Fifteen years from now we could be reading someone write about how much they missed TNA and how history is repeating itself by those who didn't learn from it.
Or we could be watching WWE as usual.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
The Annoyed
I had an interesting start to the day.
I was in an online trivia room and one of the questions had 'Lance Armstrong' as the answer. I typed in 'cheat' and it irritated a fellow player.
He messaged me asking why I called Lance Armstrong a cheat. I didn't really get the chance to explain why I believe he cheated his way in becoming an American icon because the person then went on a rant claiming that I was jealous because Great Britain didn't have anything to be proud of.
The conversation spiralled into attacks. I drew the line when he uttered the 'N' word in this rant. I told him I had heard enough. He then came back asking me for a fight.
Yes, this forty-one year old racist scumbag wanted to have a fight with me because I offered my opinion on a cyclist whom I believe used performance enhancing drugs.
I think the fact that there is a lot of speculation about Armstrong's sample from his 1999 win in the Tour de France is enough to question the validity of his win. To win the race seven times is enough to raise an eyebrow with these allegations around.
I might be wrong as there is no definitive evidence to prove I am right, but there is no evidence out there to prove I am wrong, either.
As for the asshole who messaged me - I have no time for bigots. I hate the fact I have wasted enough of today's post mentioning him. It still makes me laugh, though. This guy was worked up enough to want to have a fight with me. What a loser.
I was in an online trivia room and one of the questions had 'Lance Armstrong' as the answer. I typed in 'cheat' and it irritated a fellow player.
He messaged me asking why I called Lance Armstrong a cheat. I didn't really get the chance to explain why I believe he cheated his way in becoming an American icon because the person then went on a rant claiming that I was jealous because Great Britain didn't have anything to be proud of.
The conversation spiralled into attacks. I drew the line when he uttered the 'N' word in this rant. I told him I had heard enough. He then came back asking me for a fight.
Yes, this forty-one year old racist scumbag wanted to have a fight with me because I offered my opinion on a cyclist whom I believe used performance enhancing drugs.
I think the fact that there is a lot of speculation about Armstrong's sample from his 1999 win in the Tour de France is enough to question the validity of his win. To win the race seven times is enough to raise an eyebrow with these allegations around.
I might be wrong as there is no definitive evidence to prove I am right, but there is no evidence out there to prove I am wrong, either.
As for the asshole who messaged me - I have no time for bigots. I hate the fact I have wasted enough of today's post mentioning him. It still makes me laugh, though. This guy was worked up enough to want to have a fight with me. What a loser.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
The Angry Video Game Nerd
I have been looking at a number of videos on Youtube recently and one of my favourite broadcasters is a man named The Angry Nintendo Nerd.
The guy reviews Nintendo games from the eight-bit console and - as you have probably figured out by his name - he does it in a vicious way.
He chooses the most ridiculous games to offer his opinion on and it makes me laugh when he goes on a rant about a specific game.
He has reviewed a load of games that I never knew existed. One of the most weird games he has looked at is a religious game based on the bible with the title called Bible Games. Gee, the developers must have spent hours thinking up of the name for that one!
It wasn't just the weird bible themed games that get the Angry Nintendo Nerd seal of disapproval. He also looks at certain games that have movie tie-ins.
I never knew there was a Nightmare on Elm Street game. Judging from what I have seen, I am glad that I didn't know of one!
Check out all his other reviews here - http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JamesNintendoNerd
The guy reviews Nintendo games from the eight-bit console and - as you have probably figured out by his name - he does it in a vicious way.
He chooses the most ridiculous games to offer his opinion on and it makes me laugh when he goes on a rant about a specific game.
He has reviewed a load of games that I never knew existed. One of the most weird games he has looked at is a religious game based on the bible with the title called Bible Games. Gee, the developers must have spent hours thinking up of the name for that one!
It wasn't just the weird bible themed games that get the Angry Nintendo Nerd seal of disapproval. He also looks at certain games that have movie tie-ins.
I never knew there was a Nightmare on Elm Street game. Judging from what I have seen, I am glad that I didn't know of one!
Check out all his other reviews here - http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JamesNintendoNerd
Friday, January 04, 2008
Wild Card Weekend
This Saturday and Sunday sees the NFL Wild Card Weekend for teams that made it to the post-season.
Below are my predicted outcomes of these matches. The teams I want to win are highlighted in bold font.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
Tennessee @ San Diego
Washington @ Seattle
NY Giants @ Tampa Bay
Below are my predicted outcomes of these matches. The teams I want to win are highlighted in bold font.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
Tennessee @ San Diego
Washington @ Seattle
NY Giants @ Tampa Bay
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Gremlins 3
I was scrolling through the cable channels on New Year's Day and stumbled upon the film entitled Small Soldiers. I hadn't seen it before and it reminded me in a lot of ways to one of my favourite films as a child.
The movie in question is Gremlins.
My parents absolutely hated this film. They were never keen on letting me watch it but they surrendered when I pleaded with them that everyone else at school had seen it. I wasn't lying - Gremlins was the fifteen-rated film that was like a badge of honour. If you hadn't seen it then you were a nobody.
I haven't seen the movie in years so I don't really know how it holds up today. Bear in mind that this film was released in 1984 before computer animation became a big part of cinema.
I wasn't a fan of Gremlins 2 which came out six years later. A third installment would be interesting, though. Times have changed and I think they could make good use of modern day technology and scare a new generation of six year olds.
In the meantime - I think I should seek out my VHS cassette of the original.
The movie in question is Gremlins.
My parents absolutely hated this film. They were never keen on letting me watch it but they surrendered when I pleaded with them that everyone else at school had seen it. I wasn't lying - Gremlins was the fifteen-rated film that was like a badge of honour. If you hadn't seen it then you were a nobody.
I haven't seen the movie in years so I don't really know how it holds up today. Bear in mind that this film was released in 1984 before computer animation became a big part of cinema.
I wasn't a fan of Gremlins 2 which came out six years later. A third installment would be interesting, though. Times have changed and I think they could make good use of modern day technology and scare a new generation of six year olds.
In the meantime - I think I should seek out my VHS cassette of the original.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
It Ain't Fair To Flair
I am a little disappointed in this new Ric Flair storyline that the WWE is doing in the run-up to his retirement which should take place at Wrestlemania.
The concept is a good one. Vince McMahon has ordered that Flair must retire from the sport once he loses his next match. It was an idea pitched by Steve Austin earlier last year and was started in the latter part of 2007.
On Monday night we saw Flair put his career on the line against Triple H in the Greensboro Coliseum. A building that could be regarded as Flair's home ground.
Flair won the match via disqualification. Another cheap victory.
The Nature Boy has now wrestled three of these career threatening bouts and all of them have seen ridiculous finishes. He overcame Randy Orton after interference by Chris Jericho at the start of the angle, a few weeks later he beat Umaga via count-out and then this week his match ended in victory after William Regal got involved prompting Triple H to be disqualified.
Where are the pins and submission wins? Flair has made a career out of decisive victories. A high number of them have been via his figure four leg-lock submission move.
Why hasn't the WWE allowed him to look strong? It is his last year in the business after all. I guess the WWE are afraid of a sixty year old out-performing their younger wrestlers. If they felt that way they shouldn't have even entertained Steve Austin's idea for Flair's last run in the first place.
One of Ric Flair's catchphrases is 'to be the man, you have to beat the man.' How can he be the man if he's not beating anyone properly
The concept is a good one. Vince McMahon has ordered that Flair must retire from the sport once he loses his next match. It was an idea pitched by Steve Austin earlier last year and was started in the latter part of 2007.
On Monday night we saw Flair put his career on the line against Triple H in the Greensboro Coliseum. A building that could be regarded as Flair's home ground.
Flair won the match via disqualification. Another cheap victory.
The Nature Boy has now wrestled three of these career threatening bouts and all of them have seen ridiculous finishes. He overcame Randy Orton after interference by Chris Jericho at the start of the angle, a few weeks later he beat Umaga via count-out and then this week his match ended in victory after William Regal got involved prompting Triple H to be disqualified.
Where are the pins and submission wins? Flair has made a career out of decisive victories. A high number of them have been via his figure four leg-lock submission move.
Why hasn't the WWE allowed him to look strong? It is his last year in the business after all. I guess the WWE are afraid of a sixty year old out-performing their younger wrestlers. If they felt that way they shouldn't have even entertained Steve Austin's idea for Flair's last run in the first place.
One of Ric Flair's catchphrases is 'to be the man, you have to beat the man.' How can he be the man if he's not beating anyone properly
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
24 Months
It is the second birthday of this blog.
When I first started it I was doing something new for 2006. Doing something new has been one of my resolutions each year.
I haven't thought of doing anything new for 2008. I have a few goals that I need to get through in the year so these will be where my energy will be spent.
I still have a dream of making it to a big poker event. It was meant to be 2005 and 2006 but I didn't qualify, I never had a chance to even give it considerable thought in 2007 due to other reasons but hopefully things will fall into place for me in 2008 that I can at least try and reach the goal.
It may not happen in 2008 - what I hope will happen is I get rid of the pot-holes in my way.
When I first started it I was doing something new for 2006. Doing something new has been one of my resolutions each year.
I haven't thought of doing anything new for 2008. I have a few goals that I need to get through in the year so these will be where my energy will be spent.
I still have a dream of making it to a big poker event. It was meant to be 2005 and 2006 but I didn't qualify, I never had a chance to even give it considerable thought in 2007 due to other reasons but hopefully things will fall into place for me in 2008 that I can at least try and reach the goal.
It may not happen in 2008 - what I hope will happen is I get rid of the pot-holes in my way.
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