The WWE will induct another nine people into their Hall of Fame tonight.
There are a few well known names going in. Many will be known by contemporary fans but there may be one or two inducteses who today's fan will not recognise.
Here is a list of the Class of 2007 accompanied by my thoughts.
The Wild Samoans
Afa and Sika were one of the most popular tag teams in the WWF during the late seventies to eighties. They held the titles on many occasions. One of the most interesting facts on the two Samoans is that their offspring and trainees have also made a name for themselves in the business thus proving they have contributed to the sport.
The Sheik
As this year's Wrestlemania is taking place in Detroit one of the city's most popular wrestlers is going to be inducted. The Sheik was one of the most hated heels in the business. He drew loads of money in the USA and Japan and has also contributed to the sport by training two popular wrestlers in Rob Van Dam and Sabu. The Shiek passed away a few years ago but will be inducted by his nephew, Sabu.
Nick Bockwinkel
Current wrestling fans will remember Nick Bockwinkel from his stint as a WCW authority figure during the mid 1990's. Bockwinkel was more than that, though. He was a formerAWA World and Tag Team champion during a successful career in the now defunct company.
Jerry 'The King' Lawler
Jerry Lawler is the co-host of WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in his native Tennessee during a legendary career. One of his most memorable moments of Lawler's career is when he slapped Andy Kaufman on the David Letterman Show which kayfabed the audience into believing the two were feuding.
Dusty Rhodes
The American Dream was a jive talking wrestler. He didn't really have the look of a wrestler but his charisma carried him to an incredible career. He embodied the role of a common man which endeared him to the wrestling fans. He won plenty of world titles during his time in the business. He currently works behind the scenes in the WWE after lengthy spells working in maangement in other companies like WCW and TNA.
Jim Ross
Ross is the voice of wrestling. He is the head commentator on WWE Raw and there have been some legenedary moments called by the man in the cowboy hat. It seems that he has been disrespected by the McMahon family in recent years with his influence on the company being overlooked. The reaction of the fans and his peers during the induction video is a testament to his place in the business. He deserves his place more than anyone else inducted this year.
'Mr Perfect' Curt Hennig
Mr Perfect passed away in 2003. He was one of the best technical wrestlers of the 80's and 90's. I think Hennig deserves his place in the Hall. You only need to see the legendary match with Bret Hart at Summerslam 1991 to sway your vote for his inclusion. It wasn't only this match that defined his career but it was one that I hold with great respect and often watch when I want to chill out and watch a good wrestling match.
Mr Fuji
This is a personal one for me. As a child growing up a WWF fan one of the most hated WWF managers would be Mr Fuji. He managed a host of people during my days as a young fan. He wasn't always a manager, though. He was also an accomplished wrestler. He was devious and sinister and it was this that made me fear him when I met him in 1993. I was a little bit scared of him when he got off the bus. I was such a mark I didn't know he spoke English properly but he came over to me and was really nice. I had my photograph taken with him and he also gave me his autograph. He may have been a nasty guy on the TV but I saw the real side to him. This proves he played his role well.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
My Worst Mania
It is one of the only days in the year that I look forward to the most. If I were to be honest with you, I prefer Wrestlemania Sunday more than I would for my own birthday.
I have enjoyed Wrestlemania events since I was a child but there was one event that I didn't enjoy.
Wrestlemania XIX.
There was a time when a time when we would have a gang of us around my house in the early hours of a Spring Monday morning watching the event. My mother would lay out a buffet for us all. The small parties were a tradition.
On the weekend of Wrestlemania in 2003 I was in a state. My health was in poor shape. I couldn't eat or sleep properly. I didn't know what was wrong with me at that moment in time. All I knew was I was in trouble and didn't know how to deal with it.
I was ill on the day of the event so had to ring all my friends and tell them it was off. I let a lot of them down that day and I have never held another gathering since that day.
It was also the first time I had ever let the video record a live eventt for me. I usually watch the shows as they happen but I was too weak to sit and watch. As I mentioned earlier - I couldn't eat a thing.
I woke up at around six o'clock on the Monday and watched Wrestlemania from my bed as I struggled to eat some Weetabix. I was feeling faint.
The show was good but all the things in my personal life marred it. I have still yet to purchase the DVD of this show because it brings back some haunting memories of that time.
I have enjoyed Wrestlemania events since I was a child but there was one event that I didn't enjoy.
Wrestlemania XIX.
There was a time when a time when we would have a gang of us around my house in the early hours of a Spring Monday morning watching the event. My mother would lay out a buffet for us all. The small parties were a tradition.
On the weekend of Wrestlemania in 2003 I was in a state. My health was in poor shape. I couldn't eat or sleep properly. I didn't know what was wrong with me at that moment in time. All I knew was I was in trouble and didn't know how to deal with it.
I was ill on the day of the event so had to ring all my friends and tell them it was off. I let a lot of them down that day and I have never held another gathering since that day.
It was also the first time I had ever let the video record a live eventt for me. I usually watch the shows as they happen but I was too weak to sit and watch. As I mentioned earlier - I couldn't eat a thing.
I woke up at around six o'clock on the Monday and watched Wrestlemania from my bed as I struggled to eat some Weetabix. I was feeling faint.
The show was good but all the things in my personal life marred it. I have still yet to purchase the DVD of this show because it brings back some haunting memories of that time.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Talk Is Cheap
There was a freeroll on 888.com held in conjunction with Talk Sport radio tonight. I entered and didn't enjoy the experience so quit after three hands.
The site and station attracted over one thousand and two hundred players in an attempt to win qualfication for a land based tournament.
The graphics were dire to look and at the amount of rookies at the table was incredible. I noticed how many fish were there and knew this wasn't the game for me.
I went all-in ith a jack and a king and went up against a pair of fours. The pairs held up and I was thankully eliminated from the game.
I hate crapshoots and this was the ultimate example.
The site and station attracted over one thousand and two hundred players in an attempt to win qualfication for a land based tournament.
The graphics were dire to look and at the amount of rookies at the table was incredible. I noticed how many fish were there and knew this wasn't the game for me.
I went all-in ith a jack and a king and went up against a pair of fours. The pairs held up and I was thankully eliminated from the game.
I hate crapshoots and this was the ultimate example.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
International Dreams
The last time I made a post about International football I predicted a few results. I was rubbish in these decisions as only a few won.
I have placed another bet on tonight's matches. I've selected these teams to win in a Yankee at £1.50 a line:
Germany
Turkey
Portugal
France with a one goal handicap
In a related story I was sitting here earlier and a thought crossed my mind which reminded me of a dream I had last night.
I don't remember the specifics of this dream but I remember I was hunting for my lost keys, mobile phone and wallet and ended up in a corridor of one of the schools or colleges I attended in my life.
Out of one of the rooms came Craig Bellamy who walked up to me and shook my hand. He asked me what I had bet on and I told him I had placed five pounds on him to score first and another one on him to score last.
I don't think I will tempt fate and do this bet but it will be interesting to see how he performs tonight against San Marino.
I may be making a prophet on the Wales game!
Late update - Well, Craig Bellamy didn't score first or last and the football teams didn't win, either. France won but they won it 1-0 so I still lost as I needed them to win by one clear goal.
I have placed another bet on tonight's matches. I've selected these teams to win in a Yankee at £1.50 a line:
Germany
Turkey
Portugal
France with a one goal handicap
In a related story I was sitting here earlier and a thought crossed my mind which reminded me of a dream I had last night.
I don't remember the specifics of this dream but I remember I was hunting for my lost keys, mobile phone and wallet and ended up in a corridor of one of the schools or colleges I attended in my life.
Out of one of the rooms came Craig Bellamy who walked up to me and shook my hand. He asked me what I had bet on and I told him I had placed five pounds on him to score first and another one on him to score last.
I don't think I will tempt fate and do this bet but it will be interesting to see how he performs tonight against San Marino.
I may be making a prophet on the Wales game!
Late update - Well, Craig Bellamy didn't score first or last and the football teams didn't win, either. France won but they won it 1-0 so I still lost as I needed them to win by one clear goal.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A Shark's Tale
I was wasting some time this morning (what's new, huh?) and thought I would check out the website called Shark Scope.
The site is an online database of online poker players and compiles performances over a series of poker servers and sites. You get five free searches per day but can become a member which enables you to do loads of searches within twenty-four hours.
As I didn't need to research any players I decided to check how I looked on this database. It was very Narcissistic of me, I agree. It was an eye opener nonetheless.
I checked my username for the Ongame network. It is here where I have been the most successful with my wins on Coral over the past few months.
I was shocked to see that beside my name was a moving shark fin indicating that I was classed as a 'Poker Shark.'
Me, a shark!?
The breakdown of my results was a good read as well.
I played twenty-six games. The average profit I have made from these games is $13 whereas my average stake is $6. The average stake is because I mainly buy in for those $5 tournaments and the occasional $10 ones which must have boosted up the average by a dollar.
Things started getting even more interesting when it claims that the Average ROI (return on investment) is two hundred and fifty-three percent!
Wow, I guess I must be a shark.
The database also lists that I have made a total profit of $346 using this software. I guess that will put the fear of God into my future opponents.
What won't instill any caution into my potential rivals is the fact that I am listed as 'Super Tilt' on my current form. I have lost the last eight tournaments I have entered which will surely make me seem vulnerable to people viewing these statistics.
It looks like I'm going to have to change the questions now that these people have all the answers about my game.
The site is an online database of online poker players and compiles performances over a series of poker servers and sites. You get five free searches per day but can become a member which enables you to do loads of searches within twenty-four hours.
As I didn't need to research any players I decided to check how I looked on this database. It was very Narcissistic of me, I agree. It was an eye opener nonetheless.
I checked my username for the Ongame network. It is here where I have been the most successful with my wins on Coral over the past few months.
I was shocked to see that beside my name was a moving shark fin indicating that I was classed as a 'Poker Shark.'
Me, a shark!?
The breakdown of my results was a good read as well.
I played twenty-six games. The average profit I have made from these games is $13 whereas my average stake is $6. The average stake is because I mainly buy in for those $5 tournaments and the occasional $10 ones which must have boosted up the average by a dollar.
Things started getting even more interesting when it claims that the Average ROI (return on investment) is two hundred and fifty-three percent!
Wow, I guess I must be a shark.
The database also lists that I have made a total profit of $346 using this software. I guess that will put the fear of God into my future opponents.
What won't instill any caution into my potential rivals is the fact that I am listed as 'Super Tilt' on my current form. I have lost the last eight tournaments I have entered which will surely make me seem vulnerable to people viewing these statistics.
It looks like I'm going to have to change the questions now that these people have all the answers about my game.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Answering A Good Question
I have been attempting to catch up on the issues of the Pro Wrestling Torch that have built up over the last few weeks. It seems I just hadn't given myself enough time to read them and I had three to four issues to read at once.
I would finish one issue and then another would arrive at my door. It was an endless cycle. I managed to catch up yesterday so I am now back on track. There was one article in these issues that gor me thinking. I thought it would be a good topic to write about.
One of the newer weekly articles in the Torch is called 'Good Question' where writer, James Caldwell dissects the voting on a question that is asked to readers of the newsletter and website.
In issue 953 the question asked was 'What is the best wrestling book you have read?' The runaway winner with fifty-one percent of the votes is Mick Foley's first autobiography, Have a Nice Day.
I agree with this result. Foley was the first, and so far only, wrestler who has written his own autobiography without the aid of a ghost-writer. The book made it into first place of the New York Times Bestseller list and paved the way for other wrestlers to put their names to books about their careers and lives.
I agreed on the inclusion of Foley in the first place of reader's voting but there is one book that comes a very close second that doesn't seem to have made an impact on the concensus of voters minds as it only made five percent of the votes and finished in fifth place.
The book in question is Pure Dynamite by Tom Billington. The wrestler was one half of the British Bulldogs tag team that was popular in the eighties during the WWF's first wave of popularity.
Pure Dynamite discusses the darker side of the business. It highlights the author's attempts at being the top guy in a foreign company. It has no happy ending, either. Billington is now in a wheelchair and back home in his native land.
I wrote a review of it on the Amazon website back in 2000. Here it is;
If you grew up watching the WWF during the early 80's this book is for you. It is the autobiography of Tom Billington who left his job working the British wrestling circuit and headed to find fame and fortune in the Canadian Stampede federation. Eventually, he and his cousin Davey Boy Smith (The British Bulldog) end up in Vince McMahon's WWF and become the popular British Bulldogs tag team. In the federation he earned a lot of money and made a few wrong turns into drugs and steroids. But still, he was possibly the greatest performer in the world at that time. Billington details the relationship he had with many of the famous wrestlers from the 'Rock 'N' Wrestling' heyday and is brutally honest with his feelings. One of the down sides to the book is that when detailing his matches in the WWF,Stampede and Japan he refuses to break the hidden code of 'KAYFABE' and makes the matches appear as if they weren't worked. Despite this, Tom Billington lays the wrestling world straight out before us and proves that there is an even bigger power struggle behind the scenes just as there is on screen. The most moving part is when Tom returns home after this experience and realises that his wallet is filled with the same money he left with. This autobiography is PURE DYNAMITE!
I would finish one issue and then another would arrive at my door. It was an endless cycle. I managed to catch up yesterday so I am now back on track. There was one article in these issues that gor me thinking. I thought it would be a good topic to write about.
One of the newer weekly articles in the Torch is called 'Good Question' where writer, James Caldwell dissects the voting on a question that is asked to readers of the newsletter and website.
In issue 953 the question asked was 'What is the best wrestling book you have read?' The runaway winner with fifty-one percent of the votes is Mick Foley's first autobiography, Have a Nice Day.
I agree with this result. Foley was the first, and so far only, wrestler who has written his own autobiography without the aid of a ghost-writer. The book made it into first place of the New York Times Bestseller list and paved the way for other wrestlers to put their names to books about their careers and lives.
I agreed on the inclusion of Foley in the first place of reader's voting but there is one book that comes a very close second that doesn't seem to have made an impact on the concensus of voters minds as it only made five percent of the votes and finished in fifth place.
The book in question is Pure Dynamite by Tom Billington. The wrestler was one half of the British Bulldogs tag team that was popular in the eighties during the WWF's first wave of popularity.
Pure Dynamite discusses the darker side of the business. It highlights the author's attempts at being the top guy in a foreign company. It has no happy ending, either. Billington is now in a wheelchair and back home in his native land.
I wrote a review of it on the Amazon website back in 2000. Here it is;
If you grew up watching the WWF during the early 80's this book is for you. It is the autobiography of Tom Billington who left his job working the British wrestling circuit and headed to find fame and fortune in the Canadian Stampede federation. Eventually, he and his cousin Davey Boy Smith (The British Bulldog) end up in Vince McMahon's WWF and become the popular British Bulldogs tag team. In the federation he earned a lot of money and made a few wrong turns into drugs and steroids. But still, he was possibly the greatest performer in the world at that time. Billington details the relationship he had with many of the famous wrestlers from the 'Rock 'N' Wrestling' heyday and is brutally honest with his feelings. One of the down sides to the book is that when detailing his matches in the WWF,Stampede and Japan he refuses to break the hidden code of 'KAYFABE' and makes the matches appear as if they weren't worked. Despite this, Tom Billington lays the wrestling world straight out before us and proves that there is an even bigger power struggle behind the scenes just as there is on screen. The most moving part is when Tom returns home after this experience and realises that his wallet is filled with the same money he left with. This autobiography is PURE DYNAMITE!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
One Week To Go
This time next week I will be sitting here looking forward to Wrestlemania XIII.
As the days to the big event draw near I am intending to post a few wrestling related similar to how I did last year.
I'm looking forward to doing a write-up about this year's Hall of Fame ceremony. There are an interesting bunch of names being inducted on Saturday night.
Stay tuned.
As the days to the big event draw near I am intending to post a few wrestling related similar to how I did last year.
I'm looking forward to doing a write-up about this year's Hall of Fame ceremony. There are an interesting bunch of names being inducted on Saturday night.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Seven Heaven
I came seventh in a $6000 guaranteed tournament on Blue Square last night.
The buy-in was $20 and - as there were four hundred and five players - the game lasted well over three hours. By 1:40am I was eliminated and won $243.60 for placing in that position.
It just seems that I played a great game and nothing stands out as bad play. Sure, it would have been nice to have finished in first and won the $2000 but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
I played a really tight game and took my chances when I felt they needed to be taken. It just seemed that things were in my favour throughout. My aim was to make it to the top sixty as they were pay-out places. Then - when I reached that target - I set myself the final table as my goal.
The final table was fairly tight, too. It just shows that the cream must have risen to the top in last night's game and all of us deserved our place on that table.
For me to show respect for all my opponents on a table is very rare so remember this moment, you may never see one like it again!
I hope the final table finishes aren't as rare, though. It's been four great pay-outs for me since December 22nd. I have made over a thousand dollars in tournament winnings since that day. Proof that my game is improving.
See you in the finals.
The buy-in was $20 and - as there were four hundred and five players - the game lasted well over three hours. By 1:40am I was eliminated and won $243.60 for placing in that position.
It just seems that I played a great game and nothing stands out as bad play. Sure, it would have been nice to have finished in first and won the $2000 but I guess it just wasn't meant to be.
I played a really tight game and took my chances when I felt they needed to be taken. It just seemed that things were in my favour throughout. My aim was to make it to the top sixty as they were pay-out places. Then - when I reached that target - I set myself the final table as my goal.
The final table was fairly tight, too. It just shows that the cream must have risen to the top in last night's game and all of us deserved our place on that table.
For me to show respect for all my opponents on a table is very rare so remember this moment, you may never see one like it again!
I hope the final table finishes aren't as rare, though. It's been four great pay-outs for me since December 22nd. I have made over a thousand dollars in tournament winnings since that day. Proof that my game is improving.
See you in the finals.
Friday, March 23, 2007
International Weekend
It seems that I haven;t done any posts about football betting in a while so I have decided to share my weekend bets with you.
The next two days are going to feature some International matches. I have placed a golaith bet on the following teams to win their matches;
Japan
Wales (I am staying loyal)
Brazil
Moldova
Norway
Greece
USA
Mexico
I intend to make another post on Monday where I will hopefully brag about how great this bet was. Famous last words, eh?
The next two days are going to feature some International matches. I have placed a golaith bet on the following teams to win their matches;
Japan
Wales (I am staying loyal)
Brazil
Moldova
Norway
Greece
USA
Mexico
I intend to make another post on Monday where I will hopefully brag about how great this bet was. Famous last words, eh?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Good Riddance
I had a plan.
It was a good evening on Saturday when I took part in the Sky Poker tournament with a few beers. I thought I would recreate it last night.
I was too late.
There were already four hundred players registered for The Open so I decided to forget about the plan for a night and join the next available tournament I could find.
I entered aa $10 game on Ladbrokes. There were ninety-three players including myself.
I thought I would mess around with a few early hands and raised them. When everyone folded around me I decided to show the cards I had played with in order to agitate my rivals.
Later in the game I was dealt an ace and a ten. I made a bet four times the big blind and had two callers. The flop conained a jack and - as I was first to act - I went all-in.
I had one fold and one call.
The caller revealed a jack and six. It wasn't the first time this week a six-jack had knocked me out of a tournament this week and - as he had paired his jacks - I was on the outs once again.
But an ace came on the turn.
I won the hand and an enemy. The person who challenged me called me a 'muppet' for my play. I responded in defence telling him he was one to talk considering he called my initial raise with just a jack and a low card.
As the tournament progressed we were moved to different tables. After an hour or more I ended up at the same table as him again.
He had done well for himself, too. He accumulated thousands of chips and the ratio between me and him was almost seven to one.
We ended up facing off at one stage when I had a king and queen of spades and he had an ace and a five. Neither of us hit anything on the board but his ace was the deciding factor in the hand. I finished in twenty-fifth place.
He knocked me out and typed 'Good Riddance' in the chatroom.
Good riddance? What an idiot!
After washing my hair and having a drink of water, I returned to my PC and decided I would check out how my new enemy was doing in the tournament.The sinister side of me smiled when I saw he had been eliminated in twentieth place.
I may have lost the battle but it was reassuring to know he didn't win the war.
It was a good evening on Saturday when I took part in the Sky Poker tournament with a few beers. I thought I would recreate it last night.
I was too late.
There were already four hundred players registered for The Open so I decided to forget about the plan for a night and join the next available tournament I could find.
I entered aa $10 game on Ladbrokes. There were ninety-three players including myself.
I thought I would mess around with a few early hands and raised them. When everyone folded around me I decided to show the cards I had played with in order to agitate my rivals.
Later in the game I was dealt an ace and a ten. I made a bet four times the big blind and had two callers. The flop conained a jack and - as I was first to act - I went all-in.
I had one fold and one call.
The caller revealed a jack and six. It wasn't the first time this week a six-jack had knocked me out of a tournament this week and - as he had paired his jacks - I was on the outs once again.
But an ace came on the turn.
I won the hand and an enemy. The person who challenged me called me a 'muppet' for my play. I responded in defence telling him he was one to talk considering he called my initial raise with just a jack and a low card.
As the tournament progressed we were moved to different tables. After an hour or more I ended up at the same table as him again.
He had done well for himself, too. He accumulated thousands of chips and the ratio between me and him was almost seven to one.
We ended up facing off at one stage when I had a king and queen of spades and he had an ace and a five. Neither of us hit anything on the board but his ace was the deciding factor in the hand. I finished in twenty-fifth place.
He knocked me out and typed 'Good Riddance' in the chatroom.
Good riddance? What an idiot!
After washing my hair and having a drink of water, I returned to my PC and decided I would check out how my new enemy was doing in the tournament.The sinister side of me smiled when I saw he had been eliminated in twentieth place.
I may have lost the battle but it was reassuring to know he didn't win the war.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Steroids Illustrated
In the mid 1990's there was a dark cloud that engulfed the WWE. Mainstream news picked up on stories of steroid distribution within the company. Eventually, owner Vince McMahon was indicted and faced trial.
He survived the scandal after being found not guilty in federal court in August of 1994.
The stars that had toned down in the time the scandal broke started to get big again. The age of the muscled performer returned but with it came a spate of deaths attributed to steroid use.
And there is another black cloud on the horizon.
The sports news magazine from the United States, Sports Illustrated has uncovered an ilegal ring of internet drug agencies that have been selling HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and other enhancement drugs over the internet.
There have been many famous sports stars linked with this story from a wide range of sports and disciplines. Five of the most popular names are professional wrestlers.
Edge, Gregory Helms, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio from the WWE as well as Kurt Angle from TNA all purchased steroids from the places in the spotlight according to the scoop.
With just a fortnight before the WWE's most imprtant show of the year it asks questions how the company will deal with the naming of these individuals.
After the paing of Eddie Guerrero in the Autumn of 2005 the WWE installed a wellness policy to control the amount of prescription and recreation drugs their workers were using. A lot of fines, suspensions and firings were levied as a result but in recent months it seems that performers are just as big as they were before the death of the Mexican superstar.
The wrestlers in question are not in legal trouble according to the story., The crackdown appears to be on the distributers who have rubber-stamped the sale of these drugs. All these purchases were made before the installation of the policy as well so contradictions between the company stance against steroids and these performers using them will not happen.
Certain questions will be asked, though.
Are the performers still using illegal methods to look good? Will the company stick to their wellnes policy in light of their top stars getting caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar? How many more performers will end up dead as a result of enlarged hearts and other causes attributed to steroid use?
This Sports Illustated story has the potential to be another black eye for professinal sports and wrestling. It will either be the stat of something big or will be swept under the carpet as another media witch-hunt.
He survived the scandal after being found not guilty in federal court in August of 1994.
The stars that had toned down in the time the scandal broke started to get big again. The age of the muscled performer returned but with it came a spate of deaths attributed to steroid use.
And there is another black cloud on the horizon.
The sports news magazine from the United States, Sports Illustrated has uncovered an ilegal ring of internet drug agencies that have been selling HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and other enhancement drugs over the internet.
There have been many famous sports stars linked with this story from a wide range of sports and disciplines. Five of the most popular names are professional wrestlers.
Edge, Gregory Helms, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio from the WWE as well as Kurt Angle from TNA all purchased steroids from the places in the spotlight according to the scoop.
With just a fortnight before the WWE's most imprtant show of the year it asks questions how the company will deal with the naming of these individuals.
After the paing of Eddie Guerrero in the Autumn of 2005 the WWE installed a wellness policy to control the amount of prescription and recreation drugs their workers were using. A lot of fines, suspensions and firings were levied as a result but in recent months it seems that performers are just as big as they were before the death of the Mexican superstar.
The wrestlers in question are not in legal trouble according to the story., The crackdown appears to be on the distributers who have rubber-stamped the sale of these drugs. All these purchases were made before the installation of the policy as well so contradictions between the company stance against steroids and these performers using them will not happen.
Certain questions will be asked, though.
Are the performers still using illegal methods to look good? Will the company stick to their wellnes policy in light of their top stars getting caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar? How many more performers will end up dead as a result of enlarged hearts and other causes attributed to steroid use?
This Sports Illustated story has the potential to be another black eye for professinal sports and wrestling. It will either be the stat of something big or will be swept under the carpet as another media witch-hunt.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Best Hand
The qualifier for the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour event in Cardiff ended for me within minutes yesterday as I crashed out holding the premier hole cards.
The blinds were 10/20 in the first level of the tournament and I was dealt a pair of aces. I raised them to three hundred and twenty and got two callers. The flop had a pair of sixes so I decided to go all-in to take what was in the pot there and then.
One fold and one call later and my evening was over.
The rival had called my raise with a jack and a six. He hit trips with the pair on the board.
I know it may sound bitter of me but why would anyone with a good poker mind call a raise with those cards? Sure, he was winning after the flop but preflop when I made that raise a few alarm bells shold hae gone off and he should have folded.
I wouldm't have played that hand any other way. I am sure that nine times out of ten I would have taken that hand down. Instead, I lost in the one tournament that I really wanted to make an impact in. I saw the aces and took my chance.
There's always next year.
The blinds were 10/20 in the first level of the tournament and I was dealt a pair of aces. I raised them to three hundred and twenty and got two callers. The flop had a pair of sixes so I decided to go all-in to take what was in the pot there and then.
One fold and one call later and my evening was over.
The rival had called my raise with a jack and a six. He hit trips with the pair on the board.
I know it may sound bitter of me but why would anyone with a good poker mind call a raise with those cards? Sure, he was winning after the flop but preflop when I made that raise a few alarm bells shold hae gone off and he should have folded.
I wouldm't have played that hand any other way. I am sure that nine times out of ten I would have taken that hand down. Instead, I lost in the one tournament that I really wanted to make an impact in. I saw the aces and took my chance.
There's always next year.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Sky Bounty Hunter
I played in the live game on Sky Poker on Saturday night and what an experience it was.
We started the game after nine o'clock and - after a few minutes of play - their server crashed so they had to pause the tournament.
We waited for over half an hour until the game was restarted. In the mean-time I had a can of beer, followed by another, then one more.
By the time we started back up I was a bit merry and I couldn't concentrate on the game. My inhibitions were lost so my style of play was different to how it usually is.
I didn't do too bad, either. I made the first break and was keeping a steady pace throughout. It was a bad beat that ended my night.
I went all-in holding an ace and a jack. I was called by someone holding an ace and an eight of clubs and he managed to make a flush to evict me from the game.
On Sunday morning I decided I would email Sky to complain about their halting of the game. It wasn't the first time I had experienced technical issues with their site so thought I would air my angst with them.
Later in the evening I received an email from them and - at first - I thought it was a reply to the email I had sent earlier in the day.
It was titled 'Bounty Prize Winner' so I figured it had nothing to do with the complaint I made. I opened the email and they had congratulated me on beating one of their celebrities in the tournament.
The show has three celebrity guests each night who take part in the tournament. There is a bounty on their heads so whenever they are defeated their victor wins a prize.
I was given twenty-five pounds for eliminating the player. I don't watch the programme whilst I am playing because I feel it puts me off my game so I am not sure how or who I eliminated. All I know is the night was a worthwhile one despite me finishing in the 1/4 mark of the participants.
I am playing in one of the most important tournaments I will ever play in tonight. I am in a qualifier for next weekend's Grosvenor event at Cardiff. If I win this online satellite I am in the main event. It is the first and last chance I have of getting a seat in my home casino's major tournament.
We started the game after nine o'clock and - after a few minutes of play - their server crashed so they had to pause the tournament.
We waited for over half an hour until the game was restarted. In the mean-time I had a can of beer, followed by another, then one more.
By the time we started back up I was a bit merry and I couldn't concentrate on the game. My inhibitions were lost so my style of play was different to how it usually is.
I didn't do too bad, either. I made the first break and was keeping a steady pace throughout. It was a bad beat that ended my night.
I went all-in holding an ace and a jack. I was called by someone holding an ace and an eight of clubs and he managed to make a flush to evict me from the game.
On Sunday morning I decided I would email Sky to complain about their halting of the game. It wasn't the first time I had experienced technical issues with their site so thought I would air my angst with them.
Later in the evening I received an email from them and - at first - I thought it was a reply to the email I had sent earlier in the day.
It was titled 'Bounty Prize Winner' so I figured it had nothing to do with the complaint I made. I opened the email and they had congratulated me on beating one of their celebrities in the tournament.
The show has three celebrity guests each night who take part in the tournament. There is a bounty on their heads so whenever they are defeated their victor wins a prize.
I was given twenty-five pounds for eliminating the player. I don't watch the programme whilst I am playing because I feel it puts me off my game so I am not sure how or who I eliminated. All I know is the night was a worthwhile one despite me finishing in the 1/4 mark of the participants.
I am playing in one of the most important tournaments I will ever play in tonight. I am in a qualifier for next weekend's Grosvenor event at Cardiff. If I win this online satellite I am in the main event. It is the first and last chance I have of getting a seat in my home casino's major tournament.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Mum
It's kind of funny how days like today we have a reason to celebrate our mother. It should happen all time and not just on Mother's Day.
My mother has done so much for us.
She's seen me at my best and at my worst. She's always supported me during these times but like I said - I don't really appreciate it until I think about it. I kind of take her for granted. I guess a lot of relationships with mothers is like this.
Over the last few years I have seen her fight a lot of health problems and if I have learnt anything from this then it is how strong she is.
She is like a Timex watch. She takes a licking but keeps on ticking!
My mother has done so much for us.
She's seen me at my best and at my worst. She's always supported me during these times but like I said - I don't really appreciate it until I think about it. I kind of take her for granted. I guess a lot of relationships with mothers is like this.
Over the last few years I have seen her fight a lot of health problems and if I have learnt anything from this then it is how strong she is.
She is like a Timex watch. She takes a licking but keeps on ticking!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
What I Know Best
After the abysmal week at Cheltenham my father gave me some words of advice. He suggested I stick to what I know best.
So, I did.
And failed.
I did a goliath on today's football and three out of the eight selections worked in my favour.
Then - figuring I ahould have a shot at the APAT poker tournament this evening - I logged into my account on Poker Stars ready to deposit some more funds into my account to cover my buy-in and then realised that I had timed the tournament wrong.
I forgot that the time between here and the east coast of the USA is four hours behind rather than the usual five. So I was ten minutes late rather than fifty minutes early.
That's the week for you!
So, I did.
And failed.
I did a goliath on today's football and three out of the eight selections worked in my favour.
Then - figuring I ahould have a shot at the APAT poker tournament this evening - I logged into my account on Poker Stars ready to deposit some more funds into my account to cover my buy-in and then realised that I had timed the tournament wrong.
I forgot that the time between here and the east coast of the USA is four hours behind rather than the usual five. So I was ten minutes late rather than fifty minutes early.
That's the week for you!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Cheltenham : Day Four
I'm going to be glad when this festival is over.
I ended up £65 down yesterday so today is a matter of sink or swim.
Here are the tips for today. Place them at your own risk!
2:00 Degas Art
2:35 Witchita Lineman
3:15 My Will
4:00 Whyso Mayo
4:40 Pablo De Charmil
5:20 Osana
I ended up £65 down yesterday so today is a matter of sink or swim.
Here are the tips for today. Place them at your own risk!
2:00 Degas Art
2:35 Witchita Lineman
3:15 My Will
4:00 Whyso Mayo
4:40 Pablo De Charmil
5:20 Osana
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Cheltenham : Day Three
I had two winners yesterday but it was still not enough to save my week!
I'm currently £25 down and have decided that there is one horse that will rescue me from the poor run of luck I am currently facing.
Black Jack Ketchum in the 3:15 is currently 2/1.
I'm currently £25 down and have decided that there is one horse that will rescue me from the poor run of luck I am currently facing.
Black Jack Ketchum in the 3:15 is currently 2/1.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Cheltenham : Day Two
Well, yesterday was a day filled with winners and losers. I ended up a loser (thirteen pounds in the red).
One of the mistakes I made was when I did the placepot bet. I originally chose three horses in each race but when it was time to place the bet a wind of caution came over me and I decided that a £72.90 bet on horses was a touch too much. I decided to eliminate a horse from each selection. This proved to be my downfall as the opening race was the loser on the placepot and the horse I eradicated from my selections was placed in the race.
All the other races would have worked in my favour and I would be here writing about how great the first day was. Instead, I am looking forward to today's races.
I have gone in a different approach with today's tips. I have placed an each-way Lucky 63 on the selections at 25p a line.
2:00 - Duc De Regniere
2:35 - Denman (my banker for the day!)
3:15 - Voy Por Ustedes
4:00 - Royals Darling
4:40 - Lou Du Moulin Mas
5:20 - Raven's Run
Fingers crossed.
One of the mistakes I made was when I did the placepot bet. I originally chose three horses in each race but when it was time to place the bet a wind of caution came over me and I decided that a £72.90 bet on horses was a touch too much. I decided to eliminate a horse from each selection. This proved to be my downfall as the opening race was the loser on the placepot and the horse I eradicated from my selections was placed in the race.
All the other races would have worked in my favour and I would be here writing about how great the first day was. Instead, I am looking forward to today's races.
I have gone in a different approach with today's tips. I have placed an each-way Lucky 63 on the selections at 25p a line.
2:00 - Duc De Regniere
2:35 - Denman (my banker for the day!)
3:15 - Voy Por Ustedes
4:00 - Royals Darling
4:40 - Lou Du Moulin Mas
5:20 - Raven's Run
Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Cheltenham : Day One
Here are the picks for today's races. I have placed a minimu of two horses from each race into a Tote Placepot.
2:00 Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Hide The Evidence
De Valira
2:35 Arkle Trophy
Faasel
Fair Along
3:15 Champion Hurdle
Detroit City
Hardy Eustace
4:00 William Hill Trophy Handicap
Irish Raptor
Distant Thunder
4:40 Sporting Index Chase Handicap
Spot Thedifference
Heads Onthe Ground
Never Compromise
5:20 Fred Winter Novices' Hurdle
Pancake
Gaspara
2:00 Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Hide The Evidence
De Valira
2:35 Arkle Trophy
Faasel
Fair Along
3:15 Champion Hurdle
Detroit City
Hardy Eustace
4:00 William Hill Trophy Handicap
Irish Raptor
Distant Thunder
4:40 Sporting Index Chase Handicap
Spot Thedifference
Heads Onthe Ground
Never Compromise
5:20 Fred Winter Novices' Hurdle
Pancake
Gaspara
Monday, March 12, 2007
Screwed Again
I have once again been defeated in a tournament when holding a pait of queen as my hole cards. It's getting to the point now where I really do have to consider folding them. They are not doing me any good.
I had entered a $5 tournament on Blue Square Poker yesterday evening and there were eight hundred and eight players. I lasted the first two hours attaining top position throughout the majprty of the game.
I was in sixth position with 45, 000 chips and on the big blind when I was dealt the queens. The tournament leader was at my table and he called the blinds. When it was my time to act I made the all-in move. The leader had over double the amount of chips I had and he called my raise.
He turned over an ace and ten of hearts. I smiled to myself thinking that as long as no ace appears on the board I was going to the top of the leaderboard and then it was only a matter of holding on and making it to the final table.
The board wasn't so helpful to me, though. I hit my third queen but my opponent managed to make a flush thus ending my night in thirty-third place with $15 more than I had invested.
This blog seems to be full of stories of queens working aginst me and I always vow never to play them.
Until the next time, of course.
I had entered a $5 tournament on Blue Square Poker yesterday evening and there were eight hundred and eight players. I lasted the first two hours attaining top position throughout the majprty of the game.
I was in sixth position with 45, 000 chips and on the big blind when I was dealt the queens. The tournament leader was at my table and he called the blinds. When it was my time to act I made the all-in move. The leader had over double the amount of chips I had and he called my raise.
He turned over an ace and ten of hearts. I smiled to myself thinking that as long as no ace appears on the board I was going to the top of the leaderboard and then it was only a matter of holding on and making it to the final table.
The board wasn't so helpful to me, though. I hit my third queen but my opponent managed to make a flush thus ending my night in thirty-third place with $15 more than I had invested.
This blog seems to be full of stories of queens working aginst me and I always vow never to play them.
Until the next time, of course.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Match Of The Day
I was shocked when I turned on the television to see Chelsea trailing Tottenham Hotspur by three goals to one.
I would rather see the current Premier League champions play in the final at Wembley this May so was praying that Spurs didn't win the match.
As luck would have it the Blues managed to score two goals to tie the game and bring on a replay in a little over a week.
It was one of the best football matches I have ever witnessed and - even though I didn't have a bet on it - I still needed a result for my own selfish gain.
My hope is to see a brilliant final on May 19th. Manchester United versus Chelsea will be ideal. I just have this scary feeling it will end up being Spurs and Watford, though.
I would rather see the current Premier League champions play in the final at Wembley this May so was praying that Spurs didn't win the match.
As luck would have it the Blues managed to score two goals to tie the game and bring on a replay in a little over a week.
It was one of the best football matches I have ever witnessed and - even though I didn't have a bet on it - I still needed a result for my own selfish gain.
My hope is to see a brilliant final on May 19th. Manchester United versus Chelsea will be ideal. I just have this scary feeling it will end up being Spurs and Watford, though.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Playing Possum
What a despicable poker player I have become!
I'm sitting here with a masive grin on my face as I type this because I won a hand yesterday in the most devious of ways. It was the greatest bluff I have ever pulled off.
I was playing in the live game on Sky Poker TV and was dealt a king and ace of hearts. I was the small blind and there were no callers before me so I decided to go all-in against the big blind. He called my bet and turned over a jack and a five. I figured I was about to win.
But I never.
A five came out on the board giving my rival a pair that won the hand.
Frustrated, I typed 'this software sucks' and awaited the next two hole cards to be dealt to me. I couldn't believe it. They gave me AK again.
I then hatched a sinister plot in m head. I knew they were aware I was angry at the previous result so thought I would milk the siutation.
'Fuck this game, I am outta here!' I typed in the chat-box. I then went all-in with all the chips I had left over. The player who had just beaten me must have seen what I typed and immediately called me hoping to take advantage of my feigned frustraton.
I hit anther king and another ace on the flop when I went up against his four and five suited. My two pair ended his night.
It was a lucky dealing and quick thinking that won me the hand. I feel a hint of remorse for pulling the wool over their eyes but I would do it all again given a chance.
That's poker.
I'm sitting here with a masive grin on my face as I type this because I won a hand yesterday in the most devious of ways. It was the greatest bluff I have ever pulled off.
I was playing in the live game on Sky Poker TV and was dealt a king and ace of hearts. I was the small blind and there were no callers before me so I decided to go all-in against the big blind. He called my bet and turned over a jack and a five. I figured I was about to win.
But I never.
A five came out on the board giving my rival a pair that won the hand.
Frustrated, I typed 'this software sucks' and awaited the next two hole cards to be dealt to me. I couldn't believe it. They gave me AK again.
I then hatched a sinister plot in m head. I knew they were aware I was angry at the previous result so thought I would milk the siutation.
'Fuck this game, I am outta here!' I typed in the chat-box. I then went all-in with all the chips I had left over. The player who had just beaten me must have seen what I typed and immediately called me hoping to take advantage of my feigned frustraton.
I hit anther king and another ace on the flop when I went up against his four and five suited. My two pair ended his night.
It was a lucky dealing and quick thinking that won me the hand. I feel a hint of remorse for pulling the wool over their eyes but I would do it all again given a chance.
That's poker.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Boring
This has been one of the most boring days I have ever witnessed!
So boring that I am lost for words to write today.
Bored. Bored. Bored.
So boring that I am lost for words to write today.
Bored. Bored. Bored.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
A Change Is Good
A lot of the poker sites I play on have changed server this week and I think it will spell great things for my game.
I am not completely sure why they have moved to this new server but I am assuming it has to do with the bill that was passed in America that has restricted US customers from playing online. It has prompted a lot of sites to merge and I am assuming that the software runners may have also had to come together in this present state of affairs.
I am used to the new skins on these sites as I have been playing them on BetFred Poker for well over a year. If you recall, I did well in the BetFred Premier League in the early part of 2006.
Without sounding too arrogant - I would say that I have made the most of my wins on this kind of software.
I played my first game yesterday and entered the $5,000 guaranteed tournament on Blue Square. I did okay. I ended up finishing in ninty-eighth place in a game that started with over six-hundred and twenty runners. I missed the pay-out by nineteen places but at least I was hanging in there near the latter stages of the tournament.
Sheryl Crow was right. This change is sure to do me good.
I am not completely sure why they have moved to this new server but I am assuming it has to do with the bill that was passed in America that has restricted US customers from playing online. It has prompted a lot of sites to merge and I am assuming that the software runners may have also had to come together in this present state of affairs.
I am used to the new skins on these sites as I have been playing them on BetFred Poker for well over a year. If you recall, I did well in the BetFred Premier League in the early part of 2006.
Without sounding too arrogant - I would say that I have made the most of my wins on this kind of software.
I played my first game yesterday and entered the $5,000 guaranteed tournament on Blue Square. I did okay. I ended up finishing in ninty-eighth place in a game that started with over six-hundred and twenty runners. I missed the pay-out by nineteen places but at least I was hanging in there near the latter stages of the tournament.
Sheryl Crow was right. This change is sure to do me good.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Who's Emily?
I had everyone guessng who and what Emily Braithwaite was yesterday. I kept announcing that I was 'with Emily' whilst typing up the story in order to generate wonder.
When I was asked by my friends who Emily was I would respond by telling them to check the blog in the evening to find all the answers they needed.
I had them waiting with baited breath and, judging from the reaction they gave me, the story was well received.
When I was asked by my friends who Emily was I would respond by telling them to check the blog in the evening to find all the answers they needed.
I had them waiting with baited breath and, judging from the reaction they gave me, the story was well received.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Emily Braithwaite
This is the second part of a series of stories based upon some wind-ups I have pulled on friends and colleagues over the years. There are many more out there but this one is one of my favourites.
Rossy had still not returned to work. I was still getting over the farce that occurred with the blind date we went on with the girls he met on Yahoo. It was payback time.
And payback was a bitch.
I only intended to do the wind-up on my friend for one night but it snowballed into one of the funniest and elaborate scams I have ever pulled off.
I registered a feminine looking nickname in Yahoo and joined the Cardiff room knowing that he was going to be in there. It didn't take long for him to be drawn to me because of the things I was saying in the main room.
We began chatting and then I decided to log off because I was laughing too hard and couldn't concentrate.
The next day we started talking again. This time, I was ready to give a little more information about my character. Information I knew would lead him to his friend. Me.
Emily told him that she studied at the same university that we went to. She also told him that she which school she went to. I purposely told him that it was the school I went to.
As soon as I mentioned which school I used to attend I ran downstairs knowing what was going to happen next. My phone rang and he asked me if I knew of a girl who was two years younger than me called Emily Braithwaite. I motioned to my sister miming the words 'say yes,' to her.
'No, I haven't heard of that name. But my sister may know her.' I answered. I then made sure he heard me ask her and get the response I wanted.
Hook, line and sinker.
The next day I scanned a photograph of when I went to London after winning a competition to meet the stars of World Championship Wrestling. I cut out the image of myself with a Nitro Gitl and sent it to him saying that it was the most recent picture. He asked who was edited from the image and I couldn't resist. I told him it was an ex-boyfriend who 'shall remain nameless.'
At this point I was on the phone to my other friend, Paul. We were both laughing hard but nothing was as funny as the time Rossy returned to work.
A few of us were sitting at a table waiting to start our shift and he started telling us about Emily. He started bragging about things that she said to him. I sat there listening knowing that eighty percent of what Emily had told him was exaggerated heavily and it was hard to keep a straight face.
I started growing tired of the act after a fortnight and finally came clean. He laughed it off admitting he was had. He vowed to get revenge somewhere along the line. It's been six years since and the act still hasn't been avenged.
Yet.
Rossy had still not returned to work. I was still getting over the farce that occurred with the blind date we went on with the girls he met on Yahoo. It was payback time.
And payback was a bitch.
I only intended to do the wind-up on my friend for one night but it snowballed into one of the funniest and elaborate scams I have ever pulled off.
I registered a feminine looking nickname in Yahoo and joined the Cardiff room knowing that he was going to be in there. It didn't take long for him to be drawn to me because of the things I was saying in the main room.
We began chatting and then I decided to log off because I was laughing too hard and couldn't concentrate.
The next day we started talking again. This time, I was ready to give a little more information about my character. Information I knew would lead him to his friend. Me.
Emily told him that she studied at the same university that we went to. She also told him that she which school she went to. I purposely told him that it was the school I went to.
As soon as I mentioned which school I used to attend I ran downstairs knowing what was going to happen next. My phone rang and he asked me if I knew of a girl who was two years younger than me called Emily Braithwaite. I motioned to my sister miming the words 'say yes,' to her.
'No, I haven't heard of that name. But my sister may know her.' I answered. I then made sure he heard me ask her and get the response I wanted.
Hook, line and sinker.
The next day I scanned a photograph of when I went to London after winning a competition to meet the stars of World Championship Wrestling. I cut out the image of myself with a Nitro Gitl and sent it to him saying that it was the most recent picture. He asked who was edited from the image and I couldn't resist. I told him it was an ex-boyfriend who 'shall remain nameless.'
At this point I was on the phone to my other friend, Paul. We were both laughing hard but nothing was as funny as the time Rossy returned to work.
A few of us were sitting at a table waiting to start our shift and he started telling us about Emily. He started bragging about things that she said to him. I sat there listening knowing that eighty percent of what Emily had told him was exaggerated heavily and it was hard to keep a straight face.
I started growing tired of the act after a fortnight and finally came clean. He laughed it off admitting he was had. He vowed to get revenge somewhere along the line. It's been six years since and the act still hasn't been avenged.
Yet.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Regis Northcott
I was chatting to my friend Maeve yesterday and was telling her about some of the zany pranks I have pulled on people over the years. She agreed with me that I should share some of them on here. So, without furher ado, let me allow you to enter my devious mind.
I hadn't spoke to Rossy in well over a year. The last time we contacted each other was in the latter part of 2005 but I finally managed to catch up with him last week. It brought back many memories of our time working together from 1998 to 2004. He was more than a colleague and a friend - he was my pranking tag team partner.
Nobody was safe from the pranks that we pulled at work. His sense of humour was even more disturbed, though. He would go too far at times. One example would be buying the costume from the movie Scream just so he could hide in the freezer with a kitchen knife waiting for someone to go in there. Obviously, it was me who would be the reeler. I had to make sure our victim went in there so I would ask another colleague to fetch something for me and then he would strike.
There are two moments that I look back and laugh and cringe at. Here is one of them.
In 2001, Rossy had to have an operation on his knee. In the weeks following suregery he spent his time in the Yahoo chat-rooms speaking to people from Cardiff.
One evening he dragged me into the room and we started chatting to a few users he had befriended in there. He was being flirty with two girls who lived outside of Cardiff. I just thought it was Rossy being Rossy and left him to carry on.
A few days later while I was at work he hobbled in on his crutches looking excited. I asked him what he was doing out of bed and he told me he had to get out because we were going on a date with the two girls he had been chatting to on Yahoo.
Yes, he arranged a blind date with the two girls and forgot to inform me until the last minute.
I told him I wasn't going. I had no time to get home after finishing work so wasn't up for it. He was persistant and then - like in a Beavis and Butthead cartoon - a lightbulb flickered in my mind.
I had a plan.
I told him I would go but not as myself but rather another person. The idea was just in case I got bored I could leave and not have the backlash when I saw them on Yahoo - if I were to ever see them again!
Rossy agreed and I tagged along as Regis Northcott. The name I used as an emailer to some Talk Sprt radio shows during that time.
Regis was meant to be a nerd but I couldn't feel the part so all I did was be myself but with a different name. The joke became ridiculius after a few minutes but we had to continue with it in order to not give our game away.
It was stupid.
We lasted most of the night until one of our managers walked into the pub and screamed 'Hello, Taylor!' and introduced herself to our dates.
Rossy and I were rumbled.
I think that was one of the only pranks that backfired. The problem is, there was nothing funny in it. All we did was pretend I was someone who didn't exist. I am sure if we had had enough time in plotting the situation we could have gone all out to resemble a nerd and at least had success in what we did.
In tomorrow's post I am going to share with you a prank I pulled on Rossy that stil brings tears to my eyes whenever I talk about it.
I hadn't spoke to Rossy in well over a year. The last time we contacted each other was in the latter part of 2005 but I finally managed to catch up with him last week. It brought back many memories of our time working together from 1998 to 2004. He was more than a colleague and a friend - he was my pranking tag team partner.
Nobody was safe from the pranks that we pulled at work. His sense of humour was even more disturbed, though. He would go too far at times. One example would be buying the costume from the movie Scream just so he could hide in the freezer with a kitchen knife waiting for someone to go in there. Obviously, it was me who would be the reeler. I had to make sure our victim went in there so I would ask another colleague to fetch something for me and then he would strike.
There are two moments that I look back and laugh and cringe at. Here is one of them.
In 2001, Rossy had to have an operation on his knee. In the weeks following suregery he spent his time in the Yahoo chat-rooms speaking to people from Cardiff.
One evening he dragged me into the room and we started chatting to a few users he had befriended in there. He was being flirty with two girls who lived outside of Cardiff. I just thought it was Rossy being Rossy and left him to carry on.
A few days later while I was at work he hobbled in on his crutches looking excited. I asked him what he was doing out of bed and he told me he had to get out because we were going on a date with the two girls he had been chatting to on Yahoo.
Yes, he arranged a blind date with the two girls and forgot to inform me until the last minute.
I told him I wasn't going. I had no time to get home after finishing work so wasn't up for it. He was persistant and then - like in a Beavis and Butthead cartoon - a lightbulb flickered in my mind.
I had a plan.
I told him I would go but not as myself but rather another person. The idea was just in case I got bored I could leave and not have the backlash when I saw them on Yahoo - if I were to ever see them again!
Rossy agreed and I tagged along as Regis Northcott. The name I used as an emailer to some Talk Sprt radio shows during that time.
Regis was meant to be a nerd but I couldn't feel the part so all I did was be myself but with a different name. The joke became ridiculius after a few minutes but we had to continue with it in order to not give our game away.
It was stupid.
We lasted most of the night until one of our managers walked into the pub and screamed 'Hello, Taylor!' and introduced herself to our dates.
Rossy and I were rumbled.
I think that was one of the only pranks that backfired. The problem is, there was nothing funny in it. All we did was pretend I was someone who didn't exist. I am sure if we had had enough time in plotting the situation we could have gone all out to resemble a nerd and at least had success in what we did.
In tomorrow's post I am going to share with you a prank I pulled on Rossy that stil brings tears to my eyes whenever I talk about it.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Breaking Even
I did two single bets today with the final forty-five pounds in my Blue Square account. At close of day I still have that amount in my hands.
I placed £22.50 on Bolton to win their match against Blackburn Rovers and for Glasgow Rangers to beat Hibernian.
Both of these results had odds of evens so the scenario I anticipated was for both to win and I doubled up but I also had an insurance cover in case one team were to lose. Obviously, I would have lost everything had both results not gone in my favour.
Blackburn ended up beating Bolton thus killing that part of the bet.
Rangers, on the other hand, defeated their opponents and kept me in the black.
I placed £22.50 on Bolton to win their match against Blackburn Rovers and for Glasgow Rangers to beat Hibernian.
Both of these results had odds of evens so the scenario I anticipated was for both to win and I doubled up but I also had an insurance cover in case one team were to lose. Obviously, I would have lost everything had both results not gone in my favour.
Blackburn ended up beating Bolton thus killing that part of the bet.
Rangers, on the other hand, defeated their opponents and kept me in the black.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The Lecture
I thought I would kill some time last night so joined in a $0.10/0.20 stakes table on Ladbrokes.
The first hand I was dealt was pocket aces so it seemed like the ideal start. I slow-played the hand preflop and then made a straight bet after the flop.
Everyone folded around me.
Then - a few minutes later - a pair of kings were in my posssession. Knowing that the stakes were low and Ladbrokes does tend to favour the underdog I decided to make my move and raised to four times the pot.
I had one caller who made a fold after I went all-in after the flop with the remaining seven dollars I had left.
I showed my cards and he went into a tirade telling me how I played the hand wrong.
I politely told him that I wasn't going to risk a bad beat on the site known for bad beats and it ignited more rage in my rival.
I loved winding this guy up. I egged him on even more by asking what a professional was doing on these low stakes tables.
After tiring of his criticism I ignored the rest of his lecture and he gave up and left the table.
My parting shot was one that deserves a mention.
'Joe Hachem must have got bored playing with us.'
I hope he saw it.
The first hand I was dealt was pocket aces so it seemed like the ideal start. I slow-played the hand preflop and then made a straight bet after the flop.
Everyone folded around me.
Then - a few minutes later - a pair of kings were in my posssession. Knowing that the stakes were low and Ladbrokes does tend to favour the underdog I decided to make my move and raised to four times the pot.
I had one caller who made a fold after I went all-in after the flop with the remaining seven dollars I had left.
I showed my cards and he went into a tirade telling me how I played the hand wrong.
I politely told him that I wasn't going to risk a bad beat on the site known for bad beats and it ignited more rage in my rival.
I loved winding this guy up. I egged him on even more by asking what a professional was doing on these low stakes tables.
After tiring of his criticism I ignored the rest of his lecture and he gave up and left the table.
My parting shot was one that deserves a mention.
'Joe Hachem must have got bored playing with us.'
I hope he saw it.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Round Six
It was one of the films I had been anticipating for years and I finally got to see it yesterday.
People who know me well will need no introduction to my favourite film character of all tme, Rocky Balboa.
I have been a fan of the Rocky series of movies since I was a youngster and I thought the fifth film was a touching end to the story of the underdog hero who rose from a bum boxer into the champion of the world.
I never imagined the story to continue once the character became an ex-boxer, broke and living back in his home of Philadelphia.
Seventeen years later - he returned.
The hairs on the back of my neck pricked up when I heard the theme song play out to begin the movie.
I didn't care too much for the dialogue and the acting was a bit, pardon the pun, ropey at times but the story was true to how boxing has adapted in the new century.
Adrian was not a part of the film but she still played a key part in the storyline as Rocky is shown coping with being a widower and making the decision to return to the ring for one final fight.
I can't give away the ending but I think it was a fitting conclusion to the story. I'm sure I said the same thing back in 1990.
People who know me well will need no introduction to my favourite film character of all tme, Rocky Balboa.
I have been a fan of the Rocky series of movies since I was a youngster and I thought the fifth film was a touching end to the story of the underdog hero who rose from a bum boxer into the champion of the world.
I never imagined the story to continue once the character became an ex-boxer, broke and living back in his home of Philadelphia.
Seventeen years later - he returned.
The hairs on the back of my neck pricked up when I heard the theme song play out to begin the movie.
I didn't care too much for the dialogue and the acting was a bit, pardon the pun, ropey at times but the story was true to how boxing has adapted in the new century.
Adrian was not a part of the film but she still played a key part in the storyline as Rocky is shown coping with being a widower and making the decision to return to the ring for one final fight.
I can't give away the ending but I think it was a fitting conclusion to the story. I'm sure I said the same thing back in 1990.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
St David's Day
I was thinking of a story about St David's Day but nothing worth noting came to mind. Yet.
As a child I didn't care much for the day because it seemed a waste of time dresing up and having a half-day from school.
Today is a different story. I am proud to be Welsh but it seems the country is becoming lax in regards to celebrating the day.
The schools no longer end early on March 1st. I am not completely sure sure why this is - it must be to do with the change in times and philosophies.
I have finally managed to remember a story!
In infant school I was the main star in the Eistedfodd. The part I played was of a man who wanted to free his daughter from someone and had to enetrtain her captors into letting her go.
The entertainment came from all the classes who were brought out in turn and put on mini performances within the play.
I don't remember anything I had to say or do. All I recall is having to wear a woolly jumper, carry a walking stick and have a fake beard on that was put together using a coat hanger with fur attached!
As a child I didn't care much for the day because it seemed a waste of time dresing up and having a half-day from school.
Today is a different story. I am proud to be Welsh but it seems the country is becoming lax in regards to celebrating the day.
The schools no longer end early on March 1st. I am not completely sure sure why this is - it must be to do with the change in times and philosophies.
I have finally managed to remember a story!
In infant school I was the main star in the Eistedfodd. The part I played was of a man who wanted to free his daughter from someone and had to enetrtain her captors into letting her go.
The entertainment came from all the classes who were brought out in turn and put on mini performances within the play.
I don't remember anything I had to say or do. All I recall is having to wear a woolly jumper, carry a walking stick and have a fake beard on that was put together using a coat hanger with fur attached!
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