Chris Jericho's Return?

pwinsider.com

Since everyone has been asking non-stop about this, it is believed that Chris Jericho has indeed signed a new deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. Sources within TNA, who were in negotiations with Jericho hoping to bring him on board, have confirmed they've learned that Jericho opted to return to WWE, where he held the Undisputed WWF championship for several months and headlined Wrestlemania X8 against Triple H in Toronto.

Jericho departed WWE following a Summerslam 2005 loss to then-WWE champion John Cena, citing mental burnout. Stating that he was no longer challenged by the business, Jericho said he was taking time to step away and work on new ventures. A statement posted on his official website in August 2005 featured Jericho's promise that if and when he returned to wrestling, it would be as part of WWE, equating them to a mafia family that you never really leave.

During Jericho's time away from the business, he penned an autobiography titled "A Lion's Tale" which will be released on 10/25, and has received several positive advance reviews. He hosted a satellite radio show, headlined a play in Canada, appeared briefly on the Fox "Celebrity Duets" reality series, was a semi-regular for the Groundlings improvisational troupe in California and appeared on several VH-1 panel shows discussing music and pop culture.

Given the injury to WWE champion John Cena, Jericho's return is an influx of fresh, top-tier talent that the company can use at just the right time. Since the "SaveUs_222" viral campaign is being built towards a big surprise, it should be noted those videos began about two weeks back, the same time period Jericho backed away from negotiations with TNA, according to sources.

Newest Info on Chris Benoit

Brain examination finds Benoit with massive damage

by Dave Meltzer

Dave@wrestlingobserver.com

The results of a brain examination of Chris Benoit found significant damage from both repeated concussions and sub-concussive blows that may have played a part in his killing of himself, his wife and son in late June.

Dr. Julian Bailes of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University of Dr. Robert Cantu, the Chief of Neurosurgery Service and Director of Sports Medicine at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA, presented their findings at a press conference this morning in New York. Also speaking were Chris' father Michael Benoit, and Benoit family lawyer Cary Ichter of Atlanta.

Cantu noted that out of the five athletes they have diagnosed with similar problems, including football stars Andre Waters, Terry Long and Mike Webster, the former two of whom committed suicide at a young age, that Benoit's brain showed the highest level of Tao protiens, indicating damage.

"Chris had, by far, the greatest amount of brain damage of the five," Cantu said.

Bailes said the level of damage was enough to explain the suicide and homicides

Neither Michael Benoit nor Ichter would comment on potential litigation. Ichter said the family is still in mourning and has given no thought about, "what steps are appropriate in the legal arena."

The only hint came in a statement by Michael Benoit who said he worked for a company where the top priority was the health and safety of its workers, and only wished his son had worked for a company with those same priorities.

Bailes and Cantu are the leading doctors in the Sports Legacy Institute, which became an official charitable corporation in June. The president of SLI is former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski, who was not present at the press conference. Nowinski contacted Michael Benoit for the rights to examine Chris' brain. The WWE was not consulted or made aware of any of these findings ahead of time.

In questioning, the doctors downplayed the role of steroids in the case, but couldn't rule it out, only saying there is no medical evidence long-term steroid use causes the damage to the brain Chris Benoit had.

They portrayed the brain examination as the only tangible evidence that has come to light to explain why Chris Benoit may have done what he did, They noted his level of damage would lead to cognitive impairment, major depression and heightened aggression.

Michael Benoit also noted he had read Chris' diary and said it gave the impression of an extremely disturbed person, but that in his limited contact with Chris, a few minute phone call every week or two, he had no indication anything was wrong.

Kanye West is a Punk!

Listen, I hate rap and normally wouldn't waste my time on writing about it, but this Kanye West is just a total punk and a whiner.
I didn't watch last night's MTV Awards (although I was forced to watch Britney Spears slutty lip-sincing "performance" because a friend of mine claimed he was just waiting to see if Avril Lavigne was going to show up) but after this I feel I'm totally vindicated on my opinion about the guy. Nuff' said.

1978 STAR WARS Holiday Special

I have been trying to find this for about 25 years now and here it is...The horribly written, directed, produced and acted Star Wars Christmaas Special made in 1978 after Star Wars had become a unexpected smash hit. This is really, really bad and no wonder it's so hard to find or why George Lucas won't even talk about it. But it IS a Star Wars vehicle, and a must (although painful) see for any Star Wars fan, I mean, Art Carney, Harvey Korman, Diane Carol, Jefferson Starship and Bea Arthur? It doesn't get any better than that, right? Plus, Princess Leia sings the "Life Day" theme. Dig it.

Part 1

The Star Wars Holiday Special.1
Uploaded by hansonataint

Part 2

href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmru2_the-star-wars-holiday-special2">The Star Wars Holiday Special.2
Uploaded by hansonataint

Zack Kim and The Simpson's Theme

I don't know why I've never heard of this kid, he's sure got game. Here he performs The Simpson's theme on two guitars at once. Yeah, I know, nowadays, Family Guy is better (why it took Matt Groenig 18 years to produce a Simpson's movie, I'll never know)

Bridge to Terabithia

WARNING: If you haven't seen the theatrical movie, "Bridge to Terabithia" or the 1985 t.v. version, or even read the original 1977 novel by Katherine Paterson and you plan to, read no further; the following is a SPOILER ALERT!

I just saw the movie "Bridge to Terabithia" online for the first time last night. And just like many other people, because of the misleading trailors, I thought it was just going to be a "Chronicles of Narnia" rip-off. But, I thought I'd check it out just the same. It's a tale of the problems of pre-adolescence, wide-open imagination and endearing friendship. It stars Josh Hutcherson as Jesse Aarons and guaranteed future Oscar-winner, AnnaSophia Robb as Leslie Burke who portray pre-teen friends whom, to deal with bullies at school (especially the malicious Janice Avery) and in Jesse's case, problems at home, create their own magical world of goblins, trolls, and roaming land creatures in the woods behind their homes they name Terabithia. It is their world. A world in which they create the rules, and use their imagination to make the inhabitants come alive and they name themselves King and Queen. It is accessed only by an "enchanted" rope that they use to swing across a creek that flows by their homes and into the brush on the other side.

Jesse has to deal with his families financial woes, a somewhat distant mother, an abrasive father, and his three annoying and bratty sisters. The fourth, May Belle, played by the adorable Bailee Madison, admires Jesse to no end and is continually disappointed when she is not allowed to follow Jesse and Leslie into Terabithia and share in their magic. Jesse is an avid drawer and uses his craft to not only hide himself away from his domestic and scholastic problems, but to use his talents to be Leslie's ying to his yang.
Leslie is a grand story-teller and lover of fantasy stories with a vivid imagination. She is an only child to two writer parents who are footloose and fancy-free, as demonstrated when Leslie and her father dance together as they paint their living room while Jesse looks on in appreciation. She teaches Jesse with her open mind, cheerful personality and unbound determination about how to handle life's little roadblocks, including the bullies at school and to always do it with a smile. She is unwavering, unabashedly, kind and true.

The two meet at the first day of school at when she enters and wins a race that is supposed to be for "boys only". At first, Jesse is quite sour about this and wants nothing to do with Leslie, but Leslie's persistence in meeting him soon pays off, as the two become close friends.

Although some people say that the movie is slow at points and at times the plot may seem to be going nowhere, I disagree. At no time did I think it was boring or tedious. It is brought along more than adequately by the lead actors youth and charm. If you give it a chance, it will envelope you. The good thing about this movie is that although, as mentioned, people may have been led to believe that this was a CGI-laden fantasy movie about some far-off land, the creators keep most of the tale based in reality, with only a handful (or less) of scenes that dealt with special effects. As a throwback of sorts to Disney's live-action family films of the past, "Bridge to Terabithia" deals in contemporary settings and believable plots. It is with this believable plot that things go terribly awry and gut-wrenching tragedy ensues.

Now I didn't read the book or see the 1985 t.v. version of the film before I watched the theatrical version, but I almost wish I had. I say almost because then I would have been prepared for the stupid plot twist that will haunt you in the films closing 30 minutes, that is of course, unless you bleed ice cubes. I say stupid, simply because I didn't like the way it caught me by surprise (usually that's a cinematic plus) and drew me to tears. Yeah, I said it. I cried okay? Big whoop, wanna fight about it? Sorry for being human.
To what am I referring to? (last chance to avoid the spoiler)

Well, Jesse also has a crush on his music teacher, Ms. Edmunds, and at the last minute she has an extra ticket to the museum. With Jesse's undeclared admiration for Ms. Edmunds and his never being to a museum, he accepts, but wants to spend time with his teacher alone outside of school, so he doesn't invite Leslie. As he returns home later that evening, he is surprised to find his family waiting for him, worried about his disappearance; as his mother doesn't remember in her half-asleep state that he asked permission, and he senses more tension in the room from the result of more than his museum adventure.
Jesse's father then informs him that Leslie is dead. She decided to go to Terabithia without him and fell from the rope when it snapped, hitting her head on a rock and drowning in the creek. Jesse is mortified and doesn't believe his father, running from the room yelling,
"Leslie's not dead! She can't be dead! You're lying!"
He runs over to her house next door only to find the police in the driveway that confirms the horrific news.

There are a few other scenes that will shake your emotions (again, unless you're a total Grinch) like when soon after he sees the police cars, he dashes to the woods and starts calling for Leslie in hopes that the magic of Terabithia will bring her back to him. Upon calling out her name we hear a faint return of a voice calling his name and for a second one could be forgiven if they indeed expect to see a vision of Leslie there. Alas, it is only his little sister, May Belle that has almost fallen off a tree that has fallen across the creek that Jesse has used as an entrance to Terabithia in place of the rope, when she has decided to follow him in. It is this scene that is also sad because as he tells May Belle to "go home, this is OUR place!" she takes another step foward and he pushes her down hard. A look of hurt disappointment and sadness appears on her face that literally made me say out loud, "Aw, don't do that!"

As Jesse runs around in Terabithia in search of Leslie, his imagination gets the better of him, as he sees the "Dark Master" (the imaginary antagonist of Terabithia) looming closer and closer. When the shadow catches up with Jesse and begins to descend upon him, only then do we see that it is his father that came looking for him after May Belle runs home crying.
It is here that yet another tear-jerker scene presents itself as Jesse finally lets his emotions out and cries for Leslie. He reveals to his father his feelings of guilt and remorse about not being with Leslie when she died, feeling that if he had only invited her to the museum, her death could have been avoided. His father, in a sudden change of character consoles his son and ensures him that Leslie's death is not his fault. He also tries to make Jesse understand, when asked if Leslie is in Hell because she didn't read the Bible that "I don't know all that much about God, but I do know He's not going to send that little girl to Hell." He then tells Jesse to keep Leslie's memory and their intense friendship alive, to hold on to what they had, thus keeping her alive.
The question of Hell arises due to a scene earlier in the movie when Jesse, Leslie and May Belle are riding in the back of Jesse Sr's pick-up after Leslie accompanies Jesse's family to church and she comments that the story of the Bible and that of Jesus is "really interesting."
She says that although she never read the Bible, to which May Belle says she's going to be damned to Hell for, she doesn't have to believe its stories but "finds it beautiful" while Jesse "has to" believe it and "hates it". Leslie then answers May Belle's statement with "I seriously don't think God goes around damning people to Hell, he's to busy with all this" referring to the great outdoors.

There is one scene of redemtion of sorts for Jesse, as he punches one of his main adversaries, the bully, Scott Hoager, in the face that sends him flying against the back wall after Fulcher sickenly leans over Jesse's shoulder and says, "I guess you're the fastest runner in class now, huh?" This is in reference to Jesse losing the first annual "boys race" that I mentioned earlier. He had trained the whole summer before to be the fastest in the fifth grade and it was the main reason he was put off by Leslie at first.
The only problem I had with this is that it should have been written that Fulcher recieved a broken nose or jaw. Jesse is then sent into the hallway by the teacher, Mrs. Myers (Monster Mouth Myers as Jesse calls her) to where he thinks he will be admonished for his deed (and a good deed at that, I say)
But Mrs. Myers reveals to Jesse that she knows somewhat how he feels, as her husband had died some years ago and she also reveals her like of Leslie.
"The things that girl came up with. I don't get students like that too often," she says. "and then I think, if it's this hard for me, how much harder it must be for you." From that point on, there is no monster in Terabithia representing Mrs. Myers.

After Leslie's family moves, Jesse is allowed to take anything that' s left around the family's home. He decides to use some extra wood planks and build a safer passage, a bridge, to Terabithia (thus the name of the story) and erect a memorial to Leslie, his fallen queen.
After completing the bridge, he goes home and apologizes to May Belle and finally decides to take her with him to Terabithia in honor of Leslie. He gives her a "crown" and names her princess only after she promises to keep Terabithia a secret and to "close your eyes and keep your mind wide open," advice Leslie once said to Jesse and is a reoccurring theme in the film. We then see all of Terabithia, even grander in May Belle's eyes, illuminated as the credits role.

I can't say I didn't totally see Leslie's death coming. In one particular scene, the night before Jesse goes with Ms. Edmunds to the museum, the two are on their way home. The last we see of Leslie is when after discovering the rain has risen the level of the creek, she waves goodbye to Jesse that is in slow motion. There is then a shot of Jesse with a look of, dare I say love, on his face. He looks away for a moment before looking up one final time to see Leslie walking around the corner. This is Jesse's last memory of her. That is when I realized I wasn't going to like the end of this movie.

I can't explain why, but this movie hit me hard. I found myself with eyes full of tears in each of the sad scenes mentioned and believe it or not, it stayed with me about four hours until I was able to fall asleep. I can't tell you the last time that happened, if ever.
I guess it may have to do with the fact that I have a female friend who I care for greatly, is one one of my best friends (if not THE best) and is one of the greatest people I have ever known. And much like Leslie, she is always there to help me in any way fathomable. I guess I just drew some sort of parallel between the two relationships. Either that, or I'm just a big wuss. The only difference being, I didn't know her in my adolescence, I wish I had. Or maybe it was just the fact that Leslie was a very beautiful person and was taken away. It just wasn't right.
However, that's not to say that there isn't some comedic and/or light-hearted elements in the movie, there are, it's just that the most powerful parts of it are, obviously, after Leslie dies.

But even my friend (for some reason) said the movie wasn't very good, as other film critics have. My opinion is I totally disagree. I'm not impressed easily, and although I agree it wasn't the best film I have ever seen (maybe not even in the top five) it is one of very few films that had the emotional impact "Bridge to Terabithia" had. That says boatloads. That having been said, I don't know if I want to see it again. It's just that sad. But if you haven't seen it, you should. It's a great story. One of the greatest stories of true friendship you'll ever see.

If you would like to read an online version of the novel go here. It is on a very good website dedicated to the book. It is designed and maintained by Eric Petersen.



FYI: Here's the true background story of the original novel. Yep, unfortunately, the original book is based on a true story.

And in case your interested, here's an interview with "bridge" author, Katherine Paterson and one of the executive producers of the movie, as well as co-screenwriter, Katerine's son, David.

If I ruined the story for you, sorry about that. But, I warned you...twice.

You Can't Do That On Television

I was just randomly surfing the net when I came across this article, or something, that directed me to YouTube and to clips from one of my favourite shows when I was a kid. "You Can't Do That On Television" which originally aired in 1979 as a local Ottawa kids entertainment show. I didn't catch it until around 1981 or 82. But man, when you're 9 or 10, this stuff was funny. Everything from "Barthy's Burgery" sketches to the water or slime that would drop on the unsuspecting (and REALLY cute) Christine "Moose" McGlade by uttering the word(s) "water" or "I don't know". I also found the infamous "opposite" and "firing squad" sketches to be quite humorous.

But looking back, I think the real reason I tuned in religiously every Saturday morning was to glimpse upon the beauty of Christine. Man. I really had a thing for her, which I suppose every guy my age did that was a fan of the show. I had a friend back then who was almost into her as much as I was. I say almost because he called her Moose, I refused to do so.
"Her name is Christine", I would correct him, to which he would rightfully roll his eyes at.


Lisa Ruddy was another regular in the cast that was pretty cute too. But, she was just too good at her job, because I found her utterly annoying. They didn't call her "Motor-Mouth" for nothing. But she was still a sweetie, all the same.

You may find this really weird, but I want to remember these girls (and the show as a whole) just as it was. So what happens? What do I do to ruin the precious memories of my childhood? I watch a reunion of the cast members on YouTube (it was actually at a convention of sorts, called Slimecon-in homage to said slime prop) and see what they're up to now. Now, normally you would think that a fan of any show would love to see what their favourite celebrities or character-players are up to. Are they in good health? Are they successful in their personal lives? Did they get fat?
Well, the answer to those questions is YES, except for the fat thing.
Christine is now 43 years old and is still a babe. She is a producer for children's programming, is married and has three children (damn that man who married her) Lisa is 40, is married with two children and runs a funeral home. For some reason when I was watching it, she looked unrecognizable at first, but is still pretty and stills smiles a lot. But boy, was Christine ever nice. Slim, healthy and still a beauty. Did I say that already?
This is also where pop sensation, Alanis Morrisette got her performing arts start. Yeah, I had no idea either. I must have seen her in at least 10 sketches and had no idea who she would become. But, how would I, right?

Another cast member that was very funny was that of Les Lye, the only adult cast member until Abby Hagyard came around in 1982. If you ask me, this guy was, and continues to be really under-rated. Rowen & Martin's "Laugh-In" alumni, Ruth Buzzi also was a late addition to the cast. Lye played the unforgettable Barth (along with many other characters) who was the propeitor of Barthy Burgery, the kids local hang-out. The place where they complained about the burgers (from which they'd try to guess what -or who-went into the burgers that week, usually end up barfing at the end of the sketch) but always came back for more.

Anyways, through listening to Christine's podcasts (which she hasn't updated since Feb. 24 of last year, I'm sorry to say) on her website, christinemcglade.com I found out that Nickelodeon (who bought the rights to the show after the first two seasons) has released the show in a 3-DVD, 100+ episode box-set. WOO-HOO! Now I can see Christine in all her young, cuteness and (slimey) glory. I know, this is getting unhealthy. Speaking of unhealthy, check out Barth's Burgery for more YCDTOTV memories.

I don't really know what distinguishes this show from any other shows of the era, or of my adolescence for that matter. I mean it never did have all that great of production values, but it touched me in ways not too many other shows, or even movies-past or present, have done. I mean, I just simply look at those pictures above and I'm in an instant time-warp, back in my living room in Winnipeg when I was 10. And for some reason I thought Christine and Lisa were my age. Apparently their about 9-10 years older. Like I care. I just want to stay there with the Saturday-morning sun shining through our living room picture-window and Christine on the t.v.
This show, including watching old clips (I still can't believe they're OLD clips) and pictures just puts me where I want to be. I can't explain it, it just puts me instantly back to my childhood.


Would you like to see Christine and Lisa today? Here ya go...






See, I told you Christine was still a babe. Here's an interview with her from 2004. Hey, I know she's getting all the attention, but I really dug this chick.

But, should you ever find yourself lucky enough to be in the land of YCDTOTV, you'll know it when you see this:



Here's an example of Christine at her best along with the many faces of Les Lye and a general way of how the show flowed on t.v.
Lisa is especially cute in some of these sketches as well.


I sure do miss it.

I:

If you haven't seen this, you should. It's pretty interesting and original. It may even make a pretty decent t.v. show, but that may just kill the premise since it's based on a guy who's life is exposed on the internet. Plus, I think the short episodes (they're only four to five minutes long) is what makes it kind of indearing.

Episode 1:


Episode 2:


Episode 3:


Episode 4:


Episode 5:


Episode 6:


Episode 7:


Episode 8:


Episode 9:


Episode 10:


Episode 11:


Episode 12:


Episode 13:


Episode 14:



Episode 15 (Part 1):


Episode 15 (Part 2):


Episode 16:


Episode 17:


Episode 18:


Episode 19:

Chad Vader

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Chad Vader Episode 2

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Chad Vader Episode 3

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Chad Vader Episode 4

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Chad Vader Episode 5 (Holiday Special)

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Chad Does Rifftrax


Episode 7


Chad Blog #1


Chad Blog #2


Chad Blog #3

Will Ferrel is the Man...Freaking Hilarious

You gotta love Will Ferrel, from his first skit on Saturday Night Live ("I'm going to punch you in the FACE if you don't get off the shed!")to Frank the Tank in "Old School" (I never did care for "Taladega Nights") This guy is pure comedic genius and these two videos just further along that theory.

R.I.P. Chris Benoit & Sherri Martel

When I was watching Hannity & Colmes on the FOX News channel and I saw the ticker at the bottom of the screen say "professional wrestler Chris Benoit found dead with wife and son in Georgia home" I couldn't believe it. Two years ago, Eddie Guerrero died to me and the rest of the wrestling world's shock and surprise, now Benoit is gone. Apparently he killed his wife, Nancy ("Woman" of WCW fame) and their 7-year-old son, Daniel. Early reports are that Benoit poisoned them; his wife on Saturday, his son on Sunday and then he killed himself, early Monday morning.

I remember first seeing Benoit in Stampede Wrestling from Calgary, thinking that this guy is gonna be huge. Well, it only took 20 years,but he finally became a world champion at WrestleMania XX, defeating triple H and Shawn Michaels in a triple-threat match in the main event, the first time the "rabid wolverine" had ever headlined the Super Bowl of pro wrestling.
Benoit was without a doubt one of the top 5 technical wrestlers ever to step inside the squared circle and was one of two of THE best mat technicians in the last 10 years, the other being Kurt Angle. This is really unfortunate. On one hand Benoit entertained us for some 20-odd years with his superior skills and really gave the sport some real legitimacy. On the other hand, if all these reports that are coming out are true, then he was a psycho. We can't take away his in-ring legacy, but at the same time, how can you possibly escuse this? He just had to have snapped.

Although it's been two years since a major wrestling star has died, every time it happens I think that they're dropping like flies. Like everything else, these things always seem to happen in three's. This brings me to "Sensational" Sherri Martel. I didn't even know Martel had passed until I was surfing the net, trying to find more information on Benoit. I had no idea. She is another performer who has died from an overdose. At this time I have no idea from what. She had just been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, an honor I questioned at first, but then I remembered how she used to annoy the hell out of me, showing how good she really was. Plus she did play an integral part in the rise to stardom of Shawn Michaels.

Two great talents dying just a few days apart, unbelievable. But, like I said, these things come in three's, so unfortunately, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

UPDATE: Apparently, Benoit strangled his wife, smothered his son, then hanged himself.

Here's a preliminary report from the Citizen. And some more from Breitbart.com/AP

More info from a couple of emails sent to me:

The Associated Press is reporting that Chris Benoit is believed to have strangled his wife Nancy and smothered his son Daniel before hanging himself, citing a source close to the investigation.

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard told The Associates Press that they are investigating what role, if any, steroids may have played in the incident, i.e "roid rage".

NANCY BENOIT FILED FOR DIVORCE IN 2003; CITED DOMESTIC ABUSE
By: Bob Ryder
6/26/2007 12:54:44 PM

Nancy Benoit filed for divorce in May 2003 and claimed domestic abuse in her court filings. A petition seeking protection from domestic abuse said she was intimidated by threats of violence from her husband Chris Benoit.

A restraining order was issued on May 12, 2003 against Chris Benoit that barred him from the couple's then residence in Peachtree City. On August 19, 2003, Nancy Benoit filed to dismiss the divorce petition as well as the protective restraining order.

Friends close to the couple tell us that they had a very rocky relationship and would often have "blowups" that would lead to Chris Benoit leaving for a day or so to "cool off".

Sorry, I don't have the original source.

Another thing I'm wondering is, normally any performer that has an untimely passing is posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the very next year, or when the next ceremony is held, such as in the case of Eddie Guerrero and Curt Hennig. However, due to the extenuating circumstances of his death (and that of his family) will he be eligible. As I much as I respected Benoit's ability in the ring, I'd have to say no. Even if it wasn't his "fault" due to his head not being right, because of this so-called "roid-rage". He shouldn't have been on the drug in the first place. But I'll bet dollars to donuts, he does get the nod.

More information here and here.

If it wasn't "roid rage" and given the "deliberation" as stated in the latter article, then his actions surely cannot be defended. Not that they could or should be anyways.

UPDATE: It's looking more and more like this guy was just another paranoid, domestic abuser. In short, he just may have been another piece of crap. It looks like the WWE concurs, as more information comes out, they're distancing themselves from this guy as much as possible, as they've removed any all "tributes" to him from their website along with all merchandise adorned with his likeness and rightfully so. Even Vince McMahon said that last night's taping of Smackdown! and ECW would make no mention of Benoit's name. Remember what I said about his Hall of Fame induction...well, forget that.

UPDATE: From the WWE website

Here's one final UPDATE until the official word is known. An interview with Bret Hart


And until we know all there is to know, here's the final word on the subject:

The Sopranos

So I just saw the series finale of The Sopranos, everybody's favourite mob family from New Jersey. If you haven't seen it (and if you haven't, you're most likely not a fan of the show, so you won't care for the rest of this anyway) I won't give away anything important like who got whacked and things like that, but I am going to spoil the ending a bit by saying the show ended much like the ending of last season. I was disappointed. That's it, figure it out from there yourself. Jut one question, though...what was with the cat?

Oh wait. Maybe you should see this first. It might catch you up a bit on what's been going on since Season One, if you can follow it.



Got it now? Ok, moving on...

Besides the last episode, I was surprised that Paulie Walnuts wasn't killed by Tony a few episodes back when they were on that fishing boat, especially when Paulie had flashbacks about he and Tony whacking Big Pussy in the same fashion. And did anybody and I mean anybody see Christopher's demise come in that way? And such non-chalantly (sp?) on Tony's part.
I think there's only one scene that still sticks with me. That's the episode a couple of seasons back entitled, "Long Term Parking" in which Sil whacks Adriana in the woods. I liked the character, plus she was kind of hot.

So, there goes the arguably the best drama that television has created in...well, ever. I do believe, however that there is still a lot of loose ends to tie up and the rumor is there might just be a movie in the offing. Although this is just a rumor and will remain one, because of James Gandolfini's getting away from the character and being type-cast. Although, honestly when you see Gandolfini in any role, do you think of any other character other than Tony Soprano? I mean everything from the hit man in "The Mexican" with Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt to the Colonel in "The Last Fortress" with Robert Redford, all I can think of when I see him is Tony Soprano. Sorry James. The same can be said about Carmella (Edie Falco)

Where do the actors go from here? Well, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow) is young enough to find and get involved in other roles and characters, as in the Broadway or other stage roles she has done. Robert Iler (A.J.) may not be as lucky. I mean, he has had a couple of roles since the shows inception, but even after all the critical success of the show since 1999, he's still getting "unnamed" roles, such as in 2003's "Daredevil" with the unforgettable Ben Affleck in which he played "Bully #1". Good luck Rob.

It may another 10-15 years before we see a show of this calibre, so try and enjoy what you get.

UPDATE:
Well, I've been around the net for a couple of hours now and since everybody else has let the proverbial cat out of the bag, I shall do the same.
Phil Leatardo (the NY boss) is killed and his head run over by his run away SUV while his wife looks on as do witnesses that begin to vomit seeing Phil's head popped like a pimple.
That's about all that happens that is of any interest, except for the non-ending ending (I'll get to that in a second) and Paulie refusing, then eventually accepting a promotion from Tony based on the fact everyone that headed the job, died "prematurely". Plus the strange fascination/hatred of Paulie's towards a orange tabby-cat that Tony takes an instant liking to. The weird part is that the cat is always staring at a picture of the departed Christopher.

As for the ending itself, well some may say it was perfect in it's ambiguity that has become the show's trademark of originality. Others will no doubt (like myself) will throw their hands up in disbelief, thinking this is the absolute worst time for the cable to go out. It didn't, creator David Chase decided to actually be quite artistic and original, yet again. In short, I believe Tony Soprano is dead.

If you have seen the episode, you'll know that the family met at a diner in the final scene. At first, it's Tony by himself, waiting for the others to arrive. Then Carmella arrives, shortly after that, A.J. shows up. In the meantime, other patrons of the restaurant appear to be ominous themselves, wherein Chase allows our imaginations to go wild in theorizing who is the hitman? Although we don't actually see Tony die, as I've said, I believe he does. Others agree with this scenario. I believe the very last shot or view, is from Tony's perspective. You see, before his family arrives, Tony is mulling over the table-top jukebox and looking up at the door to see who is entering every time the bell above the door jingles. When it does, we are shown Tony's perspective of what he sees. This is done about four or five times before a nefarious-looking man is seen coming in just before A.J. and sits at the counter, every once in a while peering over at Tony and his family seated in their booth. The man (that some may have recognized as Journey front-man, Steve Perry (as it was that band's song, "Don't Stop Believing" that was playing on the jukebox) goes to the bathroom before some very tense moments.

When Meadow finally walks in the diner after several failed attempts at parallel parking, once again we see Tony look up, and the perspective is once again his. At this exact moment, the screen goes black and totally silent. After about five or six seconds (at which point half the countries of both the U.S. and Canada did pretty much what I did-sitting in silence and disbelief at this crappy ending) the credits role (with no music for the first time) This is where I believe Tony is shot by the guy coming back from the bathroom-in the head. The end.

UPDATE: Since I've had a few hours to think about it, this may be one of the greatest finishes to a television series ever. I know, I know, that's a pretty radical change of opinion. But if you really think about my theory of perspective, the ending is pretty cool. Does Carmella and A.J. buy it too? Maybe. That we will never know. Does Meadow witness the slaughter of her entire family? Who knows? But I'm betting she at least saw her father perish.
One last thing. Did anybody else notice the other people in the diner? I mean really notice? Well, if you have been paying attention the last couple of seasons, you may have noticed that, as with the aforementioned "guy at the counter" there were a few other cameos. The boy scouts were in the store when Bobby got whacked, the two black guys that came in looking at what I assumed was the dessert case, were the same two guys that tried to whack Tony, clipping his ear and the truck driver, I believe was the brother of a guy that Christopher had killed.
Bet you didn't see that did you?


Then again, maybe Chase didn't want us to see the REAL ending for a reason. Maybe there was something a bit more nefarious going on...

300

Ok, ok, I know. This film has been in release for about, what, three months now? But, in my defence, I didn't see it until about month ago. Again, I know I should have "critiqued" it then, but I'm not a film critic by any means, plus I'm lazy. Anywho, this flick was great. It deserves all the fanfare it received along with the critical and box office success it has garnered. The only problems it had was that perhaps there was too much CGI technology involved. A few actual sets would have been better. Don't get me wrong, the world that the films special effects team created was awe-inspiring and all that, it's just that...check out "The Fall of the Roman Empire" (1964) and you'll see what I mean about the use of actual sets and locations along with use of real people as extras. I also didn't care much for the computer-generated blood, but that can be forgiven.

Also, it was not entirely historically accurate. I know, a historical epic not being historically accurate, from Hollywood? The dickens you say. There were a few moments and people that simply did not happen. For one, at the end of the movie, there were no 10, 000 Spartans that avenged Leonidas, rushing toward the Persians after the Battle of Thermopylae. The Spartan army defended Sparta, they never left the city. Xerxes never invaded. If you want a more accurate recreation of the battle, go out and rent "300 Spartans" (1962) And this whole "real world" stuff about how Iranians (the Persians) of today are up in arms about how the film depicts them as weak or callous and the filmakers as rascist; um, folks, check your history, they were. However, they also have a undisputed, rightful claim of contributing to civilization, i.e. the alphabet, medical practices and the advent of utensils. Up until then Anglo Saxons (early Europeans) were barbarians and ate with their hands (not to mention, not washing up before and after meals; another trick we got from the Persians)

But let us not confuse the Persians of then with the nutcases that are over there now. And I mean the real nutbags.

Overall, I think the performances were good (I especially enjoyed the portrayal of King Leonidas "There's no reason why we can't be civil" and Queen Gorgo "Because only Spartan women give birth to REAL men" played by Gerard Butler and Lena Headey) and the action is outright awesome.

WrestleMania Recap

O.k, before I begin, I want to be clear that I am not going to talk about every match last night, for the simple reason that these unmentionables are just that. I mean, the WWE Tag Team champions, Paul London & Brian Kendrick don't get a match (I would have put them against ex-champs, MNM) and Ric Flair and Carlito are not just curtain-jerkers, but only get a dark match? (they beat Chavo Guererro & Gregory Helms in a tag team Lumber-Jack match) Not to fear though, Kane and Khali really saved the day, huh?

Speaking of the tag champs, do you realize that this was the first time that the tag titles--either the WWE straps or the World Tag titles (the real tag titles) --were not defended at WrestleMania? Yeah, I know, it blows my mind too. Also, where was the Cruiserweight title match? I mean, c'mon, this IS WrestleMania after all.

So anyways, which matches rocked and which flopped?

- "Money in the Bank" was great even if it wasn't as good as last year and in no way, shape or form should it have opened the show. But it's official, Jeff Hardy is insane. If you happened to catch the PPV on T.V. it did not do that leap off of the ladder onto Edge any justice. You had to see that live. Now I have at least a smidgen of an idea of what people felt when Mick Foley took that dive off of the Hell in the Cell. Kennedy winning the match was great. To be honest, I generally don't watch SMACKDOWN! all that much (although it has gotten better recently) so I don't really have a complete handle on his character, but I'm really starting to dig Kennedy. His promo after the match was cool, too. The inclusion of Hornswoggle (nee Lil' Bastard) was funny, if not predictable. Poor little guy couldn't reach the briefcase even standing atop the biggest ladder in the building. Randy Orton was pretty much invisable in this match.

-Kane v.s. Khali sucked and was a waste of time (and part of my money) 'Nuff said.

-Chris Benoit v.s. MVP (U.S. Title match) Now I dig Chris Benoit, I always have ever since his Stampede days in Calgary, so I'm not blaming him, but who the hell is Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and why did he deserve a shot at one of the most prestigious titles in American wrestling history? Again, not one of my favourite matches, but with my opinion on who should have been in the match aside, it was alright.

-The Undertaker v.s. Batista Definately one of the best matches on the card and arguably THE best. Both men were in top form and beat the hell out of each other. I think it lived up to the hype, but most asuredly not to Batista's prediction. In case you didn't hear, he said that the match would rival Savage/Steamboat of WMIII. Sorry Dave, not even close. The false finishes and reversals were great. Oh, and before I forget, there was a between match skit that had Cryme Tyme dancing with the ECW dancers (and just let me say that I agree with a sign I saw at the SMACKDOWN! before MANIA: ECW DOESN'T NEED NITRO GIRLS!!!) A few legends and/or WWE alumni showed up for it, including Ricky"The Dragon" Steamboat, Irwin R. Schister, Ted Dibiase, Dusty Rhodes, and Farooq (Ron Simmons) DAMN!

-ECW Originals v.s. The New Breed Another disapointing one. I mean, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and RVD teaming up and no blood? Was this an ECW match or Romper Room? I really expected more out of this match. I know, I know, ECW is truly dead anyway.

-Battle of the Billionaires (Hair v.s. Hair match) Now this was cool. Umaga and Bobby Lashley were in top form, Steve Austin was...well, Steve Austin. Even Trump seemed to have fun as he (crappily) clotheslined McMahon and put some knuckles to his head. Lashley won and McMahon tried to sneak out, defaulting on the deal. In the words of Stone Cold, UH-UH! Lashley chased him down, carried him back and threw him into the ring into the waiting arms of Austin, who happily held him down while Trump gleefully shaved his head. Even Lashley got in on it, lathering up the boss's head with shaving cream before McMahon was bicked smooth. It was truly priceless and one of the best moments of the night, if not the year. Was anyone really surprised when Austin stunned Trump? DTA Donald. DTA.

-Melina v.s. Ashley (Women's Title) This was a "Lumberjill" match with all the WWE Divas at ringside. I was glad to see Victoria there, if not utilized. OHH, Victoria (Homer drool) This one lasted all of about 10 minutes before Melina retained her title.

MAIN EVENT:
John Cena v.s. Shawn Michaels (WWE Title) In my opinion, this was the night's best match. I'm apparently in the minority in that opinion, but I stick by it. Both Cena and Michaels brought the house down and like the Taker/Batista match, there were plenty of false finishes and reversals as Michaels reversed the FU twice and Cena avoided Sweet Chin Music a couple of times. Michaels did get in his one of a kind elbow drop (unless you've seen TNA's "Showtime" Eric Young in action) and Cena did manage to execute the FU, but Michaels was able to kick out. Michaels even was able to get to the ropes when he got caught in the STFU once. Once. In the end he had to tap out to Cena's submission move and the champ is still the champ. Now, what becomes of the World Tag Team titles? Well, it appears I've asked this to late. As of this writing RAW has already taken place in Dayton, OH and The Hardy Boyz have won the straps. I don't exactly know how. I'm presuming in a tag-team battle royal.

Anyways, I know I've indicated that I was disapointed in the evening's events. Far from it. It's not just the matches themselves that make up the WrestleMania experience, it's everything from the Hall of Fame ceremonies (which was also very cool) to Fan Access to WM itself; including the sights, sounds and crowd interactions. Except of course, the idiots ahead of us that wouldn't keep their signs and flags down and the bigger idiots behind us that were drunk, loud and just totally FREAKIN' STUPID!!
Look, I've worked for a couple of indie promotions for the better part of seven years now, I've met a few legends (Bret Hart, Paul Orndorff, Ted DiBiase,Mick Foley, etc) so I consider myself kind of schooled in the business (at least in the PR and media aspect of it) and repeating the phrase "Nice spot" over and over, especially when there wasn't any happening really shows your ignorance. You're not a "smark"you're not even a real fan of the sport I love when you show up at the biggest show of the year drunk from the get-go. So please, stay home next time.

One more thing. Damn, I wish we could have gotten one of those take-home chairs that were offered to people that paid $750 or more for their seats. I kid you not, I was just two rows away from getting one. Of course, I wasn't about to pay an extra $500 for about four feet of real estate.

But overall, I finally got to be at a WrestleMania and I'm damn glad I did.
A very special thanks goes out to my friend Holly, her dad, Jim and to the WWE's Mark Yeaton for the opportunity. I guess I can throw Ryan in there, too. Don't worry, he knows who he is.

And in case I didn't mention this before...WrestleMania, baby! WOO-HOO!!!

Hmm. I guess I did mention every match. Oops, oh, well.

Showtime!!!

It's about seven hours till belltime and I'm freakin' JAKKED, baby!! WrestleMania 23 is at Ford Field in Detroit tonight and I'm counting the hours, soon to be minutes. Besides all the hard, in-your-face-action (with a moving entrance to accommodate the different wrestlers, no less)

But is it weird that one of the best parts for me will be seeing Lilian Garcia all dolled up? Man, you should have seen her at the Hall of Fame ceremonies last night. Oh yeah, I was at that, too. It was cool! Jim Ross probably gave the best (and longest) acceptence speech. His inductor, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, talked about the man from the heart, using language (and no, I don't mean expletives) you wouldn't expect from the "Texas Rattlesnake". I'm also going to (at the last minute) a Legends of Wrestling show right now. Oops, my rides here, gotta go.

WrestleMania, baby!! WOO-HOO!!!

WrestleMania

Well, next Sunday, April 1, is the day of WrestleMania 23. It's the first "Super Bowl of professional wrestling" that I'll have the pleasure of attending. I missed the last chance of seeing this annual gathering of theWWE's best and most entertaining athletes when it was being held nearest to me in Toronto for WrestleMania X 8(18) in March, 2002. The only other time the event was even remotely close to me was in 1987 when I resided in Winnipeg, Manitoba and it had a record-shattering attendance of 93, 173 people packed into the Pontiac Silverdome outside of Detroit, Michigan. Roughly a 1, 839 km trip. Wasn't gonna happen, not at that time. So, just like for WrestleMania II the year before and IV the year after, I had to settle on watching it via sattelite. It didn't really matter it was still very cool. That is except for the allergy attack I was battling all night, drawing stares of condemnation from those around me.

So, for the first time since WrestleMania debuted in New York City in 1985, a couple of my friends and I (although they got to attend the Toronto version) will witness (with my 10th row off the floor ticket in hand) as the late, great Gorilla Monsoon used to say, "history in the making". While I'm on the subject of the vanilla gorilla, I do believe he and Jesse Ventura were the best duo to call a match in the history of the sport, bar none. Don't get me wrong, I think that Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are great, as was "the Dean", Gordon Solie (although I never understood why he pronounced a suplex as a "sooplay"--and yes, I realize he called the majority of matches for NWA) but they really can't hold a candle to Gorilla and Jesse. The repartee between those two was just fluid and ground-breaking, for lack of a better term. In short, they were indeed pioneers. Vince McMahon at the mic? Don't even get me started.

My only regret is that I'm too late to witness the athletic finesse of Hall-of-Famers, Bret "the Hitman" Hart, "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig (R.I.P), Tito Santana, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, Kurt Angle (although I was fortunate enough to see him last year at TNA's "Bound for Glory PPV--plus numerous RAW and SMACKDOWN appearances) my boy; Randy "Macho Man" Savage and yes, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. Although I wouldn't exactly call Hogan and Andre "athletic". You can throw Roddy Piper in there as well. Even the great Lou Thesz once said Hogan wouldn't know the difference between a wrist-lock and a wrist-watch. But then again, did he really need to? I mean, without him, there probably is no WrestleMania. But as for Andre, at least in his youth he could deliver a pretty mean drop-kick. Yes, that Andre.

Anyways, I'm also going to have the pleasure of being on hand for the Hall of Fame ceremonies the night before. That will be interesting. At least it better be. But, I'm disappointed that the Macho Man isn't going to be inducted. He should be, but he won't kiss and make up with Vince to get his name on the list. Then again, should that matter? He deserves a spot in the Hall and I don't don't care what anybody says. He was Hogan's biggest rivalry during wrestling's second Golden Age and carried Hogan for the champ's best matches.

So, as of April 2, I'll finally be able to say, as millions have before me; I was there, I was at WrestleMania. WOO-HOO!