A few weeks ago, there was a convention in GA for GI JOE collectors and one of the exclusive items there was a figure of my all time favorite wrestler, Rowdy Roddy Piper. This got me thinking about something.
Now, real life people have appeared as JOE characters before. First there was William "The Refrigerator" Perry, hot off the heels of the 1985 Superbowl champion Chicago Bears. Available as a special premium by mail with tickets obtained in specially marked figures, this 3 3/4 inch figure was set for action, complete with his own weapon, a spiked football on a chain.
Not really seeing a connection to a mobile strike force in a player best known for doing the Superbowl Shuffle, the Joes next celebrity was tailor made for the military theme. Professional wrestler, Sgt. Slaughter. Once again, Hasbro had the figure availabloe with the mail in premiums, but unlike Perry, Sgt. Slaughter was actually used in the comic book and cartoons of the day earning his second figure and a vehicle (The ultra cool Triple T tank), not to mention his own squad in Slaughter's Marauders. Slaughter served as a valuable asset to Hasbro as a spokesman and character. But there was one celebrity that got away from them.
In GI Joe Yearbook, they were listing the new characters for the year. The very last page had a drawing of a man in sweatpants and boxing gloves. For all intents and purposes, GI JOE'S newest trainer was going to be...
ROCKY BALBOA
But hold on, why wasn't there ever a Rocky figure? They made his arch enemy in Big Boa (I can smell a evil twin storyline coming on) and he was released, where was Rocky? The next year we would find out.
The disclaimer read "Rocky Balboa is not and has never been a member of the GI JOE team". What? They had just shown him, they made his COBRA equivellant, what happened?
It seems that Hasbro and Sly Stallone were ironing out the rights to the agreement and Hasbro was so sure it was a done deal, they gave all the information to Marvel Comics in time for the Yearbook. Marvel Published it, got hopes up and then..
Then it turns out that the deal between Hasbro and Stallone fell through because of the Rambo animated series. Remco came to Stallone with a better deal for his likeness for use on their toys, so the Hasbro deal never went through.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Worst Halloween EVER!
There was a time you could count on two things in October, AMC's Month Long Monsterfest and CBS showing It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. There's still three days left in October, so there's time for CBS to show the annual Peanuts Ode to All Hallows Eve, but AMC has disappointed me immensely.
One month a year, that's all horror fans ask. One month a year to turn on the TV and find something on the tube to give us our horror fix. Sure Mr. and Mrs. America might be dying for another showing of A Few Good Men, but come on, it's October. We should be seeing Legosi, Chaney, Karloff, Englund and the rest of our favorite horror stars.
This year AMC went from their 31 days of horror to 13. OK, still not bad but when you look at the replay schedule it get's really bad. I swear I've seen the original Halloween (my least favorite slasher flick ever) on TV five times since they've started this abbreviated Monsterfest. That's not even counting their promised Halloween marathon on Wednsday. I'm sure they have more horror films in their library, why not show them?
Maybe I've been spoiled by the availability of horror movies on DVD. Maybe the world has changed to a point where real horror involving war, terrorism and crime have taken the place of Dracula, The Wolfman and Freddy. Still, I can't help but feel that this year is missing something.
One month a year, that's all horror fans ask. One month a year to turn on the TV and find something on the tube to give us our horror fix. Sure Mr. and Mrs. America might be dying for another showing of A Few Good Men, but come on, it's October. We should be seeing Legosi, Chaney, Karloff, Englund and the rest of our favorite horror stars.
This year AMC went from their 31 days of horror to 13. OK, still not bad but when you look at the replay schedule it get's really bad. I swear I've seen the original Halloween (my least favorite slasher flick ever) on TV five times since they've started this abbreviated Monsterfest. That's not even counting their promised Halloween marathon on Wednsday. I'm sure they have more horror films in their library, why not show them?
Maybe I've been spoiled by the availability of horror movies on DVD. Maybe the world has changed to a point where real horror involving war, terrorism and crime have taken the place of Dracula, The Wolfman and Freddy. Still, I can't help but feel that this year is missing something.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
One More Delay, Messiah Complex and Justice Like Thunder!
What was supposed to be a short, one month series that drastically changed the life of Spider-Man has turned into what is now a three to four month arc for unkown reasons.
The series, written by J. Michael Stracynski with art by Marvel Comics EIC Joe Quesada, has been hyped for months including adding the One More Day logo to the corner of every Marvel Comic that was released in August. Following Back In Black, One More Day was to change Spidey's life forever, making many of the internet community to feel that the marriage of Peter Parker and Mary Jane-Watson that occurred 20 years ago in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21 and that has been called one of the "genies in the bottle I wish I could put back in" by Quesada would be retconned by Marvel as to have never happened. Whether this is true or not, the series has been pushed back by at least two months now leading some to think it's either because of a rewrite on the book (Marvel.com has pages of protests about the retcon on their message boards) or simply because of the lateness of Quesada's artwork.
If it is a rewrite (very unlikely as it is), that would be a good thing, showing that they actually do listen to the readers. My money, however, is on Joe Q's art. He has never been known for his speed at drawing even back during his days of doing his own book ASH. Add to that his duties as Marvel EIC and you could smell the delays coming a mile off. I understand the fact that he wants to do the last story from one of the most controversial Spider-Man writers of all time (See The Other and Sins Past for reasons why) in JMS, but he should have known that the workload would be too much for him. If this was a mini series or throwaway story it would be different, but this is affecting nt only the core group of books sor a character, it is affecting the publishing plans of the company, which after this story were to stop publishing Spectacular Spider-man and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and replace them by publishing Amazing Spider-Man three times a month.
On another note, the next X-Men storyline Messiah Complex is doing what it is supposed to be doing. Namely, getting me excited about X-Men, something that hasn't happened since the early ninties. I actually picked up this weeks issue of X-Men (204) just to get aqquainted with the characters since I haven't read an issue since before the turn of the century. I added all the X-titles to my pull list and hope that the series comes out as good as it seems to be able to be.
Finally, the best three bucks a month you can spend at the comic shop would be Warren Ellis' Thunderbolts. Since Civil War, this series has been the most consistently enjoyable read other than Brubakers Captain America.
The series, written by J. Michael Stracynski with art by Marvel Comics EIC Joe Quesada, has been hyped for months including adding the One More Day logo to the corner of every Marvel Comic that was released in August. Following Back In Black, One More Day was to change Spidey's life forever, making many of the internet community to feel that the marriage of Peter Parker and Mary Jane-Watson that occurred 20 years ago in Amazing Spider-Man Annual 21 and that has been called one of the "genies in the bottle I wish I could put back in" by Quesada would be retconned by Marvel as to have never happened. Whether this is true or not, the series has been pushed back by at least two months now leading some to think it's either because of a rewrite on the book (Marvel.com has pages of protests about the retcon on their message boards) or simply because of the lateness of Quesada's artwork.
If it is a rewrite (very unlikely as it is), that would be a good thing, showing that they actually do listen to the readers. My money, however, is on Joe Q's art. He has never been known for his speed at drawing even back during his days of doing his own book ASH. Add to that his duties as Marvel EIC and you could smell the delays coming a mile off. I understand the fact that he wants to do the last story from one of the most controversial Spider-Man writers of all time (See The Other and Sins Past for reasons why) in JMS, but he should have known that the workload would be too much for him. If this was a mini series or throwaway story it would be different, but this is affecting nt only the core group of books sor a character, it is affecting the publishing plans of the company, which after this story were to stop publishing Spectacular Spider-man and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and replace them by publishing Amazing Spider-Man three times a month.
On another note, the next X-Men storyline Messiah Complex is doing what it is supposed to be doing. Namely, getting me excited about X-Men, something that hasn't happened since the early ninties. I actually picked up this weeks issue of X-Men (204) just to get aqquainted with the characters since I haven't read an issue since before the turn of the century. I added all the X-titles to my pull list and hope that the series comes out as good as it seems to be able to be.
Finally, the best three bucks a month you can spend at the comic shop would be Warren Ellis' Thunderbolts. Since Civil War, this series has been the most consistently enjoyable read other than Brubakers Captain America.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Civil War
I'm back...(not that anyone reads this)
Since my hiatus from the Pit, I've been rediscovering my love of illustrated sequential novels, better known as Comic Books. It's been three years since I bought an issue of Spider-Man or the Avengers and I had no idea what to expect. I had heard about Marvel's Civil War series of books, which is their allegory to the way America has handled the War on Terror and the subsequent Patriot Act. While it was well done in some aspects, other parts of it seemed to be thrown together (sort of like the Patriot Act and War on Terror).
However, the big shock of the series was the killing off of Captain America after his arrest at the end of Civil War. I can understand that you want to do something shocking to get the readers attention, but in today's environment do you really want to kill off the symbol of what the country stands for? Just a thought.
Since my hiatus from the Pit, I've been rediscovering my love of illustrated sequential novels, better known as Comic Books. It's been three years since I bought an issue of Spider-Man or the Avengers and I had no idea what to expect. I had heard about Marvel's Civil War series of books, which is their allegory to the way America has handled the War on Terror and the subsequent Patriot Act. While it was well done in some aspects, other parts of it seemed to be thrown together (sort of like the Patriot Act and War on Terror).
However, the big shock of the series was the killing off of Captain America after his arrest at the end of Civil War. I can understand that you want to do something shocking to get the readers attention, but in today's environment do you really want to kill off the symbol of what the country stands for? Just a thought.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Ghost to Ghost of His Former Self
At one point, Art Bell was synonimus with esoteric radio. I remember reading books and people would refer to shows using him as the measuring stick. He was awarded the Lifetime Acheivement Award, which he deserved. However, I think he forgot that they ususally give those out to people who need to call it quits before they ruin their legacy.
Art Bell has ruined his legacy and has now, in my eyes, become just another huckster. A shill for the global warming crowd. Every interview he has done since his return with new wife in tow has referred to his views on global warming.
It's not just the global warming crap, it's his entire "holier than thou" attitude he has had. He is disinterested in the guests, rude to the callers and generally boring to listen to. When a caller gets on the line, no matter what, his first words to them are not a greeting, but a "turn your radio down", he sounds like an old man telling the dirty hippies to turn down that rock and roll.
Art had his moment in the sun. He has hit his share of homeruns for the team. He's had his game winning hits. Now, he seems like a player on his last legs, trying to compete with the younger generation and striking out every at bat. It's time for Art to go, before he ends up making all his fans feel as much anger towards him as I do.
Art Bell has ruined his legacy and has now, in my eyes, become just another huckster. A shill for the global warming crowd. Every interview he has done since his return with new wife in tow has referred to his views on global warming.
It's not just the global warming crap, it's his entire "holier than thou" attitude he has had. He is disinterested in the guests, rude to the callers and generally boring to listen to. When a caller gets on the line, no matter what, his first words to them are not a greeting, but a "turn your radio down", he sounds like an old man telling the dirty hippies to turn down that rock and roll.
Art had his moment in the sun. He has hit his share of homeruns for the team. He's had his game winning hits. Now, he seems like a player on his last legs, trying to compete with the younger generation and striking out every at bat. It's time for Art to go, before he ends up making all his fans feel as much anger towards him as I do.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Meds: 1, Me: 0
So after deciding I needed to go to the doctor and get something done for my ear infection, I gave his office a call. My doctor is a really good guy and just by listening to the symptoms over the phone he had enough samples of the antibiotic that he was going to prescibe to me waiting for me at the nurses desk. This helps me out a lot since I am on disability from a stroke I suffered and don't have any insurance. So not only was my medication free, I wasn't charged for an office visit.
I get my meds delivered to me by my mom who volunteered to go and pick them up and read the directions. One pill, four times a day. Ok, no problem there. So I take the first pill when I got them and promptly zonked out. My mom woke me up about 10 pm to make sure i take another one. I do and the same thing happens, I fall fast asleep. This same senerio repeats itself up until about three hours prior to me writing this. And the only reason I haven't dozed off yet is I haven't taken one since I woke up. (Which I will as soon as I finish this up)
I had forgotten how antibiotics affect me. Whereas most people take them and nothing happens, I am knocked out by them. I always have reacted this way to them, I don't know why, but it happens. Strangely, when a medication says "May cause drowziness", I am up for days after taking it. Maybe my body chemistry is out of whack or maybe it's a psychosomatic response. Who knows?
But, I know that I basically have lost two days over it, but it's worth it not to have that pain inside my ear canal and my jaw. I'll oly get a few hours of sleep since I want to wake up and put my nieces wagon together for her birthday today.
Her nana and papa (my mom and dad) got her a little red wagon and a swimming pool for her birthday. I got her one of those kiddie push cars that have all the electronic sounds like a horn and sirens and other stuff on it and a DVD of "Monster House" (I figure I can watch that one with her). Her party is going to be tomorrow afternoon since her mom has to work on her birthday (she works in a hospital so it's hard to take off), but being the traditionalist, I decided we will give her her presents today on her birthday.
I lost a few days over this stupid ear infection, but at least now I can actually take her outside and play with her with her new stuff. So i guess it worked out for the best. First birthday's only happen once and I want it to be special for her.
I get my meds delivered to me by my mom who volunteered to go and pick them up and read the directions. One pill, four times a day. Ok, no problem there. So I take the first pill when I got them and promptly zonked out. My mom woke me up about 10 pm to make sure i take another one. I do and the same thing happens, I fall fast asleep. This same senerio repeats itself up until about three hours prior to me writing this. And the only reason I haven't dozed off yet is I haven't taken one since I woke up. (Which I will as soon as I finish this up)
I had forgotten how antibiotics affect me. Whereas most people take them and nothing happens, I am knocked out by them. I always have reacted this way to them, I don't know why, but it happens. Strangely, when a medication says "May cause drowziness", I am up for days after taking it. Maybe my body chemistry is out of whack or maybe it's a psychosomatic response. Who knows?
But, I know that I basically have lost two days over it, but it's worth it not to have that pain inside my ear canal and my jaw. I'll oly get a few hours of sleep since I want to wake up and put my nieces wagon together for her birthday today.
Her nana and papa (my mom and dad) got her a little red wagon and a swimming pool for her birthday. I got her one of those kiddie push cars that have all the electronic sounds like a horn and sirens and other stuff on it and a DVD of "Monster House" (I figure I can watch that one with her). Her party is going to be tomorrow afternoon since her mom has to work on her birthday (she works in a hospital so it's hard to take off), but being the traditionalist, I decided we will give her her presents today on her birthday.
I lost a few days over this stupid ear infection, but at least now I can actually take her outside and play with her with her new stuff. So i guess it worked out for the best. First birthday's only happen once and I want it to be special for her.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Quick Thoughts
Seeing as how I have an ear infection that's driving me crazy, with the pain travelling from my ear all the way through the entire left side of my jaw, this is just going to be a quick update that has pretty much nothing to do with my normal "out there" posts. I have a doozy planned for tomorrow. Anyway, here we go.
1. Wow. All I can say is Wow, do my Cardinals suck this year! I can't remember a time when a defending World Series Championship team was this bad. I still say that they need to get rid of Larussa, but I've been saying that for years now. With Rolen hitting less than I could, it's time to give Spezio some starts at third base. Walt Jocketty needs to start getting some players during the offseason instead of letting your starters go and signing nobody to replace them. Really the only big deal he has made was getting McGwire in 1997.
2. "Hostel" is my pick for worst movie ever made. Although to be fair, I've never seen Gigli or From Justin to Kelly.
3. Am I the only person alive who isn't interested in seeing or hasn't seen Borat?
4. Larry King looks like the old Tootsiepop Owl from the commercials.
5. To the writers of the WWE: We get it, John Cena can't be stopped. He is the alpha-male. He is Superman without a cape. It's time to let him lose the belt. Or at least get rid of that God awful spinner belt.
6. Coast to Coast AM needs to have JC call in every episode. He is the best thing that the show has going for it lately. Also, Art Bell, we understand the world will burn up because of global warming. Talk about something else for a change.
1. Wow. All I can say is Wow, do my Cardinals suck this year! I can't remember a time when a defending World Series Championship team was this bad. I still say that they need to get rid of Larussa, but I've been saying that for years now. With Rolen hitting less than I could, it's time to give Spezio some starts at third base. Walt Jocketty needs to start getting some players during the offseason instead of letting your starters go and signing nobody to replace them. Really the only big deal he has made was getting McGwire in 1997.
2. "Hostel" is my pick for worst movie ever made. Although to be fair, I've never seen Gigli or From Justin to Kelly.
3. Am I the only person alive who isn't interested in seeing or hasn't seen Borat?
4. Larry King looks like the old Tootsiepop Owl from the commercials.
5. To the writers of the WWE: We get it, John Cena can't be stopped. He is the alpha-male. He is Superman without a cape. It's time to let him lose the belt. Or at least get rid of that God awful spinner belt.
6. Coast to Coast AM needs to have JC call in every episode. He is the best thing that the show has going for it lately. Also, Art Bell, we understand the world will burn up because of global warming. Talk about something else for a change.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Who has the burden of proof?
America's judicial system is based on the idea that someone is innocent until proven guilty. This is one of the most basic principles that someone learns about law. Does this apply only in the context of a trial? Or does this transcend the law and become a general principle of life?
Before anyone thinks I've gone completely insane that's all the talk of law I will do. I'm not a lawyer and never wanted to be one, I leave that for my cousin and my other cousins husband. No, the reason I brought it up is the fact that to prove something you have to have evidence to back it up. However, it seems that in the fields of esoteric studies such as Ufology, cryptozoology, and the paranormal the supporters have to provide all of the evidence while the debunkers and skeptics just have to say the words "hoax" or "fake" to seemingly denounce and disprove in the eyes of the general population any and all evidence that the esoteric researcher might bring forth.
To quote Shane "Hurricane" Helms. "Whatsupwitdat?"
What is the proof that researchers can provide that would be considered substantial enough to get past the cry of scam from the list of debunkers? Ufology seemingly provides proof on a daily basis, be it video or photograph, only to have no less than our own government claim the always popular "flare" excuse. The advent of computers and programs such as "photoshop" have done nothing but give skeptics one more piece of heavy ammunition to use in their war against anyone who doesn't think like they do. To them, every photo or video is now painstakingly reworked on a high end computer with an operator who can make a Madonna picture not look like a dried up husk.
Really, what would it take? It seems that even if their was a landing on the White House lawn, someone like The Amazing Randi would say it was all done by George Lucas's ILM Studios. The big question is why is it like that? Maybe we as a community aren't as dedicated in our beliefs as we like to say we are. Maybe it's just something that has been instilled in us that since our beliefs go against the norm we are used to it and think it's to be expected.
Maybe if enough people say that the skeptics have to prove us wrong, maybe then, they will have the burden of proof on them.
Before anyone thinks I've gone completely insane that's all the talk of law I will do. I'm not a lawyer and never wanted to be one, I leave that for my cousin and my other cousins husband. No, the reason I brought it up is the fact that to prove something you have to have evidence to back it up. However, it seems that in the fields of esoteric studies such as Ufology, cryptozoology, and the paranormal the supporters have to provide all of the evidence while the debunkers and skeptics just have to say the words "hoax" or "fake" to seemingly denounce and disprove in the eyes of the general population any and all evidence that the esoteric researcher might bring forth.
To quote Shane "Hurricane" Helms. "Whatsupwitdat?"
What is the proof that researchers can provide that would be considered substantial enough to get past the cry of scam from the list of debunkers? Ufology seemingly provides proof on a daily basis, be it video or photograph, only to have no less than our own government claim the always popular "flare" excuse. The advent of computers and programs such as "photoshop" have done nothing but give skeptics one more piece of heavy ammunition to use in their war against anyone who doesn't think like they do. To them, every photo or video is now painstakingly reworked on a high end computer with an operator who can make a Madonna picture not look like a dried up husk.
Really, what would it take? It seems that even if their was a landing on the White House lawn, someone like The Amazing Randi would say it was all done by George Lucas's ILM Studios. The big question is why is it like that? Maybe we as a community aren't as dedicated in our beliefs as we like to say we are. Maybe it's just something that has been instilled in us that since our beliefs go against the norm we are used to it and think it's to be expected.
Maybe if enough people say that the skeptics have to prove us wrong, maybe then, they will have the burden of proof on them.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Earth Chronicles
I haven't read all of the books yet, but I am digging the hell out of Zecharia Sitchin's Earth Chronicles series of books. Just the idea that the mythology of ancient man is really the history of our world is fascinating.
The two books I have read in it are The Wars of Gods and Men and Genesis Revisited. There are more to get, however, since I don't use credit cards ordering them from Amazon or some other online bookstore keeps the books I can get to the stock available in the brick and mortar stores.
I know a lot of people crap of Sitchin's ideas, but to me they seem just as plausible as anyone else's so far. Besides, a lot of the ideas in his books fit in with ideas I've had myself. So maybe I like it that many of my thoughts are justified by someone.
The two books I have read in it are The Wars of Gods and Men and Genesis Revisited. There are more to get, however, since I don't use credit cards ordering them from Amazon or some other online bookstore keeps the books I can get to the stock available in the brick and mortar stores.
I know a lot of people crap of Sitchin's ideas, but to me they seem just as plausible as anyone else's so far. Besides, a lot of the ideas in his books fit in with ideas I've had myself. So maybe I like it that many of my thoughts are justified by someone.
The Boggy Creek Monster
As a lifelong resident of Arkansas, I have been told a lot of different stories about the state. I have heard the stories of Bonnie and Clyde having coffee with my great uncle, stories about the "Hanging Judge" (and if you've ever seen Rooster Cogburn, you know who I'm talking about), so basically I've heard just about every story that came out of the old west and the depression era from the state.
However, there is one story that to this day fascinates me. The Legend of Boggy Creek.
Yes, the same one that had the horrible movie made about it in the early 70's. The same movie that was immortalized in an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. As bad as that three film series was (only made watchable by the appearance of the late, yet always cute Dana Plato in the second film), the stories behind the films are as much a part of local folklore as Ted Williams and Babe Ruth in Boston.
During the early 1870's in the town of Fouke, Arkansas the Ford family was attacked by an unknown creature. During the same time period, the same creature was blamed for the death of local livestock. This creature is said to be from seven to ten feet tall, weigh anywhere from 250 to 800 pounds, has a chest 3 feet wide, long dark fur and bright red eyes the size of silver dollars.
Tracks have been found that give the creature a 17 inch foot that is 7 inches wide. However, unlike any other creature of it's type, it is claimed to only have three toes.
Since the 1970's there has been sporadic reports of the creature. In 1991, it was seen jumping from a bridge and in 1998 it was again reported in a dry creek bed. The biggest year for sightings was 1997 where there were 40 reported sightings.
As usual, with any type of creature that can't be labeled definitively, there is speculation that it is a bear or a mountain lion. Some claim that it is some type of unknown hominid. While others say it is a part of the Bigfoot family. Whatever it is, with the amount of wooded areas that are prevalent through the state, there are plenty of places for it to hide so we may never know and the naysayers can always claim hoax.
However, there is one story that to this day fascinates me. The Legend of Boggy Creek.
Yes, the same one that had the horrible movie made about it in the early 70's. The same movie that was immortalized in an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. As bad as that three film series was (only made watchable by the appearance of the late, yet always cute Dana Plato in the second film), the stories behind the films are as much a part of local folklore as Ted Williams and Babe Ruth in Boston.
During the early 1870's in the town of Fouke, Arkansas the Ford family was attacked by an unknown creature. During the same time period, the same creature was blamed for the death of local livestock. This creature is said to be from seven to ten feet tall, weigh anywhere from 250 to 800 pounds, has a chest 3 feet wide, long dark fur and bright red eyes the size of silver dollars.
Tracks have been found that give the creature a 17 inch foot that is 7 inches wide. However, unlike any other creature of it's type, it is claimed to only have three toes.
Since the 1970's there has been sporadic reports of the creature. In 1991, it was seen jumping from a bridge and in 1998 it was again reported in a dry creek bed. The biggest year for sightings was 1997 where there were 40 reported sightings.
As usual, with any type of creature that can't be labeled definitively, there is speculation that it is a bear or a mountain lion. Some claim that it is some type of unknown hominid. While others say it is a part of the Bigfoot family. Whatever it is, with the amount of wooded areas that are prevalent through the state, there are plenty of places for it to hide so we may never know and the naysayers can always claim hoax.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Southern Spirits
What is it about the south that makes it such fertile land for tales of the supernatural? I can say, and feel pretty safe about it, that no matter how big or small every town or city in the south has at least one house, building or piece of land that has it's tale of ghosts or other paranormal activity. In the city I live in I know of at least a dozen such places in a ten mile radius from where I sit right now. The neighboring city has it's share also, including a theater that where I myself have noticed strange occurrences when driving by on my late night trip to Wal-Mart.
An ex-girlfriend told me of a time she and her (then) husband were redecorating a house they had bought. They had spent the day sanding down all the walls so they could paint the next day. The dust from the sanding was all over the wood floors and when they left for the night, they padlocked the front and back door. The next day they entered the house to find the footprints of a barefoot child going to the stairs and to the windows and back to the stairs.
When I was in high school, my friend was spending the night and when we woke up the next morning we walked to an old family cemetery about a mile away. We were just going to look at some of the dates on the remaining headstones (which went back to the earlier part of the 1800's) and then to the store to pick up some sodas. We thought we were in the cemetery for about fifteen or twenty minutes. When we got to the store we looked at a clock and somehow we had lost over two hours we were never able to account for.
Whatever the reason, the south has a grand history of paranormal activity. Whether it is ghosts, vampires or whatever, it seems that the mantra of "the south shall rise again" has more to it than most people think.
An ex-girlfriend told me of a time she and her (then) husband were redecorating a house they had bought. They had spent the day sanding down all the walls so they could paint the next day. The dust from the sanding was all over the wood floors and when they left for the night, they padlocked the front and back door. The next day they entered the house to find the footprints of a barefoot child going to the stairs and to the windows and back to the stairs.
When I was in high school, my friend was spending the night and when we woke up the next morning we walked to an old family cemetery about a mile away. We were just going to look at some of the dates on the remaining headstones (which went back to the earlier part of the 1800's) and then to the store to pick up some sodas. We thought we were in the cemetery for about fifteen or twenty minutes. When we got to the store we looked at a clock and somehow we had lost over two hours we were never able to account for.
Whatever the reason, the south has a grand history of paranormal activity. Whether it is ghosts, vampires or whatever, it seems that the mantra of "the south shall rise again" has more to it than most people think.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Message from Primus to Binnall
I just want to take the time to offer my prayers and well wishes to Tim and his family during this difficult time.
Tim runs a great site www.binnallofamerica.com and for over a week he has been going through a lot. Sometimes we forget that the people that run these sites are real people like ourselves. When they are activly involved in their work and take the time to keep involved with those that frequent their sites it makes things that happen to them in their lives a bit more personal. Tim does that on his site. And this is the only way I can think of to say thank you, so thanks Tim. You're the Ted Williams and Bob Dylan of esoterica.
Tim runs a great site www.binnallofamerica.com and for over a week he has been going through a lot. Sometimes we forget that the people that run these sites are real people like ourselves. When they are activly involved in their work and take the time to keep involved with those that frequent their sites it makes things that happen to them in their lives a bit more personal. Tim does that on his site. And this is the only way I can think of to say thank you, so thanks Tim. You're the Ted Williams and Bob Dylan of esoterica.
Nightmare Prequel
With all of the prequels that have been released over the past few years, most of which were bad (I'm looking directly at you George Lucas), it's crazy that there hasn't been a Nightmare on Elm Street prequel yet.
Now I know that supposedly there is talk of one, but until there is definitive proof that one is upcoming I have the right to bitch and moan about the lack of one so far. Freddy Krueger is to horror films what Darth Vader is to Science Fiction films. He's the cool bad guy. Sure he was a child molester and murderer but we want and need a film that tells the whole story as to how he became what he is.
Ok, so the child molestation angle would have to go in today's world, and rightfully so seeing as how it is an occurrence that happens much too often in real life. But, the film could still explain that he was a child killer without being graphic and leading to copycats in the real world. Besides, just the story of why a man would grow up to make a glove with razor sharp knives for fingers and end up getting torched by the neighbors is just too good to pass up.
The snippets of his past we have seen in the movies have made us want more. Please, whoever is in charge at New Line, give us this one crumb. As long as there isn't any Jar Jar Binks, we'll be happy.
Now I know that supposedly there is talk of one, but until there is definitive proof that one is upcoming I have the right to bitch and moan about the lack of one so far. Freddy Krueger is to horror films what Darth Vader is to Science Fiction films. He's the cool bad guy. Sure he was a child molester and murderer but we want and need a film that tells the whole story as to how he became what he is.
Ok, so the child molestation angle would have to go in today's world, and rightfully so seeing as how it is an occurrence that happens much too often in real life. But, the film could still explain that he was a child killer without being graphic and leading to copycats in the real world. Besides, just the story of why a man would grow up to make a glove with razor sharp knives for fingers and end up getting torched by the neighbors is just too good to pass up.
The snippets of his past we have seen in the movies have made us want more. Please, whoever is in charge at New Line, give us this one crumb. As long as there isn't any Jar Jar Binks, we'll be happy.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A question about disclosure
What if there was a huge press conference in which the government fully disclosed that there are ETs and that we are being visited by them? What then?
Would ufology collectively sit back, prop it's feet up and then try to decide what to research next? Would there be a period of "See, we told you so" and then it would be gone like today's newest pop group?
Or would disclosure ruin the magic of not exactly knowing? Like knowing how David Blaine or Criss Angel do their tricks, would the entire thing become a moot and boring exercise?
I do believe that we have been visited many times and continue to be visited. I believe that many of the occurrences in the Bible happened to be UFO's.
I'm just not sure I want to know completely.
Would ufology collectively sit back, prop it's feet up and then try to decide what to research next? Would there be a period of "See, we told you so" and then it would be gone like today's newest pop group?
Or would disclosure ruin the magic of not exactly knowing? Like knowing how David Blaine or Criss Angel do their tricks, would the entire thing become a moot and boring exercise?
I do believe that we have been visited many times and continue to be visited. I believe that many of the occurrences in the Bible happened to be UFO's.
I'm just not sure I want to know completely.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
pancakes, pancakes, pancakes, burritos. No Coke. Pepsi
If a fast food place is going to be open 24 hours a day, they should allow you to actually, you know, order food.
I woke up starving and went to McDonalds a little bit ago to get something to eat, so I hop in the car, drive to the closest one and after waiting 10 minutes to be waited on, am told that all I can order is Breakfast Burritos. So I drove off disgusted and went to another one and was told I could order pancakes. Pancakes. I can make myself some friggin pancakes. I felt like I was in a SNL sketch.
I worked in fast food for many years. Managed them more than I was a regular employee. I understand that you have to clean the fryers and the griddles, but for the love of Pete, you don't do them all at the same time while you are open.
I hate to use this as a place to bitch and moan, but hey, it works I guess.
I woke up starving and went to McDonalds a little bit ago to get something to eat, so I hop in the car, drive to the closest one and after waiting 10 minutes to be waited on, am told that all I can order is Breakfast Burritos. So I drove off disgusted and went to another one and was told I could order pancakes. Pancakes. I can make myself some friggin pancakes. I felt like I was in a SNL sketch.
I worked in fast food for many years. Managed them more than I was a regular employee. I understand that you have to clean the fryers and the griddles, but for the love of Pete, you don't do them all at the same time while you are open.
I hate to use this as a place to bitch and moan, but hey, it works I guess.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Technology
I guess I'm old fashioned. I hate cell phones, although I do have one. I still have the same computer I've had for almost three years and have only done one upgrade to it (and that was just so I could run a game). The only thing I have to have the newest version of are videogame systems. Then after a few months of it, I'm breaking out the older systems.
The reason I explained that was that I just read my brothers blog where he was talking about his love of the newest and best technology. I can attest that is true with him, just as he can attest to the fact that I like the older stuff better.
It's not like the two of us are generations apart, I'm nine years older than him. I was born in the mid 70's he was born in the late 80's, so it's not the fact that our ages are far apart that makes us different in the aspect of technology. As a matter of fact, seeing as how I was old enough to remember the leaps in technology better than he is, you would think I would be more impressed with it.
Maybe it's that technology can't possibly match the images I grew up on in movies and comics. Lord knows I am a geek, a nerd and a poindexter when it comes to those things. Hell, I gave my brother his first comic book when he was too young to read (I think he learned when he was 17 LOL) just so he could look at what his "Bubba" was reading.
I've seen videogames go from a simple dot being hit by two sticks to the latest Gears of War type game and to be honest, I have a hard time believing that technology has really bettered the games from the time of the NES or the SNES. Sure we have a better picture or a longer game, but does that make it more fun? Not always.
Maybe that's why I really don't like the technological jumps we've had. Life hasn't become easier because of most of them, it's really made it harder when you have to go out an constantly get the newest version of something that just came out two months ago.
The reason I explained that was that I just read my brothers blog where he was talking about his love of the newest and best technology. I can attest that is true with him, just as he can attest to the fact that I like the older stuff better.
It's not like the two of us are generations apart, I'm nine years older than him. I was born in the mid 70's he was born in the late 80's, so it's not the fact that our ages are far apart that makes us different in the aspect of technology. As a matter of fact, seeing as how I was old enough to remember the leaps in technology better than he is, you would think I would be more impressed with it.
Maybe it's that technology can't possibly match the images I grew up on in movies and comics. Lord knows I am a geek, a nerd and a poindexter when it comes to those things. Hell, I gave my brother his first comic book when he was too young to read (I think he learned when he was 17 LOL) just so he could look at what his "Bubba" was reading.
I've seen videogames go from a simple dot being hit by two sticks to the latest Gears of War type game and to be honest, I have a hard time believing that technology has really bettered the games from the time of the NES or the SNES. Sure we have a better picture or a longer game, but does that make it more fun? Not always.
Maybe that's why I really don't like the technological jumps we've had. Life hasn't become easier because of most of them, it's really made it harder when you have to go out an constantly get the newest version of something that just came out two months ago.
BayFormers: A movie so bad a robot would cry.
As a longtime Transformers fan (Going strong since 1984), I was originally stoked about the feature film to be released on July 4. How could it go wrong? You have a 20+ year back story, recognizable characters and Steven Spielberg producing.
It seems that all three of those are the reasons my excitement for this film has left me. Spielberg has put Michael Bay at the helm of it, even after admitting he had no interest in the characters or the plot that has made Transformers the piece of Americana that it is. Only after being told he could do it as an "aliens invades earth" type of movie did he agree to it.
The characters are what drive Transformers. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Jazz, Megatron and Starscream: These are what people wanted, true to life versions of the characters we grew up with. It's understandable to make a few changes, and I have no problem with Megatron being an alien spacefighter instead of a gun or Bumblebee being a Camaro instead of a Volkswagon Beetle but to turn Megatron from a humanoid type of robot to a chrome version of the Predator just doesn't work. I won't even get started on the new version of Starscream, whose character has always been of a "pretty boy" who is vain about his looks being turned into a mechanical monkey/wasp hybrid.
These aren't the characters we know. This isn't Transformers. This is just another example of Hollywood taking something that people hold dear to them and changing it for the sake of change.
I've exchanged instand messages with one of the screenwriters for the movie and we have talked about that. I can't blame him for changing the story to fit what the director wants, after all, there are a lot of people that would kill to write a script for Bay and Spielberg. If he didn't do it, someone else would. I do have to give Roberto credit for facing the people that are against what he wrote, that takes guts and I applaud him for it.
I will go see it. A lot of people will go see it. But I will go see it knowing that I am not seeing the Transormers I grew up on and have wanted to see in a live action film for 23 years. No, I will go in and pay my seven dollars and sit down in the dark theater and try to enjoy BayFormers.
It seems that all three of those are the reasons my excitement for this film has left me. Spielberg has put Michael Bay at the helm of it, even after admitting he had no interest in the characters or the plot that has made Transformers the piece of Americana that it is. Only after being told he could do it as an "aliens invades earth" type of movie did he agree to it.
The characters are what drive Transformers. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Jazz, Megatron and Starscream: These are what people wanted, true to life versions of the characters we grew up with. It's understandable to make a few changes, and I have no problem with Megatron being an alien spacefighter instead of a gun or Bumblebee being a Camaro instead of a Volkswagon Beetle but to turn Megatron from a humanoid type of robot to a chrome version of the Predator just doesn't work. I won't even get started on the new version of Starscream, whose character has always been of a "pretty boy" who is vain about his looks being turned into a mechanical monkey/wasp hybrid.
These aren't the characters we know. This isn't Transformers. This is just another example of Hollywood taking something that people hold dear to them and changing it for the sake of change.
I've exchanged instand messages with one of the screenwriters for the movie and we have talked about that. I can't blame him for changing the story to fit what the director wants, after all, there are a lot of people that would kill to write a script for Bay and Spielberg. If he didn't do it, someone else would. I do have to give Roberto credit for facing the people that are against what he wrote, that takes guts and I applaud him for it.
I will go see it. A lot of people will go see it. But I will go see it knowing that I am not seeing the Transormers I grew up on and have wanted to see in a live action film for 23 years. No, I will go in and pay my seven dollars and sit down in the dark theater and try to enjoy BayFormers.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Gimme some Truth
Americans deserve the truth.
We deserve to know where our enemies are coming from.
We deserve to know who the terrorists to our way of life are.
America will never be told any of this. However, we will have the opportunity to vote for said terrorists next year. You see, the American way of life is in danger from the very people that are supposed to protect it. Washington D.C. is the hub of the most dangerous people to our way of life, to our freedoms and to our pursuit of happiness.
The very people we put into office.
I'm not sure if it's a shadow government or an Illuminati plot from hundreds of years ago but there is something. More than likely it's greed. Why else would someone spend millions of dollars and years of their lives to get a job that pays a few hundred thousand dollars a year?
Payoffs can be traced back throughout history, from Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver up to whoever the latest Senator is that has been caught taking money from special interest groups. Now though, we have oilmen in power who are waging a war in the biggest oil producing country in the world, yet say it's not about oil. The acronym for the original operation itself was O.I.L.--Operation Iraqi Liberation.
So the route to O.I.L. began with 9/11. So after five and a half years, we seem to have forgotten the fact that we were going after the "mastermind" of the 9/11 attacks Osama Bin Laden and somehow are now in a quagmire of a civil war in Iraq, while Bin Laden is still free to continue his usual brand of terrorism.
That is if Osama is really the one behind 9/11. Now, many people have said that the government was behind the 9/11 attacks and there is good evidence behind the theory that they were. As a matter of fact I believe that if the government wasn't behind them, then were at least guilty of knowing about them and doing nothing to stop it. Which really would be worse? If they were willing to sacrifice three thousand American citizens to authorize a "war on terror" which somehow ended up being a war in Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein to bring "democracy" to a people who obviously don't want it, what else would they do to get their way?
Do they think people are too stupid to see the ties between Bush, the oil companies and the war in Iraq? Do they think that people will happy to pay 3 dollars for a gallon of gas so the oilmen can make more money? What better reason to keep a war that has no real point going for years?
There are many reasons to ask for the truth.
The main reason being that we deserve it.
We deserve to know where our enemies are coming from.
We deserve to know who the terrorists to our way of life are.
America will never be told any of this. However, we will have the opportunity to vote for said terrorists next year. You see, the American way of life is in danger from the very people that are supposed to protect it. Washington D.C. is the hub of the most dangerous people to our way of life, to our freedoms and to our pursuit of happiness.
The very people we put into office.
I'm not sure if it's a shadow government or an Illuminati plot from hundreds of years ago but there is something. More than likely it's greed. Why else would someone spend millions of dollars and years of their lives to get a job that pays a few hundred thousand dollars a year?
Payoffs can be traced back throughout history, from Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver up to whoever the latest Senator is that has been caught taking money from special interest groups. Now though, we have oilmen in power who are waging a war in the biggest oil producing country in the world, yet say it's not about oil. The acronym for the original operation itself was O.I.L.--Operation Iraqi Liberation.
So the route to O.I.L. began with 9/11. So after five and a half years, we seem to have forgotten the fact that we were going after the "mastermind" of the 9/11 attacks Osama Bin Laden and somehow are now in a quagmire of a civil war in Iraq, while Bin Laden is still free to continue his usual brand of terrorism.
That is if Osama is really the one behind 9/11. Now, many people have said that the government was behind the 9/11 attacks and there is good evidence behind the theory that they were. As a matter of fact I believe that if the government wasn't behind them, then were at least guilty of knowing about them and doing nothing to stop it. Which really would be worse? If they were willing to sacrifice three thousand American citizens to authorize a "war on terror" which somehow ended up being a war in Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein to bring "democracy" to a people who obviously don't want it, what else would they do to get their way?
Do they think people are too stupid to see the ties between Bush, the oil companies and the war in Iraq? Do they think that people will happy to pay 3 dollars for a gallon of gas so the oilmen can make more money? What better reason to keep a war that has no real point going for years?
There are many reasons to ask for the truth.
The main reason being that we deserve it.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Grandpa's Ghost
I was probably six when I had my first encounter with the paranormal.
I was staying the night with my Grandmother while both of my parents were working the night shift. I had been tucked into my dad's old room and I could hear my grandma start her snoring from her room when I started getting thirsty. So I jumped out of bed and walked down the hallway to the kitchen to get a Coke.
After I got the Coke out of the fridge, I couldn't find the bottle opener. Remember at this time in 1980-81, sodas were in the bottles that required a bottle opener or strong teeth to get the caps off. Well, I didn't want to wake my grandma up (since she would make me settle for water or milk) so I sat at the table and tried to open it anyway I could.
The next thing I know, there's this man standing there that freaked me out since my grandma had lived alone since my grandfather died in 1974 and my parents were married later that same year. After "he" saw me upset, he took the Coke from the table, sat it in front of me and said, "So you're Chris."
How did he know my name? Who was he? More importantly, how did he just appear in front of me?
For some reason, his use of my name made me feel more comfortable with him. I answered him and started drinking my Coke. For the next few hours the two of us talked about everything from my parents to how I liked school to the baseball team I was on that my dad coached. After a few hours he said, "I have to go now, but just remember I'm proud of you and love you." I don't know how long went by after that but my grandma found me asleep by the kitchen table when she woke up to have her morning coffee, so it must have been about 4 am. Sitting on the table were two empty Coke bottles.
Years passed before I told my parents about this and I was sure they were going to think I made it up. That is until my dad got this odd look on his face and told me about an experience he had not too long after his dad died in 1974.
His mom (my grandma) had gone out with her friends to play cards and try to get on with life after losing her husband. My dad was waiting on his friend to pick him up so they could go running around. As he was sitting in the front room waiting, he heard footsteps in the back of the house so he went to check it out. He didn't see anyone but heard the same noise elsewhere in the house, he then realized that it was coming from the same route his dad had taken to check the doors before he went to bed. He said, "Dad?" and the footsteps stopped.
I've had many experiences with things that can't be explained. This was just my first and the one that I think back on when I want to remember the one person I've always wanted to meet. My grandpa.
I was staying the night with my Grandmother while both of my parents were working the night shift. I had been tucked into my dad's old room and I could hear my grandma start her snoring from her room when I started getting thirsty. So I jumped out of bed and walked down the hallway to the kitchen to get a Coke.
After I got the Coke out of the fridge, I couldn't find the bottle opener. Remember at this time in 1980-81, sodas were in the bottles that required a bottle opener or strong teeth to get the caps off. Well, I didn't want to wake my grandma up (since she would make me settle for water or milk) so I sat at the table and tried to open it anyway I could.
The next thing I know, there's this man standing there that freaked me out since my grandma had lived alone since my grandfather died in 1974 and my parents were married later that same year. After "he" saw me upset, he took the Coke from the table, sat it in front of me and said, "So you're Chris."
How did he know my name? Who was he? More importantly, how did he just appear in front of me?
For some reason, his use of my name made me feel more comfortable with him. I answered him and started drinking my Coke. For the next few hours the two of us talked about everything from my parents to how I liked school to the baseball team I was on that my dad coached. After a few hours he said, "I have to go now, but just remember I'm proud of you and love you." I don't know how long went by after that but my grandma found me asleep by the kitchen table when she woke up to have her morning coffee, so it must have been about 4 am. Sitting on the table were two empty Coke bottles.
Years passed before I told my parents about this and I was sure they were going to think I made it up. That is until my dad got this odd look on his face and told me about an experience he had not too long after his dad died in 1974.
His mom (my grandma) had gone out with her friends to play cards and try to get on with life after losing her husband. My dad was waiting on his friend to pick him up so they could go running around. As he was sitting in the front room waiting, he heard footsteps in the back of the house so he went to check it out. He didn't see anyone but heard the same noise elsewhere in the house, he then realized that it was coming from the same route his dad had taken to check the doors before he went to bed. He said, "Dad?" and the footsteps stopped.
I've had many experiences with things that can't be explained. This was just my first and the one that I think back on when I want to remember the one person I've always wanted to meet. My grandpa.
Random Thoughts
Marvel Comics Essential line and DC Comics Showcase Presents line of trade paperbacks are the best deals in comic books. At around $17 (10 for some), they provide you with over 500 pages of Silver Age Comic Book goodness. The one drawback (if you can consider it a drawback)is that they are in black and white, but hey, at that price it makes a nice coloring book if you have kids (or are a kid at heart).
Do Creationism and Evolution have to be mutually exclusive to one another? (This part is only my theory ) Think of this, God in his infinite wisdom realized that the world would go through changes over time. Knowing this why is it hard to believe that He would create organisms able to evolve and adapt to the changes of the world? It makes sense to have things slowly change over a period of time since if something just appeared that was different, the nature of not only people but also animals would be to kill it for being different.
For some great movie reviews check out www.khyron.net . This guy is good.
For good stuff on anything Esoteric (UFO's, Shadow Government,etc.) there is only one place to go www.binnallofamerica.com. There you can find streaming interviews, articles by some really good writers that know their stuff and links to find just about anything you need in the world of Esoterica.
Not much to say this time, but that's the way it is when allergy season comes around. So all I can say to you today is May you be in Heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you're dead.
Do Creationism and Evolution have to be mutually exclusive to one another? (This part is only my theory ) Think of this, God in his infinite wisdom realized that the world would go through changes over time. Knowing this why is it hard to believe that He would create organisms able to evolve and adapt to the changes of the world? It makes sense to have things slowly change over a period of time since if something just appeared that was different, the nature of not only people but also animals would be to kill it for being different.
For some great movie reviews check out www.khyron.net . This guy is good.
For good stuff on anything Esoteric (UFO's, Shadow Government,etc.) there is only one place to go www.binnallofamerica.com. There you can find streaming interviews, articles by some really good writers that know their stuff and links to find just about anything you need in the world of Esoterica.
Not much to say this time, but that's the way it is when allergy season comes around. So all I can say to you today is May you be in Heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you're dead.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Spring. A time when schoolkids get a week away from school to spend with their videogames, bikes and friends. A time when the trees blossom and the flowers bloom. A time when high heating bills end and a respite occurs before the cooling bills come. Christmas is paid for and New Years Resolutions are forgotten.
All of these things are nice. But two things annually happen in spring that are guaranteed to bring a smile to my face.
The Start of the Baseball Season and Wrestlemania.
As a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, opening day at Busch Stadium is a holiday in my family. Not a holiday to exchange presents or dress up for grandma during dinner, no, it's a holiday in the fact that it is a time when the family gets together, puts on a new ball cap and jersey and pigs out on snacks while watching fabulous athletes preforming in a way that few ever will be able to.
The start of a new season represents the hope that we all should have, the hope that everything will be better tomorrow, that there is always a chance that if we give it our all we can overcome any obstacles. That isn't to say that our team always wins or that we always win in our lives, but if we give it our best shot there is nothing to be ashamed of.
While Baseball Season is beginning, Wrestlemania is an end of sorts. While wrestling doesn't have a season such as Baseball, Football or Basketball; Wrestlemania has always been considered the end of the year gala such as the World Series, Superbowl and the NBA Playoffs. It is where feuds are settled, champions are crowned and legacies cemented.
Many people don't understand my fascination with the "sport" of professional wrestling. How I have been able to watch it for the past 26 years and follow it with the same passion that I follow the Cardinals in baseball. To me (and remember this is just my opinion), wrestling is the closest thing we have to the gods of myth and legend. For a few hours a week I can watch larger than life supermen battle each other in the ages old tradition of Good Vs. Evil, and no place is it bigger and more spectacular than Wrestlemania.
There have been moments that have been embedded into our pop culture, such as Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III. There have been moments that touched us such as the reunion of Randy Savage and Ms. Elizabeth at Wrestlemania VII. There have been moments that transcend the wrestling aspect of it and show that perseverance and dedication can pay off as Chris Benoit and the late Eddie Guerrero embraced each other after each had "won" their respective World Titles at Wrestlemania XX.
This year is poised to be no different as Shawn Michaels takes on John Cena, a match bridging the 80's and 90's generation with the new generation. The Undertaker takes his undefeated streak at Wrestlemania's up against Batista, another match pitting the older generation against the new generation. No matter who wins these matches, it's almost guaranteed that there will be something that will be remembered decades from now.
Spring is the time when rebirth is in full swing. No matter what the reason, and there are many of them, it is the most wonderful time of the year.
All of these things are nice. But two things annually happen in spring that are guaranteed to bring a smile to my face.
The Start of the Baseball Season and Wrestlemania.
As a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, opening day at Busch Stadium is a holiday in my family. Not a holiday to exchange presents or dress up for grandma during dinner, no, it's a holiday in the fact that it is a time when the family gets together, puts on a new ball cap and jersey and pigs out on snacks while watching fabulous athletes preforming in a way that few ever will be able to.
The start of a new season represents the hope that we all should have, the hope that everything will be better tomorrow, that there is always a chance that if we give it our all we can overcome any obstacles. That isn't to say that our team always wins or that we always win in our lives, but if we give it our best shot there is nothing to be ashamed of.
While Baseball Season is beginning, Wrestlemania is an end of sorts. While wrestling doesn't have a season such as Baseball, Football or Basketball; Wrestlemania has always been considered the end of the year gala such as the World Series, Superbowl and the NBA Playoffs. It is where feuds are settled, champions are crowned and legacies cemented.
Many people don't understand my fascination with the "sport" of professional wrestling. How I have been able to watch it for the past 26 years and follow it with the same passion that I follow the Cardinals in baseball. To me (and remember this is just my opinion), wrestling is the closest thing we have to the gods of myth and legend. For a few hours a week I can watch larger than life supermen battle each other in the ages old tradition of Good Vs. Evil, and no place is it bigger and more spectacular than Wrestlemania.
There have been moments that have been embedded into our pop culture, such as Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III. There have been moments that touched us such as the reunion of Randy Savage and Ms. Elizabeth at Wrestlemania VII. There have been moments that transcend the wrestling aspect of it and show that perseverance and dedication can pay off as Chris Benoit and the late Eddie Guerrero embraced each other after each had "won" their respective World Titles at Wrestlemania XX.
This year is poised to be no different as Shawn Michaels takes on John Cena, a match bridging the 80's and 90's generation with the new generation. The Undertaker takes his undefeated streak at Wrestlemania's up against Batista, another match pitting the older generation against the new generation. No matter who wins these matches, it's almost guaranteed that there will be something that will be remembered decades from now.
Spring is the time when rebirth is in full swing. No matter what the reason, and there are many of them, it is the most wonderful time of the year.
TO ALL THINGS A BEGINNING...
This isn't going to change your life.
This isn't going to change the world.
This more than likely won't entertain you.
I'm really not sure what this is going to do. I really don't have any idea on a format other than what I usually do...Rant. One minute I may be talking about the lack of proper border security for America and the next I might be talking about how Steve Austin was far more important to wrestling than Hulk Hogan.
There might be discussions on UFO's or cryptozoology (although there are some that are much more knowledgeable about those type of things) or a good recipe for chili.
Now with that out of the way, I guess we're off.
So, the great movie 300 is causing a stir since it depicts strong willed people not wanting to be overtaken by oppressive forces. Gee, I wonder why that is? Do you think it could be the fact that the people in power want to feminize the entire country? Because it shows how the fighting spirit of America could be used to not just take it anymore? Nah, has to be something about green screen effects.
Those three people involved in the murder of that little boy deserve to be executed. Live on prime time television. Maybe that would deter a few people from doing what they did. Even though I hate to have to think of the fact that there are more people out there that would do what they did.
Ok, sorry this sucked, but I couldn't sleep and it came to me to do this while I was tossing and turning in bed. I promise the next one will have some sembelance of order and reason.
This isn't going to change the world.
This more than likely won't entertain you.
I'm really not sure what this is going to do. I really don't have any idea on a format other than what I usually do...Rant. One minute I may be talking about the lack of proper border security for America and the next I might be talking about how Steve Austin was far more important to wrestling than Hulk Hogan.
There might be discussions on UFO's or cryptozoology (although there are some that are much more knowledgeable about those type of things) or a good recipe for chili.
Now with that out of the way, I guess we're off.
So, the great movie 300 is causing a stir since it depicts strong willed people not wanting to be overtaken by oppressive forces. Gee, I wonder why that is? Do you think it could be the fact that the people in power want to feminize the entire country? Because it shows how the fighting spirit of America could be used to not just take it anymore? Nah, has to be something about green screen effects.
Those three people involved in the murder of that little boy deserve to be executed. Live on prime time television. Maybe that would deter a few people from doing what they did. Even though I hate to have to think of the fact that there are more people out there that would do what they did.
Ok, sorry this sucked, but I couldn't sleep and it came to me to do this while I was tossing and turning in bed. I promise the next one will have some sembelance of order and reason.
Primus
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