Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 25, 2012

Tossing Salt Is American Idol April 25, 2012 Doug Maynard Yes, I missed last week's episode due to that nasty little thing called "work". It definitely is a four-lettered word in more ways than one, but I'm back this week with another edition of "Tossing Salt Is American Idol", my weekly recap of the Wednesday night performance show of the future of American pop music. We're down to the final six as last week, the ever-so-sexy Colton Dixon was voted off the island and sent home. Why is he gone and Hollie still there? I just don't get it, but this has been a weird season anyhow. Anyway, the judges are Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez. Ryan Seacrest is the host. Jimmy Iovine and special guest are the mentors are Brian May & Roger Taylor. It's QUEEN!! Hell to the yeah!. The theme tonight is (duh) the music of QUEEN, plus everyone gets to sing a song of their own choosing as well. This should be good. I am so ready to do this. So let's do this... We start off with a great video package about the history of QUEEN and then get to see the Queen band-buys talking to the Idol 6. And now it's music time as we get a melody of Queen's Greatest Hits, with the Idol 6 singing and bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor playing the music. They cover the songs "Fat Bottom Girls", "Another One Bites The Dust", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions". Great performance. Elise looked really in her element and was the stand-out, but everyone did a good job. And now to the solo performances as Jessica Sanchez opens the show with a cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody". Wow! What a tough song to do and she does a good job. Her voice is great as always and while this isn't what I'd expect from her as a song choice, she does really well. Steven Tyler comments that Freddie Mercury would be proud and that even though rock isn't really Jessica's forte', she did a good job. J-Lo said that Jessica sounded beautiful, but she was expecting more of a rock performance. And Randy said that he loved it and it was great and mentioned that maybe Jessica could study some Tina Turner to channel a little more "rock" into her act when doing a rock song. Skylar Laine is up next and she's performing "The Show Must Go On". Personally, I thought that she was a little off-key, but she got better as it went along. I didn't think it was a good song for her, but she had a lot of fire and energy and for a brief second, I thought I saw a little "Reba" moment in there. The judges loved it though. Steven called it "over the top" and complimented Slylar on her energy and passion. He said it was "fabulous". J-Lo said that it gave her 'goosies" and was powerful. And Randy rounded out the commentary by saying that it was "incredible" and "one of your best performances to date". He concluded by saying that Skylar's "gotta have it!" Joshua Ledet was the next up and he did "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". He has a great energy, but it seems forced to me. This isn't really his kind of natural song to be singing and it was okay, but not special in my eyes. And of course, the judges disagree as they seem to love Joshua. Randy called it "unbelievable" and noted how Joshua reminds him of Sam Cooke. He said that Joshua is "so ready" and he loved it. J-Lo said that the Joshua performances are her favorite part of the show each week and she looks forward to the great performances. And Steven said that Joshua has a classic style and sounds like nobody else, calling it "fantastic". Elise Testone was the next to come up and she did the song, "I Want It All". And she rocked it. Elise is totally in her element here and you can tell she was really feeling it with every note. She did a great job. And the judges agree. J-Lo also noted that Elise was in her element and it all came together for her. Steven noted that she "found her stride" and sang that song like it was meant to be sang. Randy called it "unbelievable" and said that the style was so right for her and that it was one of her best performances to date. Phillip Phillips is next and he's doing "Fat Bottom Girls". And it was good, but I'm not really thrilled with it. He was off-key in a few spots and it wasn't his best performance. Steven remarked that he loves it every time Phillip sings and loves Phillip's character. He called it "great". J-Lo noted that Phillip shows different flavors every week and that's the mark of a great singer. She loved it. And Randy said he liked it, but didn't love it. It was good, but didn't really have him jumping up and down. Hollie Cavanagh is the next up and she's performing "Save Me", which is a kind of obscure Queen song that I don't remember. It still seems weird to see that voice come from that body. It's a good song and she sounds good, but this song won't win her any new votes. Steven said he loved the way Hollie sings and that she did a really good job. J-Lo noted that she could feel Hollie's emotion in the middle of the song and that kind of threw Hollie off. She noted that Hollie still thinks too much and she'd like to see Hollie enjoy it more and have a good time. Randy said that it was a good performance, but noted that Hollie needs to take more chances. He also noted that this song didn't have any kind of "moment" in it. And that concludes the QUEEN songs for the show. Now, it's the singer's choice. Time to crank it up and notch and have a real total slobber-knocker of a show. Let's do this... Jessica Sanchez was the first to perform in Round Two, doing "Dance With My Father", originally sang by Luther Vandross. It's a beautiful and great song and so much emotion there. I love it. Randy said that Jessica is truly a natural and amazing. Steven said that he doesn't think that Jessica can sing a song badly. And J0-Lo said that it was the best version of that song that she's ever heard. Here comes Skylar Laine next and she's doing the song, "Tattoos On This Town". Skylar is in her element and does a high energy, great job as always. It's a good performance. Randy loves it too and calls Skylar "fearless". J-Lo said that Skylar is very comfortable and she "took us there again" with that performance. Steven said that Skylar can do no wrong, but the song didn't really show off all she's capable of. He liked it though. Joshua Ledet is the next to come up and he's performing "Ready For Love". And this one, I liked. It was low-key (for Joshua) and it sounded really good. Randy and J-Lo both noted that they really didn't know what to say, but then Randy called it another "unbelievable performance" and "beautiful". J-Lo said that it was "transcendent". And Steven said that he smells "finish" and he hopes that the label finds Joshua great songs to sing and he's off to the moon. Elise came up next and she's jammin' to a Jimi Hendrix song. I don't know this song, but she did a good job. This is definitely a woman in her element and I like it. Steven loved the performance, but says that she needs to play songs that people know. J-Lo said that she slayed it and is one of the best singers in the competition. J-Lo also defended Elise against the criticism of Randy by saying that she made the song exciting. And Randy wasn't happy, saying that this wasn't the right time for this song in the competition and that it's too obscure. He didn't love it. Phillip Phillips was next doing a Dave Matthews song. I wasn't crazy about it and couldn't feel it myself. The judges were mixed in their reactions. Steven called it "very entertaining" and "very off the way". He says that Phillip has found his niche. J-Lo said that it was a little too obscure and artsy for this time of the competition and that Phillip needs to sing the songs that will get him to the last show. Randy didn't agree and said that Phillip showed his true colors and that he's an artist. Phillip Phillips will always be Phillip Phillips. And finally, we got to hear Hollie doing the song, "The Other Side", which she originally sang at her audition. I didn't really care for it myself and wasn't feeling it, but the judges, as they've been prone to do this week, didn't agree with me. Randy said that this was the Hollie that they knew and loved and she's back. J-Lo noted that Hollie was stepping up and this was perfect for her and was "great". And Steven said that she sang that song like it was going out of style and was so beautiful. And so there you go. Another edtion of American Idol in the books. And now we get to that fun moment where we get to decide who will be in that infamous position of "The Bottom Three" tomorrow night and facing that walk of shame as they get sent home. Hmmmmmm! Well, in my opinion, the three least voting attractions will be Hollie Cavanagh, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. Yeah, I might be wrong, but that's what my gut is telling me will be sitting in those bad little seats. And who will given the boot, have the plug pulled on their chances of winning this competition and go wee-wee-wee all the way home tomorrow night? It will be... I'm predicting Hollie Cavanagh. We'll see tomorrow night. And I guess that does it for tonight and this weeks edition of American Idol and my recap. Hopefully, I'll be back next week to cover the show as the competition continues and we move closer to the final curtain and final show of the season. I still want to see an "Alice Cooper" week on this show so make it happen, Idol producers. I have spoken! And that's it for me. I'm Doug and I am out of here. I'll catch you on the flip side. Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction: April 22, 2012

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction April 22, 2012 Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson Another week to go and here we are with "Wrestling Fact or Fiction", but this time, due to time restraints and the fact that my new job kept me from watching either RAW or Smackdown this week, there are only six "FoF" questions and four general wrestling themed questions for Russell and myself to answer. Just changing things up a bit. I hope you like. And now, let's get to the meat of the column and get to steppin'. Let's do this... Lord Tensai is ready to main event matches at WWE shows? Doug - FICTION: Lord Tensai may be a long time veteran wrestler and former WWE star who made it big in Japan, but he's not over with the WWE Universe enough and he's not established enough in the current wrestling scene to be headlining the shows. He's still considered an unknown factor and to be honest, no one really cares yet about him. Give him a few more months of squashes and a chance to connect more with the fans and maybe he'll be ready to main event and be at the top of the card, but he's not there yet. Russell - FACT:.The question was already answered this past Monday on Raw when he was the surprise opponent against John Cena in the "Extreme Rules" match...Not only did he dominate most of the match against Cena, but actually pinned Cena's shoulders to the mat for the 3 count...I'm lookin forward in seein if the blow hards that is the WWE brass moves Lord Tensai to the next level & starts main event matches at WWE shows... Lord Tensai is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the WWE. Edge's contract with the WWE is due to expire soon - WWE should re-sign him to a new contract? Doug - FACT: The fans love Edge and despite not being able to wrestle, he's still one of the most well known and beloved guys on the WWE roster. He's a great talker and a great representative for the WWE in areas of public relations, charity work and appearances and so many other ways. Whatever he wants, the WWE should give it to him and be happy to keep him. It's just that simple. Russell - FACT: If the WWE wants Edge to sign a new contract, it should be with a legend's contract since Edge is no longer able to wrestle due to his neck injury, plain'n'simple... Don't let him slip away. The WWE needs to keep Edge in the family. Having Bobby Roode retain the TNA World Championship at Lockdown against James Storm was the right decision? Doug - FACT: Bobby Roode is on a roll right now as the TNA Champion and doing a great job. The man generates great heat and the fans really despise him in a way not seen in quite a while. For far too long, both TNA and the WWE have cheapened their "World Titles" by doing quick title changes and playing hot potato with the belts, but it seems that they're finally starting to realize that long reigns add more to both the title belts and the credibility of the champions too. If it's not broke, don't fix it and having Roode as the TNA Champion is working well so leave the title exactly where it is and let him do his thing. Russell - FICTION: From what I read bout the TNA World Championship at Lockdown between Bobby Roode & James Storm, they should have let James Storm have a run with the TNA World Championship, longer than his first run with the title... Regardless of who has the title, the Bobby Roode / James Storm is one of the hottest feuds in wrestling right now. <<-- SWITCHEROO -->> Bully Ray deserves a run as the TNA World Champion? Russell - FICTION: Bully Ray should drop the "bully gimmick" & return to tag team action with Brother Devon as Team 3D... Doug - FACT: Bully Ray or Bubba Dudley, whatever you want to call him, has done an amazing job in reinventing himself and going from a past-his-prime tag team wrestler into a solid, main eventer who is a legitimate threat to any and every champion out there, and in the process, has probably added a good 5 years to his career as well. Just for that reason alone, he deserves any kind of push that TNA can give him. He's solid and steady and ready to be "the man" even if it's not for a long period of time. Bully should and will be a World Champion one day. It's just a matter of when and where. Bully Ray is one tough SOB, be it singles or tag team action. You're looking forward to the WWE "Extreme Rules" match between John Cena and Brock Lesnar? Russell - FACT: I am actually lookin forward to the "Extreme Rules" match with Brock Lesnar kickin John Cena's ass/hurtin John Cena at the Extreme Rules PPV, case closed... Doug - FACT: In their first physical confrontation, Cena got his mouth busted open. We all know that Cena is tough as nails, but Brock is a whole new style of monster for Cena to face and it'll be interesting to see if Cena is up to the challenge and also how Brock works in his first wrestling match in almost ten years. So many questions are out there and this match will provide the answers to a good deal of them. It should be fun to watch and mighty interesting for both men. Extreme Rules is always a fun show to watch. The WWE should drop the Tag Team and Divas Championships? Russell - FACT / FICTION: Fiction for the Tag Team Championship/Fact for the Divas Championship...Here's the deal, as for the Tag Team titles, WWE needs to bring in/create legitimate tag teams for a tag team division in pursuit for the Tag Team Titles...As for the so called shitty Divas Division, the only top Divas ya have is Beth Phoenix, Natalya Neidhart & Kharma (that is, if/when she returns)...There's no point in keepin a Divas Division if they're (WWE) gonna recruit models (AKA, Airheads), teach them how to wrestle just so they look good on WWE television... Doug - FICTION: Some people (myself included) love tag team wrestling and despite what the WWE powers-that-be seem to think, consider it an important part of professional wrestling. Plus, tag team titles give the mid-card wrestlers something to strive for and a chance to wear gold when they otherwise would never stand a chance. As for the Divas Championship, there has to be someone out there who gives a damn about it. I did when it was the Women's Championship and we had real lady wrestlers like Ivory, Jacquiline, Lita or even Trish competing. RIght now, it's a joke, but who knows? When Kharma makes her return and if they ever decide to let Beth Phoenix or Natayla cut loose, it might be important again one day. One can only hope. Tag Team Wrestling is good. Diva wrestling... no so much. Other Questions... If you could have dinner with four wrestlers / wrestling personalities - who would it be? Russell: If I could have dinner with 4 wrestlers / wrestling personalities, it would be with 1) Sting 2) Road Warrior Animal & Paul Ellering 3) Arn Anderson 4) Triple H...All those wrestlers/former wrestlers would be awesome to hear stories from them bout their wrestling careers & Paul Ellering & Road Warrior Animal would be a package deal since Ellering managed the Road Warriors lol... Doug: Harley Race and Blackjack Mulligan for the stories they could tell, Ric Flair because he's the "Nature Boy" and it would be a party and night to never forget, and Juventud Guerrera because he's such a sexy-ass dude and I want to jump his bones just one frreakin' time! If you could start your own wrestling company with five stars from the WWE and five stars from TNA, who would you recruit? Russell: This is a tough question...The 5 from WWE that I would recruit to start my own wrestling company would be 1) Brock Lesnar 2) Sheamus 3) Joe Hennig (not the Michael McGillicutty or however ya spell the last name crap) 4) Randy Orton 5) Kane...The wrestlers from TNA...The only name that I would recruit from TNA is AJ Styles, only coz he's THE only wrestler that I actually like in TNA... Doug: From the WWE, I'd want Christian, CM Punk, Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler and Jim Ross. From TNA, I'd take AJ Styles, Crimson, Matt Morgan, Zema Ion and Gunner... <<-- ANOTHER SWITCHEROO -->> What is the great wrestling faction of ALL TME? Doug: Diamonds are forever and so are the Four Horsemen. 'Nuff said! Russell: Seriously? Really? The greatest wrestling faction of ALL TIME is none other than the ORIGINAL Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Ole Anderson, Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)...Not EVEN gonna give an opinion on the reason why, it's a no brainer...Diamonds are forever & so is the Four Horsemen!!!!!!!!! What name from the past would you like to see return to professional wrestling? Doug: It would actually be several names, like Lita to the WWE Divas Division to add some depth and talent to the group. Plus Arn Anderson come back from behind the scenes to work on-air as a manager for some of the younger talent. And damn it all, I want to see the Disco Inferno back on TV with the WWE, after all, I have long lived by the motto, "It's your duty to shake your booty!". Disco Inferno as the WWE Champion! Book it, Vince! Russell: The only name that I can come up with that hasn't passed on is Arn Anderson, the greatest wrestler to NEVER become World Heavyweight Champion...His career was cut short way too soon, nuff said... And there you go... Six F&F questions, plus four others just because. Like the new format? Hate it? Let me know. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. My thanks for Russell for his great help each and every week. Now I have to go get ready for work. They're freakin' killing me!! I'm Doug and thanks for reading. I'll catch you on the flip side. Ubuntu!

Letter To Editor: "Same Sex Marriage Amendment" - April 20, 2012

On May 8th, the voters of North Carolina will be voting to decide whether or not to add an Amendment to the North Carolina Constitution that would define marriage in this state as between one man and one woman. Same-sex marriage is already illegal in North Carolina so it strikes me as kind of ridiculous to propose an Amendment that makes something illegal when it's aleady illegal. But we're dealing with politicians so what else do you expect, right? But this Amendment, the so-called "Same-Sex Marriage Amendment" takes it a step further by stating that the marriage between a man and a woman is "the only domestic and legal that shall be recognized or valid in this state". So for anyone with a Civil Union, a domestic partnership, a common-law marriage or just shacking up, this doesn't effect just gay couples, but any couple involved in a relationship besides traditional marriage. Just think about it. Long time couples, who for whatever reason are not married, will not have their relationships recognized by businesses, hospitals, funeral homes, insurance companies, courts, city, county and state governments. It will be as if their relationships don't exist and the couple, despite their time together and committment to each other, will be treated as totally unrelated to each other. Marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships recognized and valid in other states will be ignored and considered non-existent. And this is just totally and absolutely wrong. I understand that some people do not like the idea of a same-sex couple being "married" and even though I don't agree with those people, that's their right to feel that way. But is it right for two people who love each other and are committed to each other to be denied basic rights and privileges and a chance to find happiness and have a life together? I don't think so. If this Amendment is passed, then North Carolina voters are saying that it's okay to discriminate and deny people their basic human rights. They're telling us that what we think and who we love and want to spend our lives with and be committed to doesn't matter. That my dream to one day have a formal committment to the person I choose to love, to live and love our lives in peace and happiness, doesn't matter. That we don't matter. How is this right? I'm not asking people to like the idea of same-sex marriage or couples shacking up and living together. That's a personal choice. But I am asking that everyone look deep into their hearts and consciences and think long and hard before allowing discrimination and hate to be placed into the North Carolina State Constitution via this very bad and poorly written Amendment. No one should be treated as second-class citizens or deprived fairness and equality and that's exactly what this Amendment does. Think about it and please vote against the so-called "Marriage Amendment". North Carolina deserves better than petty bigotry and discrimination. Thank you

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - April 15, 2012

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
April 15, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson

We're running a few days behind this week. Life is crazy for me, due to a new job of being a cash register monkey and administrator of customer service and Russell is a busy, busy man as well, just by being awesome 24/7. So the column was put on hold for a few days, but here it is now, better late than never. Let's just jump right to it and decide if these ten statements, referring to different WWE and TNA maters, are "Fact or Fiction". Let's do this...

WWE was correct to pull Randy Orton as the star of movie, "The Marine: Homefront"?

Doug - FACT: What I want to know is who was the big brain that decided to cast Orton, a man who was kicked out of the Marines for going AWOL, in this role in the first place because it was a stupid move. I understand that they want to keep the "Marine" franchise alive and Orton, being a former Marine, seems like a natural fit for the role, but use a little common sense. Orton disgraced the Marines and went AWOL, walking away from from his service and it's common knowledge. Of course there are people in the Marine Corps that are upset. I would be too. If they want to cast a WWE star in the role, use John Cena again. Hell, use Cody Rhodes. He's not good for anything except for being squashed by Big Show right now anyhow. Hell, use Dolph Ziggler or Jack Swagger. It'd be a good fit for Swagger with his "All American American" image. Almost anyone on the WWE roster would have worked for this role except Randy Orton. But the WWE picks Randy Orton. Geez!

Russell - FICTION: Even though Randy Orton goin AWOL while he was in the military was a wrong thing for him to do, that's no reason for him not to star in the new "Marine" movie...If the armed forces (the Marines in particular) has no problems with Orton entertainin them in Iraq/Afganistan for the past several years, then they should have no problem with him bein in the new "Marine" movie...After all, it IS a movie, not the real thing...

(0-1) When Randy Orton is involved, people get polarized and opinionated.

It will be Wrestlemania 29 before we see The Undertaker wrestle again?

Doug - FACT: If every annual match is like the one we saw at Wrestlemania, then once a year is all that the Undertaker needs. He's earned his spot and the opportunity to make his own match schedule and should only have to wrestle when he thinks it's time. I'm not a big Taker fan anyhow so one great match a year works well for me anyhow.

Russell - FACT: Considerin it took a whole year to bring 'Taker back to wrestle HHH at WrestleMania XXVIII, I look at history to repeat itself...We won't be seein Undertaker wrestle again til at WrestleMania XXIX...

(1-1) Even once a year of Undertaker is better than no Undertaker at all.

Brock Lesnar is correct when he says that he's replacing John Cena as the "face of the WWE"?

Doug - FICTION: Brock has immediately become ONE of the faces of the WWE, but John Cena has cemented his spot and he's still the WWE's go-to guy for promotional appearances, commercials, charity work, etc. Not matter how big Brock (or CM Punk or anyone else for that matter) becomes, Cena is still "the man" and the face of the company and unless he gets injured or retires, it's going to stay that way for a long time to come.

Russell - FACT: It really all depends if Brock Lesnar doesn't "crack" under the pressure of doin the horrindous travel that is custom with WWE...If he can keep it together, after bein paid 5 million dollars for a 1 year contract & if he becomes WWE Champion on down the road, I look at him replacin Cena as the "face of the WWE"...

(1-2) The next year will be a time of reckoning for "The Next Big Thing" in the WWE.

With Brock Lesnar now back in the WWE, this means we will eventually see the return of his wife, Sable, as well?

Doug - FACT: I hope not, but Vince seems to have a weakness for talentless bimbettes who have sued him once or twice in the past. It might take a while, but you have to know that sooner or later, she'll be back. She always comes back.

Russell - FICTION: I could see Sable comin back for a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame next year, but not as a wrestler...With the "Diva" division is all but a waste of time bein on TV, I don't expect to see Sable returnin as a wrestler...Either a spot in the HoF or as a host of a program on WWE Network...

(1-3) Is everyone ready for a Sablicious good time?

Santino and Brodus Clay make a great tag team?

Doug - FICTION: Santino, I like. Clay, I don't. And while the pairing is kind of entertaining and funny, it puts images of Clay jiggling on my TV screen. I don't need to see that crap. I like being able to sleep at night and watching Brodus do this thing is the stuff that horrific nightmares are made of.

Russell - FICTION: Santino & Brodus Clay hasn't had enough experience of taggin together to even be considered a great tag team...Let them have more tag matches to see if they even gel together & then I'll reconsider my answer to this question at a later date...

(2-3) Some teams are made for each other, but this isn't one of them.

<<--- SWITCHEROO --->>

Chris Jericho versus CM Punk has the potential to be the WWE Feud Of The Year?

Russell - FACT: With the way that Chris Jericho has been makin this feud personal between him & CM Punk, I look for the feud between Chris Jericho & CM Punk to be the WWE Feud of the Year...

Doug - FACT: While Cena versus Brock will be the feud that gets the attention and big push, Chris Jericho and CM Punk are poised to step up and steal the show. Both men know how to wrestle, how to talk and how to tell a story and both are deserving of the title, "One of the best in the world!". So long as the WWE allows Cena and Jericho to book their own feud and doesn't try to step in and "improve" things, this rivalry has the potential to not only be one of the best feuds of the year, but of all time as well. Both of these guys are that good and so long as they're allowed to do their thing without interference, it'll only get better and better.

(3-3) Jericho and Punk are two of the best in the business and have some high expectations, which they can easily fufill.

The Bella Twins leaving the WWE will be a big blow to the WWE Divas Division?

Russell - FICTION: WWE doesn't haven't enough of a Divas Division that the Bella Twins leavin the WWE would be considered a big blow to the WWE...

Doug - FICTION: It would be a big blow if the WWE Divas division actually meant anything, but it doesn't. Only a handful of the ladies can actually wrestle more than three moves and while the Bellas were unique in their twin magic routine, that's about the only thing they had going for them to make them stand out. They came and stuck around for a while. It's time for them to go and move on. No big deal!

(4-3) The Divas in WWE are an afterthought at best.

"Curly's" imitation of Hulk Hogan was a cheap shot by the WWE at Hulk Hogan?

Russell - FACT: Any time the WWE has some actor/wrestler to play a comedic spoof of Hogan on WWE TV it's gonna be a cheap shot by the WWE at Hulk Hogan...McMahon made Hulk Hogan a house hold name in the 80s/early 90s, Hogan is at TNA...As long as Hogan is in the wrestling business & if he's not associated with WWE in any way, WWE will continue to make cheap shots at Hogan (which makes no sense, since Hogan is the HoF of the month this month on WWE Classics on Demand...oh well...)

Doug - FACT: Yeah, it was but who cares? It was funny and if anyone deserves to be made fun of, it's Hulk Hogan. Yeah, Hogan jokes are a little dated, but to me, they never get old and more power to Will Sasso for his great Hogan impressions.

(5-3) Hogan is a prime target for ridicule and a walking joke these days just waiting to be made fun of.

You're excited for the returns of RVD and The Motor City Machine Guns to TNA Impact Wrestling?

Russell - FICTION: I like both RVD & the MCMG don't get me wrong, but TNA hasn't made any efforts in makin unique/watchable storylines for me to go back in watchin Impact Wrestling...

Doug - FICTION: I'd much rather see RVD make a return to the WWE where he can add a little star power and impact to the WWE roster (and make more money too!) As for the Machine Guns, the name is stupid, but they're a good team with a lot of talent. They can really help and add to the TNA Tag Team Division so for them, it's probably a good move, but as for myself, it'll take a lot more than those two guys to make me want to watch TNA Impact Wrestling more often.

(6-3) TNA has so much amazing talent, but it seems more and more that they still don't have a clue.

So far, Hulk Hogan has done a good job as the "Authority Figure" for TNA Impact?

Russell - FICTION: As long as Hogan (or Bitchoff for that matter) has anythin to do with runnin TNA, I won't be watchin their product!

Doug - FICTION: So far, it's been same old - same old with long monologues and all Hogan / all the time. What made Sting so effective is that he appeared in small doses, focused the attention on the other wrestlers and kept it short and sweet. Hogan is all about Hogan. Always has been and always will be. And having him as the "GM of Impact", after his history on Impact! and with Dixie Carter just reeks of stupidity anyhow. It defies all logic and common sense. Bleh to Hulk Hogan!

(7-3) Since Hogan took over, ratings have dropped. That speaks for itself.

And there you go. After a weak start, Russell and I end up with a record of 7 - 3, which isn't too shabby at all. I think we deserve a hand and a pat on the back. Or maybe a beer. Yeah, a nice cold beer. That'll work.

I'm not sure when the next "Fact or Fiction" column will be up. It all depends on if I still have internet service after this weekend. Long story, but we'll be trying for next week so just keep your eyes open. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. My thanks again to Russell Jackson, the best tag team partner a guy can have, for all his help. I'm Doug and for now, I am out of here. Have a great week. Don't forget TNA Lockdown tonight. And I am outta here. Later!

Ubuntu!

TNA Lockdown Thoughts And Predictions - April 15, 2012

We're just a few hours away from the latest Pay Per View offering from the friendly folks at Total Non-Stop Action Impact! Wrestling, better known as just "TNA Impact Wrestling". It's TNA Lockdown 2012, where every single match is inside the confines of a steel cage. I remember when a steel cage was only used to settle feuds and on special occasions and it wasn't really all that long ago. Now, it's just another match and for this TNA event, it's every match. Talk about overkill!

But I'm not going to fuss and gripe about the stupidity of these "speciality matches themed pay per views". I don't like them and think they cheapen the whole ideas and concepts of speciality matches. Matches like the cage match are supposed to be important and matter. And now, they don't. And I'm fussing and griping anyhow, aren't I? Oops! My bad! Let's just get straight to the list of matches scheduled for the show and my predictions of what will happen and who will (and will not) take that illustrious trip to the pay window, if you will. I'm Doug and I'm your local chicken and tater representative. Let's do this.

TNA Impact World Championship Match
Bobby Roode (c) versus James Storm

This is the match that everyone wants to see as the "Cowboy"James Storm gets his long-awaited rematch for the TNA World Championship against his former "Beer Money" tag team partner, TNA Impact Champion Bobby Roode. I expect that this will be the match of the night and that Roode and Storm will try their best to steal the show. As for who wins, I like James Storm and with the recent extra push by TNA (and the push to get his theme song on the national music charts), I can easily see them making that title switch and putting the belt on Storm. I can see them doing that, but I'm hoping they won't. Roode has done a great job as the TNA Champ and has provided some stability to the title, which has far too often been treated as a hot potato in the past. The odds are that most likely, we'll see a title switch. But I don't care about the odds. Storm makes a better challenger in my eyes than a champion. And Roode has been a great champion, so look for some shenanigans and some sneaky cheating tactics and we'll see Bobby Roode walk out of the Impact Zone as still the TNA World Champion. And as for the "Cowboy", "Sorry about your damn luck!".

Winner and STILL Champion: Bobby Roode

Kurt Angle versus Jeff Hardy

If I remember correctly, Kurt won the last battle between these two former WWE stars, thus when you factor that in, plus the idea that Kurt is "injured", thus forcing him to drop out of contention for the U.S. Olympic Team (as if he had a chance anyhow), it all points to one thing. Hardy wins! Hardy wins! Hardy wins! 'Nuff said!

Winner: Kurt Angle

Knockouts Championship
Gail Kim (c) versus Velvet Sky

Velvet Sky is an incredibly sexy and talented young lady, but Gail Kim is, along with Tara, probably among the most talented lady wrestlers in the world today. And as good as Velvet might be, she's not in Gail's league. It's not time for a title change yet so I'll stick with the idea of Gail Kim remaining the champion for a long time to come (or at least until Melina makes her debut in a few months).

Winner and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Gail Kim

TNA World Tag Team Championship
Samoa Joe & Magnus (c) versus The Motor City Machine Guns

They may have arguably the stupidest tag team name in wrestling history, but I'm glad to see the MCMG's back in TNA. They're a good team and add a lot of life and energy to the TNA tag team division, especially with the demise of Beer Money and the recent break-up of Crimson and Matt Morgan. That being said, it's really too early to have them win the tag team titles. Joe and Magnus are doing a great job as champs. So with that in mind, TNA will do the dumb thing and pull a title switch. I think they have to have at least one title change and since the big belt won't change hands, why not do the tag titles and one other? I think they will and it will be a bad idea. At least that's what I think.

Winners and NEW TNA Impact World Tag Team Champions: The Motor City Machine Guns

Crimson versus Matt Morgan

This might be a good match or at least one helluva good slobberknocker (and we all know how much I love my slobberknockers... lol). Matt Morgan and Crimson are the stars of the future and to be honest, I don't think it will be in TNA. I'm pretty confident that there are eyes and ears from up north with their sights set on these two men. There should be anyhow. There's something about Crimson (and to a lesser degree Morgan) that just makes you take notice. They have that "it" factor and will be very, very, very big stars one day. As for this match, Crimson still has that "winning streak" going on and if he loses, it makes everything up to now just a bunch of wasted time and effort. So I'm not sure how exactly, probably by a count-out or DQ to keep Morgan strong, but Crimson will be getting that win and getting his arm raised in victory.

Winner: CRIMSON

TNA Television Championship
Devon (c) versus Robbie E

And finally, we get to the feud that no one cares about over a title that has no signifigance or history worth mentioning with two men who are merely after-thoughts in the world of TNA. Yeah, the TNA TV Title is a waste and without Bubba to back him up, so is Devon. And don't even get me started about Robbie E. This match is filler and the TV title is filler and the title is going to change hands and I just don't care.

Winner and NEW TNA Television Champion: Robbie E

Lethal Lockdown Match
(Captain of Losing Team Must Leave TNA Forever)
Team Garett (Garett Bischoff, RVD, AJ Styles, Austin Aries, Mr. Anderson ) versus Team Eric (Eric Bischoff, TNA Gunner, Bully Ray, Kazarian, Christopher Daniels)

One good thing about this match. No matter which team wins, we all win because that's one less "Bischoff" on our TV screens each and every week. I can understand Eric Bischoff being a "team captain" since he has a long history in this business, but Garett? It almost makes having Otunga and Santino as the team captains in that other clusterf*ck of a match at that little show called "Wrestlemania" seem significant by comparison. Isn't it kind of a strange coincidence that just a couple of weeks after the WWE has their "Team Teddy versus Team Johnny" match at Wrestlemania, we see TNA with the exact same match going on? You'd almost think that TNA was trying to rip off WWE, but to do that, they'd need to grab a lot of WWE cast-offs and hold stupid "wrestling weddings" and bury the top stars while pushing management favorites.... Ooops again. Never mind.

This match is just a way to get as many people on the card as possible and to give someone named "Bischoff" the biggest push possible. Look for two things to happen. Look for Ric Flair to come in and replace Eric in the match itself, since Ric is an actual wrestler and Eric is not. And look for Garett to get the pin on said Ric Flair, thus costing "Team Eric" the match and Eric Bischoff his TNA career (for now). Eric has some new reality shows in development and will be needing to take some time away anyhow and we all know that Hulk Hogan, the so-called "GM" can bring him back at any time anyhow. Yeah, I think that's how it goes down.

Winners: Team Garett

And I guess that's it for today. The pay per view is in just a few hours and I've got to leave now and go to work so I'm out of here. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side. Later gators!

Ubuntu!

Alone Late At Night - April 14, 2012

I made a big freakin' mistake. Not that it's a big surprise since I'm the master of big mistakes sometimes, but this one is a doozy. I had a feeling to begin with that accepting this job wasn't the right move for me, but I needed a job. Hell, I need a job! And everyone loves the idea since they're a good company to work for and for someone like me, given my experience and background, it's a great fit.

I've worked here before, albeit a long, long time ago and after just over twenty years, I'm back. And the store is essentially the same. New faces, but the employees are pretty much the same. What's changed is me and not for the better. It used to be, within three days of going into a new store, I had pretty much taken over and was "the man", at least in my own mind. I was always very comfortable very easily and I picked up what needed to be done, put my own twist to things and quite simply, took care of bid'ness.

Sounds pretty good, right?

So I take the job and go to work with these people. I listen to everyone's great advice that this is the place that I need to be and that this job is the answer to all of my problems and now, everything is going to be all peaches and cream and wonderful.

And now what's happening? I keep waking up at all hours of the night, sweating and flustered, not exactly sure where I am or what's going on. I look at the clock glaring at me and all I can think is three more hours til "that place" and then "two more hours til that place" and so on, dreading every second and wishing time would stand still. But it never does and eventually, I have to get up and get ready. And the anxiety kicks in.

This morning, I woke up after a restless night and got up to get ready for work. Andwhat happens? My head is pounding. I can't breathe. I start to vomit, but there's nothing there since I haven't had an appetite in several days, not since I started work. And I just want to do anything or be anywhere, but having to go to that place. Once I get there and get inside, I'm okay. A little on edge and tense, but I can handle things a little better.

It's weird. Waiting on customers is not a problems and despite some relative uneasiness, it goes smoothly and things are okay. Dealing with the other employees, that's not quite as good. Everyone is friendly enough, but they're a tight nit group, as often happens in these stores, and I'm the outsider. I'm the only guy which doesn't help matters, I'm older than most of them which is another liability and while they all know me from working other stores - they know my face anyhow - they don't know "me" at all. And no one has stepped forward to make an effort to bring me in to the fold.

And I understand that it's my fault as well. I'm not a sociable person by most people's standards and I'm not confortable in crowds or groups. And that's just a big, tight knit group with their inside jokes and behavior. I have to work on that, but it's not easy. I get tense and anxious when I have to answer the phone or call someone. My stomach churns and my head spins when I meet someone new or even when I'm talking to friends or relatives. Hell, I won't walk into a resturant and order at the counter - I do drive thru because there's less interaction with other people.

I want to just walk away - to leave and vanish forever. Can't do that though because people "have faith in me" and are "confident" in me and I have responsibilities to everyone else and they are so happy that I'm finally "back on the right track" and that "things are working out" and all of that bull. Yeah, they all like it. Everyone is happy. Well, everyone but one person and what do I matter anyhow in the overall scheme of things? I don't know anymore. This sucks!

Yeah, I've got issues and have always had them, but lately, over the past year or so more than anything, they're getting worse and worse. My confidence is for shits these days and just the thought of dealing with people, especially in an enviroment where I should be thriving and extremely comfortable, just makes me physically sick. Even now, as I'm sitting here writing about it and trying to make sense of what's going on inside my skull, my hands are shaking. Hell, my whole body is shaking just from thinking about that place. And we're not even going to talk about the way my moods and feelings swing from one moment to the other. I can be feeling fine one minute and be ready to stick my head in an oven the next (not literally - just using that as a metaphor) and when you add that to the mix, several times a day, I'm a freakin' mess that probably shouldn't be around people at all.

But I need a job and right now, it's the only one available. Bills have to be paid and I have responsibilites so what do I do?

Dealing with people one on one, as I do customers or clients at the Food Bank, is okay. I get a little stressed and anxious, but I can work through it and relax and I'm good after a little bit. Dealing with groups, even people who are familiar to me, is a different story. It's hard and rough and gets harder and rougher every single day.

I'm not the man I once was... not even freakin' close. Now I just have to figure out what the hell I'm going to do about it before it overwhelms me. I'm stubborn and won't let it take over without a fght, but to be honest, between these panic attacks, mood swings, overwhelming anxieties and my physical problems (diabetes, blood pressure and repeated infections), it's getting tougher and tougher to even try. I will. I'm a stubborn bitch if nothing else and I have someone who depends on me, so even if not for myself, I've got to stay in the fight for him. Whatever it takes, right?

But something has to change. I just don't know what the hell I'm going to be able to do to make it so.

I think I'm going to go for a walk. Have a good night.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 11, 2012

Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 11, 2012
Doug Maynard

My heart is broken as are the hearts of millions and millions of young girls everywhere. Last week, DeAndre, he of the awesome hair, was voted off the Island. I am shocked, especially when it was the lost Brady girl, Hollie Cavanagh, who deserved to get the boot. Either her or Joshua Ledet, just for the ugly ass jackets he's been wearing the past few weeks. It was a gross miscarriage of justice for poor DeAndre. I wonder what will happen next?

By the way, I've already found a future career for DeAndre, one that many of the past Idol stars, including Clay Aiken has taken. He (DeAndre) would be great in a musical production or play. I watched "Jesus Christ Superstar" over the weekend and for some reason, I could just easily see DeAndre playing the role of Peter. Don't know why, but that's the image that popped into my head. So DeAndre, if you're reading this (and we all know you probably are), musical productions are the way to go. Work on it!

And now, back to the recap part of this column. This is Week 6 and we're down to the final super seven contestants. What will they sing? Who will rise to the occasion? Who will choke? We're going to find out tonight. The theme of the night is songs from 2010 to today. That's a pretty good selection to choose from. As usual, the judges are Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. The mentors and coaches for the future stars are legendary producer Jimmy Iovine and special guest Akon. And I'm just a tired old man who started a new job today... and I'm already ready for a vacation. Those people tried to kill me. I AM TOO DAMN OLD for working with the public again. *Sighs* Let's do Idol!

We start off with Skylar Laine who does the song, "Didn't You Know How Much I Love You". And it was okay, but I personally didn't think it was all that. Of course, the judges disagree with me. Randy said that Skylar was "definitely back" and could have a big hit with a song like that. J-Lo said that it sounded like the perfect pitch and that it was the perfect way to start the show. And Steven said that it was "just great".

Next up is Colton Dixon, who is singing "I Love The Way You Lie", which he says was recorded by Skylar Gray or someone like that. The only version I know is what Rihanna sings with Eminem. She does a great job and so did Colton. He did a great job and actually gave me goosebumps. Very well done. And this time, the judges agreed. Randy called Colton's jacket "subtle fly" and said that Colton's performance was really stellar. He said that Colton "is an artist". Steven also loved the jacket and said that Colton was just a rare talent who could release that version as a single with no more takes or overdubs. He's looking forward to when Colton gets even better and does his own original material. And J-Lo said that Colton always surprises her and does everything in his own way - it's always "very Colton" and that he did a good job.

The next song was a duet between Phillip and Elise. These two have a great chemistry and proved it again by performing "Somebody That I Used To Know". Phillip predicted that Elise would do great with this song and he was right. She killed it! Phillip didn't appear too comfortable at first, but by the end, he was feeling it too. The crowd was into this duet and so was I. J-Lo said that she loved the feel and there was a great feeling and chemistry. Steven applauded the song and said that he has it on his I-Phone. He said that they nailed it and it's a beautiful song. And Randy loves the chemistry between Phillip and Elise and said that Elise won this round, but next time, Phillip needs to pick the song and he wants to see more duets between the two.

Jessica Sanchez was the next to come up and she did a simply amazing job with her rendition of "Stuttering" by Jasmine Sullivan. This young woman has just an amazing voice and you can feel every note and every emotion when she sings. J-Lo called the song "really beautiful" and said that Jessica is ready to take us and America on a ride that she can't wait to see. She wants to see Jessica really cut loose and show her stuff. Randy said that Jessica set the bar to the highest degree and did an amazing job. And Steven said that everytime Jessica sings, he forgets where he is and that she slays it every single time.

Here comes he of the ugly-ass jackets, Joshua Ledet and he's going to attempt the song "Run Away Baby " by Bruno Mars. Fantasia pops up to wish Joshua a happy birthday. And that jacket, while better than the last few weeks, still needs to go back in the closet. And take Joshua with it... lol. Guess what? I liked the song. My foot was even bee-bopping around while he was singing. Joshua's performance had a classic soul feel to it in my opinion and although he's not my favorite by any means, he did a good job. J-Lo complimented Joshua on his control and called the song "dynamic". Randy said that it was an unbelievable performance and that Joshua "really gots to have it!". And Steven, after attempting to play matchmaker with Joshua and a dancer (she's not his type) said that Joshua really knows how to sell a song like a work of art and was "so good".

It's duet time again and we've got Colton and Skylar together again, doing "Don't You Wanna Stay", a Kelly Clarkson / Jason Aldean duet. And I liked it. It wasn't great, but it was pretty damn good. No complaints. J-Lo said that the harmonies were really beautiful and it was a really nice job. Randy complained about the pitchiness and said that it was just okay for him. And Steven Tyler with one of the lines of the night, said that Colton and Skylar had "just made love singing to each other" and that it was "beautiful".

Here comes Hollie Cavanagh up next and her song choice is "Perfect" by Pink. I didn't know she was British. And while the voice is great, she just doesn't do it for me again. The voice just doesn't fit her body or look and it's distracting. She's trying hard, but it seems to be that she's just going through the emotions and hasn't got any stagecraft going on yet. J-Lo noted that she could feel Hollie fighting and she sang beautifully. Steven said that it's not about being perfect and the song wasn't perfect for him. It just kind of layed there. And Randy noted that it wasn't perfect, but it was far better than last week's performance and Hollie has redeemed herself a bit.

Phillip Phillips is up next and the song he's performing is called "Get A Little More". I love the Sax music. That was awesome, but the song itself was okay. Phillip is a real and natural performer and I love that what you see is what you get with him, but this performance wasn't especially exciting for me. J-Lo called the perfornance a little "underwhelming", explaining that she expects more from Phillip and wants to see him break out a little more. Steven compared Phillip to Steve McQueen and Johnny Cash and noted that he's really liked the way that Phillip has changed since they first met him. And Randy said that it wasn't the greatest performance and not really a "wow kind of moment".

And now we get a trio performance as Joshua, Jessica and Hollie are all together and doing the song "Stronger", by Kelly Clarkson. And to be honest, I didn't like it or feel any chemistry with the three of them and this song. Joshua was better dressed this time than earlier and looks like a motel clerk or bellhop. And both Hollie and Jessica seemed a bit pitchy to me in places. But Steven called them "beautiful". J-Lo called this the "season of the big voice" and said that they were "amazing!" And Randy said that they were a great trio and all sounded really good. He called it "crazy wow nice".

And finally, for the last song of the evening, we have Elise Testone and she's performing the song "You And I" by Lady Gaga. This is a really good song for her and I think Elise just killed it and did an amazing job. She's just getting better and better every week. And the judges agree with me. J-Lo commented that Elise let go, but kept control and that nobody can sing like she does. Randy said that Elise is back and it was the perfect song for her and she had a moment. Steven remarked how she took a song so simple and turned it into genius.

It was a good night of good performances and it's amazing to watch these men and women grow each and every week. They're getting better and better and you can see it every time they perform. This is a really good season full of some damn good talent. They need to have an "Alice Cooper" night though. And start a new "Idol" for older men and women. I know a guy named Woody who would kick some major ass if they didn't have the age discrimination thing going on. The man can sing!!

Okay, now for the tough stuff. Who will be the "Bottom Three" tomorrow night and more importantly, who will be voted off the Island and go home? Hollie will be there. That seems to be almost a definite for me. And who will join her on the "Couch of Shame"? I'm going to say Joshua and Phillip. This seems to be an "I am woman - hear me roar" season of Idol and I think that the guys are in trouble. But when the votes are counted and all is said and done, we'll say good-bye to Hollie. Everyone else seems to be growing and getting better, but she's just not quite as good in my opinion and is the ugly duckling among a blossoming group of swans. So bye-bye to Hollie as the competition continues. By the way, James Durbin and Jennifer Hudson are appearing tomorrow night. Don't miss it. I want to see James Durbin and Colton standing together. HOTNESS! Just saying!

And that'll do it for me tonight. Back to work at the new job in the morning and I'm ready to drop and call it a night right now. Thanks for reading. I'm Doug and I'll catch you on the flip side. See you next week.

Ubuntu!

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News: April 10, 2012

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News
"Blast From The Past" Smackdown
April 10, 2012
Doug Maynard

Tonight, it's a LIVE on SyFy edition of WWE Friday Night Smackdown. And what the hell, let's just doing a running blog of thoughts as the night moves along. Doesn't that sound like fun? Of course it does. I'm Doug and for one night only (unless I decide to do it again), "Tossing Salt Is Blast From The Past Smackdown". Let's do this.

Blast From The Past - Smackdown!!

Later tonight, Piper's Pit with Daniel Bryan. Roddy is either hit or miss with the pit, but as hot as Bryan's character has been, I'm hoping it's a hit. "Hot Rod" and "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson aka "Daniel Bryan". Wanna bet they're gonna talk about Elizabeth... I mean "AJ". I'm making a prediction right now. Daniel Bryan as the 2012 "King of the Ring" and AJ will get to be the Queen.

Good to see Mean Gene back! I miss the idea of having people doing interviews with the wrestlers. I like how Sheamus says there's no excuse for his behavior in kicking a referee, but still makes an excuse anyhow. Sheamus's "apology" just drags on and on. Here comes Johnny Ace to show what happened last week. Ref made the right call and got kicked in the face for his efforts.

"Who do you think you are?" - Johnny Ace thinks he's a McMahon. Ace wants a public apology right after Sheamus has already apologized. Ace is being a total dick. He needs a boot to the face. Sheamus is on probation and if he touches a referee, he's fired. Plus he's getting fined. "Mean" Gene gets to wrestle and he's Sheamus's partner against Del Rio and Bryan. LMAO! I love this. It's a stupid spin that's been done to death many times, but still cool since Mean Gene is involved. .

"Cowboy" Bob Orton is here. Man, I'm liking this. Bob wishes his son good luck in his match later in the night. I didn't notice if Cowboy Bob was wearing his cast or not, but I hope so. Maybe we'll see him in Piper's Pit too.

Match 1: Randy Orton versus "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry

Mark Henry is a big ass scary man! Henry is dominating the match and I see Cowboy Bob watching from the back. He's not wearing the cast. Damn! After a long commerical break, we come back and it's still Mark Henry dominating the match. That means Orton is going to win. Mark misses the splash and it's time for the Orton comeback. Just like he's coming back to movies in the "Marine 3" movie. Oops! He got pulled from that one. My bad! They're on the floor and Mark eats ringpost. Fire and brimstone erupts. What the hell?

Kane is on the Titantron with a long monologue like promo for the distraction. He still wants to be a monster. I guess their feud continues. Kane has laid out Cowboy Bob Orton in the back. The referee counts and I guess Henry wins the match by count-out? We'll never know because Orton is in the back checking on his daddy. Kane with the ambush and we find out he likes family reunions as he lays out Randy with a steel pipe and Randy ends up stretched out on the floor next to Cowboy Bob. Kane wins! (But if Bob had been wearing his cast on the wrist, it would have been a different story. Just saying!)

How did Cowboy Bob Orton get from a room with a moniter to watch the match into a stairwell where he got crushed by Kane.

Benny Cramer is here for a good old fashioned squash match. He wanted to talk. Didn't talk long because he's facing Ryback. Tony Atlas, Ted DiBiase, Pat Patterson and Hillbilly Jim are watching the match from the back. Total flattened his ass squash and Ryback wins! Did you ever think it would turn out any differently?

Match 2: Ryback destroyed Benny Cramer. 'Nuff said!

Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd are discussing strategy and Heath is very annoying. Well, Heath is talking and Tyson just looks as if he's wondering what happened to his career since the "New Hart Foundation" ended. They have a Hall of Fame manager tonight against the Uso's. They have Jimmy Hart. Man, he still looks the same as he did twenty years ago. Heath is happy. Tyson doesn't look quite so amused or happy. This should be fun! WWE needs to bring the managers back and I'm not talking about Vickie Guerrero or just one or twice a year. They need to come back for good! Heath reminds me of a southern rock, modern day version of the Disco Inferno. And I loved watching Disco, but despite that, this comparison is NOT a compliment.

Mick Foley is here! He's going to do commentary. It's time for tag action.

Match 3: Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd w/ "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart versus The Usos (Jimmy and Jey).

I love that little dance that the Uso's do before each match. Pretty cool and I'd like to see them on the dance floor at the local gay club. They'd be a hit! Jimmy's not payng attention to the match. He's bugging Foley and Booker with the megaphone. Slater and Tyson are playing the old disgruntled partners routine and not getting along. A good match. Foley has Mr. Socko. The Uso's get the pin and win with the splash. Foley goes after Jimmy Hart and "The Mouth" eats / meets Mr. Socko. Tyson and Slater leave and Jimmy Hart sells the sock like he had his head ripped off.

Daniel Bryan has such a way with little girls. He's such a charmer. Piper's Pit is coming up next. Should be good!

They just mentioned that the last Piper's Pit on Smackdown was when a woman had a mole bitten off her face. That was The Boogyman biting the mole off of Jillian Hall's face. I remember that. Piper is here to stir the pot and he shows up Daniel Bryan breaking up with AJ last week. We've already seen this clip three or four times already. I'm getting tired of it.

Uh oh - Piper has his "serious face" on. The "Yes Yes Yes" chants are alive and well in Virginia tonight. Bryan says that Johnny Ace has granted him his rematch for the World Championship. Bryan explains about the match and how he wants to make Sheamus tap out in a 2/3 falls match at Extreme Rules. Bryan blames AJ for causing him to lose the title and she won't be there. Piper says that AJ is in the building and he likes her and it's his show so Piper calls out AJ to the ring.

AJ is acting like the stupid, naive little girl and really playing it up how much she likes Daniel Bryan. Piper reminds AJ of what Daniel Bryan has done and says to leave the P.C. stuff in the back. AJ says it's her fault and she made a mistake at Wrestlemania and she's sorry. She just wants to talk to Bryan and she'll make it up to her. Piper is speechless and flabbergasted. Piper calls AJ strong, smart and beautiful and she doesn't need to make up anything to Daniel. He's just using her.

Bryan gets in Piper and AJ's face. He's had enough. He tells AJ to leave the ring. Piper and Bryan seem to be both trying to control AJ. She leaves and Bryan smiles. Bryan starts to leave and Piper stops him. He's not finished. Piper has his own version of "No No No". Don't yell at ladies or tell them to shut up. And don't use ladies as a human shield. Piper is Mr. Therapist tonight. Piper predicts that Sheamus will kick the head off Bryan's shoulders twice at Extreme Rules. Bryan slaps Piper and Piper mock chases him from the ring and postures from the ring as Bryan smiles and celebrates. Piper gets involved in the tag match later tonight. The Pit was okay. I've seen better, but I've also seen worse. Piper was in good form tonight.

The Edge DVD is out! I want to see it because I think I know him. And after I watch the DVD, I will.

So far the show has been okay, but if they really wanted to do a blast from the past show, they should have had Jim Ross and JBL out there to do the commentary. Just thought about that as the commericals are playing. Michael Cole isn't as bad as he used to be, but he's still pretty annoying. And Booker? As an announcer, he makes a great wrestler. Sucky Ducky indeed!

Match 4: Great Khali, Alicia Fox and Natayla versus The Bellas & Drew McIntyre in a six-person tag team match. Poor Drew - he has to wrestle Khali and carry the match because none of these Divas can wrestle. Hopefully it'll end soon. Alicia pinned a Bella as I wrote this. I'm so glad it's over. Okay, Drew ran from the ring and abandoned the match. I don't blame him. I'd be running from this match too.

Here is Mae Young. PUPPIES!! Mae is giving Khali the tongue! Mae poses with the Divas. Last time we saw her, she was using a walker. Glad to see she's still alive and well and looking great for a woman of her years. And that kick she gave Khali (which he almost forgot to see) was probably the best "wrestling move" in this segment. But then again, when you look at who appeared in this segment and that idiotic six person match, being the best isn't really that hard to do. Mae has publically stated that she wants to wrestle a match when she turns 100 years old. And I have no doubt in my mind that she's going to find a way to do it. That is one tough lady! Glad to see her make an appearance!

By the way, news broke yesterday that the Bellas will be leaving the company when their contracts expire in May. Damn! They're not much as wrestlers, but they are attractive and who doesn't like twins. I once dated a set of twins. A friend of mine asked me how I could tell them apart. I said, "Jonathan has the beard"... lol. Nerver mind! That's too much info, isn't it? Oh well! Let's move on with the show.

Damien Sandow is here to talk. Who is this guy? He's talking about sophistication and then social media. Quit with the big words already and just talk plain and simple english. He reminds me of a cross between Sean O'Haire and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, aka "The Genius". But can he wrestle? Inquiring minds want to know.

Flashback time to see Randy Orton and daddy Cowboy Bob get beaten up by Kane. How did they end up in the stairwell when that's not where Bob Orton was at the beginning of Randy's match. Cowboy Bob has suffered "injuries". And then it's RAW Rebound time so we get to see Brock Lesnar and John Cena pull shenanigans. CAT FIGHT!! How could RAW have a show where legitimacy was the theme of the night when the "guests" were Larry, Moe and Curly - the "Three Stooges". Doesn't make sense, does it? But then again, when has that ever mattered? I'm already tired of Brock - Cena! I blame Johnny Ace! And as a shout out to a former associate from the Yahoo group DXSI, I also blame Vince. I know that Peter Porkr does!

When is TNA Lockdown? Just wondering.

Mean Gene and Sheamus are discussing strategy. Sheamus is smiling and not stressing it though? They're going out drinking later in the night - either a drink to remember or a drink to forget. I like that line. I'll have to find a way to use it sometime.

Don't try this at home!! A new video with that very explicit and smart message. Don't worry! I won't.

Here comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan to the ring and he's wrestling. Probably the biggest pop of the night. And he's wrestling Hunico, who has his partner and a bicycle. Hunico doesn't care about the past because he's the future. It's all Hacksaw at the start and he's calling out some friends. Here comes Sgt. Slaughter who gives Duggan the 2x4. Duggan is DQ'ed and Sgt Slaughter puts Hunico in the Cobra Clutch.

Match 5: Hunico beats Jim Duggan by DQ. I love the old guys, but I'm losing interest fast. Where's Arn Anderson at? I think he needs to come out and give Michael Cole a spinebuster. They should have kept Ric, Tully, Windham and J.J. Dillon around after the Hall of Fame Ceremonies. A Horseman beatdown of Dusty Rhodes would really make this a "Blast From The Past" night worth watching.

Cody Rhodes is here. Tonight has been a waste of time and we should only be concerned about the future. Cody bashes the legends and here comes "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes to the ring. Cody doesn't look happy to see "Daddy" make an appearance. Dusty is concerned. He'd do anything for his son, but Cody wanted to poke the bear. Dusty is embarassing Cody and Cody heads towards the back. Here comes the Big Show.

Show is doing Dusty impressions. Love it! We get to see a video of Cody applying lip gloss, from his "Dashing" days. Dusty looks ready to break up laughing. Show leaves and Cody starts to walk off. Dusty dances in the ring as Cody walks off. Cody plays the humiliated child so well, but then again, if your Daddy was Dusty and yourt brother is Goldust, he's probably used to being made fun of. Just saying... lol. We see Sheamus and Mean Gene and they're walking. The match of the century (because Gene is at least a century old) is next.

Match 6: Mean Gene Okerlund & Sheamus versus Daniel Bryan & Alberto Del Rio w/ Ricardo Rodriguez

The Fink is here to introduce Mean Gene and Sheamus. Very cool! Fire Lilian and the other guy on RAW and bring back "The Fink!". I like this Del Rio / Bryan tag team. They work well together. Funny to see 'em pick on Mean Gene. Even Ricardo is getting in on the action. Here comes Roddy Piper and ALL the legends. Distractions and Sheamus kicks Daniel Bryan in the face to get the win. The legends are beating up on Ricardo. Funny stuff and Jimmy Hart has the megaphone, giving directions. Funny stuff.

Michael Cole gets into the ring to suggest a photo op before the legends head back to the home. Cole gets tossed from the ring and the Hall of Famers and legends in the ring continue their self love and celebration as the show comes to an end.

Not a bad show and kind of fun to see so many of the WWE Legends out there again. It got a little old at the end and I still would have liked to see a change in announcers or more of "Mean Gene" doing interviews rather than being stuck in the ring for a match. At least they didn't have Mae Young wrestle though. She should only be allowed to wrestle once a decade and she has to rest up for her 100th Birthday Match.

And we only had one "Johnny Ace" appearance. Do you know what would have been nice? To see Road Warrior Animal make an appearance and clothesline his "baby brother" once or twice. Maybe later.

This show is in the books now and so is this column. I have a few more things to ramble on, but I have to be up early in the morning to start a new job. My nerves are shot to hell. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. I'll be back in a few days with my tag team partner to do some "Wrestling Fact Or Fiction" so look for that. And I'm out of here. Catch you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!

Forty Questions (Survey) - April 5, 2012

FORTY QUESTIONS YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ASKED IN A SURVEY

1. Do you know anyone in prison? I know several people who have prison records, a few people currently incarcerated and even a few persons who work as Correctional Officers (and he's a sexy beast that I'd love to bl.. never mind) - I'm a person who knows people... lol

2. Have you ever logged onto a boyfriend/girlfriend/crush's Facebook? I'll plead the 5th on that one - on the occasion, if I'm infatuated (or in major lust) with someone, I'll check out their profile / page with great frequency.

3. When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly? It's been a couple of weeks now - I keep forgetting to buy jelly (strawberry preserves) when I'm at the grocery store. Someone needs to remind me.

4. Do you have a desk in your room? Not in my actual bedroom - it's too small (reminds me of some guys I know) but I do have a work area set up in the living room (where my computer is currently at) and I also have a big ass desk in the spare bedroom here at the house from when it used to be my office (and most likely soon will be again)..

5. Have you ever gotten naked at a party? Nope, but I've gotten naked a few times after leaving the party... or after most everyone else has left. Hell, sometimes getting naked IS the party... lol

6. What kind of car insurance do you have? No car insurance because I don't have a license and don't drive... damn it!

7. Are you named after one of your parents or grandparents? Not really, but sort of... my middle name is the same as a man who was my Mom's ex and may or may not be my biological father. Don't know for sure and to be honest, I don't really care.

8. Does your first significant other still live in the same town as you? Yeppers - the first one that matters anyhow. And guess what - we're not what one can call "great friends" but we are friendly and get along.

9. Do you throw up gang signs? Nope - why should I? I don't even like Iced Tea or Skittles... lol

10. Have you ever broken a rib? Nope - not yet!

11. Would you rather be a girl or a guy? For some reason, I think life would be much easier if I was female, but I like being a man. That's what I am and what I prefer to be.

12. Who is the most spoiled person you know? Any person that I decide to commit to because I'll do anything I can to make his life as good as I can and I'll spoil him rotten and rock his world....

13. Would you rather have a million dollars or true love? I've found true love, I believe and I wouldn't trade Cal for any amount of money. I just want him. BUT if it doesn't work out for some reason or if life continues to throw these fastballs at us, just give me the freakin' money. It's not as good as true love, but with that much cash on hand, it'll be pretty damn easy to rent some "love" to get through the hard times with.

14. Have you ever had sex in church? Yes!

15. Is your boyfriend/girlfriend a marine?? Nope, but I did use to have a friend who ended up joining the Marines. Damn, he was (and is) HOT!!

16. Do you watch the Grammy's? Nah, I don't much like Awards Shows - they bore me!

17. Would you ever work for the border patrol? Sure - have 'em give me a call and make a job offer - we can work something out.

18. Which one word would describe your last relationship: Unique

19. Would you rather date someone 2 years older then you or 20 years older then you? Two years older - I don't care about age, but I don't want to date someone old enough to be my Daddy... Now if I'm twenty or more years older than my "man" is, that's okay... lol

20. Have you ever had a eating disorder? Nah, I have no probs with eating... lol

21. Do you have a porn collection? Yeppers - want to watch and see? Let me know and we'll talk... lol

22. How many proms have you been to in your life? Two - Junior and Senior..

23. Have you ever been in a inter-racial relationship? Yeppers - race doesn't matter to me - it's the person who counts. Now all I need is an Oriental, a red head and a midget and the circle will be complete.

24. Is your birthday on a holiday? Nope - missed it by about fifteen minutes. Damn it!

25. Are you old enough to vote? Yeppers and I haven't missed an election since I turned legal..

26. Do you have any friends or family in the War right now??? I've got some friends who are overseas in Afghanistan - most of the people I know though have already come home..

28. Do you worry about global warming? Nope - not really!

29. Do you like polar bears? I love polar bears - they're cute (and drink Coke).

30. Have you ever been cheated on? Yeah, but in all fairness, he was cheating on me with his wife... so does that count? Hmmmmm?

31. What kind of birth control do you use? I only have sex with other guys - no chance at all of babies popping up.

32. What slang word(s) do you call marijuana? Pot or grass..

33. Are you an atheist? Nope - I absolutely believe in a higher power..

34. Did you lose your virginity to your neighbor? Yeppers - twice - to my best friend at the time (next door neighbor) AND his sister.. lol

35. Did or do you think your childhood dreams will come true? Some of them already have (or are in the process of doing so) and others... well, the ship has sailed.

36. Do you wear your sweetie's clothes? We have on occasion wore some of the same clothes... yes!

37. What's your opinion on gold diggers? Screw 'em - 'nuff said!

38. Are you a country or city girl/boy? I'm far more country than city, but truthfully, I don't think I feel the stereotypes of either title - I defy labels. I'm just me.

39. Is your car a 2002 or higher? Nope - my Blazer (which I can't legally drive - damn it) is a 1997 model..

40. Do you floss daily? Nope - not every day. I do brush at least three times a day though..

Alphabet Survey - April 5, 2012

Alphabet Survey

1. A is for age: Are we talking physical age or mental? I'm old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyhow and far too old for the sexy-ass guy across the street (but I'd love to get w/ him for about an hour or so and blow his freakin' mind). And if you want a number, if I was a dog, I'd be 6 1/2 in human years.

2. B is for beer of choice: Right now, I'd love to have almost any kind of beer - I need a night of sloppy, intoxicating relaxation (preferably with a sexy man or two for company). My brand of choice for this epic moment would be Bud Light.

3. C is for what you can't wait for right now: For the night to come so I can hide in the darkness from all the B.S. and despair this sick and crazy world keeps throwing in my direction.

4. D is for your dog's name: I don't have a dog. However, we do have a hyper-active feline named "Goldy" who terrorizes the household several times a day. She's lucky that she's cute... lol.

5. E is for essential item you use everyday: Obviously, that would be my computer. It's my means of escape from the madness that surrounds me and my only solice that keeps me from giving up and wanting to go away forever.

6. F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Aside from the long-term usuals (RAW, American Idol), my new favorites that make me laugh often (or go W.T.F?) are Big Bang Theory and Celebrity Apprentice.

7. G is for favorite game: Truth or Dare - wanna play? I dare you!!

8. H is for Home town: I was born in Ohio and spent the first dozen years or so of my life in Raleigh, but so far as I'm concerned, my hometown is and will always be 'The Burg.

9. I is for instruments you play: Hearts, emotions and feelings (and the skin flute... lol)

10. J is for favorite juice: Apple is okay and so is Cranberry, but nothing beats an ice cold (partially frozen) glass of Orange Juice...

11. K is for whose butt you'd like to kick: A certain lying, two-faced, hypocritical, piece of crap biatch - she knows who she is...

12. L is for last food you ate: I just finished eating a Zero bar.

13. M is for marriage: Marriage is a wonderful institution of committment and love and I'd love to get married one day, but unfortunately, since I live in NC, there are people who don't think I should be allowed to get married to the person I love. It's okay for them and their friends, but because the person I love just happens to be of the same gender, our love doesn't deserve the same respect or priviliges. And that really really sucks!

14. N is for your name: I have been called many names over the years (many of them are unprintable) but generally, most people just call me "Doug"..

15. O is for overnight hospital stays: It seems as if everytime I go to the hospital for any reason, I end up staying overnight (and more often 8 - 9 days at a time) - I did it twice last year and most likely, it'll be happening again soon if something doesn't change soon.

16. P is for people you can't live without: Cal (the man that I love), my family, my friends and I guess this damn cat... lol

17. Q is for quote: "If you don't cheat, you're not trying" - Booker T on "Tough Enough"...

18. R is for Biggest Regret: So many to choose from - can I pick just one? How about allowing a certain person that I care for to be around the wrong people even though I knew that it was a mistake and no good would come from it - and I was right. I failed to protect the one that I love and we've both been paying for it ever since.

19. S is for status: My heart belongs to a certain special someone, but since we can't be together (for now), my body is available for your intimate pleasures (and just like Wolverine, I'm the best there is at what I do - don't believe it? Prove me wrong!)

20. T is for time you woke up today: A few minutes after 6am this morning - today was working up at the Food Bank day.

21. U is for underwear you have on now: A pair of black and gray boxers - wanna see 'em? Just ask!

22. V is for vegetable you love: I love potatos, but are they fruits or vegetables? French fries rule! And I put ketchup on almost everything, but that's a fruit too. I can't think of any actual veggies that I really love? Well, I liked Christopher Reeve... lol.

23. W is for worst habit: I think it might be procrastination, but I'm not sure. I'll get back to you with this answer later on... lol

24. X is for x-rays you've had: Lots and lots of them. And a step-dad Ray too - he was an awesome guy!

25. Y is for yummy food you ate today? Chicken nuggets and ketchup for breakfast - it was delicious. But I still have to wonder, what part of the chicken does the "nuggets" come from? I have an idea, but that's really kind of disgusting to think about.

26. Z is for the zodiac sign: In the American astrological stuff, I'm a cancer. And with the Chinese Horoscope, I'm a horse. And in the Happy Days horoscope, I'm a "Potsie". That's kind of depressing....lol

Tossing Salt Is American Idol - April 4, 2012

Tossing Salt Is American Idol
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard

It's a sad, sad day for American Idol. Last week, the Clown Prince of Idol, the one and only Heejun Han was the man who received the least number of fan votes and was voted off the Island. I'm going to miss him. He had spunk! Let's have a moment of silence for this amazing talent.

And now, it's Week 5 of the search for the 2012 American Idol. Last week, the Idol contestants performed songs by their own personal idols and as I mentioned earlier, Heejun's version of Leon Russell's "A Song For You", which I personally feel was his best musical performance thus far, was good but not good enough and he's outta here. Actually, last week everyone was at the top of their game and did a great job. I hope tonight goes just as well.

Tonight, the Idolettes will be doing songs from the 1980's. I hope that someone sings either "Take On Me" by Aha or "Come On Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners. Some "Human League" songs would be nice too. I love that music genre. And I'm pretty sure we'll get some duets or group performances too. It should be a good night. By the way, the host of the show is Ryan Seacrest. Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez are the judges. Jimmy Iovine and Gwen Stefani & Tony Kenall from the group "No Doubt" are the mentors.

And me? I'm Doug and I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, so when are we going to get an "Alice Cooper" night? Inquiring minds want to know! Let's do this...

By the way, if you ever get the chance to listen to "I Saw Red", a duet by Gwen Stefani (before No Doubt) and the late Bradley Nowell (from Sublime), check it out. It's pretty damn amazing and off the charts. It's on YouTube. Find it.

We start off with "Hairboy" DeAndre Brackensick and he's performing "I Like It" by DeBarge. I don't remember this song, but DeAndre did a really good job performing tonight. He was comfortable on stage and really showed off his vocal range, going from a more real, regular voice to the high notes and back again. J-Lo liked it as well and said that DeAndre looked as if he felt super comfortable and very natural and that he sounded amazing. Randy said that somewhere, DeBarge is saying "OMG" and that DeAndre could easily be the 2012 version of DeBarge. Randy also called it one of DeAndre's best performances. And Steven called it "totally captivating" and "exceptional".

Next up was Elise Testone who performed "I Want To Know What Love Is", by Foreigner. In my opinion, she was okay, but I couldn't really feel the song with her version. It sounded more adult contemporary than rock & roll. J-Lo said that Elise looked beautiful, but commented that Elise has a "powerhouse voice" and the song wasn't quite right. Randy remarked that it's a difficult song to perform and Elise never quite got the pitch right and that the song was all over the place. Steven said that it wasn't the right song, but he loves Elise's voice.

The next performance was the first of four boy / girl duets as Skylar and Colton did a fantastic rendition of "Islands In The Stream", which was originally performed by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Despite their different styles, Colton and Skylar sounded really well together and did a good job. I'd love to hear them sing more duets together. Randy agreed that they did a really great job and called Skylar beautiful and Colton great. J-Lo said that it was perfect for Skylar and that Colton was the perfect partner for her. Amd Steven said that it was a match made in heaven and beautiful.

Phillip Phillips was the next man on stage and he brought his brother to play with him as he did a really unique version of the Genesis song "That's All". It was pitchy in places, but Phillip is so real and raw, it doesn't matter. He did a great job and really took the song and "Philliped" the hell out of it. J-Lo said that the beginning wasn't great but towards the end, Phillip brought it home and was pretty great. Randy loved the "brotherly love" thing and called it another great performance. And Steven noted how he loved Phillip's individuality, calling him a "wildflower" and said that he can tell Phillip loves being who he is and that's what makes him great.

Another duet as Hollie and DeAndre performed the classic "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters. It was okay, but I just don't think that they looked very comfortable up there on stage together. There just wasn't that chemistry between them that I could see. Randy called the performance very nice and impressive. J-Lo said that it was really good and sounded good. And Steven called it a beautiful duet that sounded great.

Joshua Ledet is next to perform and for the second week in a row, he wins the award for the butt-ugly jacket. Who the hell dresses this boy? Joshus perfomed "If You Don't Know Me By Now", originally done by Simply Red. And well... it was okay. He seemed a bit restrained at the start and then was playing vocal games instead of singing at the end. High notes are fine and good, but sing the damn song. Geez! J-Lo called it spectacular, while Randy commented on how "mature" Joshua was and how he was "so in your zone". Steven called it outstanding and the "perfect beautiful song".

And here comes Jessica Sanchez who's trying to capture lightning in a bottle by doing another Whitney Houston song, "How Will I Know". Jessica has a great voice and loves doing these hard, power songs. I think it was okay, but not the best she's done so far. J-Lo said that Jessica was a natural performer whose vocals make everything go away and is really, really good. Steven said that Jessica's voice is so fantastic and that everything she does is beautiful. And Randy said that Jessica did an amazing job and that "she's gotta have it!".

Another duet now as Phillip and Elise did a super-fantastic version of one of my favorite songs, "Stop Dragging My Heart Around", a duet from Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. I love this song and have to admit, I'd love to see Phillip and Elise release this some day as a single. They sound really good together and did just an amazing song. J-Lo called this duet "great music sung great!". Randy said that it "sounded amazing" and was "very nice". Steven said that it was "outstanding" and "couldn't be better" and that it was "as good as it gets!"

Hollie Cavanagh was the next performer to come onstage and she performed "What A Feeling" from the "Flashdance" soundtrack. I think it was Irene Cara who originally sang this song and if Hollie had been smart, she'd have left it with Irene. I wasn't impressed. Her voice just doesn't fit her look and body. J-Lo noted that Hollie just needs to let it all go more and not think so much. Randy noted that Hollie has the talent, but there was a couple of pitchy moments and that Hollie needs to quit thinking and start living it. Steven said that the pitches were all over the place and that it took Hollie a while to get there, but she got there at the end.

And for the final duet of the night, it was Jessica and Joshua doing a "anything you can do, I can do better" duet of "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me", the truly iconic and classic duet by George Micheal and Aretha Franklin. It was hard to get used to Jessica's voice in the beginning doing the Aretha parts, but she really did a great job and made it her song. And Joshua dropped the ugly jacket to just come out and sing and the two of them really meshed well with this song. J-Lo said that maybe they were looking at the finals with Joshua and Jessica. (I don't think so.) She said that they were "something amazing!". Randy said that they "both looked fly" and it was one of the best performances on the show. And Steven said that it was "so far over the top, it defies judging and is only to be enjoyed."

Colton Davis came up next and he did a classic Cyndi Lauper song. I was hoping he would do "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" or "She-Bop", but he played it safe and did an amazing version of "Time After Time" instead. They sped the song up slightly and he put his own "Colton-style" spin on the song and what can I say? He was damn good (and he's cute too.) Boy needs to eat a sammich or two though - he's too skinny! J-Lo said that Colton was in sync with the band and it was amazing. Steven said that Colton's voice is so good, he's ready to make an album now. He nailed it. And Randy said that Colton took the song and made it his own. Colton is "so current" and "ready to go".

And then, for the last song of the night, it was Skylar Laine who did her version of the Bette Midler classic, "Wind Beneath My Wings" from the movie "Beaches". Love the song and love the movie, but so far as Skylar's version of this song goes, it was okay. I know the judges loved it and thought it was great, but some songs just are not meant to be sang with a country twang. I'd love to hear Jessica sing this song and see what she could do with it. But for Skylar, I just couldn't really feel it or get into it. J-Lo said that it was solid and we can't count Skylar out. Randy called it the best performance on the show tonight. And Steven said that it was the beginning of a great career and beautiful.

And that's the show. Not a bad show, but I never did get to hear anyone sing "True" by Spandeau Ballet. My feelings are hurt. It wasn't the best show so far this season and a few people made a few screw-ups here and there, but nothing was really bad and the kiss of death. So who gets to be in the Bottom Three tomorrow night? Last week, it was hard to decide since everyone did so well. This week, the decision isn't quite as hard.

My picks for the "Bottom Three" for this week will be... Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. And who will go home on Thursday night? Hmmmm? They need to send Joshua home just for wearing those ugly jackets, but I think he'll be safe this week. I may be wrong, but I don't think so. I think that Hollie Cavanagh has sang her last song for this competition. She's hit and miss most weeks anyhow, but this week was mostly miss and I think it's going to cost her and end up causing her to get voted off the Island.

So there you go. That's Idol for tonight. Thoughts and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading and I'll catch you later, gators. Have a great night.

Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction - April 4, 2012

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction
April 4, 2012
Doug Maynard & Russell Jackson

So here we are again. Wrestlemania weekend is over and the times, they are a'changing. I'm Doug and as always, I'm joined by the best tag team partner on the planet, Mr. Russell Jackson and this is the column that says it like it is, good or bad. I'm talking "Wrestling Fact or Fiction". Let's just jump right into it. The questions were sent out on Monday night immediately after RAW went off the air.

1) Wrestlemania XXVIII lived up to your expectations?

Russell - FACT: At first, I thought WM XXVIII was gonna be a forgettable PPV with only 8 matches on a 4 hour event & not to my surprise, it started out that way with the opening match...I was already pissed off when I read that the opening match was for the World Heavyweight Championship & to make matters worse, it was an 18 second match from start to end...Through out the PPV after the opening match though, it started to get better...Didn't care bout the Diva's Tag Match nor the "Team Johnny vs Team Teddy" 12 man tag...Even tho I actually wanted Trips to win the HITC match, I thought the match was well done...Big Show to become the new I.C. champion & The Rock with the pin fall over the smartass, John Cena...All in all, I'd say that WM XXVIII lived up to my expectations, yyyyyyep...

Doug - FACT: Although to be honest, my expectations weren't very high and it would be nearly impossible for the WWE to fall beneath them. The first hour, for the most part, blew chunks, but then things started to fall together and the Punk / Jericho match, the Undertaker / HHH match and Cena / Rock not only delivered, but was off the charts. So we got three great matches, one decent match, two so-so matches and two stinkeroos. That's far better than what I was expecting and the WWE deserves kudos. They'd get more kudos if they could have put on maybe seven or eight "off the chart" matches (after all it is Wrestlemania... lol). Wrestlemania wasn't bad and it could have been a lot worse, but let's be honest. It could have been a lot better too.

(1-0) - It started off badly, but got better as the night went on.

2) The Rock versus John Cena match lived up to the hype?

Russell - FICTION: Even though I was ecstatic that The Rock gained the pin fall victory over the smartass, John Cena, I feel that the match between the 2 didn't live up to the hype after a year in the makin...There was no physical confrontation between the 2...Week after week after week all there was was talk...How John Cena was gonna be The Rock's bitch from The Rock, how John Cena HAD to win the match at WM from John Cena...Next time, lets have physical confrontation leadin up to a much anticipated match...I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE that it will be more excitin to the build up of an up-coming match...

Doug - FACT: It was better than I expected. John Cena and The Rock both brought their "A" game and worked extremely hard and busted their asses in that match and although I don't agree with the finish, that's just a small complaint. Given who the two men involved in this match were, I don't think it could have went any better.

(1-1) John Cena can certainly smell what the Rock was cooking!

3) Keeping the Undertaker's "streak" alive at 20 - 0 was the right decision?

Russell - FICTION: I've been wantin the Undertaker's "streak" to end since WrestleMania 25...What's the point of keepin the streak goin especially now since 'Taker is wrestling 1 match a year?...I figured if there was 1 wrestler that could end 'Taker's streak, it would be HHH...So much for that happenin...

Doug - FACT: The "Streak" should never be broken and should remain intact until Undertaker retires. It's the Dead Man's legacy and just like Ric Flair's "sixteen world title reigns", it should never end. Some things are meant to be and the legend of the Undertaker and his "streak" is one of these things.

(1-2) Love him or hate him, there is only one Undertaker!

4) With John Laurinaitis now the official "General Manager" of both RAW and Smackdown, the "Brand Seperation" is officially over and finished?

Russell - FACT: The "Brand Seperation" has been dead for a couple of years now...Have them to Unify the WWE & World Heavyweight Championships into 1 World Championship (A new physical championship at that) & have the World Champion defend the unified championship on both Raw & Smackdown...The WWE already did it with the Tag Titles, why not do it with the World Championship *shrugs*...

Doug - FACT: It was over quite a while ago when RAW became a "SuperShow" where the stars of both RAW and Smackdown both appeared. The whole idea of having two general managers was to give each brand and show a different identity and feel. That's over with now and it's just the same people wrestling on each show and the younger, new stars getting overlooked and forgotten, just like it was in the days before the brand split. Raw and Smackdown are just the titles for the shows now and are about as seperate as a new born baby and his mama's set of "puppies"... lol.

(2-2) Johnny Ace is a tool. 'Nuff said!

5) The Rock is correct when he says that he'll one day be the WWE Champion again?

Russell - FICTION: As much as I'd like to see that happen, I'm not holdin my breath on that one comin to a reality...The ONLY way for that to happen is if The Rock quits doin movie after movie for Hollywood & comes back to the WWE/wrestles on a full time schedule...Like I said, I'm not holdin my breath...

Doug - FICTION: Let's leave the WWE Championship (and all championships) with the wrestlers who are actually there every day and night, week in and week out. The Rock doesn't need to be the WWE Champion or any kind of champion. He doesn't need the title and at this point, putting the title on The Rock would be the modern day equivalent of the David Arquette disaster in WCW or putting the title on Vince McMahon again... just a major mistake. The Rock is a movie star now and only a very part-time perfomer for the WWE at best. Leave the titles to the full time guys.

(3-2) The Rock doesn't need to hold titles - he just needs to be "The Rock".

<<-- SWITCHEROO -->>

6) You were impressed with the debut of Lord Tensai?

Doug - FICTION: I'm glad to see Albert / A-Train back in the WWE, but to be honest, his debut match against Alex Riley just bored the hell out of me. I wasn't impressed at all. I did like the claw at the end, but I've long advocated bringing back the claw as a finisher for someone. It worked extremely well for Blackjack Mulligan, Baron Von Raschke and The Von Erich's and I popped to see Tensai use it on Monday night. But except for that, the rest of Tensai's debut was just bleh. Maybe he'll get better in the weeks and months to come. I hope so.

Russell - FACT: As soon as the bell rang for his match against Alex Riley, he made short work of "A-Rye"...It came to a point that after Tensai nailed Riley with a chokebomb, the referee rang the bell via a "KO" after Riley couldn't defend himself...After the match was over, Tensai spit some kinda mist outta his mouth (like The Great Muta used to do) onto his hand then proceeded to render "A-Rye" helplessly with a claw hold...Kickass debut from Lord Tensai, nuff said...

(4-2) Good to see Albert / A-Train / Tensai back in the WWE.

7) It was AJ's fault that Daniel Bryan lost the World Championship to Sheamus in 18 seconds?

Doug - FICTION: If it was anyone's fault, it was Vince McMahon's and the lousy booking of the creative team. But we're not supposed to think about things like that. Bryan was kissing AJ and was distracted and turned around into Sheamus's boot in the face. So technically, it would be Bryan's fault for allowing himself to be more concerned about getting some lip-action than his title defense and Sheamus. But as the storyline goes along, I'm sure that poor little AJ will be the one to take the blame. And then when Bryan eventually gets the title back and is screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!", AJ will be cast aside and ignored like a little trollip, used and abused and tossed to the curb.

Russell - FICTION: Daniel Bryan wanted the kiss from AJ when the bell rang for the match to begin...His loss, not AJ's fault, he's an idiot, case closed...

(5-2) Daniel Bryan has no one to blame but himself. Yes! Yes! Yes!

8) You're glad to see Alberto Del Rio back in action?

Doug - FACT: Actually, I'm happier to see Ricardo back than Del Rio. Ricardo is entertaining and fun to watch and Del Rio is just part of the package since they're a team deal. Del Rio is a good wrestler and helps fill out the top tier of WWE Superstars and legitimate top guys so having him back is a definite plus for the WWE. I just wonder if he'll let me borrow one of his cars for a few days.

Russell - FICTION: The loud mouth, Mexican Aristacrat has returned...Ohhhhhh yippy yaw aye...I must say though, I was glad to see Del Rio get Brogue Kicked at the side of his face on Raw by Sheamus...That was funny shit right there...

(5-3) It's Del Rio's destiny to create dissension among us... lol

9) John Cena was correct when he called The Rock "the greatest WWE Superstar in this industry"?

Doug - FICTION: He's probably the most successful man to come out of the WWE with his movie career, but that's the "movie industry" and not the "wrestling business". Is he bigger than Steve Austin? Or Triple H? Or Ric Flair? Or Hulk Hogan? Or Shawn Michaels? Or The Undertaker? Or even John Cena? I guess it's all just a matter of perspective, but in my opinion, as great as The Rock is, is he the "greatest in the industry"? If the industry we're speaking of is "wrestling" or "sports-entertainment", he's damn good, but the "greatest"? Not even close.

Russell - FACT: I do agree with Cena when he called The Rock "The greatest WWE Superstar in this industry...But that doesn't give the right for Cena to kiss ass on nation wide television just coz he got his ass pinned in the middle of the ring by The Rock at WrestleMania...& that happened coz Cena decided to be a wise ass & attempt to deliver the "People's Elbow" on The Rock...Really?...Really?...Cena is a moron plain'n'simple...

(5-4) And we all can smell what the Rock is cookin'...

10) You popped when Brock Lesnar came out and F-5'ed John Cena?

Doug - FACT: I have to admit that I did get a few goosebumps as Lesnar came out on the ramp. And then he did his mannerisms and made his way to the ring to shake Cena's hand and then deliver a big time F-5. And the thrill was gone. Lesnar was a goof during his first WWE run and kind of bored the hell out of me (and that was when he had Paul Heyman as a spokesman). Now he's back and I want to be excited and positive and happy, but instead, I'm just not feeling anything. I popped for him to come out and do Cena so I had to answer "Fact", but will it make things more interesting and exciting in the WWE over the next year or so? I hope so, but to be honest, I don't think it will make any difference in the long term of things.

Russell - FACT: Sayin that I popped would be a gross under statement...I was so happy that I actually dropped the "F-Bomb" when his music played lol..."The Next Big Thing" is back in the WWE & he has his sight set on the wise ass himself, John Cena...Cena, the idiot he is, actually wanted to shake hands with Lesnar?...Really?...Really?...Cena got what he had comin when Lesnar draped that moron across his shoulders & planted him with an "F-5"...HERE COMES THE PAIN!!!!!!!

(6-4) Love him or hate him, Brock knows how to make an impact. Where's Sable at?

And there you go. We went (6-4) this week. Something about Wrestlemania just brings out all the differences in people, I guess. It was a good show and another good column in the books as well. Questions and comments, or if you'd like to join Russell and myself as part of the "Fact Or Fiction" crew, just drop me a line at Doug28352@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can do.

My thanks again to the ever-awesome Russell Jackson for his help and answers. He's so bad, he tried to bite Mike Tyson's ear off... lol. I'm Doug and I have a damn cat here wanting to play fetch, so I'm closing this up. Back next week with another edition of Fact or Fiction and who knows what else might pop up in the meantime. Keep your eyes open and see. Have a great week and we'll see you on the flip side.

Ubuntu!