Warming Up! I'm back!

All righty then. I told myself that just as soon as I got the internet back up and running here at the house, I would immediately reassume my spot as professional wrestling's most eclectic columnist and the crazy-ass wannabe writer that you all have grown to know and love over the past ten or so years. So I get the internet back and am on the computer. And guess what? My mind has gone totally blank. I feel like James Stockdale at the 1988 Vice Presidential Debate. "Who am I? Why am I here?" I can't think of anything to write about. Oh vey! But then again, when have I ever let anything like that stop me before? Those of you who have read some of my columns / blogs of the past ("Tossing Salt - Worldwide News", "Tiger Tales", "Six Minutes", etc) all know well that just because I don't have anything going on in my head, I won't let that stop me. Damn, that doesn't sound very good, does it? So where shall I begin on my random rant of anything, everything and nothing at all? How about just some observations and commentary of the past few months and all that has happened since I've been "away". Does that sound like a plan? Okey-doke. Let's do this. We had a political election and President Obama got re-elected. Am I happy about that? Not at all. In my opinion, the current President is arguably the worst President in our country's history and is only going to make things even more bad that they are right now. Look at the unemployment numbers. Look at the gas prices and the costs of everything in general. Look at the national debt which he has almost tripled since taking office. If Obama was the CEO of any major corporation and had a job perfomance like he's had as the President of the United States, he would have been out on his butt and terminated long ago. But this is a country where the Presidency is a popularity contest and whoever can play to the cameras and media generally wins out over who can actually do the better job. Mitt Romney was a bad candidiate for the Republicans. And he lost. It's that simple. I don't like it, but I'm living with it and life goes on. Maybe the President will surprise me and things will get better. I don't have much faith or confidence in the man or his policies, but we have to live with the choices that this country made and we'll survive. The world was supposed to end yesterday according to the Mayan calendar. It didn't. We're still here. I guess that means I need to get started on my Christmas shopping, right? Only two more shopping days. Yay! And yes, I do say "Merry Christmas!"... because that's what it is. To heck with political correctness and if anyone doesn't like it, kiss my mistletoe. I could comment on wrestling and the current state of the WWE, but surprisingly, I haven't watched an entire episode of RAW or Smackdown in almost three months and am way, way behind on the happenings and activities of the WWE Universe. I hate that nickname by the way. I know that CM Punk is still the WWE Champion (and the best in the world) and that Miz is "awesome" and that Paul Heyman's bald spot is getting bigger. I also heard that (Woooooooooo!) Ric Flair was back on RAW this past week at the Slammys show. And all of that is well and good, but I need to catch up on things before I start doing too much about the world's greatest sport. We had a DVR installed yesterday when I got my internet restored so I'll be able to watch RAW, Smackdown and Impact Wrestling again (despite my store manager's best efforts to make me work like a toddler from Tibet in a sweatshop) and the commentaries and wrestling style rants will resume soon. Count on that. Big shout out to La Krew Familia... Ya'll are my family as much as the blood-related folks are (more so in many ways) and I love ya'll big tyme... even if ya'll are a bunch of Infamous scoundrals sometimes... lol And to "T" and "Brother Greg" and the past and present "Stoneys" - you know who you are... lol. My "real family"... <3 We're just a few days away from Christmas. Only two more shopping days to go. I already mentioned that, didn't I? It really hasn't felt that much like Christmas this year or even like any kind of holiday. Usually, I'm really good about sending out Christmas cards, but to be honest, I haven't even sent out a single card yet this year or even decorated anything. I'm just not feeling it this year. I bought a card to send to the man I love and want to spend my life with, but can't be with (yes, that drama continues and I still love him with all my heart and soul) and I've got to buy a present (a gift card) for someone at work who's name I drew, but aside from that... BLAH! I'm trying to get into the spirit and I'll be going to Wal-Mart in tomorrow probably in the AM to find something for Ma and Kayden (love that lil' boy!), but it's just not happening this year. I'm trying, but... I do have a quick little memory to share though. This was 1988 I believe and I was living on my own at Briarwood Apartments. Apt. 50. And my roomie at the time was a very awesome young man named Jack Carter. I haven't talked to Jack in a while even though we're friends on Facebook. I think about him often though and miss those days. He was (and is) one of the most unique and incredible person's that I've ever known. Anyhow, that year, I was working at Convenient Food Mart (Jimmy Lee's) and we had this big old live tree in our apartment that we had picked up somewhere (don't ask). And money was tight. We had to pay rent, buy beer, eat, buy beer, etc. So we decorated up the tree with the available resources. Fake snow and Natural Light cans. And guess what? It looked incredible. I wish we had taken pictures of that tree. I wish we had taken more pictures back in those days anyhow. Those were good times. We didn't take pictures of that tree, but it's forever there in my mind and memories. That was the best Christmas tree (and in hindsight, one of the best Christmas's in general) that I ever had. To be young and without a care in the world except for just having fun (and drinking lots of beer!) I guess I'm going to close this ramble-fest. It's short, but it's just the start of the rebirth and new beginning of the "Tossing Salt Media, Inc" empire. Actually, I have a plan for world conquest. But that's not important right now. I also have a plan to throw myself back into the picture as a writer/blogger and to get my skills back up to par after the long layoff. And after Christmas, I'll tell you what it is... lol. I'm being a tease. Yes, I know this, but that just makes it more exciting and fun for me. Let me just suffice it to say that I'm back and once I start cutting loose (cause that's how I roll), it will be as Chris Jericho used to frequently say. "The world will never be the same... again!" Okay, I guess I really have rambled enough. And I didn't even get a chance to touch on the tragedy at Sandy Hook (way too sad - I cried), work (chicken and taterville USA), Johnny Bootlegger, gun control (how about idiot control?), bears, two-faced friends and users (that's a full multi-part blog in itself), or that damn cat of mine. Yeah, there is definitely more to come. Thanks for reading my "warm-up" blog. I've got to go get ready for work now so I really will close this up. Have a great day, my Peeps. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. And keep passing those open windows. Ubuntu!

TNA No Surrender Predictions - September 9, 2012

Tossing Salt - Worldwide News TNA No Surrender Predictions September 9, 2012 Doug Maynard Testing... testing! 1... 2... 3. Is anyone there? Well, wake the hell up and get ready because I'm back Peeps and I've got something to say. My work schedule for the next week... SUCKS!! Okay, that is all. So now that that's out of the way, let's get on with the real reason I'm here tonight sitting in front of this computer and missing out on some much needed sleep. And that reason is "TNA No Surrender", which airs on pay-per-view tonight. I wasn't going to do a prediction column at first, but then I thought about it and changed my mind and decided, "What the hell!". So here I am. I'm Doug and and I AM professional wrestling's most eclectic "internet wrestling journalist" and "salt-tosser". I know that you peeps thought I was through and you were finished with me? Well, think again cause I'm back! Let's get right to the matches and my predictions because I have something else I want to do tonight before I head to bed and I need to get to hopping if I'm going to manage to get it all completed and posted. So here goes. I've got my "Sister Cleo" crystal ball all polished up and primed. Let's do this... Impact Wrestling World Champion Austin Aries versus A Member of Aces & Eights I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a title match or not, but I guess it really doesn't matter anyhow because it won't be much of a match. It'll be a chaotic, pier-six brawl with lots of other people, for both sides, getting involved. I expect we'll see a big gang beatdown of the TNA Champion, Aries and then a big mob scene at the end with the Aces & Eights team fleeing after picking their shots and leaving Aries laid out and beaten. Winner: No Contest - Match Ends in Double DQ or Double Count-out! Bound For Glory Semi-Final Match: James Storm versus Bully Ray Well, the news broke just a few days ago that Bully Ray has signed a new two-year deal with TNA. Do you know what that means? It's means that the "Bully" is going over and taking no prisoners. Look for some interference by Bobby Roode and Bully taking advantage to steal a win, thus taking himself to the BFG finals and also freeing up Storm for a match at Bound For Glory against Bobby Roode so they can settle their feud. Works for me. Winner: Bully Ray Bound For Glory Semi-Final Match: Samoa Joe versus Jeff Hardy Jeff Hardy doesn't need to win and to be honest, even though he's come back a long ways, he still doesn't (in my eyes) deserve to be in the main event / World Championship picture. Joe has looked really great as of late and even when TNA was shitting all over him, he stayed loyal and proved that he is a team player to the max. It's time for that loyalty to be rewarded. Samoa Joe kills bitches (and Jeff Hardy) dead and moves on to face Bully Ray in the BFG Finals. Winner: Samoa Joe Bound For Glory Finals Match: TBD versus TBD Well, I think it will end up being Samoa Joe versus Bully Ray for this match and the future shot at Austin Aries at the BFG ppv. And actually, either match would be really good to see. My first thoughts are that it's finally Joe's time to get that elusive TNA Championship, but Bully just signed a new deal and you know that he's getting something major out of the deal... could it be a shot at Austin Aries at BFG? I think so. Winner Who Gets Title Shot at BFG: Bully Ray Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championship Match: Christopher Daniels & Kazarian versus AJ Styles and Kurt Angle Four of the best wrestlers in the world today and they're stuck in a meaningless tag team match? I know it's for the tag titles, but for Angle and Styles, that would be kind of a fall from grace. Oh wait, that's only in the WWE. In TNA, tag teams actually mean something. My bad! I just can't see Angle and Styles lasting very long as a team. So naturally, that means that they'll win and we'll get the often-done "feuding partners" storyline going on. I hope not, but that's usually the way these things go and I don't think TNA will be any different. Winners and NEW TNA Impact Wrestling Tag Team Champions: AJ Styles & Kurt Angle Impact Wrestling X-Divsion Championship Match: Zema Ion versus Sonjay Dutt I didn't even know that Sonjay was back with TNA. That's good for him and them though because he's an excellent wrestler and is capable of having a good match with almost anyone. I'm kind of surprised that they didn't hotshot Chavo Guerrero into this match, but I guess it's better that Sonjay is the opponent because I just don't see Ion losing the X-Division title anytime soon or at least not until Jesse Sorenson makes his return. Besides, Ion is doing a great job thus far (and he's an incredibly sexy beast) so he deserves to keep the title. And on Sunday night, he will. Winner and STILL X-Division Champion: Zema Ion Rob Van Dam versus Magnus Magnus is another one of TNA's wrestlers who has just gotten better and better as of late and is really starting to come into his own. This should be one helluva good, high impact match. As for who wins, RVD doesn't need the win and Magnus does. So I'm going with Magnus to take that trip to the pay window. Winner: Magnus Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship Match: Brooke Tessmacher versus Tara And finally, we get the classic "Teacher versus Student" match as Brooke (Not Hulk's daughter - the one with actual talent) takes on Victoria (I know she's called Tara now, but she'll always be Victoria to me). This could actually be a good match as neither of these ladies are slouches in the ring and Victoria is talented enough to cover up any mistakes that Brooke might make. Victoria won the match on TV so logic says that Brooke wins the match at the PPV. But to hell with logic - I want the psycho Victoria back in action and I want her to be the Knockouts Champion. And come Sunday night, I'm thinking I'll get both my wishes. Winner and NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Victoria (Tara). And there you go. My predictions for TNA No Surrender, taking place tonight (September 9. 2012) at the Impact Zone Arena in Orlando, FL. I won't be able to watch the show due to having to work (six freakin nights closing this week - whazzup wit dat?), but I think it should be a pretty good show. TNA has really come a long ways in just a short time over the past few months and I hope that the hard work, good wrestling and excitement and energy continue tonight at the pay per view. And I guess that's all for me for now. I'll probably be back later with some more wrestling goodness so don't go away (or at least don't go too far away!) InFamous Ent. is the way to go and we're taking over. Don't know what that means? Don't worry - you will. I'm Doug and I'm out of here for now. See you on the flip side and never, ever forget. Wrestling is real! It's life that's fake! Ubuntu!

Triple Threat Movie Review - June 15, 2012

Tossing Salt Triple-Threat Movie Review June 15, 2012 Well, I was supposed to be at a session with my therapist right now, but she called me last night and left a message on the machine. After just one (1) previous session, she's leaving her position and going to another job. Translated: That dude is freakin' nuts and I can't deal with him - let me gets the hell out of here! No, not really (I don't think). She got a chance for another job with another company and it's a better position with more money so she's correct in going for it. It's merely a coincidence that her last day just happened to fall on the same day as my appointment and that this was the day we were supposed to do the "deep revelations" and really get into my background in an attempt to find out what my problems are. It's all just a coincidence. (Yeah, right!) Or is it? Regardless of why she's dumping me to the curb, I've ended up with a few free minutes of time before I have to head out and do the most dastardly and evil, nasty act in the history of man... I have to go to... Wal-Mart. I need drinks and an ink cartridge for my printer. And cat treats. Can't forget the cat treats or else my "damn cat" will most definitely make me forget it. But that's in a little while, after my hair dries and I decide what pair of flip flops and socks to wear. (I've always heard that a person should dress appropiately for his enviroment and for Wally-World, flip flops and socks, torn jean shorts and an "I'm With Stupid" t-shirt seems most appropiate. Unfortunately, I don't have the latter two items so I'll have to improvise. Maybe I can find my pajama pants and a sweat shirt to wear? Hmmmm! I think I've gotten off track. Yeah, that happens sometimes. I got distracted by the young man who lives across the street. He doesn't like me (I don't think) and is even more anti-social than I am (imagine that), but damn it, he's a sexy dude. Would love to be able to strike up a friendship (with benefits) with that guy. I love his hair and the whole attitude thing. It's HOT! Did I mention that I won ten dollars ($10) on a $1 scratch-off ticket yesterday morning. I had an urge / compulsion to waste a buck and bought one "Amazing 8's" ticket and do my part to support the (crooked) NC Lottery system. And I scratched and I won ten bucks. Yay me! Okay, so about last night. I left work at 11:15pm and was stressed out / tired. I decided to stop by the Red Box machine and get a couple of movies to watch and wind down with. And since I'm not working today and have a few minutes of free time, I've decided to do some quick, Cliffnote style reviews of those same three movies. I picked some doozies to be sure, but they seemed good at the time. So now I'm finally back on track and ready to do some movie reviews. Let's do this. Movie # 1 was "Abe Lincoln versus Zombies". I knew from the title and cover that it would either be really good or really bad. And though it started off well enough, it quickly proved that it wasn't really all that. I liked the civil war outfits and the dude playing Abe Lincoln was pretty cool even though he had a whiney, nasal-filled voice that made him sound and look like a dweeb. The zombies were a great example of what can be done with little make-up and (I guess) next to no budget as they were kind of cool too. But the story-line was non-existent and if it did exist, I lost track almost immediately. Maybe this movie would be better if I was drunk or on drugs... lots and lots of drugs, but it just didn't do anything for me and was a waste of time. Love the title and the concept on the movie, but it just didn't work. Maybe the sequal (Barack Obama versus Dracula) will be better? Movie # 2 was "The Smurfs". And guess what. Despite bringing back all sorts of childhood trauma from watching that dastardly cartoon all those years ago, and despite the fact that the "Smurf song" (La La La La La La - La La La La La) is stuck in my head, I actually liked it. It's Neil Patrick Harris and a bunch of computer generated blue thingys running around and being cute. It's a cute little harmless movie and was even entertaining at points. You haven't lived until you see N.P.H. and the Smurfs playing Guitar Hero and singing the Run DMC version of "Walk This Way". Would I recommend this movie to anyone? Not really because it's not really the type of movie that a person should admit to liking or enjoying or else you'll be advised to go see a therapist. But hell, I'm already seeing a therapist (or was until she abandoned me) so I can sit back and enjoy it with no reprocussions or major brain damage. Anything with Neil Patrick Harris is generally going to be good and this is no exception. It's not for everyone, but I liked it. Lord shoot me now! And finally, the # 3 movie I watched was "Cowboys versus Aliens". And even though I don't particularly care for cowboy movies or sci-fi movies (I like super heroes - not space ships), I liked it. It was well written, well acted and the movie actually made sense (about as much sense as cowboys fighting martians possibly can anyhow). Again, this movie isn't for everyone, but it moved along fairly quickly and I didn't get bored (which is pretty amazing in itself). So if you want to spend a few mindless hours just watchig a movie and escaping from the real world for a little while, this Sci-Fi Western might just be the way to go. By the way, the reference to the movie "Barack Obama versus Dracula" earlier is just something I made up. It doens't exist, but if I get really bored one afternoon, who knows? It eventually might... lol. And I guess that's all for now. My hair is nearly dry and I need to go ahead and get that pleasant shopping experience that is Wally-World over with. And when I'm finished there, I'll come home and give myself an enema with Drano and a plunger... which would probably be just about as much fun. OUCH!! I just pictured that mage in my head. Hmmmmm! Maybe not! So there you go. My movie reviews for three movies I watched last night / today after work. Hope you liked it. And now, I'm headed out. Wish me luck at the Hell-Mouth. I'm gonna need it. Ubuntu!

Wrestling Fact or Fiction - May 26, 2012

Wrestling Fact Or Fiction May 26, 2012 Doug Maynard Russell Jackson It's back and with a vengence (kind of like Chyna on the set of a porn movie). It's "Tossing Salt Presents: Wrestling Fact or Fiction". I'm Doug and along with the real baddest man on the planet, he makes Mike Tyson cry, Russell Jackson, we're here to kick butt and take names rasslin' style. Actually, we're just taking a look at ten different situations in the world of sports-entertainment and determining among ourselves if it's Fact or Fiction, good or bad, sweet or sour, high or low, sell or no sale, etc... We're telling it like it is because that's just how we roll. Sorry for the absence of the past two weeks. Both Russell and I have had issues and obligations that have caused havoc in our lives, but things are back on track and on schedule and we're ready now to rock and roll. And I've rambled long enough so let's do this. Questions were sent out early in the week. WWE expanding RAW to three hours every Monday night is a good move? Russell - FICTION: 2 hours of Raw every Monday night is more talk than action...A move to 3 hours will be even more talk & even less action...It's a bad move... Doug - FICTION: Doesn't anyone in the WWE remember WCW and Nitro and how many problems that they had filling three hours of Nitro each Monday night. I understand why the WWE is doing this - the USA Network wants them to and it will mean a substantial increase in revenue for the company, but when you factor in the added expenses for more talent, more writers and the toll this will take on the so-called "creative teams" for the extra hour of television, when they're already doing Raw, Smackdown, Superstars, NXT, AM Raw and FCW, it's just not worth it. When you read Eric Bischoff's book, "Controversy Creates Cash", which is a very good read, Bischoff goes into great detail about how much harder it made things for WCW to survive when they added the third hour to Nitro and then added Thunder as well. You would think that the USA Network and the WWE would look at that example and learn from it rather than make the same mistakes. Three hours will burn out the Monday night audience, allow much more crap than usual to make it on the air and put more pressure on everyone and will end up hurting the company far more than it can possibly help. It's not a good mood at all. Sometimes, too much really is too much. (1-0) TNA Impact! going live every Thursday night for the summer is a good move? Russell - FICTION: How bout TNA Impact going live every Thursday night from now on?...At least people will have to tune in to TNA Impact shows if they wanna know what's gonna be on the show... Doug - FACT: It's throwing stuff up against the wall to see what sticks and while trying to compete against RAW on Monday nights a couple of years ago wasn't the brightest of moves, I can't see this doing anything but helping the company at this point. It adds a sense of anticipation and excitement to the show that pre-taped shows can't possibly have. When it comes to sports-entertainment, live is almost always better. It'll add more pressure to the wrestlers and production teams to do their very best and should help to draw some new fans to the TNA product, checking it out to see if things are any better than the last time they took a look. This could be a big opportunity for TNA to reach out and find a new audience if they do it right. It surely can't hurt. It should attract some a few new viewers. (1-1) Bring Paul Heyman in to act as Brock Lesnar's representative was a smart play by the WWE? Russell - FACT: Paul Heyman was the guy that helped guide Brock Lesnar to his first of three WWE Championships in Lesnar's first stint with WWE...It only make sense to have Paul Heyman be brought in to serve as Brock Lesnar's representative, as Paul Heyman is a close friend & business partner of Brock Lesnar...Smart move by WWE... Doug - FACT: Having Paul Heyman come in, especially when you consider his history not only with Brock, but with the WWE in general, was a major gain for the WWE. Paul's character will attract older fans, from the ECW glory days, plus it adds some legitimacy to the Brock - HHH storyline because nobody is better at blurring the line between reality and storyline than Heyman. It's a win - win for all parties involved. Heyman is de' man! Heyman is a wrestling genius. (2-1) Brooke Hogan will make a good addition to the TNA Knockouts Roster? Russell - FICTION: Brooke Hogan - Another idiot "Hogan" name bein brought to the TNA Organization & bein hand picked by her idiotic father to run the TNA Knockout Division...Another huge crack in the sinking "Titanic" that is TNA... Doug - FACT: And no, I'm not joking. I'd definitely much rather see Brooke in a TNA ring, getting her ass kicked by the other TNA Knockouts than have to ever listen to her attempt to sing again. She has name recognition and some noteriety that comes along with her and hell, she can't be any worse than Garett Bischoff, right? Let her be a Knockout. She might actually be able to have some skill and ability at this job. Just don't make us listen to her sing. (2-2) WWE was smart to sign Ashley Flair (Ric's daughter) to a developmental contract? Russell - FACT: Ashley Flair getting a developmental contract with WWE was a smart move on WWE's part...Before too much longer, I see Ashley's father, Ric Flair, to makin his return to WWE in some way, shape or form... Doug - FACT: If Ashley wants to try wrestling and has even half the ability that her younger brother Reid was showing (before he screwed up and got a drug arrest, thus costing him his WWE Developmental deal), then it's a great move by the WWE. The name "Flair" still sells wrestling tickets and besides, nothing ventured and nothing gained, right? I strongly suspect that Ric Flair will be back in the WWE in some capacity before the year is out (TNA is getting tired of his shenanigans) and once the heat dies down on Reid and his screw-up is pretty much forgotten, he'll probably be back in the WWE as well at some point. So why not hire Ashley and make it a "Flair Family Reunion". It can't hurt and at least it's not the Hogan's, right? Wonder if she can go "all night long"... Wooooo! (3-2) <<<--- SWITCHEROO --->>> Turning the Big Show heel at "Over The Limit" was a good idea? Doug - FICTION: I'm kind of torn on this one because it's probably good for the Big Show's character, which has become extremely stale and boring over the past few years. It'll give him a chance to tweak the character and be a total ass-clown for a change rather than the big goof he's played so often as of late. But the reason I'm saying fiction is just that it was so damn predictable and boring. As soon as the stipulation was named for the match, we all knew that there would be outside interference to help save "Big Johnny" from getting his butt kicked. The only question was would it be Brock Lesnar, who has "quit" or Big Show, who Laurinaitis had just "fired". Well, know we know. Yawn! This would have been a great time to maybe debut some of the newer talent from WWE Developmental instead of being so damn predictable. Almost anything or anyone else would have been better. Russell - FICTION: Turning the Big Show heel at "Over the Limit" PPV was a friggin stupid move on WWE's part & now we're stuck with a Big Show vs John Cena feud...*looks down, shakes head*... Big Show does not a good heel make. (4-2) Having John Laurinaitis "defeat" John Cena at Over The Limit was a good call by the WWE? Doug - FACT: Another call where I wanted to say "fiction", but if Cena had won, then what would happen next? It'd be over and he'd be back in the WWE title picture, hogging the spotlight from folks like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Sheamus. With "Big Johnny" getting the win, we're pretty much assured that Cena will be busy for the next few months playing "Stone Cold" to Laurinaitis's "Mr. McMahon" and thus, kept away from the major titles and leaving the belts to people who deserve that spot of glory for a change. True, this means that we have to listen to "Big Johnny" for a while longer and endure this "PeoplePower" crapola or whatever it is that he calls it, but anything that keeps Cena away from the major titles is, in my mind, a good thing. Russell - FICTION: Seriously?...John Laurinaitis gettin the win over John Cena at Over the Limit PPV?...What will happen next? John Laurinaitis challenging for a WWE Championship title?...Plain pathetic... Johnny Ace knows how to generate heat - that's for sure. (4-3) WWE made the right call in having Christian defeat Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Championship? Doug - FICTION: Don't get me wrong. I'm glad to see Christian (finally) back in action, but coming in and defeating Cody for the IC title as quickly as he did just totally crapped all over Cody and his efforts as the IC Champion over the past year. The money, for a guy like Christian, isn't in being a champ, but in the pursuit of the title. What draws the fans is wondering "can he do it" and just "one more match"... lol. And what's up with this sudden face turn for no reason? When last we saw Christian, he was kissing up to John Laurinaitis, annoying everyone in sight and whining constantly about "one more match". And now, for no reason at all, he's back from his injury and he's all sweet and lovable and Mr. Nice Guy on the side of the angels. I don't mind heel turns or face turns if there's a reason behind them, but this just happened and it doesn't make any sense. But then again, this is the WWE and making sense isn't necessarily required for their storylines, is it? Oh vey! Russell - FACT: Not only having Christian defeat Cody Rhodes for the I.C. Championship, but Christian turning back to a "face" as a result of winning the I.C. Championship was a good call over all...At least, maybe, we won't get to hear Christian asking "For one more shot at the World Heavyweight Championship"...One can only hope... And on Sunday night, Peeps all across the world joined together and rejoiced. (4-4) CM Punk was the right choice to win his match and retain the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan? Doug - FACT: CM Punk is on a roll and doing a fantastic job as the WWE Champion. And Daniel Bryan is so hot right now with the fans (YES! YES! YES!) that he doesn't need a title to get himself over. With Punk as the champion and Bryan as the challenger, we're having some fantastic matches that will probably carry us all through the summer months (if we're lucky). And you know what? That suits me just fine. Russell - FACT: All hail CM Punk as the WWE Champion & all hail CM Punk retaining his WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan at Over the Limit...Thank you... Punk is de' man now in the WWE! (5-4) Ric Flair will soon be terminated by TNA and will eventually return to the WWE? Doug - FACT: Ric has been making noise about coming back to the WWE for a while and even said so when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Horsemen a few months ago. And from all reports, TNA is getting tired and fed up with his shenanigans and antics and beginning to realize that while Flair is arguably the greatest all-around wrestling superstar of all times, his behavior isn't really the type you'd want associated with your company. Vince and HHH know and love Flair and will tolerate his stunts. TNA doesn't need to and shouldn't have to. Ric will be gone from that company before long (probably within the year) and welcomed back to the WWE with open arms (and bar tabs). And with daughter Ashley now signed to a developmental deal, we'll have all Flair all the time in the WWE once more. Woooooo! Russell - FACT: Ric Flair has no business bein in TNA period...He needs to leave TNA & return to the WWE in a non-wrestling gig of some kind... Diamonds are forever and so is Ric Flair. Wooooooooo!! (6-4) And there you go. Questions and comments can be sent to Doug28352@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading. We do appreciate it! I'm Doug and speaking on behalf of both myself and Russell, have a great week and don't forget, wrestling is real! Life is what's fake! Take it light. Ubuntu!

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