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2011 Boston Red Sox season review (90-72)

2011-09-29T15:19:00.005-04:00

What a heartbreaking end to a heartbreaking season. :( Weird that I slept just fine. No postseason = no more making way to watch games anymore. I love it but I hate it.

Ok, so in the beginning of the season, I made some predictions of what I expected in the season. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how many I got right!

***TEXTS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED WERE PREDICTIONS***

***TEXTS IN WHITE ARE WHAT I THINK NOW***

This is what I thought the lineup would look like. But, this was months ago when the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.

This is probably more likely of what their projected lineup is going to be. I think you could switch Crawford/Gonzalez around.

--- HA! My projected lineup was wrong in so many levels. I thought Carl Crawford was going to leadoff for most of the season because of his almighty OBP. Abysmal first year in a Red Sox uniform for Crawford (.255 AVG/ 11 HR/ 56 RBI). Total underachiever. Dustin Pedroia = right. Adrian Gonzalez = right. Kevin Youkilis = right (until he got injured). David Ortiz = right. J.D. Drew = somewhat right (until he got injured). Marco Scutaro = wrong (moved everywhere in the lineup). Jarrod Saltalamacchia = somewhat right. Jacoby Ellsbury = WRONG.

2) 2) In a perfect world, I expect AT LEAST 4/5 of the starting pitchers to win 15 games or more.

--- Well, I certainly got this WRONG. Only one starter got to 15 wins and that was Jon Lester. Josh Beckett had 13 wins and was certainly on pace but was sidetracked during the season. John Lackey, OH MY GOD, where do I begin. Do I even need to begin? They need to get rid of this cancer IMMEDIATELY. Typing in CAPS certainly helps me get my points across. Clay Buchholz injured for most of the season. Daisuke Matsuzaka gone for the entire season. OHHHHHHH.

Jon Lester has been pretty consistent the past three years with 16/15/19 wins. He’s a strikeout machine. It’s a lock that he should continue that success.

--- Continued success I got right. Stumbled here and there on starts but is reliable when needed. Here’s to more continued success.

Hopefully, John Lackey rebounds from last year and show that his first year in the A.L. East was an adjustment. If he can duplicate his success in 2007 where he had 19 wins, the Red Sox should be sitting high.

--- Yeah, right. What in the world was I thinking saying Lackey would bounce back after a year. He did EVEN WORSE than last year. 6.41 ERA!!!!!!!!!!

Clay Buchholz showed everyone last year the kind of potential and promise they were expecting of him. All he needed was a chance and a full season under his belt and look what happened. 17-7 with a 2.33 ERA.

--- Well, he got a sure spot on the rotation this year and it looked like he was going to continue that success from last year until the INJURY BUG struck.

Josh Beckett is probably the biggest story (as far as pitchers go) within the rotation. Everyone projects him as a dominating pitcher and an “ace.” Putting him as the fourth starter will hopefully motivate him into pitching well and proving that he deserves to be higher within the rotation. Getting beaned in the head and inconsistent pitching during Spring Training isn’t helping him going into the season. Hopefully that changes.

--- He did take back that “ace” role and was counted on to stop the bleeding when the Red Sox were hitting a funk. (13-7 [OK]) with a 2.89 ERA until the INJURY BUG struck.

And finally, we have Daisuke Matsuzaka. He’s the wildcard in all this. If he can even remotely duplicate his 2008 season where he somehow went 18-3 (despite always loading the bases and somehow getting away with no runs), then this will fully round the rotation.

--- Yeah, right. What in the world was I thinking here?

Realistically, I think only 3/5 will get it done (Lester, Buchholz, and Beckett). I hope I’m wrong, though.

--- ALMOST! (Not really)

3) Over or under? Adrian Gonzalez will finish the season with a .300 AVG/ 38 HR/ 132

RBI.

--- Finished the season with a .338 AVG so I got that right. 27 HRs so I got that wrong. 117 RBIs so I got that wrong. Still a great season for Gonzalez, though. Cooled off a lot in September but should still be mentioned for MVP voting.

Carl Crawford will have 61 stolen bases (one more than his ’09 season where he had 60).

--- 18 stolen bases in 2011. WOW was I off or what? Out of touch.

4) Jed Lowrie will have better statistics over Marco Scutaro despite being on the

BENCH.

--- Nope, WRONG again. Complete opposite. Jed Lowrie (INJURY BUG) = 88 games, .252 AVG/ 6 HR/ 36 RBI. OPS = .685. Marco Scutaro = 113 games, .299 AVG/ 7 HR/ 54 RBI. OPS = .781. Surely they must be thinking of picking up Scutaro’s option for next year. Who else is out there?

5) Hideki Okajima will find a way back into the team. They need some lefty relievers.

--- The artist formerly known as “OKI-DOKI” appeared in only 7 games, boasting a

1-0, 4.32 ERA before he was given the pink slip. How Matt Albers made it to the

team is something I would love to know.

6) Red Sox WILL win 100 games this year and the A.L. East title.

--- They most certainly COULD’VE and SHOULD’VE. If only they won the games

that they SHOULD’VE and didn’t blow the whole month of September.

7) Kevin Youkilis will be a serious contender to win the A.L. MVP award.

--- I still believed this until the INJURY BUG struck. The Big Three of Ellsbury,

Gonzalez, and Pedroia are most definitely going to be in the talks for MVP. Ellsbury

is above Gonzalez and Pedroia, in my opinion. Gonzalez over Pedroia.

8) Tim Wakefield will find a way back into the rotation. He always does. Can’t put that

68 MPH fastball in the dumps!

--- Oh, he certainly found his way into the rotation (thanks to Buchholz/Dice-K). Sucks that they were so inclined to give Wakefield so many shots at win #200 when in actually, it costed them big time. Those starts he had should’ve belonged to a machine named ALFREDO ACEVES (give the man a raise!!!!)

9) This will be Daniel Bard’s year to shine to show he’s the future closer which means

bye bye Jonathan Papelbon.

--- “Daniel Bard’s year to shine to show he’s the future closer…” until the month of September came. OOPS. Jonathan Papelbon bounced back into a dominant year until the very last game. We all know what happened there. :(

10) ’04 + ’07 = ’11 World Series Champs. Destiny? I think so. But you, you already

KNOW that!

--- :( :( :(

***BONUS**** 10 Thoughts heading into next season for 2012 (more questions than thoughts)

1) 1) It’s expected (at least I think) that Beckett and Lester will likely be the 1+2 starters, but who goes after? If Buchholz is ready, you would think he’d be the 3^rd. JOHN LACKEY? I’d hate to think. They seriously need to find all possibilities to get rid of this guy. But who would want that atrocious contract that he has? No one. Dice-K is already a flop they should shop him around. Wakefield? Bring him back but LEAVE HIM IN THE BULLPEN.

2) Is this the last we’ve seen of David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Marco Scutaro, and Jonathan Papelbon? Ortiz is someone who I would think would have the best shot at coming back. He has produced (.309 AVG/ 29 HR/ 96 RBI). 50/50 with Varitek. Do they consider the tandem of Saltalamacchia/Lavarnway heading forward? What about Wakefield? The senior citizen should come back only if he were to stay in the bullpen. J.D. Drew? Likely retiring. Jacoby Ellsbury I would think would like to stay (GIVE HIM CRAWFORD’S CONTRACT!). Marco Scutaro I would think would get his option picked up. Jonathan Papelbon? Likely to test free agency but who knows what will happen with him.

3) A L F R E D O A C E V E S ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

4) Who stays or gets fired? Terry Francona? Theo Epstein? Both? None?

5) Who’s going to man right field? Josh Reddick showed promise but sizzled during the stretch. RYAN KALISH? Hope he comes back. I was really hoping that the Red Sox would get HUNTER PENCE but NOOOOOO, they didn’t make a deal for him in July. Missed chance.

6) People are already calling Carl Crawford a bust. This season? YES. I’d give him a chance to bounce back next year. Prove me wrong, Carl.

7) Must… revamp… bullpen.

8) Letting Victor Martinez walk was the stupidest thing they could’ve done.

9) What happens to Erik St. Bedard?

10) This is going to be a loooooonnnnnnngggggg winter.

BoSox Shenanigans (69-43)

2011-08-06T23:32:00.009-04:00

10 Thoughts

1) So in the beginning of the season, our starting rotation went: Jon Lester, John Lackey (WHAT?), Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Jon Lester is having a typical Lester year (11-5, 3.23 ERA). The best thing about Lester is that he’s consistent with his starts. Sure, every starter has that one bad outing. But, Lester defies that notion because he’s always able to go 6+ innings when he’s pitching.

John Lackey (WHAT?) is having a much-troubled second year. He’s currently 10-8 with a 6.14 ERA. 6.14 ERA! This was the same guy advertised who we thought could be a bonafide 2-3 starter? Doesn’t look like the “ace” we saw when he was with the Los Angeles Angels!

Josh Beckett is proving that he didn’t deserve to be starting 4th in the year. He has bounced back tremendously and is starting to look like the Beckett of old (circa ’07, ’09). He has rightfully claimed back that “ace” status. Respectful 9-4 with a 2.20 ERA.

Daisuke Matsuzaka. GONE. Nothing else needs to be said. His season was lost due to needing Tommy John surgery. This signing is looking to be a really big bust. Still can’t believe he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 2008!

Clay Buchholz, in my opinion, was the X-factor into helping the team into the postseason. It looks like his season might be over with a lower back strain, although they say it’s not totally for sure. He was 6-3 with a 3.48 ERA before he went down. He certainly was on pace to win 15+ games had it not been for the injury. If he is indeed gone for the year, I WISH WE STILL HAD JUSTIN MASTERSON!

Can’t forget about the spot starters: Tim Wakefield (especially), Alfredo Aceves (especially and very valuable), Andrew Miller, and Kyle Weiland. These guys deserve a lot of credit for still leading the Red Sox into having one of the best records in the Majors.

2) I like the situation between Jarson Varitamacchia #3933 (Varitek/Saltalamacchia). Granted, it probably would’ve benefitted Salty more if he played more, but at this point, it’s good to split the loads between the two catchers. Beckett obviously loves/is more comfortable when ‘Tek is catching him; plus Varitek is good in handling with other (new) pitchers. Salty is a great offensive punch and throws out more base stealers. Hopefully when Varitek’s time is up, Salty will pick up the knowledge and understandings of the pitchers and continue his success at the plate.

3) J.D. Drew will have spent five years as a Red Sock and still no one knows a single thing about him. Much like my four years at Suffolk University. Lulz.

TROT NIXON, The REAL #7

4) Tim Wakefield will definitely pick up his 200th win as a pitcher by the end of the year. That’s an incredible accomplishment and I hope he gets it when it’s in Fenway Park. It will definitely be very emotional.

5) Jonathan Papelbon, like Josh Beckett, is having a bounce-back year. Although his ERA (3.35) is slightly higher than previous years, he’s becoming that instant “shut-out games” when he closes (circa ’06-’09). Honorable mention has to go to Daniel Bard who is showing how superb he is and potentially be our closer of the future. It’s going to be a tough offseason for management in deciding who’s going to close out games in the future. Papelbon is making his case that he is still dominant.

6) Can the Red Sox PLEASE somehow get rid of John Lackey, Bobby Jenks, and Dice-K? In a perfect world where we can easily do something, I’d happily trade all three of them for a kiwi smoothie.

7) Kevin Youkilis, in my opinion, is a better first baseman than third. I’m just saying. I miss Mike Lowell.

8) What was Dustin Pedroia hitting in May? Like .220? Look where he is now, he’s hitting .310. Don’t doubt the scrapper. In 2007, he was hitting like, what, .180? Oh yeah, he went on to ending the ’07 season hitting .317. Amazing.

9) Jacoby Ellsbury is having a MVP type season. He sure as heck is hitting like it and deserves serious consideration. 111 games played; hitting .321, 19 HR, 72 RBI, and an OPS of .899. He’s only stolen 31 bases and has been walked 38 times. Major switch-off in his game and approach. This after coming off a major injury last year. He deserves the contract Carl Crawford has and he certainly looks like the $142 million man. This isn’t even to knock on Crawford because I like him. He’s having an OFF season as opposed to what we’re used to seeing him (when he was with the Tampa Bay Rays). His numbers are down in practically EVERY major category. Hopefully he bounces back next year with one year under his belt as a Red Sock. I have faith in him that he will.

And people dare called him "SOFT"

10) The Adrian Gonzalez trade and signing is looking to be the best thing EVER. I don’t even need to speak of what he has done and meant for the team. He’s currently leading the Majors in AVG (.352), RBI (91), Hits (159), TB (253), and 2nd in XBH (55). All this and there’s still 70 games left to be played!

RED SOX vs. PHILLIES WORLD SERIES CAN’T COME SOON ENOUGH!

2011 MLB Home Run Derby/All-Star Game

2011-07-11T22:41:00.009-04:00

10 Thoughts

1) I like the idea of changing the derby to AL vs. NL. It definitely makes it more team oriented. The goal is still the same; they play for charities.

2) THE LEGEND OF SAM FULD.

3) Although it hurts me to say this, in my opinion, Robinson Cano is THE best second baseman in the game today. He absolutely KILLED the balls distance wise. The only Yankees players that I actually “like” are Cano, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. That’s saying a lot. :(

4) Why are the NL players wearing ugly looking cleats! There should only be two colors when wearing any sports shoes: BLACK and WHITE! Any other color makes it look like it came from Space Jams! Especially the bright colors!

5) Who is Rickie Weeks? Seriously, I didn’t know who he was until the Red Sox played the Milwaukee Brewers during Interleague. I forgot about him after that. When he came to bat, I thought, “WHO?” He should’ve stayed that way. Forgotten. Didn’t belong in the derby.

6) Matt Kemp. He dated Rihanna. Not anymore. That’s about as much as I know about him, too. Anybody who dates Rihanna after Chris Brown is just EWWWWWWWWWWW sloppy moppy!

YES RUDE GIRL, GIRL, I CAN GET IT UP

7) Prince Fielder. POWER. Enough said.

8) Adrian Gonzalez’ swing is like Ray Allen’s shooting… silky smooth.

9) I predicted it was going to be Jose Bautista/Prince Fielder in the finals… WRONG!

10) Actual finals: Adrian Gonzalez/Robinson Cano. REALLY good finals. Cano wins and I cry. WAH WAH WAH. Good show. AL runs supreme over NL once again!

10 Thoughts

1) There are SO many injured players who made the All-Star game but didn’t play. The only thing that I was happy about was Jeter/A-Rod/and Mo weren’t going to play. Those damn Yankees!

2) “From the Seattle Mariners, Felix Hernandez.” *Camera on Miguel Cabrera* OOPS!

3) Adrian Gonzalez was the only player to have done anything in the game.

4) There are so many faces that I have never seen before!

5) Brian Wilson is a weird guy…

6) Rickie Weeks? WHO?

7) The game felt different because so many key All-Star’s were injured/didn’t get voted. (Pujols, Braun, Hanley Ramirez, Wright, Ichiro, Mauer, Morneau, Pedroia)

8) Heath Bell sprinting out of the bullpen and sliding to the mound was the most epic thing I’ve ever seen from a pitcher!

9) That Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitcher (Joel Hanrahan) looks eerily like… *shudders*… Eric… Gagne…

10) Had all the aces from the AL played and weren’t injured/already pitched (Verlander, Sabathia, Hernandez, Beckett, Lester, Price, Shields), it would’ve had a different outcome. Definitely wouldn’t have been 5-1.

2011-06-28T22:59:00.000-04:00

#IMAPAULHEYMANGUY

2011 NBA Playoffs: Celtics/Heat Thoughts

2011-05-01T00:36:00.001-04:00

10 Thoughts

1) Much like the Celtics/Knicks’ point guard matchup (before Chauncey Billups went down), this position MUST be exploited. Whoever the Heat decide to throw against Rajon Rondo, whether it’s Mike Bibby or Mario Chalmers, this should be a clear advantage for the Celtics. If the “Big Threes” for both teams cancel each other out, the clear X-factor will be with the point guards. If Rondo plays the way he did against the Knicks, the outcome will be pretty visible.

No caption needed

2) Shaq’s availability. Will he play in Game 1? Game 2? At ALL? Only time will tell how he’s feeling. The C’s could absolutely use his presence in the paint. It’s going to be hard to rely on the combo of J. O’Neal/Davis/Krstic. The more big men we have, the better our chances will be. Turnovers and rebounds (which the C’s have been pretty bad on) will play a key factor in how this series will turn out.

3) Can Paul Pierce and Ray Allen continue their torrid shooting percentages? In the entire 1^st round series – Ray Allen: 31-54 (57% shooting) and a ridiculous 17-26 (65%) from three-point land. Paul Pierce: 33-71 (46%) and 10-20 (50%) from beyond the arc. History shows that Ray Allen will come back down to planet Earth after shooting at a ridiculous clip (see Game 3 of last year’s NBA Finals). Hopefully he will do whatever is necessary to keep that fire going.

4) Bench players MUST play a vital role. Last series didn’t go so well for Jeff Green/Glen Davis/Nenad Krstic/Delonte West. With enough practice time to get everyone clicking, it’s a no-brainer that these guys will dictate how long this series will play out. It doesn’t matter who steps up; as long as there is consistent contribution, they should be fine.

5) Troy Murphy: +1 rebound in his playoff career. And that’s all she wrote.

Rebound nose first

6) Yeah, it’s going to come down to the players executing plays. But, I think this is where we will see how well each coach really is. Erik Spoelstra is not even in the same league as Doc Rivers in terms of managing minutes with his players and drawing up correct plays during timeouts.

7) If it becomes close during any of the games, who gets the last shot for the Heat? I don’t think they truly figured out who will take that one last shot for all the marbles. LeBron James? Arguably their best scorer. But, isn’t this Dwyane Wade’s team? With the Celtics, any of the “Big Four” is a possibility depending on the situation. That’s the beauty of it.

8) Random observation: Celtics’ “Big Three” have Allen (2), Pierce (3), Garnett (4). Heat’s “Big Three” have Wade (2), James (3), Bosh (4). Both shooting guards wear arm sleeves; both shooting forwards wear headbands and occasionally arm sleeves; both power forwards are listed at 6’11”. WHY DO I KNOW THESE THINGS?! Is it safe to say the Heat’s “Big Three” are nothing but carbon copies of these veterans except in their primes?

9) Players from the Celtics think that Chris Bosh will be the X-factor for the Heat. Against Kevin Garnett? Hard to believe that. Kevin Garnett is a carnivore. Chris Bosh is a herbivore.

Boshasaurus

10) Boston Celtics in 6.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Celtics/Knicks Thoughts

2011-04-17T01:01:00.004-04:00

10 Thoughts

1) I don’t care what anyone says, Rajon Rondo is the catalyst to the Celtics’ team success. Everything begins with him. If he doesn’t initiate the offense and/or draw the opposing team’s defense by either penetrating the paint or giving the ball at the right time/spot to other players, then it’s going to be a long series. We need the Rondo that started off the season with an average of 16.7 assists in the first three games. If we get the inconsistent/slumping Rondo, I don’t know, put the damn headband back on or something! Get your mojo back somehow!

2) Shaquille O’Neal is not going to play in Game 1. Here’s what I’m hoping: IF, and a BIG IF, the Celtics can somehow not get forced into a Game 7 and can prolong Shaquille O’Neal’s return later down the line, I’d be all for it. The Knicks’ center position does not scare me at all. If the guy is not healthy enough to play, I see no reason to play him at all.

3) Big chance to see if the bench players will step their games up and incorporate whatever they’ve learned since the deadline. Managing minutes for the starters are going to be crucial.

4) Honestly, I think the Celtics can sweep the Knicks in 4. Realistically, it might go 5.

5) People might be talking more about the Pierce/Anthony and/or Garnett/Stoudemire matchups, but I’m more interested in the Rondo/Billups matchup than anything.

6) I hope we see more moments like this in Madison Square Garden:

PRICELESS

7) Has Troy Murphy done ANYTHING ever since he came here?

8) Can we expect more M.V.P. type numbers from Sasha Pavlovic? (If he makes it into the playoff team, of course) (19 points, 7-10 of shooting; 4-5 from beyond the arc, 2 rebounds, 1 steal)

9) I hate when they keep saying “Flip The Switch,” it brings me awful nightmares when the C’s once had a player of this magnitude:

But… but… the BALL DON’T LIE!

10) If the Celtics don’t get out of the first round (BUDDHA FORBID), then it was because of the whole Kendrick Perkins trade and the destruction of the old bench. End of story.

WrestleMania XXVII review/recap

2011-04-14T21:55:00.019-04:00

FINALLY… DQ… HAS COME BACK… TO HIS BLOG! So I finally finished watching WrestleMania 27 and I wanted to give my thoughts on it. It only took about a week or so for me to finish watching it. I actually stopped around certain points because it’s hard for me to sit down for four hours straight watching something. Nonetheless, I got through it!

On a quick note: Edge has officially retired as an active in-ring performer. I’ve been watching professional ~~wrestling~~ (OOPS!) entertainment ever since I was about 10-years-old. So it’s like I’ve watched these guys grow as a person and a performer throughout the years. Stuff like this makes you really appreciate what these men/women give on a daily basis. They’re on the road nonstop to entertain people all around the world. It’s great that he is calling it a career because if not, like he said, he could’ve ended up in a wheelchair for life.

Enough babbles…

Hosted by: The Great One aka The Brahma Bull aka The Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment aka The People’s Champ aka THE ROCK.

- I did my Pretty Girl Rock when Keri Hilson sang “America, The Beautiful.” Whatever that means…

***The Rock comes out and does his usual YABBA DABBA routine to get the crowd pumped for WrestleMania.

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Edge (c) w/ Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio w/ Brodus Clay

- What we all didn’t know was that this was going to be Edge’s final match in his career. There wasn’t a career ending stipulation in this match so don’t get any wrong ideas. It was a regular title match. Both competitors had someone of relevance with Edge having his best friend Christian in his corner and Alberto Del Rio having his NXT rookie.

Del Rio works on Edge’s left arm to show some in-ring psychology. Both Christian and Brodus Clay make their presence known and try to help respective guys. At one point, Del Rio is able to hook onto his cross-armbar but Edge is able to reach the ropes. After some scrambling, Edge locks on his inverted Sharpshooter but Del Rio is able to counter, which leads to Edge hitting his Spear for the 1-2-3. Great start that got about 15-17 minutes of action.

WINNER and STILL champion: EDGE

***Extracurricular activity by Edge and Christian as they smash up Del Rio’s fancy shmancy car.

Rey Mysterio vs. “Undashing” Cody Rhodes

- Rey Mysterio comes out to an altered Captain America wardrobe. Two years ago, he came out as The Joker. Last year, he came out as an Avatar Na’vi. This year, he’s Captain America… or Mysterio since there was an “M” instead of an “A” on his mask. I see a trend here. I definitely know what he did there. The only thing he was missing was the shield. HOW DO YOU FORGET ABOUT THE SHIELD!

- “Undashing” Cody Rhodes is wearing his fugly mask since Mysterio made him fugly for the time being. I like the darker side of Cody Rhodes. I also liked the “Dashing” gimmick he was doing before Mysterio “disfigured” his face. It’s a progression in character for young Mr. Rhodes. Gives him an edgy feeling.

- There was a cool spot where Rhodes had Mysterio on the top rope and Rhodes was giving him a prolonged superplex, showing off his strength. But, I’m thinking anyone could’ve done that to Mysterio since he only weighs a fraction of what these other guys weigh.

- Back and forth action and at one point, Rhodes’ mask comes off and I’m guessing it’s legal to use in this match without disqualification? How did they figure that? Mysterio puts on Rhodes’ mask and uses it as a weapon. Mysterio’s knee brace was taken off by Rhodes and he ends up using it to clunk Mysterio on the head. Rhodes hits the Cross-Rhodes and gets the pinfall on Mysterio.

WINNER: “UNDASHING” CODY RHODES

***Backstage skit with Snoop Dogg and Teddy Long where they’re doing BUDDHA KNOWS WHAT since I wasn’t paying attention to that nonsense. I liked Zack Ryder singing Rebecca Black’s “Friday” song. That song is terrible. I mean TERRIBLE. The only good thing to come out of that song is this…

The Corre vs. Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, Big Show, and Kane

***Vladimir Kozlov was taken out by The Corre during one of the matches at WWE’s Fan Axxess. So… KOFI KINGSTON gets to replace Vladimir Kozlov since there was nothing else better for him to do.

- You know it’s bad booking when the entrances take longer than the match itself. IT WAS THAT SHORT! THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID! DUD TO THE MAX!

WINNERS: SANTINO MARELLA, KOFI KINGSTON, BIG SHOW, and KANE

***Another backstage skit but this time it was with The Rock and Eve. That’s what the host of WrestleMania does and that’s to hide in the back and NOT in front of the audience? Who thought of that? At least we got cameo appearances from Mae Young and that S.O.B. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. WHAT?

Randy Orton vs. CM Punk

- Now here’s a match with ACTUAL buildup. Proper buildup, I might add. This dated back two years ago when Orton punted Punk in the skull and made him unable to defend his championship.

- For once, Randy Orton is actually susceptible to being hurt! They remembered to tape up his leg that CM Punk dinged up weeks ago! Brilliant booking! OH MY LORD!

- +1 point for Punk locking in the Anaconda Vise on Orton. +100 points for Punk locking Orton in the Figure four leg lock on the ring post! Haven’t seen the move in YEARS! Literally, YEARS! Bret Hart made that move vicious. Nice to see that spot used.

- Orton tries to punt Punk but isn’t able to do it because of his bad leg. Great storytelling as it makes us wonder if Orton is able to pull out a victory over Punk. With the punt out of the question, Orton tries to sneak an RKO to Punk but at the last second, Punk is able to push Orton out of it. Punk scurries over to the outside ropes and it able to hit his springboard clothesline but Orton is able to counter that into an RKO. Perfectly executed! Orton is able to get the 1-2-3.

WINNER: RANDY ORTON

***More backstage skits with The Roc, this time with Pee Wee Herman making a cameo. Ugh.

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole w/ Jack Swagger. Ref: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

- Very good buildup to this feud. Everyone and their mom wanted to see Michael Cole get his tush kicked. Perhaps the best heel at garnering heat other than Vicki Guerrero. Two non-wrestlers are able to get more heat than the superstars! Crazy.

- This match went on WAYYYYYY TOOOOOO LONNNNNG. This match should’ve gotten about 5 minutes TOPS. It got about 18 minutes. 18 minutes of what you might ask? 18 minutes of Cole “whooping” Lawler like it’s nobody’s business. Trying to have Lawler and that babyface comeback failed so hard that it actually drew a “boring” chant. Like I said, it shouldn’t have gone this long. It was depressing. The finish saw Jerry Lawler actually get disqualified by the Anonymous RAW GM because Steve Austin got involved and pushed Cole. That resulted in Lawler getting disqualified in his opinion. Or her. Or it.

WINNER: MICHAEL COLE

***Obviously you can’t let a match like that go on so of course, Stone Cold has to give away some stunners!

The Undertaker vs. Triple H

- Two Icons. Two Legends. Two Politicians. Just kidding. Or am I?

- You know how normally The Undertaker is the one who is made to look strong and invincible? Not in this case. Roles reversed. The Undertaker is playing the weak, guy-on-his-last-leg type of underdog who is going to do whatever it takes to keep the streak alive. Triple H is made to be the aggressor; the one who is going to put The Undertaker down.

- Very, very good storytelling with both guys putting in all stops in trying to beat each other up. It’s a No Holds Barred match. Tables were broken. Bodies were broken. Very hard bumps taken from both competitors. Lots of false finishes to keep the anticipation up. This year, you truly believed The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak could’ve been broken.

- Both guys hit their signature moves but it didn’t seem like it was enough to put each other down. Triple H, at one point, actually hit the Tombstone on The Undertaker! Pretty sure everyone at the arena and at home thought it was over right then and there. Not so much. The Undertaker just wouldn’t quit and Triple H decides to end this when he goes for the sledgehammer. The Undertaker is in a vulnerable position and Triple H goes over to him but The Undertaker is able to lock in the Hell’s Gate! He literally held that submission in for about two minutes. Triple H has nowhere to go and is forced to tap. Excellent match.

WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER

John Morrison, Trish Stratus, and Snooki vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ Vicki Guerrero and LayCool

- Like the Eight Man tag match that happened earlier, I’m not even going to waste time with this. The only notable thing was Snooki actually doing something that made everyone go “WOW! I didn’t expect to see that from her!” Snooki did some gymnastic flips and stuff. And that’s all she wrote. Snooki got the pinfall on Michelle McCool.

WINNERS: JOHN MORRISON, TRISH STRATUS, and SNOOKI

WWE Championship Match

The Miz (c) vs. John Cena

- Cool introduction for The Miz detailing his journey/trials and tribulations into being where he is today.

- THIS was your main event for the evening? The match itself was nothing to write home about. It shouldn’t even have been the way it was. Nothing about the match screamed “main event for the biggest PPV of the year!” This could’ve been the main event on any RAW show. But WrestleMania? Come on. Not going to fly.

- The match actually went into a double count out. With that said, The Miz would officially retain his title. But, that’s not how the night is going to end! The Rock comes out and restarts the match so that there will be a winner. He changes so that it’s a no disqualification/count out match. After a couple minutes, The Rock sneaks in and hits John Cena with the Rock Bottom and The Miz pins him to retain his title.

WINNER and STILL champion: THE MIZ

- But, the night can’t end like this, either! Not with the heel closing out the show. With The Miz still in the ring, The Rock had to make sure he smells what The Rock is cooking and gives him the spinebuster and The People’s Elbow to the send crowd home happy.

Final Thoughts: Depressing. This is the not how the biggest PPV of the year should have went. The only match that delivered was Orton/Punk, Edge/Del Rio, and Undertaker/Triple H. All the other matches were not WrestleMania quality. I would feel ripped off if I went thinking it was going to be a good show. The one thing that bothered me and probably everyone else was that they took the Sheamus/Daniel Bryan match out and made it a dark match! Not even that but they CHANGED the match completely and made it a lumberjack match. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH! They extended other matches or even lessened some and bumped this match that could’ve potentially showcased these two for the future. Not great booking if you asked me.

The match that should’ve been

Meh. There’s always next year!

6.5/10

Predictions: Red Sox 2011

2011-03-30T17:07:00.003-04:00

Alright, I know I disappeared (again). There has been so much going on lately that I’ve been unable to blog. As much as I would like to, I have to take care of things first. Priorities are a b***h.

If you don’t know (why in the world wouldn’t you?), the Red Sox’ season begins THIS FRIDAY. WOOOOOOP DEEEEEE DOOOOOOO! At (long) last. They’re starting on the road against the defending A.L. champions Texas Rangers.

I’m going to throw a curveball and give some of my anticipations on what to expect (or come out of) during Boston’s 2011 season.

10 (ANTICIPATING) Thoughts

This is what I thought the lineup would look like. But, this was months ago when the Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.

This is probably more likely of what their projected lineup is going to be. I think you could switch Crawford/Gonzalez around.

2) In a perfect world, I expect AT LEAST 4/5 of the starting pitchers to win 15 games or more.

Jon Lester has been pretty consistent the past three years with 16/15/19 wins. He’s a strikeout machine. It’s a lock that he should continue that success.

Realistically, I think only 3/5 will get it done (Lester, Buchholz, and Beckett). I hope I’m wrong, though.

3) Over or under? Adrian Gonzalez will finish the season with a .300 AVG/ 38 HR/ 132 RBI. Carl Crawford will have 61 stolen bases (one more than his ’09 season where he had 60).

I will dominate

4) Jed Lowrie will have better statistics over Marco Scutaro despite being on the BENCH.

5) Hideki Okajima will find a way back into the team. They need some lefty relievers.

6) Red Sox WILL win 100 games this year and the A.L. East title.

7) Kevin Youkilis will be a serious contender to win the A.L. MVP award.

8) Tim Wakefield will find a way back into the rotation. He always does. Can’t put that 68 MPH fastball in the dumps!

9) This will be Daniel Bard’s year to shine to show he’s the future closer which means bye bye Jonathan Papelbon.

10) ’04 + ’07 = ’11 World Series Champs. Destiny? I think so. But you, you already KNOW that!

LET THE FUN BEGIN!

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics trades

2011-03-10T19:22:00.008-05:00

Wow, where the hell have I been? Haha, I’m so sorry. I’M SORRRRRRRY! Another lay off. I know, not cool. My apologies.

10 Thoughts

1) I wanted to wait a couple of weeks after the whole “trade deadline” died down a little. The Boston Celtics are officially filled with 15 players. It’s amazing how decimated with injuries this team had become. The team didn’t start the season with everyone healthy. When it seemed like everyone was on their way back into the team, someone else goes down. I’ve mentioned in previous posts on how scary this team would’ve been if everyone were healthy. And I still believed it. Guess that theory will never be put into fruition.

2) JEFF GREEN. Six games in, and he has shown what he is capable of. He’s such a versatile player and I think he’s going to become a favorite here in Boston. Funny how the Celtics traded Jeff Green, a draft pick (which ended up being Glen Davis), Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak for Ray Allen a couple years ago. Now, they have 4/5 of them. People are comparing him to a “James Posey” type of player. Can play the 3 and 4 positions well. Has low post moves and can shoot from behind the arc. Yeah, I guess you can say he’s like James Posey offensively. Still unsure about his defense, though.

It’s only fitting to be “green"

3) NENAD KRSTIC. Wow, my expectations of this guy were very low when the C’s got him. Surprisingly, he has become a very bright spot and is nowhere near a “thrown in” deal when he got traded alongside Jeff Green for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. He’s got a nice 15-17 feet jumper and can rebound the ball well. Kendrick Perkins wishes he had an offensive game. The only thing people are concerned with is his “toughness.” The look on his face and demeanor does not scream “toughness” at all. Someone tell him his dog died or something so he can express some sort of EMOTION!

4) TROY MURPHY. I only knew this guy when he was with the Indiana Pacers. Other than that, I don’t have much clue on what this guy is going to bring to the Celtics. Hopefully he’s just a body to throw at the Power Forward/Center position to give some of the other guys rest.

5) SASHA PAVLOVIC. Have never liked the guy. I don’t know if it was because he played for Cleveland or because he seems to miss just about every shot he takes. Or maybe because his first name is SASHA? Can’t take anyone serious if their first name is SASHA (ala Sasha Vujacic). He’s got decent size, at least. Only 27-years-old, too. I don’t know, maybe he’ll change my perception of him if he actually contributes something to the team.

6) CARLOS ARROYO. Never liked this guy, either. Has really no defensive presence and is suspect on “O.” At least he’s probably going to sub for Rajon Rondo come playoff time. Sorry, Avery Bradley.

7) I think Shaquille O’Neal forgot he’s still on the Celtics team.

8) How Jermaine O’Neal is still on this team makes me mad. REALLY MAD. GRRRRRRRRR. >:(

9) Bye, Kendrick Perkins. Bye, Nate Robinson. Bye, Luke Harangody. Bye, Semih Erden. Bye, Marquis Daniels. You will never be forgotten!!!

10) In honor of a fallen soldier, I salute Marquis Daniels. This will be the last time I’m ever doing it: #BELEEDAT. I WILL NEVER STOP BELEE’ING! :(

Until next time... hopefully soon... haha.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2011

2011-02-18T17:54:00.022-05:00

What it is, y’all? As of today, I have not posted a single blog in TWO WEEKS! Last update was on February 4^th. After that, I completely fell off the face of the earth. My apologies. But, I’m back… for now! Hopefully for good. Got to keep posting and make it my commitment.

My previous posts were all about sports. Funny thing is, I didn’t intend to cover as much sports as I have been but I can’t help it because I love basketball and baseball. And wrestling if you can even considered that a “sport.” My intentions were to make this blog a mixture of sports and movies. As you can see, I have been doing more sports than movie reviews. I need to get back on that movie tip. There are a lot of movies out there that I want to review. I just need to figure out when to do it.

I was going to post my thoughts on when the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat and when the Celtics lost to the L.A. Lakers, but couldn’t because I couldn’t even watch them because of work. THAT mad me sad. Literally. I only caught some of both games. There’s still A LOT left of basketball to be played/watched. And baseball season is about to start! So, stay tuned.

Have you heard? THE ROCK is back! One of the all time greats. Missed it? Well, your boy is going to hook you up! Start at 7:35 here and then follow through here and here. GET GOOSEBUMPS!

So today is the start of NBA All-Star weekend. I plan to cover ALL the televised events. This would be my make up to you for disappearing so long.

Stay tuned... I will update as the night goes on with my 10 Thoughts. Follow me on Twitter @deeeecue. I'm still fairly new to it. :)

10 Thoughts

1) Justin Bieber. WTF. This kid is everywhere. He does not need to go anywhere near a basketball. For shame.

2) Scottie Pippen looks exactly the same as he did 15 years ago. The man does not age like Ray Allen.

3) Michael Rapaport = Brian Scalabrine’s dad?

YOU TELL ME?

4) I noticed the clock kept going on inbound passes and when they were shooting free throws. Time constraints or to fasten the game? Probably the second choice. I don’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to watch this for more than an hour and a half.

5) Common can ball. After all, he did do that basketball movie.

6) I wonder if they hand out technical fouls for these games if players have legitimate beefs on calls?

7) Totally forgot Romeo’s dad is Master P. Totally forgot Master P even existed.

8) How did Nick Cannon marry Mariah Carey? Something about that sentence just doesn’t seem right.

9) I didn’t know the Kardashian’s had a brother. And why is his name “Rob” and not a name beginning with a “K”?

10) I normally never do texting for television things but I texted for Scottie Pippen to win M.V.P. HOW and WHY Justin Bieber won it is a SHAM. Text = wasted.

NO HOMO, BRO

1) Blake Griffin is the real deal. This guy is showing the kind of potential Greg Oden was supposed to. He could very well be on that “LeBron James” level of superstardom.

2) Landry Fields. Surprise, surprise. Don’t sleep on him. Bright spot in New York. Can’t believe I praised New York.

3) I don’t need anyone teaching me how to “Dougie.”

4) What it do, baby? It’s the Iceman John Wall. WAIT A MINUTE…

5) Why are they playing under college basketball halves, each 20 minutes long?

6) Does Kevin McHale age, either?

7) Why on earth were so many players wearing yellow sneakers? I felt like I was watching an NBA Jam game where they kept using the turbo button and their shoes changed colors.

8) Where does Craig Sager get his suits?

9) No Avery Bradley, Semih Erden, or Luke Harangody. No green. :(

10) This game consisted of alley-oops, three-pointers, and no defense.

1) Why are most female basketball players so butch looking?

2) Once Chris Paul missed that first lay-up, I knew he was going to be eliminated. He was my pick to win.

3) Rajon Rondo should’ve done the Skills Challenge. He’d do well in it. Except for the jump shooting part.

4) I see you driving ‘round town with the girl I love and I’m like, F**k you!

5) Ray Allen is a monster behind the arc. Paul Pierce certainly gave him a run for the money. But, who would’ve thought a Miami Heat player would beat BOTH Celtics in the finals?! I picked Ray Allen for the win.

6) THERE’S A WORLD OUT THERE THAT WE SHOULD SEEEEE.

7) Reggie Miller: “You win the crowd, you win your freedom.”

8) Serge Ibaka BEHIND the free throw line? How did that NOT get a perfect 50? Injustice. Blake Griffin is still a beast, too.

9) Why are the sneakers the players wearing getting even more colorful?

10) Dunk contest was pretty creative this year. I think everyone’s expectation is for them to make it on their FIRST try. When they don’t, the fans start to lose excitement and can pretty much expect what to happen. Won’t “wow” them as much. Have you heard? BLAKE GRIFFIN IS A FUGGING BEAST. 'Nuff said.

This should be illegal

1) Boston was well represented. As well as they should be. Would’ve liked to see them play a little more but it was good for what it was. Certainly understood it is more important for the team in the second half instead of this one game. BE GREEN!

Or blue, for now

2) Not a fan of Rihanna at all. I am a new fan of her legs, though. Kanye West’s pants seem to get tighter and tighter every time I see him.

3) Joe Johnson chucks a lot of three’s. I mean A LOT.

4) I do not approve of the NBA Jam sneakers. Too bright.

5) Notice how all the old timers (Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen) played little minutes but Kobe Bryant logged in almost 30 minutes of playing time? And he said it was all about the “young guys?” Whatever, Kobe, whatever.

6) I like how the game didn’t feel simulated and there were some actual competition. Of course, there is always going to be a few tricks to please the fans, but, for the most part, it was kept to a minimum. I approve.

7) Maria Menounos is cool. She is cool. She’s gorgeous, as well. But you, you already knew that.

I like

8) They should make the All-Star game have some sort of importance or goal that can come out of it. Kind of like MLB’s All-Star game. Yeah, it’s for show. But, make some meaning to it.

9) Dwyane Wade has been rolling his ankle quite a lot. Can’t help but feel “bad” for the guy. Right.

10) Kobe Bryant named All-Star M.V.P. Not really surprised but there were some pretty good runner-ups like LeBron James’ triple double and Kevin Durant’s quiet 34 points. Entertaining All-Star weekend to say the least.

WWE Royal Rumble 2011 review/recap/thoughts

2011-02-04T18:44:00.005-05:00

Let me just start off by saying that I wish I went to the event. I live about 20 minutes away from the TD Garden (by car, of course) so there’s no excuse for me to not have gone. The Celtics/Lakers game were playing at 3:30 PM Eastern time and of course, I couldn’t miss the game. This was on January 30^th so why this post is going up now was because of time constraints. I regret not going to the event because when another “big” event like this is coming to Boston, I will never know. Boohoo.

LIVE! from Boston, Massachusetts (my hometown, YAY). We’re officially on the “Road to WrestleMania.” It’s becoming a slogan. Trademark that, WWE. You know you want to. Ringside commentators are Michael “And I Quote” Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and Matt “No Nickname” Striker.

First match is underway and it’s…

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Edge (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ Vicki Guerrero

- Stipulation here is if Edge uses his “Spear,” he will lose his championship belt automatically to Dolph Ziggler. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. That’s what Vicki Guerrero ensured. She banned the move because it’s dangerous and we should fear it. Fear the Spear.

- Good back and forth match with a couple of false finishes.

- Edge has to find a way to win without using his finisher. He actually pulls off a submission move that looks like a variation of the Sharpshooter, except Edge is facing the front and not sitting on the back of Ziggler. Edge with a submission move? NO WAY!

- Kelly Kelly, for unknown reasons, comes down and fights Vicki Guerrero, ultimately K.O.’ing her. Ziggler fights back and hits the sleeper hold on Edge. Edge lifts Ziggler and flails and accidentally knocks the referee down. The crowd knows what Edge should do next. Vicki down, Ziggler down, referee down. There’s only one thing to do. SPEEAAAAAAAAAAAARRRR! Edge hits the spear on Ziggler as the referee slowly wakes up from the dead. It’s legal if no one sees it, right?

- Dazed Ziggler gets back up and Edge pays homage to his fellow Canadian, Christian, and hits his “Killswitch Engage/Unprettier” finisher for the three count on Ziggler. Great match and great way to kick off the show. The match got about 20 solid minutes.

WINNER and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Edge

WWE Championship Match

The Miz (c) w/ Alex Riley vs. Randy Orton

- Alex Riley makes his presence known and interferes a couple of times when the referee was unaware.

- Slow match with spots coming at the right time to get the crowd back alive.

- Randy Orton hits his usual sequences of moves including clotheslines and the quick slam. Also going with attacking every single limb of The Miz.

- Orton hits his hangman’s DDT on The Miz and starts to coil up for the RKO. The New Nexus comes out without CM Punk and distracts Orton. Alex Riley tries to interfere again and gets thrown out of the ring off the top rope onto the New Nexus. The referee is distracted by what's going on on the outside as The Miz slithers back into the ring to try to capitalize but ends up getting an RKO. CM Punk comes out from nowhere and hits the GTS on Orton. Punk retreats. The Miz pins Randy Orton and retains his title.

WINNER and STILL WWE Champion: The Miz

2 on 1 Handicap Match for WWE Divas Championship

Natalya (c) vs. Lay-Cool

- If memory serves me correct, this is the SAME exact match from Survivor Series a few months ago. I checked, and it is. My memory does not fail me.

- Before the match even begins, the mysterious RAW General Manager decides to e-mail us with a change to the match.

- Instead of going with what was advertised, it will now be a Fatal Four Way Divas Championship match. Natalya vs. Michelle McCool vs. Layla vs… AWESOME KONG? Just kidding. It seemed like the perfect cue. Instead, it was Eve.

- Not much to mention. It’s the usual diva moves that result in nothing noteworthy. I will say that there was one spot with Natalya where she gets Eve AND Layla in the Sharpshooter. Nice spot.

- “Controversial” ending where Eve hits a moonsault from the top rope onto Layla whilst Michelle McCool schoolboy’s Natalya. The referee’s attention was with Eve and she gets the three count while Michelle McCool assumingly does, as well. Eve is granted the championship.

WINNER and NEW WWE Divas Champion: Eve

WHAT WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…

40 Man Royal Rumble Match

- There’s no way I’m going to give a full run down of the match but I’ll make a list of who went first and how many eliminations they got. Wish me luck.

** ( ) = # of eliminations

1) CM Punk (7)

2) Daniel Bryan (2)

3) Justin Gabriel (0)

4) Zack Ryder (0)

5) William Regal (0)

6) Ted DiBiase (1)

7) John Morrison (0)

8) Yoshi Tatsu (0)

9) Husky Harris (2)

10) Chavo Guerrero (0)

11) Mark Henry (2)

12) JTG (0)

13) Michael McGillicutty (3)

14) Chris Masters (0)

15) David Otunga (1)

16) Tyler Reks (0)

17) Vladimir Kozlov (0)

18) R-Truth (0)

19) The Great Khali (1)

20) Mason Ryan (2)

21) Booker T (ZOMG) (0)

22) John Cena (7)

23) Hornswoggle (0)

24) Tyson Kidd (0)

25) Heath Slater (0)

26) Kofi Kingston (1)

27) Jack Swagger (0)

28) King Sheamus (1)

29) Rey Mysterio (2)

30) Wade Barrett (2)

31) Dolph Ziggler (0)

32) Diesel (ZOMG x2) (0)

33) Drew McIntyre (0)

34) Alex Riley (0)

35) Big Show (2)

36) Ezekiel Jackson (1)

37) Santino Marella (0)

38) Alberto Del Rio (2)

39) Randy Orton (3)

40) Kane (1)

WINNER: Alberto Del Rio

Final Thoughts: I SHOULD’VE BEEN THEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8/10

NBA – Boston Celtics defeat Los Angeles Lakers 109-96 (1/30/11)

2011-01-31T20:07:00.000-05:00

Postgame Thoughts

1) The Celtics were out for revenge. It was evident and if you were watching, you could see that with the way they played. Isn’t it weird that the two most dependable players on each team (Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics) disappeared in Game 7 but showed up this game? Coincidence? I think not.

2) What if Kendrick Perkins didn’t get injured in Game 6? What if Ray Allen didn’t disappear after Game 2? What if Rasheed Wallace was never on the team? What if the referees were more consistent with calls? What if? What if? What if? So many “what if’s” about the outcome of the series HAD everything gone the C’s way. Celtics were up 3-2 going to L.A. They had a two chances to close it out. Still haunts me ‘til this day. Should really be chasing after Banner #19.

3) Celtics got beat on the boards when Kendrick Perkins went down in the Finals. Good to see that the Celtics controlled the boards 43-30. How are these games decided by rebounds? Simple. When teams get rebounds, it denies second chance opportunities. And when you deny second chance opportunities, you deny extra points. That’s why the Celtics lost in the Finals.

4) That huge band-aid on Kevin Garnett’s head was the greatest thing I have ever seen.

5) Von Wafer played a total of two seconds. Must’ve been a terrible feeling. That’s what she said.

6) 34-10 assists edge to the Celtics. That’s ridiculous and speaks VOLUMES to what kind of team the Celtics are and what the Lakers are. Unselfishness. We all know Rajon Rondo is an assist machine, but when he ALONE has more assists than the whole Lakers COMBINED is just mind-boggling. There is no stopping Rondo when he plays his game like that. He knows where his team likes their spots and when to give it to them.

7) Still weird seeing Shaquille O’Neal in green. It looks good on him, though.

8) When Kobe goes into “Kob-ME” mode, you can’t help but think he’s a ball hog. I mean, how many times did he shoot the ball in the fourth quarter trying to get his team back into the game? When none of his teammates are involved, that spells trouble. This has a lot to do with why the Lakers had only 10 assists the whole game. RUH-OH!

9) Celtics shot 60.3% from the field. RI-DIC-U-LOUS.

10) Can’t wait for part two on February 10! #beleedat

SAYONARA!

Thoughts on the Boston Red Sox 1/27/11

2011-01-27T13:25:00.011-05:00

What it do, errbody? Goodness gracious, it has been awhile since my last blog post. January 15th to be exact. It has been a weird week for me. Sorry for the lackage (is that even a word?) of blog posting; I’ll make it up to you I promise! What exactly? I don’t know. You let me know what you want. That’s why they call me Mr. FedEx because I always deliver. CHEESY. I know.

On Monday while I was going to work, the car was making awkward noises. At first I couldn’t make out what it was because it was just a streaking of thumping noises. My father didn’t even notice something was wrong with the car until I mentioned it. After a couple of guesses, I thought to myself, “Sounds like a flat tire.” Lo and behold was I right. Luckily my father was driving me because if it were just me, I would’ve freaked out (don’t make fun of me). Unfortunately, that meant I was going to be late which I knew was going to happen.

After coming off of work, I heard bad news that my grandmother had a fall. I didn’t know what to make of it because she had a fall from a previous time but it didn’t prove to be too serious. This one was a little different. She fell to the point where she landed on her face from what she told me. There are contusions and what looks like burn marks (bruises?) on her forehead and around her eyes. I’m thinking she slipped on ice.

My grandma does WAY too many things for my family. I appreciate EVERYTHING she does and I do not take it for granted. It’s hard to tell her to just take it easy. She just keeps going and going and that’s what I admire about her. I’m just glad that she’s not seriously injured and didn’t break any bones. She’s a strong woman. That’s all that matters to me.

Now that that’s off my chest… time to clear out my mind with…

10 Thoughts

1) February 14. This is the day Red Sox pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training. So. Unbelievably. Excited. Mark those calendars. Circle that date. Only 18 more days until we get a glimpse of what the Red Sox will look like.

2) There is going to be a reasonably high (and rightfully so) amount of expectations for this team when baseball season starts. How can there not be? With the additions of stud players, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Red Sox have also bolstered up a much-needed help in the bullpen with Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler, and Matt Albers. Gone are the Manny Delcarmen’s; the Ramon Ramirez’s, and a bunch of other spot relievers. Hideki Okajima, though, will be coming back for one more round.

Hip, hip, HOORAY

3) Although I hate to make predictions right now, it would be rather unrealistic to say that the Red Sox are already reserving a trip to the World Series. I can most certainly understand why people would say that because quite frankly, the Sox DO look good on paper. ON PAPER. ON PAPER. Who’s to say the Red Sox are going to have a good, clean, healthy team by playoffs? (Yes, I’m foreshadowing the Sox will make it to the playoffs) You can’t disregard injuries and under-achievements; they’re part of the nature of the game. I certainly like the chances of the Red Sox going to the World Series though. That’s for sure. With the fact that Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Cameron, and hell, even Marco Scutaro will all be healthy when the season starts is encouraging. Throw in Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, I’d say the chances are pretty darn good.

4) The catching situation is going to be tricky. Do the Red Sox let Jarrod Saltalamacchia catch on Opening Day? Or do the Sox go with Jason Varitek? They’re saying Jason Varitek will be the backup catcher just like last year; only he will be playing a lot more often. Do they go with experience or the inexperienced? It will all likely depend on how Saltalamacchia performs and if he can stay uninjured.

5) Speaking of Opening Day, who do you think will be the Opening Day pitcher? I would have to say Jon Lester. It’s time for Josh Beckett to pass that torch and give it to the most consistent pitcher for the Sox the past 2-3 years. I hope Theo, Tito, and management will make the right move and let Lester pitch. Make Josh Beckett have to earn back that moniker. Right now, Jon Lester should be considered the “ace” of the staff. I’d like the starting rotation to go: Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Move over Beckett, there’s a new ace in town

6) Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie for starting shortstop? I’d like to say Jed Lowrie, but that’s not happening. Why? Because you don’t sit down whatever sump of money Scutaro’s contract is to be on the bench. Jed Lowrie is also going to have to prove that he will be healthy going on the duration of a 162 game marathon. Only then can I see Lowrie vying games at shortstop. Hopefully he will be more than just a super-utility infielder. The guy definitely has upsides to his game.

7) Over or under? J.D. Drew will likely visit the D.L. four times.

8) Can we count on David Ortiz having a super slump again in May? Does a slow start show on the forecast? Hopefully for Big Papi’s sake, he won’t. Theo and co. generously picked up his option and he will be here in 2011. What happens after that will depend on his season in 2011. Would Red Sox Nation be able to live on life after the Big Papi era?

9) It’s still crazy to me to think that the Red Sox once had John Smoltz. I can’t be the only person who thinks of this. Can I?

10) Can the season start any sooner?! NOW PLEASE!

Be blessed, my children.

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics 01/15/11

2011-01-15T23:41:00.005-05:00

Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo… YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! What’s the deal, my peoples? Hope everyone is having a splendid weekend! The winter weather here in Boston is really starting to kick in. We’re talking about 20 degrees. AHHH. The air is so cold and crisp; I sometimes feel icicles forming on my face when I stay out too long. Snow is coming in spurts. BUT, MAN, when it does, it’s no joke. We had about roughly 13 inches I want to say and it was brutal. In my opinion, the snow isn’t what bothers me. It’s that COLD WIND, especially when it’s blowing nonstop. That’s what I hate.

Did you know? 95% of people cannot start a conversation without mentioning the weather? Isn’t that depressing? Not DEPRESSING depressing, but depressing because people can’t start a conversation by… I DON’T KNOW… talking about something other than the weather? I think we already know; you don’t have to mention it. But, that’s just me. I’m just sayin’.

But, that’s besides the point…

What I really came to blog about today is…?

What?

The Boston Celtics?

10 Thoughts

1) It seems that I cannot go without mentioning the C’s injuries in every thought. This has become a pressing issue. They cannot seem to catch a break. When one comes back from an injury, two go down. When those two come back, someone else goes down. Rinse and repeat. I can’t help but convert my optimism into pessimism thinking they’re all going to be healthy come playoff time. We’ll just have to wait and see.

2) Jermaine O’Neal. WOW. How the hell did this guy pass his physical when he decided to join the Celtics? Danny Ainge should’ve known better because in previous seasons, he’s been on a gimpy knee. His Indiana days are long gone. Danny Ainge took a HUGE gamble and it’s looking like a blunder. I did not like this signing at all. And this proves why. I understood the team’s need for frontcourt depth until Kendrick Perkins returned but they could’ve at least looked for someone who was not injury prone and a little younger. The fact that he signed a two-year deal almost puts it to the level that of Rasheed Wallace’s three-year deal.

3) Speaking of Rasheed Wallace, there are rumors going around that he may come out of retirement and rejoin the Celtics if need be when playoffs come. OH. MY. BUDDHA. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. The LAST thing the Celtics need is a guy who has a “lazy” mentality and is arguably considered a cancer to a team. Evidence? 50-32 last season. Tanking most of the regular season and “flipping the switch” when playoffs roll. I bet Rasheed Wallace had EVERYTHING to do with that mentality. Not to mention that this is the same guy who basically played out of shape and wants to rejoin the team??? NOW??? The C’s do not need his technicals, either. I’d rather much have Semih Erden continue playing than this guy.

4) I feel like Rajon Rondo is almost trying TOO hard to stat-pad his assists. His assists/turnover ratio is 3.32. He’s leading the league in assists. Great. I distinctively remember on two different games where Rondo was left all alone with a trailing Ray Allen and GAVE UP two easy points to Ray and he dunked on both occasions. He’s being too “passing friendly.” This is not to knock on Rondo; he clearly has great vision and basketball IQ but he needs to learn to finish on his own.

5) Celtics are back on top with an Eastern Conference best 30-9. Second best record in the NBA behind San Antonio. Not bad at all considering all the ongoing injuries this team has been facing.

6) Kevin Garnett, please? Kendrick Perkins, please? Delonte West, please? Celtics are not a great rebounding team without KG and Perk.

7) Luke Harangody has been playing great as of late. Is it too soon to consider him more of an energy guy than Glen “Big Baby” Davis? Nah, way too soon.

8) Marquis Daniels. Keep belee'ing. AGAIN.

9) Ray Allen will pass Reggie Miller in total 3-point field goals made. WITHOUT A DOUBT. I believe it’s 31 more to go? It’s only a matter of how long will he extend his new record to.

10) Vonilla Wafer? Somebody had to do it.

Have a good one!

Mortal Kombat Annihilation review

2011-01-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

WHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPP!!! I am back once again for another installment of blog posting. The weather here in Boston is starting to get tiresome. I’m sure nobody likes the cold. Snow doesn’t help either when we get it. But then again, nobody likes the humidity when summer is here. I think when people say they can’t wait for summer, they mean it because of no school/a chance for vacation. Definitely not the humidity. At least that’s what I think. Who knows. I’m probably wrong. But I’m probably right. :)

Hope everyone survived the first week of 2011. Anyone break his or her New Year’s Resolution, yet? I know you did.

Quick note: Did everyone read about the fishes and birds randomly dying in masses? WHAT THE HECK? I thought we still had one more year. Where is everyone going to hide in 2012? I’m going to build a huge fort outside like the Rugrats did. Except this time I hope it’s just tennis balls raining from the sky. Not animals. And then I’ll eat ‘til I can’t eat no more.

I hope you’re ready for ANOTHER movie review because… that’s what I do on this blog? I don’t know. I think so. This time it’s…

I figure I’d switch it up a little bit and do a video game movie adaptation. How many of y’all seen this movie when you were a teenager? I’ve seen it a couple of times and thought it was the coolest movie EVER. Granted I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise, I was more of a Street Fighter guy. I liked that it was different from other fighting games because they had real people motion capture the moves. Add blood and gory move sets and you’ve got yourself a HELL OF A GOOD TIME. Oh yeah, NINJAS. What kid didn’t want to be a ninja when they grew up? I’m guilty of this.

What’s the deal: Six days. Six days is all the mighty warriors of the Earthrealm will get before their world merges with the Outworld. The portals were opened up by the hands of one evil emperor named Shao Kahn, after victory was bestowed on a previous tournament that was won by Liu Kang. This victory was supposed to hold peace on Earth for one more generation. But, Shao Kahn cheated, broke the rules, and resurrected Kitana’s mother, Sindel, to keep the portals open. What closes may open again. To ensure that this emergence won’t happen, Liu Kang and co. are going to have to fight Shao Kahn and his minions to prevent this.

Raiden, the thunder god and protector of the Earthrealm, warns Shao Kahn that as long as he has his power, he will never rule the Earthrealm. Fight ensues between Raiden and Shao Kahn with Raiden getting the upper hand until Shao Kahn gets sleazy and threatens to kill Sonya Blade. Johnny Cage disapproves and tries to butt his nose into things and gets caught up in the act. Shao Kahn makes him pay for his foolishness and shows him why being a chiropractor is his second occupation.

Didn’t even get a chance to speak

The death of Johnny Cage signifies that no one can do this alone. Raiden, Liu Kang, Kitana, and Sonya Blade are going to have to come together and fight as one. Raiden asks of Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Kitana to get stronger because outside of the Earthrealm, Raiden’s powers don’t exist.

Get to the point: The group decides to split into two; Raiden will go with Sonya Blade so she can unite with her partner Jax. Kitana and Liu Kang will head off another direction is hopes of searching for Nightwolf, a Native American shaman who might have answers to defeating Shao Kahn.

Along the way, Liu Kang and Kitana encounter some of your favorite Kombatants like cyborg Smoke, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion. Liu Kang and Kitana encounter Smoke but make quick ease of him with the aid of Sub-Zero. Scorpion suddenly appears, battles with Sub-Zero, and then ultimately kidnaps Kitana.

Meanwhile, Raiden waits for Sonya Blade as she searches for Jax. She heads to a laboratory to find Jax and he’s got some new bionic arms giving him quadruple times the strength and muscle capacity.

Thuggin’, buggin’, and straight mean MUGGIN’

Suddenly, Cyrax and a bunch of goonies decide to raid the laboratory and engage battle with Sonya/Jax. Lengthy battle with Cyrax but with the good guys coming out on top.

Back to Liu Kang, he makes his way into a desert and gets mauled by a wolf, which in truth is Nightwolf. Nightwolf introduces a feat called “animality,” a form of shape shifting that utilizes the user’s abilities and strength. Liu Kang’s lack of self-confidence puts him in great doubt in facing Shao Kahn. In achieving “animality,” Nightwolf gives three tests to Liu Kang, all in hopes of readily preparing him for the ultimate showdown.

First test is a test of courage in finding his “animality.” Liu Kang must put himself in a dream state. Nightwolf does the pleasure and knocks him unconscious. Liu Kang questions his own ability and knows that failure will result in losing everything and everyone. Liu Kang musters that fire and anger for a brief moment until he snaps back into reality.

The second test comes when a mysterious woman, Jade, tries to seduce Liu Kang into forgetting about Kitana. Having a bond that cannot be broken, Liu Kang musters out of Jade’s test and is successful. She claims she can take Liu Kang to where Kitana is held captive at the Elder Gods’ temple. The third test is yet to be determined.

As time is ticking and the end is drawing near, Raiden sacrifices his immortal powers to join forces with the Earth warriors. In doing so, he no longer has the strength and power of the thunder god he once was.

With the help of Jade, Liu Kang makes his way into the temple and finds Kitana caged up. He tries to set her free but meets a familiar face…

B.A. Baracus?... uhhh… I mean BARAKA

Liu Kang engages in a fight with Baraka but then it looks like there is more of his kind. He makes quick work of them and ultimately finishes off the real Baraka. Sheeva, one of Shao Kahn’s minions, tries to intervene but ultimately gets smooshed by the cage Kitana is trapped in. Liu Kang sets Kitana free and they’re off to find Sindel.

When the whole gang and Jade do find Sindel, Jade exposes herself as a plant all along and confesses her allegiance to Shao Kahn. Sindel escapes and Jade does the same. Raiden lets everyone else know that Shao Kahn is his brother and that he couldn’t kill him then and certainly cannot kill him now. Once Sindel and Jade report back to Shao Kahn’s temple, Shao Kahn quickly dispatches Jade for not killing the Earth warriors on the spot while they were all gathered together. Sindel is spared for her non-actions.

The final showdown is about to go down with Raiden leading his group against Shao Kahn and his group. Shinnok, an Elder God and father of Raiden and Shao Kahn, demands Raiden to do the right thing and align with them. Raiden refuses and ends up dying to one of Shao Kahn’s energy blast.

pew pew pew pew pew

It essentially becomes a four on four fight. Kitana fights her mother Sindel; Jax takes on Motaro; Sonya Blade gets Ermac, and Liu Kang gets Shao Kahn. The Earth warriors all beat their respective opponents, but the real fight is just beginning with Liu Kang and Shao Kahn. Liu Kang struggles with Shao Kahn and there comes a time where Liu Kang is able to tap his “animality.” Shao Kahn disapproves and says that won’t be nearly enough and transforms into his own “animality.” After back and forth scuffling, Shinnok appears and tries to kill Liu Kang himself. Shinnok gets intervened by two other Elder Gods and stop him. Liu Kang finally and ultimately gets the upper hand against Shao Kahn and defeats him.

Once the fight is done and the smoke is clear, Earthrealm goes back to its normal state. Shao Kahn’s spell over Sindel is broken and she reunites with her daughter Kitana. Raiden is also revived by the Elder Gods and says that although the battle is over, the Earth warriors have to stay together and protect each other.

THE END.

Worth watching?: I’m in the middle with this one. I say yes in checking this if you’re a fan of the MK franchise, since this is probably the best out of any other ones. I say no if you’re not into games in general.

The acting is unbearable at times, but the actors playing Liu Kang, Shao Kahn, and Jax were good. The fighting scenes were what this movie did badly on. Too many martial art fighting sequences that really make you wonder, “Are they seriously fighting like that?”

A franchise like Mortal Kombat should not be toned down into PG-13 rating because everyone who has played Mortal Kombat KNOWS it for its bloody violence. This movie had not a single drop of blood! NOT EVEN A SCRATCH on any of them! The way some of the characters end up getting defeated is astounding. Johnny Cage gets his neck cranked; Rain get swatted by Shao Kahn into a pit of fire; Jade gets eaten by some demonic-looking creature; Motaro gets killed after a pound fest by Jax; Ermac gets his neck snapped after a hurracanrana from Sonya Blade, and the list goes on. No brutalities whatsoever.

Meh.

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics 01/02/11

2011-01-03T00:18:00.000-05:00

What’s good, y’all? First and foremost I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is having a good, clean start of 2011. I know for me, I’m happy that it’s a new year because it’s a time where I can start things all over again. 2010 came and went and it goes to show that time really does fly when you don’t think about it. I’m ready to step into that next phase and really start planning for my future. Whatever opportunities arise, I’ll be there to take it. Can’t sit and wait for things to happen because that’s just wishful thinking. You have to seize the moment and take advantage of whatever is there.

If you haven’t noticed, I lost all my hits/views. I have to start ALL OVER again because of some situation that I won’t mention. I’ve only had my blog for about two months and I was surprised at the volume of people viewing it and where they were coming from. I had people from all across the globe viewing my blog. That’s a trip. I don’t know if it was a mistake or what not, but I hope it continues. I know if I post more on a consistent basis, I could blow up.

But, hey, it’s a new year and I’m willing to go all out with my blog now. I’m certain I’ll be able to put up greater numbers and traffic. I just need to find time to be able to do that, but I’m excited. Time to start off new and fresh. Afterall, I DO THIS FOR YOU! MY VIEWERS!

ANYWAYS… now that that’s out the way, I’m here to give…

10 Thoughts

1) The Boston Celtics are 25-7 as of now, coming off a victory over the Toronto Raptors, today. They’ve lost three out of five games since Christmas when they got their winning streak snapped by Orlando. SO MUCH FOR THAT 20 GAME WIN STREAK that I “predicted” they could extend. Never will I ever talk about a winning streak again because it seems to never go right. I’m sure the C’s don’t care about the winning streak but it’s inevitable that it’s going to be mentioned. They probably don’t want to hear it because it’ll be a distraction for their bigger picture, which is just WINNING. It’s like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter through seven innings. I’m sure if the team is aware of it, the pitcher SHOULD NOT want to know it because it’ll break their focus.

2) Remember when I said how scary the team would be if they were all HEALTHY? Well, I still believe that but the injuries the C’s have right now are really starting to worry me. Losing Kevin Garnett was a big blow and probably the one the Celtics CANNOT afford to lose for a long period of time if they have any aspiration on getting Banner #18. They’re saying he has a lower leg injury, meaning it isn’t his KNEE that we should be concerned about. He’ll be out at least two weeks. I, like the rest of Celtics fans, can only hope that it is nothing serious because without the man anchoring the team’s defense, there will be no hope.

Get well, KG

3) Speaking of injuries, the Celtics just can’t get a break. Going into the season, it would’ve been unrealistic to think the Celtics would be healthy all year long. Every team gets dinged up, but I don’t think there’s a team out there that is as dinged up as the Celtics. AND they are still sitting atop of the Eastern Conference. That’s impressive. Semih Erden is out with nagging injuries/flu; Kevin Garnett has a leg injury; Kendrick Perkins won’t be back until either the end of January/beginning of February, Delonte West won’t be back soon, and you’ll never know about Shaquille O’Neal/Jermaine O’Neal. SIGH.

4) At least the team got Rajon Rondo back today. Even though he was rusty, as expected after missing a few weeks of games, he did well on his return. I hope his return will be a mainstay and that they didn't rush him back. If he needs to rest, let him rest. Without a healthy Rondo, their point guard position will have a GIANT RABBIT HOLE. If it wasn’t obvious enough with their recent loses, Rondo helps his teammates get to their spots easier and they have less pressure hitting shots. Healthy Rondo = happy team.

5) Celtics don’t have a nationally televised game until they play Orlando, again. Weird how they played them during Christmas, and not ONE of any games in between their rematch with them is national television worthy. San Antonio and/or Chicago would’ve been good.

6) Ray Allen’s free throw percentage is at 88%. THAT IS UNHEARD OF. UNREAL.

7) Boston: 25-7. L.A. Lakers: 23-10. That’s all that matters, right?

8) I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I actually kind of miss Tony Allen. His defense, of course. Not his knucklehead turnovers and sloppy offensive prowess; that could stay in Memphis.

9) I have yet to go to a Celtics game since the “Big Three” formed. I’m a broke college student; you can’t blame me! Tickets aren’t even cheap anyways. I plan my days around Celtics/Red Sox games. Is that weird? I mean, isn’t that what REAL FANS do? I treat every game like it’s “must see,” which is further from the truth.

10) I love how they show Ray Allen’s mom sometimes during home games. She seems like a really cool mom. I’d love to meet her. That is, if only Delonte West doesn’t follow me.

We all know what happened there!

Be well… and until then…

A Christmas Story review

2010-12-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

HHHEEELLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO, UNIVERSE! Just recently hit 1,000 views thanks to you! I don’t know if it was an accident (that’s what she said) or not, but I hope this trend continues. Hope all of y’all are doing wonderful on… CHRISTMAS! That’s right. Happy Christmas to all my folks out there! Spend quality time with those you love since not everyone has the chance to.

That’s me, of course, with my delicious six pack

Since it’s Christmas and all, why not make this a special one? To keep up with the holiday theme, I’m going to write a non-traditional review of a movie I’m sure you’ve all seen a MILLION TIMES like I have. It might not even come out as a review. AT ALL. As if it hasn’t been flooding TBS or any other family channel… you think you have it figured out?

DUN… DUN… DUN…

I can’t express enough how much I have seen this movie over the past five or so years. Every December, I catch this on television and it’s still as good as ever. Even after I have seen it during the day/night, I could catch it another time and sit through it again. It’s definitely one of my favorite films. OF ALL TIME.

Enough with my jibba jabba and onto the goodies!

What’s the deal: One word. Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action-Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Ok, maybe that wasn’t EXACTLY one word but if you say it as diligently and ecstatic as our protagonist, Ralphie, you would’ve thought that was one word. Every kid’s dream is to receive that ONE, ideal special toy that tops any other presents they get. The same toy they sought for and would go at any costs in obtaining it. Ralphie, a nine-year-old boy from parents of two, is set on persuasion from his parents, to his middle school teacher, and even to a mall Santa Claus that this BB gun is the ideal and perfect gift for him. It’s the only thing he wants.

Somebody, please do this and tell me if it’s true

Get to the point: Of course, nobody says this was going to be easy for little Ralphie. Deception is Ralphie’s best friend. Even though he clearly expresses that he wants this toy, Ralphie is challenged with obstacles in trying to gets others to see that this is what he really wants. Nobody wants a football, and anything that’ll “shoot your eye out” is ok with Ralphie.

When Ralphie tells his mother that he wants the BB gun for Christmas, she proclaims: “No, you’ll shoot your eye out.” When Ralphie is in school and his teacher gives the students a theme to write about what they want for Christmas, Ralphie jumps all over it and writes about his desire for the Red Ryder BB gun. Sweetening up to his teacher with a fruit basket in hopes that she’ll give him an A++++++ and agreeing that this is what he should get, Ralphie wants her to think it’s ok to receive this gift. Albeit getting a C+, his teacher also doesn’t approve of getting a dangerous toy and writes on the bottom of his essay: “P.S. You’ll shoot your eye out!”

A recurring theme?

You’ll need to think twice about that.

Not a lamp; it’s a MAJOR AWARD

Later, Ralphie and his family visit Santa Claus at a mall and Ralphie asks for the Red Ryder BB gun to which Mr. Claus replies: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid. Merry Christmas!” and receives a push, down a slide on his face, with his big ol’ boot.

“I want a rifle. :D” “NO.” FAIL

When it comes down to the actual Christmas day, Ralphie and his brother frantically open their presents. Wrappings, and wrappings, and wrappings of paper later, Ralphie has not opened one gift containing the BB gun. With all hope seemingly down the drain, Ralphie is assured to have gone through yet another disappointing Christmas. Maybe next Christmas. That is until Ralphie’s eccentric dad tells Ralphie to look in the corner of the desk, hinting that Santa Claus left one more gift. An unsure, but eager Ralphie rips through the wrapping paper to unveil the very gift he had been longing for.

A kid’s dream has been fulfilled.

Dreams do come true if you believe

With the family celebrating one of America’s most beloved holidays, the film ends on a high note symbolizing togetherness, comfort, and surprise.

Worth watching?: A. B. S. O. L. U. T. E. L. Y. There is everything to love about a feel- good family flick that inspires families to come together. The voiceover narration is a brilliant technique that, incredibly, is not seen too often nowadays. The pacing of the film is on point and it transitions smoothly in narration. The acting is top notch as every character has a defined role. Execution is what makes this movie outstanding.

Remember, everyone, be sure to drink your ovaltine; never use the “F-dash-dash-dash” word, and have a safe Christmas and New Years!

I leave you with a parting gift:

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics 12/19/10

2010-12-19T01:42:00.000-05:00

What’s happening, y’all? Hope everyone’s well. Back again for like the 11^th time? I need to get into a habit and post more often but things just don’t work out that way! I run a reckless schedule and it doesn’t seem to benefit me in any way. But, what’s the fun in that if everything goes well? NOTHING!

I’m in dire need of a change. I feel like my blog is kind of plain and it could definitely use an upgrade. I should work on it a little more, don’t you think? I also think if I’m going to write reviews/thoughts on whatever subject, I should make some sort of “catchy” motto or something. You would like that, right? RIGHT? Maybe a banner or something flashy would do. If anyone is good with HTML out there and wouldn’t mind helping, holler at your boy! For serious!

Anyways…

Now that that’s out the way, it’s time to give some thoughts on the Boston Celtics. Which leads me to?

YOWWWWWWZER!

10 Thoughts

1) The guys in green are arguably the hottest team in the NBA right now. Aside from the Miami Heat who are also scorching with a 12-game win streak and finally finding team chemistry, the C’s stand at 21-4 after 25 games; are at a 12-game winning streak of their own, and doing so with the team UNHEALTHY. Delonte West is out indefinitely with a broken wrist; Kendrick Perkins isn’t due back until January/February; Rajon Rondo will miss about a week or two with a sprained ankle and stingy hamstring; Shaquille O’Neal hasn’t played in over a week but may be coming back soon; and Jermaine O’Neal hasn’t played in about a month. I can’t stress this enough but IF and WHEN the Celtics are all healthy come playoff time, this will be one scary team.

2) With all the bigs that are injured right now, how great has Semih Erden been playing the past couple of games? The more I watch this man play, the more I love him and his game. He has filled in admirably and is playing some important minutes. The best thing about him? HE ISN’T TOTALLY HEALTHY, EITHER! He’s wearing that scrubby, one-sleeved t-shirt that we see most college players wear. The man’s shoulder isn’t in the best condition, but he’s grinding it out. He’s got soft hands and has great vision when catching the ball. He’s really important to the team right now and losing him in any way would be catastrophic. It’s impressive how he’s adapting to the NBA when he can’t speak a lick of English. Kudos to you, Mr. Erden.

Showing ‘em who’s boss

3) Another man who has been stepping up BIG is Glen “Big Belly” Davis (as I like to call him). Too bad the league doesn’t categorize taking “charges” as a major statistic because we all know he’s leading it. “Big Baby” is growing up before our eyes and is making a strong case to become the 6^th man of the year.

5) With Rajon Rondo out for at least a week, I would like to see Avery Bradley play some serious minutes when subbing for Nate Robinson. I know Doc Rivers is probably hesitant to play Bradley because he’s unproven and rightfully so. I read that he’s more of a combo guard than anything; he’s got an ok jump shot and plays terrific defense. Now would be a good time to incorporate some of his skills and see what this kid really has to offer.

6) Going back to Rondo, I hope the C’s don’t rush him back. Let him take the necessary time to fully recover. The last thing the Celtics need is for him to come back prematurely and reinjure himself and BUDDHA FORBID it being a serious one. Paul Pierce will probably be being playing more of a point-forward going on. It’s not worth it for Rondo to come back short term and then lose him to another injury LONG TERM. He’s key on the Celtics getting back to the Finals. As Charles Barkley said about Rondo: “He is the engine that stirs the drink.” LULZ.

Or did you mean, “He is the straw that stirs the engine”?

7) So their win streak is at 12 right now. Is it crazy that I think they can get it to 20? I mean look at their upcoming schedule. They’re playing Indiana, Philadelphia, Orlando (who just had a trade with Phoenix/Washington), Indiana (again), Detroit, New Orleans, Toronto, and then Minnesota. These are eight winnable games that they SHOULD win. Then again, we all know what happened there… *OKC and TORONTO*

8) How ironic is it that the “Big Three” are seemingly the healthiest out of the whole team? Whodathunkit? Who said age matters! In all seriousness, I hope they stay that way. HOPE.

9) Luke Harangody is basically the Brian Scalabrine of today. Why must they always pick on the white guy! At least this time he’s just white and not a ginger because we all know they don’t have souls. Kidding. Or am I?

10) MARQUIS DANIELS. ENOUGH SAID. #beleedat.

Have a wonderful day!

WWE RAW review for 12/13/10

2010-12-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

AHHHHHH, I’m falling behind in my blogging. I am so sorry. On a good week, I can usually dish out at least three blogs. On a subpar week, the best you’ll get is two. If I only post one a week, it means I’m either lazy or had a lot of things on my plate. But, for now, I have something to post! I haven’t posted this in this month so…

So…

…so

…so….

BAM!

This week is another special three-hour edition and it so happens to be one of my favorite gimmicky shows: Slammy Awards!

Even scripted wrestling gets its own awards

I won’t be going all out to review EVERY single thing that happened; I’m only going to write about the award categories, winners, and if I agree with said winners. ANYWAYS…

LIVE! from New Orleans, Louisiana (home of the not-talked-about reigning champions New Orleans Saints), we’re joined at ringside with three past Slammy award winners, Jerry “The King” Lawler, C.M. Punk, and Michael “And I Quote” Cole.

We’re underway with our first award of the Slammy’s and presenting it is… DAVID ARQUETTE? A former WCW World Heavyweight Champion in his own (and forgettable) right, he comes out sounding drunk and heelish rambling about his past championship reign and mentions READY TO RUMBLE. I’ve seen that and all its hilarity, by the way. He presents to us our first category:

SHOCKER OF THE YEAR

- The Miz cashes in Money in the Bank to become WWE Champion

- The Nexus debuts

- Paul Bearer turns on The Undertaker

- Randy Orton punts Chris Jericho

WINNER: The Nexus debuts

· No question about the winner of the first award. The Nexus deserves this award because anyone who watches wrestling on a regular basis like myself DID NOT see this coming. The formation of the NXT Season One rookies gave something we haven’t seen in awhile, a legit formation of a GROUP. Something reminiscent of a group called the nWo. Remember that one? Bask in all its glory if you want to see how this group came about.

Presenting our next award is Kelly Kelly and Tyson Kidd with his big ol’ bodyguard, Jackson Andrews. BUDDHA CHRIST ALMIGHTY, this is one big mamajama.

Categories are:

Despicable Me Award

- Drew McIntyre humiliates Theodore Long

- Kane buries The Undertaker alive

- Mr. McMahon makes a truce with Bret Hart, then kicks him in the groin

- C.M. Punk sings “Happy Birthday” to Rey Mysterio’s daughter

WINNER: C.M. Punk sings “Happy Birthday” to Rey Mysterio’s daughter

· As big of a C.M. Punk fan that I am, I wanted Mr. McMahon to win it. If you know the history behind the Montreal “screwjob,” you would agree with me that Bret Hart coming back to the WWE and looking to bury the hatchet was a big deal. Not only did Mr. McMahon fake his apology to Bret, he wanted it to be known that “Bret screwed Bret.” That’s what you call despicable. But, I’m fine with C.M. Punk winning this award. Would you want someone singing “Happy Birthday” to you like this?

Up next, we have the WWE Tag Team Champions, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov, presenting the next award. The nominees are for:

Guest Star Shining Moment of the Year

- Mike Tyson punches out Chris Jericho

- Pee-Wee Herman vs. The Miz

- Wayne Brady gets RKO’d by Randy Orton

- William Shatner sings WWE entrance themes

WINNER: Pee-Wee Herman vs. The Miz

· Not much to say about this because I thought the whole “Guest Host” thing was dumb. Pee-Wee Herman creeps the HELL out of me. So, all I have to say is… DUD.

Creeping at a house near you

Moving along, we have Jerry “The King” Lawler and Vicki Guerrero presenting the next award. They poke fun at each other but with Lawler getting the best out of it with the fat jokes on Guerrero. The award goes for:

Holy $#!+ Move of the Year

- John Morrison dives off the set onto Daniel Bryan and The Miz

- Kofi Kingston hits Drew McIntyre with a legdrop off a ladder

- John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment on Batista through the stage

- Randy Orton RKOs a flying Evan Bourne.

WINNER: John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment on Batista through the stage

· THEY GOT THIS ONE WRONG! WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! WRONG! Randy Orton’s RKO on a flying Evan Bourne should’ve won this. WITHOUT A DOUBT. I’ll let you be the judge here. Which one is cooler and more impressive? John Cena’s or Randy Orton’s. That’s what I thought!

And now we have David Arquette AGAIN presenting another award. This time, instead of a formal suit, Arquette comes out dressing like ELVIS? Anyways, the nominees are:

WWE Universe Fan Reaction of the Year

- Weird kid reacting to John Cena joining The Nexus

- Loser crying when Shawn Michaels’ career ended at Wrestlemania 26

- Dumbstruck moron for something?

- Angry demon girl reacting to The Miz beating Randy Orton and becoming WWE Champion

WINNER: “Angry Miz Girl” Cayley

· Hahahahaha, I agree with this one. Why? Just take a look below.

Scarier than the Exorcist and Ring girl combined

Now, for our next presentation, we have Edge and his buddy Christian. Great seeing these two together again. Now if only I had the benefit of flash photography and some five second poses.

Totally reek of awesomeness

“Oh Snap” Meltdown of the Year

- Big Show destroys Jack Swagger’s trophies

- Alberto Del Rio injures Rey Mysterio’s arm with a steel chair

- Edge destroys the anonymous GM’s computer

- Batista quits WWE

WINNER: Edge destroys the anonymous GM’s computer

· It’s arguable between these two choices: Edge and Batista. Edge argues with a computer; Batista quits the WWE but in a temper-tantrum way. I would’ve gone with Batista but that’s just me.

Up next we have JTG and William Regal to present the next award:

Knucklehead Moment of the Year

- Big Show unmasks a bald C.M. Punk

- Lay-Cool gets beat by Mae Young

- Beth Phoenix eliminates The Great Khali from the Royal Rumble

- Santino Marella gets out-danced by Vladimir Kozlov

WINNER: Lay-Cool gets beat by Mae Young

· No argument here. The best part about this wasn’t the fact that Lay-Cool got beat by an old woman, but the fact that Mae Young swore on a PG show. AWESOME. Check it out here.

Meanwhile, right after Lay-Cool received their award, we get a match that will determine who the Diva of the Year is. Yeah, the females actually have to COMPETE to determine that. Weird, huh? So…

Diva of the Year Award

- Kelly Kelly, Eve, Maryse, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Rosa Mendes, Melina, Alicia Fox, Kaitlyn, Tamina, Gail Kim, Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Layla, Michelle McCool

WINNER: Michelle McCool

· Can’t really argue with this one. Lay-Cool has been the only consistent divas in the year. It doesn’t hurt the fact that Michelle McCool is also the wife of The Undertaker, so that bumped her chances even higher.

Getting tired yet? Imagine if I also included the matches and backstage segments. This is already long as it is. That’s what she said. Up next, we have Big Show presenting the award for:

WWE Moment of the Year

- John Cena counts the pinfall that gets him fired from WWE

- Sheamus attacks Triple H with a lead pipe

- Edge Spears Chris Jericho through the barricade at WrestleMania

- The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI

WINNER: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI

· NO QUESTION ABOUT IT. If you have not seen this match, you should go and do yourself the favor to. Classic match with great storytelling and psychology that every wrestler should die to learn. It was a bout between the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak against Shawn Michaels’ legendary career. This was deserving.

Be inspired

Presenting next is Michael “And I Quote” Cole. The award goes for:

“And I Quote…” Line of the Year

- Way too many to name

WINNER: Michael Cole

· Can’t even argue with this one either. Michael Cole turned three words “AND I QUOTE” into one of the most annoying phrases I have ever heard. This is deserving to be undeserving if that makes any sense.

Now, for the final award. Theodore Long comes out to present the award for:

WWE Superstar of the Year

- Edge

- The Miz

- Kane

- John Cena

- Rey Mysterio

- Randy Orton

WINNER: John Cena

· Not even surprised that John Cena won this award. How they decide this I have no idea. There are no criteria on what they base to be the Superstar of the Year. Is it on matches? Quality of promos? Work rate? Who knows. The WWE choses whoever they please, I guess. John Cena is their poster boy so I guess that makes him a winner.

Final Thoughts: LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG episode of Raw this week. They need to stop doing these three-hour editions unless it is absolutely necessary. This I was ok with because it was the Slammy’s. I also failed to mention that this episode was for the build up of the TLC pay-per-view this Sunday. Overall, the show aimed to present awards to those who felt like they needed it. The WWE are really trying to push their company as “ENTERTAINMENT” instead of just “WRESTLING.” It works in some aspects but it’s hard to claim that, especially with how everything is booked nowadays.

8/10

Carl Crawford to Boston Red Sox

2010-12-09T02:22:00.000-05:00

MORE! BLOCKBUSTER! NEWS! Literally just days after reading about Adrian Gonzalez being traded to the Boston Red Sox, GM Theo Epstein and co. are outdoing themselves again. Reports are saying Boston agreed to a seven-year, $142 million deal with Crawford. OH MY GGGGGGGGGGAWWWWWWWWWWW…

Cheap editing skills, yet effective

Which brings me to…

10 Thoughts

1) Pending a physical, Crawford is an UNOFFICIAL Red Sock. I don’t have any doubts; he’s going to pass it. My only beef with this signing is the money and years. Is Crawford really coveted enough to warrant that kind of deal? In my opinion, a deal like that should’ve gone to Adrian Gonzalez. You’re telling me Carl Crawford is rivaling the eight-year, $160 million to Manny Ramirez when he was with the Red Sox? Unreal. I probably would’ve given Crawford a maximum of five years, $75-80 million. $15-16 per year for the type of player Crawford is would be reasonable. Then again, that’s why I’m not a general manager. I just think they’re overpaying for his services.

2) If I had to predict the lineup AS OF NOW (again), it would be:

Carl Crawford (LF)

Dustin Pedroia (2B)

Adrian Gonzalez (1B)

Kevin Youkilis (3B)

David Ortiz (DH)

J.D. Drew (RF)

Marco Scutaro (SS)

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C)

Jacoby Ellsbury (CF)

Probably not the most popular lineup, but I think it’ll work. You don’t change the heart of your lineup with Pedroia, Gonzalez, and Youkilis. Having Crawford bat leadoff is a no brainer. With his speed and power, he’s easily a base threat. That’s why I moved Ellsbury to the nine spot because he’s basically a replica of Crawford minus the power. It’s a tricky lineup but if somehow Ellsbury bats and Crawford is coming up, you basically have two base threats that will cause constant distractions to the opposing team’s pitcher. Good stuff.

3) Does Victor Martinez still believe going to the Detroit Tigers will bring him the best opportunity to win a ring? Being with just Miggy alone won’t get you rings. Who else do the Tigers have to compliment Cabrera and Martinez? I bet you’re kicking in your cleats, Victor.

It's going to hurt

4) Like I said in my previous blog post, I preferred Carl Crawford over Jayson Werth. You build a team around players who compliment and fit with what the team is looking for. It’s more than just the bop of the bat, in the case with Werth.

5) Hope Adrian Gonzalez isn’t pissed when he hears/reads about Crawford’s contract.

6) Some bullpen help would be nice right about now!

7) I’m guessing Ellsbury will be platooning center field with Mike Cameron unless Ellsbury gets traded somehow. If not, Ellsbury will get the majority of games played in center depending on pitching matchups.

8) J.D. Drew, as usual, will head to the disabled list about four to five times in 2011. That’s why I know him as “D.L. Drew.”

9) Longshot, but what if CLIFF LEE decides he wants to come to the Red Sox? Can’t a guy dream? :D

10) THE SEASON CAN’T START SOON ENOUGH!

That is all (again).

Adrian Gonzalez to Boston Red Sox

2010-12-05T00:17:00.000-05:00

JAAAACCCCKKKKPPPPOOOOTTTT! What’s up, y’all? REALLY good news for Red Sox fans because the higher-ups in management (well, GM Theo Epstein) are in agreement to trading three highly touted prospects and a player to be named to the San Diego Padres for All-Star first basemen Adrian Gonzalez. You have no idea how giddy I got when I saw that he was coming to Boston. SO. CHEESY. IT HURTS.

So, this brings me to…

10 Thoughts

1) As of now, Gonzalez has already passed the first step, which was the physical. The next thing the Red Sox organization needs to do is come up with some sort of contract extension. Locking this guy up for the future will be without a doubt beneficial for the team in the long run.

2) If I had to predict the lineup AS OF NOW, it would be:

Jacoby Ellsbury (LF)

Dustin Pedroia (2B)

Adrian Gonzalez (1B)

Kevin Youkilis (3B)

David Ortiz (DH)

J.D. Drew (RF)

Mike Cameron (CF)

Marco Scutaro (SS)

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C)

3) Where’s Adrian Beltre you ask? The Red Sox are probably more than likely done with trying to resign him now that Adrian Gonzalez is coming to town. There’s no room for him in the infield. He did exactly what the Red Sox had hoped for. 154 games at the hot corner while finishing the 2010 year with a .321 average/28 HR/102 RBI after a horrid 2009 in Seattle that saw him belt only 8 HRs and 44 RBIs. It helped that he was hitting in a hitter-friendly Fenway Park as oppose to that spacious outfield known as Safeco Field.

Gone will be his beastly one-knee'd HOMERUNS

4) Which brings me to why Adrian Gonzalez is the perfect fit in hitting at Fenway. In San Diego’s PETCO Park, Gonzalez was able to hit roughly 30-38 HRs and knocking in around 100-110 RBIs. Do you know inflated his numbers will be when he starts launching balls out of Fenway? With the addition of work being done to the right field wall, Gonzalez will have no problem hitting 40+ HRs and knocking 120+ RBIs. He’s also good at hitting to the opposite field so he won’t have problems bouncing balls off the Green Monster.

5) The Red Sox are still interested in getting Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth. If I had my choice, I would go with Carl Crawford. If I’m right and the “player to be named” going along with the three prospects to San Diego is Jacoby Ellsbury, then Crawford would be the choice. Crawford possesses the speed Ellsbury has in addition to being a base stealing threat with some thump to his bat. This is only if Crawford doesn’t sign elsewhere.

6) I’m not as bummed seeing Victor Martinez go now that they’re getting Adrian Gonzalez. The lineup would’ve looked REALLY good if the Red Sox were able to resign Martinez. That would be a scary lineup to pitch against.

7) Great to read about Jason Varitek coming back. My doubts of him returning were not very good before Victor Martinez decided to head to Detroit. But, now that he’s back, the Red Sox will see a familiar face behind the backstop. That’s why people love Varitek; the guy is loyal and takes the hometown discount. You know he doesn’t do it for the money because he loves playing here. It’s the only place he knows.

He walks around with a “C” on his chest for a reason

8) Hopefully 2011 will be a bounce back year for both Josh Beckett and John Lackey. Can’t afford for them to pitch below average/mediocre again. They didn’t pay them the big bucks to perform “just ok.” Also, I’m hoping Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz remain consistent and dominate like they did in 2010. HOPING. Feeling indifferent about Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield.

9) I keep getting reminded but I always forget that Jeremy Hermida was on the team. That’s how much I thought of him. DUD.

10) I know injuries are part of the game, but PLEASE no freak injuries to key players AGAIN. PLEASE!!!

That is all.

LeBron James returns to Cleveland

2010-12-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

Hey, y’all. I am back from my “few days” hiatus. Yeah, right. I just wait for the right moment to post again. I’m sure if you have been following basketball lately, the big storyline going on is the return of LBJ to Cleveland on Thursday as the Miami Heat are coming to town. Since everyone and their moms are speculating how it’s going to turn out, I figured I might as well, too.

Miami Heat = NWO (lebroN, Wade, bOsh)

10 Thoughts

1) The most obvious speculation is how the fans in Cleveland are going to treat LeBron’s return. Cheer? Boo? Probably 99% of the crowd is going to BOO the snot out of him. That 1% of the CHEER is going to be his family/friends. Yes, I believe he is bringing his people to witness it.

But I digress

2) I wouldn’t be surprised if this game generated the highest rating of the regular season. Yes, even beating out any time the Heat plays the Celtics/Lakers/Magic. We already know the entire state of Ohio is going to watch it. Cleveland, especially, since they have absolutely NOTHING to cheer for since forever. That. Must. Suck.

3) Zydrunas “Big Z” Ilgauskas’s return will be overshadowed, for obvious reasons. The Clevelanders need to at least acknowledge him and give a standing “O” when he’s introduced. It’s called RESPECT to the player who’s been there from the beginning up until now.

4) Do you think LeBron is going to stick with his pregame ritual? You know, the whole rosin powder and flinging it above his head? How much do you want to bet that he DOESN’T do it? I’m sure he’s contemplating on whether to do it or not. The fans already hate the man; doing this is only going to rile the crowd up even more.

5) Let’s say we’re fast-forwarding into the future and the Cavaliers end up beating the Heat. Do you know how much of a psychological blow that would be to the Miami Heat? Not only would LeBron’s homecoming be stepped on, but also the team’s overall confidence and moral will need a major overhaul. Think they’ll try to forget about the game IF they lose?

6) Teams are out to get them. LeBron knows it. D-Wade knows it. Bosh knows it. The whole Heat team should know it. They’re the villains of the NBA. The only thing they don’t know is how to play together.

7) The Miami Heat is 10-8 as of today. If they’re playing at the pace they are now, and let’s say they happen to go under .500 in the next couple of games, do you think the organization is going to do something about it? Do you think they might hit the panic button and try to speculate other options? Fire coach Erik Spoelstra? Figure out what to do with Chris Bosh? Have D-Wade shoot less? Or maybe have LeBron GROW UP?

Never gets old

8) Miami Heat’s “Big Three” probably didn’t expect this bad of a start. Give them some slack, though. LeBron is 25. Wade is 28. Bosh is 26. These guys are just hitting their primes. Sure, they weren’t able to replicate what Boston’s “Big Three” were able to do in their first year together. The difference? Boston’s trio is nearing the ends of their careers. They understand sacrifice. They understand the “no nonsense” approach. They understand what it takes to win; they don’t care who takes the last shot. Miami’s trio isn’t at that stage in their careers. They need to find the team chemistry and consistency that they lack. Maybe then will they win the “multiple championships” that they predicted.

9) Brace yourself; this is going to be one fun ride. LeBron needs a wake up call because if he’s not going to give himself one, then OTHERS will.

10) I’m hoping the Cleveland Cavaliers win. That’s the only time I’m ever going to pull for another team to win. I just want to see how LeBron handles it IF the Heat loses.

WWE Survivor Series 2010 review

2010-11-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

How’s everyone doing on this lovely day? Today is a very special day because it’s Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is spending quality time with those they love. There’s a lot to be thankful for... like Almond Joy! How do people NOT like Almond Joy? And don’t give me that, “because there’s coconut” BS. I’m not a big fan of coconut either but there’s something about that and chocolate going together that equals greatness. I think it’s the best candy in the world! I only bought 20 packs of them because they were a buck each. :D

I just finished watching a pay-per-view and it just so happens to be…

Looking back to my previous wrestling review, I realized how long it was. I’m going to try to cut that down and only mention the worthy parts. I’m not trying to write it up like a play-by-play because that takes way too long. I’m sure you don’t’ want to read a wall of text anyways.

Onto the review!

WWE United States Championship Match

Daniel Bryan (c) vs. Ted DiBiase w/ Maryse

- How awesome is Daniel Bryan’s “Ride of the Valkyries” theme song? If you don’t recognize the name of the song, listen to it here. I’m sure you’ve heard it somewhere before.

- Great back and forth wrestling from both competitors. I’d expect nothing less from Bryan but DiBiase brought out his best and hung in there with Bryan.

- Sick spot with Bryan hitting the suicide dive to the outside on DiBiase. Bryan did not hesitate and went full force. The man is relentless. Reminded me of his NXT one where he bruised himself pretty bad against Chris Jericho. See it here.

- Big, back body drop from Bryan to DiBiase on the top rope. They got some pretty good air on that. Ouch.

- DiBiase goes for the schoolboy but only gets a two and Bryan reverses it into the LeBell lock and successfully retains his title. Bryan wins by submission.

WINNER and STILL United States Champion: Daniel Bryan

· Post match: As Bryan heads up to the ramp and celebrates, he gets clobbered by The Miz and his Money in the Bank briefcase. The Miz cuts a promo and SLAMS the Miami Heat and LeBron James. MAJOR LOL. Everything he said was true. The Miz touts that it’s not a matter of IF; it’s a matter of WHEN he cashes his briefcase, he’s going to be the new WWE Champion. TEASE, TEASE, TEASE!

John Morrison vs. Sheamus

- For some reason, Sheamus reminded me of one of those puppets I used to see when I was younger. I couldn’t figure out which one until I FOUND IT! He looks like Beaker from the Muppets. LOLLLLLLLLL.

MEEP MEEP MEEO MEEP

- Classic match of speed vs. power. Morrison comes off with a nice move where he does a running corkscrew plancha to the outside on Sheamus. That move was filthy.

- Sheamus with some nice power moves and surprisingly a couple of submission holds. Probably nothing more than rest holds because that’s not part of his arsenal.

- Good back and forth action between the two with a couple of false finishes.

- Sheamus tries to knock Morrison’s face off with the Brogue Kick but Morrison moves away and Sheamus leg gets hung on the top rope. That results in Morrison hitting his Flying Chuck and then a running knee strike to get the pinfall. No finish with Starship Pain by Morrison, which was surprising. Great victory for Morrison.

WINNER: John Morrison

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match

Dolph Ziggler (c) w/ Vicki Guerrero vs. Kaval

- Kaval bringing it back with the knife-edge chops. WOOOOOOOOO! The boy got swag.

- Ziggler has come a long way. He’s been putting on great matches, particularly those who are about the same size as him. He works best with opponents in the same class as him.

- There’s a spot where Kaval does a cartwheel then a kick to Ziggler’s face. Ziggler is supposed to brace his face but apparently didn’t have enough time to react. OUCH. Took it like a man. Bloody nose results.

- Kaval tries to hit a Phoenix Splash but Ziggler moves away. What’s more impressive is that Kaval landed on his feet! Like I said, the boy got swag.

- Kaval goes for a roll up, but ends up getting it reversed by Ziggler and he ends up getting the pinfall victory.

WINNER and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Traditional Survivor Series Match

Team Mysterio vs. Team Del Rio

- “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Feel bad about yourself? Well, here are some grooming tips from the “Dashing” one.

- M.V.P. tries to suplex Drew McIntyre back into the ring but gets tripped up by Alberto Del Rio thus leading McIntyre to fall on top of M.V.P. Del Rio holds onto M.V.P.’s leg preventing him from getting out of the pinfall by McIntyre. M.V.P. is the first one eliminated from Team Mysterio. 5-4 Del Rio.

- Chris Masters comes in to fight Del Rio but ends up getting trapped into Del Rio’s rolling armbar. Masters submits and is eliminated. 5-3 Del Rio.

- Big Show comes in and Del Rio taunts him, leading to a knockout punch onto Del Rio’s grill. Del Rio gets helped to the back; we’re supposed to believe he’s eliminated and unable to fight??? 4-3 Del Rio.

- “Dashing” Cody Rhodes comes in in attempt to get revenge on Big Show but ends up getting knocked the F out. Pinfall on Rhodes and he’s eliminated. 3-3 tie.

- Kofi Kingston and Tyler Reks duke it out with Kingston able to score a pinfall on him. Reks is eliminated. 3-2 Mysterio.

- Jack Swagger comes in and has a great battle with Kofi Kingston. Back and forth action and some sweet reversals from both guys. Great chemistry here. Swagger is able to lock the Ankle Lock on Kingston and he submits. Kingston is eliminated. 2-2 tie.

- Rey Mysterio comes in and together with Big Show, they get the best of Jack Swagger with Mysterio hitting a splash off of Big Show’s shoulders, thus eliminating Swagger with a pinfall. 2-1 Mysterio.

- Drew McIntyre comes in but does little to nothing against Show and Mysterio. Big Show hits the chokeslam on McIntyre and eliminates him via pinfall. 2-0 Mysterio.

WINNER: Team Mysterio; sole survivors are Rey Mysterio and Big Show

2 on 1 Handicap Match for WWE Divas Championship

Layla/Michelle McCool (Team LayCool) vs. Natalya

- Natalya takes a beating from both members of Team LayCool. In and out offense on her.

- Natalya shows her strength by reversing a double team suplex on her and back at them.

- Action spills to the outside and Natalya sends both LayCool members into the stands.

- Some miscommunication from Team LayCool and they end up bumping heads which leads to Natalya slapping the Sharpshooter on Michelle McCool for the submission victory.

WINNER and NEW Divas Champion: Natalya

· Post Match: Natalya celebrates in warming fashion until she gets a beatdown from Team LayCool. This prompts for the return of BETH PHOENIX! Did not see that one coming. They fight and fend off Team LayCool. Great sight with Beth Phoenix hoisting Natalya up on her shoulders as they celebrate her victory.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match

Kane (c) vs. Edge w/ empty wheelchair

- Aggressive start for Kane. He’s really sad that Edge took his father, Paul Bearer, away. He’s a bastard now.

- Edge works on Kane’s leg for quite some time. Great psychology from the veteran.

- Lots and lots of rest holds from Kane. Kind of expected that since Kane is pretty old and sluggish. The man can still go though.

- Back and forth action from the two and then comes a weird ending. Kane sets up for the Tombstone pile driver but Edge reverses and hits the Spear. Edge pins Kane almost nonchalantly with his hand on Kane’s chest and Kane’s arm is also on Edge’s chest. Both competitors’ shoulders are on the mat, thus leading to a draw.

WINNER and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Kane

· Post match: Edge is pissed that he didn’t win and Kane attacks Edge while his back was turned. Kane tries to choke slam Edge on the floor but is reversed. Action spills outside and Edge gets Kane on the wheelchair and pushes him into the barricade! The barricade breaks and Edge leaves his mark.

WWE Tag Team Championship Match

Heath Slater/Justin Gabriel (c) w/ Nexus vs. Santino Marella/Vladimir Kozlov

- Santino Marella is freaking awesome. Love the cobra. Most. Lethal. Move. EVER.

- Santino Marella with some nice wrestling moves on Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel. Going with the fundamentals.

- Standard heel tactics from Slater/Gabriel with the corner beat downs and the referee distraction.

- Marella sets up for the COBRA but the other Nexus members distract him.

- Slater hits his finisher and pins Marella for the victory.

WINNER and STILL Tag Team Champions: Heath Slater/Justin Gabriel

· Post match: Nexus lays out Santino Marella/Vladimir Kozlov and throws them out the ring until… BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!

It’s important so listen up

Michael Cole says the anonymous Raw GM wants the Nexus to leave and that they cannot interfere in the upcoming WWE Championship match or they will be suspended indefinitely.

WWE Championship Match

Randy Orton (c) vs. Wade Barrett with special guest referee John Cena

- Stipulation here is if Randy Orton wins, John Cena will be fired from the WWE but if Wade Barrett wins, John Cena will be freed from the Nexus.

- We’re supposed to be torn on what John Cena is going to do, but that’s silly. That’s for all the kiddies and women to do.

- Very slow beginning with lots of punching/kicking and rest holds.

- Match starts to pick up when Cena becomes the focal point when he goes for the count.

- Back and forth action between the two competitors. At one point, Barrett becomes frustrated with Cena’s officiating and shoves him. Cena gets boiled up and shoves him back and Randy Orton hits the RKO. Cena counts one, two, HESITATION, and three. Randy Orton gets the pinall victory. John Cena is fired.

WINNER and STILL WWE Champion: Randy Orton

· Post match: Nexus decides to come and fight but gets thrown out by Orton and Cena. John Cena hands Randy Orton his WWE championship belt and lets him get his moment. Randy Orton leaves. John Cena is still in the ring and we’re supposed to feel bad that he’s gone from the WWE now. Barely any reaction from the crowd as Cena tries to pander to them. He teases leaving for good but decides to go into the crowd and give everyone high five’s. He finally heads up the ramp for one last goodbye and leaves. NO MORE JOHN CENA. Yeah, right.

Final Thoughts: WWE Survivor Series was an above average pay-per-view. Very good start from the first four matches but up until the Divas championship match is when the fuel started hitting low. Everything became sluggish and the crowd seemed tired. Other than that, great story involved with the whole John Cena being fired from WWE. I look forward into seeing how this transpires in the upcoming weeks.

7.5/10

SAW 3D review

2010-11-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

WHHHAAAAAAAATTTTUUUUUUUPPPPPP! Back bloggin’ again for my beautiful babies. That is not a lie. I do this for you. For YOUR entertainment. No, I’m not talking about the store. That’s not going to get me into any legal trouble for writing that, is it? Anyways, enough with the babbling. Onto the review!

Wait for it…

It’s coming…

Here…it…comes…

DUN DUN DUN

I know what you’re thinking… ANOTHER ONE?! That’s what I thought, too. Could they draw out this movie franchise any longer? You know why it’s still going on? BECAUSE YOU AND I STILL WATCH IT! It’s been a fixture every year on Halloween since its first release back in 2004. Has it really been that long? I used to categorize the “Saw” franchise as horror, at least up until the third movie.

But, can it really be anymore? I think of it as more of a thriller/action movie instead of a scary movie. Then again, my standard for horror movies nowadays is pretty low. Maybe it’s just me? Nothing scares me unless it’s…

*shivers*

ANYWAYS…

What’s the deal: Jigsaw’s back again! What?! He’s still alive somehow? Just kidding. He has been dead, but his legacy still continues! Saw 3D continues to follow the same formulaic situations in the final installment of the franchise. Random trap scene in the beginning to show what’s to come; flashbacks to previous movies to refresh thy memory; introductions to new characters who were in previous movies but are now playing a larger role; a focus on a character who goes through the latest trap maze from Jigsaw; more traps; then swerve at the end. Same difference.

If you remember all the way back to the first movie, you know that Dr. Gordon, the guy who sawed off his foot to set free, is crawling out the bathroom and goes to a steam pipe and presses his stumpy-leg onto it to cauterize it from anymore bleeding. Remember Dr. Gordon.

Jill Tuck, the ex-wife of the Jigsaw mastermind, is on a case for protection. She goes to an internal affairs detective, Matt Gibson, and asks for police protection in exchange for the incrimination of detective Mark Hoffman. She would give evidence and whatever is necessary, as long as she has their backs.

Hoffman, in the meantime, is still out setting traps and terrorizing those who don’t take their lives seriously. Scenes of a junkyard garage and look who it is! The screaming, singer guy from Linkin Park! He’s set into a trap that’ll set a chain reaction on three other people if he doesn’t pass his test. I couldn’t tell if he was singing or if he was really in pain!

Crawling in your skin, those wounds will definitely not heal

Get to the point: Here’s our focal character of the movie: Bobby Dagen, a man who has falsely gained notoriety and fame for his alleged “survival” of one of Jigsaw’s traps. For this lie, he must be put to the test and endure one of Jigsaw’s ultimate trap mazes. He claims to have survived a trap where he had hooks onto his pectoral muscles and hoist himself up in the air in order to pass.

And he has the scars to prove it, even though they're fake

So, Mr. Bobby Dagen later gets mugged by the scary man-horse-pig goony and finds himself unconscious in an asylum. For his lies, Bobby’s wife, Joyce, has also been abducted and set into the trap where Bobby must complete in order to save her. What Bobby doesn’t know is that he has to go through the three stages of hell, finding his publicist, lawyer, and close friend all parameters within the traps. If he doesn’t meet the time requirements for each trap, they will die. He does poorly in all three of them. What fun is it if they don’t die, RIGHT?

On the other side of the story, detective Gibson is on the hunt for Hoffman’s whereabouts and finds out that he’s been under Hoffman’s watch all along. Gibson plays right into Hoffman’s hands and is ultimately killed when he is greeted with an automated turret gun in the command center of the junkyard.

Hoffman, on the other hand, has to scheme and find access to Jill Tuck. He has to make quick work of the police headquarters before reaching Jill Tuck. When he does, both quickly get into a scuffle. In the end, Hoffman is able to get Jill Tuck into the infamous reverse bear trap and kills her. No more Jigsaw’s babe.

Meanwhile, as Bobby finally gets to the last part of the maze, he has to put that false story of his to the test. He has to hook himself up on the chest, hoist himself up, and reach to a set of plugs in order to stop a trap his wife is in. He actually makes it up but as he’s trying to connect the plugs together, the hooks rip off of his chest and he falls, ultimately failing. His wife gets burned inside a chamber as he realizes how much of a failure he is.

Humble pie, best served fresh

We think Hoffman’s job is complete but… here comes the swerve! As he burns down any evidence on his workshop and leaves, he is greeted by THREE man-horse-pig goonies. One of them pulls of their masks and it is Dr. Gordon! The guy with the nubby leg! We see flashbacks and it reveals that because Dr. Gordon passed his test, the original Jigsaw helps him recover and pronounces him to be protector of his wife. Since Jill Tuck died, Hoffman’s life must now be punished. Dr. Gordon brings us back to the bathroom in the first movie and shackles Hoffman there. Dr. Gordon throws away the hacksaw he had used to cut off his foot and leaves Hoffman there to die. End of movie.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Worth watching?: Yes, it was a fairly good watch. It definitely helped connect any loose ends of the franchise in case any of them left you confused. I don’t know if it was the sheer happiness because FINALLY this is the last movie. No more after this one. Right? That’s what they want us to think. At least I hope so. No more extended loopholes, please!

What did you think of this movie if you saw it? Loved it or hated it? Leave a comment!

Paranormal Activity 2 review

2010-11-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

I am back! It’s been a couple of days since my last blog. But, here I am! I’ve been in the mood to watch horror movies lately even though Halloween just passed. So… I decided to watch a recently released flick, which brings me to…

BLAM!

If you haven’t seen the first Paranormal Activity, then why the hell are you reading this? Unless you want to be spoiled for whatever reason, I’d advise you to close this. Like right now. Please.

Just to refresh your memory on what happened in the first Paranormal Activity, I’ll break it down for you:

There are two protagonists here: Katie and Micah. They’re a couple that has been together for quite some time and are living in a suburban place.

Katie believes she has been haunted by some sort of demonic presence throughout her childhood and is still sensing things, particularly at nighttime.

Micah thinks Katie is just overreacting, but decides to set up a video camera in their house to see if he can capture anything. Most notable spot belongs in their bedroom.

A strange, supernatural phenomenon occurs minor at first, but begins to gradually increase as each night goes by, particularly when the couple is asleep. Katie believes the demon feeds off of negative energy and wants to haunt her.

As each night comes and goes, Katie begins behaving erratically from sounding possessed to standing by the bed next to Micah for hours while he’s asleep.

The final night, Katie apparently gets controlled by the demonic presence while she heads downstairs the house and lets out an eerily scream. Micah rushes downstairs, then we hear silence, and then footsteps slowly coming up. Micah’s body gets thrown at the camera and Katie lunges over towards the camera as we can see a demonic face for a brief moment. We’re to expect Katie killed Micah.

The film ends by saying Micah’s body was found while Katie’s whereabouts were unknown.

So without further ado…

She's excited like you

What's the deal: We’re introduced to a family, fresh off a newborn boy, into their house up in the suburban area in California. Everything seems happy and dandy until the home of Daniel and Kristi Rey gets “burglarized.” The house is completely trashed with the exception of the room of their newborn son’s, Hunter.

This begins the installment of surveillance cameras into certain parts of the house by Daniel, in hopes of finding who or what has been causing this. The family also has a daughter, Ali, who lives with them and also a hired babysitter/housekeeper, Martine.

The next few days begin some minor, supernatural phenomenons. Pots and pans are falling on their own in the kitchen; cabinets are opening; the pool cleaner mysteriously coming out the pool; lights flickering, weird noises, you name it.

I got more scared when my water didn't boil

The maid, who is some sort of know-it-all demon expert, believes that there are evil spirits roaming within the house. At one point, she experiences the creepiness in the house and decides to burn some sort of incense and wave it all around the place, in hopes of ridding the evil spirits. Her actions cause Daniel to fire her because he refuses to believe that there are any supernatural beings behind this.

Get to the point: As you may remember if you saw the prequel, Katie, who is actually the sister of Kristi, talks about being haunted by a demonic presence during her childhood. We see flashbacks of them talking about this but Katie tells Kristi to not mention it because it’ll only escalade the problem.

As the days go on and on, the phenomenons start to intensify. There’s a shot of Hunter, who is sleeping in his cradle, slowly being pulled out of the cradle by a mysterious force. More strange things are happening within the house and even the dog becomes a victim. The canine is also able to sense the strange things happening in the house and decides to check what is going on downstairs when he hears a door opening. The dog barks ferociously and is attacked and pulled violently off camera by the phenomena.

When the family finds out that something has happened to the dog, Daniel and Ali takes it to the veterinarian, leaving Kristi and the baby alone. Kristi goes up to check on Hunter and as she’s doing so, she gets violently dragged by the mysterious force down the stairs. She tries to run back up but gets pulled back down and into the basement. Several hours later, the basement door opens and out comes a demonized Kristi.

As soon as Daniel and Ali come back, they notice that Kristi has been acting strange and unresponsive. They watch the footage they captured of Kristi’s attack and Daniel calls back housekeeper Martine. Martine prepares some sort of cross and tells Daniel that it will pass the demon onto another blood relative.

Daniel tries to use the cross on Kristi but she attacks him. After some back and forth fighting between the two, Daniel is finally able to touch her with the cross. The demon has now disappeared from Kristi.

However, some weeks later, Katie visits and describes the weird things happening at her place. This event transpires from over the first movie and comes into play in this movie. On a different night, Katie, possessed after killing Micah, breaks into the Rey family’s home and kills both Daniel and Kristi and takes Hunter with her. Ali at the time was still in school and then the movie ends, seemingly to conclude there will be a third movie.

Died a Johnny Cage death. Flawless victory

Worth watching?: Absolutely not. Unless you want to watch it just to complete it. The movie’s first 40 minutes or so is so drawn out and anticlimactic because of the tension they’re trying to build. Some of the scenes that build up tension don’t even result in a scare! More like a tease. And when something actually does happen, it’s not even scary! Unless you’re one of those who get scared when some loud noise happens, you will be fairly disappointed. Stay far away from this movie. Out the theaters. Behind the walls. Outside a building. Behind a tree. Near your dog. Inside a firetruck. Deep inside a cave.

I will say, though, that I appreciate the kind of movie Paranormal Activity has given the horror genre; the lack of any sort of background music at least tries to play up that the movie could be somewhat real. I like the guerrilla-style videography on some shots as it gives you the perspective like you are really there.

You’re better off catching this on a rent in which you didn’t pay for.