On the way to lunch today I was once again reminded of something that needs to be any Denver Tourism Brochure-- the Walgreens at 16th St. and Stout. Sure, it smells like ass, the aisles are crowded and you shouldn't be caught dead buying any of their snack food... but it is the unprecedented Top Spot for People Watching. I'm surprised it wasn't highlighted with all the DNC propaganda that flooded the city, last month.
I can't do it justice in print/blog... so just trust me on this. If you ever visit Denver make about 15 minutes to stand outside this Walgreens on a weekday. I guarantee you''ll find something to snap a cellphone pic of. It might be the 45 year old "punk" dressed in a heavy leather jacket on a 92 degree day, the enterprising bum selling free papers "to help the homeless", or the annoying turd playing the flute while Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes blast on his boombox...but you'll find something.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Delete After Posting
Caught the new Coen Brothers flick, "Burn After Reading", last night. First off, this is not a drop-down, pants-pissing, snort-enducing comedy. While it is silly, most of the laughs come from the quirky mannerisms and antics of the characters. Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt are clueless health club workers who completely flub over a blackmail plot based around what they believe is "important shit". George Clooney is a goofy government worker who likes to wear his pants high and run through the city. John Malkovich is a recently laid-off CIA guy, looking for some purpose in his life while constantly dropping f-bombs.
But inside the story is a melancholy look at the middle-aged years of life. How the paranoia, obsession and fear over becoming old can drive someone to act strangely. Even incredibly stupid. That seemed to be the recurring theme and can help you dissect each character's motive throughout the flick.
Sure, there are some hilarious parts-- like when Brad Pitt and McDormand first reach out, via phone, to Malkovich's character-- but if you're looking for a comedy, you might be better off with something like "Pineapple Express".
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Prime Time Wrestling - 09/01/91
Caught this on WWE 24/7, last night and didn't feel it was worth an actual article. The date on this is up for debate, but for all intents and purposes, this was the first PTW after SummerSlam'91. At this time, Prime Time was had a live audience and studio guests--- it was sort of like a combo of "TNT" and "Superstars of Wrestling".
The broadcast started out with Bobby Heenan frantically running through the production booth, making sure everything was in order for the arrival of "The Real World's Champion, Ric Flair". Heenan got off a buncha' one-liner insults, as he slammed random members of the crew. "Nice hat... pull it down over your face!"
The studio host was Sean Mooney and surprisingly enough, he was quite adept at moving the show along, making relevant statement and playing off of both Heenan and the crowd well. Completely different from the robotic announcing he did in the "Events Center", or while announcing a match with Lord Alfred Hayes. He had about a two months run as host of the show and it was probably his best work in the WWF.
Matches included:
-"The Dragon" (Ricky Steamboat) vs. Colonel Mustafa
Decent little match that I recapped a few years ago. Dragon won with the high-cross body.
-Bushwhackers vs. Duane Gil & Barry Hardy
Guess who won?! From "Superstars". The Beverly Brothers cut an inset promo and introduced the Genius (Lanny Poffo) as their new manager.
-Hercules (w/Slick) vs. Phil Apollo
Return to singles competition for Herc, as he easily won with the backbreaker. I don't think "Power & Glory" appeared, as a team, on the nationwide WWF shows after SummerSlam '91
-Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart vs. Brooklyn Brawler
Another ring return, as Anvil had walked out of the "Wrestling Challenge" broadcast team. Nothing heel-ish...he left because he knew he'd lose his temper and deck the Brain if he stuck around. Real reason: Anvil on the stick STUNK. Anyways, quick match as he wins with a powerslam.
-Big Bully Busick (w/Harvey Whippleman) vs. Jim Powers
Before the match, Busick harassed the ring attendant and pulled his tie off. Oh, I see...he's a BULLY! They had a little gimmick where Busick was the muscle who would push guys around, so the wimpy Whippleman could make fun of them. Like the nerdy kid who gets a dumb jock or ruffian to be his psuedo "bodyguard". The role was a bit goofy, but worked well for both of these clowns. Busick won with his stump-puller submission. Powers was still coming to the ring with his OLD "Crank it Up" theme music.
-IRS vs. "Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich
Not a bad match, as Irwin could work when he wanted to. There's an MSG show from October 1991 on WWE 24/7 right now which features a pretty damn good match between Irwin and the British Bulldog. This match isn't as good, obviously, and features a lame DQ win for the Tornado, when IRS grabs the ref.
-Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. (Pat) Tanaka (w/Mr.Fuji)
Joined in progress, as it was mostly punchy-kicky. Snuka won cleanly with the Superfly Splash. Nice to see Snuka got a win of some substance in 1991. Even if Tanaka was a nose-hair above jobber at this point.
-Warlord (w/Slick) vs. Mark Thomas
Another squash from "Superstars". I wonder if this Mark Thomas was the guy Rowe referred to as "Art Thomas" in his latest 1993 RAW recap? Had an in-match promo, as Warlord and Slick talked about challenging Bret Hart for the IC belt. I don't think they ever followed up on that program, as Bret soon went into a feud with Da' Mountie.
They also showed two brief clips of the SummerSlam 6-man tag (Bulldog, Dragon & Tornado vs. Orient Express & Warlord), plus the ending of the IC title match between Mr. Perfect & Bret Hart. Both were just ways to promote the Coliseum Video release. Can't forget the spots promoting the Hulk Hogan Hotline, either.
In-studio guest were the Undertaker & Paul Bearer, Ric Flair and the Legion of Doom. Paul Bearer showed off "photographs" of Elizabeth screaming at her wedding reception. They also set up a dual feud of Randy Savage vs. Jake Roberts and Undertaker vs. Sid Justice. The first worked, the other never got off the ground.
The Ric Flair segment was pretty good for historical significance. At the time, it was very surreal to see Flair in the WWF with the belt, finally challenging Hogan. In fact, all of the live guests were former NWA guys (okay, so Percy Pringle was World Class).
The LOD promo was a gas, as both were decked out in Zubaz! Alfred Hayes offered congratulations from the Queen of England on winning thge tag team straps. To which Hawk replied: "well, if the Queen were here right now, both Animal and myself would give her a big hug...followed by a nice, juicy, big kiss....... just like we did before!" Only Hawk can make smooching that old bag sound cool.
The broadcast started out with Bobby Heenan frantically running through the production booth, making sure everything was in order for the arrival of "The Real World's Champion, Ric Flair". Heenan got off a buncha' one-liner insults, as he slammed random members of the crew. "Nice hat... pull it down over your face!"
The studio host was Sean Mooney and surprisingly enough, he was quite adept at moving the show along, making relevant statement and playing off of both Heenan and the crowd well. Completely different from the robotic announcing he did in the "Events Center", or while announcing a match with Lord Alfred Hayes. He had about a two months run as host of the show and it was probably his best work in the WWF.
Matches included:
-"The Dragon" (Ricky Steamboat) vs. Colonel Mustafa
Decent little match that I recapped a few years ago. Dragon won with the high-cross body.
-Bushwhackers vs. Duane Gil & Barry Hardy
Guess who won?! From "Superstars". The Beverly Brothers cut an inset promo and introduced the Genius (Lanny Poffo) as their new manager.
-Hercules (w/Slick) vs. Phil Apollo
Return to singles competition for Herc, as he easily won with the backbreaker. I don't think "Power & Glory" appeared, as a team, on the nationwide WWF shows after SummerSlam '91
-Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart vs. Brooklyn Brawler
Another ring return, as Anvil had walked out of the "Wrestling Challenge" broadcast team. Nothing heel-ish...he left because he knew he'd lose his temper and deck the Brain if he stuck around. Real reason: Anvil on the stick STUNK. Anyways, quick match as he wins with a powerslam.
-Big Bully Busick (w/Harvey Whippleman) vs. Jim Powers
Before the match, Busick harassed the ring attendant and pulled his tie off. Oh, I see...he's a BULLY! They had a little gimmick where Busick was the muscle who would push guys around, so the wimpy Whippleman could make fun of them. Like the nerdy kid who gets a dumb jock or ruffian to be his psuedo "bodyguard". The role was a bit goofy, but worked well for both of these clowns. Busick won with his stump-puller submission. Powers was still coming to the ring with his OLD "Crank it Up" theme music.
-IRS vs. "Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich
Not a bad match, as Irwin could work when he wanted to. There's an MSG show from October 1991 on WWE 24/7 right now which features a pretty damn good match between Irwin and the British Bulldog. This match isn't as good, obviously, and features a lame DQ win for the Tornado, when IRS grabs the ref.
-Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. (Pat) Tanaka (w/Mr.Fuji)
Joined in progress, as it was mostly punchy-kicky. Snuka won cleanly with the Superfly Splash. Nice to see Snuka got a win of some substance in 1991. Even if Tanaka was a nose-hair above jobber at this point.
-Warlord (w/Slick) vs. Mark Thomas
Another squash from "Superstars". I wonder if this Mark Thomas was the guy Rowe referred to as "Art Thomas" in his latest 1993 RAW recap? Had an in-match promo, as Warlord and Slick talked about challenging Bret Hart for the IC belt. I don't think they ever followed up on that program, as Bret soon went into a feud with Da' Mountie.
They also showed two brief clips of the SummerSlam 6-man tag (Bulldog, Dragon & Tornado vs. Orient Express & Warlord), plus the ending of the IC title match between Mr. Perfect & Bret Hart. Both were just ways to promote the Coliseum Video release. Can't forget the spots promoting the Hulk Hogan Hotline, either.
In-studio guest were the Undertaker & Paul Bearer, Ric Flair and the Legion of Doom. Paul Bearer showed off "photographs" of Elizabeth screaming at her wedding reception. They also set up a dual feud of Randy Savage vs. Jake Roberts and Undertaker vs. Sid Justice. The first worked, the other never got off the ground.
The Ric Flair segment was pretty good for historical significance. At the time, it was very surreal to see Flair in the WWF with the belt, finally challenging Hogan. In fact, all of the live guests were former NWA guys (okay, so Percy Pringle was World Class).
The LOD promo was a gas, as both were decked out in Zubaz! Alfred Hayes offered congratulations from the Queen of England on winning thge tag team straps. To which Hawk replied: "well, if the Queen were here right now, both Animal and myself would give her a big hug...followed by a nice, juicy, big kiss....... just like we did before!" Only Hawk can make smooching that old bag sound cool.
Monday, September 8, 2008
One Phone call, two free nights...and a lifetime of annoyance.
With the weather finally cooling down and the cops putting the heat on the irresponsible owner of the barking dog that lives behind my house, I had a good night's sleep on Friday. Like a log...for almost 10 hours. But I was awoken on Saturday morning by my old buddies: Superior Tour and Travel.
For the past three years, I've been getting phonecalls from them every so often, telling me I've won a "free trip". They called me last November and I bitched their asses out over the frequent calls. I told them to remove my contact info, talked to a "manager", told them I wasn't interested in their "free trip" and all that. I thought that was the end of it... until they called Saturday morning with the same fucking spiel they always gave me. (And before you tell me: yes, I'm on the national and statewide No Call List).
It all started back on the first day I moved into my house, in September 2005. I got a call from a vacuum sales company, asking to come by for a free demo. As a result of their demo, I would receive a "free vacation". So the vacuum clown came over, I told him to take off...but I got my "free vacation" certificate. I figured I had already gone through a sales pitch, so I was home free and could enjoy my "free vacation" in the near future. I thought THAT was the end of it.
I called to schedule it and arranged things for a stayover in Ft. Lauderdale in March 2006. It was really just two nights in some resort, but it helped me out on my annual GrapeFruit League Sojourn. But when I got down there, I was told I had to sit through a 4 hour sales pitch on buying a vacation home package. Oh shit.
Sat through the presentation-- which was more of a tour and not as painful as it sounded-- but I wasn't interested in the vacation scam and told them "no thanks". So I went about the rest of my trip and thought THAT was the end of it.
But then the calls from Superior Travel started coming. They said I had filled out an entry form during my time at the resort in Ft. Lauderdale and that I had "won a free vacation". The first time they called, I was suspicious, but decided to hear them out. Can't remember the details, but it involved putting out 500 bucks upfront, then getting a portion of it refunded after I had taken my "free vacation". I told them it was bullshit and said I would pass.
But the calls persisted. I can't tell you how many times I had been "selected at random" and "won" a "free vacation". Must've been a pretty small entry pool if I was winning every six weeks!
So after Saturday's call, I bitched them out AGAIN. This time I got a name and the company's address. These fuckers will not leave me alone. Like the person you once gave your number to, at a bar. You didn't care for the person, but they still have your number and keep calling you. For almost 3 years. If Superior Tour and Travel were a person, I'd file harassment charges.
I hope THIS is the end of it and I can get back to 8 hours of sleep on Friday nights.
For the past three years, I've been getting phonecalls from them every so often, telling me I've won a "free trip". They called me last November and I bitched their asses out over the frequent calls. I told them to remove my contact info, talked to a "manager", told them I wasn't interested in their "free trip" and all that. I thought that was the end of it... until they called Saturday morning with the same fucking spiel they always gave me. (And before you tell me: yes, I'm on the national and statewide No Call List).
It all started back on the first day I moved into my house, in September 2005. I got a call from a vacuum sales company, asking to come by for a free demo. As a result of their demo, I would receive a "free vacation". So the vacuum clown came over, I told him to take off...but I got my "free vacation" certificate. I figured I had already gone through a sales pitch, so I was home free and could enjoy my "free vacation" in the near future. I thought THAT was the end of it.
I called to schedule it and arranged things for a stayover in Ft. Lauderdale in March 2006. It was really just two nights in some resort, but it helped me out on my annual GrapeFruit League Sojourn. But when I got down there, I was told I had to sit through a 4 hour sales pitch on buying a vacation home package. Oh shit.
Sat through the presentation-- which was more of a tour and not as painful as it sounded-- but I wasn't interested in the vacation scam and told them "no thanks". So I went about the rest of my trip and thought THAT was the end of it.
But then the calls from Superior Travel started coming. They said I had filled out an entry form during my time at the resort in Ft. Lauderdale and that I had "won a free vacation". The first time they called, I was suspicious, but decided to hear them out. Can't remember the details, but it involved putting out 500 bucks upfront, then getting a portion of it refunded after I had taken my "free vacation". I told them it was bullshit and said I would pass.
But the calls persisted. I can't tell you how many times I had been "selected at random" and "won" a "free vacation". Must've been a pretty small entry pool if I was winning every six weeks!
So after Saturday's call, I bitched them out AGAIN. This time I got a name and the company's address. These fuckers will not leave me alone. Like the person you once gave your number to, at a bar. You didn't care for the person, but they still have your number and keep calling you. For almost 3 years. If Superior Tour and Travel were a person, I'd file harassment charges.
I hope THIS is the end of it and I can get back to 8 hours of sleep on Friday nights.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Chop-block on Gmail
On the random chance that someone's reading Da' Site and thinking about registering over on Da' Board...let's hope you're not using a GMail account as your email address.
Due to spammers, we require authentication on all new accounts registered. But in the last few months, we've been getting roughly 20-25 spam accounts with Gmail accounts, per DAY. Makes it a hassle when I log-in to check for new users and I see 139 Gmail spam accounts awaiting validation. Makes it tough to spot any new members who actually want to join and participate.
So I'm going to have to block all new registrations from Gmail accounts. If Gmail/Google improves their service and makes an official announcement, then they'll return. But for now, no Gmail. I don't think anybody on Da' Board has ever used a Gmail account as their primary email, anyways. If you have no other way BUT Gmail for your email....well, I can think of roughly 18 other ways to contact us outside of Da' Board.
Due to spammers, we require authentication on all new accounts registered. But in the last few months, we've been getting roughly 20-25 spam accounts with Gmail accounts, per DAY. Makes it a hassle when I log-in to check for new users and I see 139 Gmail spam accounts awaiting validation. Makes it tough to spot any new members who actually want to join and participate.
So I'm going to have to block all new registrations from Gmail accounts. If Gmail/Google improves their service and makes an official announcement, then they'll return. But for now, no Gmail. I don't think anybody on Da' Board has ever used a Gmail account as their primary email, anyways. If you have no other way BUT Gmail for your email....well, I can think of roughly 18 other ways to contact us outside of Da' Board.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Mighty Avengers #17
This was an odd book. Turns out that the Skrulls have replaced Hank Pym twice, in recent years. The first (or latest?) Skrull Hank began to see flaws in the whole "Secret Invasion" plan and started to rebel against the whole thing. So the Skrull Dum Dum Dugan calls in a SHIELD beatdown on Skrull Hank. The ensuing fight is somewhat creative-- as Skrull Hank uses his shrinking and growing powers very well.
I'm not sure why they thought this story was necessary, though. We already had one "Hank gets replaced by a Skrull" story about two months ago. So another Skrull rebelled and was replaced? Okay...
Although it does clear up a scene from an early issue of "Mighty Avengers"; where "Hank" was boinking Tigra. To me, at the time, that seemed out-of-character for Hank. So I'm comforted to know that it wasn't the real Hank. Although we had a poster over on Da' Board, last year, who thought that a womanizing, "asshole Hank" was a great character. I really objected to that.
However...in the previous "Hank gets replaced by a Skrull" story, the real Hank WAS sleeping around with a young British woman. So I'm confused... why absolve Hank of one demerit, but keep the other? Just haphazard characterization and writing. Hank had a very well-handled descent into tragedy, circa 1982. Since then, he's been on the redemption trail. The Hank Pym in "Ultimates" was NOT the Marvel U Hank, and I think most fans (and personnel at Marvel) don't get that.
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