NHL Awards-Reaction to the show

Well after watching the NHL Awards last night, I had alot of mixed reactions to it. I have alot of problems with the show and saw alot of positives.

Positives:

• Winners: I agreed with everyone who won last night, despite my picks being wrong. I never have real issues with stuff like that, especially when someone like Hendrik Sedin, Ryan Miller and Duncan Keith winning and getting the respect they rightfully deserve. Plus hear Jose Theodore's speech was a total tear-jerker.
• The Stage: I loved it big time. I thought it added alot to the show. I loved how they had the jerseys in the air that changed with each award with the color of the player and their # and then when they won all three jerseys changed to their. It was well done and something I'd never seen before.
• Former Players: It's always great to see the legends of the game. This was the main difference on the night. I think the players that accepted awards from the legends like Ted Lindsay, Guy Lafleur and Mark Messier, actually felt more respected, then the ones who got them from random celebrities.
• USA Army: Okay this was a HUGE surprise and you can see the joy in Shane Doan's face when he received the King Clancy straight from the US Army soldiers. It was a great moment.

Negatives:

• Jay Mohr: What the hell? This was a TERRIBLE hosting job. His jokes bombed. His impressions were off. And overall I felt him being there was a total waste of time. Besides a maybe C-list comedian is the best the NHL could do to host this show? Gary said it perfectly last night: "Jay Mohr was bombing so bad I heard Al Qaeda is trying to recruit him.
• Random Celebrities: I had alot of issues throughout the night that all these celebrities didn't care about the sport, respect the game or even know the history of the awards they were giving out. They were paid to be there and it very obvious. I know that the NHL was using them to expose the game and awards to mass media but as a long time fan, it was awful.
• Music Performances: Ugh! I didn't turn into the NHL Awards to watch Snoop Dogg, Shinedown or the Goo Goo Dolls. And also what the hell was Cirque De Soleil doing there? Just because they were in Vegas right? At times if it didn't say Versus on the bottom of the screen, I thought I had changed the station. This was a terrible idea. In general. Also it led to my biggest problem of the night...
• Acceptance Speeches Cut-off: This really pissed me off. I want to hear from Duncan Keith and Ryan Miller and Hendrik Sedin and all the winners of the awards. I did NOT like the fact that their speeches were cut short due to time and they couldn't enjoy the moment of winning the award. This was NEVER an issue in the past till it turned into a half award show/half concert like it did last night.

Overall it was a C effort on trying to do something different with the awards this year, but I know I'm one of the many that actually missed the old low-key format from Toronto that was about the game. Just the game, nothing else. I know the NHL wants to grow the sport in the US, but this was an embarrassment to the sport, an embarrassment to the loyal fans and a mis-opportunity to explain and show off the history of the game. 

NHL Awards-The Results

Last night was the NHL Awards and I'm going to put my comments into two separate entries. First up are the awards and how my picks went:

Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils-My Pick
Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

When I made this pick, I was going on loyalty. Marty is my goalie and the only Devil nominated for anything tonight. Ryan Miller deserved this award for his work in Buffalo and Team USA (even though that doesn't count).


Frank J. Selke Trophy (Top Defensive Forward)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings-My Pick
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins

This was a slam-dunk pick. No one is better than Datsyuk right now in his position. (1-1)

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Skill/Sportsmanship)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Brad Richards, Dallas Stars
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning-My Pick

I'm shocked I got this one right. LOL. I didn't know who to pick here because it's a weird award to win. 


Calder Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie)
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings-My Pick
Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

This was a really tough call. If they could have more than one winner, then all three could have won. There was no loser in this category, except well me for picking the wrong player.


James Norris Memorial Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals-My Pick
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

You know with all the hype behind Mike Green, I'm shocked he didn't win. Keith definitely deserves it though. Very cool. 


Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (Perseverance & Dedication to Hockey)
Kurtis Foster, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jed Ortmeyer, San Jose Sharks-My Pick
Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

Until last night I didn't even know why these three were nominated, but after watching the video clips, Jose Theodore deserves it big time for all the charity work after losing his son. 


NHL Foundation Player Award (Contributions to Charitable Causes)
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres-My Pick

Wow two awards for Ryan Miller and a $25,000 check for charity. That's a hell of a night. 


Jack Adams Award (Top Head Coach)
Joe Sacco, Colorado Avalanche
Dave Tippett, Phoenix Coyotes-My Pick
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators

Take a team who most people didn't even know were going to be in Phoenix when the season, mold them into a winning team, almost win the division, make the playoffs and then almost beat the Red Wings. That's impressive. No one else ever comes close to deserving to win this award more than Tippett.

Ted Lindsay Award (MVP Voted by the NHLPA)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins-My Pick
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

This could have gone either way. I figured Crosby was going to win something, but the NHLPA likes Ovi more right now. I knew I should have went with my instincts.

Mark Messier Leadership Award (Top Leader in Hockey)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres-My Pick

Well, I picked Miller to win two awards, just the wrong two. I guess Crosby wasn't going to be shutout. And he can say he's the first official winner of this award.

Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals-My Pick
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Until yesterday morning's NHL Live, I wouldn't have even thought that Sedin had a chance, but they made me believers. So when he won, Sid and Ovi looked surprised. Let me say though, if you told me back when the Sedin twins got drafted back-to-back by the Canucks years ago that one of them was going to turn out to be league MVP, I would have said you were crazy.

GO USA!

Wow. Simply wow.

That's all I can say after this morning.

To be honest, going into the World Cup, I didn't care. I'm not a soccer person. But due my passion for my country, I have been watching and rooting for Team USA. Today was a sight to see.

USA advanced on to the second round of the World Cup in dramatic fashion. But that's not the whole story.

There are very few moments in sports that bring together an entire country, this morning was one of those moments. I haven't seen so much American pride on web site, at work, in texts, since the USA-Canada hockey game during the Olympics in February. This was unreal.

I've gotta say, for the first time in a very long time, I'm actually excited for a soccer game. I will be watching as much as I can this Saturday. Wow, I never thought I'd be looking forward to a World Cup game.

2010 Hockey Hall of Fame Reaction

Yesterday they announced the 2010 inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame. This list actually made me excited because of my favorite all-time players made it in, and it's about time she got her due.

1. Dino Ciccarelli
It's rare when a "journeyman" makes the hall of fame, but Dino isn't your typical journeyman. While he did play for five teams in his 19 year career, he scored 608 goals and collected an even 1200 points. The four-time all-star definitely deserves his due. The only thing he never accomplished was win the Stanley Cup, but that is not a big deal, some of the all-time greats don't have their names on the Cup.

2. Cammi Granato
Stats do not due her justice. In fact due the state of women's hockey, they are very inflated. But her impact on the game is bigger than that. She led the 1998 USA Women's Hockey team to a goal medal in the first Olympic games that including women's hockey. In 2010 it doesn't seem like a big deal, but in 98 it was massive. There was alot of talk that women didn't belong in a man's game, she took the reigns and proved everyone wrong. I'm so happy she made this class. She deserves it big time.

3. Angela James
But you can't talk about women hockey pioneers with talking about Angela James. She brought women's hockey to forefront in Canada. Without her, there might not be a women's hockey division. She never got to play in the Olympics, but if it wasn't for her hard work, there might not have been a Canadian women's Olympic team to begin with.

4. Jimmy Devellano (Builder)
This is the mastermind scout behind three of the Cup wins in New York for the Islanders and the general manager for all four Detroit Red Wing Cup wins from 97-08.

5. Daryl "Doc" Seaman (Builder)
I don't know much about this guy, except he's a major deal in Canada. So I guess he must be deserving if he's included in here.

15 Things That Will Help Idol (EW Comments)

Last week EW.com released an article called "15 Ways to Fix Idol".

1. Reboot The Judges' Panel, But (Gulp!) Keep Kara
You know what I don't really agree with this one. While Randy and Ellen aren't the best judges, Randy is a stable of the show, and the only original judge left, he has to stay on. Besides it wouldn't be a Tuesday night with hearing someone be called "dawg!" As for Ellen, she is funny and entertaining and got better as the weeks went on last year. Kara is a great judge, but she can't be the only one left of the three. Not going to work at all.


2. Give Us Full Songs
Okay, I have to agree with this, to a point. (Note this is for when they get down to 12) For the first few weeks, they would have to do short songs to get to everyone. For when it's down to 5, to fill the hour and a half time slot allotted, definitely make it full songs. I think it would awesome and add alot.

3. Expand The Weekly List of Pre-Cleared Songs
I couldn't agree with this more, I think if there were more choices, without having to make special requests, then the performances would be better and there wouldn't be the infamous bad song choices.

4. Acknowledge Music Written and Recorded After 1990
You know, this is another completely valid point. I'm all for various specific theme nights, but why have there been three Beatles in a two year span? I LOVE Sinatra, but how many people that are in the audience ever heard of him, and a little highlight package doesn't help. I've even tried to play it like, well they could have a history lesson, then if that's the case many one or two weeks out of the whole season, NOT every week. The suggestions that EW made I would love to see, 90's boy bands and Green Day. Beyonce was mentioned, well let's just make it female artists of the 21st century so Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Pink, as an example, can be included.

5. Update The Opening Credits
I have no idea why this matters, but I do like the idea of putting highlights all the Idol winners on the opening, much more clearer than they are now. But at the same time, I don't have an issues with the opening as it is.

6. Kill The Swayboys! (And Get The Band Down From The Rafters!)
Okay I'll cover this one at a time. Until this season I never even heard the term "Swaybots". Those are apparently the people who sit in the pit area and react to every song, no matter how bad they are. I don't have a problem with them. As a matter of fact, unless you are just completely bored by the on stage performances, why are you even caring what's going on in the crowd? But, the latter part of this I couldn't agree with more. Why is the band up in the rafters? Why aren't they on the stage for the contestants to play off of? I think that would majorly help the performances in general and ease the nerves especially on early weeks of the season.

7. Put the Kibosh on Top 24 Spoilers
Well I love this idea. But at the same time, would this work as a live show? I mean I think it wouldn't really work. The audience would get bored if you don't give them alot of entertaining aspects. So no, I don't agree with this at all.

8. Let The Contestant Write Already!
I actually love this idea. I thought that this year would have been the perfect time to start this. I think, especially for the finale, this should be but in. It worked for Nashville Star, why wouldn't it work here?

9. Create A Banned Song List
You know, I will say I like the idea of a banned song list. My opinions are like this: If a Top 12 Idol sang it last year, it's out. If it was sang during the season already. It's out. If it's just a terrible song, it's out. Very simple.

10. Take Us Behind The Curtain
This concept I really like. I think that's what made the first season so much fun, there was alot more behind the scenes stuff. More interviews in the red room, interviews in dressing rooms. It made it more intimate. This should definitely be brought back for a fresh look.

11. Support Your Alumni Over Flavors-of-the-Week
Ding ding ding! I don't have to add much else except this simple statement. There are enough Idol Alumni with contracts and record deals, that no matter what the theme is there should be an former contestant on the results show performing. End of story. No more random pop stars that happen to have albums out that week. It's not what the show is about or ever was about. I mean, I would sacrifice seeing Bon Jovi just to see Bo Bice on the Idol stage again.

12. Cast A More Diverse Group of Semifinalists
This does make a valid point. At the same time, the best performers should be in the semis, end of story. It shouldn't matter what sex, color or genre they are. The best performers should make it.

13. Condense Gimmicky Auditions
I know that people watch the auditions for the crappy singers, but come on seriously? Limit the crap, show more contenders that actually have a fighting chance of making it. Let's leave it at this, for every Pants on the Ground classic moment there is, there is a Bikini Boy audition that should have NEVER seen the light of day.

14. Ban Lip-Syncing
This hasn't bothered me too much, but it's worth noting. I love group performances, always have. But at the same time, why aren't they all singing live? They have mics, they can easily sing the song. Or is it hiding the fact that some of the contenders aren't that good? Draw you own conclusion but the facts are there, let them just sing or nothing at all.

15. Cut "Greatest Hits" On Finale Night
This article made a valid point. David Cook was the first, and only, the go against the grain and not sing a past favorite on finale night. For me it made him stand out and it definitely helped him win. You would think that after that moment, Idol producers would take a major hint. I mean this is how finale night should be: Producer's choice, personal choice, self-written song. That would make for a great night and no one would complain.

The truth about sports ratings

"Hockey ratings are a joke!"

I read that statement when the ratings came out for Wednesday night's Cup Final game between the Hawks and the Flyers. The game hit a 5.8 share, that is an unheard of number for the NHL in this country, especially in prime-time. Yet it doesn't seem to be good enough for people. I don't get it.

The NHL for years has been struggling for viewers and ratings. For the first time, well ever, you had a series everyone was talking about. A series that, if you take away ESPN's love for the NBA, was talked about by more people than any sports story, except well the almost-perfect game last week. The Cup finals was the #2 trend on Twitter during the game, every game, something that the NBA hasn't been doing. What does the NHL have to do??

Let's be honest, hockey is never going to be one of the top two sports in this country. The NFL is untouchable and the NBA is a powerhouse. Weirdly enough the Cup Finals this year had higher ratings than the World Series. That's something I never said before, never thought I would say.

Some say it was because hockey was on a peak with the USA-Canada Olympic hockey game back in February (the highest rated USA game since the Miracle on Ice), and that is true and what's wrong with that? Isn't that how you spread the word of a sport by using the biggest international platform you can have? Didn't the NBA do the same thing with "The Dream Team" back in the 90s?

In all, I wish people would just give the NHL it's due. The Blackhawks winning the Cup had the best ratings for a hockey game in 37 years, because it was historic, a good series, a great game and the facts are there that hockey is finally growing this country. And I must say it's about time!

NHL Award Predictions

On Wednesday June 23rd in Las Vegas, the NHL Awards will happen. So I figured today would be a fitting day to make my picks for the awards.

Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils-My Pick
Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Frank J. Selke Trophy (Top Defensive Forward)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings-My Pick
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (Skill/Sportsmanship)
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Brad Richards, Dallas Stars
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning-My Pick

Calder Memorial Trophy (Top Rookie)
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings-My Pick
Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

James Norris Memorial Trophy (Top Defenseman)
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals-My Pick
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (Perseverance & Dedication to Hockey)
Kurtis Foster, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jed Ortmeyer, San Jose Sharks-My Pick
Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

NHL Foundation Player Award (Contributions to Charitable Causes)
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Green, Washington Capitals
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres-My Pick

Jack Adams Award (Top Head Coach)
Joe Sacco, Colorado Avalanche
Dave Tippett, Phoenix Coyotes-My Pick
Barry Trotz, Nashville Predators

Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals-My Pick
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Ted Lindsay Award (MVP Voted by the NHLPA)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins-My Pick
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Mark Messier Leadership Award (Top Leader in Hockey)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres-My Pick

Thank you NHL, it's been a wild year

All good things must come to end, no matter how abrupt and bizarre is may seem.

Last night, on one of the strangest overtime goals I've ever seen, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1961. A feat so stunning, that till last year even die hard Chicago fans were giving up hope that their Cup drought would ever end. Now after a thrilling playoffs, it finally is.

But much like other years, the playoffs were just the tip of the iceberg for how much insane this year has been. A year that started in Europe, took practically a month off for an amazing Olympics, and concluded with an edge-of-your seat last day in New York, it was fun to follow along for the ride. There were so many interesting and intriguing stories this year to say the least.

There was the bankrupt, now NHL-owned, Phoenix Coyotes, that surprised that hockey world. They almost stole the Pacific division title from San Jose, cliched home ice as a four seed, and then they took the mighty Red Wings to the limit in a stunning fashion in the first round.

The other huge surprise out West was the emergence of a young feisty Colorado Avalanche team. This team was not even supposed to be on the the radar screen this year, started a trend that would continue for the rest of the season. They came out of nowhere, started red hot, shocked every analysis and fan and then clinched the 8th seed. While they did eventually lose to San Jose, I see a majorly bright future ahead for this club, as long as they keep their wits about them.

Also, speaking of the Sharks, they finally advanced past the second round! Yay! It was seen as a MAJOR stepping stone because they just couldn't get that far in years' past. But they ended up getting swept by the eventual Cup Champs in the Conference Finals. They are a very good team, but I think unfortunately this might have been their last chance to succeed and I won't be surprised if this team is broken up a bit before next year. I hope not because I just think they could be one character player away from winning the Cup, it seemed to work for the Hawks.

While there were other surprises like the L.A. Kings finally coming back to the fore-front and the Vancouver Canucks surprising everyone by winning the Northwest division, and the Nashville Predators finally showed how good they truly are, the other big story out of the west, besides the Champs, was the fall of the Detroit Red Wings. In my opinion, I think we have seen the end of the era of the Red Wings. They just didn't look like the confident well-meshed team they have looked like in the past, and while they have a very young goalie in Jimmy Howard, I think their run of dominance has come to an end for at least a little while.

Over in the East, the word parody was given a whole new definition. If you had told me that the Washington Capitals, who clinched the President's Trophy back in March before most teams were even sure if they were going to make the playoffs at all, were going to be upset by the Montreal Canadiens, I would have bet alot of money against it. Especially if you told me that those same Canadiens were going to upset the defending Champs to get to the Conference Finals. Then you have the Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia Flyers, who stunned New Jersey and then pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in the history of sports coming  back from 0-3 down to beat the Bruins. These two teams would meet in the Conference Finals, as a total shocker to everyone who made early predictions.

While parody was strong, it just doesn't look good for the division winners. Washington was exposed for having no defense, New Jersey and Pittsburgh both don't have the grit to make an impact right now and Buffalo found out they can't always rely on USA hockey hero Ryan Miller. Those four teams have a lot they have to prove next year.

Overall, it has been  a great unpredictable season and I'm ready for the summer to start up.

CMT Awards:"I Wanna Be A Cowboy"

The CMT Awards were last night, so I will go through my picks and see how I did this year.

Breakthrough Video of the Year

1. Easton Corbin-A Little More Country Than That
2. Laura Bell Bundy-Giddy On Up
3. Luke Bryan-Do I?-My Pick
4. Steel Magnolia-Keep On Lovin' You

Winner:Luke Bryan-Do I (1-0)
This was a major duh of a win here. No surprise at all.

 Performance of the Year

1. Reba McEntire-Consider Me Gone-My Pick
2. Tim McGraw-Southern Voice
3. Brad Paisley-Then
4. Lady Antebellum-Lookin' for a Good Time
5. Carrie Underwood-Temporary Home 

Winner:Carrie Underwood-Temporary Home (1-1)
This was a tough category because it wasn't based on videos, it was based on a live performance.I guess it's okay that she won in that case. 
 
Collaborative Video of the Year

1. Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift-Best Days of Your Life
2. Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins-Hillbilly Bone-My Pick
3. Jason Aldean and Bryan Adam-Heaven
4. Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews-I'm Alive 

Winner:Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins-Hillbilly Bone (2-1)


I'm sorry but this year, no other song had a fighting chance against theHillibilly Bone, B-Bone, B-Bone, Bone.

Duo Video of the Year

1. Brooks & Dunn-Indian Summer-My Pick
2. Steel Magnolia-Keep On Lovin' You
3. Sugarland-Keep You
4. Sugarland-Nightswimming/Joey

Winner:Brooks & Dunn-Indian Summer (3-1)
This was very obvious, even though Sugarland had two songs in here. It was Brooks & Dunn's last CMT award so you knew they were going to win. But someone should have told Ronnie Dunn that so he wasn't in the bathroom when they won. Gotta love live TV.

Group Video of the Year

1. Rascal Flatts-Here Comes Goodbye
2. Gloriana-How Far Do You Wanna Go?
3. Lady Antebellum-Need You Now
4. Zac Brown Band-Toes-My Pick

 Winner:Lady Antebellum-Need You Now (3-2)
I have no idea what I was thinking picking against Lady A this year. They are red hot and mega-popular right now.

Female Video of the Year

1. Reba McEntire-Consider Me Gone
2. Miranda Lambert-White Liar
3. Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova
4. Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me-My Pick  

Winner:Miranda Lambert-White Liar (3-3)
This was the one genuine surprise of the night. The soon-to-be Mrs. Blake Shelton beat out MAJOR competition to win this one. I'm very happy for her, just surprised that Miss Swift got completely shutout again.

Male Video of the Year

1. Toby Keith-American Ride
2. Billy Currington-People Are Crazy-My Pick
3. Tim McGraw-Southern Voice
4. Keith Urban-Til Summer Comes Around
5. Jason Aldean-The Truth 

Winner:Keith Urban-Til Summer Comes Around (3-4)
How did Brad Paisley not even get nominated for either Welcome to the Future or American Saturday Night? Both videos were better than any other video on here, except Toby's. But alas I went with my favorite song on the list, Keith Urban won it, not much a shocker.

Video of the Year

1. Toby Keith-American Ride
2. Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova
3. Lady Antebellum-Need You Now
4. Kenny Chesney-Out Last Night
5. Keith Urban-Til Summer Comes Around
6. Zac Brown Band-Toes
7. Jason Aldean-The Truth
8. Brad Paisley-Welcome to the Future-My Pick
9. Miranda Lambert-White Liar
10. Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me 

Narrowed down to five on the air

1. Toby Keith-American Ride-Re-pick
   
2. Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova
3. Lady Antebellum-Need You Now
4. Miranda Lambert-White Liar
5. Taylor Swift-You Belong With Me

 Winner:Carrie Underwood-Cowboy Casanova (3-5)
My pick didn't even make it into the running on the live broadcast, So if we throw that out and I re-pick, I would have still been wrong because I would have picked, and I voted for, Toby. The major issue I have with Carrie winning was that this wasn't even HER best video of the year. If she won for Temporary Home, then I would have understood. But alas, the soon to be Mrs. Fisher did indeed win.

A weird award show to say the least, and I did terrible with my picks. Maybe next time.

National Pride...in question

With the World Cup starting up, I have something I would like to bring up that bothers me.

During the Olympics, I brought this up to people. I don't get how people can root for another country then the one that they grew up in.

This was brought up when I saw people actually rooting against Americans during various events in Vancouver, something I didn't understand at all.

Then recently I saw someone tweet "I don't know who I'm rooting for in the World Cup yet." Say what?

I don't understand this logic at all.

How can anyone root AGAINST their own country during a sporting event? I mean even if there is no chance that Team USA is going to win, like in the World Cup, how can you actually have the guts to root against them at all?

I wish I could understand this logic. That's all I've got. I just needed to vent.

Glee (6/8/10):"Don't Stop Believin"

All good things must come to and end and that's is what happened last night as Glee season one came to an end in one of the most emotional hours of television I've experienced in a long time. This show will actually be easier to review than others because of how the show was formatted last night so let's get into it.

First of all, we learn that Sue is going to be one of the "celebrity judges" at Regionals. This obviously doesn't sit well with the Glee club. This leaves to an emotional scene with the Glee club getting together to make the set list for Regionals and instead it turned into a cry-fest with everyone talking about the highlights of the club. This leads to two awesome back to back scenes, one was Finn inspires Rachel and she kissed him and they got back together. The other was Will driving and Journey's Don't Stop Believin' came on and that led to his idea for the set list and that leads us to Regionals.

New Directions-Journey Medley (Faithfully, Any Way You Want It/Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' and Don't Stop Believin')
This was fantastic. Faithfully was even better right after Finn told Rachel he loved her before they went out. The mash-up of Any Way You Want It and Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' was unreal, if there anything this show has proved, that if done right, mash-ups are awesome. As for Don't Stop Believin', it found a way to to what they did in the pilot. It was great to see Puck and Santana get some of the solo with Finn and Rachel and just having the crowd so into it, made us at the house get into it. It was a great way to end their set.

Vocal Adrenaline-Bohemian Rhapsody
Whoever edited this scene should really win a fuckin award. This was the best editing job I've ever seen. Never would I have expect to see Bohemian Rhapsody inter-twined with a birth and so well done. As for the performance it was great, it was too over-the-top for me. But that was the point right? If anything, I can understand them winning with this song. The problem I had was that this was their only song of their set? New Directions did four songs in a medley and VA did one song? But hey it works I guess.

After this we go to the judges (Josh Groban, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Remington and Sue). I won't vent too much about them because I was very indifferent. But I was very surprised to see Sue actually defending ND, that was worth it for me. VA ended up winning, and ND didn't even place. According to the deal that Will made, that means Glee club will be disbanded.

We cut to the school where Emma is totally going insane, the most passion we've EVER seen out of her, which leads to Will finally telling her that he loves her and kisses her. That was a very "awwww" moment and much needed to bring everyone back up for a few seconds.

New Directions-To Sir, With Love
I would like to thank Fox for this song and this scene. This was the most emotional four minutes I've ever experienced, and reminded me why I always said I would never get into another teen soap after Dawson's Creek. Everyone said their piece to Will, how he changed their lives. The two parts that got me was when Mercedes said that Glee club was over because "Glee is you Mr. Shue" and when Finn told Shue that he looks at him like a father figure, that got me choked up. Then they broke into this song. I actually have never heard the words to this song and now I'm glad it's going to be on my MP3 player later tonight. The words are so meaningful, and just fit the moment. After the song was over, and Will was in total tears, the camera spanned back to see Sue watching the whole thing.


After that Sue and Will have a great moment where they actually complimented each other, and Sue convinced Principal Figgins to give the Glee club another year. It was also revealed that Sue actually voted for ND at Regionals to our surprise at home. But if anything, it's awesome that Sue's final line of the season to Will was ''I relish the thought of another full year of constantly besting you.'' 
 Great way to end their relationship for the season.

Will (and Puck)-Over The Rainbow
What a great way to end the season. This is my favorite version of this song, and the fact that Shue played a ukulele and the we got to say goodbye to the cast for the summer. This just topped The Blanks (Scrubs) as my favorite version of this song.

What a season. What a year. What a ride. This was a great way to go out for the 09/10 season and honestly, as a Gleek, I can't wait till September to see season two already!

Glee Top 10

EW.com today posted their list of the Top 10 Glee performances of the first seasons. Well I have my own list.
(like them I will base this on the performances on the show not the songs themselves)

10. Jessie's Girl (Finn)
This is was one of the guttiest performances of the season just because he sung to Rachel right in front of the Glee club. The song was perfect for him and was an awesome performance.

9. Beautiful (Mercedes)
This was amazing. This beat out Bust Your Windows for the high point of the season for her. It was chilling and this song coming from a girl like her, especially in a cheerleaders outfit in front of the whole school, especially as a slap to the face to Sue all at once, was amazing and what this whole show has always been about.

8. Don't Stand So Close To Me/Young Girl (Will)
Call me crazy but I love this whole performance. The songs together are fantastic and Shue dancing in front of Emma and Rachael was fantastic.

7. My Life Would Suck With You (Rachel and New Directions)
This song is always forgotten. It was the song that ended the first half of the season and it was one more entertaining. It was like they did this performance as a recap in case the show didn't get picked up. The fun part is that every time you want this performance you see something different and another crazy reference.

6. Jump (New Directions)
This was so entertaining that it can't be ignored. It was just a fun performance. Come on who wouldn't want to get paid to jump up and down on beds and sing.

5. Like A Virgin (Rachel, Jesse, Will, Emma, Finn and Santana)
This might have been the hottest three minutes of musical television I've ever seen. I've never seen a "sex" scene on broadcast television like that before, and to throw it in on Madonna night where it can be best protected, was brilliant. If you haven't seen this video, watch it, and tell me you aren't completely turned on by the end of it.

4. Imagine (Haverbrook School for the Deaf and New Directions)
This was the first time that a performance left me with chills going up and down my body. When the deaf kids started singing and signing it was cool but when New Directions started to sing with them it turned into amazing TV moment.

3. Bust a Move (Will and New Directions)
This song has been following me since the night it aired. It was the first time that the show started with an over the top performance before we even saw the title card for the show. It was also the moment when we found out how great a dancer Shue is. The entertainment value is fantastic and you listen to this and try to get it out your head after-wards.


2. Somebody to Love (New Directions)
This was the first time this show had a performance that left me and Mandy both completely speechless. From Finn opening note to Mercedes belting out the high note at the end, it was a great performance. This is the performance where you realize you really want to see these kids succeed. It's also the performance that turned the show from a normal show to a phenomenon.
 
1. Don't Stop Believin' (New Directions)
Tonight on the finale they are going to be re-doing this song with the whole Glee club for the first time, but there's nothing like the original. The song that started the show, the performance that had everyone singing the next day. The song that got people wanting more. There was no better this year.

In our defense... (A Rebutal by a Frontier Ramper)

Normally this blog is for stuff related to pop culture but I ran an article today that, at first I thought was funny, but now after letting it sink in, really bothers me, so I'm going to address it.


The article, from Smartmoney.com, is 10 Things Baggage Handlers Won't Say. After reading this again, it really insulted my line of work, especially since I've been a ramper for close to four and a half years now. The story to me seems like it was written by someone who used to do this job but lost it for one reason or another and decided to reveal "secrets". That being said, us rampers already feel like we are the lowest level as it is, this article makes us seem even worse than we already feel.

Let me go through this one by one, if you would like to follow along, here's the link.

1. “Don’t pack light—we need the money.”

There is alot of truth to what is written here. The airline business has been through some of the roughest times financially ever. Do I like the fact that we charge for bags and for itinerary changes when we never used to? Not at all. But honestly, give things time. I know our company is starting to make money again, once we start making money again, I hope that things get better.

2. “We’re losing fewer bags—because there are fewer to lose.”

This is a low blow. How can I even argue this? You're right, we have fewer bags. That means mishandle numbers are way down. Isn't that a good thing? Don't you want the number to be down? That just means we doing a great job with the bags that we are being given.

3. “Some of us have sticky fingers.”

Okay, I'm going to make this very clear. They talked about a one-time incident. This doesn't happen everyday. I've been doing this for over four years and not one person has ever stolen something from a bag or from a passenger at anytime. This just gives us a bad reputation. Maybe passengers should close their bags better, then stuff won't fall out and get lost.

4. “Sure, we can handle your pet—but can your pet handle us?”

Again, this is ridiculous. This is talking about certain airlines. I know for a fact that Frontier and Airtran both allow small animals outboard for their flights. As a matter of fact, Frontier allows celebrity dogs to have their own seats! As for loading animals in the bins, we have VERY strict rules on how to load animals to make sure they have a very safe flight like any other passenger. As for the story of the cat who was mad at her owner after he showed up at her destination late, are you sure it wasn't just the cat? Cats are just known to be mean anyway especially away from home. There was only one time that an animal got left behind overnight in Milwaukee and we had to send it the next day. It was a big dog and it was kept in our warm ramp room, with constant supervision by a ramper, or two, so much so that a ramper stayed overtime and slept next to the dog's cage to make sure he was safe and sound. That's what I call great customer service, especially when we make a mistake.

5. "We don't actually do that much."

When I first read that line, I chuckled, but just because we always joke about how much we actually do do at work on a daily basis. That being said, what they are talking about are the fact that SOME big airports has major advance that make their rampers' lives easier. Us at General Michtell don't have that kind of money or technology. My point being we actually do have to lift every bag in the bagroom when they get checked in, sometimes more than once. The rampers outside still have to load the planes by lifting bags and loading planes using raw strength. We do alot of work, just never get the real credit we deserve.

6. “Not all bags are created equal.”

Okay, this is vaild. Can't really argue with this portion at all.

7. “Stressing about baggage claim? You should.”

What does this have anything to do with being a baghandler or a ramper? What goes on at baggage claim has nothing to do with us at all. This is baggage service's resonsiblity not ours.

8. “Many of us don’t actually work for the airlines.”

Okay this part is true for some people. I for a long time worked for Skyway Airlines, a contracted employee that worked on Midwest planes. Now I officially work for Frontier. This part I can't argue with. BUT I will say that rampers, no matter who they get paid by, they still work hard to do their jobs. That's how it should be. No one ever slacked just because technically we were "Skyway contractors".

9. “We can’t handle unusual items.”

Antlers? Really? That's the big complaint here? Are you serious? This is the major problem? Because some Alaskian can't bring his antlers on board? Give me a break. The major stuf we can't travel with is chemical stuff. The obvious stuff. I've never heard a problem with anything else. Antlers? Wow.

10. “If you think we’re bad here, just wait till you go abroad.”

What does this even mean? Are the flight crews "worse than we are"? I don't get this at all. Again though, why would we worry about the flight crews as rampers? We barely have any communication with them as it is. If they don't treat passengers good, that's not my fault.

I think I've said my peace. This article just really frustrated me. Thank you for reading

Glee (6/1/10)-Final Stop To Regionals

Being a regular Glee viewer, well a Gleek, you have to expect the unexpected and realize strange things are going to happen. This week's show was no exception to the rule.

I guess the easiest way to explain this episode is song by song.

Vocal Adrenaline-Another One Bite The Dust
The show opened with Jesse leaving New Directions, and breaking up with Rachael, and rejoining Vocal Adrenaline. The sang an alright version of this song to show how good they are, as well as eventually toilet papering the choir room, and to psych out ND, and it worked because it put them in a funk, setting the stage for the rest of the night.

Highlight for me was the fact that Puck, in thoughts, said "For some unknown reason me and Finn are still not talking to each other." With that I knew that Puck would get Finn to help him seek revenge on VA, by slashing all their tires.

Meanwhile we find out that Will has officially gotten a divorce from Terri and that puts him in a funk. What I couldn't quite figure out was why Will went to former-Glee director, the ever-so freaky, Sandy for advice? But alas, he tells him what VA's weakness is, funk music, and the assignment to the Glee club is to find a funk song to sing.

Will-Tell Me Something Good

This had to be one of the creepiest performances Shue had EVER done, singing seductively to Sue. It was so insane to watch that there was no way me or Mandy could keep our eyes off the screen, but obviously for different reasons. This was very awesome though out of context.

Finn and Puck (with the rest of the staff of Linens & Things)-Loser
This was my favorite performance of the night. This song might just end up being my new main ring-tone when I download the mp3 soon.  The only problem I had was the fact that it wasn't longer. This song was sung at Linens & Things, a.k.a. Bed Bath & Beyond, without having to pay for the rights, because Finn and Puck had to get a job to pay for the cars that they destroyed. It was such a fitting song and performance, can't say anything bad about it.

Quinn (and The Unwed Mothership Connection (I can't make that up))-It's a Man's Man's Man's World
I don't want to be overly mean, but who thought this performance was a good idea? Who said "let's get a bunch of overly pregnant girls, have them dance with their tummies, and sing a really obscure song that most of the audience doesn't know and it's a great idea!"? It brought the whole show to a screeching halt. It was boring, blah and just uncomfortable to watch.


Finn, Puck and Mercendes-Good Vibrations
This song was just fun. Sometimes you just have to have some fun. Singing this song was just that. You can tell the three of them had alot of fun singing and dancing to this song. There's not much else to say except this is the kind of performance that makes this a great show.

After this song we had to have a little storyline.

First Shue stood up Sue, after asking her out to dinner, they got into a major throw down. This caused Sue to almost pull her Cheerios out of nationals. This made the girls so upset that they were freaking out, this led to a funny sight of Brittney wearing her uniform backwards. Shue then went to Sue's house, apologized and they had one of the best sweet moments of this whole show. But it didn't matter because after the Cheerios won nationals, which included Kurt singing Celine Dion is fluent French, Sue went to Shue's place and told him that either he kiss her or she will put the massive trophy in the choir room in a bulletproof case. Well Shue was going to kiss her, very VERY awkward at home watching, but she stops him saying "Even your breath stinks of mediocrity." This led to the trophy being put in the choir room, with the background music being Loser from earlier in the show. Nice touch.

Jesse tricked Rachael to come outside, only to be completely egged by all the members of VA, including himself. This led to all the ND guys getting really mad and starting to barge out to kick some butt, but Shue stopped them. This led to my personal line of the night by Kurt, "Rachel's one of us — we're the only ones who get to humiliate her.''  Shue wanted a different kind of revenge...

New Directions-Give Up The Funk
This was fun. This was sexy. This was entertaining. This scared the crap out of VA who were watching. This was a great way to end this show even if it was hard to follow the words.

Next week is Regionals, the season finale, and I couldn't be anymore excited!

WWE NXT Season 2 Preview

So last night on NXT, they announced the rookies and pros next the new season that starts next week. Thanks to my boys at WZ.com, I got to find out who these guys are.

Husky Harris (Pro: Cody Rhodes) (Windham Rotunda) - Former Troy University offensive lineman and son of Mike Rotunda, Grandson of Blackjack Mulligan, and nephew to Barry & Kendall Windham. Has been working in FCW (WWE Developmental) since early 2009 as "Duke Rotundo" and is a former FCW tag team champion with his brother Taylor "Bo" Rotunda.

I'm intrigued by this guy. He's another one of those young third-generation kids that are being brought up lately. He should do a good job. At least I hope. I hope that Cody makes a good pro for him, I think this might work.

 

Eli Cottonwood (Pro: John Morrison) (Kipp Christianson) - A former basketball standout at St. John's University, as well as in the CBA. He's been with FCW since early 2009.

This guy is freakin huge! I think it'll just be funny seeing him stand next to Jo-Mo. From the video they showed he looks tall but unlike Great Khali, very agile.

 

Percy Watson (Pro: MVP) (Chris McNeil) - Was 1/2 of the tag team "The South Beach Boys" with NXT Season 1 rookie Darren Young. Debuted in FCW in mid 2009.

 

This is called making it up to MVP for dropping him as a pro from the first season and replacing him with William Regal. From what I've heard about this guy, he's good in the ring. I hope they are right. We will see.

Titus O'Neill (Pro: Zack Ryder) (Thaddeus Bullard) - This former Florida Gators defensive end has been making an impact in FCW since his 2009 debut.

 

This guy is doomed from the start. Who thought that Zack Ryder would make a good pro? Give me a break here. This is a total joke. In my opinion, he will have to be a GREAT wrestler in order him to overcome how terrible his pro is.

Kaval (Pros: LayCool) (Brandon Sylvestry) - Best known as Low-Ki, he may be, pound for pound, one of the best workers out there. He's been a star and title holder in ROH & TNA. If he can avoid injury, his WWE career could really take off with or without winning NXT.

Not sure what the make of this pairing. I'm very excited that Kaval, a.k.a. Low-Ki and Senshi in TNA/ROH, is finally getting his shot in WWE. He deserves it. But when I heard LayCool would be the Pros, I figured that means we would have a diva on the show. But this just means to me that it's going to be good television because there is no way Kaval is going to be able to put up with LayCool, especially if they remain in character.

 

Lucky Cannon (Pro: Mark Henry) (Jon Emminger) - New Port Richey, FL native who started his FCW career in 2007. His ringname in FCW as of last week has been Johnny Prime.

This guy looks so familiar and I just can't place why. But he he looks good in his video, and I think Mark Henry could actually be a good mentor, especially since he's been through alot and has actually gotten better over the years.

 

Michael McGillicutty (Pro: Kofi Kingston) (Joe Hennig) - Son of "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. Has held the FCW Championship and FCW Tag Team Championship (with NXT Season 1 rookie Heath Slater) since his 2008 debut.

Two things ring here for me. Why did they change Joe Hennig's name? I'm think it's just so he can't use his name for votes from the pros. But still, it would help the casual fan care about him more. The other thing, Kofi should bring the best out of him and this should be a very entertaining duo.

 

Alex Riley (Pro: The Miz) (Kevin Kiley) - Has worked in FCW since 2007 as Kevin Kiley, Carson Oakley, and Alex Riley. He is the current FCW Champion. He may be the best on the mic of this group.

I've heard about this guy. He's amazing on the mic, which should be fun to hear him and Miz go at it. The fun part is that it's going to be like Punk-Young this past season, where these two are total opposites.

Overall it looks like it could be a fun season. The big announcement coming in is that the fans get to vote and have 50% of the power with the pros on the poll that knocks the rookies off. Should be interesting to see how that goes.

WWE NXT (6/1/10)-The Finale

"We are wild and young and we have just begun."-American Bang


That line is from the NXT theme song, which really does tell the story of this season.


Last night was the season finale of NXT, something very strange because typical wrestling doesn't have seasons, and they were going to announce the winner.


First I would like to say that I thought it was very cool that they did the show 100% live last night. It was good because it added to the intrigue and suspense of the night. I found out that they actually stopped Smackdown tapings right in the middle, just to make sure that the show as live. Well done WWE.


Second, they announced last night that next week will start season two of NXT. That now explains why they sped up the first season so that they could churn another season out before October when Smackdown moves to SyFy. I think the other thing is that they hope that it will pick up in the ratings.


Now onto last night's show. It was very nice to see all the pros there for once, as well as the eliminated rookies. That added alot to the show for me.


The one match that they had was a three way dance between Barrett, Otunga and Gabriel. It was an okay match, Mandy said it perfect "I hope these guys improve because I'm bored." I think that statement actually explains all the wrestling on the first season of NXT. Barrett won the match, pinning both guys and you can see where this is obviously going.


Daniel Bryan was asked who he thinks is going to win and his answer was a perfect summary of the night. "Otunga can't wrestle, Gabriel can't talk, so that mean Barrett should win."


That being said the obvious choice won, Wade Barrett won NXT and will get a title shot of his choosing at a PPV. I figured he would have announced on the show but he didn't.


That's it for season one of NXT, it was fun. It wasn't the best show in the world, but I definitely enjoyed  it. I hope they just continue to improve into the next season because the last few weeks were the best of the whole season by far.