Tuesday, December 11, 2012

NFL Picks Week 15


Week 14 Results:12-4

Cincinnati/Philadelphia
NY Giants/Atlanta
Denver/Baltimore
Green Bay/Chicago
Washington/Cleveland
Indianapolis/Houston
Jacksonville/Miami
Tampa Bay/New Orleans
Minnesota/St. Louis
Detroit/Arizona
Seattle/Buffalo (in Toronto)
Carolina/San Diego
Pittsburgh/Dallas
Kansas City/Oakland
San Francisco/New England
NY Jets/Tennessee

Year End Special:Top Sports Moments of 2012


These are my personal sports moments of the year, my teams had a great year so it makes it easier to make this list.

#1
2/5/12
Super Bowl XLVI

Can anything this year truly top the Super Bowl? I'm a Giants fan as everyone knows so this was a great night. Giants/Patriots II, Brady/Manning II, a rematch for the ages. Yet just like in 08, Manning led his Giants to another come from behind victory and his second MVP, 21-17.

Read More: A Wave of Giant Emotions

#2
5/25/12
Eastern Conference Championship Game 6

 

Henrique! Henrique! Henrique! What a game! What a night! The Devils finally beat the Rangers in an important playoff series. This game happened in The Rock which added to the atmosphere. This was one of those moments that will stay in the back of all Devils' fans' minds for the rest of time.

#3
1/22/12
NFC Championship Game


You know you have a team of destiny when your team plays an awful offensive game but because of turnovers and some great defensive plays, they still win. The Giants won this thriller on a Lawrence Tynes field goal in overtime.

#4
4/26/12
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7

This game literally scared the crap out of me. The first round is always the hardest round to win and this series was the perfect example of that. This game was the last of three game 7s that night and it lasted till after midnight. Adam Henrique was the breakout hero in double overtime, launching the Devs into their great run.


#5
11/30/12
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Chicago Wolves

When I want to show some what's amazing about this great sport called hockey, I would show them the last 10 minutes of this game. After Chris Mueller scored with 19.1 seconds left, it was an electric playoff like atmosphere in the BC.






Monday, December 10, 2012

Falling Into The Podium Trap


Seriously why did I think it would be different? Why did I think that the lockout would be over? Why did I get my hopes up?

Over the weekend I fell into the trap set by the NHL and NHLPA in the shape of a podium. I jumped on Twitter and actually got sucked in where I actually believed it was over. Then in the morning I found out that the NHL had rejected the NHLPA's offer. My heart sank, then I realized what the fuck is wrong with me?

I told myself early on in this I was going to try to ignore the lockout news. After 2004/05 I didn't want to deal with it, and with life being better now and having Admirals hockey here, outside of one Twitter rant, I have ignored it. After this weekend, I can't handle it anymore. I don't have the patience or heart to deal with this anymore.

The fans don't matter anymore. For seven years, all season long, it's been all about the great fans of hockey, the most loyal fans in sports. Now going into 2013, it doesn't matter.

Don Fehr think he's doing this for the players and Bettman wants what's best for the owners. I'm not naive enough to not realize that money is the number one factor but is it worth it to destroy the sport that millions if people love?

At one point, there were four hockey related phrases trending worldwide on Twitter on Thursday night. Unfournately no one associated with the NHL will ever notice or care.

Just end the torture.
Cancel the season.
It's just not worth it anymore.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Entertainment Report Issue #11.5: TNA Final Resolution PPV Special Edition


Welcome to a special TNA PPV special edition of the Entertainment Report. With Final Resolution this Sunday night and the card finally finalized last night, let's get into the show...



Honestly I just don't care about this match up. I don't like how Roode won the #1 contendership from James Storm, and I just can't see a title change at all here...

Winner and still World Heavyweight Champion: Jeff Hardy


Damn! For a last minute championship match, this one is awesome. I still don't understand why RVD is X Champion. Please TNA, make it right...

Winner and new X Division Champion: Kenny King


Why are Matt Morgan and Joey Ryan getting tag team championship shot? I'd actually prefer the Robbies to get this shot over these two...

Winner and still World Tag Team Championship: Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez


Now this was a wonderful surprise. Do I even have to over explain my pick here? For once it's not just to get Jesse off my TV screen...

Winner and new TNA Knockouts Championship: Mickie James


How many matches can two men actually have in a promotion's history? This has to be a record and one of the longest rivalries in modern wrestling history. For story-line reasons alone...

Winner: Christopher Daniels


Why does such a great match-up have to have such a terrible storyline that involved Brooke Hogan? It's just dumb. Hopefully this lives up to their past matches...

Winner: Bully Ray


Yes because when I think an Aces & Eights vs. TNA, I think Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff. I feel bad for Angle and Joe...

Winner: Aces & Eights, after Brisco and Bischoff turn on Angle and Joe

Well that's it for the card.

Before I close out, come over to our facebook page and vote for TNA wrestler, knockout and tag team of the year. While you are there, like the page and help spread the word!

Next week will be jam packed with the review of this show and previews of WWE TLC and ROH Final Battle, plus Glee and alot of feedback. Till then have a good weekend!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Entertainment Report Issue #11 (Glee, Comic Book Men, Lady Antebellum, End of the Year Polls and more)

Crazy how much changes in a week.

Welcome to this week's Entertainment Report. You can now like us on Facebook by liking "The Entertainment Report".

If you go there you can vote for the 1st Annual Entertainment Report Year End Awards. Throughout the month of December, there will be various polls on our Facebook page and the results will be included in the special New Year's Eve edition of The Report. So jump on over, vote, and spread the word.

Now that the plugs are out of the way, let's take a look at the feedback bag. With the polls opening on Monday night there was alot of attention given to the Report on Twitter. Huge thank you to @travlord and the @eastcoastcast, @charliecress, @MJCupach of the @ftwpodcast, the @gleefullpodcast
and believe it or not @NatbyNature for retweeting the polls and posts. It was a huge surprise and made me truly understand the power of Twitter.

Alright, now that I got all that done, let's get into this issue...


What happened over the summer when they started filming this season? Did they finally realize that they had I pick up the pace and deliver great shows or they might get cancelled? If so keep it up! This was another jammed packed episode.

Before I get into the meat of the show, especially sectionals, I have to admit I really missed the original cast being together. Starting the show with Homeward Bound/Home was amazing and chilling. Plus seeing Britney/Santana/Quinn back together singing Come See About Me was great and was a great callback to season one. Also a good bitch fight between Santana & Quinn is ALWAYS good TV.

Now as much as I've been rating on the Marley story, I thought they did a good job pushing it into overdrive. Though I thought the ending was the "I'm so excited...I'm so scared!" moment in this show's history.

Also, I love Ryder & Jake as friends. They have this awesome bromance going on right now and it's actually refreshing. The two of them seem to actually care about each other now.

Before I get to sectionals, I have to mention the crap that was Let's Have A Tiki/Turkey Lurkey Time. What the hell was that? I felt like I was suddenly watching Sex in the City the musical. This was so bad. What's worse is that they jammed this between sectionals performances. It was a huge distraction and awful. The only good thing that came from this was the phone call between Kurt & Blaine. I thought that was extremely mature and makes me look forward to the Christmas show.

Now finally we get to sectionals. The Warblers were up first with Whistle and Live While We're Young. This was really good. I really shouldn't love when they perform as much as I do but they are so great I can't help it.

After a weird performance by the "other school who's there because we need a third school to lose at the end." We get to New Directions going Gangham Style.

I went in terrified of this performance. But I have to admit, oddly, I really enjoyed it. Tina even got the lead and Jake and Britney stole the show. Plus they actually found a way to Gleeinize Gangham Style. Seeing Marley pass out was a great and shocking way to end the show and at least we don't have to wait too long to see how the story continues.

Episode: Stan The Man

Do I even have to explain my excitement for this episode? Stan Lee was in the Stash! It was the only time this season where I wish the show was still a hour, just to see more Stan. At one point it actually really felt like Storytime with Stan. The man actually made the guys act like little kids.

Oh yeah there were a few other things on this show. A guy actually came in with a Walking Dead issue #1, but Walt didn't bite because of some damage. They did but a Hulk issue #6 and a bizarre Planet Comics #1, Canadian Edition, which actually ended up being a reprint of Planet Comics #62.

With that, the show, much like Walking Dead, went on a winter break. They will return on February 14th, in a new time slot, Thursdays at 9pm (8pm CT).

11/30/12-Chicago at Milwaukee

What a finish! There is no other way to describe that ending besides alot of cursing. I haven't jumped up and down for a goal like that since the double overtime win during the 2011 playoffs. Let's see if I could explain what went down.

The first two and a half periods was sluggish, almost boring hockey between the Ads and Wolves. That changed when Chicago's Darren Archibald scored a power play goal to break the 1-1 deadlock. This seemed to spark the Ads and all of a sudden they start to drive the net and finally get a good chances. Their hard work paid off when Gabriel Bourque knocked in a garbage rebound goal with 1:25 left on the clock. The Bradley Center exploded as we all got ready for overtime. They suddenly Chris Mueller shocked everyone when he shot the puck past Wolves goalie Matt Climie with 19.1 seconds left on the clock. That gave Milwaukee a stunning 3-2 victory, continuing their winning streak.

12/5/12-Texas at Milwaukee

The Ads' special teams blew another game for them. After taking a very early 1-0 with an Austin Watson goal, Milwaukee blew the lead at 13:35 of the 3rd when the Stars' Cody Eekin scored a power play goal. This game ended up going to overtime, and Texas won less then two minutes in when Colton Sceviour scored.

The Ads go back on the road this week. Friday they are heading out to Rockford and a pair of games in Charlotte Sunday afternoon and Tuesday night.


12/1/12-Chicago at Milwaukee

The Wave welcomed the newest club to the MISL the Chicago Soul last Saturday to the U.S. Cellular
Arena. Looking to get back on track after dropping 2 of their first 3 games, losing was not an option.
Although, Chicago was looking to play the upset card, and for the first half it looked as if they would be
able to pull off the difficult task of beating the Wave in their own building. A power play goal by Bato
Radoncic gave the soul a 2-0 lead late in the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, Christian
Meza fired a laser beam past goal keeper Nick Vorberg for a 3 point goal and 5-0 lead. Shortly into the
third quarter an altercation occurred between the Wave’s Evan McNeley and Chicago’s Bato Radoncic.
Needless to say no matter what sport, there is always going to be bad blood between Milwaukee and
Chicago. As a result, McNeley received the straight red card, and was later issued an additional 2-game
suspension for his actions. Although McNeley was ejected from the game, his altercation provided the
spark that was needed to start the Wave’s comeback. Tom Oatley finished off the Wave’s first goal of
the evening beating Soul goalkeeper Jeff Richey who up to this point was outstanding between the pipes
for the new kids on the block. Coincidentally Radoncic received a yellow card good for a free ticket for 5
minutes in the penalty box. The call was for illegal substitution, as the injured player returned to the
field before the ball left the field of play. 3 Consecutive goals for the Wave gave them their first lead of
the night. Chicago would score midway through the 4th, to close within 1 point. Alas it was not enough
as the Wave finish off the Chicago Soul 14-9 to finish the week at 2-2. This Saturday the Wave face off
against the Rochester Lancers and MISL Player of the week Doug Miller at 3pm at the U.S. Cellular
Arena. Since there is no hockey, and basketball tickets are expensive, give indoor soccer a try. Its three
sports mixed in one, with constant action. Tickets are affordable, and it’s a great family atmosphere.


Wrestling Newsbytes

CM Punk has surgery, out of TLC

On Tuesday morning WWE Champion CM Punk had to have an emergency knee scope to trim a cartilage tear. So to make sure he is healed up for his WWE Championship match against The Rock at the Rumble, he has been pulled from the TLC PPV. In it's place is a TLC match between The Shield and Team Hell No and Ryback.

CM Punk surpassed John Cena's title reign

As of today, CM Punk is now at the 382nd day of his WWE Championship reign. This is officially the longest run of the last 25 years. It's just a great feat that can't be ignored.

TNA dropping PPVs in 2013

PW Torch is reporting that TNA will be dropping Against All Odds and No Surrender from their schedule, bringing their PPV total down to 10. This followed the surprising, but good announcement that Lockdown would be held in March instead of April.

TNA Lockdown 2013 date and location announced

During last week's Impact, TNA announced that their second biggest show of the year will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio on March 10, 2013. That's right, TNA booked the Alamodome FOR A SHOW. Yes I agree this is insane, even by their standards.

American Wolves reuniting at Final Battle

Alright this is just exciting. On ROH TV this week Davey Richards requested to Nigel McGinnues that he reteam with Eddie Edwards at Final

ROH's Mark Briscoe sold his teeth

Okay I can't make this up. Mark Briscoe legitimately sold his teeth on EBay. While the listing isn't up anymore, it was up to $110 when I last heard. I had to bring this up just because it's so ridiculous.

Maven's Tough Enough trophy gets sold

In a real life Storage Wars situation, co-Tough Enough winner Maven's championship trophy was sold at an auction for $600. It's a shame that Maven's life has gone so far down since his WWE release. Between the stints in rehab and now this, I hope he gets it together.

Ric Flair's wife files for divorce

In the "well duh" story of the week, TMZ reported that Jacqueline Flieher, Ric's fourth wife, filed for divorce. She claims he was unfaithful and he owes her $23,000 from a separation agreement in October.

Quick Hits


  • Word is going around that the if there is not deal made by 12/15 that the NHL season will indeed be canceled. Hopefully that lights a fire under their asses.
  • Another week, more details came out about the big 12/12/12 benefit concert. The lineup is now Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Masters, Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney. The shows will be live on 34 stations, including CBS, HBO, VH1 Classic and various outlets around the world. I'm so excited about this show.
  • This week tickets went on sale for a massive podcast event in Halifax, Nova Scotia called the Smorgy on January 26th & 27th to celebrate the Smodcast Network's 6th anniversary. It includes 12 shows which will somehow be available on ITunes the following week.
  • It broke on EW.com, that Carrie Underwood got casted as Maria in the new adaptation of the Sound of Music on NBC next holiday season. I wasn't even aware they were even remaking Sound of Music, color me intrigued.
  • Why does The Pope have a Twitter? That's a question I have never thought I had to ask.
  • Broadway is reporting their best finical year ever in history. The box office numbers hit close to $1.14 billion. That's amazing and great to see as a fan of theater.
  • Continuing the domination of the entertainment world, Disney signed an exclusive deal with Netflix starting in 2016.


As you might have noticed last week, I'm very picky when it comes to Christmas albums. Most artists don't take it serious, they just look at it as an opportunity to release another album. Then you have a rare treat, artists that take time to actually record a Christmas that is up to their standard. This is what Lady A pulled off here. As you listen, it actually feels like they are having fun. Even the slow songs, like The First NOEL and I'll Be Home For Christmas, are sung with amazing passion. Also they get bonus points got a very good original song, On This Winter's Night. This album is definitely going on my repeat list for this and future Christmas seasons.

Grade: A+
Favorite Song: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

That's it for this issue and the beginning of a very busy month.

Like always take a look at my Week 14 NFL picks and also take a look at my first year end list, Top 10 Podcasts of 2012.

As always you can shoot over an email at entertainreport@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter @Reilly21106, follow Scott @ScottFellows23 and now like us on Facebook.

Tomorrow look for a special edition of the Report with predictions for TNA Final Resolution. Also if there is breaking news on the NHL CBA and lockout, I will be posting a special update to discuss it. Next week will be wrestling heavy with coverage of TNA's show and predictions for WWE TLC and ROH Final Battle. That, Glee, Admirals & Wave talk and much more. Thank you for reading, and please continue to spread the world.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Year-End Special: Top 10 Podcasts of 2012



This year I started really getting in the podcast world. With my current job it gave me something to pass the time. So I think it's fitting that my first year end list would be this topic.

Before getting into the list a few notes. This list is purely my personal opinions and thoughts. If you would like to comment on my picks, tweet me @Reilly21106 or shoot over an email at entertainreport@gmail.com. Also if you want to vote for top podcast of 2012, jump on over to the Entertainment Report Facebook page, like us, and cast your vote.

This being said, let's get into the list...

#10
Hosts: Walt Flanagan, Bryan Johnson & Bryan Quinn (occasionally Ming Chen)

This year has been alot of fun for the show, around the taping schedule of Comic Book Men and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The comedy is not typical at times, but is worth spending over a hour a week listening to. It all culminated in a very awesome Christmas pod.

#9
Hosts: Scott Moiser & Matt Myra

This show combines Smodcast and the Nerdist podcast. It is one of the most self aware, unexpectedly funny show. It's definitely not a typical show but a fun listen.

#8
Hosts: Scott Hudson and friends

This is by far one of the most fun recap shows. Not only do they go through Big Brother week by week, they chime in with really funny comments and personal insights on the happenings.

#7
Hosts: Kevin Smith, Ming Chen. Walt Flanagan, Bryan Johnson & Mike Zapcic
Taken from Issue #4

For SMod fans it's actually combines SModcast, Tell 'Em Steve Dave and I Sell Comics. The hosts are Kevin Smith, Walt Flanigan, Bryan Johnson, Ming Chen and Mike Zapcic. This week's return episode was recorded at the Gramercy Theater in New York, and included talk about childhood toys and television shows. It's a really funny and worthwhile listen this week.

#6
Host: Kevin Smith

This is what happens when a stoned Batman obsessed man gets to talk about his passion. With guests like Paul Dini, Kevin Convoy, Tara Strong, Adam West and Mark Hamill, it's a great history lesson every show, even if you aren't an uber fan.

#5
Hosts: Travis Bryant & Bardre Purnell
Taken from Issue #5

I listen to alot of wrestling shows during the week and they are all similar when it comes to topics. But this show stands out for three reasons. #1, Travis and Dre are really funny and don't pull any punches no matter what the topic of conversation is and who they are talking to or about. #2, it's not PG show at all. This is very explicit and no one hides that. You get what you get and there's no other way to put it. #3, it averages from 2 1/2-3 hours every week. The cool thing is that if it doesn't feel like it, it flows fast and it's very easy to get through. 

#4
Hosts: Josh Burnell, Jennifer Burnell & Edward Giordano
Taken from Issue #3

With Glee going off for over a month due to baseball, and you are a gleek, I suggest getting your fix by listening to this show. The hosts Josh, Jen & Ed are not just uber-fans where the show can do no wrong. they are very honest and opinionated and even take phone calls from fans. Definitely a fun listen, especially if you are a true Gleek. 

#3
Hosts: The FTW Crew
Taken from Issue #2

This week's podcast is going to the FTW podcast. It is a really funny wrestling show and defintely worth a listen.

#2
Hosts: Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman
Want a different side of the entertainment world? This is perfect show for you. I really do look forward to Mondays so I can enjoy this show. Is it offensive? Yes. Is it hysterical? Hell yeah!

#1
Dot Net Weekly
Hosts: Jason Powell & Chris Shore
This is the first time I ever heard a show that actually made me want to spend money. This show did that. If you are a wrestling fan, this is the perfect show. It's the ultimate wrestling news show and you even get breaking news sooner than anyone else. It is totally worth the price of membership on prowrestling.net.

Honorable Mentions

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

NFL Picks Week 14


Week 13 Results:11-5


Denver at Oakland
St. Louis at Buffalo
Atlanta at Carolina
Dallas at Cincinnati
Kansas City at Cleveland
Tennessee at Indianapolis
NY Jets at Jacksonville
Chicago at Minnesota
San Diego at Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay
Baltimore at Washington
Miami at San Francisco
New Orleans at NY Giants
Arizona at Seattle
Detroit at Green Bay
Houston at New England