A Question or 2 (for Wrestling Fans)

I'm debating either a recap of an older or more recent (but not live) wrestling show in the old "psychology/storytelling" style I used to do with or a straight-up live blog of a wrestling show. NOT a WWE or TNA PPV, but probably an indie iPPV.

So, that having been said, a couple questions:

1) Which of the above formats would you prefer?

2) Is there any show in particular (upcoming or older) you'd want to read this done in?

Too Late For The Rescue?

Yeah, a wrestling post. Sorry in advance if you're not a fan.

If you are...remember the bit about the NWA a while back? Especially the part where:

To those clinging to the days of yore that the NWA name invokes, please realize that the NWA can still survive - and even thrive - in 2012. But, to do so would mean letting go of those old days of doing business. It would mean letting some younger and fresher ideas on pro wrestling into the fold. It would mean actually using the internet for marketing and brand-building purposes like two-time NWA Champion Colt Cabana has done to great success. It would mean embracing a new day and age of the business.

Upm...yeah. Check this out:

From 411 reader Sean in Australia:

I was at a NWA affiliate wrestling show in Australia tonight, where Adam Pearce faced Colt Cabana in the final match of their seven levels of hate series.

Colt won by submission, and afterwards both he and Pierce cut a promo in regards to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Pierce said as part of losing the series he would leave the NWA forever. He said Colt deserved the NWA Championship.

However, Colt said the NWA represented the old era, and he was the future, talking about the podcast, YouTube, etc. Colt didn't accept the title, so Pierce dropped the belt, vacating the title. He finished the promo with "I wish the NWA the best in their future endeavors." So apparently right now there is no NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

...*blinks*...


Deeeamn. That's just cold.

Now, there've been arguments about where the lineage stops and starts, or even if it did at all, but the cold fact is, we may be looking at the demise of the oldest governing body in pro wrestling history a lot sooner than later.

I'm not going to get on Pearce or Colt's case about what they did. They had this series already in place as a way to bring some prestige back to the NWA name - and the NWA, in turn, implodes once again due to egos. Pearce and Cabana, to me, were already left out in the lurch before what happened in Australia. Hell, for all we know, the joint vacation of the NWA Title could have been a bit of a receipt. No one really knows why it was done, however, because I'm sure there are details to this story that no one's even aware of.

It'll be one to keep an eye on. Even if it's to bid a final farewell to the NWA.

(The weird part about this? This would have been where I put up a video with Shane Douglas throwing down the NWA Title after winning it in 1994 - but I can't find it on YouTube to save my life right now. Bizarre.)




Good stuff, right?

Now then. Volume Two continues that line of thinking, and shows just how good Mega Ran can be. For as much as the story seems to falter, the polar opposite happens to Ran musical acumen and the overall vibe of his oeuvre. The blending of the “video game” persona and straight hip-hop is more fully realized here, so much so that it almost becomes its own sound. There are less actual video game sounds than Volume One (unless you count bonus tracks), but the feeling is there - and that’s all that’s needed. Mega Ran, much like Lyrics Born, is on the way to achieving his own sound in hip-hop. And it’s amazing to hear in progress. You’re welcome to judge for yourself (for as little as $7!) by going and picking up a copy of Mega Ran - Language Arts: Volume Two. Seriously, you’ll be glad you did.

Next up is Alan. According to the press release for the book, “Alan is a soft science-fiction novel that takes place five years in the future and follows the story of Garth Hendricksen, a previously inconsequential developer, who creates the world's first artificially intelligent entity – Alan. Alan develops over the story from being a simple computer program that can only interface through a text prompt into a fully autonomous robot that can experience the world through sight, sound, and even touch. The reader follows Alan on his quest to determine whether or not he is truly artificially intelligent.”

Sounds pretty intense already, right? I’ve had the chance to read some of it and I’m really looking forward to more. It’s very interesting to see Hex stepping outside of his comfort zone of music director and working on something like this.

I can also report (spoiler-free) that it combines a journal format with that of how you would expect a computer program to develop its intelligence in print. It reads really quick, but not lightly or even close to forgettable. Very well played, sir.

The kickstarter campaign for Alan has met its goal already, but is still taking contributions for other cool perks that hex has lined up for it. I know I’ll be throwing in on it before it’s all said and done (which will be September 18, BTW). And speaking of things I’m donating to...





There’s a reason for this. A very good--well, depending on how you look at it, a very bad reason. I’ll let Mr. WarRock tell the story himself:

[On August 21] I was in St. Louis with my friend K, and basically her car got broken into and all our bags got stolen. In our bags were not only ipods, wallets and sentimental things that we will never replace, but also both our Macbooks. Being that we’re two people who earn a living on Internets, and being that I make music with my laptop, perform from my laptop, and use my laptop to, well, make any and everything that has to do with Adam WarRock, and being that macbooks is expensive, I’m kind of SOL right now.

So we’re going to do something I’ve always wanted to do. We’re going to do a 24 Hour Rap-A-Thon

HOW DOES A 24 HOUR RAPATHON WORK?

1. On Friday, August 24, 2012, I will wake up and sign online and timestamp myself.

2. For the next 24 Hours I will make as many songs as I can from complete scratch. No pre-writing, no pre-beat finding, nothing. Just fresh and new, me making music off the dome.

3. As fast as I can make the music, I will throw it up online for everyone to enjoy in real time.

4. People can pledge in two ways: one, a lump sum donation. But c’mon, the more fun way: you pledge a dollar amount per song that I will finish in 24 Hours. After the 24 Hours is over, I will invoice you via paypal to pay the amount (you are free to set a cap on your donation).

5. After the 24 Hours is done, I will burn a Rap-A-Thon CD with all the music made during this day, and send a signed copy and some free swag to everyone who pledges any amount. K has also agreed to make you something too.

6. My friend K will be blogging and tweeting this whole event in real time at @WarRockRapathon. We are working on possibly getting a uStream video up on the site.

7. We are seeking to raise enough money to replace our laptops, which is basically in the vicinity of $2,000. Any and all money raised over that amount will be donated to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization (b/c we were in Missouri, and screw you Todd Akin).

So, Adam WarRock is turning his and K’s misfortune into a hip-hop extravaganza that should be a sight to behold. Hell, without the Rap-A-Thon, I’d be pitching in, anyway. I’ve had a car broken into and stuff stolen out of it I can never replace. (By the way, Guy, be glad you took your crack-ridden ass back to New York. Maybe you’re in a ditch somewhere. Hopefully.) I know how that feels and how much it sucks. So, I’d be donating anyway.

But, a Rap-A Thon? From a guy like WarRock, officially one of the Best Damn %$@#&* Rappers In The Universe? Oh, I’m all in on this. Hopefully you will be, too.

The Megas - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

After missing last year, The Megas triumphantly return to Nerdapalooza in one of the most anticipated performances of the weekend! Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

Glad to see these guys back this year. Once again, well done.

8-Bit Brigade - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

Know what happens when you have three kids starting school and a wife starting a new job as an Autism teacher? You get behind on things like *this*, that's what...





8-Bit Brigade are captured here in their second Nerdapalooza performance. We catch the action about halfway through their set...a full play-through - musically and otherwise - of Contra. Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

I made it in to the venue at about level 2. At level 3, I realized exactly what was going on and thought this was beyond awesome. Halfway through level 4, it hit me - "Why the hell am I not recording this?!" So, I got set up and started shooting at level 5. And that's why this is so late into the performance.

Mother Russia, Madonna and the Prime Directive

So I’ve kind of been following this whole Pussy Riot bit going on in Russia. Not very closely, mind you; in fact, that’s going to be the entire point of this thing in a second. But, yeah, I’m aware of it - especially since Rolling Stone seems to be in love with this story (seriously, look at all the “related” links near the bottom). In fact, I kinda wonder if this story got so popular simply because they’ve been flying this flag as the “next big cause”. Yeah, you can already see where this is going, aye?

In case you’re not up to speed, I’ll keep this short. Pussy Riot is a Russian punk band that staged a protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a cathedral in Moscow. (Not St. Basil’s, mind you, but just a regular cathedral.) They were arrested and tried for “hooliganism,” and a whole slew of people here in America lost their minds. Everyone from your typical internet mook looking for another cause now that the Chick-fil-A thing has died down to people like Paul McCartney, Madonna (keep that name in mind) and the Red Hot Chili Peppers all waved the flag and showed support for this group, who were ultimately found guilty and sentenced to two years in jail for a simple protest.

Just to let you know now, I’m not getting on either side of whether or not them getting arrested and jailed for a simple protest is “right” or “wrong”. I don’t know that much about them and I have yet to hear a lick of music. I’m sure a lot of people are in that boat, but the difference it didn’t stop them from picking a side in this whole debate. I’m just not sure why they did.

The blunt, crass way of doing this would simply be to ask, “Why does America care?” This has to do with a Russian band in the Russian nation facing Russian laws. It would seem to me that this country shouldn’t have any involvement. Again, that’s the blunt and crass way, because I get why people do care. It’s a matter of basic human rights and the freedom of expression without being locked in a stank-ass dungeon simply for having an opinion. Totally understand that.

So, rather than do this the blunt and crass way, let’s table that for a second and look at another story that came out of that country. I told you to remember the mention of Madonna, right? Yeah, that would be because, on August 9, she played a show in St. Petersburg, Russia, and flat-out challenged another country’s gay pride ban. Again, I can see why she did it - but a group of activists that are now suing her for $10.5 million dollars don’t see her reasoning at all.

This was a story I almost completely ignored, until I read some of the quotes from the Union of Russian Citizens courtesy of their lawyer, Alexander Pochuyev. One was, "We must defend our right to normal cultural life without propaganda of values and views that contradict the Russian culture." Interesting use of the word “propaganda”; you have to remember, they remember World War II just like we do. Hell, in many respects, they had it a hell of a lot tougher than we did. But “propaganda of values and views” feels exactly what they’ve all been hit with lately, betweeen the Pusssy Riot bit and now this.

But, more hard-hitting than that? "While speaking of tolerance, she abuses the feelings of believers." Translation: “We’re God-fearing people, and this foreigner just waltzes in to our country and had the unmitigated gall to tell us our beliefs were wrong while preaching how all people should be accepted and loved.”

(AFTERTHEFACTUPDATE: Oh, and then she goes and calls on the country she just offended the hell out of to free the members of Pussy Riot. Yeah, because that'll go over with them so well right now.

So, rather than the blunt, crass way of addressing this let’s harken back to Star Trek. No, seriously. Follow me here a second.

One of the big things that Starfeeet believed in was the Prime Directive. That Prime Directive that Starfleet (aka the rule that “the good guys” based all of their actions on) was basically “that there can be no interference with the internal development of alien civilizations.” In other words, Starfleet believed they didn’t have the right to interfere with any other civilization’s development, and that civilization should be allowed, for good or ill, to progress at their own pace. The worst thing they could do would be to steer that evolution in any given direction because they had no right to impose their beliefs, no matter how well-intentioned, on others.

So, why do we? What gives us the right to tell Russia how they should or shouldn’t conduct themselves as a people or government? How would we like it if they came over here and did that to us? We’d tell them to go do something involving sexual intercourse to themselves, right? And yet we’re getting all bent out of shape when we’re getting that reaction from them?

Once again, folks, I’m not calling anybody “right” or “wrong” All I’ve ever asked for in my combined-over-a-decade of writing is that people stop and think for themselves for a second before going along with any kind of trend, movement or crowd. I just want people to do a double take and wonder if their actions are really serving the best example of mankind. Despite best intentions, it looks like Russia’s answer lately has been, “hell no.” Because, as we all know, that road to hell is certainly paved with good intentions.



Trust me, honey - right about now, Russia feels the same way about you.

Mega Ran - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

MegaRan and his partner in rhyme, K-Murdock, packed the Social in downtown Orlando for a Saturday night Nerdapalooza performance that has to be seen to be believed! Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

I loved seeing these guys again, especially in front of a place this packed! Great on them.

Examiner Feed - 08.16.12

This is happening now because it almost didn't happen today. Between training for a couple days at the "day job" and then a wonderful dinner out with my wife, I wasn't sure I was getting anything published today.

Alas, I was still able to make a couple posts, anyway:

Iron Man 3, Avengers Sequel, and More Marvel Movie News - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Garth Ennis "The Boys" Revived at Another Studio - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Oh, and before i go? Yes, I'm well and fully aware of the Dave Mustaine story regarding his comments about the Colorado and Sikh Temple shootings. That was not posted deliberately. I know it would have been a big hit-getter and everything, but I explained on Facebook why I refused to do it:

Did Dave Mustaine lose his mind? I didn't buy that Bush was behind 9/11 and I'm not taking this bait, either. I can't write or report on sensationalism (idiocy?) with no substance, so this is all I'm saying on this.

ArmCannon - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

Danimal brings his band "ArmCannon" to Nerdapalooza for another blistering festival appearance! Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

Out of the three (!) appearances Danimal made in various formats ove the weekend, this was the only one I was able to get.

Kris Humphries to Put Reality on Trial

I’m going to make it clear right off the bat that I hate most of the Kardashian family, save for Bruce and possibly Khloe/Lamar. The reason those three are off the hook is because they don’t seem to be quite the fame whores that everyone else in the family is. They’re the most shining example of what is wrong with American pop culture - by-products of reality television.

Which is why, oh my GOD, I am so rooting for Kris Humphries in his divorce against Kim Kardashian. Just about every other “news” site has ranged from being biased (for obvious reasons) to attempting to be be glibly cute (and failing miserably). My old stomping grounds had actually one of the better recaps about the hearing on August 15, but it seems even they kinda missed what’s about to happen and why I’m rooting for Humphries.

To be fair, this is probably one of those bits that Jeremy had to report on for 4111 because it was news, but could probably actually care less. I totally get that; won’t hold it against him a bit. In fact, I’ll lift most of his recap of the hearing because the other two make me want to retch, for completely different reasons and, whether this was intentional or not, Jeremy nailed what’s so important about this:

Wasser complained in court that despite the lengthy proceedings to date, it isn't clear what Humphries wants out of the subpoena. She noted that Humphries has been all over the place, wanting to put reality TV on trial and subpoenaing Kris Jenner as well as people at NBC Universal and Bunim/Murray, who produce the family's various reality shows. She also said that she doesn't know why Humphries believes the marriage was a fraud, as he went in fully aware of all situations.

Kris' lawyer replied that he intends to prove that the marriage was a fraud to benefit Kim's reality show and that the subpoenas are in order give him all the information he needs before he deposes Kim. When Wasser asked why it was important for Kris to get an annulment, he didn't answer. Wasser then noted that she will get Kris to pay all of Kim's attorney fees.

Check that underlined bit again. That’s exactly what’s going on with this divorce. It’s not just Kris going after Kim anymore; this is all of “reality television” being put on trial for being anything but. Kris basically claims that the marriage was all for big ratings and a big payday and that, once all the contracts expired and the big payoff went down, she (along with the network and production company) had no use for Humphries and ditched him. So, for the sake of justice (or revenge; who cares, really?), Kris is out to expose the whole sham in a court of law. As John Wilkes Booth once said to Lee Harvey Oswald, “You’re the one that’s gonna sum it all up and blow it all wide open!”

Mind you, I’ve already said this was the case and that it’s even been admitted to already. But to have Humphries blow that wide open for all the world to see? I’m rooting for this guy. And I give a damn what football team he plays for.


AvX is cool and all...but I’m much more excited by HvK.
.

Examiner Feed - 08.15.12

Yeah, this was a busy day. And these were just the stories I was able to get to!

Axl Rose Receives Court Date for Lawsuit Against Activision - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Producer Roy Thomas Bakker Sues Sony Music for Royalties - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Metal Band Baroness Injured in Bus Crash - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

US District Judge Set to Decide Superman's Fate - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Elton John Bassist Found Dead of Apparent Suicide - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Examiner Feed - 08.14.12

Seems the next morning post with yesterday's date (because that's when the stories below were actually published) is becoming the norm due to schedule constraints...

Fox's Daredevil Adaptation Stalled Yet Again? - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

DC Comics Spoils the Return of the Joker - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Blur Release Olympic Performance Digitally as Band May be Done - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Tribe One - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

Tribe One returns to Nerdapalooza to command the stage at his own set for 2012 before heading out on the NoFriends Tour with Jesse Dangerously, Adam WarRock, and Mikal kHill. Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

Tribe One, to me, is pretty slept on. Dunno why because I think this dude is pretty damn good. Really hoping he catches a good break soon.

That tour, by the way? Starts in September. You can get more info about it here. I've seen all four of these guys separately or in some combination, but not all four together like this. I would suggest not missing this tour if it's near you, by any means.

P.S. WarRock and kHill will be at Super Fly Comic and Games's 5th Anniversary Party. If you're in the area and can go, I envy you.

Examiner Feed - 08.13.12

Yes, I realize this is dated a little weird. It's because I'm catching up from yesterday.

What? Raw was on last night. What do you want from me?

Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and More To Play Halloweenie Roast in Orlando - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Killing Joke Frontman Releases Statement on "Disappearance" - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Stone Sour Reveal Details of New Album - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

The ThoughtCriminals - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

(Yes, I realize I did not do this yesterday. Things were happenin'. My wife's first day back as a teacher and other business had to be handled. Sue me, okay?

Now then...



After performing an "unofficial" set at last year's festival, the ThoughtCriminals - kHill and Sulfur - play Nerdapalooza proper with a blistering set. Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

So glad to see these guys get their well-earned spot as an "official" act this year. Hopefully we get to see it again in 2013.

Comics Legend Joe Kubert Passes Away - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Comics Legend Joe Kubert Passes Away - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Seriously, RIP to a true comics legend. Some sad news coming out of today.

The Revival of Abraham Washington

(This, by the way? Is post #300 on this site. This is *so* Sparta.)

So, Abraham Washington - you know, dude who made the Kobe Bryant crack about Kobe Bryant on Raw? Yeah, he's been canned. The only surprise is how long it took WWE to do it, especially considering AW's "gracious" exit rant on Twitter.

But, there's hope for AW yet. Especially if TNA is smart. Because if they are, he's their next signee.

No, seriously. Follow me for just a second.

All the attention in the wrestling world - and even some in mainstream circles - is on AW right now. For all the wrong reasons, mind you, but it's there. And it's not unprecedented that, with the right amount of legitimate heat, there's money to be made in wrestling. Like it or not, Wrestling's Most Wanted are proving that as I type this. So, TNA should take that forward-thinking example and strike while the iron is hot.

Here's how this could work: TNA hires Washington as a manager. You could put him with virtually anyone (although Zima Ion stands out as a good immediate candidate). Give him the live ringside mic. Give him a line that he can't cross with certain subjects on the other side of that line. (Do I even have to say that rape is one of them?) And then let him dance right on that line week after week. Like Paul E did when he was still a manager in ECW.





The moment it's announced that TNA has signed Abraham Washington, the groans begin. "Oh, good Lord, what is this guy gonna say here?" He already has the attention. And whether people will admit it in public or not, they'll tune in to see what AW's gonna say. Let him be as edgy as he wants (within reason) and keep people hooked. Give viewers a reason to have that "did he seriously just say that?!" reaction week in and week out.

Against their better judgment, they're hooked to tuning in. Whether people are fascinated by the train wreck or whether they start enjoying his rants and he actually gets over, more people will be paying attention to the show - and, as a result, the product that TNA produces.

In this day and age where people seem to be actively looking for reasons to get outraged? Give them what they want. Let them get outraged. Let everybody talk about how despicable Washington is for making that rape joke. Let everybody talk about how TNA is so "low class" to sign the guy that made said joke. And then sit back and let the money roll in. Millions of dollars, millions of dollars.

DJ RoboRob - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

DJ RoboRob rocks Nerdapalooza, and he's not alone! Schaffer the Darklord, King Pheenix, MegaRan, Adam WarRock, int 80, Duane, and many more join RoboRob for a mind-blowing time! If that weren't enough, an announcement is made about the future of DJ RoboRob! Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

Seriously, this...was pretty mind-blowing. Great showing from all involved.

Examiner Feed - 08.09.12

If I'm gonna do multiple posts at a time and maintain the pace I have been, I may as well give the site posting with all of them their own title and format (kinda), eh?

Hatebreed Hates CNN for Declaring Them White Supremacists - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Matt Fraction's "Defenders" Ends in November - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Is Ben Affleck Really Directing the "Justice League" Movie? - Orlando Comic Books | Examiner.com

Money Boys - Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012

Okay, first of all, if you're easily offended by sexually explicit content? Then this isn't for you. I'm sorry, but I have to let you down gently if you're of a sensitive constitution and explicit, detailed talk of deviant sex acts disturbs you.

Now, with that out of the way...





You know...just to be on the safe side...

***PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE DISCLAIMER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE VIDEO. THE MONEY BOYS SET CONTAINS VERY EXPLICIT CONTENT THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OFFFEND OT TITTILATE. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!***

EXCLUSIVE! After running the streeets of South Lake Hills with a tight oral grip, The Money Boys bring the dude-on-dude action to Nerdapalooza. Count3rCu1ture @ Nerdapalooza 2012 continues here.

I can't really claim to be homophobic (thank God), so this was a wild time. Some of the most fun I've had at a show (that wasn't a Nerdapalooza set) in a long time.

Another Batch Run

No, not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter. I mean another busy series of articles going up today:

Primus Coming to Orlando and Auctioning Bass for Special Cause - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

Surviving Monkees Announce Reunion Tour - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com

The Who, Muse, Blur, More to Close Olympics - Orlando rock music | Examiner.com