As I sit here writing this today, there is a matter that makes my blood boil and I am completely appalled about it. Joyce Milgaard, whom I consider to be a heroic figure for her ability to stand beside her son, David Milgaard, who spent 23 years in Prison, wrongly convicted for murder. On Friday, Justice Edward Mccollum, called Joyce's tireless efforts over 23 years as "counter productive", for continuing to allege there was an intentional miscarriage of justice.
Let me put myself in the position of David, if I found myself in a jail cell, losing hope day by day, for a crime I did not commit, I would think I was the luckiest person in the world that my mother sacrificed financially, was the subject of public scrutiny, hounded politicians and reporters to keep my case in the forefront. If 15 years after I was freed, thanks in no small part to her tireless efforts, was I forced to endure more ridiculous treatment as to have a justice Edward McCollum, say that she didn't help matters, I believe I'd be pretty insulted. I'd probably ask for him to quit his job.
The Justice found no intentional miscarriage of justice on the part of police officers and prosecutors who confind David to a prison term of 23 years for a CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT. I'm sorry if I misunderstand how this justice can find this conclusion. For at least 5 years of the 23 year term, and probably closer to 10, there was significant reason to believe David was not guilty. I'd like to believe anytime someone is wrongfully convicted, police officers and prosecutors are found at least somewhat responsible for the miscarriage. But whatever, maybe these police officers did their job to the best of their ability, and perhaps the prosecutor and presiding Judge didn't intentionally strip David of his rights.
That being said, a much bigger point is 40 years after the crime, it is utterly ridiculous for Edward McCollum to come out publicly and make a statement that Joyce was counter productive in freeing her son. Such a statement should cost that person his job. It pours salt on a wound that no money will ever heel. And it's an injustice in itself. I would not blame Mrs. Milgaard if she sued for the anguish of this report. And in my opinion she'd be fully in her right.
On to more humurous stuff. Friday we say TSN's Off The Record have an amazing panel. Henry Burris, Jock Climey, John Bonk and Neil Lumsden (father of Hamilton Ti-Cat Jesse Lumsden) joined Michael Landsberg in an amazing discussion about the CFL. What made the show particularly amusing for me was Michael Landsberg's attire.
In what I can only describe as a woman's blouse, Michael sported a blue v-neck (with the v dipping close to his belly button) sweater with a white under shirt. It was the ugliest thing I've ever seen worn on television, and can only be compared to a number I witnessed worn by Randy Garyluk at CKX Brandon (not on air), when he wear a similar red sweater, with the difference being it had a frilly collar. If you need to see this, try finding an archive at www.tsn.ca, but rest assured you will laugh at his piss poor taste in clothing.
This isn't completely Michael's fault. You may wonder why for many years he's been the worst dresser on television. He doesn't have complete say over what he wears, as the show is sponsored by a clother who sends things over that they want him to wear in hopes of sprucing up sales. If I were him, I'd go the shirtless route in protest of the choices. It's common for everyone on the panel to be better dressed than him. Which does a disservice to the clothing sponsor and to Mike. It makes him look like a geek.
CFL this week. Bombers now are in second place, sole possession baby. I thought the team looked great on Friday after the first quarter. Alexis Serna has got to go though. We cannot depend on shaky kicking in the playoffs, and Serna is just way too inconsistant. Kevin Glenn looked amazing, and I did called the deep call to Arjei Franklin just before the throw. Romby Bryant got back into my good books by getting ejected standing up for his quarterback. I really thought that Doug Berry should have not shook Danny Macchochia's hand after the game after the late hit on Glenn. And I also thought, game was pretty much ours in the final seconds, send out a guy we can do without for a game or two, pay the fine and return the favor to Ricky Ray with a late head hunting hit. I believe and eye for eye would have definitely won some respect for the rematch.
Hamilton is such a sorry story. And I'm happy. Bob Young the owner is an idiot and deserves every unfortunate thing that happens in Steeltown. He was instrumental in getting Tom Wright, one of the best CFL commissioners fired, and the karma has been a bitch ever since. Even a respected football man like Bob O'Billovitch can't get anything going there. They should have let Charlie Taffe go in the offseason and ushered in Dave Richie to get things right there. Richie is a winner.
And it's equally nice to see the Toronto Argos struggle. It couldn't come at a better time either. If I was fighting for a playoff spot, the last thing I would be doing is benching a MVP quarterback.
Christian Slater, someone I have been told I resemble, (and have been told that for many many years), is starring in his own TV series in October, "My Own Worst Enemy". I don't believe this show will be a hit, but here's hoping I get laid more because someone I resemble is on TV more often.
Nothing about wrestling today. Proof that the biz isn't my whole life.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Secret to the Bombers, More Wrestling, and Daytime TV... Oh and some country music
I much appreciate all the posts, both positive and negative about my initial blog, of a couple of days ago. Truthfully, as Andrew Shallcross, a good old friend of mine alluded to, I appreciate attention, even the negative kind. So these people who post comments under "anonymous", saying that nobody cares what I have to say, minutes after reading my blog, particularly amuse me. Thank you.
So here's my two cents on the Bombers recent "turnaround". I explained this to my buddy Rogers Sportsnet reporter David Bastl last night. As much as it's the solid play of Kevin Glenn, a guy I say is the best QB the team has had since Matt Dunnigan, it's the play of Running Back Fred Reid that has been the spark for th turn around. Reid has benefitted from Kevin Glenn having a better clue on how to call the plays than either Offensive Coordinator Kit Cartwright and Head Coach Doug Berry, but has worked wonders when given the rock. It almost pains me to see the guy do so well, because Charles Roberts was one of my favorite Bombers of all-time, but the Blue are winning and that is all that matters. Now, here's hoping that Joe Smith can be traded for a first round draft pick on CFL's draft day or something, because that would be the feather in the cap.
I was actually beginning to wish bad things on the Bombers. Not because I was any less of a fan, but I had come to the conclusion that we would miss the playoffs either way, as I didn't forsee the Toronto implusion (which was shitty in itself, because Rich Stubler deserved better). I wanted the team to finish with a high draft pick, top 2, and with a new coach named Greg Marshall. But I will gladly suffer through Doug Berry, who I consider to be a supreme prick, if the Bombers get a shot to raise the Grey Cup.
Brendan Taman got a lot of the heat for the Bombers disasterous start. It was completely undeserved. In the offseason, Taman was shrewd in keeping the offense together, and kept Tom Canada. And minus the NFL departure of Kyries Hebert, who was a much bigger loss than anyone could have imagined, this Grey Cup finalist from last year, should have been a well oiled machine geared up to return and win it this year. Now, thanks to some lackluster coaching, the team was screwed, and the playoffs looked completely unlikely, when, Trader Taman, makes a move to bring in Zeke Moreno, who is the best Middle Linebacker in the CFL. No offense Barrin Simpson. And the free agent signing of Kai Ellis, amply replaced Tom Canada. Now if Taman figures out a way to get a first rounder on draft day he will have proven he's the best GM in the league, and that includes Eric Tillman.
So, before I get ahead of myself here. Let me boldly predict, that if the Bombers beat the Eskimos on Friday at Canad Inns stadium, which I believe they will. The Bombers will gain strength, and will beat Montreal in the Eastern Final. And will go back to glory of the Grey Cup. And I believe that this team will upset the team from the West. Who right now is too hard to call. Call it wishful thinking, but Glenn, Reid, and the receivers playing to full potential (though they have to lose the Duck Duck goose), a defense that is in good hands with Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall, and as long as it doesn't come down to a last second field goal kick (sorry Serna not sold on you), we will do just fine.
Wrestling is a big part of my life. Duh! I was amazed I forgot to mention such esteemed wrestling companies as Savage Wrestling Entertainment which runs shows at the St. B and Teddy Bob's as a potential option for my future. I'm so desperate for work, I'll do a naked wrestling show on the corner of Portage and Main in January to stay in the business at this point, lol. Seriously. Well, there was one job I forgot to mention I was really good at, and that was Colour Commentator. And luckily it looks as though that maybe my calling, as I've been contacted about potentially doing that on a largescale project, not based in Winnipeg. So don't worry about me, I'm sure there is a new opportunity lying ahead.
Daytime TV absolutely stinks right now. The Young and The Restless, which can now be seen 3 times daily if you have Showcase Diva (damn it I just outted myself for being lame), airs it between 6pm and 7pm, has gotten so bad, like very very bad, that it's hard to stomach. I was such a Jack Abbott fan, but all the knee jerk storylines have made him seem like a loser. Michael Baldwin's dad is finally found, great, he's a hippy that nobody cares about. Victor has lost his mind, which is reflective of the creative writers having lost their minds eons ago. There isn't a hot piece of ass on that show, and hasn't been since Nicki Newman and Ashley Abbott were in their 20s, and that would be about 30 years ago. Oh, Eva Longoria (bad spelling) was on there pre-Desperate Housewives. Ok one in 30 years. Good work on the casting.
General Hospital has always been my show to watch. Gangsters carrying guns, stupid cops, and hot pieces of tale like Kelli Monaco and the girl that plays Carly give me a reason every day to smile. And for some reason Maxi does it for me as well. However, taking the best character on daytime, Sonny Corinthos, and putting him in a shitty lovestory with the worst leading lady on daytime Kate Howard has really zapped my passion for the show. It's also bad when Jason and cyber geek Spinelli have become the best scenes to watch. Bring back Vanessa Marcil, and get back to the good stuff, gun fights and things like that. Oh and Claudia Zaccara, I'd probably tap that.
I got nothing on Country music... sorry.
So here's my two cents on the Bombers recent "turnaround". I explained this to my buddy Rogers Sportsnet reporter David Bastl last night. As much as it's the solid play of Kevin Glenn, a guy I say is the best QB the team has had since Matt Dunnigan, it's the play of Running Back Fred Reid that has been the spark for th turn around. Reid has benefitted from Kevin Glenn having a better clue on how to call the plays than either Offensive Coordinator Kit Cartwright and Head Coach Doug Berry, but has worked wonders when given the rock. It almost pains me to see the guy do so well, because Charles Roberts was one of my favorite Bombers of all-time, but the Blue are winning and that is all that matters. Now, here's hoping that Joe Smith can be traded for a first round draft pick on CFL's draft day or something, because that would be the feather in the cap.
I was actually beginning to wish bad things on the Bombers. Not because I was any less of a fan, but I had come to the conclusion that we would miss the playoffs either way, as I didn't forsee the Toronto implusion (which was shitty in itself, because Rich Stubler deserved better). I wanted the team to finish with a high draft pick, top 2, and with a new coach named Greg Marshall. But I will gladly suffer through Doug Berry, who I consider to be a supreme prick, if the Bombers get a shot to raise the Grey Cup.
Brendan Taman got a lot of the heat for the Bombers disasterous start. It was completely undeserved. In the offseason, Taman was shrewd in keeping the offense together, and kept Tom Canada. And minus the NFL departure of Kyries Hebert, who was a much bigger loss than anyone could have imagined, this Grey Cup finalist from last year, should have been a well oiled machine geared up to return and win it this year. Now, thanks to some lackluster coaching, the team was screwed, and the playoffs looked completely unlikely, when, Trader Taman, makes a move to bring in Zeke Moreno, who is the best Middle Linebacker in the CFL. No offense Barrin Simpson. And the free agent signing of Kai Ellis, amply replaced Tom Canada. Now if Taman figures out a way to get a first rounder on draft day he will have proven he's the best GM in the league, and that includes Eric Tillman.
So, before I get ahead of myself here. Let me boldly predict, that if the Bombers beat the Eskimos on Friday at Canad Inns stadium, which I believe they will. The Bombers will gain strength, and will beat Montreal in the Eastern Final. And will go back to glory of the Grey Cup. And I believe that this team will upset the team from the West. Who right now is too hard to call. Call it wishful thinking, but Glenn, Reid, and the receivers playing to full potential (though they have to lose the Duck Duck goose), a defense that is in good hands with Defensive Coordinator Greg Marshall, and as long as it doesn't come down to a last second field goal kick (sorry Serna not sold on you), we will do just fine.
Wrestling is a big part of my life. Duh! I was amazed I forgot to mention such esteemed wrestling companies as Savage Wrestling Entertainment which runs shows at the St. B and Teddy Bob's as a potential option for my future. I'm so desperate for work, I'll do a naked wrestling show on the corner of Portage and Main in January to stay in the business at this point, lol. Seriously. Well, there was one job I forgot to mention I was really good at, and that was Colour Commentator. And luckily it looks as though that maybe my calling, as I've been contacted about potentially doing that on a largescale project, not based in Winnipeg. So don't worry about me, I'm sure there is a new opportunity lying ahead.
Daytime TV absolutely stinks right now. The Young and The Restless, which can now be seen 3 times daily if you have Showcase Diva (damn it I just outted myself for being lame), airs it between 6pm and 7pm, has gotten so bad, like very very bad, that it's hard to stomach. I was such a Jack Abbott fan, but all the knee jerk storylines have made him seem like a loser. Michael Baldwin's dad is finally found, great, he's a hippy that nobody cares about. Victor has lost his mind, which is reflective of the creative writers having lost their minds eons ago. There isn't a hot piece of ass on that show, and hasn't been since Nicki Newman and Ashley Abbott were in their 20s, and that would be about 30 years ago. Oh, Eva Longoria (bad spelling) was on there pre-Desperate Housewives. Ok one in 30 years. Good work on the casting.
General Hospital has always been my show to watch. Gangsters carrying guns, stupid cops, and hot pieces of tale like Kelli Monaco and the girl that plays Carly give me a reason every day to smile. And for some reason Maxi does it for me as well. However, taking the best character on daytime, Sonny Corinthos, and putting him in a shitty lovestory with the worst leading lady on daytime Kate Howard has really zapped my passion for the show. It's also bad when Jason and cyber geek Spinelli have become the best scenes to watch. Bring back Vanessa Marcil, and get back to the good stuff, gun fights and things like that. Oh and Claudia Zaccara, I'd probably tap that.
I got nothing on Country music... sorry.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Starter Blog
I don't know if I consider myself important enough to write a blog that people will care to read, so I hope this doesn't amount to a hobby that is just a colossal waste of time. With that said, I am going to attempt to write a regular blog to express opinions on things that matter to me. Politics, Sports, Pro Wrestling (where I have made a healthy living for many years), friendships, courtships, daytime tv, country music and of course, yadda yadda yadda.
On the Professional Wrestling front, Premier Championship Wrestling, a company I was very involved in starting in 2001 and 2002 and left in 2003 to persue grander projects, only to return in 2004, and again in 2008, and I have parted ways again. I went into this with the highest of hopes and ultimately take a majority of the responsibility for where things went wrong. Let me say publicly, Andrew runs PCW well, and my vision for where Mike Davidson the character could go, and where Andrew saw Mike Davidson fitting in PCW was seemingly on the same track. However the marriage just wasn't working, and we have parted ways mutually and hopefully respectfully. I wish him the best, the crew the best, and still consider Andrew a very valued friend.
Does this mean I have decided to leave the wrestling business for good? Prior to my one show return to PCW, I had leaned toward retirement since the hiatus of Wrestling Fan Xperience. A decision was made by Jeff Dyck to move the company out of my backyard, Winnipeg, and headquarter it in Las Vegas where he could be more hands on in the day to day operations. With that change, Rikishi was promoted to booker, and a decision was made to focus on more International touring opportunities. I was offered a role in the revamped WFX, but to this point have not had a burning desire to participate. I wish WFX the very best as well, and most certainly hope to keep my door open for the future.
So where does that leave Mike Davidson, un-retired Wrestling Promoter/Booker/referee/ring announcer/TV & PPV Producer/Wrestler/Manager? Good question. With a resume like mine, I would like to think that Ringmasters Entertainment, Steeltown Pro Wrestling, Danny Duggan Championship Wrestling, Canadian Wrestling Federation, New Wrestling Nation, River City Wrestling, Gorgeous George Promotions, Wrestling For Christ, Wrestling Against The Devil, Wrestling In Prison, and all other wrestling promotions in Winnipeg would at least be interested in talking to me. However, due to my dubious reputation as a shit disturbing ribber, apparently people think Mike Davidson comes with too much negatives to hire. And that's cool. I'm ok with that. I will sit on the sidelines, like Dennis Stamp (who judging by AWA Wrestling on ESPN Classics, he was a hell of a worker in jobber matches, take note Big Man), I will always be ready for the next booking. Wherever such an opportunity should present itself. So no, I'm not retired, just having trouble finding work.
I still shake my head at the sad state of Federal politics in Canada. It feels like we are constantly on the brink of an election, or as we currently see, in a full blown campaign. I have voted mainly Liberal in Federal elections, throughout my adult life. I was a big believer in Paul Martin's finance minister policies, and believed he would make the greatest Prime Minister of our time. Guess I was wrong there.
To vote for the liberal candidate in my riding, I'd have to support their leader. And unfortunately, I can't support Stephan Dion. I believe he portrayes himself effectively as a buffoon, and should probably move away from a career in politics all together. So that leaves me with 3 choices, Green Party (who I think is comprised of outpatients from an insane asylum), the NDP, and the Conservatives. I come from a family of Federal Conservative supporters, and myself am a believer that Jean Charest beating Kim Campbell in the 93 leadership race would have drastically altered the Federal Political landscape that we see today. So well I haven't made up any decision, I have ruled out 2 of 4 options for October.
Now, I can't vote in the US Presidential race, but I follow it as closely as I do Canadian. I have fallen in and out of love and in and out again, for the idea of Barrack Obama. I think he's a great speaker, who can passionately express his viewpoints. I just think there was more to the message from Hillary Clinton than from Obama. I really like Joe Biden, but still am not convinced Obama will make a great president. And while I never believed I would say this, I believe John McCain represents a safe choice for Americans. The drawback to McCain is he is elderly, and may not have the ability to serve a 4 year term. Why couldn't Jesse Ventura run as a renegade?
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have won 2 straight and thanks to a very effective QB, Kevin Glenn maybe on track. Currently they sit in the thick of the East Division playoff picture, more thanks to Toronto's implosion than Winnipeg's explosion. Couple things I would love to see here in Bomberland, a stronger special teams effort, and a Coach with people skills.
NHL Season opens in a few short weeks. I would hate to be a Leaf fan. I'm a fan of the Coyotes and Ducks, and believe both of them will be just fine. Watch for the Blackhawks in the West, especially if they are able to draw any major trade interest for Goalie superstar Nicolai Khabibulin. In the east, Tampa Bay will be vastly improved, Ottawa will slip majorly, and Pittsburg will still be in the thick of things.
In the NFL, the AFC is wide open with New England losing Tom Brady, Peyton and the Colts looking iffy, and Buffalo surprising absolutely everybody at 3 and 0. Why can't the Bengals ever be better, lol? NFC, Dallas is the real deal, Carolina is a pretender, and Minnesota is so not a contender, despite off season predictions. Rodgers will lead the Pack to the post season, and fits in just fine in Green Bay.
On the Professional Wrestling front, Premier Championship Wrestling, a company I was very involved in starting in 2001 and 2002 and left in 2003 to persue grander projects, only to return in 2004, and again in 2008, and I have parted ways again. I went into this with the highest of hopes and ultimately take a majority of the responsibility for where things went wrong. Let me say publicly, Andrew runs PCW well, and my vision for where Mike Davidson the character could go, and where Andrew saw Mike Davidson fitting in PCW was seemingly on the same track. However the marriage just wasn't working, and we have parted ways mutually and hopefully respectfully. I wish him the best, the crew the best, and still consider Andrew a very valued friend.
Does this mean I have decided to leave the wrestling business for good? Prior to my one show return to PCW, I had leaned toward retirement since the hiatus of Wrestling Fan Xperience. A decision was made by Jeff Dyck to move the company out of my backyard, Winnipeg, and headquarter it in Las Vegas where he could be more hands on in the day to day operations. With that change, Rikishi was promoted to booker, and a decision was made to focus on more International touring opportunities. I was offered a role in the revamped WFX, but to this point have not had a burning desire to participate. I wish WFX the very best as well, and most certainly hope to keep my door open for the future.
So where does that leave Mike Davidson, un-retired Wrestling Promoter/Booker/referee/ring announcer/TV & PPV Producer/Wrestler/Manager? Good question. With a resume like mine, I would like to think that Ringmasters Entertainment, Steeltown Pro Wrestling, Danny Duggan Championship Wrestling, Canadian Wrestling Federation, New Wrestling Nation, River City Wrestling, Gorgeous George Promotions, Wrestling For Christ, Wrestling Against The Devil, Wrestling In Prison, and all other wrestling promotions in Winnipeg would at least be interested in talking to me. However, due to my dubious reputation as a shit disturbing ribber, apparently people think Mike Davidson comes with too much negatives to hire. And that's cool. I'm ok with that. I will sit on the sidelines, like Dennis Stamp (who judging by AWA Wrestling on ESPN Classics, he was a hell of a worker in jobber matches, take note Big Man), I will always be ready for the next booking. Wherever such an opportunity should present itself. So no, I'm not retired, just having trouble finding work.
I still shake my head at the sad state of Federal politics in Canada. It feels like we are constantly on the brink of an election, or as we currently see, in a full blown campaign. I have voted mainly Liberal in Federal elections, throughout my adult life. I was a big believer in Paul Martin's finance minister policies, and believed he would make the greatest Prime Minister of our time. Guess I was wrong there.
To vote for the liberal candidate in my riding, I'd have to support their leader. And unfortunately, I can't support Stephan Dion. I believe he portrayes himself effectively as a buffoon, and should probably move away from a career in politics all together. So that leaves me with 3 choices, Green Party (who I think is comprised of outpatients from an insane asylum), the NDP, and the Conservatives. I come from a family of Federal Conservative supporters, and myself am a believer that Jean Charest beating Kim Campbell in the 93 leadership race would have drastically altered the Federal Political landscape that we see today. So well I haven't made up any decision, I have ruled out 2 of 4 options for October.
Now, I can't vote in the US Presidential race, but I follow it as closely as I do Canadian. I have fallen in and out of love and in and out again, for the idea of Barrack Obama. I think he's a great speaker, who can passionately express his viewpoints. I just think there was more to the message from Hillary Clinton than from Obama. I really like Joe Biden, but still am not convinced Obama will make a great president. And while I never believed I would say this, I believe John McCain represents a safe choice for Americans. The drawback to McCain is he is elderly, and may not have the ability to serve a 4 year term. Why couldn't Jesse Ventura run as a renegade?
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have won 2 straight and thanks to a very effective QB, Kevin Glenn maybe on track. Currently they sit in the thick of the East Division playoff picture, more thanks to Toronto's implosion than Winnipeg's explosion. Couple things I would love to see here in Bomberland, a stronger special teams effort, and a Coach with people skills.
NHL Season opens in a few short weeks. I would hate to be a Leaf fan. I'm a fan of the Coyotes and Ducks, and believe both of them will be just fine. Watch for the Blackhawks in the West, especially if they are able to draw any major trade interest for Goalie superstar Nicolai Khabibulin. In the east, Tampa Bay will be vastly improved, Ottawa will slip majorly, and Pittsburg will still be in the thick of things.
In the NFL, the AFC is wide open with New England losing Tom Brady, Peyton and the Colts looking iffy, and Buffalo surprising absolutely everybody at 3 and 0. Why can't the Bengals ever be better, lol? NFC, Dallas is the real deal, Carolina is a pretender, and Minnesota is so not a contender, despite off season predictions. Rodgers will lead the Pack to the post season, and fits in just fine in Green Bay.
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