Just one of my passions

            I told you once one of my favorite past times is pro wrestling. Not so much the in ring action, all though I do enjoy the athleticism of the guys and even sometimes the women in the ring, the promos, backstage segments and overall story lines are what the draw is for me.

           Yes I hear what your saying, "How can you like something like that? It's all fake" I've heard that phrase time and time again. You know what also is predetermined or "fake" Um Movies, Television, Soap Operas. I enjoy the hell out of those things for the fact that even though I know they're fake they can make me buy into what is being put on the screen. One of my other favorites is "I don't like wrestling I like real fighting like MMA, and Boxing." Yeah I enjoy the occasional big fight and the UFC, Pride, WEC, and Strikeforce (I know the last three don't exist anymore but they still have reruns). Dana White does a hell of a job with the UFC and it's enjoyable watching the chess match that goes on in side a boxing ring or cage. And of course the early round knockout or submission is highly entertaining look I'm not going to say it's not.

          I've also throughout my wrestling enjoyment run been a fan of the heels more so then the baby faces. Randy Savage was the quintessential wrestler of my childhood along with Ric Flair and the 4 horsemen they kept me enthralled with their ability to deliver interviews, tell a story in the ring and out, and just their overall persona's. And now I'm drawn to the guys that can deliver much like those guys did. Guys like Randy Orton, A.J. Styles, MVP, Mr. Anderson, Elijah Burke, and even John Cena, I believe are on the cusp of becoming all time greats.

           Occasionally I'll have thoughts on wrestling as a whole and I wont always force you to read an explanation. It's really weird though maybe it's the fact that so many people are outraged that wrestling is fake, but I find myself defending it all the time. I think the reason that so many people get upset with it is because when they were kids they believed what was happening in the ring was 100% real and then the day they find out that Jake Roberts didn't actually let a poisonous snake bite Randy savage they're little hearts were broken.

          That being said on with the show........

          I mentioned last week how disappointed with Raw and the Randy Orton, Wade Barret, John Cena World Championship love triangle that was taking place and my disdain towards that whole mess took an even worse turn this week by adding a fourth guy into the mix. Now I understand they need to keep the story alive that every Money  in the Bank winner eventually wins the title and I see what they are doing with the Miz grooming him to be a future star, he definitely has the mouth to work a crowd but that's where his talent ends. I've never bought into his matches and when just 2 months ago he was getting repeatedly beaten for the U.S. Title by a rookie how are we supposed to buy into him as a legitimate world title holder. There are so many other more talented guys on the roster that have never held the title and would have fit this roll better, John Morrison, MVP, Dolph Ziggler, Drew Mcintyre, or even Wade Barrett. I think Miz could be a star in the next decade, he definitely has the mouth to do it but at this juncture his win was a joke. The most infuriating part of his win was the way it was done. so many other guys that have cashed in the Money in the Bank contract to win their first titles have done it in a way that showed they were opportunists beating a severely beaten champion by hitting them from behind or with their finishing moves when they couldn't really defend themselves. The way the Miz won by being taken out by an injured Randy Orton and then reversing the RKO is an embarrassment to the world title and not only diminishes the championship but also makes Randy Orton look bad because he was cleanly beaten by an inferior opponent. I understand putting a guy over. Watching Randy Orton and John Cena do it to guys like Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett is great to see but to put a guy over for a world title when he's been on screen not earning it is a travesty.

        I've also been catching up on TNA this week I'm still about three weeks behind but I have to give my comments on what is taking place. First of all I think A.J. Styles is probably one of the top 3 wrestlers in the business today right with Randy Orton and John Cena. He's got the look, mic skills, in ring ability and story telling capability to put him up with the greats. I wish they would turn him loose and let him become the unquestioned leader of fortune he's followed people in groups long enough that I think it's his turn now. I feel they're hurting his long term character by making him take a back seat to Flair in interviews and Jeff Hardy as the champ. On Jeff Hardy his turning heel was great decision by the company. A complete swerve done by booking to make you hearken back to the old WCW and the NWO. But it could also be the feel of the show that has a real 1997 WCW feel complete with the show centering around Flair, Hogan and Bishoff. I'd like to see those guys take a slight step back and let the in-ring guys shine a little more. We don't need to see those three going into and coming out of every commercial break and having multiple segments throughout the show. If you truly want to compete with the WWE it's time to turn loose  the true talent and let them run the show. I'm talking about A.J. Styles, Deangelo Dinero, Mr. Anderson, Jeff Hardy, Matt Morgan, Kazarian, and more Velvet Sky. mmmmm Velvet.

         Just a couple thoughts on wrestling this week I'll be back later when I've got more to say but I'll leave you with this. Simply the number one reason for the Internet Courtesy of Break.com

Wii: Dead Space Extraction a players review

        I just got done playing Dead Space: Extraction for the Wii and overall I was pleasantly surprised since this is the first Wii game that I've actually had any interest in playing for any length of time. Where it lacks in game play it totally makes up for in story. However I felt like the story gave away to many spoilers for a prequel and for the people that maybe wanted to play this before 2008's Xbox 360 Dead Space it would have ruined the biggest surprise of the game. And for a story that was so quick to give up plot line spoilers it had no trouble leaving you asking WTF? We left the game still wondering why Lexine was so important and that was a major let down that I hope is addressed in Dead Space 2 that comes out in January 2011.     
       
          As a first person shooter I enjoyed the point and shoot function that the Wii-mote brought to it and since it was a Wii game I was happy that I didn't need to swing my arms all over the place just to make things happen like I have with other games. I was disappointed in the fact however, that you don't control your characters movements which made it frustrating when you would see an upgrade or ammo drop out of the corner of your eye but could not go back and get it. There were two fairly difficult (well for this game) boss battles but for the most part there was no real difficult level. I finished the game in just over 6 hours which was disappointing because a game of this genre I would expect to spend closer to 10 hours on.

         The story was engaging and enjoyable following the events on the colony and the Ishimura after the discovery of the marker. The lead in to the events of Xbox 360's Dead Space was entertaining as you go around meeting the major players from and breaking things that you have to fix in the 360 version. Again the spoilers were a little disappointing and unnecessary to the progression of the story so I would suggest playing the 360 version first so as not to ruin the emotion of the original Dead Space.

         Because of all that I'm gonna give it 3 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed the story and for the most part the game play but the spoilers and lack of difficulty really brought down the score.

Brett Favre, did he destroy his legacy?

      This week that is the burning question. My question however, is did he even have a great one to begin with? In order to do that we have to seriously look at the facts. He will be a first ballot hall of famer. He will be the career holder of 43 NFL records and in the top five in a dozen others and has played in 20 season. Some of his records are incredibly impressive like 294 straight starts, 507 passing touchdowns, 71,395 yards. Some, not so impressive like 333 interceptions, 520 time sacked, 165 career fumbles. Is this a product of greatness or longevity?

      Fact is Brett Favre is a 3 time league MVP, 1 time Superbowl champion, 11 times he's been elected to the pro bowl. All impressive so what am I missing?

      Fact Brett Favre could have walked away after the after the 2004 season and been a sure fire first ballet hall of famer with an impressive 376 touchdowns, 48,000 Yards, 63% completion percentage and every ones love. His coaches thought he was leaving they drafted Aaron Rodgers, he hinted at leaving, it was all the buzz on ESPN the NFL Network, magazines, radio shows and unfortunately that buzz continued for another 6 years.
     
      There's no shame in ageing and wanting to hold on to past glory hell Michael Jordan was a Wizard missing slam dunks at all star games, Willie Mays was bumbling around the outfield as a Met, Joe Montana flamed out as a Chief, Joe Namath do we really need to talk about his run with the Colts, Dan Marino was literally forced out the door. So I don't blame Brett for wanting to continue it's only natural he was a great player for 14 years.

      He was even able to pull off one of the most spectacular seasons of his career with the 2009 Minnesota Vikings. So sticking around wasn't all that bad especially not for Vikings fans that were given hope.

      But something changed in the 2009 AFC championship game. Brett was the talk of the NFL, He had vignettes and interviews going into and out of every single commercial break. And then one fatal phrase changed it all. Troy Aikman at the end of the first half said, Man he looks old and the vignettes ceased, the greatness of Brett took a major hit as all through the second half his decision making was drawn into question. Could it Be? Did almighty Brett with the blue jeans and Prilosec and southern drawl and awe shucks attitude fall from grace.

      Through out the course of the next few weeks all the talk was Brett hang it up, and for the first time since good ol John Madden dubbed him the greatest I heard genuine disdain from the media towards the golden child Brett. Then came the reports from former teammates calling him selfish, the report from his former wide out Greg Jennings who said Brett didn't even talk to him the first few weeks of his time in Green Bay. Even his own running back in Minnesota said that he had heard that Brett changed running plays to passing plays in the huddle but was truly surprised at how often he did it. Non of that sounds like a team player and certainly not the Brett we've all grown to love. Then the reports from his agent calling Brett a "Drama King" Then came the photos to a supermodel. Um what do you think legacy tarnished?

        But the faith never wavered in Minnesota cause they had that one shinning glimmer of hope.

       I can't blame Brett solely for the destruction of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings. I think going into the season with only three defensive backs when your weak point is your secondary is an issue. I also think bad play calling, misuse of the running game, bad clock management, and the ego that will not let you take responsibility for your actions instead pass the buck on your players had a great deal to do with it. (huh sounds similar to what's going on with my Dolphins) All of that stuff was addressed with the firing of Brad Childress earlier today. It really didn't help either that his top two receivers from last year spent more time looking for band aids and medical tape then the ball. But I must say Brett's play has been, well, erratic.

       Wait what was that last word erratic, inconsistent, up and down, less than spectacular some times then incredible others. Kinda sums up Brett's career doesn't it.

       When looking at all time great QB's in the game you always draw conclusions based on their play. When I say a name it conjures up a description. For example, Peyton Manning probably the smartest QB in the history of the NFL. Dan Marino was the greatest pure pocket passer I've ever seen, Joe Montana was Joe cool nothing rattled him, John Elway had a cannon for an arm and more heart and determination than I've ever witnessed before.
        Brett Favre erratic, inconsistent and the worst thing selfish. He played with heart he played through injuries and mental pain but how much of that was for another record? How much of that was a detriment to his team in order to to get one more game, one more throw, one more touchdown. Ask the Jets how their 2008 season was a wash thanks to an injured QB running out there every week.

       And the worst thing Brett ever did was go and play for the enemy. The hated purple and gold and why? So he could play the Packers a couple times and stick it to them. Sounds a little selfish to me.

       The fact is Brett Favre is a hall of fame quarterback and rightfully so he holds records, he's got longevity, heart and played at a high level for many years. He's battle through adversity some of which he caused but adversity non the less. He brought the Green Bay Packers to relevance again and gave the Minnesota Vikings hope. I can't deny that even at one time I told my friends that we need to watch every game he's got left cause we may never see anything like him again, granted that was six years ago.

       But I ask you did he destroy his legacy? Did we destroy his legacy? Did the coaches? Did the media? Or should he have never even had one to begin with?

Top 10 Guitarists

        I got into a discussion a week or so ago that almost led to fist-i-cuffs (in hindsight I maybe shouldn't have gone to the your mama portion of the argument) that centered around the greatness of the guitar and the ax wielding legends that play them. While discussing the great guitar gods the placement of Eddie Van Halen came up and much to my friends disdain I said he's not in my top 5 probably not in my top 10. The discussion continued and my exclusions of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendricks had him ready to trow fists of fury in my direction. In addition to listing my top ten Guitarist I've also given the name of the song that I truly believe best exemplifies why they are the best.

#1 and #2 these two are the top to depending on my mood as to there order but I can never say anyone in my mind is better for argument sake I'll place them

#1 Eric Clapton----- not that a reason should be needed but ok if the work that he did with the Yardbirds  and Cream weren't enough to give you a raging hard-on he is the only person that I know of to have a 50 year musical career that spans 5 different genres my all time favorite example however is Cream Crossroads

#2 B.B. King------- I'm not even going to justify with explanation just listen to The Thrill is Gone

The remainder of this list is really in no particular order and interchangeable at any time but I like the fancy numbers before their names so

#3 Mark Knopfler------- Dire Straits gained notoriety for my generation thanks to MTV and fancy neon colored headbands but the true joy in his playing came many years earlier with Sultans of Swing

#4 George Harrison------ Not only was he a member of the biggest rock band in the history of music but could be considered one of the greatest singer song writers of the past century my favorite by him is Helter Skelter

#5 Pete Townsend------- Ok yeah he was found with children literally falling out of his computer (research  yeah right Pete) but he revolutionized the windmill (yes long before Bill and Ted) and the guitar playing in early The Who is mind boggling. I know Roger Daughtry was the pretty boy front man  but Pete is the soul It's a later song but probably my favorite Eminence Front

#6 Keith Richards------- Not only is he a modern medical marvel after years of drug abuse which should be applauded that he's still on his feet but some of the greatest guitar riffs in musical history can be attributed to him and thanks to the new Call of Duty game Black Ops I've been singing Gimme Shelter For a solid three weeks

#7 Joe Satriani------- My first love, Surfing with the Alien made me want to play guitar I never could but Joe made me want to

#8 Slash-------- Not only has this mans guitar work made me actually respect Axel Rose and Scott Whalen but he gave us a new way to listen to and appreciate music with Sweet Child of Mine

#9 Vito Bratta------ If Joe Satriani made me want to play the guitar When the Children Cry made me want to practice. I still never did but dammit I wanted too. No other guitar riff has ever touched my soul like this one did

#T10 Kirk Hammett----- One of the most underrated guitarists in recent memory everything he does just blows me away. He gets a bad rap for being a speed metal guy but seriously do you realize the talent it takes to pull of what this guy does listen to For Whom, the Bell Tolls. Really listen to it and you will truley realize how great he is

#T10 Jimmy Page------ . even though I'm not the biggest Led Zeppelin Fan I have to give credit where credit is due this is just a great song Hey Hey What can I Do

Honorable mentions go to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendricks, Steve Vai,  all incredible guitarist that may be other peoples favorites but for my money none of there music ever touched me and made me feel like I need to listen to it 75 hundred time.

So There it is like love it leave it whatever it's my list and I like it