I know, I haven't been here in a while, and I know this post is probably a few weeks late, but as a celebration of Nintendo announcing the American release of "Super Mario All-Stars" for the Wii (FINALLY!), I've decided to do this particular post.
On September 13, 1985, Nintendo released "Super Mario Bros." for the Family Computer system in Japan. It soon became one of the best-selling video games of all time, and it was one of the earliest games for the Nintendo Entertainment System upon its release in North America. Not only is "Super Mario Bros." one of the best-selling video games of all-time, it is one of the most innovate games of all time. I mean, think about it. How would video games be today had it not been for "Super Mario Bros."? Thought so.
Pretty much everyone knows how the game is played--Mario has to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil King Bowser Koopa. He can jump on platforms, jump on numerous enemies, swim, and can even use fireballs to defeat certain baddies. There are eight worlds, each with four levels, with each world having a different theme. World 1 is pretty easy. Chances are, if you've played the game numerous times, like myself, you'll be able to get through this world in your sleep. Of course, we all know about the Warp Zones, which were another innovation at the time. I mean, think about it--back in 1985, there were no save files or password systems for video games, so if you wanted to pick up from where you left off after turning off the game, you'd have to go to World 1-2, jump on the up-moving elevator platforms, jump over the ceiling, and run over until you see three pipes, which will take you to Worlds (from right-to-left) 2, 3, or 4, depending on which pipe you take. There was, however, a secret continue code should you lose all your lives. By simply holding the "A" button and pressing start on the title screen, you can go back to the beginning on the world in which you last died at (ex., if you died at World 6-2, if you used the code, you'd restart the game at World 6-1).
If you managed to complete the game and save the princess, you were given a second quest, which made the game harder (Goombas were replaced by Buzzy Beetles, moving platforms were shorter, etc.), and if you beat that quest...well, that was it, you played the second quest again.
Quite frankly, anyone who has ever touched a video game controller should play "Super Mario Bros." It's still just as fun as it was when it came out back in the day.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Night Court--All You Need is Love (OAD January 4, 1984)
I'm going to do a little something different for this particular blog entry. Here, I'm going to do a synopsis of a television episode of one of my favorite television series. In this case, it is the premiere pilot episode of "Night Court," a key member of NBC's Must-See Thursday Lineup during the mid 1980s. Now, in these synopses, I'm going to reveal some of the plot, so if you haven't seen the show yet, read at your own risk. I'm also going to be giving out random bits of trivia about the episode, cast members, crew members, etcetera. So, let's bring up the first case on the docket.
We're introduced to our first major character, Lana Wagner, the court clerk. Get a good look at her, folks. You won't be seeing her after the first few episodes. She enters the judge's office and sees the guy who is supposed to be painting his office watching a naked couple in a building across the alley. She quickly sends him out, and in comes out next main character, Bull Shannon, the towering bailiff, played by Richard Moll. There's no sign of the new judge, and Bull wonders what this new judge is like. Lana says that she doesn't know, since the ex-mayor filled all the vacancies in court on his last day in office. Bull thinks it's mercurial. For those that don't know what "mercurial" means Volatile; erraticl unstable; flighty; fickle or changeable in temperament. This was one of Bull's earlier character traits--trying to make up for a lack of education, every month, he picks a word out of the dictionary and tries to use it all that month.
Lana: My, how...
Bull: Minimifidian? (minimifidian--having smallest possible degree of faith)
Lana: Is that a real word?
Bull: Does a bear extravasate in the forest? (extravasate--to force out or cause to escape from a proper vessel or channel {such as blood or urine})
Bull then takes a quick phone call from the mayor, and tells Lana to tell the judge that the mayor called before leaving. We're now introduced to some guy named Harry carrying a box with random junk into the office. Then we're introduced to our two attorneys--Sheila Gardiner of Legal Aid, played by Gail Strickland, and Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding, played by John Larroquette. They, too, are wondering about the new judge. Sheila hopes he has a background in criminal law, while Dan hopes he plays chess. He also hopes that his first name is not Shecky. A messenger then comes into the office with a package for Judge Stone. Lana says that he's not here, while Harry is now watching the naked couple from the window, also revealing that he is their new judge. Judge Harold T. Stone to be exact.
Messenger: YOU are really a judge?
Harry: Hey, if I weren't the judge, could I do this...(he then shoots those take snakes from a bazooka)...in his office?
Messenger: No, I guess not.
Harry signs for the package, but doesn't tip him, feeling he might spend it on a Barry Manilow album. The court officials then introduce themselves to their new judge, and they're all wondering how this man is a judge.
Now that the cold opening is over, let me give a little background on some of the cast. Harry Anderson, who plays Judge Harry Stone, was a comedian who also performed magic tricks as part of his act. Prior to appearing in "Night Court," he also made appearances on fellow Must-See Thursday show "Cheers," playing conman Harry the Hat. Some fans have even theorized that Harry Stone was really Harry the Hat, but I can dismiss that theory with one fact--the fact that Cheers was produced by Paramount, and Night Court was produced by Warner Bros., and it would be highly unlikely that the same character could be on two shows produced by two different studios. John Larroquette, who plays Fielding, was known for his roles in the TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep," as well as his notable role in the film "Stripes." Richard Moll, a.k.a. Bull, came to the show's audition with a shaved head, since he had shaved it for a film role, and the producers liked the look so much, they asked him to keep it. He was also 6'8", which definitely makes him easily noticeable in the courtroom.
Now let's get to the first act. Harry enters the courtroom now wearing the official judges' robe as Bull begins the session.
"All rise. Criminal Court, Part Two, City of New York, is now in session. The honorable...(checks left hand)...Harold T. ...(then the right)...Stone presiding."
And here's our first look at what kind of judge this man is. Just as he's about to sit down, he quickly stands back up, making everyone else stand up as well. "GOTCHA!" Needless to say, he's already testing Lana's patience. Before she can hand him the first case on the docket, one of the spectators in the gallery recognizes Harry, and Harry recognizes him as Hacksaw, one of his friends who was practicing Three Card Monte. Harry asks Lana to prepare Hacksaw's file, even though it's not the first case, and informs Sheila that her client's pleading guilty to a misdemeanor, which will cost him $50. Before Lana and Sheila can get all their papers to Judge Stone, the case is closed. Now, we get to the main case of the show, which involves a quarreling married couple. It's here we're introduced to our last main character, Selma Hacker, the other bailiff, who helps the wife call her husband a scuzzball. Bull then yells to stop the argument, before saying "Let's put a lid on this assiduousness". (assiduousness--Conscientious and unremitting diligence) Lana hands Harry the file on State v. Kerr, where the husband and wife were married for 27 years, the wife catches him with a prostitute, fires a couple of shots, misses them both by a mile, so the DA files for attempted murder. Philip Kerr, the husband, Louise Kerr, the wife, and the prostitute, Carla Bouvoir, who prefers to be called Carla B., who's charged with attempted solicitation. Harry is prepared to listen to the testimony, cross-examine the witnesses, consider the precedents that both attorneys have prepared, but he doesn't think it'll be necessary. He calls for a short recess, during which time he orders the plaintiff, defendant, and the attorneys to go to a restaurant, sit down, and try to work it out. Needless to say, it's highly irregular. As soon as Harry leaves, Lana says that she can't work with him, while the lawyers point out that it's virtually impossible to remove a sitting judge from the bench, which means only one thing...Dan says they have to kill him. End of Act One.
Act Two begins in Harry's office with him doing judge stuff. Lana enters the office and tells him that she considers his actions impulsive, unorthodox, and totally irresponsible. However, Harry's more concerned with the couple doing it again. Lana honestly thinks that the judge is crazy, since there's an attempted murder charge, and he sends the plaintiff and the defendant out for a cup of coffee. "What do murderers get, lunch?" Harry admits his methods are informal, but he's optimistic that it'll work. That is, before he sees Sheila and Dan coming into the office with disshelved clothing. Obviously, no settlement with the Kerrs. Harry honestly thought it would work, but Lana says it was predictable.
Back in court, the Kerrs are still fighting, with Bull keeping them separated with his arms. Harry orders them to sit down and said that he ordered them to try and work it out, and members of the gallery being arguing on both sides before Harry shuts them up. However, oohs and aahs are acceptable. Court is soon back in session, and Harry points out that there are those that think he is not fit to be a judge (Lana), and those that think that he is crazy (Dan). Frankly, he doesn't know. He soon does a little palming trick on Lana and pulls the Coin of Justice from behind her ear. He decides to film--heads, he's still a judge; tails--he resigns. It comes up heads, so he's still a judge. Lana decides to call for an ambulance, but Harry calls her back into the courtroom. Harry then asks Phil if his marriage was a living hell. Phil says yes, but early on, it was okay. Romance has since been replaced by a really good night's sleep. And so he goes to...the other woman (Carla B.). He flips again for solicitation: heads--I just fine you, tails--you go to jail. It comes up heads again (I think you can see where this is heading). Dan protests for the record, and Harry asks if he had a happy childhood. Dan doesn't want to answer, but Harry threatens contempt, so Dan admits that he didn't. Harry asks the crowd if they see what he's trying to do. Even Bull. "I don't know what the hell's going on." He's just talking. You talk to people, you find out about them, and maybe you reveal a little about themselves in the process, but the main thing is, you get to know them, go inside their heads, etc. Harry decides to flip again...
Sheila: The defense wants heads, your honor! (jumping the gun, aren't we?)
And here's the jist--heads, Louise goes to jail for seven yars; tails, she's let go.
Just before the flip, Louise admits that she wouldn't have hurt him since she nursed him through three bouts of pneumonia and a gallbladder operation. Phil admits that she loves her, and she the same. Harry still wants to flip, but Phil points out that every time he flips, it comes up heads, and Harry admits that it's a double-headed coin (told ya). So, therefore, by the power vested in him by the State of New York, Harry pronounces them...a little better off than they were before. Phil and Louise make up, and the case is dismissed.
Selma: I had a husband just like that.
Bull: Oh, yeah?
Selma: Yeah. I had to shoot him, too.
Harry's about to call a recess when Dan asks how he got appointed to the bench. Turns out that Harry was at the bottom of the list of candidates, and he was the only one that answered his phone because it was a Sunday, and no one else was home.
After court has ended, Harry's listening to his walkman when Lana walks in. He says that he owns every Mel Torme record ever made and he's going to marry the girl who's impressed by that. Lana points out that they're ready to lock up, and Harry thanks Lana for being patient with him since he's new, and that his name was at the bottom of the list, since he doesn't have much experience. And every candidate goes through a thorough screening process, so no matter what everyone else thinks, he was still on the list. Lana admits that what Harry did tonight was beautiful, saving that marriage, and decides to keep working with him, calling it an honor to call him Harry. "Then it's fortunate I have that name."
It's a great start to a great series, and I should point out that early on in the run, Night Court was considered to be the most accurate legal show on television. Yes, you heard that right. Even with all the crazies in the courtroom. Eventually, the show abandoned its "real world" setting and became more of a real-life cartoon (and even cartoon characters showed up in the courtroom). The show's creator, Reinhood Weege, had experience in writing craziness in a legal setting as he was once a writer on "Barney Miller," which dealt with a police precinct dealing with crazy criminals. "Night Court" also had several cast changes in its early seasons, which I will go into more detail into in future posts.
Night Court is owned by Starry Night Productions and Warner Bros. Television. No challenge to their ownership is intended.
We're introduced to our first major character, Lana Wagner, the court clerk. Get a good look at her, folks. You won't be seeing her after the first few episodes. She enters the judge's office and sees the guy who is supposed to be painting his office watching a naked couple in a building across the alley. She quickly sends him out, and in comes out next main character, Bull Shannon, the towering bailiff, played by Richard Moll. There's no sign of the new judge, and Bull wonders what this new judge is like. Lana says that she doesn't know, since the ex-mayor filled all the vacancies in court on his last day in office. Bull thinks it's mercurial. For those that don't know what "mercurial" means Volatile; erraticl unstable; flighty; fickle or changeable in temperament. This was one of Bull's earlier character traits--trying to make up for a lack of education, every month, he picks a word out of the dictionary and tries to use it all that month.
Lana: My, how...
Bull: Minimifidian? (minimifidian--having smallest possible degree of faith)
Lana: Is that a real word?
Bull: Does a bear extravasate in the forest? (extravasate--to force out or cause to escape from a proper vessel or channel {such as blood or urine})
Bull then takes a quick phone call from the mayor, and tells Lana to tell the judge that the mayor called before leaving. We're now introduced to some guy named Harry carrying a box with random junk into the office. Then we're introduced to our two attorneys--Sheila Gardiner of Legal Aid, played by Gail Strickland, and Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding, played by John Larroquette. They, too, are wondering about the new judge. Sheila hopes he has a background in criminal law, while Dan hopes he plays chess. He also hopes that his first name is not Shecky. A messenger then comes into the office with a package for Judge Stone. Lana says that he's not here, while Harry is now watching the naked couple from the window, also revealing that he is their new judge. Judge Harold T. Stone to be exact.
Messenger: YOU are really a judge?
Harry: Hey, if I weren't the judge, could I do this...(he then shoots those take snakes from a bazooka)...in his office?
Messenger: No, I guess not.
Harry signs for the package, but doesn't tip him, feeling he might spend it on a Barry Manilow album. The court officials then introduce themselves to their new judge, and they're all wondering how this man is a judge.
Now that the cold opening is over, let me give a little background on some of the cast. Harry Anderson, who plays Judge Harry Stone, was a comedian who also performed magic tricks as part of his act. Prior to appearing in "Night Court," he also made appearances on fellow Must-See Thursday show "Cheers," playing conman Harry the Hat. Some fans have even theorized that Harry Stone was really Harry the Hat, but I can dismiss that theory with one fact--the fact that Cheers was produced by Paramount, and Night Court was produced by Warner Bros., and it would be highly unlikely that the same character could be on two shows produced by two different studios. John Larroquette, who plays Fielding, was known for his roles in the TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep," as well as his notable role in the film "Stripes." Richard Moll, a.k.a. Bull, came to the show's audition with a shaved head, since he had shaved it for a film role, and the producers liked the look so much, they asked him to keep it. He was also 6'8", which definitely makes him easily noticeable in the courtroom.
Now let's get to the first act. Harry enters the courtroom now wearing the official judges' robe as Bull begins the session.
"All rise. Criminal Court, Part Two, City of New York, is now in session. The honorable...(checks left hand)...Harold T. ...(then the right)...Stone presiding."
And here's our first look at what kind of judge this man is. Just as he's about to sit down, he quickly stands back up, making everyone else stand up as well. "GOTCHA!" Needless to say, he's already testing Lana's patience. Before she can hand him the first case on the docket, one of the spectators in the gallery recognizes Harry, and Harry recognizes him as Hacksaw, one of his friends who was practicing Three Card Monte. Harry asks Lana to prepare Hacksaw's file, even though it's not the first case, and informs Sheila that her client's pleading guilty to a misdemeanor, which will cost him $50. Before Lana and Sheila can get all their papers to Judge Stone, the case is closed. Now, we get to the main case of the show, which involves a quarreling married couple. It's here we're introduced to our last main character, Selma Hacker, the other bailiff, who helps the wife call her husband a scuzzball. Bull then yells to stop the argument, before saying "Let's put a lid on this assiduousness". (assiduousness--Conscientious and unremitting diligence) Lana hands Harry the file on State v. Kerr, where the husband and wife were married for 27 years, the wife catches him with a prostitute, fires a couple of shots, misses them both by a mile, so the DA files for attempted murder. Philip Kerr, the husband, Louise Kerr, the wife, and the prostitute, Carla Bouvoir, who prefers to be called Carla B., who's charged with attempted solicitation. Harry is prepared to listen to the testimony, cross-examine the witnesses, consider the precedents that both attorneys have prepared, but he doesn't think it'll be necessary. He calls for a short recess, during which time he orders the plaintiff, defendant, and the attorneys to go to a restaurant, sit down, and try to work it out. Needless to say, it's highly irregular. As soon as Harry leaves, Lana says that she can't work with him, while the lawyers point out that it's virtually impossible to remove a sitting judge from the bench, which means only one thing...Dan says they have to kill him. End of Act One.
Act Two begins in Harry's office with him doing judge stuff. Lana enters the office and tells him that she considers his actions impulsive, unorthodox, and totally irresponsible. However, Harry's more concerned with the couple doing it again. Lana honestly thinks that the judge is crazy, since there's an attempted murder charge, and he sends the plaintiff and the defendant out for a cup of coffee. "What do murderers get, lunch?" Harry admits his methods are informal, but he's optimistic that it'll work. That is, before he sees Sheila and Dan coming into the office with disshelved clothing. Obviously, no settlement with the Kerrs. Harry honestly thought it would work, but Lana says it was predictable.
Back in court, the Kerrs are still fighting, with Bull keeping them separated with his arms. Harry orders them to sit down and said that he ordered them to try and work it out, and members of the gallery being arguing on both sides before Harry shuts them up. However, oohs and aahs are acceptable. Court is soon back in session, and Harry points out that there are those that think he is not fit to be a judge (Lana), and those that think that he is crazy (Dan). Frankly, he doesn't know. He soon does a little palming trick on Lana and pulls the Coin of Justice from behind her ear. He decides to film--heads, he's still a judge; tails--he resigns. It comes up heads, so he's still a judge. Lana decides to call for an ambulance, but Harry calls her back into the courtroom. Harry then asks Phil if his marriage was a living hell. Phil says yes, but early on, it was okay. Romance has since been replaced by a really good night's sleep. And so he goes to...the other woman (Carla B.). He flips again for solicitation: heads--I just fine you, tails--you go to jail. It comes up heads again (I think you can see where this is heading). Dan protests for the record, and Harry asks if he had a happy childhood. Dan doesn't want to answer, but Harry threatens contempt, so Dan admits that he didn't. Harry asks the crowd if they see what he's trying to do. Even Bull. "I don't know what the hell's going on." He's just talking. You talk to people, you find out about them, and maybe you reveal a little about themselves in the process, but the main thing is, you get to know them, go inside their heads, etc. Harry decides to flip again...
Sheila: The defense wants heads, your honor! (jumping the gun, aren't we?)
And here's the jist--heads, Louise goes to jail for seven yars; tails, she's let go.
Just before the flip, Louise admits that she wouldn't have hurt him since she nursed him through three bouts of pneumonia and a gallbladder operation. Phil admits that she loves her, and she the same. Harry still wants to flip, but Phil points out that every time he flips, it comes up heads, and Harry admits that it's a double-headed coin (told ya). So, therefore, by the power vested in him by the State of New York, Harry pronounces them...a little better off than they were before. Phil and Louise make up, and the case is dismissed.
Selma: I had a husband just like that.
Bull: Oh, yeah?
Selma: Yeah. I had to shoot him, too.
Harry's about to call a recess when Dan asks how he got appointed to the bench. Turns out that Harry was at the bottom of the list of candidates, and he was the only one that answered his phone because it was a Sunday, and no one else was home.
After court has ended, Harry's listening to his walkman when Lana walks in. He says that he owns every Mel Torme record ever made and he's going to marry the girl who's impressed by that. Lana points out that they're ready to lock up, and Harry thanks Lana for being patient with him since he's new, and that his name was at the bottom of the list, since he doesn't have much experience. And every candidate goes through a thorough screening process, so no matter what everyone else thinks, he was still on the list. Lana admits that what Harry did tonight was beautiful, saving that marriage, and decides to keep working with him, calling it an honor to call him Harry. "Then it's fortunate I have that name."
It's a great start to a great series, and I should point out that early on in the run, Night Court was considered to be the most accurate legal show on television. Yes, you heard that right. Even with all the crazies in the courtroom. Eventually, the show abandoned its "real world" setting and became more of a real-life cartoon (and even cartoon characters showed up in the courtroom). The show's creator, Reinhood Weege, had experience in writing craziness in a legal setting as he was once a writer on "Barney Miller," which dealt with a police precinct dealing with crazy criminals. "Night Court" also had several cast changes in its early seasons, which I will go into more detail into in future posts.
Night Court is owned by Starry Night Productions and Warner Bros. Television. No challenge to their ownership is intended.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Things I dislike about the WWE today
Sorry I haven't been here in a while. I've been having trouble thinking of what to write for this blog, but after the events of the past few weeks, I think I've figured out what to write.
This is a list of things that I dislike in World Wrestling Entertainment today.
Besides the PG Rating, of course. Every true wrestling fan hates that.
Here they are in no particular order.
The Miz
Let me go on the record. I do not like The Miz. I haven't liked him since I first saw him on SmackDown! when I truly got into wrestling in 2006. I didn't like him when when he had his "undefeated streak" (but I did like it when he got wormed by The Boogeyman at WWE Armageddon). I didn't like him when he paired with John Morrison (then again, I didn't really watch ECW). And I especially don't like him now since he's had that stupid catchphrase of his (which I will not repeat on this blog). I will say this...the day Mike Mizanin (that's his real name, BTW) has his ring name entitled on a world championship is the day I stop watching new episodes of WWE programming.
Michael Cole
Yeah, everyone hates Michael Cole, but I will say this...I actually tolerated him. That is, until he was drafted to Raw back in 2008. I've especially started hating him since Jim Ross stopped announcing, and even more since he started dissing Daniel Bryan and backing The Miz on NXT, and EVEN MORE when they started that ABSOLUTELY STUPID ANONYMOUS GENERAL MANAGER GIMMICK!!! Okay, I'm calm down. Bottom line, I think Edge said it best this past Monday on Raw, "I'd rather listen to a recording of Jim Ross than hear Michael Cole live."
Justin Roberts
I'm sorry, but I don't really like him as ring announcer. For one thing, he speaks too fast when announcing the stipulations, but I don't really like his voice. Also, he was somewhat responsible for Daniel Bryan being fired from WWE for a brief period in the summer of 2010 (when Bryan accidentally choked Roberts with his own tie). I miss Lillian Garcia on Raw (yes, I admit it), and I especially miss The Fink ring announcing on WWE programming (instead of introducing the WWE Hall of Famers at WrestleMania).
Drew McIntyre
I first saw him when I went to a WWE event in 2007 at Joe Louis Arena, when he was just starting to get his foot in the door, but he didn't really become a "regular superstar" until last year, but what really irritates me about him was when he was named "the chosen one" by Vince McMahon. His mike work is sup-par, and his in-ring work is...okay at best. Thankfully, Vince hasn't interfered with Teddy Long's job since he got taken out by Nexus in June, but unfortunately, he's still on the show. Guess I'll have to deal with Sleepy Drew for a little while longer.
LayCool
Oh, boy...where do I begin? The whole reason I've hated LayCool (Layla El and Michelle McCool) is because of the whole controversial "Piggy James" angle. With the release of Mickie James and the injury of "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix (PLEASE COME BACK SOON, BETH!!), I have had no real reason to watch the divas of SmackDown! (hell, I haven't really had a reason to watch the Divas at all, except for the recently returned Melina, the only other Diva I really enjoy). Quite frankly, the sooner the Divas Championship belts are off LayCool, the better.
Todd Grisham
I liked him better as an interviewer, but since he moved to the announce table, it's been harder to watch SmackDown!, even more since Jim Ross left the booth due to his third Bell's Palsy attack. IMHO, the only really good play-by-play man is Josh Matthews, who mainly does the interviewing for Raw and SmackDown! Please...but Grisham back behind the curtain and Matthews behind the table. I'll feel a whole lot better then.
Vickie Guerrero
She definitely tops the list, no question about it. I haven't liked her since she started becoming more prominently featured in the WWE back in 2006, one year after the death of her husband, the increíble Eddie Guerrero (Viva La Raza!) But she broke my "hate-meter" after she started pairing with Edge (who I like), and subsequently stole the position of General Manager (during the period between September 2007 and May 2008, when Teddy Long left SmackDown! for ECW, I considered T'Lo the true GM of SmackDown!). When she quit in June of 2009, I praised every deity out there, but my praises were short-lived as she came back three months later. And I haven't even mentioned her annoying "EXCUSE ME!" The second I hear that, I change the channel. When Vickie does leave the WWE for good, I'm throwing a wild party, and everyone's invited!
The Departure of Several Big-Name Superstars within the past year or so
Quite frankly, WWE has not been as fun since the departure of many top stars since 2009...
Thank you, and good night.
This is a list of things that I dislike in World Wrestling Entertainment today.
Besides the PG Rating, of course. Every true wrestling fan hates that.
Here they are in no particular order.
The Miz
Let me go on the record. I do not like The Miz. I haven't liked him since I first saw him on SmackDown! when I truly got into wrestling in 2006. I didn't like him when when he had his "undefeated streak" (but I did like it when he got wormed by The Boogeyman at WWE Armageddon). I didn't like him when he paired with John Morrison (then again, I didn't really watch ECW). And I especially don't like him now since he's had that stupid catchphrase of his (which I will not repeat on this blog). I will say this...the day Mike Mizanin (that's his real name, BTW) has his ring name entitled on a world championship is the day I stop watching new episodes of WWE programming.
Michael Cole
Yeah, everyone hates Michael Cole, but I will say this...I actually tolerated him. That is, until he was drafted to Raw back in 2008. I've especially started hating him since Jim Ross stopped announcing, and even more since he started dissing Daniel Bryan and backing The Miz on NXT, and EVEN MORE when they started that ABSOLUTELY STUPID ANONYMOUS GENERAL MANAGER GIMMICK!!! Okay, I'm calm down. Bottom line, I think Edge said it best this past Monday on Raw, "I'd rather listen to a recording of Jim Ross than hear Michael Cole live."
Justin Roberts
I'm sorry, but I don't really like him as ring announcer. For one thing, he speaks too fast when announcing the stipulations, but I don't really like his voice. Also, he was somewhat responsible for Daniel Bryan being fired from WWE for a brief period in the summer of 2010 (when Bryan accidentally choked Roberts with his own tie). I miss Lillian Garcia on Raw (yes, I admit it), and I especially miss The Fink ring announcing on WWE programming (instead of introducing the WWE Hall of Famers at WrestleMania).
Drew McIntyre
I first saw him when I went to a WWE event in 2007 at Joe Louis Arena, when he was just starting to get his foot in the door, but he didn't really become a "regular superstar" until last year, but what really irritates me about him was when he was named "the chosen one" by Vince McMahon. His mike work is sup-par, and his in-ring work is...okay at best. Thankfully, Vince hasn't interfered with Teddy Long's job since he got taken out by Nexus in June, but unfortunately, he's still on the show. Guess I'll have to deal with Sleepy Drew for a little while longer.
LayCool
Oh, boy...where do I begin? The whole reason I've hated LayCool (Layla El and Michelle McCool) is because of the whole controversial "Piggy James" angle. With the release of Mickie James and the injury of "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix (PLEASE COME BACK SOON, BETH!!), I have had no real reason to watch the divas of SmackDown! (hell, I haven't really had a reason to watch the Divas at all, except for the recently returned Melina, the only other Diva I really enjoy). Quite frankly, the sooner the Divas Championship belts are off LayCool, the better.
Todd Grisham
I liked him better as an interviewer, but since he moved to the announce table, it's been harder to watch SmackDown!, even more since Jim Ross left the booth due to his third Bell's Palsy attack. IMHO, the only really good play-by-play man is Josh Matthews, who mainly does the interviewing for Raw and SmackDown! Please...but Grisham back behind the curtain and Matthews behind the table. I'll feel a whole lot better then.
Vickie Guerrero
She definitely tops the list, no question about it. I haven't liked her since she started becoming more prominently featured in the WWE back in 2006, one year after the death of her husband, the increíble Eddie Guerrero (Viva La Raza!) But she broke my "hate-meter" after she started pairing with Edge (who I like), and subsequently stole the position of General Manager (during the period between September 2007 and May 2008, when Teddy Long left SmackDown! for ECW, I considered T'Lo the true GM of SmackDown!). When she quit in June of 2009, I praised every deity out there, but my praises were short-lived as she came back three months later. And I haven't even mentioned her annoying "EXCUSE ME!" The second I hear that, I change the channel. When Vickie does leave the WWE for good, I'm throwing a wild party, and everyone's invited!
The Departure of Several Big-Name Superstars within the past year or so
Quite frankly, WWE has not been as fun since the departure of many top stars since 2009...
- John "Bradshaw" Layfield--I liked his commentary, a throwback to Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and I really wish he hadn't gone back into the ring (which obviously wasn't as good as his first run, which included a 10-month run as WWE champion {which was a little too long in my book}) Still, I miss him, and it would be good to see him in the WWE for a guest appearance soon.
- Tazz--I loved him on commentary, and from what I've seen, he is definitely one of the toughest wrestlers out there. When he left shortly before WrestleMania, I enjoyed SmackDown! a little bit less since then.
- Jim Ross--He hasn't left the company, but due to his third attack of Bell's Palsy, he's no longer announcing. I didn't like it when he got bumped down to analyst and Todd Grisham (see above) got promoted to play-by-play man of the blue brand. JR is a true legend in the sports entertainment broadcasting business, and that's the bottom line.
- Shawn Michaels--No question about it, WWE will never recover from the departure of The Showstopper, The Headliner, The Main Event, Mr. WrestleMania. It's nice to see him do the occasional YouTube video, but I would love to see him in the WWE for a guest spot at least once (not wrestling, obviously. I've accepted the fact that he no longer wants to put his body on the line like that).
- Batista--While his popularity wasn't as big as it was in 2005 (when he was really big, no pun intended), I still miss the Animal, and I have to say his heel turn in late 2009 was LONG overdue.
- Triple H--He's still with the company, but after his latest injury, it's starting to look unlikely that he's going to return to the ring. I mean, even though he is in his early 40s, he's still one of the best in the business, not to mention one of the funniest superstars out there (he's one of the few that can really pull off being a hilarious face and a dangerous heel).
Thank you, and good night.
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