RSPW 2009 Awards

November 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The RSPW Awards are the Internet’s Oldest Awards (now in it’s 20th Year) commemorating the Best and Worse in Professional Wrestling each year. Each year I post my picks as submitted on the official RSPW Awards Ballot. You can check out my picks last year here.

—-

Best Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the athlete who was the best overall wrestler of the year. This includes all facets of wrestling: workrate, technical ability, interviews, charisma, value to his/her promotion, etc. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

1st: CM Punk
2nd: AJ Styles
3rd: Chris Jericho

Throughout 2009 CM Punk, AJ and Jericho stood head and shoulders above everyone else. I give the best wrestler of the year nod to Punk as it was a break through year of sorts for him. He delivered in the ring as well as on the mic with a solid feud with Jeff Hardy and transitioned into a great heel. In TNA AJ Styles had a banner year finally being pushed back to his rightful place at the top of the promotion. As for Jericho, he’s Jericho and is always gold. More on him later.

Best Tag Team

Award Description:

To be given to the tag team who were the best overall team of the year. This includes all facets of wrestling: workrate, technical ability, interviews, charisma, hot team moves, value to their promotion, etc. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

1st: Chris Jericho and Big Show
2nd: Beer Money — James Storm and Robert Roode
3rd: Beautiful People – Angelina Love & Velvet Sky

JeriShow take top nods for best tag team. When you talk “Division Killers” these two of the definition as they maintained a dominant stranglehold as WWE’s Unified Tag Champs. Beer Money, TNA’s top team and the Beautiful People round things out.

Best Heel

Award Description:

To be given to the person who was the best villain this past year. This person should bring out the fans’ wrath. Match quality is not paramount here; this award should be based primarily on how over the wrestler was in the past year.

1st: Chris Jericho
3. 2nd: Randy Orton
3. 3rd: Miz

For the second year in a row I give Jericho the nod for Best Heel. While he wasn’t the “dominant” heel that Randy Orton was booked as, NO ONE was more versatile as a heel than Jericho. From punking out aged Legends to dominating the tag ranks as the cowardly heel hiding behind Big Show to delivering top notch singles matches with just about every face on the roster, NO ONE played the bad guy better than Jericho. Orton (by default) and the coming on strong Miz round out the Top 3.

Best Babyface

Award Description:

To be given to the person who best portrayed the hero this past year. This person should get lots of fan support. Match quality is not paramount here; this award should be based primarily on how over the wrestler was in
the past year.

1st: AJ Styles
2nd: John Cena
3rd: Rey Mysterio

My top nod for Best Babyface goes to AJ Styles who was allowed to reclaim his spot as the leader of TNA. Cena (by default) and Mysterio (always the great sympathetic babyface) round things out.

Best Worker

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler with, on average, the best workrate. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

1st: AJ Styles
2nd: Chris Jericho
3rd: Matt Hardy

Styles, Jericho and Matt Hardy. No one consistently had better matches with a wider range of opponents than these two. Too bad Matt Hardy doesn’t get to do his thing at a higher spot on the card…

Best Flyer

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who did the most and the best high-flying maneuvers throughout the year. In 1994, this award was split into two: North American and Non-North American. In 1998, it was recombined.

1st: Kofi Kingston
2nd: AJ Styles
3rd: Evan Bourne

Kofi, AJ and Evan. Nuff said.

Best Technical Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who has the most technical ability. The number of holds and moves you see this person do and the crispness with which the moves are executed makes his/her matches a pleasure to watch. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

1st: Chris Jericho
2nd: Kurt Angle
3rd: William Regal

Jericho, Angle and Regal. These three names are self explanatory. My pick of Jericho for the top spot is based on the fact that Jericho had solid matches with just about everyone he got in the ring with over the year from guys like Cena to Mysterio to aged vets like Snuka, Piper and Steamboat. Now that’s talent!

Best Brawler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who brawled his/her way through the year most convincingly. This award would go to Frank “Bruiser Brody” Goodish if he were still around. In 1994, this award was split into two: North American and Non-North American. In 1998, it was recombined.

1st: Samoa Joe
2nd: Undertaker
3rd: HHH

Most Favourite Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler you like the most, regardless of the reason.

1st: Matt Hardy
2nd: Chris Jericho
3rd: CM Punk

I’m “Team Matt Hardy,” “Team Jericho” and “Team Punk.” 4 Life!

Most Improved Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who most improved himself/herself in all facets of the sport in the past year.

1st: Miz
2nd: Kofi Kingston
3rd: Eric Young

Without a doubt, Miz is the most improved wrestler over the year. He’s always had great mic skills and in 2009 his in-ring skills shot up considerably. He’s most deserving of the push he’s getting and is definitely on his way to being, “Awesome!” Kofi and Eric Young, two other guys who came on strong in 2009, round out the list.

Most Overrated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who really has little talent, but has a large place in the spotlight nonetheless. This is a measure of how undeserved a wrestler’s push is.

1st: Batista

I loved Big Dave just as much as everyone else did several years back when he made it to the top, but the recurrent injuries and what not just totally took his shine away. The new push with Rey looks promising but it seems the ‘E’ wasn’t feeling him too much when they brought in Flair as his mouthpiece during the brief feud he had with Orton.

Best Wrestling Gimmick

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who had the best character gimmick in the past year.

1st: Santino Marella as arrogant Italian
2nd: Zach Ryder

Santino’s hilarious and Zach Ryder just cracks me up. “Woo, woo, woo!!”

Best Wrestling Move

Award Description:

To be given to the move that is just the damn best thing you’ve seen this past year. This should probably be a “finishing” move or something really spectacular.

1st: Hernandez’s Border Toss crucifix powerbomb
2nd: Jay Lethal’s Lethal Combination

Big Toss (brutal) and Lethal Combination (sweet!). Nuff said.

Best Feud

Award Description:

To be given to the feud that gave us the most heated and best wrestling match(es) of the year. In 1994, this award was split into two: North American and Non-North American. In 1996, due to lack of participation on the non-NA side, it was recombined.

1st: Main Event Mafia vs. TNA Frontline
2nd: CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy
3rd: John Cena vs. Randy Orton

The Main Event Mafia and Frontline feud set the tone for TNA for it’s year. It wasn’t booked as perfectly as it could have been, but it was innovative and different and gets my top nod for Feud of the Year. Punk vs. Hardy and Cena vs. Orton round it out for me.

Worst Tag Team

Award Description:

To be given to the name tag team who were the worst overall wrestlers in the past year. Minimal technical ability, lousy interviews, non-existent workrate, the charisma of a rock, and lousy team moves should describe this pair.

1st: Legacy – Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
2nd: Bella Twins – Brie & Nikki

Legacy may have owned DX for a good portion of their feud, but those two guys are still Orton’s lackeys. As a team they sucked. I’d say the Hart Dynasty would have fulfilled the role of “Legacy” with more credibility than these two.

Worst Heel

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose casting as a bad guy just didn’t work well. Maybe there was just no heel heat drawn or maybe the fans actually cheered this person, but for whatever reason the heel image just didn’t get over.

1st: Dolph Ziggler
2nd: Chris Masters

Dolph Ziggler’s too cool to be a convincing heel. Chris Masters is booked too funny or to generically to draw any heat, face or heel.

Worst Babyface

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose casting as a good guy just didn’t work well. Maybe there was just no face heat drawn or maybe the fans actually booed this person, but for whatever reason the face image just didn’t get over.

1st: Bobby Lashley

Most Deteriorated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose skill has deteriorated the most over the past year. This person should be a shadow of his/her former self.

1st: Scott Steiner

Most Underrated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose ability merits a far greater push than the person receives. There may be many such people, but the winner of this award should have the most ability with least push.

1st: Matt Hardy
2nd: Christopher Daniels
3rd: Christian

Year in and year out I lament the lack of push of Matt Hardy. I don’t know what the deal is. He’s got the workrate, he’s got the fan support. Last year he got the ECW belt. His unreliable brother comes back (albeitly cleaned up) and is shot straight to the top. Within months he flakes out, quits and winds up in trouble with the law. Where’s Matt? Back to jerking the curtain. Yo, Vince!!! PUSH “THE OTHER” HARDY. Daniels is in a similar spot in TNA. He was buried for a few years as Curry Man but made it back as himself and got a big initial push before being shuffled back to the undercard. It looks like things are changing currently with the AJ feud but we’ll see what the next year holds. Christian, being stuck in ECW Purgatory (albeit the top spot there), rounds out the list.

Worst Wrestling Gimmick

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who had the worst character gimmick in the past year.

1st: Manu as yet another Samoan barbarian
2nd: Jesse as “Slam Master J”

Blink and you may have missed him, but poor Manu. His push was so short and so generic. Way to develop new stars! Jesse as Slam Master J? Funny in spots but there MUST be a better way to use this guy.

Worst Wrestling Move

Award Description:

To be given to the move that is the worst thing you’ve seen this year. This shouldn’t be given to a move that was flubbed by a wrestler – the move was performed correctly, but was just too stupid for words. This move should probably be a “finishing” move or something that was meant to be spectacular.

1st: Santino Marella’s theatrics & thrust to the throat

Santino’s super throat thrust is hilarious! It would never work in a real fight, but it is entertaining!

Worst Match

Award Description:

To be given to the worst wrestling match you’ve seen this year, either live, on TV, PPV, or in an arena, or on tape. If it took place in the past year, it is eligible.

1st: 04/05/09 25 Diva Battle Royal

Diva Battle Royal at Wrestlemania. Honestly, it looked like a bunch of blondes (so many couldn’t even tell who was who) fighting over stuff at a Black Friday sale. Good for you Trish Stratus for declining the invite!

Most Disappointing News item

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestling news item that most disappointed you when heard of it. When you first learned of this news story, you couldn’t believe that it was true, and when you learned that it was, you were bummed out for a while.

1st: TNA hires Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Ed Ferrara, lays off Jim Cornette
2nd: Shane McMahon resigns from WWE
3rd: Edge injured again

I like to keep an open mind and see the benefits of TNA signing Hogan, but seriously. It DOES look like history repeating itself with Hogan, Bischoff, Russo and Ferrera coming in and someone well respected like Cornette going out. Shane McMahon leaving WWE is pretty shocking!

Most Obnoxious Personality

Award Description:

To be given to the person who just rubs you the wrong way. This could be anybody involved in the wrestling biz.

1st: Abraham Washington

Abraham Washington along with Tony “Ed McMahon” Atlas? Oh boy! Atlas’ McMahon bit gets quite trying after about 20 seconds…

Best Second

Award Description:

To be given to the manager who outperformed their peers at ringside and behind the microphone in interviews. This award was discontinued after the 2001 awards and reinstated in 2006.

1st: Natalya

Natalya’s a nice second. She’d make an even better “first.”

Best Announcer

Award Description:

To be given to the commentator/announcer who makes the most insightful and entertaining comments while pushing his product. “Ring announcers” don’t qualify here. As of 1992, the difference between this and colour commentator will be enforced.

1st: Jim Ross
2nd: Matt Stryker

Best Colour Commentator

Award Description:

To be given to the colour commentator who provides the most insightful and entertaining comments.

1st: Matt Striker
2nd: Taz

Matt Striker’s totally awesome on commentary. Much like Tazz or JBL, no one does it better than a guy who’s actually been in the ring. He brings tons of credibility to the broadcast table.

Best Interviewee

Award Description:

To be given to the person who gives the best interview in the biz. This could be a wrestler or a manager.

1st:   Chris Jericho
2nd:   John Cena
3rd:   CM Punk

Best Angle

Award Description:

To be given to the best angle you’ve seen in the sport this year.

1st: Sting wins TNA title, forms the Main Event Mafia
2nd: CM Punk wants to rescue us from Jeff Hardy

The MEM angle in TNA set it’s stage for the whole year. Sting gathering the veterans to “teach respect” to the young talent was a great concept as was Punk’s preaching to the audience about the evils of living Jeff Hardy’s lifestyle. Both worked as there is grounding in truth to both premises. Great angles.

Best Organization

Award Description:

To be given to the organization/promotion that has the best product. This is the organization whose TV and house shows you just can’t miss.

1st: WWE
2nd: TNA
3rd: ROH

Best TV Show

Award Description:

To be given to what is on average the best wrestling TV show. In 1994, TV shows and major shows were given separate award categories.

1st: WWE Smackdown
2nd: WWE Raw
3rd: TNA Impact!

Best Major Show

Award Description:

To be given to the best major event. This could be a pay-per-view, a TV special, or any big arena event. In 1994, TV shows and major shows were given separate award categories.

1st: 04/05/09 WWE WrestleMania 25

Best Promotional Move

Award Description:

To be given to the best move made by a promotion this past year. This could include giving somebody a push, demoting someone, firing someone hiring someone, or anything of a promotional nature.

1st: TNA puts World title back on AJ Styles
2nd: WWE makes CM Punk World Heavyweight Champ
3rd: WWE uses Chris Jericho on all 3 brands

At a time when new talent needs to be developed I’m glad both WWE and TNA decided to push “newer” and reliable guys like AJ Styles and CM Punk back to the top. AJ’s the guy TNA was built around at the outset before the import of “old talent” came. With that ship having run it’s time to put him back on top. Same deal with Punk. Charismatic stars like Hardy are good, but it’s old (and clean) reliable talent like Punk (as was Bret Hart back in the day) who are the foundation of a company. Rounding out the list is the E’s recognition of Jericho’s talent and featuring him on all brands as the Unified Tag Champ.

Worst Angle

Award Description:

To be given to the worst angle you’ve seen in the sport this year. It may be the worst because of taste or because of execution.

1st: The Beautiful People as Sarah Palin groupies
2nd: R-Truth wanders around arenas as Delicious Pretty Ricky

TNA’s Beautiful People as Sarah Palin groupies was just too horrible and insulting for words. The skits were ridiculously long and totally unbelievable. The Beautiful People are dumb blondes? Ok, we get that. There’s no need to subject as to 10 minute skits about it. R-Truth as Delicious Pretty Ricky was just horrible and a bit offensive.

Worst Promotional Move

Award Description:

To be given to the worst move made by a promotion this past year. This could include giving somebody a push, demoting someone, firing someone hiring someone, or anything of a promotional nature.

1st:    TNA hires the players that brought about the demise of WCW
2nd:   WWE books weekly guest hosts for Raw
3rd:   WWE fails to push Christian to the top on his return

These “worst promotional” moves can go either way. My top two picks, like most people, are the hiring of Hogan and crew by TNA (#1) and the WWE’s “Raw guest host” bit. Hogan does bring great name recognition and will boost attention to TNA. As a strategy it’s a good move to get more mainstream attention, no doubt. Given that, hiring the same crew that put a multimillion dollar company out of business just looks as a no brainer recipe for disaster. For TNA’s sake I hope history does NOT repeat itself. Over on the ‘E’s side: the guest host concept looks good on paper. Again, you bring significant mainstream attention to the E and can create crossover appeal. As a strategy it works. In execution? You get tons of flubbed lines, horrendously horrible skits, etc. For every great host (ie — Shaq or Bob Barker) you get an equally horrible host (the NASCAR guys, Al Sharpton, etc, etc). It’s hit or miss and as John Morrison puts it, “Raw’s become wrestling’s version of Saturday Night Live.” Not what you’re really going for, or is it?

Other Awards:

BEST THEME MUSIC
1. “Get Ready to Fly” — AJ Styles
2. “Oh Radio” — Zach Ryder
3. “Crank the Walls Down” — JeriShow
4. “Just Close Your Eyes” — Christian

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Uncategorized

Giving Thanks: 2009 Edition

November 26, 2009 · Leave a Comment

I can’t believe how quickly it seems this year has come and gone. So much has happened this year (if you know how to find me on Twitter you can read about it all there since I’ve been gone from here) and there is most definitely a lot to be thankful for. Reflecting back on the past year here are some things I am most thankful for:

Family: One of my ongoing resolutions the past several years was to make more time for my family. Fate, in its own strange way, helped bring this about with my mom’s ongoing illness. While not the ideal way one would wish to be brought closer together I’ve enjoyed catching up and spending more time with my folks while they are still here with us in this world. As we celebrate Thanksgiving 2009 I am very thankful Mom and Dad (and my childhood doggie Chico) are still here. I’m thankful for reconnecting with a lot of the extended family who’ve come out to help Mom. Last but not least, I’m thankful for Shell, Rocky and Sasha who continue to make the all the crap you go through in life worthwhile.
Career: In this time of economic bust where a LOT of people are hurting and hurting bad I’m thankful to have not only a job but a thriving career. 2009 has seen my career which I’ve worked hard and sacrificed at for many years skyrocket to another level. Lord willing, I am hopeful to fulfill some major career goals in 2010.
Health: While I didn’t quite fulfill any of my health goals this year I’m still thankful to have relatively good health and still have the capacity to enjoy training (when I get around to doing it). Hopefully I’ll motivate myself to be good in the new year and follow through on my diet and exercise goals.
Friends: Like the past several years, the power of Social Networking continues to amaze me as more and more people from my past turn up out of the wood work. Beyond that, I’m thankful for all my homies, Improv peeps, dojo brothers and sisters and co-workers and classmates who make this journey through life fun.
Travel: Despite a crap economy, 2009 was the year I had a chance to literally get out and see the world as I got to travel to Hilo, Boston, NYC, Portland and Forks, WA. GPS at our side and online travel sites to prep, I enjoyed each destination along the way.

In a year when a ton of people are hurting with the down economy I really am thankful for all the blessings I have and continue to have.

I’ll be back in a few weeks with my Year In Review recap.

Happy Thanksgiving peeps

→ Leave a CommentCategories: life

New Troupes Debut this Weekend at Laughtrack Theater!

January 16, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Laughtrack will debut 2 new ensembles this week!

Friday night, 1/16/09, Therapy will make their LTC debut at 8pm with another show to follow at 10pm – Therapy will explore hard hitting issues from various perspectives all while having a laugh! A must see, for all of us who could use a good laugh.

Saturday night, 1/17/09 our newest FISW training center graduates: Belligerent will hit the stage at 8pm and again at 10pm showcasing their mad skills and six months of HARD work. Audiences will be amazed as ensemble members of Belligerent use movement, sound and wit to take you on an engaging journey. Every performance is completely improvised! An unscripted piece of art created right before your eyes – performers start their journey by using only one suggestion from the audience at the top of each performance to create a magical work of art, a once in a lifetime experience. Come down to LTC and share in the special week…See you at the show! Belligerent is the team of Tom Chizewick, Scot Hanada, Larissa Nielsen, Chris Riel, Eric Semingsen, and Shawn Thomsen.

Aloha, LTC -Laughtrack Theater Company

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Arts and Culture · improv
Tagged: improv hawaii, laughtrack theater, shannon winpenny

New Year’s Resolutions 2K9

January 10, 2009 · 1 Comment

There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no death, there is the Force.

—The Jedi Code (Based on the meditations of Odan-Urr)

With the New Year and the recent commemoration of my 31st year walking this planet it is time for me to set my Resolutions/goals for the year.

A few days ago I had the opportunity to watch the film, “The Bucket List.” For myself I do have a “things to do before I die” list and each year when I set my Resolutions/goals I always add in something that will help me to check off one of my “Bucket List” items.

At this time I proudly present my year 2K9 Resolutions/goals with a look back where appropriate at my accomplishments of the past.

1. More Time with Family and Friends. This makes my list each and every year as a reminder to not take for granted the people that I love. Like many people I find myself caught up in the current of my life (particularly career and school) that I sometimes neglect those who are most important — my family. Over the past two years I’ve managed to make major headway in this by making more time to visit my parents in particular. This year I hope to increase the frequency of my visits. On the same token, I hope to be able to visit with more friends once a month at least. Things like Facebook and MySpace and Twitter or text messaging and IM helps to keep in touch with your homies but nothing ever replaces the awesomeness of an in-person visit or get together.

2. Improvement in Physical Health. This has always been a perennial Resolution of mine which I conquered in 2K4 with a 90 lb weight loss through a solid, dedicated daily regimen of diet and exercise. In 2K4 the wife and I joined Weight Watchers and mastered healthy eating. That year I also purchased a gym membership and trained my @$$ off daily, finding a passion in the martial arts. In 2K5 I started my MBA adventure this cutting out needed workout time and with the stress of work and school my healthy eating habits eroded and I’ve managed to “find” a good deal of the weight I’d loss that year. This year I fully intend to get back on the healthy eating and regular exercise bandwagon.

3. Karate Black Belt. In 2K4 and throughout 2K5 I started my adventures in karate with regular, intensive study and a meteoric rise through our belt rankings in our dojo. As my MBA studies intensified in 2K6 and 2K7 I put my karate studies on hold. For 3 years my progress up the ladder to black belt has stalled. My goal this year is to pick up where I left off and finish my journey to Black Belt just as I did with my Kung Fu studies last year.

4. Eat Out Less/Control Spending. With the rough economic times even a notorious “tight Pake” like myself has NOT been immune to a stretched budget. For the first time in my life I am beginning to feel the strain of financial burdens and have been needing to seriously look at ways to cut back on expenses. One major area is eating out less. By eating out less we will be able to reign in spending on our food budget and hopefully also reap some health benefits by cooking healthier fare at home then we’ve eaten out (less fast food, plate lunches and junk/snack foods).

5. Get More Culture In My Life. In 2K8 I set the goal of “get more culture in my life.” I accomplished this by attending Improv, theater, poetry slams, Art After Dark, First Fridays and Himeni fests. In 2K9 I’m definitely planning on keeping this up and expanding on it by taking in additional cool cultural events. Culture and the Arts are the one thing that separates man from beast

6. Learn a New Skill or Develop an Old One Further. One of the biggest defining things of my 2K8 was delving into the world of Improv. I have ALWAYS had a love and interest in the performing arts but never really developed it as I was always too busy being nerdy in life. Over the course of this year it’s definintely my intention to continue down the performing arts path through more Improv and additional studies into comedic arts, acting and music and/or dance. This year I hope to take additional comedy and acting lessons and also take up voice lessons. If I have time and/or money hopefully I can take up dance (an excellent way to trick yourself into exercise). In future years I hope to take up an instrument — either returning to the guitar and uke (which I played in my high school and college years) or take up new instruments like the keyboard or bass.

7. Triple Crown Champion. Within our organization there are three major professional development programs one can gain admittance into. Thus far I have gone through two of those three programs. Should I gain entrance into the third program I will have achieved the RARE distinction of being a “Triple Crown Champion” of sorts (I believe they are only 2 so far — out of a workforce of several THOUSAND employees in the University system that’s quite a statement). I am eligible to apply for the 3rd program this year and I am confident I will gain admission into it as well.

8. Balance My Workload. One of the challenges of leading my lifestyle is being able to balance everything. With so much work on my plate I almost inevitably need to drop a few balls. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as I’ve come to accept the fact that I can’t do everything perfectly (typically the ball I’m forced to drop is my school grades). My academic accomplishments have always been a source of pride for me but I’ve found in recent years with my ever-increasing job responsibilities and family responsibilities I am just not able to perform and achieve at the same academic level as I have in the past. For a while it REALLY frustrated me but I’ve made peace with that. In a perfect world I’d still be able to commit my full energies to my studies and “overachieve” as I am accustomed to but that ship has sailed for now. Ideally I can lessen my workload to be able to achieve academically but realistically my focus is probably needed more at home and at work and for now I am fine with that.

In both 6 months and a year’s time…I’ll review this post and see where I’m at

→ 1 CommentCategories: life
Tagged: bucket list, goals, resolutions

Play Review: “Mainland Education” by Scot Izuka

January 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Play: “Mainland Education” by Scot Izuka
Starring: Tyler Tanabe, Shiro Kawai, Kathy Hunter, Julia Nakamoto, Christopher Takemoto-Gentile and the voices of Jason Kanda and Laura Bach Buzzell
Venue: Kumu Kahua Theater
Genre: Comedy
Date Watched: Thursday, January 8, 2009
Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm through February 8, 2009
Tickets: $16.00 General, $13 Senior, $10 Student Admission. Thursday night specials: $13.00 General, $11 Senior, $5.00 Student. Available at Honolulu Box Office

Synopsis (taken from the “Mainland Education” page on the Kumu Kahua web site)

Cultures mix, match and clash at the University of Kansas in the early 1980s. Jerome, a second-year graduate student, is a third-generation Japanese-American from Hawaii. His roommate Yan is Taiwanese and still struggling comically with the English language. They meet the outgoing and assertive Cathy, born and raised in the Midwest, and her roommate Rei, a Japanese national who speaks English well but with an accent. As the four spend time together, they attempt to surmount difficulties created not only by language barriers but also by national identities and cultural mores. Jerome is self-conscious about others’ interpretations of his Japanese appearance outside of Hawaii. He begins a relationship with Cathy but is later drawn to Rei, who is pressured by her parents about being with Jerome because, to Japanese people, he is a foreigner. As the school year progresses, the friends’ mutual understanding grows, but not without difficulties. Mainland Education is a Kumu Kahua world premiere.

Thoughts

Izuka crafts quite an emotional ride in “Mainland Education.” At times it’s witty and funny as both Jerome (Tyler Tanabe) and Yan (Shiro Kawai) suffer from “fish outta water” syndrome adjusting to their experiences on the Mainland. Kawai in particular was just hilarious as Taiwanese doctoral student Yan whose less than perfect English set-up for many the hilarious moment in a recurring gag throughout the play

On the flip side, Izuka crafts quite the drama that touched upon serious themes including race and relationships that often left me both on the edge of my seat at times with the strength of the drama as well as with a few uncomfortable flashbacks to relationships of my past and my friend’s past which I’d rather have not recalled. In many ways the play for me comes across as either one of those old ABC After School Specials (with humor) or an episode of “Boy Meets World” with a local twist.

For my taste I found the play quite engaging. The message of racial tolerance speaks loud and clear with the contrast between Jerome’s relationships with both the bubbly haole girl, English-major Cathy (brilliantly brought to life by Kathy Hunter) and reserved, Japanese national business major Rei (Julia Nakamoto).

Hunter’s performance as Cathy (who seemed more interested in earning her MRS than her English degree) was emotionally powerful as I definitely went along the roller coaster ride with her through the dramas of her relationship with Jerome.

Tyler Tanabe’s performance of lead man Jerome was also a lot fun as we too went along his personal voyage of discovery as he sought to juggle the unenviable demands of finishing his graduate degree, finding a high-paying job and balancing (literally) his love life. Jerome’s emotional tormet with his inability to achieve his goal (land a job) and find happiness with his love life and comfort with his views on race relations was very much palpable.

Julia Nakamoto’s performance of Rei was nicely done with her performance definitely heightening the drama. (Note to self: never scorn a woman — EVER).

Rounding out this talented cast is Christopher Takemoto-Gentile’s dual-performance as both a fellow student and Jerome’s job recruiter who subjects poor Jerome to the job interview and Thesis defense from hell. Jerome’s interview scenes for me were actually among my favorite in the whole play (especially the Thesis defense).

In the “nice touches” area: lots of cool 80’s songs (local and mainstream) punctuate the play thus building and ensuring the right mood.

The Verdict

“Mainland Education” is quite the emotional ride. Izuka weaves together a powerful tale of race and relations punctuated with nice bits of situation comedy and a cool soundtrack to boot. This talented cast of 5 pulls it all together to nice effect for an entertaining 2 hour ride!

The shows run through February 8, 2009 at Kumu Kahua Theater. Tickets are available at Honolulu Box Office.

Highly Recommended!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Arts and Culture
Tagged: plays, reviews

Personal Highlights of 2K8

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

As I write this we are about an hour from transitioning from 2K8 to 2K9 and I’d like to take this time to reflect back on the year that was and touch upon some big personal highlights. Going off of a Twitter thread, I’ll try to recount these in a Top Ten countdown format. Here we go with my personal Top Ten Moments of 2K8.

11. Wo Learning Champion. 2K8 saw me finishing out my term as the co-reigning Wo Learning Champion. My term ended in May 2008 at the end of the school year. My reign as champion came to a big climax during Spring 2008 semester as I along with my partner implemented a year’s worth of planning to run a successful workshop series, a successful guest speaker’s event and a successful professional development institute day — all to excellent reviews and feedback. I got to travel the islands and UH system and made lasting friendships with my counterparts across the system. [Wo Learning Champions Web Site]

10. Return to Grad School. After a year off after my MBA adventures I returned to the realm of graduate school to pursue a Masters of Education in Educational Technology. Having worked in the ed tech field for several years now I was already familiar with the program and the faculty being a professional peer and colleague but finally becoming a “card-carrying member” of this particular academic community has been a refreshing experience for me as the skills I am learning is most definitely helping me to take my game to the next level. My experiences kicked off with TAing an undergraduate section in Spring 2K8 under the guidance of Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Medal Recipient Shirley Yamashita prior to full emersion in the core of the academic program in Fall 2K8. [ETEC Department Web Site]

9. Las Vegas and San Diego Comic-Con. After a long year of hard labor the wife and I took a long overdue vacation to our favorite destination spot — the 702 Las Vegas, NV. In a departure from previous trips, this time out we traveled with my high school friends (or my wedding party) and experienced Vegas independently rather than with a vacation package. Additionally we stopped off for our first visit at the legendary San Diego Comic-Con on the way home and had the ultra-cool experience of seeing awesome pop culture sites and icons as well as the world famous Sea World. Top it all off with experiencing authentic Mexican cuisine and it’s an experience you can’t beat! With tons of photos, videos and awesome memories of Cirque du Soleil, the Rat Pack, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Con, Sea World and lots of souvenirs to boot Summer Vacation 2K8 is easily the best one we ever had! [Comic-Con Photos] [Vegas Photos]

8. Kung Fu “Black Belt”: After 3 years of dedicated training I earned my “Black Belt” equivalent in Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut Kung Fu from Kong’s Siu Lum Pai Association. A lot of things popped up in my life that delayed my achievement but I’m very proud of marking this milestone in my martial arts journey and look to many more years of unlocking the secrets of the arts. To top things off, my graduation date? 8/8/08 which is the luckiest date in Chinese culture More on 8/8/08 later! [Kong's Siu Lum Pai Web Site]

7. Dinner 2.0: In the first among the coolest things I got to do this year was being invited to be a guest at U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie’s Dinner 2.0 sessions. I had the unique privelege of being a guest at two of these events, on 8/8/08 and on 10/30/08. The Congressman and other Dinner guests are great conversationalists and enjoyable company and I’m most definitely honored to have been among the lucky few to make the guest list. Much mahalo to @NEENZ, @ikitajima and @lkitajima for helping to organize these cool opportunities! [Dinner 2.0 Archives]

6. Bytemarks Cafe/Honolulu Advertiser: Continuing in the string of ultra-cool experiences I had in 2K8 were my very first radio and newpaper interviews. On Wednesday, November 26, 2008 I had the unique opportunity to appear as a co-featured guest with my colleague, mentor and friend Mary Hattori on the Bytemarks Cafe radio show on Hawaii Public Radio with local tech gurus Burt Lum and Ryan Ozawa to discuss some of our research in the use of Virtual Worlds in education. Earlier in the Fall I was interviewed by Advertier reporter Mike Gordon on the rise of the “texter/mobile device user subculture” along with other luminaries in the tech community. The article was published on Sunday, September 14, 2008. I must say it’s totally cool to be considered knowledgable enough on a topic to be featured in the media regarding it! [Bytemarks Cafe Episode Podcast] [Honolulu Advertiser Article]

5. President’s Emerging Leader. Fall 2K8 saw my career to continue to advance as I was admitted into the prestigious President’s Emerging Leaders Program along with other identified potential “future leaders” of the State’s University system. I’ve enjoyed learning more about how our University system operates and seeing how leaders emerge and thrive in the roles they are given. An added bonus was being “apprenticed” to our VP/CIO who is among THE most respected tech gurus within the State. I can’t understate what an honor and privelege this experience has been. My PELP experience culminated to date in a shadowing experience that was very eye-opening for me. 2K9 holds more promise as my training in PELP concludes in May 2K9. [PELP Web Site]

4. My First Grant: After years of working with Federal Grants I successfully wrote and was awarded my very first Federal Grant in Fall 2K8. With tons of feedback and support from my colleagues in the tech community I devised a grant I’m very confident will be able to help solve some of the major problems are college is facing. Witha focus on mobile learning and interactive technologies I am very hopeful we’ll be able to enact positive change through my grant.

3. “Uncle” Jon: After year’s of trying to have children, my brother and sister-in-law were blessed with two children this Fall and finally my brother folks are children, my parents are grandparents and I have two nephews from my side of the family (my wife’s brother also has two boys). I’m most glad to have two nephews to love and mentor of the years and am looking forward to that experience.

2. “Second Class Citizen”: Aside from my #1 pick, nothing probably defines my experience this year moreso than my delving into the art of Improvisational Comedy/Acting. In April I started studying Improv under the fabulous Shannon Winpenny and over the the course of 8 months had a new family in the Improv community and one of the most-rewarding experiences I have ever had the privelege of going through by learning and performing. After 8 months of intensive study my classmates and I debuted as Hawai’i’s newest professional troupe, Second Class Citizens. There are no bigger rushes in life than performing in public and it’s definitely an experience I am most grateful for and would not trade the world for. [Offical Laughtrack Theater Web Site] [Honolulu Advertiser Article]

1. Twitter: Beyond anything else though, the ONE DEFINING thing that changed and made my 2K8 was my immersion into the local tech community via Twitter/Bytemarks/Manoa Geeks. For many years I’d felt very isolated being the lone “tech guy” in my department. In 2K8 through the power of Social Networking I got plugged into and met the people I had longed to make connections with but had no way of really connecting with! From Unconferenz in January to joining Twitter to attending the monthly Bytemarks Lunches and Manoa Geeks events I slowly but surely found a new family in the local tech community — people whom I consider true kindreds and it is these relationships that helped pave the way to some of 2K8’s most coolest moments for me (Dinner 2.0, Bytemarks Cafe, etc). My “Tweeps” made my day each and everyday in 2K8. They shared in my greatest triumphs and supported me through my roughest moments and for that I can’t thank them enough. [Twitter]

Other Tidbits:

Other Cool 2K8 moments:

Obama Winning the Election
Beijing Olympics
Ric Flair’s WWE Retirement
Meeting major Hawai’i candidates through our Voter Forums at work
Sailing on the Hokule’a
My good friend’s wedding
Mom fully recovering from illness

Sad Moments of 2K8:

My wife’s uncle’s passing — love you Uncle Larry
Deaths of Aunty Genoa Keawe, Ray Kane, Professor Kanalu Young, Ah Quon McElrath

→ Leave a CommentCategories: life
Tagged: 2008

Year End Donations

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

With the end of the year approaching I’d like to quickly plug some of the charities I supported this year for those of you looking for a last minute donation for your taxes. Economic times are rough but it’s important to Pay It Forward to get good karma back for the New Year. Here are my picks and reasoning why:

Wikipedia’s become such an invaluable part of my day. Much like Google itself I find myself referring to Wikipedia several times on a daily basis. In the age of Web 2.0 Wikipedia stands as a shining example of what we as a human race can accomplish when we work together. Unbeknownst to many though Wikipedia is ran by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation and they need help of people like you and I, its daily users, to help maintain the servers and bandwidth requirements needed to run the site daily. As the site says, Wikipedia is there for you everyday — now it needs you!!!

UH Foundation

Education is one of the best gifts and opportunities you will ever receive in your lifetime. Education frees you to a greater conscienceness and hopefully it empowers you with marketable job skills to build a long and satisfying career and livelihood. December 19, 2008 marked my 9th anniversary of receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. I choose to make an annual gift each year back to the School of Communication as a token of my gratitude for the livelihood my degree and the training the school provided me has allowed me to achieve.

Ke Ai’i Pauahi Foundation

In that same vein, the Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation is the fundraising unit of the Kamehameha Schools which seeks to raise funds for scholarships for Hawaiian youth. I am very proud of my Kamehameha education and the opportunities this excellent school have given me. December 19 marks Pauahi’s birthday and is commemorated annually at Kamehameha as “Founder’s Day.” Each year I choose to commemorate it with a donation to the Foundation to help educate Hawaiian youth as I too was educated through this remarkable legacy. This time out I designated my gift specifically to the “Early Childhood Education” fund as my work in the education field leads me to believe that the stronger foundation and grounding we can give our children earlier in their development the better off they will be in the longer run throughout their lives. It’s important to reach them when they are young and get them down the right path.

Hawaiian Humane Society and the Hawaii Dog Foundation

We are tremendous animal lovers. This is evidenced by the tons of donations we receive each and everyday in the mail from various animal rights and advocacy groups. In better years we’ve given to these groups but in this tough year we’ve scaled back our giving to what’s closest to home. If you’re a local animal lover please give to our very own Hawaiian Humane Society or the Hawaii Dog Foundation and help a poor animal in need.

Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund

Let’s face it, there is NO SHORTAGE of literature regarding our dying planet. Those of us who have walked the earth for a good amount of time can easily see the sad shape it has gotten in even in just the past decade alone. Go Green and support both these organizations dedicated to saving our planet. No earth = no human race — period!!!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Education · life
Tagged: charities, donations, Kamehameha Schools, University of Hawaii, Wikipedia

2008 RSPW Awards

December 31, 2008 · 1 Comment

Author’s Note: In it’s 19th year now, the RSPW Awards are the Internet’s oldest awards recognizing excellence (and anti-excellence) in Professional wrestling.

For the official awards check out:

http://www.rspw.org

I didn’t submit my ballot in time to make the official awards count, but here are my picks for the year 2K8.

–

Best Wrestler

Award Description:

**2008**: Chris Jericho

2nd: Shawn Michaels
3rd: Kurt Angle

2K8 was Chris Jericho’s Year. With Cena and Batista in and out with nagging injuries Y2J was given the ball and
scored a touchdown — again and again with it. The end result? Two title reigns, the feud of the year
with Shawn Michaels and “Superstar of the Year” recognition at the Slammy’s.

Runner-up awards go to Shawn Michaels (WWE’s other “go-to guy”) and Kurt Angle for maintaining those top
spots on Raw and TNA respectively. In sum, no one has better matches, cuts better promos and serve
there promotions more reliably then these 3 gentlemen.

———————————————————————-

Best Tag Team

Award Description:

**2008**: John Morrison & The Miz

2nd: Beer Money – James Storm & Robert Roode
3rd: Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin
4th: LAX – Homicide & Hernandez

As far as WWE is concerned Morrison and Miz were definitely the top tag team of 2K8. Thrown together ad-hocly they gelled both in and out of the ring quickly cementing themselves as the most entertaining heel duo since Edge and Christian reeked of awesome at the top of the decade. No tag team delivered the goods in the WWE better than Miz and Morrison in 2K8 (of course no teams were really pushed) so as they would say, “Be jealous!!!”

Runner-up awards go to TNAs top teams: Beer Money, LAX and MCMG. What Miz and Morrison were to WWE in 2K8 Beer Money was for TNA. While not pushed as heavily as Beer Money, both LAX and MCMG are awesome as always.

———————————————————————-

Best Heel

Award Description:

**2008**: Chris Jericho
2nd: Edge
3rd: Santino Marella

2K8 was Chris Jericho’s year. After he was neutered with a mediocre push with the “Save_Us” campaign fate intervened and Jericho was handle the heel ball and he scored in spades. Jericho’s often done his best work as the smarmy, cocky heel and 2K8 proved that. With huge money promos week-in and week out and a feud of the year against Shawn Michaels Jericho’s top-level heel work propelled him to two title reigns and Superstar of the Year recognition. After a slow start and a heel turn Jericho finally did “Save_Us” toward the second half of 2K8.

Runner-Ups: Edge remains one of the WWE’s top heels and sidelining injuries aside the man always returns to reclaim his top heel spot of Smackdown. Money promos and money matches and his “guy you just love to hate” personality aside Edge is the money man on Smackdown.

Santino Marella continued to blossom into one of Raw’s most charismatic heels in 2K8. After flopping as an in-ring performer in 2K7 Marella found his niche on the mic and quickly evolved into one of Raw’s most entertaining performers with his unique brand of comedy from Santino’s Casa to the Honk-A-Meter. Marella continues to be a weekly highlight on Raw and takes #3 in my picks for Best Heel of 2K8.

———————————————————————-

Best Babyface

Award Description:

**2008**: Jeff Hardy

2nd: John Cena
3rd: Matt Hardy

2K8 was Jeff Hardy’s year of destiny. Primed for success in 2K8 Jeff brought his game to the ‘A’ level and the ‘E’ was finally ready to hand him that ball and the fans were ready to see it. Fate intervened as Hardy’s demons seemed to be making one last ditch and Jeff dropped the ball before Mania. Things went further down hill with his home burning down in real life but he came back with a vengeance upon his return. Jeff Hardy has seemingly conquered his inner-demons once and for all and has finally seemed to fulfill that top star potential everyone’s seen in him from Day One — and the fans are ready for it!

Runner-Ups: Love him or hate him, the Dr. of Thuganomics continues to bring the goods week in and week out. Sidelining injuries aside John Cena is “The Man” in WWE make no doubt and continues to epitomize the “Gold Standard” of the Babyface.

Matt Hardy, much like his brother Jeff, too had his banner year in WWE. Always noted as a true workhorse and a “go-to guy” Hardy finally got his much overdue reward in 2K8 securing the ECW Title and defending it against all-comers as the true fighting champion he is. Matt’s a lot like Chris Benoit in the sense that everyone knows how great he is but for whatever reason does not necessarily obtain the same recognition as the “top guys” from the office but much like Benoit, Hardy’s excellent work is not completely unnoticed. Let’s continue to hope Hardy continues to rise up further to the top in 2K9 and avoids Benoit’s sad fate…

———————————————————————-

Best Worker

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler with, on average, the best workrate. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

**2008**: Chris Jericho

2nd: Shawn Michaels
3rd: Kurt Angle
4th: AJ Styles

Even with a few years worth of ring rust upon his return, Jericho continue shows what a product of the old territory system can do in the ring as he worked circles around just about everyone in 2K8 with big profile matches.

Runner-Up Awards: Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle are here for obvious reasons being the “go-to guys” in their respective promotions. Joining them this year is AJ Styles. While booked as a goofball for a majority of the year in the TNA AJ continued to show in the ring why HE was the top guy in TNA for so many years at its outset. Thankfully, they are seeing fit to push him as thus again in the new MEM vs. Frontline storyline.

———————————————————————-

Best Flyer

Award Description:

**2008**: Evan Bourne (Matt Sydal)

2nd: Jimmy Wang Yang
3rd: Kofi Kingston

Evan Bourne burst onto the WWE scene in 2K8 and simply amazed with his aerial prowess doing stuff people haven’t seen ever. Sadly his awesomeness caught up with him putting him out with an injury late in the year but he’s still the shizzle!!!

Runner-Up mentions go to Jimmy Wang Yang who is also ever-awesome in the sky and to other newcomer Kofi Kingston who’s vertical leap just amazes.

———————————————————————-

Best Technical Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who has the most technical ability. The number of holds and moves you see this person do and the crispness with which the moves are executed makes his/her matches a pleasure to watch. In 1994,
this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1998, it was recombined into one.

**2008**: Kurt Angle

2nd: Shelton Benjamin
3rd: William Regal

My picks are Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin and William Regal. They’re three bad @$$ mat technicians who in a different life and time could’ve made a pretty decent living as legitimate MMA guys who do have the legitimate mat cred to back everything up. Angle’s an “Olympic Gold Medalist who won the it with a broken freakin’ neck” for crying out loud

———————————————————————-

Best Brawler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who brawled his/her way through the year most convincingly. This award would go to Frank “Bruiser Brody” Goodish if he were still around. In 1994, this award was split into two: North American
and Non-North American. In 1998, it was recombined.

**2008**: Awesome Kong

2nd: Undertaker
3rd: Vladimir Kozlov

I gotta agree with the masses who voted in, Awesome Kong shined in 2K8 as the monster woman’s heel who just DEVASTATED all-comers. She was booked as a monster and convincingly hung with the men during that one storyline.

Taker takes 2nd place for obvious reasons. Coming in 3rd is newcomer Vladimir Kozlov who FINALLY MADE IT TO TV after a year or two on the sidelines. Booked as the “Moscow Mauler” Kozlov convincingly beat the crap out of everyone he crossed paths with in 2K8 and came across as a legitimate threat to the top.

———————————————————————-

Most Favourite Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler you like the most, regardless of the reason.

**2008**: Chris Jericho

2nd: Matt Hardy
3rd: Kurt Angle

Anyone who knows me knows how much of a mark I am or Jericho, Matt Hardy and Angle. I’ve always been a Jericho mark (proclaimed as thus at my wedding) and people know Matt’s always been my favorite Hardy. They also know I worship the ground my Olympic Hero walks on

———————————————————————-

Most Improved Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who most improved himself/herself in all facets of the sport in the past year.

**2008**: Jeff Hardy

2nd: Miz
3rd: Morrison

I’ll say it again, 2K8 was Jeff Hardy’s year of destiny. He came back strong in 2K7 reinvigorated and motivated and turned in stellar performance after stellar performance. He was primed for the big win at Wrestlemania before his demons made a last ditch effort to claim him. After sitting out he came back stronger and finally won the big one at Armageddon to close out the year. No one improved more than Jeff Hardy in 2K8.

Coming in 2nd and 3rd place respectively are Miz and Morrison. I’ll admit to not being a very big fan of the Miz (you can read my previous years ballots) but I’ll give the guy his due, he totally stepped up his game in 2K8. Miz is more a promo guy than an in-ring performer but he improved in both aspects this year. He’s transformed to a solid entertainer much like Santino Marella. Miz became a “good promo” to a “great promo” and a “so-so” wrestler to a “decent” wrestler.

Morrison’s story in 2K8 parallels that of Miz. Morrison shines more in the ring than on the mic and thus complements Miz well. Like Miz, Morrison stepped up his game in 2K8 improving from a “good” wrestler to a “great wrestler” and a “decent promo” to a “good promo.”

———————————————————————-

Most Overrated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who really has little talent, but has a large place in the spotlight nonetheless. This is a measure of how undeserved a wrestler’s push is.

**2008**: Batista

2nd: JBL

Sad to say, but Batista to me is quickly becoming a “Lex Luger” of sorts. I was and still am a “Big Dave” fan but it seems to me he may have peaked that year he won the title from Triple H. 2K8 seemed to book Batista into a “choker” role of sorts. Despite title shot after title shot he couldn’t get the job done against Edge nor the Undertaker. He got drafted to Raw and won the belt from Jericho for all of a week before losing it. It doesn’t seem the ‘E’ has a whole lot of faith in Big Dave anymore and it’s to both their detriment. Batista’s still a main-eventer but it seems like Luger before him he’s booked half-heartedly and comes off as a choker as a result and becomes exposed as a result.

JBL, what can I say? The guy shoulda stayed in the commentary table where he truly excelled. JBL can still go of sorts (his promos are always money) but his “spot” could be better served bringing new guys up.

———————————————————————-

Best Wrestling Gimmick

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who had the best character gimmick in the past year.

**2008**: How you say…Santino Marella

2nd: Charlie Haas
3rd: Festus

Santino’s fricking brilliant!!! Nuff said.

Runner-Ups: I LOVED Charlie Haas “imitation” gimmick. It’s fun and entertaining (though a bit sad for Charlie as it just signals he’ll NEVER go anywhere and creative has no faith in his own personality) and I get a kick out of it each week. Festus is fun too. It took a while as I was just WAITING for a heel to ring the bell to get him back into ‘tard mode to score the beatdown victory (thanks to Miz and Morrison for pulling the trigger!!!). The gimmick is awfully lame and silly but it has its entertainment value — for now.

———————————————————————-

Best Wrestling Move

Award Description:

To be given to the move that is just the damn best thing you’ve seen this past year. This should probably be a “finishing” move or something really spectacular.

**2008**: Evan Bourne’s shooting star press

2nd: Beth Phoenix’s Glam Slam chickenwing facebuster
3rd: Awesome Kong’s implant buster

Bourne’s shooting star press and his way of hitting is truly awesome to see and was the most refreshing thing on TV in 2K8. Same can be said of Beth Phoenix’s Glam Slam chickenwing buster and Awesome Kong’s Implant Buster. These two powerhouse women have some of the coolest and most innovative moves out of anyone in the business today. It’s a shame not more attention is given to either women’s division in REALLY developing it.

———————————————————————-

Best Match

Award Description:

To be given to the best wrestling match you’ve seen this year, either live, on TV, PPV, or in an arena, or on tape. If it took place in the past year, it is eligible. In 1994, this award was split into three: North American, Non-North American, and overall. In 1997, due to lack of participation on both the NA and non-NA sides, it was recombined.

**2008**: 03/30/08: Ric Flair (career) vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania)

2nd: 03/30/08 CM Punk v. Chris Jericho v. MVP v. Mr. Kennedy v.
John Morrison v. Carlito v. Shelton Benjamin (Money
in the Bank ladder)

Best Match honors DEFINITELY need to go out to Flair’s retirement match. It was truly a historic moment and a true classic.

Runner-Up mention goes to the Money in the Bank match.

———————————————————————-

Best Feud

Award Description:

**2008**: Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels

2nd: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair
3rd: Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong

Jericho vs. Shawn takes feud of the year. No feud delivered better matches or promos than these two.

Shawn vs. Flair takes #2 as it was just such a historic storyline in general.

Gail Kim vs. Awesome Kong turned in some of TNA’s best matches of 2K8. Hopefully the ‘E’ uses Gail and doesn’t waste her.

———————————————————————-

Worst Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the name athlete who was the worst overall wrestler in the past year. Minimal technical ability, lousy interviews, non-existent workrate, and the charisma of a rock should describe this person.

**2008**: Chris Harris aka Braden Walker

2nd: The Great Khali
3rd: Black Reign

What the HECK happened to Chris Harris? Here’s a guy who was amongst TNA’s top homegrown talent, someone who had the look and feel of a potential future main eventer who had some small pushes toward that direction in TNA. He leaves TNA for the greener pastures of the WWE and when he makes the TV screen he’s all bloated, out-of-shape and wrestles subpar matches. WTH???? Sure the gimmick they gave him SUCKED but how on earth does he go from the bad @$$ Wild Cat to what showed up on my TV in July. Did the guy enjoy the high life of the WWE catering service a bit too much??? This was probably the saddest story of 2K8…

Great Khali and Black Reign take runner-up mentions. Sadly, I think Dustin Rhodes has seen his best days in the business as an in-ring performer already. Black Reign to Dustin was much like Braden Walker was to Chris Harris…

———————————————————————-

Worst Tag Team

Award Description:

**2008**: Black Reign & Rellik

‘Nuff said.

———————————————————————-

Worst Heel

Award Description:

**2008**: Sting

Sting will NEVER make a convincing heel. WCW tried it and it failed. TNA’s heel turn is much better but I think people just love Sting too much to sustain it as a legitimate heel run. The guy gets some boos for his promo work but he still garners a strong pop.

———————————————————————-

Worst Worker

Award Description:

To be given to the name wrestler whose workrate is so low it’s barely measureable.

**2008**: The Great Khali

Not much of a worker but I must confess I’m actually digging the “Punjabi Playboy” gimmick.

———————————————————————-

Most Deteriorated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose skill has deteriorated the most over the past year. This person should be a shadow of his/her former self.

**2008**: Chris Harris aka Braden Walker

2nd: Dustin Rhodes aka Black Reign

What HAPPENED to these two guys? Both were pretty darn good workers at one time. They just seemed to lose discipline/motivation and let themselves go. So sad…

———————————————————————-

Most Underrated Wrestler

Award Description:

To be given to the person whose ability merits a far greater push than the person receives. There may be many such people, but the winner of this award should have the most ability with least push.

**2008**: Christopher Daniels

2nd: Paul London

Now, I enjoyed Curry Man but what the hell? Christopher Daniels is a true TNA Original and one of THE best workers on the planet. Where the HECK is his push? He’s buried “fired” two years in a row from TNA’s stupid Briefcase Match concept. WTF??? I sincerely hope Daniels comes back with a HUGE push in his old “Mr. TNA” gimmick in the MEM vs. Frontline storyline in 2K9 but somehow being TNA I know better than to hold my breath. What a waste!!!

Off the London and Kendrick team I actually loved London’s work waaaaay better than Kendrick’s. London CARRIED the Cruiserweight division on Smackdown for several years and in my opinion carried the London/Kendrick team. Of course, London doesn’t get as much love seeing as “Spanky” was HBK’s prized pupil and London pissed off McMahon by speaking his mind several years back so London winds up unemployed and Spanky gets the big push. Gotta love politics!!!

———————————————————————-

Worst Wrestling Gimmick

Award Description:

To be given to the wrestler who had the worst character gimmick in the past year.

**2008**: Booker T’s new accent

Don’t get me wrong, I do find it mildly entertaining, but Booker’s “African King” but is pretty darn stupid. “In my country…” Ple—-ase. Everyone KNOWS he’s from Houston, TX. Texans may have a reputation for thinking they live in their own country but they sure don’t speak like they’re from Africa.

———————————————————————-

Worst Wrestling Move

Award Description:

**2008**: Mr. Kennedy’s Mic Check

2nd: Miz’ Reality Check

Kennedy shoulda stuck with the Kennedy Assassination which was a BAD @$$ move!!! The Kenton Bomb was pretty sweet too. The Mic Check sucks… Have his injuries caught up with him to where he needed to use a less taxing move?

Miz’s Reality Check is kinda lame but oddly effective.

———————————————————————-

Worst Match

Award Description:

To be given to the worst wrestling match you’ve seen this year, either live, on TV, PPV, or in an arena, or on tape. If it took place in the past year, it is eligible.

**2008**: 04/21/08 “Barack Obama” v. “Hillary Clinton”

It wasn’t as atrocious as “Donald Trump vs. Rosie” but it’s pretty darn close.

———————————————————————-

Most Disappointing News item

Award Description:

**2008**: Joey Styles replaced as ECW commentator by Mike Adamle

2nd: WWE suspends Jeff Hardy & William Regal shortly after starting major push
3rd: Bobby Lashley quits WWE

Nothing signaled through true nail in the coffin of ECW as when Joey got replaced by Adamle. Every last bit of the old ECW died when Joey Styles left the broadcast table. More on Adamle later…

Jeff Hardy and Regal getting suspended after the start of MAJOR pushes was just sad on so many levels. Two guys who worked hard to beat demons on the cusp of great things become their own worst enemies and cheat themselves outta due pushes is just so sad. Fortunately Jeff got his in the end and it seems Regal’s delayed push is coming back now. Hope they don’t screw things up again.

Lashley quitting is another sad example of wasted time and effort. I was a HUGE Lashley mark as I just LOVE guys who are the real deal. Lashley, like Lesnar before him, came in and got a HUGE push. 2K7 was Lashley’s year for sure. Sadly though things didn’t work out apparently as blink and he was gone in 2K8. A guy who was a surefire hit who got a major investment poofed. FAIL.

———————————————————————-

Most Obnoxious Personality

Award Description:

To be given to the person who just rubs you the wrong way. This could be anybody involved in the wrestling biz.

**2008**: Vickie Guerrero

Of course, I think she’s SUPPOSED to come across as obnoxious to which she deserves an Emmy as I just can’t stand seeing her on TV. Give the woman credit though, she’s succeeding in place of her great husband Eddy and continuing to put food on her children’s table in place of him.

———————————————————————-

Best Second

Award Description:

To be given to the manager who outperformed their peers at ringside and behind the microphone in interviews. This award was discontinued after the 2001 awards and reinstated in 2006.

**2008**: Ezekiel Jackson & Matt Striker (tie)

“Big Zeke” to me is the money player between himself and “The Brian Kendrick.” It could very well play out like Shawn and Diesel a decade and a half ago with the big silent muscle eclipsing the cocky heel. I know **I** for one who NEVER want to cross a guy like Big Zeke in real life.

Striker is a GREAT mouthpiece. During his run as Big Daddy V’s manager I was a big Striker mark as he just reminded me of guy’s like Bobby the Brain, Jimmy Hart or Mr. Fuji. Striker’s not much of a wrestler but he truly his a niche on the mic be it an interviewer, manager or broadcaster.

———————————————————————-

Best Announcer

Award Description:

**2008**: Jim Ross

2nd: Mike Tenay
3rd: Michael Cole

No explanation needed

———————————————————————-

Best Colour Commentator

Award Description:

To be given to the colour commentator who provides the most insightful and entertaining comments.

**2008**: Matt Striker

2nd: Mick Foley
3rd: Tazz

LIke JBL, Striker is an AWESOME broadcaster. It’s just too bad Striker’s stuck down in ECW and doesn’t get as much exposure…

Foley was a great Color guy for Smackdown during his brief summer cup of coffee in the broadcast booth. It’s too bad things didn’t work out but I do think TNA is using him better.

———————————————————————-

Best Interviewee

Award Description:

To be given to the person who gives the best interview in the biz. This could be a wrestler or a manager.

**2008**: Chris Jericho

2nd: Edge
3rd: John Cena
4th: Santino Marella

Jericho has been GOLD on the mic since his return. He was always a great promo but I think his work with Second City during his time off totally took his game to a new level. He has been MONEY with his heel promos and does a solid job of both selling the storyline and riling the crowd at the same time.

Edge has always been a money promo as is Cena (I miss the rapping). Santino is just comedy gold on the mic!!!

———————————————————————-

Best Angle

Award Description:

To be given to the best angle you’ve seen in the sport this year.

**2008**: Ric Flair retirement angle

2nd: Chris Jericho/Shawn Michaels retirement angle
3rd: Santino Marella IC reign with “Honk-a-Meter”
4th: CM Punk cashes in Money in the Bank
5th: Kurt Angle forms Main Event Mafia
6th: John Cena makes surprise return at Royal Rumble

Flair’s retirement Angle was awesome. In hindsight I do agree with a lot of the critics who said they missed a lot of opportunities with the Angle but it was what it was and for this old wrestling soul I’ll always love and appreciate the Nature Boy and the classy send off he was given.

Jericho and Shawn produced ***** matches and promos all year. Santino’s “Honk-A-Meter” was a weekly highlight throughout the Fall. Punk cashing in MiTB to make Edge his bitch was a true mark out moment as was Cena’s Royal Rumble return (one of the TRUE swerves in a nearly impossible to swerve Internet age). Angle forming in the MEM is probably THE BEST storyline TNA’s come up with in YEARS which is near on par with the original nWo storyline.

———————————————————————-

Best Organization

Award Description:

To be given to the organization/promotion that has the best product. This is the organization whose TV and house shows you just can’t miss.

**2008**: WWE
TNA
ROH

Nuff said

———————————————————————-

Best TV Show

Award Description:

To be given to what is on average the best wrestling TV show. In 1994, TV shows and major shows were given separate award categories.

**2008**: WWE RAW
Smackdown
TNA

Nuff said

———————————————————————-

Best Major Show

Award Description:

To be given to the best major event. This could be a pay-per-view, a TV special, or any big arena event. In 1994, TV shows and major shows were given separate award categories.

**2008**: 03/30/08: WWE WrestleMania XXIV
01/27/08 WWE Royal Rumble
10/12/08 TNA Bound for Glory

Nuff said

———————————————————————-

Best Promotional Move

Award Description:

To be given to the best move made by a promotion this past year. This could include giving somebody a push, demoting someone, firing someone hiring someone, or anything of a promotional nature.

**2008**: WWE airs a tribute to Ric Flair the night after WrestleMania

2nd: WWE rehires Chris Jericho
3rd: WWE gets Clinton, McCain, Obama to cut WWE-tailored promos
4th: WWE makes CM Punk World champ
5th: WWE starts web shows “Dirt Sheet” & “Santino’s Casa”
6th: WWE backs the comedic stylings of Santino Marella

Flair’s Retirement Ceremony was one of the most classy things I’ve ever seen in a business that is noted for being anything but. This probably doesn’t count as a “promotional move” of sorts as this usually refers to something that changes the business in terms of hiring/firing talent or giving someone a push but I’ll go ahead and agree with the rest of the voters on this. Temporarily this DID spark a spike in Flair merchandise so it does kinda count and the fact that it was just, “the right thing to do” was just awesome.

Jericho coming back on was a much needed move. The E was in a nadar of having legit top stars and someone with Jericho’s cred to fill in a top spot was much needed. They botched his return a bit by putting him in upper midcard but cream rises to the top and in the end Jericho took top star honors for his heel run.

WWE’s Smackdown the Vote campaign continues to position the company as a responsible corporate citizen and getting the top three candidates to tape segments was an awesome move. McCain going through all the major catchphrases was the shit!!!

Punk cinching the World Title was a solid move as well but I didn’t like the way they job him out of it later with no return match. WTF?

WWE’s (or is that Shane-O-Mac’s and Joey Styles?) move into new media was sweet with the debut of web shows like the “Dirt Sheet,” “Santino’s Casa” and “Word Up.” For longevity and business growth new media is the way to go!

———————————————————————-

Worst Announcer

Award Description:

To be given to the commentator/announcer who makes the dumbest comments while pushing his product. This person probably gets you to turn down the TV when he/she is announcing. As of 1992, the difference between this and colour commentator will be enforced.

**2008**: Mike Adamle

Now, believe it or not, I’m a BIG Mike Adamle fan. I grew up watching him on American Gladiators and when I heard he got picked up by the E I was ecstatic as a person with his resume and background would be a can’t miss in the broadcast booth (hence his BIG salary as he DOES have a legitimate broadcast pedigree). Of course, life is known for its surprises and as it often does turn out — some things just don’t work out. Adamle proved incompetent in his knowledge of the product and things were a bit of a trainwreck. Cest La Vie…

———————————————————————-

Worst Interviewee

Award Description:

To be given to the person who gives the worst interview in the biz. This could be a wrestler or a manager.

**2008**: Mike Adamle

2nd: Great Khali

Nuff said.

———————————————————————-

Worst Angle

Award Description:

To be given to the worst angle you’ve seen in the sport this year. It may be the worst because of taste or because of execution.

**2008**: JBL reveals that Finlay, not Mr. McMahon, is Hornswoggle’s father

2nd: CM Punk loses title without wrestling
3rd: Kurt, Karen, AJ love triangle

The Hornswaggle Angle was actually very entertaining as far as I was concerned but the momentum all died with the Finlay/JBL swerve. I suppose it had to end somehow.

Punk losing the title without being pinned (or being offered a return match angle) blew chunks and just shows they weren’t all that serious in his push but I appreciate the gesture of giving him a short run — I guess.

The Kurt, Karen and AJ story was just STUPID on so many levels… I’m so glad they’ve turned AJ back from being a hick lackey to the legitimate star he was before all the former WWE guys came in.

———————————————————————-

Worst Promotional Move

Award Description:

To be given to the worst move made by a promotion this past year. This could include giving somebody a push, demoting someone, firing someone hiring someone, or anything of a promotional nature.

**2008**: WWE hires Mike Adamle

2nd: WWE takes World title off CM Punk, doesn’t allow feud with Chris Jericho
3rd: WWE buries MVP
4th; TNA wastes a year of Christopher Daniels’ career doing Curry Man
5th: WWE replaces Joey Styles as ECW announcer with Mike Adamle

The hiring of Adamle looked great on paper but as with anything else you never know what you get till you try it and this just didn’t work out. That’s life.

Punk being jobbed out of the title was bullshit but in a land of Cena, Batista, JBL and Jericho Punk was lucky to even get the title when/how he did.

MVP being buried is just anti-good business. MVP is a money star who’s over with the fans and was built up as a legit star. The guy apparently makes a mistake behind the scenes and is JOBBED for months on end when he could be making money for the promotion. Riiiight. Hopefully MVP can come back from this after his “punishment” is over and go on to be the Main Event star he’s meant to be. Hey, it worked for Triple H right?

Same deal with Daniels. I enjoyed Curry Man but Daniels is a superstar who was just WASTED in that role which is just a reflection of TNA’s piss poor creative team. I hope they get things right in 2K9.

———————————————————————-

→ 1 CommentCategories: Professional Wrestling · TV Shows and Movies
Tagged: chris jericho, kurt angle, rspw awards, shawn michaels, tna, wrestling, wwe

The Learning Log: A Day in the Life of the CIO

December 18, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Author’s Note: Goal number #4 of our University System’s Strategic Plan calls for investment in the University’s human resources. To that end, the President’s Emerging Leaders Program was initiated to develop and hone the next potential generation of University system leaders. I’ve been privileged to have been selected for this opportunity and will share some of the nuggets of leadership gold I have gleaned from this program with you.

As part of my PELP experience I have had the unique opportunity to be mentored by our VP/CIO an experience I previously chronicled in this post. Part of the mentoring experience is a monthly meeting which we’ve adhered to (I’ve just been too busy to blog over the past month of two, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that if you’re a regular reader). Yesterday I had the very unique and special privilege of shadowing our CIO for the day to gain a view of the “Day-in-the-Life” of an Executive. For me it was a very rewarding and eye-opening experience to see how a highly successful person (we’re talking that Top %1 of the Population) operates. Again, out of respect for privacy and confidentiality I won’t be talking specifics but instead will speak to some basic principles and observations I noted during my day tailing our VP/CIO.

Breadth and Scope

First off, I must say that I am truly amazed at the breadth and scope of the issues a person at this level has to tackle. If you’re a friend of mine and follow me on Twitter you’ll note I’m very much a “meeting” person who floats from meeting to meeting throughout the day working on various projects. Not surprisingly an Executive pretty much floats from meeting to meeting as well (having worked closely with Administrators most of my career I can easily attest to that). During our day together we attended two meetings and 3 conference calls which amounts to a “slower than normal day” according to the VP and his secretary. I don’t doubt that for one second

What TRULY amazed me though was the various issues and scope of reach each of these meetings spoke to. Our VP/CIO is a person who sits at the near literal top of the food chain in a public University system so some of the issues that were discussed and people we were in contact with just literally boggled my mind. Here’s a general sampling and scope of some of the things we discussed:

1. Departmental Project Update meeting on new videoconferencing systems (departmental level)
2. Stakeholder group meeting for implementation of a new system-wide financial management system (talk about Change Analysis nightmare!!!) (University System level)
3. State Broadband Taskforce Conference Call (State level)
4. Grant Proposal Conference call with external partners (Regional level)
5. PTC Board of Governors Meeting Conference Call (International level)

Most of my work revoles around issues at the departmental and campus level with occasional cross-over to the system-level in my small sphere of influence. In the midst of my work my main goal is to set-up and develop projects that can foster interdeparmental and inter-campus collaboration. That alone is a big challenge for me. The idea of working on and leading projects and initiatives that have an effect at the Statewide, Pacific Region or International level is currently unfathomable to me (but is something I greatly aspire to!!!).

What most impressed me was how easily he was able to “shift gears” from one thing to the next which to me is truly amazing.

Highly Organized

Needless to say, he is an EXTREMELY organized individual. To juggle that many projects at that level you need to be. Being a fellow geek it definitely warmed my heart to see how he uses and welds the technology to keep himself organized and on track. Bonus points? We use some of the same stuff (Evernote, ftw!!!)

Well-Informed

After sitting through the first few meetings I noticed just how disparate they were in terms of issues and what not it became quite clear to me just how vast the scope of his duties are. In one meeting we discussed the intricacies of different video conferencing technologies and in the next we discussed adaptable current financial practices to best fit a new financial management system solution based on industry best practices. The total 180 degree shift really boggled me on just how up to snuff on different things you need to be at this level.

As I’ve progressed through my career and have observed our administrators and key leaders in action I have always been amazed at how they can handle so much, know so much and still (relatively) smile and I’ve always wondered, “how the heck do they do that.” It’s a question I myself am asked once in a while by junior colleagues and/or classmates in regards to how I manage to juggle so many projects and stay on top of things. I had to seriously chuckle when he told me, “I hang out with smart friends” as that’s usually the same answer I give other people!

Like most effective people, he is extremely well-read and well-networked. Possessing genius level intellect helps too. In a nutshell, he has no problem finding the information and/or resources he needs to get done what he needs to get done.

As with a lot of things I’m finding out about myself through this WoLC/PELP process, I’m glad to know I’m (relatively) on the right track with things so I guess there’s hope for me still somewhere. I suppose in time if I can continue to learn and apply what I am learning well I too could perhaps be at “that level.”

Conscientious Altruistic Self-Starter

The final thing I really noticed was how passionate and altruistic he is in regards to his work. He truly seems like a person who “never stops working” as he seems like the type of person who is always striving to find a “better way” to do things or improve things in general for the system. He’s definitely not the “Rest on my Laurels” type of person. I discovered this is response to a question I asked of how he gets involved in the types of projects he does, are these projects requested of him or assigned? The answer: he sees a need somewhere and seeks to find a solution. If only we had more folks like that on this planet!!

Funny thing a lot of people always warn me about which I do agree is true (I see it more and more as each year goes by based on my e-mails and phone calls), “The reward for good work is MORE work.” I suppose when you get to the top level the work truly never stops but I think when you do get to the top you have the ability to “pick and choose” the tasks you choose to take on but by that point the motivation is more internal because it seems like at that point you take on projects you feel are most important and will benefit the most people. The external rewards at that point (increased pay and prestige) mirrors the internal rewards (making a positive contribution and difference). That to me is the epitome of awesome!

In the mean time, this Padawan will continue to soak in and learn from his many Masters.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Learning Log
Tagged: career development, pelp

Boston Legal Finale: “Made in China” & “Last Call”

December 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment

If you’ve read me for a long time you will know that one of my favorite guilty pleasures on television is (or I suppose was) David E. Kelley’s “Boston Legal.” I have long been a fan of Kelley’s writing and how he ingeniously intertwines humor along with important social issues most of us are not even aware of. I was simply devastated this past summer when I learned Boston Legal would be taking its final bow this year. I became even more distressed when I learned the season would be abbreviated and would be ending with a half-run in December!!!!

Alas…my beloved Boston Legal aired its finale this past Monday but in true David E. Kelley fashion it went down swinging!!!!

Why did I love Boston Legal so much?

1. Quirky Characters: From the quirky main cast to the quirky recurring guest characters, Boston Legal just had the most hilarious characters from the lascivious name partner Denny Crane to the sarcastic Alan Shore to the quirky Jerry Espenson to the revolving cast of quirky judges (Judge Brown was my favorite) Boston Legal had a literal managerie of ingenious characters. They were a total hoot, that’s what they were *nod to Melvin Palmer*

2. Tackling the Issues: Much like it’s predecessor The Practice, Boston Legal and Kelley were not afraid to tackle the key issues of the day and never failed to educate me on things I was not aware of. A vast majority of the cases brought up on the show tackled very relevant issues that more public policy debate should occur around. Sadly enough, I doubt that really occurs.

3. Hilarious!!! Boston Legal had a great knack of “Breaking the 4th Wall” with the characters poking fun and making many a “wink wink nudge nudge” to the audience. My favorite 4th wall moments were the ones where Kelley and the cast would basically give ABC the FU for relegating it to the “B” line-up, especially toward the end of Season 5. Carl Sack espousing Boston Legal’s awesomeness for marketing toward the “Over 50 demographic” in the second to last episode was gold

So…my thoughts on the Final Episode?

1. Crane, Poole and Schmidt becoming financially insolvent in the world financial crisis was gold. Very much plausible. The firm being bought out by the Chinese and being renamed “Chang, Poole and Schmidt” sucks!!!

2. Denny and Alan arguing before the Supreme Court and winning Denny’s right to try out an experimental Alzheimer’s Drug was gold!!! Perfect way to end the series.

3. Denny and Alan marrying each other to pass out Denny’s estate was interesting. Just another example of how Boston Legal was on the cutting edge of social issues. The whole gay marriage thing and it’s legal debates are awesome stuff. Homosexual lovers? Nah. Committed “life partners” who sincerely love one another. Sure. Denny and Alan definitely do have a legitimate love for one another. Who’s to say they can’t marry one another if the law allows same-sex marriages.

4. Jerry and Katie. Right on Jerry!!! Jerry Espenson was one of my favorite characters on the show. He was the “lifetime loser” who never got a break because he was deemed, “too weird” by others. I know the feeling. The guy ends the series by finally making partner, standing up to a bully and bagging the girl. Perfect ending!

I’m a bit saddened not all of the previous cast made their way back for the finale. It was nice to see Edwin Poole at the Thanksgiving episode prior to the shows end but what about other former alums like Brad Chase, Jeffrey Coho, Clarence Bell, Lori Coulson, Claire Simms, Tara Wilson or Sally Heep?

In all, I’m very bummed my Denny Crane has tried his last case and been put out to pasture but I’m sure we’ll see old Shat in a Priceline commercial soon enough.

Denny Crane!!!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: TV Shows and Movies
Tagged: boston legal, tv shows

RSPW 2009 Awards

November 30, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Giving Thanks: 2009 Edition

November 26, 2009 · Leave a Comment

New Troupes Debut this Weekend at Laughtrack Theater!

January 16, 2009 · Leave a Comment

New Year’s Resolutions 2K9

January 10, 2009 · 1 Comment

Play Review: “Mainland Education” by Scot Izuka

January 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Personal Highlights of 2K8

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Year End Donations

December 31, 2008 · Leave a Comment

2008 RSPW Awards

December 31, 2008 · 1 Comment

The Learning Log: A Day in the Life of the CIO

December 18, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Boston Legal Finale: “Made in China” & “Last Call”

December 11, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

All Time Posts

Categories

Tags

Top Clicks

Blogroll

Latest Flickr Photos

December 2009
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
« Nov
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31