But the blog has a new home http://chele.jackuulempire.com . It's going to be the same stuff. I'm going to duplicate the posts from here and place them on there. Again that link is http://chele.jackuulempire.com
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Role playing game? Yes please.
So what if I’ve been playing role playing games for twelve years? I like it. I have gone through plenty of games over the internet. Some of you may be wondering what a role playing game is. Well, a role playing game is when you pretend to be a made up character. Take for example the game that I’ve been playing for the past three years. It’s a mafia based game. You can make a mobster or, if you want, a regular person (even a law official). What you do is make an outline for the character e.g. how old they are, where they’re from, a brief history about them. After that you pick where you’d like to start playing. There’s a few places to start (if you’re new to role playing I suggest hitting up
Before so-and-so walked into a bar he pulled a ski mask over his head. His hands were already adorned leather gloves. A knife, covered with a sheath, was tucked into the back of his pants under his shirt. Finally he burst into the empty bar and ran up to the bartender. The knife was pulled free from the sheath and held up to the bartenders’ neck.
“Give me your money, man, or I’ll cut your throat!”
The bartender, in fear for his life, quickly obliged. With shaky hands he opened the register and began pulling out the money. With his other hand he grabbed a paper bag that was normally used to place bottles of beer in. Once all the money was put into the paper bag the man let the bartender go, took the bag of cash and ran out. He ran down an alley until he was two blocks away. The ski mask and gloves were pulled off his hands and when he came to a main street he hailed a cab. He needed to make it back to his apartment to pay his rent.
Requests-
Money from the robbery
That’s how you could write a job but you should make it longer. Use more detail and make it believable. Also you want to write about how you came about getting the gloves and the ski mask, even if you already had them in your hotel room. The more detail helps. The place where I role play or RP at is www.mafia-station.com and it’s a place where there are many people who play. People are there to help and if you have any issues feel free to drop me a message on myspace and I will gladly help you along, even give you story ideas if you’re stuck.
Growing "pains".
I don’t know how many of you this will speak out to but I hope that it’ll reach at least one person. I was on the phone today with my aunt. We were talking about family and I brought up the fact that none of my family called me when I was around 18 or 19. She said it’s because that’s the time when I wanted to be independent. I looked back and realized that was the truth. The fact is I never wanted to be around adults at that age. I had my own friends to hang out with and I didn’t think it was ‘cool’ to hang out with my family. So we continued talking and I said “You know, I’ve tried to call Rhonda for the past three years and she hasn’t called me back once.” She then proceeded to tell me why:
‘Well from what I remember you upset Rhonda because when you lived there you didn’t do anything except for eat, sleep and make a mess. You never cleaned up after yourself and all you cared about was getting out of the house and spending time with your friends. I think it made her angry that she took you in and in the process you just did what you wanted, never cleaned up and never spent time with their family. I would have been upset too. Also when you were around that age you didn’t want any of your family calling you. You could have cared less about me, your aunt B or your mom for that matter. You were so busy in your own world that we didn’t make a difference.’
All of this was true and until now I never realized it. Basically I ‘took advantage’ of people without realizing it in my 19-year-old little mind. I was too fixated on doing things outside of the house that I never realized that I was hurting people in the process. Who knew that I could have such an impact on people that they wouldn’t want to talk to me five years later. Now, I don’t know for sure if that’s why she’s not calling me back, it’s just speculation but I’ve learned something. When you’re younger (18-19) you really don’t give a shit about your family, you really only care about your friends but as you get older you start to care about them. You look back and you probably don’t realize that you may have used people to get where you are today. Hell I didn’t until I was told as such. Now I want my family to call me and unfortunately I’ll never hear from my aunt B, my cousin Devin or my mom again because they’ve passed away..
So I think that people shouldn’t exclude their family from everything. Take a call or make a call once a week. It won’t kill you. Do it in your free time. If I did that, I probably wouldn’t feel as bad as I do now. Though cleaning and such would have helped greatly with relationships now, I think all I wanted was for people to nurture me. I wanted them to mommy me because I had lost my mom at that point. I’m not going to give some lecture and say “Savior your time with your family because you never know how long you have with them” bullshit but try to just talk to them every once in a while. It’ll make you feel good when you’re older and you’ll have a relationship with them that you wouldn’t have had if you didn’t call them or spend time with them.
‘Well from what I remember you upset Rhonda because when you lived there you didn’t do anything except for eat, sleep and make a mess. You never cleaned up after yourself and all you cared about was getting out of the house and spending time with your friends. I think it made her angry that she took you in and in the process you just did what you wanted, never cleaned up and never spent time with their family. I would have been upset too. Also when you were around that age you didn’t want any of your family calling you. You could have cared less about me, your aunt B or your mom for that matter. You were so busy in your own world that we didn’t make a difference.’
All of this was true and until now I never realized it. Basically I ‘took advantage’ of people without realizing it in my 19-year-old little mind. I was too fixated on doing things outside of the house that I never realized that I was hurting people in the process. Who knew that I could have such an impact on people that they wouldn’t want to talk to me five years later. Now, I don’t know for sure if that’s why she’s not calling me back, it’s just speculation but I’ve learned something. When you’re younger (18-19) you really don’t give a shit about your family, you really only care about your friends but as you get older you start to care about them. You look back and you probably don’t realize that you may have used people to get where you are today. Hell I didn’t until I was told as such. Now I want my family to call me and unfortunately I’ll never hear from my aunt B, my cousin Devin or my mom again because they’ve passed away..
So I think that people shouldn’t exclude their family from everything. Take a call or make a call once a week. It won’t kill you. Do it in your free time. If I did that, I probably wouldn’t feel as bad as I do now. Though cleaning and such would have helped greatly with relationships now, I think all I wanted was for people to nurture me. I wanted them to mommy me because I had lost my mom at that point. I’m not going to give some lecture and say “Savior your time with your family because you never know how long you have with them” bullshit but try to just talk to them every once in a while. It’ll make you feel good when you’re older and you’ll have a relationship with them that you wouldn’t have had if you didn’t call them or spend time with them.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Gay rights.
Though I may not be the best person to discuss gay rights, I feel that it’s something that every gay, straight, bi and transsexual person should speak about. Just like rights for straight people, homosexuals are entitled to every right that a straight person has. There are many people out in the world who think that gays shouldn’t have any rights at all. I believe that the people who believe that are uneducated and don’t understand homosexuals, bisexuals or transsexuals. I’ve heard it many times ‘Gays chose to be gay.’ Well the truth is, why would a gay person chose to be gay when they have to suffer through so many hardships such as dealing with becoming out to their family and friends? Trying to find a partner and hoping that the person that they have a crush on isn’t straight. There are many things to think about when it comes to being gay. If you look through history you can see that homosexuality has been around for ages but it has always been looked down upon. Through all these years you would think by now that some tolerance would have been born. People’s skin would have become thicker but instead it hasn’t changed one bit. Sure there are people who have begun to understand that being gay is not a choice but it’s only a small amount of people who are beginning to realize this.
In the 1960’s Karl Heinrich Ulrichs came out to the public. During this time he also began to publish books about same-sex encounters. This was a few years before the term homosexual was coined. Though others were homosexual around that same time, in other countries around the world, they were afraid to reveal their homosexuality in fear that they would be persecuted. Shortly after World War II, homosexuality boomed. Though that generation preferred to be known as homophiles, they were big on the homosexual movement. Though the demonstrations by the homophiles were peaceful, groups disapproved of their demonstrations. Even though the homophiles had groups that sprung up all across several continents the media chose to ignore them. In 1965, many believe, was the start of the gay rights movement. In 1969 a riot occurred in New York City unlike any other. Gay men, lesbians and transgender people all banded together to stand up for their rights against the New York City police officers that had been harassing them. The riots lasted for several days and in at the end of it all it ended up being the largest gathering of gays, lesbians and transgender ever assembled so they could protect their rights.
Many groups have been formed over the years to represent gays, lesbians and transgender people. Some of the groups are the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Lesbian Bi Gay Transgender (LBGT) and more. In the 1980’s when AIDs came to light things went from bad to worse for gay men. Many people called AIDs gay cancer because they had yet to come up with the acronym for AIDs. The disease ran rampant through the gay community affecting hundreds then thousands of men. At first they couldn’t figure out what the disease was and it was misdiagnosed many times before they finally found what was causing gay males to become sick. AIDs made people look at gay men in a different light. Many believe that gay men are the reason for the AIDs virus but there is no solid proof.
Today the media has become more accepting about homosexuality. There are shows that are solely about homosexuals and their lives such as Queer as Folk and The L Word. There is also a television station dedicated solely to homosexuals called Logo. Though the media is now more accepting of homosexuals there are still so many that aren’t. Homosexuals are normal people, who live their life just like everyone else except they love the same sex. If you talk to a gay person or touch a gay person nothing’s going to happen to you. You’re not going to all of a sudden become gay.
Here’s a story:
My junior year of high school I was in a history class with three gay guys though nobody knew that there were four gay people in the class. One of my friends (who was gay) sat in front and to the left of me. Right in front of me sat a jock. One day when we were talking in class about homosexuality he said out loud to the class “If I ever get hit on by a gay guy or a gay guy talks to me I’ll kick his ass or kill him.” Of course we were all shocked but when someone’s raised with certain beliefs it’s hard to turn them around and show them a different light. So one day, I was sitting in the class studying for a test. No one else was in the room except for the teacher. At one point a friend of mine (a girl) walked into the class. She walked up to the teacher and began to complain about how she didn’t have a date to the prom. Just as the teacher asked why she wouldn’t take my gay friend (the one who sat in front of me and to the left, next to the jock) the jock walked in. Just then she blurted out “I can’t take him, he’s gay”. Well needless to say I was in shock. My first thought was that I was going to have to save my friend’s life. The jock hated gays and the whole semester he had been sitting next to a gay guy who had loaned him pencils, paper and what have you. After finding my friend and claming him down we went into class and we all sat down. Before anyone could talk the jock leaned over to my gay guy friend and said “I didn’t even know you were gay. You’re a really cool guy. I’m sorry I said those things.” Amazingly all was well.
You see there someone had changed from being brought up in such a strict lifestyle of hating gays but because of one gay male it changed. He never knew he was gay, he never even suspected it. After that they became friends and talked every day in class. This goes to show you that gay people aren’t bad people. Like I said earlier they’re normal, everyday people. So please, if you have a die hard attitude towards gays think about how they’re a person too. They have rights just like everyone else. Even though we’re not allowed to get married hopefully people will understand that it’s no so bad for two men or two women to get married. The only difference is that we’re marrying the same sex. We’re still going to have marital issues just like straight couples. Why shouldn’t we be allowed the same rights? As far as getting discriminated at jobs, that’s been a long standing ordeal. It seems that gays in the work place are a bad idea, to some people. Like I said if you touch something that a gay person touches, you’re not going to all of a sudden be gay. I’m sure that most of you have shaken the hand of a gay person and didn’t even know it. Did it affect you in any certain way? Did you feel any different? I’m sure you didn’t. So why is it that being gay in the work place is something that’s such a big deal? One thing that I think is rather humorous is that the people who despise gays don’t mind gays having equal rights when it comes to the law in the courtroom. Although I believe most of them believe guilty until proven innocent when it comes to homosexuals. So if we can have the same rights in the court of law why not else where? Think about that.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. ”
—Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
In the 1960’s Karl Heinrich Ulrichs came out to the public. During this time he also began to publish books about same-sex encounters. This was a few years before the term homosexual was coined. Though others were homosexual around that same time, in other countries around the world, they were afraid to reveal their homosexuality in fear that they would be persecuted. Shortly after World War II, homosexuality boomed. Though that generation preferred to be known as homophiles, they were big on the homosexual movement. Though the demonstrations by the homophiles were peaceful, groups disapproved of their demonstrations. Even though the homophiles had groups that sprung up all across several continents the media chose to ignore them. In 1965, many believe, was the start of the gay rights movement. In 1969 a riot occurred in New York City unlike any other. Gay men, lesbians and transgender people all banded together to stand up for their rights against the New York City police officers that had been harassing them. The riots lasted for several days and in at the end of it all it ended up being the largest gathering of gays, lesbians and transgender ever assembled so they could protect their rights.
Many groups have been formed over the years to represent gays, lesbians and transgender people. Some of the groups are the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Lesbian Bi Gay Transgender (LBGT) and more. In the 1980’s when AIDs came to light things went from bad to worse for gay men. Many people called AIDs gay cancer because they had yet to come up with the acronym for AIDs. The disease ran rampant through the gay community affecting hundreds then thousands of men. At first they couldn’t figure out what the disease was and it was misdiagnosed many times before they finally found what was causing gay males to become sick. AIDs made people look at gay men in a different light. Many believe that gay men are the reason for the AIDs virus but there is no solid proof.
Today the media has become more accepting about homosexuality. There are shows that are solely about homosexuals and their lives such as Queer as Folk and The L Word. There is also a television station dedicated solely to homosexuals called Logo. Though the media is now more accepting of homosexuals there are still so many that aren’t. Homosexuals are normal people, who live their life just like everyone else except they love the same sex. If you talk to a gay person or touch a gay person nothing’s going to happen to you. You’re not going to all of a sudden become gay.
Here’s a story:
My junior year of high school I was in a history class with three gay guys though nobody knew that there were four gay people in the class. One of my friends (who was gay) sat in front and to the left of me. Right in front of me sat a jock. One day when we were talking in class about homosexuality he said out loud to the class “If I ever get hit on by a gay guy or a gay guy talks to me I’ll kick his ass or kill him.” Of course we were all shocked but when someone’s raised with certain beliefs it’s hard to turn them around and show them a different light. So one day, I was sitting in the class studying for a test. No one else was in the room except for the teacher. At one point a friend of mine (a girl) walked into the class. She walked up to the teacher and began to complain about how she didn’t have a date to the prom. Just as the teacher asked why she wouldn’t take my gay friend (the one who sat in front of me and to the left, next to the jock) the jock walked in. Just then she blurted out “I can’t take him, he’s gay”. Well needless to say I was in shock. My first thought was that I was going to have to save my friend’s life. The jock hated gays and the whole semester he had been sitting next to a gay guy who had loaned him pencils, paper and what have you. After finding my friend and claming him down we went into class and we all sat down. Before anyone could talk the jock leaned over to my gay guy friend and said “I didn’t even know you were gay. You’re a really cool guy. I’m sorry I said those things.” Amazingly all was well.
You see there someone had changed from being brought up in such a strict lifestyle of hating gays but because of one gay male it changed. He never knew he was gay, he never even suspected it. After that they became friends and talked every day in class. This goes to show you that gay people aren’t bad people. Like I said earlier they’re normal, everyday people. So please, if you have a die hard attitude towards gays think about how they’re a person too. They have rights just like everyone else. Even though we’re not allowed to get married hopefully people will understand that it’s no so bad for two men or two women to get married. The only difference is that we’re marrying the same sex. We’re still going to have marital issues just like straight couples. Why shouldn’t we be allowed the same rights? As far as getting discriminated at jobs, that’s been a long standing ordeal. It seems that gays in the work place are a bad idea, to some people. Like I said if you touch something that a gay person touches, you’re not going to all of a sudden be gay. I’m sure that most of you have shaken the hand of a gay person and didn’t even know it. Did it affect you in any certain way? Did you feel any different? I’m sure you didn’t. So why is it that being gay in the work place is something that’s such a big deal? One thing that I think is rather humorous is that the people who despise gays don’t mind gays having equal rights when it comes to the law in the courtroom. Although I believe most of them believe guilty until proven innocent when it comes to homosexuals. So if we can have the same rights in the court of law why not else where? Think about that.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. ”
—Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Interview with RENFUE.
The bands name, RENFUE, where did it come from?
Renfue was just something that popped in my head one day. It actually started out with a slightly different spelling- "Renfew," (which is the proper pronunciation) but after some collaboration with the band we went with Renfue. I guess it turns out its a surname though.
How long has the band been together?
The skeleton of the band began taking shape in September 2006, although it wouldn't be until a year from then that things got serious Renfue did begin in 06'. Early development of the band was a lot of pre-production instrumental tracks recorded in Robs bedroom, burned on a disc and then given to Yvonne who at the time lived in Sacramento.
How would you guys describe your music?
I think our music is something a lot of people can connect with. There is a good balance, its mature in its immaturity i guess you could say.
Name some of your biggest influences.
Its hard to say each member has such different influences that they derive inspiration from.
If you could join any record label which would it be and why?
Thats hard to say. Its mainly what is the best offer that suites us the most. In our personal lives and touring, recording, merch and what not. Be it be indie or major.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
I think we would agree that "I've said too much" is a fun one, its a bit heavy so its always a pleasure.
Do you have any EP’s, singles or albums out? If so where can people buy them from?
We have a 4 track self titled EP out, easiest way to get it is on iTunes.
It seems that you’re a pretty popular band and you guys are based out of a small city. Do you have a lot of loyal fans?
Well i wouldn't say popular! Haha I wish we were at that level. But yes we are from a smaller city called Santa Clarita in Southern California. Its an awesome town with a great music scene thats still on the under ground. And we do have very loyal fans that are always there to back us up and support us. Not to mention we have tons of loyal fans all over the world that support us. Our fan page is run by a girl in Australia.
I know you guys have recently had a fan site put up by a fan. Are you flattered? Are there a lot of people on the fan site?
Yes we are absolutely grateful for that and her names Lisha and shes been so awesome to us! We also have other sites run by fans on websites like Live Journal, Facebook, Myspace etc.. Its so new and awesome to us we will appreciate it for ever!
What band(s) would you most like to tour with?
There is so many we can list its hard to say, but a few we would love to tour with would probably be Thrice, Lydia, Brand new, Vedera, etc...any of those would be amazing.
If you could meet any artist(s) who would it/they be?
Well that also is another question mixed between all of our members. Thrice is a huge influence to all of us so that would definitely be one.
How many songs have you guys written? On average, how many songs do you perform at a show?
We have written about 15 some odd songs. Some are still just ideas, some are on the back burner at the moment. We are looking forward to getting some time to complete them. On average we play about 6 songs live. It all depends on our time slot, set up time and other random stuff that happens before we start.
What band do you like playing with most?
Well we always love playing with our good friends Set To Stun. They have been close friends of ours for a while now, Great guys. And we love and respect all kinds of music, So we love playing with ever band we get a chance too :D
Renfue was just something that popped in my head one day. It actually started out with a slightly different spelling- "Renfew," (which is the proper pronunciation) but after some collaboration with the band we went with Renfue. I guess it turns out its a surname though.
How long has the band been together?
The skeleton of the band began taking shape in September 2006, although it wouldn't be until a year from then that things got serious Renfue did begin in 06'. Early development of the band was a lot of pre-production instrumental tracks recorded in Robs bedroom, burned on a disc and then given to Yvonne who at the time lived in Sacramento.
How would you guys describe your music?
I think our music is something a lot of people can connect with. There is a good balance, its mature in its immaturity i guess you could say.
Name some of your biggest influences.
Its hard to say each member has such different influences that they derive inspiration from.
If you could join any record label which would it be and why?
Thats hard to say. Its mainly what is the best offer that suites us the most. In our personal lives and touring, recording, merch and what not. Be it be indie or major.
What’s your favorite song to perform?
I think we would agree that "I've said too much" is a fun one, its a bit heavy so its always a pleasure.
Do you have any EP’s, singles or albums out? If so where can people buy them from?
We have a 4 track self titled EP out, easiest way to get it is on iTunes.
It seems that you’re a pretty popular band and you guys are based out of a small city. Do you have a lot of loyal fans?
Well i wouldn't say popular! Haha I wish we were at that level. But yes we are from a smaller city called Santa Clarita in Southern California. Its an awesome town with a great music scene thats still on the under ground. And we do have very loyal fans that are always there to back us up and support us. Not to mention we have tons of loyal fans all over the world that support us. Our fan page is run by a girl in Australia.
I know you guys have recently had a fan site put up by a fan. Are you flattered? Are there a lot of people on the fan site?
Yes we are absolutely grateful for that and her names Lisha and shes been so awesome to us! We also have other sites run by fans on websites like Live Journal, Facebook, Myspace etc.. Its so new and awesome to us we will appreciate it for ever!
What band(s) would you most like to tour with?
There is so many we can list its hard to say, but a few we would love to tour with would probably be Thrice, Lydia, Brand new, Vedera, etc...any of those would be amazing.
If you could meet any artist(s) who would it/they be?
Well that also is another question mixed between all of our members. Thrice is a huge influence to all of us so that would definitely be one.
How many songs have you guys written? On average, how many songs do you perform at a show?
We have written about 15 some odd songs. Some are still just ideas, some are on the back burner at the moment. We are looking forward to getting some time to complete them. On average we play about 6 songs live. It all depends on our time slot, set up time and other random stuff that happens before we start.
What band do you like playing with most?
Well we always love playing with our good friends Set To Stun. They have been close friends of ours for a while now, Great guys. And we love and respect all kinds of music, So we love playing with ever band we get a chance too :D
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Interview with Jeff Meacham.
Though you may not know Jeff Meacham, he's around. He has an online talk show that focuses around wrestling news and wrestlers. If you're a wrestling fan he's the one to go to for news and for information. Jeff has been a long time friend. Check out Talk Wrestling here.
When did you get interested in wrestling?
- I first started watching wrestling in 1990. The interest began after a fellow student at the after school club I attended brought in a Lex Luger action figure. Even though the Luger figure was WCW-made, I originally began watching the then-WWF (now known as WWE). I didn't start watching WCW until 1994.
Who is your favorite wrestler ever?
- Who was a wrestling fan during the '80s and '90s and wasn't a fan of Hulk Hogan, huh? He was the reason I got interested in the WWF and not WCW, and was the VERY reason I started actively watching WCW in 1994, as that was when he signed with the WWF's main rival. Even when he turned heel in 1996, I was one of the few people I know who didn't stop being a Hulkamaniac. Even today, with all of his sporadic apperances, he's still my favorite of all-time.
What is the name of your online talk show? What made you want to start your talk show? Was there any certain wrestler that made you want to start it or was it just something you thought of one day?
- The name of my current show is Talk Wrestling with Jeff Meacham, but this is the third online show I've been a part of in the last 5 and a half years. In the summer of 2002, I was approached by the webmaster of theMAYHEM.com (now NoDQ.com) - who I had done several live event reports for - about doing an online audio show with his best friend at the time. The original show was called Xtreme Mayhem and ran from October 2002 until February 2004. After a 7-month hiatus (because we were burnt out on doing a show for a while), we returned in September 2004 with the spinoff video show, Xtreme Mayhem Video (commonly shortened to XMV), which ran for an additional two years, until June 2006. During the last few months of XMV's run, I started doing a second audio show with my girlfriend entitled Ringside Insanity, which was named by said girlfriend. That show ran for just a few weeks and briefly spunoff its own video show as well, but by Spring 2007, I was done doing Internet showss ... or so I thought. In late-May of last year, the NoDQ webmaster and I got together and decided to launch a show exclusively for me to answer various questions from the wrestling fans, similar to the show "Talk Sex," which is where the name Talk Wrestling came from! Since the shows launch in June 2007, I've discussed anything and everything pertaining to wrestling. On episodes 14-16, I brought in the first guest on the show, Rob Van Dam.
How many interviews have you done and who have they been with?
- I don't have the exact count on the number of interviews I've done, but I do know I've interviewed over 70 different personalities over the last 5 and a half years (I've interviewed some people more than once). They are as follows: A.J. Styles, Alan Funk (formerly Kwee-Wee in WCW), Angel (from XPW), Babi Slymm (SoCal wrestler), Bo Cooper (SoCal wrestler), Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Brian "Crush" Adams, Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer, Buff Bagwell, Chris Harris, Chris Hero (SoCal wrestler), Chris Sabin, Chris Yandek (Sports-Entertainmetn Journalist), Christopher Daniels, Colt Cabana, Daffney, Dan "The Beast" Severn, D'Lo Brown, Dusty Rhodes, Elix Skipper, Frankie Kazarian, Gary Yap (SoCal promoter), "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Goldylocks (formerly of TNA), GQ Money (from XPW), Harley Race, Hawk from Tough Enough 2, the Human Tornado (SoCal wrestler), the Iron Sheik, Jamie Noble, James Mitchell, James Storm, Jayden Kane (SoCal wrestler), Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Lynn, Jerry Tuite (The Wall in WCW), Jimmy Hart, Joanie "Chyna" Laurer, Jonah from Tough Enough III, Kaos (from XPW), Kid Kash, Lash Leroux, Michelle Deighton (former wrestler who competed on Cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model), Mike Awesome, Mike Sanders, Mike Tenay, Missy Hyatt, Petey Williams, Randy Savage, Rob Van Dam, Ron Killings, Sakoda, Samoa Joe, Sean Waltman, Shane Douglas, Sid Vicious, SoCal Val, Sonny Siaki, Supreme, Taylor Matheny from Tough Enough I, Terry Funk, The Sandman, The Stro (formerly the Maestro in WCW), Trinity, Trish Stratus, Veronica Caine (from XPW), and Vince Russo
Give a brief explanation of wrestling and its changes since the early days for those people who aren’t wrestling fans or those who aren’t too into wrestling.
- Well, even since the early days, and I'm going back to the turn of the 20th century here, wrestling has always been a form of entertainment. The difference since the very early 1990s is that it's now openly referred to as "sports-entertainment" and no longer presented as an actual competitive sport. Since the WWF's admission of the "fake" aspect of it, the terms "work" and "shoot" have become prevalant in the business, with "work" referring to something that was pre-determined in a match and "shoot" meaning something that was real. Regardless of the pre-determined nature of the industry or the matches presented, the participants are very real and are often portrayed as characters that are merely offshoots of who they really are, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin being depicted as a beer-drinking, truck-driving, finger-giving redneck from south Texas.
If you were a wrestler, what would your name be and why? What would your theme song be? Would you have a manager or a tag team partner?
- Well, I actually am involved in a company based in Southern California as a manager, which is what I've wanted to know for so long. I never had any aspirations to actually step in the ring, but if I did, I'd use my real name because I've never been a fan of the overly-gimmicky names. I'd have a hard rock theme song (nothing set in stone, just something cool) and would not be a tag wrestler or have a manager; I like to do things on my own.
Which wrestler’s theme song do you like most?
- Of all the themes ever used, I'd have to go with the ones used by former WWE and ECW Champion Rob Van Dam. In ECW, he used "Walk" by Pantera (later recorded by Kilgore for the ECW CD). When he moved to WWE, he used "One of a Kind" by Breaking Point. Both of his songs rock!
What’s your favorite finisher?
- Again, gotta go with Rob Van Dam and his 5-Star Frog Splash
What is your favorite PPV ever? Why?
- Hmmmm, that's a toughy. I may have to answer that one after this year's WrestleMania, because I will be attending! Of the ones I've already seen, I'd have to go with WrestleMania VII, strictly because it was the first PPV I ever saw.
Have you ever attempted to wrestle?
- Nope. As I said, I currently manage, but have never attempted to step through the ropes as a competitor.
What do you think of the whole ‘Money’ Mayweather vs. Big Show angle?
- Personally, I think it's a sad use of the returning Big Show. Everyone reading this knows there is NO WAY Mayweather is gonna lose a fight - staged or not - heading into his big rematch with De La Hoya in September, and that leads to the Big Show having yet another loss at WrestleMania. Since debuting in WWE in 1999, Big Show has one exactly ONE match on the company's grandest stage, that being a tag win with Kane as his partner over Chris Masters and Carlito back in 2006. The whole angle is ridiculous.
What’s your favorite angle in wrestling history?
- WOW! What a toughy! I'd probably have to go with the original introduction of the New World Order (commonly shortened to nWo) in WCW. From the introductions of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to the formation with Hollywood Hogan at Bash at the Beach '96 to the continuing "membership drive" in 1996 and 1997, every part of that angle was done so well. Unfortunately, the same angle led to the downfall of WCW in the end, as it was WAY overdone.
How many wrestling events have you been to?
- Oh boy. I'm gonna break this down for you ...
WWF/WWE events: 18 since 1991
TNA events: 1 in 2004 (pay-per-view at that!)
WCW events: 1 in 1994
California independent events: 49 since 2003!
When did you get interested in wrestling?
- I first started watching wrestling in 1990. The interest began after a fellow student at the after school club I attended brought in a Lex Luger action figure. Even though the Luger figure was WCW-made, I originally began watching the then-WWF (now known as WWE). I didn't start watching WCW until 1994.
Who is your favorite wrestler ever?
- Who was a wrestling fan during the '80s and '90s and wasn't a fan of Hulk Hogan, huh? He was the reason I got interested in the WWF and not WCW, and was the VERY reason I started actively watching WCW in 1994, as that was when he signed with the WWF's main rival. Even when he turned heel in 1996, I was one of the few people I know who didn't stop being a Hulkamaniac. Even today, with all of his sporadic apperances, he's still my favorite of all-time.
What is the name of your online talk show? What made you want to start your talk show? Was there any certain wrestler that made you want to start it or was it just something you thought of one day?
- The name of my current show is Talk Wrestling with Jeff Meacham, but this is the third online show I've been a part of in the last 5 and a half years. In the summer of 2002, I was approached by the webmaster of theMAYHEM.com (now NoDQ.com) - who I had done several live event reports for - about doing an online audio show with his best friend at the time. The original show was called Xtreme Mayhem and ran from October 2002 until February 2004. After a 7-month hiatus (because we were burnt out on doing a show for a while), we returned in September 2004 with the spinoff video show, Xtreme Mayhem Video (commonly shortened to XMV), which ran for an additional two years, until June 2006. During the last few months of XMV's run, I started doing a second audio show with my girlfriend entitled Ringside Insanity, which was named by said girlfriend. That show ran for just a few weeks and briefly spunoff its own video show as well, but by Spring 2007, I was done doing Internet showss ... or so I thought. In late-May of last year, the NoDQ webmaster and I got together and decided to launch a show exclusively for me to answer various questions from the wrestling fans, similar to the show "Talk Sex," which is where the name Talk Wrestling came from! Since the shows launch in June 2007, I've discussed anything and everything pertaining to wrestling. On episodes 14-16, I brought in the first guest on the show, Rob Van Dam.
How many interviews have you done and who have they been with?
- I don't have the exact count on the number of interviews I've done, but I do know I've interviewed over 70 different personalities over the last 5 and a half years (I've interviewed some people more than once). They are as follows: A.J. Styles, Alan Funk (formerly Kwee-Wee in WCW), Angel (from XPW), Babi Slymm (SoCal wrestler), Bo Cooper (SoCal wrestler), Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Brian "Crush" Adams, Bryan Alvarez from the Wrestling Observer, Buff Bagwell, Chris Harris, Chris Hero (SoCal wrestler), Chris Sabin, Chris Yandek (Sports-Entertainmetn Journalist), Christopher Daniels, Colt Cabana, Daffney, Dan "The Beast" Severn, D'Lo Brown, Dusty Rhodes, Elix Skipper, Frankie Kazarian, Gary Yap (SoCal promoter), "Mean" Gene Okerlund, Goldylocks (formerly of TNA), GQ Money (from XPW), Harley Race, Hawk from Tough Enough 2, the Human Tornado (SoCal wrestler), the Iron Sheik, Jamie Noble, James Mitchell, James Storm, Jayden Kane (SoCal wrestler), Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Lynn, Jerry Tuite (The Wall in WCW), Jimmy Hart, Joanie "Chyna" Laurer, Jonah from Tough Enough III, Kaos (from XPW), Kid Kash, Lash Leroux, Michelle Deighton (former wrestler who competed on Cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model), Mike Awesome, Mike Sanders, Mike Tenay, Missy Hyatt, Petey Williams, Randy Savage, Rob Van Dam, Ron Killings, Sakoda, Samoa Joe, Sean Waltman, Shane Douglas, Sid Vicious, SoCal Val, Sonny Siaki, Supreme, Taylor Matheny from Tough Enough I, Terry Funk, The Sandman, The Stro (formerly the Maestro in WCW), Trinity, Trish Stratus, Veronica Caine (from XPW), and Vince Russo
Give a brief explanation of wrestling and its changes since the early days for those people who aren’t wrestling fans or those who aren’t too into wrestling.
- Well, even since the early days, and I'm going back to the turn of the 20th century here, wrestling has always been a form of entertainment. The difference since the very early 1990s is that it's now openly referred to as "sports-entertainment" and no longer presented as an actual competitive sport. Since the WWF's admission of the "fake" aspect of it, the terms "work" and "shoot" have become prevalant in the business, with "work" referring to something that was pre-determined in a match and "shoot" meaning something that was real. Regardless of the pre-determined nature of the industry or the matches presented, the participants are very real and are often portrayed as characters that are merely offshoots of who they really are, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin being depicted as a beer-drinking, truck-driving, finger-giving redneck from south Texas.
If you were a wrestler, what would your name be and why? What would your theme song be? Would you have a manager or a tag team partner?
- Well, I actually am involved in a company based in Southern California as a manager, which is what I've wanted to know for so long. I never had any aspirations to actually step in the ring, but if I did, I'd use my real name because I've never been a fan of the overly-gimmicky names. I'd have a hard rock theme song (nothing set in stone, just something cool) and would not be a tag wrestler or have a manager; I like to do things on my own.
Which wrestler’s theme song do you like most?
- Of all the themes ever used, I'd have to go with the ones used by former WWE and ECW Champion Rob Van Dam. In ECW, he used "Walk" by Pantera (later recorded by Kilgore for the ECW CD). When he moved to WWE, he used "One of a Kind" by Breaking Point. Both of his songs rock!
What’s your favorite finisher?
- Again, gotta go with Rob Van Dam and his 5-Star Frog Splash
What is your favorite PPV ever? Why?
- Hmmmm, that's a toughy. I may have to answer that one after this year's WrestleMania, because I will be attending! Of the ones I've already seen, I'd have to go with WrestleMania VII, strictly because it was the first PPV I ever saw.
Have you ever attempted to wrestle?
- Nope. As I said, I currently manage, but have never attempted to step through the ropes as a competitor.
What do you think of the whole ‘Money’ Mayweather vs. Big Show angle?
- Personally, I think it's a sad use of the returning Big Show. Everyone reading this knows there is NO WAY Mayweather is gonna lose a fight - staged or not - heading into his big rematch with De La Hoya in September, and that leads to the Big Show having yet another loss at WrestleMania. Since debuting in WWE in 1999, Big Show has one exactly ONE match on the company's grandest stage, that being a tag win with Kane as his partner over Chris Masters and Carlito back in 2006. The whole angle is ridiculous.
What’s your favorite angle in wrestling history?
- WOW! What a toughy! I'd probably have to go with the original introduction of the New World Order (commonly shortened to nWo) in WCW. From the introductions of Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to the formation with Hollywood Hogan at Bash at the Beach '96 to the continuing "membership drive" in 1996 and 1997, every part of that angle was done so well. Unfortunately, the same angle led to the downfall of WCW in the end, as it was WAY overdone.
How many wrestling events have you been to?
- Oh boy. I'm gonna break this down for you ...
WWF/WWE events: 18 since 1991
TNA events: 1 in 2004 (pay-per-view at that!)
WCW events: 1 in 1994
California independent events: 49 since 2003!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
New poem.
It’s been so long, since I’ve seen your face.
It’s been so long, since I’ve heard your voice.
And I can’t remember how I got to this place.
I just wish I could go, back in time.
It’s been so long, since I’ve heard your voice.
And I can’t remember how I got to this place.
I just wish I could go, back in time.
Remembering times we spent, that were so divine.
When you used to sing me to sleep, I’d be fine.
So long ago did this all take place,
I know I’ll never again get to see your face.
I remember when times used to be kind.
Back then you were never hard to find.
All I needed was to make one call
And you’d come pick me up
But since you’ve been gone it seems that I’m stuck.
It’s been so long, since I’ve seen your face.
It’s been so long, since I’ve heard your voice.
And I can’t remember how I got to this place.
I just wish I could go, back in time.
To days that you were smiling,
And weren’t feeling any pain.
Long before the drugs started
to make you feel a little less sane.
I know the disease ate you away inside
There were days when all you did was hide.
Now that it’s all gone and you’re in a better place
I just wish that for one more day I could see your face.
When I grew up we were quick to part.
I never knew it’d end up breaking my heart.
How was I to know that not long after
Things would end up a disaster.
It’s been so long, since I’ve seen your face.
It’s been so long, since I’ve heard your voice.
And I can’t remember how I got to this place.
I just wish I could go, back in time.
With you is where I want to lie.
This is an old poem that I wrote when I was around 14 (I believe). Hope you guys enjoy.
Living up to expectations, their souls they will sell,
One glance at you and I was under your spell.
Swept me right off my feet,
I'll admit to my defeat.
You've captured my queen, stole my pawn,
Give me ruby red slippers with a wave of your wand.
I never thought life could feel this good,
Until I met you, I guess I never understood.
I never knew what loving you could do to me,
But now that we're apart I see.
Constant thoughts of you and I,
With you is where I want to lie.
Day after day,
Pick my soul away.
Find comfort in my arms,
I'll keep you safe from harm.
This is where it's safe to be,
One on one, you and me.
Living up to expectations, their souls they will sell,
One glance at you and I was under your spell.
Swept me right off my feet,
I'll admit to my defeat.
You've captured my queen, stole my pawn,
Give me ruby red slippers with a wave of your wand.
I never thought life could feel this good,
Until I met you, I guess I never understood.
I never knew what loving you could do to me,
But now that we're apart I see.
Constant thoughts of you and I,
With you is where I want to lie.
Day after day,
Pick my soul away.
Find comfort in my arms,
I'll keep you safe from harm.
This is where it's safe to be,
One on one, you and me.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Interview with Zach Selwyn
You may know Zach Selwyn from ESPN's 'Dream Job' or G4's 'Attack of the Show'. If you don't know him, or if you do, here are some things that you may not know.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Other musicians, 1960's and 70's influences, acoustic guitars by campfire, cannabis and the fact that a lot of musicians had hot girlfriends...
Your music is unique. How did you come up with that type of style?
I was freestyle-rapping for beers in college and playing guitar for the love of country-rock music in-between... One day i decided to combine rap and country and do some original songs - my band Zachariah was born around 2000 - and we recorded some tunes on home Protools equipment but it wasnt until 2002 that we moved to a big studio and recorded GHOST SIGNS - -
If you could play/sing any other type of music what would it be?
I wish I could play real bad-ass bluegrass and pedal steel guitar
How long have you been playing guitar?
Since about 1993 - when I was 18
How long have you been singing?
My first public appearance was in 5th grade at the talent show - I was a rapping surfer kid in a band named BERMUDA BUMS - I got that taste of performance in my mouth and never wanted to look back...
Which do you like best? Singing or playing the guitar?
Im a better singer than a guitar player, but I cant do either one real well without the other...
What motivates you to continue what you’re doing?
I just have a passion for performance and music and making people FEEL something - be it laughter, sadness or utter freedom, I'm addicted to the pulse of what comes from an audience - I guess its hard to explain, but anyone else who does what I do for a living will understand!
What’s your favorite song that you play?
It seems to change every day! Right now it's a new one called "Pass the Hours" but just last week it was "Telluride" (From 2007's ALCOHOLIDAY)
What’s your favorite song, period?
Eeeek. Another impossible question. I think, over the years, the number one song that has been on my top lists has to be "Fountain of Sorrow" by Jackson Browne. (1974 - Late for the Sky) "I Burn for You" (live - Bring on the Night) by Sting is another song that has been with me since I was about 10.
Who are some of your favorite bands/artists?
Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Waylon, Kristofferson, Cash, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Ryan Adams, Beastie Boys, Ramblin Jack, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Jayhawks, Wilco, RUN DMC, Bonnie Raitt, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Little Feat, Byrds, and Neil motha fucking YOUNG.
If you could bring one thing/person with you on a desert island, what would it be?
My wife and son.
Is a new album in the works?
YES! We have a new cd were preparing to release featuring 11 tracks that were recorded for films and performed on ATTACK of the SHOW - so we are gonna get these tracks out before the next CD - It'll feature I Wanna be a Lawnmower," "Stargate, Atlantis" and a buncy little childrens ditty called "Chubby Cheeks."
Dead and Breakfast is one of my favorite movies. How did you feel playing a role in the movie? Have you played any other roles in any other movies?
Ha - yes, actually and thanks! I have been acting professionally since 1997 - you can check my credits at IMDB.com - Im most excited about a film I did called LOWER LEARNING coming out in 2008...
Your skits on G4 are hilarious. How do you come up with the skits? Do you write them yourself? What’s your favorite skit?
YES! I write them myself, and my brother Jesse has directed most of them - I have a back catalogue from years of sketch comedy in L.A. that I dip into for the show - Unless I need to write something specific like "Porno Fireplace" with Ron Jeremy. My favorite has to be Porno Fireplace, but I will always love Crosby Stills Nash and Usher and Awire Cologne!
What was your favorite part about being on ESPN's Dream Job?
The experience was incredible and it opened a lot of doors for me! I loved talking about sports all day, although in the back of my head, it was probably the great people I met during and after the show. Other contestants, fans and persons with similar interests as mine!
What inspired you to become a musician?
Other musicians, 1960's and 70's influences, acoustic guitars by campfire, cannabis and the fact that a lot of musicians had hot girlfriends...
Your music is unique. How did you come up with that type of style?
I was freestyle-rapping for beers in college and playing guitar for the love of country-rock music in-between... One day i decided to combine rap and country and do some original songs - my band Zachariah was born around 2000 - and we recorded some tunes on home Protools equipment but it wasnt until 2002 that we moved to a big studio and recorded GHOST SIGNS - -
If you could play/sing any other type of music what would it be?
I wish I could play real bad-ass bluegrass and pedal steel guitar
How long have you been playing guitar?
Since about 1993 - when I was 18
How long have you been singing?
My first public appearance was in 5th grade at the talent show - I was a rapping surfer kid in a band named BERMUDA BUMS - I got that taste of performance in my mouth and never wanted to look back...
Which do you like best? Singing or playing the guitar?
Im a better singer than a guitar player, but I cant do either one real well without the other...
What motivates you to continue what you’re doing?
I just have a passion for performance and music and making people FEEL something - be it laughter, sadness or utter freedom, I'm addicted to the pulse of what comes from an audience - I guess its hard to explain, but anyone else who does what I do for a living will understand!
What’s your favorite song that you play?
It seems to change every day! Right now it's a new one called "Pass the Hours" but just last week it was "Telluride" (From 2007's ALCOHOLIDAY)
What’s your favorite song, period?
Eeeek. Another impossible question. I think, over the years, the number one song that has been on my top lists has to be "Fountain of Sorrow" by Jackson Browne. (1974 - Late for the Sky) "I Burn for You" (live - Bring on the Night) by Sting is another song that has been with me since I was about 10.
Who are some of your favorite bands/artists?
Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Eagles, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Waylon, Kristofferson, Cash, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Ryan Adams, Beastie Boys, Ramblin Jack, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Jayhawks, Wilco, RUN DMC, Bonnie Raitt, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Little Feat, Byrds, and Neil motha fucking YOUNG.
If you could bring one thing/person with you on a desert island, what would it be?
My wife and son.
Is a new album in the works?
YES! We have a new cd were preparing to release featuring 11 tracks that were recorded for films and performed on ATTACK of the SHOW - so we are gonna get these tracks out before the next CD - It'll feature I Wanna be a Lawnmower," "Stargate, Atlantis" and a buncy little childrens ditty called "Chubby Cheeks."
Dead and Breakfast is one of my favorite movies. How did you feel playing a role in the movie? Have you played any other roles in any other movies?
Ha - yes, actually and thanks! I have been acting professionally since 1997 - you can check my credits at IMDB.com - Im most excited about a film I did called LOWER LEARNING coming out in 2008...
Your skits on G4 are hilarious. How do you come up with the skits? Do you write them yourself? What’s your favorite skit?
YES! I write them myself, and my brother Jesse has directed most of them - I have a back catalogue from years of sketch comedy in L.A. that I dip into for the show - Unless I need to write something specific like "Porno Fireplace" with Ron Jeremy. My favorite has to be Porno Fireplace, but I will always love Crosby Stills Nash and Usher and Awire Cologne!
What was your favorite part about being on ESPN's Dream Job?
The experience was incredible and it opened a lot of doors for me! I loved talking about sports all day, although in the back of my head, it was probably the great people I met during and after the show. Other contestants, fans and persons with similar interests as mine!
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