Final Pieces!

May be a little late to the party on this one, but just read that Max von Essen has been cast as Magaldi in the upcoming revival.  Also, Rachel Potter will play Peron's Mistress.  From where I'm sitting, that makes a complete cast.  Awesomeness!

Iconic!

Mandy Patinkin as Che!

Rated R!

The 2012 WWE Hall Of Fame class is Rated R!  I can't find words to express how happy I am that edge is being inducted.  I count it a privilege to have followed his career from the very beginning.  One of the greatest of all-time!  So proud of him!  Thank you, Edge!

YAY!

So happy to be writing this!  Kirsten Storms is reclaiming Maxie Jones!  After a somewhat mysterious illness, the actress is ready to return to work.  The switch will be seen sometime in February, and can't come soon enough.  So excited to see what this powerhouse of an actress is going to do with the incredible material Ron and Frank are sure to give her.

Nephews...

Two...

Mom got me these for Christmas.  Love them!

Quote Of The Moment...

"We're not meant to be perfect, we're meant to be whole."

-Jane Fonda

Quote Of The Moment...

 "I am a human being.  Nothing human can be alien to me."

-Terence

Christmas 2011!

 

I must admit, I was severely lacking in the holiday spirit department this year.  When Christmas Eve and day came though, things picked up.  Always love celebrating Christmas Eve with the Johnson clan.  So much fun!  As you can see, my collection of nutcrackers grew substantially.  Love it.  Can one ever have enough nutcrackers?  I think not!  Took a while for the joy of the season to find me.  It did, though.

Changes...

Looks like big changes are afoot for the 9th season of So You Think You Can Dance.  According to published reports, Fox has axed the results show.  While no one is sure exactly what that means for the competition as yet, I don't imagine it's a good thing.  Thinking about it logically, the amount of dancing is going to have to be cut to allow time at either the beginning or end of the performance show for elimination.  I admit to fast-forwarding through most of the results show, but it's a necessary element.  Without it, I'm afraid quality will suffer.  It's bad enough that the noise of cancellation keeps growing louder.  If ratings decline any further, Fox won't need an excuse.  Let's pray all kinks get smoothly ironed before the season begins.

Happy Anniversary!

If it were still on the air, All My Children would have celebrated its 42nd anniversary today.  Honestly, I still can't quite believe it's gone.  Thought I was getting over the loss, but writing this post is making me realize how fresh the wound still is.  Don't think I'll ever get over it.  Will never forget you, AMC!

Santa's Village!

A surprise visit to Santa's Village to meet Mick Foley?  Yeah, it actually happened.  I had no idea what to expect when meeting him.  As it turns out, he was the kindest, most gracious wrestler I've met yet.  He chatted with us amiably as he signed all the stuff I'd brought.  At one point The Hardcore Legend even insisted we had met before.  While I wish we had, and it made me feel good he thought that the case,this was definitely the first time.

After meeting Mick, Eric, Krystal, Tim, and I spent the day exploring.  Was so much fun.  It's taken me so long to post about it because I still can't believe how wonderful it was, and have had trouble finding the right words.  Many thanks to Tim for making this happen!  It's great that he's always with me when monumental things happen!  Love being able to share them with my best friend!  One of the best surprises in the history of ever!

The Excellence Of Execution, And The Hardcore Legend!

Tim and I attended our first XWA show on Saturday night.  The selling point was a dual autograph session, and Q & A with Mick Foley and Bret Hart.  Both were very candid and honest with their answers.  Getting to shake Bret's hand, and share a quick exchange with him was awesome!  Love the picture of us!  My eyes are actually open!  We waited in line for an autograph from Mick next.  Was nice that he remembered meeting us at Santa's village.  Sure, we had to remind him, but I think he genuinely did remember.

Whenever I make wrestling posts, it seems the same words always get used to describe my experience.  Awesome, excellent, incredible, amazing, unforgettable, unbelievable, mind-blowing.  I apologize if these get boring, but, the truth is, there are no words to accurately describe these experiences.  It's like getting to live my dream for a couple hours at a time.  As you might imagine, nothing compares to that.

Magic!

Enough Is Enough!

Variety is reporting that Prospect Park is still shopping One Life To Live and All My Children around.  The article goes on to say that plans for the two shows to be anchors for an online network are still in place.  This is getting really old.  Where does this idiot company get off toying with our emotions?  It's absolutely despicable.  Personally, I think they're loving the publicity that this disaster has brought.  Disgusting.

Let's look at all of this from a logical standpoint.  It's all well and good that they "intend" to see this through, but what happens when no one who was originally involved wants anything to do with it.  You can't expect people to sit around with their thumbs up there butts waiting on possibility.  At this point, I truly believe it's all one big joke to Prospect Park.  Just clean up the mess, and call it a day.

Duck!

First Glimpse At 2012 Revival!

Photo Credit: Broadway.com

Dream Team Together Again!

Yesterday, I reported that Frank Valentini is taking over executive producer duties at General Hospital.  Late last night comes word that former One Life To Live top scribe Ron Carlivati has been named head writer of the struggling soap.  Is this a vote of confidence for GH on the part of ABC?  I'd like to think so.  Look at it this way.  Since its cancellation was announced, One Life To Live has been on a ratings and creative high.  Next, because of all the backlash that came with canceling to shows at once, I don't think ABC president Brian Frons would be stupid enough to axe the remaining one so quickly.  Don't get me wrong.  I think the grave has been dug, and he's ready to dump the body in, but there may be signs of life yet.  Going to be very interesting to follow this developing story.

Valentini In!

Proof that the soap gods do answer prayers.  Former One Life To Live executive producer Frank Valentini has just been tapped to take over the same position at General Hospital.  GH fans are overjoyed, as a vast majority of them absolutely despise current EP Jill Farren Phelps.  Why?  She did her best to dismantle classic daytime dramas Another World, and Guiding Light, as well as committing several other unspeakable atrocities.  Frank, on the other hand, was known for keeping One Life To Live in tip-top shape, and bringing it in under budget.  While I do think the move was made a little to late to save the show, at least General Hospital will go out on a high note.

Grammy Nomination!

Barbra has been nominated for a Grammy for What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan And Marilyn Bergman.  Though she hasn't one in years, (Tony Bennett, or Michael Buble usually dominate the Best Traditional Pop Vocal category), my fingers are crossed.  Tune to CBS February 12th at 8 to see what happens.

Unification!

Tim was right!  Here's the scoop!

DGUSA and EVOLVE now exist in the same universe. This means that they will share the same roster and stables.

Live events and iPPVs will still be promoted under DGUSA and EVOLVE banners. EVOLVE events will be important single shots that bridge the gap between four or five major DGUSA weekends in 2012. The happenings and results of DGUSA and EVOLVE events will have an affect on each other.

The DGUSA Champion and DGUSA Tag Team Champions will be acknowledged as the top title holders in EVOLVE. There will be possible title defenses in EVOLVE depending on the champions' availability. There is a possibility of an EVOLVE Title in 2012, which would also be defended in DGUSA.

EVOLVE will still be based on win/loss records and its leader board. You can follow these in the About EVOLVE section. However, there will be some changes made in the structure of these as well as the rules and regulations. We'll have more info next week at DGUSA.tv. EVOLVE will still maintain its unique identity and presentation.

DGUSA and EVOLVE DVDs and merchandise can now both be purchased together in the DGUSA.tv Store or by calling 267-519-9744.

DGUSA.tv will be your one stop for all your DGUSA and EVOLVE news and info. DGUSA and EVOLVE will share the Live Event, News & Articles, Roster, iPPV, Report Piracy and Contact sections of DGUSA.tv. EVOLVE news will now appear here in News Alerts.

There are now infinite possibilities with the DGUSA and EVOLVE union. We feel this will make the brands easier and more rewarding to follow. We'll have much more next week at DGUSA.tv.

Information taken from DGUSA.tv

Magical Insanity!

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you.  I am in fact holding the Open The Freedom Gate championship!  I still can't believe it actually happened.  What a day that was!  For starters, my wheelchair finally got fixed.  Around noon, Tim came and we caught up on some wrestling.  After inhaling dinner, we set out for Revere.  Made it there faster than anticipated, but then were stuck in line for what seemed like forever.  Once inside, while attempting to find our seats, Tim notices YAMATO signing autographs, and posing for pictures with the championship.  Having the greatest wrestler in the world today that close to me was a moment in time I'll never forget!  Awe-inspiring!

The card itself was expectantly incredible.  During intermission, Arik Cannon, of D.U.F. fame, came over, chatted with me for a minute, gave me a t-shirt, and posed for a picture.  Again, surreal!  The entire day was unforgettable from start to finish!  Every second!  The best friend, and Dragon Gate USA!  Nothing ever better!  Can't wait to do it again!

Prospect Park Releases Statement...

For those who are unaware, Prospect Park has decided not to move forward with plans to bring All My Children, One Life To Live, and General Hospital online.  Their official statement is as follows:

"After five months of negotiations with various guilds, hundreds of presentations to potential financial and technology partners, and a hope that we could pioneer a new network for the future, it is with great disappointment that we are suspending our aspirations to revive “One Life to Live” and “All My Children” via online distribution. It is now becoming clear that mounting issues make our ability to meet our deadlines to get OLTL on the air in a reasonable time period following its January 13, 2012 ABC finale impossible.

We believed the timing was right to launch an Online TV Network anchored by these two iconic soap operas, but we always knew it would be an uphill battle to create something historical, and unfortunately we couldn’t ultimately secure the backing and clear all the hurdles in time. We believe we exhausted all reasonable options apparent to us, but despite enormous personal, as well as financial cost to ourselves, we failed to find a solution.

While we narrowed in on a financial infrastructure, the contractual demands of the guilds, which regulate our industry, coupled with the program’s inherent economic challenges ultimately led to this final decision. In the end, the constraints of the current marketplace, including the evolution and impact of new media on our industry simply proved too great a match for even our passion.

In our opinion, new models like this can only work with the cooperation of many people striving to make them happen, and we would like to thank and praise the numerous people who tried to help and showed us incredible support. We are extremely grateful to the fans and media who showed great support to us through this process, to ABC who did everything in their control to help, and we are especially grateful for the support and encouragement from many of the Soaps’ cast and crew themselves."

I'm beyond disgusted and devastated with this news.  From the beginning, I was skeptical.  It just sounded to good to be true.  Then, I saw so many reputable sources getting excited, and started to hope.  I was one of the people who said "I don't care what it takes to make this a reality, as long as I get my All My Children back, nothing else matters."  As fans, we can only take so many lies and delays.  One of the things that makes me most angry is that this effort has been shrouded in secrecy from the beginning.  Why?  Did these idiots start, get bored, and wash their hands?  Was it a game for them?  How ridiculous!  To think, after what feels like a lifetime invested in All My Children, no resolution.

Heartbroken and betrayed?  Those are puny adjectives to describe what I'm feeling.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.  While it may not seem like it at times, we all have something to be grateful for.  My list includes: wonderful family, the most amazing best friend in the entire world, professional wrestling, Dillon, a roof over my head, plenty of food, a working vehicle, and my new computer.  I'm sure I could come up with more if I were to stop and think, but you get the idea.  May your day be blessed.

Big Announcement...

There's a big announcement about the future of Dragon Gate USA coming on Friday.  Tim thinks that it is going to combine with Evolve.  That scares me.  Evolve is a lesser product.  If they do merge, will quality suffer?  Dragon Gate USA being my favorite promotion in wrestling history, I hope not.  Personally, I hope the announcement is a television deal in the United States.  How incredible would that be?  Seeing the greatest professional wrestlers in the world today on a regular basis?  Absolute heaven!  I know it's unlikely, but I can dream.  I'm waiting on pins and needles!

???

I don't know why he insists on drinking out of the toilet.  He has fresh water in two rooms at all times.  Strange cat has always been obsessed with the bathroom.

Survivor Series...

 

So, Survivor Series was Sunday.  Unfortunately, the event itself was pretty much garbage.  That didn't dampen my enthusiasm though, because Tim and Krystal were here.  As you can see from the scorecard above, I dominated.  No surprise, really.  While I didn't enjoy much of anything about the show, when you're in the company of great people, the good far outweighs the bad.

Another Sign Of The Times...

Some sad news.  Kimberly McCullough is leaving General Hospital.  The official word is that she's leaving to pursue her dream of directing full-time.  While I'm sure it definitely was a factor in the decision, I have no doubt that Kimberly wants to evacuate the ship before it sinks.  Robin will last be seen sometime in early 2012.  I have to say, with the shitious quality of General Hospital lately, I'm worried.  Wonder if Robin will be revealed as the serial killer?

Completed Lineup For 11/11 In Revere!

No Rope, No DQ Match: YAMATO vs. BxB Hulk

High-Flying FRAY!: 

Participants: Sabu, PAC, Ricochet, Rich Swann, AR Fox, and Uhaa Nation

Masato Yoshino vs. Akira Tozawa

CIMA And Brodie Lee vs. Chuck Taylor And Johnny Gargano

Jon Davis vs. Sami Callihan

Arik Cannon And Pinkie Sanchez vs. Scott Reed And Caleb Konley

Can't believe Tim and I are actually going to experience this live!  Insanity!

Trick Or...

Was taken right before trick-or-treating commenced.  Captain Hook couldn't have been more excited, while a reluctant Harry Potter wanted nothing to do with it.  Halloween is far from my favorite holiday, but it's always nice to see kids having such a wonderful time.

YUP!

New Member!

Adopted this little one yesterday!  So cute!  Thanks, sis!

Better Late...

Viking Helmet Cake from my nephew's How To Train Your Dragon birthday party.  Okay, so I'm more than a little late.  Couldn't let my sister's amazing skills go unnoticed.

Signs Of Life!

This news is definitely welcome.  Darnell Williams has signed with Prospect Park to continue playing Jesse Hubbard.  Honestly, this is a relief.  It'd been so long since any new developments, that I was starting to wonder if we'd seen the end of AMC.  Along with the news of his signing, comes a promise of more casting announcements in the near future.  Certainly hope so.

Five Years Ago...

Five years ago today, I saw Barbra Streisand live.  Unforgettable, pure joy!

WOW!

About a week and a half ago, I read that Maria Kanellis was going to be making a personal appearance for TRP.  As you can imagine, being that I think she's the most beautiful woman alive, I just had to be there.  The expression on my face says it all!  I've never been dumbstruck by beauty before.  Unbelievable perfection!

Oh, yeah!  There was wrestling too!  The sixth annual Kowalsk Cup was amazing!  Big credit to my best bud, Tim!  He predicted that Matt Magnum would win it all, and he did!  I've said it countless times before.  There's absolutely nothing better than spending time with my best broski watching wrestling!

Fabulous!

It's so wonderful to be back on track with one of the greatest people I've ever known.  It may have taken a while, but I find that, if someone or something is important enough to change your life, there's always a chance for a reprise.  Couldn't be more thrilled, or feel more blessed!

Quote Of The Moment...

"I'm Erica Kane!  Everything I do is breaking news!"

-Erica Kane

3.5 Million!

You read that number right!  Just shy of 3.5 million viewers tuned in to see All My Children's network television finale!  How awesome is that?!  I wonder if The Mouse House is second-guessing their decision to cancel?  The combination of numbers, and nail-endangering cliffhanger, looks like the perfect springboard for Prospect Park.  Things are really shaping up!