Billboard.com: Rush Hour

Original article/Billboard.com

Thirty-three years into its recording career, Canadian hard-rock trio Rush is finding it easier to make music together. "You can argue that we don't have much to prove at this point," guitarist Alex Lifeson says. "We're in our 50s now. Geddy [Lee] and I have been doing it 40 years, as a band with Neil [Peart] for 33 years.

"But this was maybe the most fun record I think we've ever made. It just feels different somehow. It's very positive, very forward, all fresh and new to us for some reason." He's referring to "Snakes & Arrows," which comes out May 1 on Anthem/Atlantic and as an expanded set with a 43-minute video on June 5. It's Rush's first set of all-new material since 2002's "Vapor Trails." But unlike the six-year hiatus before that album, the trio has been busy in the intervening years. It has toured twice, released a covers EP, "Feedback," a live album and two concert DVDs.

Rush started work on "Snakes & Arrows" in early 2006, when Lee and Lifeson, who reside two blocks away from each other in Toronto, began working on new music at Lee's house, with lyrics supplied by Peart from California. The spirit of the project, Lee says, was inspired by "Feedback," which "put us in touch with being kids again. I think we came into ["Snakes & Arrows"] with a real nice mental attitude."


"There's a lot of playing on this record," Lifeson says. "To me it's got our whole history in it, somehow. It's got little bits of the way we wrote songs in the past, the kind of chords we might have used, but not in a nostalgic kind of way."
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Music News Headlines 3/19/07

-- Music News Headlines 3/19/07:

-- Playing Music Makes You Smart (LiveScience.com)

-- Long-awaited trial of music producer Phil Spector starts Monday (AFP)

-- Drug use, dealing at music festival called flagrant (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

-- Copyright board rules on royalities for online music downloads (Canadian Press)

-- Music insiders try to stay upbeat at South by Southwest (The Boston Globe)

-- Country singer killed near interstate (The Olympian)

-- Inductees to Songwriters Hall Announced (Washington Post)

-- ...AND RECORDING FOR ALL (Metallica.com)

-- Fresh Pumpkins Due July 7 (E! Online)

-- Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band End Tour with Sold Out Shows at Detroit Rock City's Legendary Cobo Arena! (Press Release)

Pro Wrestling/Mixed Martial Arts links, headlines 3/19/07

PRO WRESTLING LINKS
-- Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring (Sports Illustrated)

-- Wrestlemania 24 and WWE wrestlers tied to steroid ring (WrestlingObserver.com)

-- Trump card wins Ace Steel WWE deal (SLAM! Wrestling)

-- WWE, MTV star The Miz gets real (The Detroit News)

-- 'The Hardcore Diaries' makes an impressive debut (WWE.com)

-- Whatever happened to... hard-luck pro wrestler, Magnum T.A.? (The Virginian-Pilot)

-- Wrestler to run for Iwate governor (The Japan Times)

-- Newswire For The Week Of March 18th (ROHWrestling.com)

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS LINKS
-- Roy Lang III: Five months later, Sherk still hasn't let UFC title sink in (The Shreveport Times)

-- Jardine fights way into title mix (The Houston Chronicle)

-- Champion Adds Punch to Training Seminar (The Signal)

-- Liddell-Jackson II Set for May 26 in Las Vegas (Sherdog.com)

-- Soft-spoken linguist now gets his kicks from Ultimate Fighting (Boston Herald)

BRAD DELP, LEAD SINGER OF BOSTON, DEAD AT 55

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

We've just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll.
- Boston's website

photo credit: BenDeVries/The Daily Nonpareil,
via Associated Press
-- We are sad to report the death of Brad Delp who was the lead singer for veteran rock group Boston since the 1970's when the band formed. Delp was found on Friday in his Atkinson, N.H. home, foul play has been ruled out and an investigative report on his cause of death will be released on Monday.
Born 1951 in Danvers, MA, Delp's love for the Beatles as a teen lead him to sing in bands and eventually met MIT student and future Boston leader Tom Scholz. Scholz recruited Delp along with other musicians recorded demo tapes which caught the attention of CBS Records and went on to record their 1976 self-titled debut album that sold 17 million copies ranking it the best selling debut in US history.
In a Musician Magazine interview with Scholz in 1986 he said about Delp, “The nice thing about Brad was his incredible ability in the studio. He was a master at controlling his voice — he could do things over and over, changing one note and doing everything else the same. He’s a natural overdubber, he can perfectly match what’s on tape, he can sing harmonies with himself and keep dozens of parts in his mind.”
Delp has a distinct voice that really fit the sound of Boston and provided a blueprint for future rock singers to refer to as how a perfect rock vocalist sounds.
Between Scholz taking a long time writing material for a follow-up to 1978's Don't Look Back and further delay by a lawsuit filed by CBS, Delp went off to record albums with fellow Boston member Barry Goudreau and the group RTZ, Delp returned to the group in 1985 for Third Stage (the follow-up to Don't Look Back) and again left before returning in 1994 for the Walk On tour although he did not sing on that album.
Delp remained with Boston up to their 2002 Corporate America album and tour.
Boston was one of the first rock bands I ever heard thanks to my father and recently we were talking about hearing of a possible Boston tour and how we both hoped to see them live. Well looks like that's not happening, and if Scholz does decide to tour with a new singer it just won't be the same. We here at Strong Style Shimko send condelences to Delp's family and friends. (sources: [CBC News] Boston lead singer dies at 55; [NY Times] Brad Delp, 55, Lead Singer for Boston, Dies; Boston-Wikipedia entry)

-- Eddie Van Halen released a statement on Van Halen's website on Thursday:
I would like Van Halen fans to know how much I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Without you there is no Van Halen.

I have always and will always feel a responsibility to give you my best. At the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best. That’s why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110% that I feel I owe you and want to give you.

Some of the issues surrounding the 2007 Van Halen tour are within my ability to change and some are not. As far as my rehab is concerned, it is within my ability to change and change for the better. I want you to know that is exactly what I’m doing, so that I may continue to give you the very best I am capable of.

I look forward to seeing you in the future better than ever and I thank you with all my heart.

Love,

Ed
So Eddie's headed to rehab meaning this further delays any plans for a supposed reunion tour.

-- Track listing for Rush's upcoming Snakes & Arrows out on 5/1:
01. Far Cry
02. Armor and Sword
03. Workin’ Them Angels
04. The Larger Bowl
05. Spindrift
06. The Main Monkey Business
07. The Way The Wind Blows
08. Hope
09. Faithless
10. Bravest Face
11. Good News First
12. Malignant Narcissism
13. We Hold On

-- Blues Traveler's Popper Arrested In Washington

-- Music Industry Tightens Squeeze On Students

-- Music festival tickets sell out

-- Eminem makes big music deal

-- Has rap music hit a wall?

-- Yahoo! China sued for allegedly helping illegal music downloads

-- John Cage Program Shows Music Forum's Strengths

-- BX. 'SEX' TEACH FACES MUSIC
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Mixed Martial Arts news links 2/22/07

-- Blackout Media Corp's -- The Fight Network Adds Access Communications to Our List of Carriers in Canada [Press Release]

-- Gwinnett entertains International Fight League [Gwinnett Daily Post]

-- 5 reasons why mixed martial arts is better than anything [Times Herald-Record]

-- Pride FC - The Next Casino Sport? [BoxingScene.com]

-- Trench Warz helps sport of mixed martial arts grow [Saipan Tribune]

Q&A with Amy Dumas (Baltimore Sun)

Q&A with Amy Dumas

By Kevin Eck
Sun Reporter
Originally published February 22, 2007

Anyone who has ever watched Amy Dumas, formerly known as Lita, perform her acrobatic, high-flying moves in World Wrestling Entertainment knows that she isn't afraid to take risks. Dumas perhaps took her biggest chance yet last November when she left WWE after nearly seven years to pursue a career in the music business. The former women's wrestling champ is the lead singer of the Luchagors, an Atlanta-based punk rock band. Dumas, 31, hasn't walked away from the ring completely, however, and she will make an appearance at Sunday's Maryland Championship Wrestling show in Dundalk.

What went into your decision to leave a highly successful career with WWE?

It felt like it was time to at least see what else was out there. It's a job that you have to give 110 percent to be successful at, and I just felt like I didn't have 110 percent to give anymore. I feel like if I would have stayed longer with WWE I would have started to resent my time there, because you're so inundated with the schedule and everything.

How did you feel about your breakup with fellow wrestler Matt Hardy and your involvement with Edge [Adam Copeland] becoming public knowledge and then being played out in a WWE story line?

That whole thing was just such a hard time for me. When you go through personal problems, it's hard enough as it is, but then to have every aspect of your life out there and to feel like everybody knows your business when they really only know such a small percent and they're passing judgment ... there were definitely days when I didn't feel like getting on the plane to go to work.

How often are you appearing at independent wrestling shows these days?

This is my first independent wrestling show since I left WWE. I trained with Maryland Championship Wrestling before I made it to WWE, so I think it's fitting to go back to where I started.

How did the Luchagors come about?

Music has always meant a lot to me, and I've always had a bunch of friends in bands. I was talking a lot about [forming a band] and finally some friends of mine just called me out. I had already agreed to sign autographs at a rock and wrestling benefit show in Atlanta, and they were like, "Why don't you get a couple songs together and play?" I couldn't come up with a good enough excuse not to. So I just went for it. It opened up this new creative avenue that I've really immersed myself in.

How would you describe your sound?

As far as bands that people have heard, I'd say something like the Ramones, the Misfits, with some Rancid and maybe a little metal influence. People say Joan Jett a lot because my vocals are raw like hers.

What are your plans as far as touring and recording?

Right now we're just playing about once a month in Atlanta. As soon as our record comes out, we'll pretty much go everywhere. We're in the studio now, and our record should be out in March. [Bassist] Rachel Bolan from Skid Row is producing it, and he's been teaching us so much. Putting myself in a vulnerable position in which I could fail has been really challenging and refreshing.

Maryland Championship Wrestling is at Plaza Flea Market, 2401 North Point Blvd., Dundalk, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20-$25. Call 410-719-0030 or go to ticketmonster.com.

Korean nuclear deal delays disarmament

BEIJING - A hard-won disarmament pact that the U.S. and four other nations struck with North Korea on Tuesday requires the communist nation to halt its nuclear programs in exchange for oil while leaving the ultimate abandonment of those weapons projects to a potentially trouble-filled future.

In a sign of potential problems to come, North Korea's state news agency said the country was receiving 1 million tons of oil for a "temporary suspension" of its nuclear facilities — and failed to mention the full disarmament for which the agreement calls. [CLICK HERE FOR REST OF ARTICLE]

Angle on BTR; Bob Luce; Chyna/Anna Nicole; Smackdown spoilers; No Way Out; UFC in the UK; IFL; more

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Kurt Angle appears on Between The Ropes tonight at 10PM EST and judging by past appearances Angle should be ON~! Be prepared for Delusionmania running wild all over you~!!!

-- Long-time Chicago wrestling promoter Bob Luce who passed away on 2/8 at the age of 78 was buried on Tuesday in Milwaukee. For close to three decades Luce promoted such wrestlers as Dick the Bruiser, the Crusher, Verne Gagne and Baron Von Raschke and promoted shows throughout the Indiana and Illinois areas. Luce also promoted boxing after he left the wrestling business in the early '80s but soon retired and spent time with his family.

-- Anna Nicole Smith's final movie, Illegal Aliens which also features Joanie "Chyna" Laurer, will be released on DVD in May as was originally planned.

-- Smackdown spoilers from Seattle

-- ECW did a 1.5 rating while WSX did a 0.5 rating.
[credit: www.wrestlingobserver.com]

-- Speaking of last night, it was the most packed Tuesday night viewing I've had maybe ever. There was ECW followed by WSX, which I was flipping back and forth but mostly watching WSX which I liked this week, then ION had Bodog Fight from St. Petersburg as well as Pride on FSN at midnight.

-- IGN: Chris Masters Interview

-- This is old news, but yes it's stupid that WWE is changing this Sunday's No Way Out tag match was changed from London & Kendrick vs. MNM vs. The Hardys vs. William Regal & Dave Taylor in a ladder match to London & Kendrick vs. Deuce and Domino (AKA Poor Man's Andrew Dice Clay squared) for the tag titles. Jackasses.

-- TJ & Nattie: A perfect team

-- Bill DeMott is the special guest for Thursday night's episode of The Dark Match with James Young and Wacko Bob which begins at 7PM EST.

-- Lex Luger will make an appearance signing autographs at Fire Pro Wrestling's "Heroes Reign" show on 2/24 at Impact Christian Church [401 W. 82nd Pl.] in Merrillville, IN

-- UCW-Zero brings pro wrestling up close and personal to local fans

-- UFC returns to the UK for the first time since 2002 when the company runs at Manchester's MEN Arena on 4/21.

-- THIAGO TAVARES SIGNED TO FIGHT IN UFC

-- This is PRICELESS~! Dear Don: Advice from "The Predator"

-- International Fight League (IFL) announces Atlanta Fight Card

-- Mixed martial arts alive & kicking
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WWE Financials/Notes; Donald/Vince; Dusty; K. Doane story; ROH 5th Anniversary; Nowinski; UFC; MMA notes

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

WWE Financials/Notes; Donald/Vince; Dusty; K. Doane story; ROH 5th Anniversary; Nowinski; UFC; MMA notes

-- WWE released its financial report for the 2006 Transition Period in which finances were tracked from May 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. Here are a few notes from the report:
- Revenues totaled $262.9 million, up from $247.7 million the previous period
- Operating income was $39.2 million, down from $44.2 million the previous period
- Net income was $31.6 million ($0.44 per share), up from as compared to $29.8 million ($0.43 per share) the previous period
- “Revenues increased 6%, despite the absence of nearly $14 million in domestic cable TV advertising. Growth was led by our live events, venue merchandise and home video businesses,” stated Linda McMahon, Chief Executive Officer.
- Live attendance revenue was said to increase in North America during this period and revenue brought in was $52.3 million as compared to $43.7 million in the prior year period. There was an increase in live events this period, at 246 events including 34 international shows along with 38 ECW events. Average attendance in North America jumped from 4,500 during the previous year period to 4,900. Excluding figures from ECW events N.A. average attendance was 5,700 compared to 4,500 in the previous year period. ECW events brought in $1.1 million with an average $25 ticket and an average attendance of 1,100 (in houses that could hold an averaged-size Monday Night RAW crowd or even half that number).
- Pay-per-view events during this current period went from Backlash to Armageddon including two ECW events, One Night Stand and December To Dismember. PPV revenue was down slightly this period at $53.4 million compared to $54.5 million the prior year period. As far as buyrates go, SummerSlam did 541,000 buys which was the highest number, the lowest being ECW December To Dismember which did a dismal 90,000 buys, and of course things can change between now and December 2007 but the company should've waited for the buyrate for that show to come out before announcing doing another December To Dismember this year.
- The complete report can be read read here.

-- - Steve Austin's movie, The Condemned, is released in theaters on 4/27.

-- During last night's RAW taping in Portland, OR (which airs this Thursday in the States), Donald Trump challenged Vince McMahon to a hair match at Wrestlemania 23. Both the ego-driven billionaires will get to choose a wrestler to fight for their cornerman's hair because whoever loses the match either Vince or The Donald will get their head shaved.

-- Raw: Eight-man mayhem!

-- Dusty Rhodes has been named the first inductee in this year's WWE Hall Of Fame.

-- The Worcester Telegram has an article on local boy-turned-WWE wrestler Ken Doane.

-- The Buffalo News reported on former WWE wrestler Chris Nowinski's visit to St. Mary's High School in Lancaster, NY discussing the severity of concussions in sports to over 300 students on Monday. He also spoke of former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Andre Waters who commited suicide last November, "Unfortunately, I couldn't do anything for Andre, but maybe we've done something to prevent future Andres from taking their life, because they didn't understand why they feel the way they feel."

-- King Booker will make an appearance at this Saturday's AHL Houston Aeros hockey game at Houston's Toyota Center, game starts at 7:35PM.

-- The This Is TNA special on Monday night did a 1.12 rating (1.5 million viewers), as noted on www.f4wonline.com 100,000 less people saw this show then last Thursday's Impact.

-- TNA's got a new gimmick match for next month's Destination X PPV... ELEVATION X~!!! It's pretty much an old gimmick being a scaffold match for X-Division wrestlers. I'm convinced that TNA really wants to KILL OFF the X-Division, here's further proof. The best line in the report on TNA's website states that the scaffold match is an attraction not seen in the sport in nearly 20 years! That's because wrestlers hate doing that shit, I can't remember if it was Lawler or Cornette that said it, but someone in the business had said that the reason scaffold matches are slow and such is because the guys involved were scared to death of being 20 feet or so above a concrete floor and a ring on a thin plank.

-- From CZW's website: (02/13) From the Desk of Maven T. Bentley Esq.

Last Saturday, we saw something amazing. We saw the birth of a legitimate star in Combat Zone wrestling. Although it has been said before, I feel that I must say it again. A star was born.

Through the years, wrestling fans have had dream match ups. They have lusted to see return bouts. They have scrapped pennies together to see what promised to be the greatest championship bout ever promoted. Unfortunately, it seems not every bout can live up to the hype. Whether it is over exaggeration by the promoter, illness, injury, or just lack of chemistry, sometimes even the best performers can stink up a wrestling ring.

This could have happened at H8, but one man stepped up to save the show. One shining example of how great a company can be. One man, not driven by personal greed, but driven by the passion to entertain stepped up. That man was none other than DJ Hyde.

Let's face it, Adam Flash is a great performer and former champion in the Combat Zone. Chris Hero is okay, but by no means a savior of anything. That match could have been a real "stinker". But the man who has retired two useless pieces of garbage, LuFisto (check her myspace, she claims her back began hurting after wrestling DJ) and Mana (the man got so scared he ran back to Samoa or wherever he was from), stepped up and took the "combat" to the "zone". This man sacrificed his night off to ensure that the Iron Man title match would be match of the night, if not match of the year. To borrow a goofy loser's expression "I was here. Where were you?" when a star named DJ Hyde... the Iron Man champion DJ Hyde was born.

-- An article on Samoa Joe's 131 ROH matches.

-- Fans can expect action at LCW's FIRST STRIKE SHOW

-- Ultimate Fighting Machines

-- Xyience Announces Winners of the Xenergy Big Apple Girl Search

-- Blackout Media Corp. Announces The Fight Network Signs Multi-Year Deal With EliteXC to Bring "LIVE" MMA Events to Canadian Television

-- Teen fighter turning heads

-- Rising star on a ‘Rampage’
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Pro Wrestling & MMA quick links/articles 2/11/07

-- Pro Wrestling & MMA news links for 2/11...

-- SLAM! Wrestling: Noted historian James C. Melby dies

-- Asbury Park Press: A look back at the turbulent life and tragic death of Scott "Bam Bam" Bigelow

-- Wrestlemag.com: ECW Star Suspended By World Wrestling Entertainment

-- The Post and Courier: Michaels has a lot to offer WWE

-- The Register-Guard: Robots gear up for sumo wrestling

-- Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier: Wrestling greats will attend museum’s grand opening

-- StormWrestling.com: Lance Storm Q&A 2/11

-- Houston Chronicle: Disqualification leads to Gracie win

-- The Shreveport Times: Women fighters make mark in MMA

-- San Antonio Express-News: Pacquiao returning to Alamo City?

-- Cincinnati Enquirer: Training to be the ultimate

-- WOOD-TV 8 Grand Rapids: Officials watch Muskegon cage fight

-- Fightnews.com: Seldon, Witherspoon win!

Music news, notes, articles 2/11/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- This evening is the 49th Annual Grammy Awards on CBS at 8PM EST, a complete list of nominees were posted here earlier today. Nominees for record, album and song of the year include Mary J. Blige, James Blunt, Dixie Chicks, Gnarls Barkley, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood. The Metal category has promising talent like Lamb Of God, Slayer, Mastadon and Ministry but those awards won't be televised because are other "higher priorities" to be dealt with on TV. The Police will be opening the show which is good because that's all I want to see really, expect a medley ending with "Every Breath You Take" lumped in somewhere or concluding the medley. Hopefully they have a "SLY STONE~!" type of moment tonight.

-- According to a coroner report R&B singer Gerald Levert died last November of a fatal combination of perscription and over-the-counter drugs. Vicodin, Percocet and Darvocet, along with anxiety medication Xanax and two over-the-counter antihistamines were found in his bloodstream ruling the death accidental.

-- EMI is considering selling its digital music catalog without any copy protection and the company is asking retailers how much advanced payment they would offer EMI to sell its music in MP3 format. The DRM (Digital Rights Management) has been a hot topic lately in the music industry as well as with computer giant Apple.

-- The Who begin a 28-city tour in Europe on 5/9 in Lisbon, Portugal and concluding 7/9 in Helsinki, Finland.

-- Jerry Garcia's widow Deborah Koons Garcia is in court to gain access to tapes of her late husband's performances in order to restore them and I assume sell them but it seems other beneficiaries overseeing Garcia's estate are delaying that request. This is one of many legal rumblings occuring with Jerry Garcia's estate, a hearing for 4/13 has been scheduled.

-- A jazz visionary: Ornette Coleman

-- Jermaine Dupri has been named head of Island Record Urban Music, a new division of Island Def Jam Music Group.

-- Phil Spector Trial Could Be Televised

-- Rapper Indicted on New York Gun Charge

-- Rush will have a new album released on 5/1 tentatively titled Snakes And Arrows and its first single, Far Cry will be released on 3/13.

-- After years of recording for the Elektra and Atlantic labels for a majority of their career, Dream Theater has signed with metal label Roadrunner Records and will release its new album Systematic Chaos in June.

-- I thought this bitch was going to retire~!

-- Brown's partner granted access to home

-- R&B singer R. Kelly has appendix surgery
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Pro Wrestling & MMA news, notes, articles

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Tonight is EliteXC's debut on Showtime, the prelims will be streamed live at www.elitexc.com at 8PM EST and the main card airs at 10PM EST with Frank Shamrock vs Renzo Gracie in the main event. The CARE (Casey, Art, Ric, Euan) & Some Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz Jabronis Preview previews are posted over at Ric's Canvas Chronicle site.

-- This week's Total MMA newsletter reports that Bob Sapp will be fighting in Cage Rage on 4/21 against an opponent to be named soon.

-- Cage fighters put on a brutal display

-- Robbie Lawler's match against Trevor Garrett for the Icon Sport MMA show last night was canceled because Lawler was sick from food poisoning. He will remain the #1 contendor in the 185lb. middleweight division and could recieve a title shot against Frank Trigg within the next month or two.

-- Dana White Took on Boxing and Pro Wrestling — and Kicked and Punched His Way to the Top of TV’s Fight Game

-- J.R.'s latest blog

-- Hulk Hogan said on the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show that he's in fact done with WWE and won't be at Wrestlemania 23. Vince McMahon was very upset about the whole deal where Hogan discussed the Hall Of Fame live on the air a few weeks ago. Who knows, maybe Hogan and Vince will come to terms but at the moment Hogan's gone. [credit: www.f4wonline.com]

-- Tommy Dreamer's latest Diary of Violence is about Doug Gentry.

-- Kane and Ashley Massaro were in Canada this past week involved in filming for an upcoming episode of Smallville where they will appear as Phantom Zone villains in the 17th episode of season 6 titled "Combat".

-- Christian Cage Interview

-- Trying to fight it

-- Stout retains lightweight title with win over Holanda at TKO 28: Inevitable

-- Wrestling Society X axed from Canadian airwaves

-- Champ keeps his cool at highly uncool question
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Pro Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts news, media, notes 2/9/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- From WWE's corporate site: This week’s “Monday Night RAW” was seen by more than 5.8 million total viewers, making it the most watched episode since June 27, 2005. It was also the most watched episode among viewers age 12-34 since 2003.

WWE and The CW Network have proven to be a dynamite tag team, and this past Friday, Feb. 2, was a perfect example. More than five million viewers tuned into “Friday Night SmackDown,” scoring SmackDown its highest rating since moving to The CW Network in September. Friday Night SmackDown also scored its highest overall rating in more than one year, dating back to its existence on UPN.

-- Here's a preview for Smackdown.

-- The Smackdown/ECW show scheduled for Monday at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Washington has been moved to Wednesday. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY~!!!

-- Diva Dish: Sexy secrets

-- More Kurt Angle delusional radio shit from an appearance on Ocean City, Maryland's WOCM 98.1 making the following claims [credit:www.f4wonline.com]:
- He's been off a pain pill addiction for two years
- He was the huge moneymaker for WWE the last six years
- TNA is more wrestling, less of a circus act
- He'll be working for EliteXC

Gotta love pro wrestling.

-- ‘Homicide’ rules the wrestling ring

-- Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling: TNA Lance Hoyt

-- TNA on Monday; WWE on Thursday

-- Johnny K-9 starts a new life

-- Video Sales - Recreational Sports DVD [billboard.com]:
- (This Week/Last Week) 1/1 WWE: Armageddon 2006/WWE Home Video | 94581 Rating NR/Wks On: 2
- (This Week/Last Week) 2/4 2001 FedEx Orange Bowl National Championship/ABC Sports | 10018/Rating NR/Wks On: 18
- (This Week/Last Week) 3/20 Chicago Bears: The Super Bowl Shuffle MPI Home Video | 3610/Rating NR/Wks On: 2
- (This Week/Last Week) 4/2 WWE: Survivor Series 2006/WWE Home Video | 94564/Rating NR/Wks On: 5
- (This Week/Last Week) 5 NFL: Favre 4 Ever/Warner Home Video | 72067/Rating NR/Wks On: 14
- (This Week/Last Week) 6/9 WWE: Holiday Tribute To The Troops/WWE Home Video | 00966/Rating -/Wks On: 12
- (This Week/Last Week) 7/7 WWE: Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology/WWE Home Video | 94559/Rating NR/Wks On: 15
- (This Week/Last Week) 8/8 WWE: Born To Controversy: The Roddy Piper Story/WWE Home Video | 94560/Rating NR/Wks On: 11
- (This Week/Last Week) 9/6 WWE: ECW: December To Dismember/WWE Home Video | 94573/Rating NR/Wks On: 5
- (This Week/Last Week) 10/10 UFC: Ultimate Knockouts 4/UFC Home Video | 30872

-- WSXtra Episode #2 can be seen here. It's a good one this time around.

-- CZW holds its eighth anniversary show at the New Alhambra Arena on Saturday: CZW World championship: Nick Gage vs Justice Pain; Ultraviolent Underground championship: Drake Younger vs Danny Havoc vs Vortekz; Iron Man championship: Adam Flash vs Chris Hero; Tag Team championship: BLK OUT vs Team AnDrew vs New Jersey All-Stars; Necro Butcher's job on the line: Toby Klein vs CZW Commissioner Maven Bentley's choice opponent; Jigsaw and Hallowicked vs Niles Young and Derek Frazier; Ryan McBride vs Great Blazini. Doors 7PM, bell time 7:30PM.

-- ROH next Friday 2/16 at the Manhattan Center: World Title Match - Homicide vs. Jimmy Rave; Samoa Joe vs. Takeshi Morishima; ROH World Tag Team Title Match - Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal vs. Austin Aries & Roderick Strong; Tables Are Legal Match - BJ Whitmer vs. Brent Albright; Delirious vs. Adam Pearce; Jack Evans vs. Shingo vs. Davey Richards vs. Jimmy Jacobs; Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Nigel McGuinness & Colt Cabana

-- ROH next Saturday 2/17 at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia: ROH World Title Match
Homicide/Jimmy Rave 2/16 winner defends vs. Takeshi Morishima; Samoa Joe vs. Davey Richards; Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal vs. Jack Evans & Shingo; FIP Heavyweight Title Match: Roderick Strong defends vs. Delirious; Austin Aries vs. Claudio Castagnoli; Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. El Generico & Kevin Steen; Six Person Street Fight: Adam Pearce, Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey vs. BJ Whitmer, Colt Cabana & Daizee Haze

-- Bucks Co. Principal Ready To 'Rumble At The Rock'

-- Mauro Ranallo and Jay Glazerhave been added to the EliteXC telecast team along with Bill Goldberg and Mario Lopez for Saturday's fight on Showtime.

-- Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs SOKOUDJOU and Joachim Hansen vs Jason Ireland have been added to Pride 33 on 2/24 in Las Vegas.

-- MMA, not just for the boys

-- MMA's mainstream move

-- Mark (The Machine) Hominick looks to regain TKO title Friday night
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Pro Wrestling media links & articles 2/7/07

-- Media and articles on pro wrestling from the last few days...

-- J.R.'s blog: Flair… The Big Green Egg… Ventura… XFL… Wrestling Comedy… Hardcore Diaries… Where are They Now… Sauce-O-Mania

-- Eric Bischoff's blog: Throwing down!

-- Miami Herald: MTV backs WSX on Tuesday nights

-- SLAM! Wrestling: Declaring FIP CM Punk DVD a letdown

-- NewsZap.com: Wrestling league offers thrills

-- Press & Guide: Dearborn-Dearborn Heights hometown boy living out dream as pro wrestler

-- Ottawa Sun: Jericho wrestling with possible return to ring

-- MetroWest Daily News: 'Skunk' issues apology to Brazilians, retires from Marlborough TV, wrestling

-- Montgomery Advertiser: PILEDRIVER: Local promotion plans to deliver weekend full of action

-- TNAWrestling.com: A TNAwrestling.com Interview With Chris Jericho

-- The Journal News: West Harrison's Roselli continues pro wrestling career

-- The Detroit News: The bell tolls: Undertaker versus Batista

-- SLAM! Wrestling: Remembering the forgotten Jim LaRock

-- WWE.com: Roddy Piper: Get out of my way

-- Editor's note: I voted Torrie Wilson the blandest diva in the 2006 Sheikies, shows what I know...

Music news, notes and media articles 2/7/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Tons of news from the last week, a week-in-review type of deal...

-- 2007 gears up to be one for a few big reunions, from a one-off Rage Against The Machine reunion at this year's Coachella to bands like Smashing Pumpkins and the Eagles back in the studio recording new albums, to veterans like The Police and Van Halen with David Lee Roth heading out on the road for huge summer tours.
* The Police announced last Tuesday that they would open the Grammys on 2/11, their first time onstage together since 2003 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. Still no official word at press time on actual tour dates.
* Van Halen's publicist confirmed last week that David Lee Roth will be touring with the group this summer, Wolfgang Van Halen will be playing bass replacing longtime member Michael Anthony. Yeah, you cross them VH brothers by touring with Sammy Hagar and you're BANISHED~!
* Don Henley told a concert crowd last weekend in Las Vegas that the new Eagles album that's been worked on for almost four years will be out in 60 to 90 days, if we don't kill each other first as Henley put it. However Eagles and Henley spokesman Larry Solters wouldn't confirm or deny Henley's statement.

-- Other artists are planning upcoming treks on the road:
* Guns N' Roses are playing their first ever African concert dates on 4/27 at the New Market Racecourse in Johannesburg to headline My Coke Fest 2007 and on 5/1 at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. The group's Chinese Democracy is due out on Interscope on 3/6.
* This year's Ozzfest will be FREE. You read that right. The 25-city tour, which begins in L.A. on 7/7, will be coasting by through sponsorship deals. "For the last few years, ticket prices have steadily climbed as artists demand more and more money for summer tours," says tour creator Sharon Osbourne. "We certainly want everybody to make money; however, we also want the kids to be able to afford to come out and have an incredible experience. If we continued with the traditional touring festival model, we would have no choice but to raise ticket prices again this year."
* Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd will be touring together this spring beginning 4/11 at the VBCC Arena in Huntsville, AL. Other cities on the itinerary include Tampa, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Nashville, Detroit, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Atlanta, tickets go on sale 2/10.
* Bob Marley's sons Stephen, Ky-Mani, Damian and Julian will be holding a concert on 2/10 to commerorate their father's 62nd birthday at his birthplace of Nine Miles in St. Ann parish in Kingston, Jamaica.
* Nora Jones begins a spring tour on 4/13 at the Chevy Theater in Wallingford, CT and concludes in Montreal at the St. Denis Theater on 5/12.

-- The Strokes are taking a permanent vacation. Hear that? That's PW's Brian McAnus crying in a corner.

-- Famed Artist and Musician Eric von Schmidt Dies at 75

-- 1950s singer Frankie Laine dies at 93

-- 'Funk Brother' Joe Hunter, 79, Dies

-- Spinners Singer Billy Henderson Dies

-- Rick Rubin may be headed to Columbia Records as co-chairman, but seeing that he moved his American label to Warner last year there's a chance Warner may block the deal as Rubin has three more years left on his agreement with the label.

-- There's a video interview with Slayer here.

-- iPod creator Apple Inc. and the Bealtes' Apple Corps Ltd settled an ongoing trademark dispute early this week that gave Apple the rights to the trademarks for "Apple" and the Apple logos with Apple licensing certain trademarks back to Apple Corps. This settlement can now pave the way for Apple to distribute The Beatles' catalogue in its iTunes store.

-- Once again the RIAA nazis are total assholes chasing people down and suing them for tons of money for downloading music illegally online. Well 16-year-old Robert Santangelo denied ever doing such a thing yet FIVE record companies are suing this kid and his sister. Santangelo accused the record companies for violating antitrust laws, conspiring to defraud the courts and making extortionate threats as stated in papers from him and his lawyer Jordan Glass last Tuesday. Best of luck to this kid, I hope he fucks the RIAA hard.

-- Nine Inch Nails new album Year Zero comes out 4/17 with an accompanying site launched to reveal its tracklisting. So far two track titles are "The Beginning Of The End" and "God Given".

-- From CMJ.com: Clear Channel Communications Inc. will hold a shareholders' meeting on March 21 to vote on an $18.7 billion private buyout. After announcing its plans to sell close to 40 percent of its radio stations (and its 42 TV stations) in November, the media giant is now considering transferring its ownership to the family of L. Lowry Mays, who co-founded the company in 1972, and two private equity firms. The company’s board of directors, excluding the interested Mays family members and fellow co-founder B.J. McCombs, has unanimously agreed the proposition was fair to shareholders. The company is expecting opposition from shareholders who have watched its billboard and other non-broadcast holdings rise in value recently.

-- James Brown Partner Takes Case to Court

-- Cowell doesn't like music

-- Metheny, Mehldau Expand For New Album

-- Bogus Lawsuit Against Brandy?

-- Thoughts on Music by Steve Jobs

-- Spector Wins Settlment Against Ex-Assistant
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

You're crazy, man. You're crazy. I like you, but you're crazy. Vol. 3 (2/4/07)

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Well after a long absence we're back with some odd and interesting news from this past week...



-- MOONINITES WITH HELP OF STARVING ARTISTS ATTACK BOSTON & PHILLY "SCARING" (MORE LIKE PISSING OFF) CITY OFFICIALS: Boston artists Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens were arrested this week for putting up what were said to look like suspicious bomb-type devices planted throughout Boston. These devices, which can be seen here, were for a promotion for the Cartoon Network's Aqua Teen Hunger Force show and they look more like a Lite-Brite toy than what authorities in Boston and Philadelphia (where one of the flashing devices was found) described them as. The AP reports that reports that the prosecution may have a hard time proving that these two had any intent to terrorize the public and plus the devices honestly look like toys, and even if some old person tells you they don't know it's a cartoon character you can just laugh in their face because the whole thing is ridiculous.
In Philadelphia authorities found out from Turner Broadcasting that 56 of these things were planted throughout the city which created some lame "panic-mode" search. One turned up at a Foot Locker store on South Street, City managing director Pedro Ramos wasn't amused, "I'm hoping that some of these marketing companies find that balance between being hip and being reckless. And this case is about as reckless as you're going to see." The only thing reckless here was city officials and authorities making such a big fucking deal about this, and you know what? They act like they're prepared for another "9/11" after an event like this but I bet either city still wouldn't be ready for a catastrophe because it's always easy to catch guys like this doing a goofball stunt instead of professional terrorists.

-- Joey Chestnut downs a record 182 wings: Yes, it's that wonderful, cultural, historic annual event that again put Philadelphia on the map... I'm taking about the Wing Bowl. "I love to eat," said Chestnut, 23, of San Jose, Calif. "Today I was swallowing wings, swallowing bones, whatever it took."

-- Can you tell this guy loves caffeine? He's showed his love for caffeine even more by coming up with caffeinated doughnuts and bagels. I'm scared of how much more hyper people in my office would be if they brought this shit in for breakfast.

-- Please note: if you are drinking hand sanitizer to get a buzz, a) you're a FUCKING MORON DOUCHEBAG; and b) that shit's dangerous yo. A prisoner in Maryland went bat-shit-crazy after drinking a gallon of hand sanitizer which contains more than 70 percent alcohol (over 140 proof). This will be "glue-sniffing" for the 21st century.

-- Alright, this is fuckin' sick. Methheads are disgusting creatures as it is, but with Meth Users Turning To Urine To Get High, that's a new definition of being "hard up".

-- So a police chief in Wisconsin wrote himself a ticket after passing a school bus that had its emergency lights flashing. For violating the traffic law the chief paid a $235 fine and docked four points from his record. Talk about practicing what you preach...

-- Court: He had a right to curse - Ya God Damned Right~!!!

-- Wookie impersonator arrested for battery

-- Swans found living in city apartment

-- Dutch gym strips off for training in the buff

-- Italian asked for annulment because wife smoked

-- “Smokable” pain drugs promise faster action

-- Oils 'make male breasts develop'
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

UFC news, notes and articles 2/3/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Tons of UFC news for tonight's PPV and notes and articles from the past week...

-- Tonight is UFC 67 featuring Anderson Silva vs Travis Lutter, Mirko Cro Cop vs Eddie Sanchez, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs Marvin Eastman as the top matches, here's the full line-up:
-Anderson Silva Vs. Travis Lutter
-John Halverson Vs. Roger Huerta
-Mirko Cro Cop Vs. Eddie Sanchez
-Quinton Jackson Vs. Marvin Eastman
-Patrick Cote Vs. Scott Smith
-Terry Martin Vs. Jorge Rivera (dark match)
-Frank Edgar Vs. Tyson Griffin (dark match)
-Sam Hoger Vs. Lyoto Machida (dark match)
-Diego Saraieva Vs. Dustin Hazelett (dark match)

-- Got this email from UFC this morning: Lutter misses weight, plans to win against Silva, even though just a pound and a half keeps the fight from being a title fight.

Despite two tries at the scale, TUF 4 winner Travis Lutter will not be challenging for Anderson Silva's UFC Middleweight Championship Saturday night after coming in at a final weight of 186.5 pounds, a pound and a half over the 185-pound middleweight limit. Lutter's first attempt at making weight was 187 pounds, and after two hours he was only able to lose a half-pound. Tomorrow's UFC 67: All or Nothing main event will now be a three round non-title match, with Lutter being fined 10% of his purse by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (5% going to Silva, 5% to the NSAC).

-- UFC 67 - Official Weights:
Non-Title Middleweight Bout - Three Rounds
Travis Lutter (186.5*) vs Anderson Silva (185)

Eddie Sanchez (229) vs Mirko Cro Cop (223)
Marvin Eastman (203) vs Quinton Jackson (205)
John Halverson (155) vs Roger Huerta (156)
Patrick Cote (185) vs Scott Smith (185)

Preliminary Bouts
Terry Martin (186**) vs Jorge Rivera (185)
Frank Edgar (154) vs Tyson Griffin (156)
Sam Hoger (206) vs Lyoto Machida (203)
Diego Saraiva (155) vs Dustin Hazelett (156)

*Lutter was originally 187, and came back at 186.5 in his second attempt.
**Martin was originally 187, but came back and made the contracted weight in his second attempt.

-- Here's the gigantic CARE + Jabronis UFC 67 preview. There won't be any live coverage here tonight but expect thoughts on the show around 2AM EST.

-- Tonight's UFC PPV will be the first to be broadcast in 1080i for HDTV which will be ten dollars more than the average $39.95 price. Also make sure that your cable/satellite provider offers HD PPV.

-- UFC announced a show at the Toyota Center in Houston on 4/7. There's a presale right now for UFC Fight Club members, on Sunday there's a Presale at 11AM EST/10AM CST and the password is: SERRA. Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday morning.

-- The Canadian Press reported Monday that Welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre signed a six-fight deal with the UFC making him on of the top five earners in the company.

-- Chuck Liddell had to cancel an appearance at the Ultimate Warrior Challenge in Jacksonville, FL on Friday night after UFC wouldn't allow it. Liddell had volunteered to MC the event for free and appear at a nightclub after-party.

-- SpikeTV announced in a press release on Wednesday that the station will be airing a UFC Fight Night marathon on 3/17 from 3-11PM EST which will consist of four fight cards including main events Tito Ortiz vs Ken Shamrock, Diego Sanchez vs Karo Parisyan, and Diego Sanchez vs Joe Riggs.

-- Click here to win a trip to Vegas for a UFC show.

-- Dana White quote of the week: "We are going to war with everyone," White said. "We are going to hammer all these rinky-dink, fly-by-night organizations that are popping up trying to grab a piece of the pie."

-- UFC's first syndicated show UFC Wired will air on nine Fox-owned MyNetworkTV affiliates this fall. Stations include WWOR New York and KCOP Los Angeles. The other stations are KDFI Dallas/Ft. Worth, WDCA Washington, KTXH Houston, KUTP Phoenix, WFTC Minneapolis/St. Paul, WRBW Orlando/Daytona Beach and WUTB Baltimore and will be hosted by Joe Rogan.

-- Randy Couture will be opening the Xtreme Couture facility at the Mavericks fitness club [14010 N.E. Third Court, off of 139th Street] in Vancouver this month.

-- Once again, Nicholas Lembo of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board sets the record straight with the Asbury Park Press: Unified rules set by board

I enjoyed reading Stephen Edelson's Jan. 14 article covering the sport of mixed martial arts and Renzo Gracie, a legend and maverick in the sport.

However, the article, "Makeover gave the UFC new life," says the sport resurfaced under the mixed martial arts moniker in 2001, with casino executives Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White purchasing the UFC. The article states these individuals implemented more stringent safety measures and rules.

Neither the Fertittas nor White set up rules and regulations for mixed martial arts. The state of New Jersey did. All White and the Fertittas did in 2001 was follow rules that were already in place.

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) was the first state commission to implement a comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing mixed martial arts. These are now the standard rules used in every state where mixed martial arts competitions are allowed.

The NJSACB began allowing mixed martial arts events in 2000 and held an extensive meeting in 2001 to discuss regulation and to unify the myriad rules used by the different mixed martial arts organizations. The uniform rules were agreed upon by the NJSACB, several other regulatory bodies, numerous promoters and other interested parties.

Nicholas Lembo

COUNSEL

NEW JERSEY STATE ATHLETIC CONTROL BOARD


TRENTON

-- Cro Cop: Fighter-turned-politician makes UFC debut Saturday night in Las Vegas

-- San Marcos UFC fighter has faced bigger obstacles than opponent

-- Canadian fighter Patrick Cote needs win, hopes to open UFC 67 with a bang

-- Hoger returns to ring vs. Machida

-- A UFC debut for 'Rampage' Jackson

-- Somebody You Should Know: John Halverson, 34, martial arts fighter

-- Lutter in UFC spotlight

-- Underdog role fine with TUF champion Lutter

-- 'Rampage' looks to strike it rich

-- WEC aims to be alternative to UFC

-- UFC might be in ESPN’s picture

-- SOYO Sponsors Ultimate Fighter Marvin 'The Beastman' Eastman for His Febuary 3rd UFC Fight Against Quinton Jackson

-- Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Makes February, 2007 Debut in UFC Battleground

-- UFC's popularity growing with every hit
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Weekend music news and notes

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Music news and notes from the last few days...

-- After being hospitalized Thursday in Galveston for a low grade fever and flu-like symptoms, 81-year-old blues legend B.B. King was discharged Saturday and said to be feeling better. King will be rescheduling dates he missed early this week in June and plans on performing a show in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

-- The Police will be rehearsing for their upcoming reunion tour at Vancouver's Lions Gate Studios as reported by local classic rock station CFMI this past week, there's even a rumor of the band performing at the Grammys on 2/11 in L.A. Sting (accompanied by lutenist Edin Karamazov) will be touring from 2/18-3/12 in Europe supporting his lute album "Songs From the Labryinth".

-- Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour

-- Line-up & ticket info for this year's New Orleans Jazz Fesitval: New Orleans, LA (January 25, 2007)—Harry Connick Jr., Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Norah Jones, ZZ Top, John Legend, Van Morrison, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, New Edition, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Irma Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis, Counting Crows, Allman Brothers Band, Allen Toussaint, George Benson, Pharoah Sanders, George Thorogood, Stephen Marley featuring Jr. Gong, Better Than Ezra, Joss Stone, Banda el Recodo, Calexico, Taj Mahal, Johnny Rivers, Lucinda Williams, Branford Marsalis, Richie Havens, Soulive, Cowboy Mouth, Percy Sledge, Tony Joe White, Gillian Welch, Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir, T-Bone Burnett, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Mose Allison, Marcia Ball, Roy Hargrove, Chuck Leavell, Arturo Sandoval, The Holmes Brothers, Snooks Eaglin, Dr. Lonnie Smith, The New Orleans Social Club, James Carter, The Radiators, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lucky Peterson, Darrell McFadden, Sonny Landreth, Danilo Perez, Ivan Neville, Dottie Peoples, Davell Crawford, Ba Cissoko of Guinea, George Porter, Jr., Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Tab Benoit, Les Amazones of Guinea, World Saxophone Group, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Buckwheat Zydeco, Anders Osborne, Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro, Eddie Bo, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Rosie Ledet, Amanda Shaw, The Iguanas, Marva Wright, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews & Orleans Avenue, Bob French, Elysian Fieldz, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Ellis Marsalis and over 500 more groups will gather in New Orleans for the 38th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, April 27-29 and May 4-6, Festival organizers announced today [January 25th].

Tickets to the 2007 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell go on sale today at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 488-5252 (outside Louisiana) and (504) 522-5555 (New Orleans). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod Street. Tickets to Jazz Fest are on sale by specific weekend, with each ticket valid for a single day’s attendance. Prices are $35 in advance, $45 at the gate. Children’s tickets (ages 2 - 11) are only $5 in advance or at the gate. A limited number of Jazz Fest’s popular Big Chief VIP Experience packages featuring a full weekend pass and VIP amenities is available for $600 per weekend, $700 with parking. Additional ticket and VIP information is available at www.nojazzfest.com.

-- Tom Waits and GM Motors German division settled a lawsuit filed by the singer after the auto company and the McCann Erickson agency released commercials featuring a singer who eerily sounded just like Waits. The money Waits received in the suit will be donated to charity, and also this isn't the first time Waits has chased after companies producing ads using singers mimicking his vocal style. In 1992 Waits sued Frito-Lay for a Dortios commercial featuring a vocalist also mimicking a singing voice like his winning $2.5 million and also has sued Audi and Italian carmaker Lancia for similar reasons.

-- In an interview on BBC Radio 4's "Front Row" Brian Eno said that he has been drafted to produce Coldplay's upcoming fourth album.

-- From the Smashing Pumpkins' Myspace blog: The Smashing Pumpkins have made their first official announcement of an appearance in 2007. The band will headline both Rock am Ring (6/2/07) and Rock im Park (6/3/07) Festivals in Germany. Tickets are available beginning on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tickets-per-post.de/tickets-per-post/Main.php. Check out the festival website for more information http://www.rock-am-ring.com. Stay tuned for many more announcements…

-- Deicide drummer Steve Asheim was detained earlier this week in Innsbruck, Austria where the band is on tour after attempting to deposit merch money at a local bank. The bank staff was suspicious when some of the money was colored in a red dye, the police were contacted and Asheim was questioned for hours before police released him with no charge.

-- Pearl Jam have released European concert dates on their website:
6/8-Lisbon, Portugal (Passeio Maritimo Alges)
6/9-Madrid, Spain (Festimad)
6/12-Munich, Germany (Olympichalle)
6/13-Katowice, Poland (Chorzow Stadion Slaski)
6/15-Italy TBA
6/16-Vienna, Austria (Nova Rock Festivval)
6/18-London, England (Wembley Arena)
6/21-Dusseldorf, Germany (Ltu Arena)
6/23-Tuttlingen, Germany (Southside Festival)
6/24-Scheebel, Germany (Hurricane Festival)
6/26-Copenhagen, Denmark (Forum)
6/28-Nijmegen, Holland (Goeffert Park)
6/29-Werchter, Belgium (Werchter Festival)

-- Thrash-metal veterans Testament are getting back together for an upcoming tour featuring original members Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, Eric Peterson, Chuck Billy and drummer Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth). The band plays tonight at Independent in their hometown San Francisco and then heads to Australia and Europe for more tour dates:
AUSTRALIA
2/7 - Prince of Wales Hotel - Melbourne
2/8 - The Manning Bar - Sydney
2/9 - The Waterloo Hotel - Brisbane

EUROPE
3/23 - Almassy MK Hall - Budapest, HUNGARY
3/24 - Hala Spodek - Katowice, POLAND
7/26 - Hellwood Fest - Subotica, SERBIA
8/25 - Up from the Ground Open Air Fest - Gemunden, GERMANY

-- In case you're confused which bands are "gay" and which are "safe" the kind folks at www.lovegodsway.org can "straighten things" out for you:
"Gay" bands include: The Spores (endorse suicide); The Grateful Dead (AIDS); Morrissey(?questionable?); George Michael (texan); Ted Nugent (loincloth) - the Nuge sure would LOVE that one... Metallica; Jay-Z; Motorhead and plenty more. This ministry is so fucking dumb... "Safe" bands include the usual bunch of idiots: UnderOath; Cyndi Lauper (I thought she was a lesbian); Falling Up; Flyleaf; THE TURNING; Disciple; P.O.D; Evanescence; By The Tree; Scott Reed; Michael W. Smith; Jars of Clay; DC Talk.

-- AP: Michael Jackson Returns to the U.S.

-- EMI to Merge Capitol and Virgin Labels

-- Rapper Young Buck arrested in Nashville

-- Singer-actress Brandy involved in fatal traffic crash

-- Beastie Boys Working On "Different" New Album

-- Scott Ian Announces Anthrax "Reunion is Over."
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!

Pro Wrestling/Mixed Martial Arts news and notes

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Tons of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts news from the last few days...

-- Doug Gentry, who was an important figure in starting up Ring Of Honor and RF Video with Rob Feinstein, passed away Friday morning at the age of 34. Gentry was recently diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection of the heart and was to have surgery to clear a clogged heart valve from the infection. He was hospitalized Thursday night after having trouble breathing with an pneumonia as well, Gentry then went into cardiac arrest at 3AM. Gentry became a major part of behind-the-scenes duties for ECW in its early years and also RF Video and Ring Of Honor. After ROH split from RF Video in 2004 Gentry continued to work with other independent wrestling promotions such as PWX and Pro Wrestling Elite. Condolences go out to Gentry's family and friends during this tragic time. For more on Gentry there are articles on PWInsider.com, SLAM! Wrestling, www.pwbts.com and thoughts from Eric Gargiulo.

-- Some press coming out of Thursday night's UFC Fight Night show which recieved an impressive 1.7 rating:
- Rashad Evans scores stunning win on UFC Ultimate Fight Night (Canadian Press)
- Evans floors Salmon to remain unbeaten (Houston Chronicle)
- Evans Punctuates UFC Fight Night with Classic KO (Sherdog.com)
- Lansing UFC fighter wins (Lansing State Journal)
- Evans, Marquardt, and Franca Win; O’Brien Upsets Herring (UFC.com)
- Fantastic finishes (USA Today)

-- One-on-one with UFC President Dana White

-- MMA fighter knows adversity, carries no fear into fight with Cro Cop

-- The Crow ready to rise on new MMA circuit, putting 2006 behind him

-- ULTIMATE PRIZE: Franklin hungry for another UFC middleweight title

-- UFC's new law enforcer

-- I'm watching the Wrestling Society X premiere as I type this, here's an article about it. The show airs again on Tuesday at 10:30PM on MTV up against the last half-hour of ECW and features Matt Sydal vs Jack Evans and a TLC Battle Royal.

-- WWE reports on its corporate site that its 2/18 No Way Out PPV at the Staples Center in L.A. is sold out.

-- This weekend's the Royal Rumble PPV, Casey, Euan, Ric, myself and the gang will be previewing the show on Ric's site CanvasChronicle.com this weekend.

-- J.R.'s blog: Hogan vs. Savage… JBL… Sid… Mid South… Cruise

-- Impact Preview for next week

-- TNA Impact! Impressions

-- Announced for Pro Wrestling NOAH's "Navigate for Evolution" Tour 2007: Bison Smith, Doug Williams, Bobby Fish and Chris Hero.

-- ROH at the Inman Sports Club in Edison, NJ on Saturday night:
- ROH World Title (If Homicide is still champion): Homicide vs. Samoa Joe
- I Quit Match: Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Rave
- Last Man Standing: BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Jacobs
- Six Man Tag Team Match: Austin Aries, Roderick Strong & Jack Evans vs. Delirious, Davey Richards & Shingo
- Tag Team Challenge Match: Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Rocky Romero & Ricky Reyes
- Three-Way Match: ROH World Tag Team Champion Christopher Daniels with Allison Danger vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Hero with Larry Sweeney (if Hero wins the World Title on 1/26 he will defend it in this match)
- Mixed Tag Team Match: Colt Cabana & Daizee Haze vs. Brent Albright & Lacey
- Grudge Match: Adam Pearce vs. Pelle Primeau

-- Winter Heat 2007 MMA event this Saturday at the James H. Rainwater Convention Center in Valdosta, GA

-- World Best Fighter “Fearless One” Mixed Martial Arts and Sanda on Saturday 2/3 at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City: Tank Abbott vs Ji Hoon Kim, Eric Tavares vs Okuda Masakatsu, Greg Soto vs Hyun Kyu Lim, Lee Gibson vs Jong Man Kim, (WBF North American Light Heavyweight Championship) Bryan Vetell vs Jon Murphy, (WBF North American Light Heavyweight Championship) Tim Boetch vs John Doyle

-- This Day in Sheiky History: 01/26

-- An MMA event scheduled for 2/17 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in California has been canceled. According to Jay Perry of Perry's Athletic Training Center in Grass Valley who was promoting the event, his fighters were unable to meet new CSAC requirements for complete EKG tests and MRI brain scans on time for the event. Perry canceled an MMA event last month because of problems with his promtor's license.

-- A clipping from the Great Falls Tribune in Montana: Michael Hall's next women's self-defense class runs from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 3, at Gold's Gym. Thanks to support from the Great Falls Clinic, Dahlquist Realtors Jim and Annette Dea and Gold's Gym, the seminar is free. For more information, call 727-8888

-- Wrestling up good, clean fun

-- Rivas to fight in 1st IFL tournament

-- Red Wing bans ultimate fighting

-- Ultimate Combat Fighting coming to Oshkosh Saturday

-- Accused child molester waives hearing

-- Martial arts fighter sues former N.J. Partners

-- Pillow fighters make their case
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Pro Wrestling media and news links 1/25/07

-- Feast your eyes on various pro wrestling-related media from today...

-- WWE "Smackdown" wages war against WWE "Raw" at the Baton Rouge River Center (The Daily Reveille)

-- Stallions have ex-WWE champ on their side (The State Journal-Register)

-- Edge knew wrestling was his fate (San Antonio Express-News)

-- WWE Gives Charts a Smackdown (GameDaily Biz)

-- Laurel siblings have the right moves (The Leader & State Register)

-- Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling: Scott "Bam Bam" Bigelow (Scripps News)

-- 'Keep Him Alive' (The Tampa Tribune)

-- Wrestling praise from a newly-found fan (NJ.com)

-- Kurt Angle the crazy quote machine continues (wrestlingobserver.com)

-- And if you didn't have enough Angle, trust me, it gets better (wrestlingobserver.com)