Wrestlemania XXV predictions

The biggest spectacle in sports entertainment revs up this Sunday in Houston Texas as WWE puts on the 25th anniversary of Wrestlemania. Made popular in the late 80s by icons like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, Wrestlemania has become a mid-Spring tradition, where wrestling and entertainment collide. A WWE/F fanatic of the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin era, I’ve revisited professional wrestling in honor of Wrestlemania XXV and because I thought The Wrestler was awesome. WWE is still chooglin’, with old favorites and talented newcomers. I would buy the PPV, but due to the economic recession, I won’t be able to watch the biggest night in sports entertainment (sigh…). Nonetheless, here are my predictions for “The Granddaddy of Them All.” I can get kind of obsessively into this, so if there’s a term that is foreign to you in these predictions, check here.

(c) denotes Champion

Rey Mysterio v. JBL(c) (Intercontinental title)

This is probably the least hyped of all of this year’s Wrestlemania matches, and deservedly so. It’s a clash of styles that I don’t see being a very good match. JBL has promised to make history this Sunday in his home state. I think this history will be to drop the Intercontinental title to the wildly popular Rey Mysterio and retire to become SmackDown’s new color commentator.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Matt Hardy v. Jeff Hardy (Extreme rules)

Matt Hardy’s jealousy of his brother Jeff’s success has boiled over and the two brothers will face each other in Houston on Sunday. Jeff Hardy is one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWE. However, he has just come off of a WWE title reign. Matt needs this win more than Jeff does. I predict a heavy use of tables, ladders and chairs (oh my!) in this extreme rules match. I think the match will end with Matt beating the crap out of Jeff, getting the pin, realizing what he’s done, then helping Jeff back to the locker room.

Winner: Matt Hardy

25 Diva Battle Royal (Winner will be crowned Miss Wrestlemania)

For those of you who don’t know, in the WWE, “Diva” means “stripper on steroids.” I didn’t even know there were 25 female wrestlers in the WWE. There’s some dude with a unibrow who wants to be considered a “diva”, but he won’t win. I honestly don’t keep track of this part of the WWE, so I’ll just say the one I think would win if she’s even still in the WWE.

Winner: Trish Stratus and men in general

CM Punk v. Kane v. Mark Henry v. Findlay v. Christian v. Kofi Kingston v. Shelton Benjamin v. Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) (Money in the Bank Ladder Match)

Though the first Money in the Bank Ladder match occurred only 4 years ago, it has quickly become one of the most talked about matches in Wrestlemania. Winning the Money in the Bank match means that you get a briefcase that contains a contract for a championship match for the WWE or World Heavyweight title. The winner can cash in their contract whenever they please. So far, every wrestler who has cashed in their Money in the Bank title shot has won, making it an even more desirable prize. I’ll do this one by process of elimination. CM Punk won last year, so scratch him. Kofi Kingston and Findlay don’t have much going for them, so they’re out. Mark Henry’s too damn fat for the ladder to hold, so don’t count on the World’s Strongest Man winning this one. To be honest, I really want Kane to win because he has toiled through main event competition for so long and hasn’t had more than a day-long reign of the WWE title to show for it. I think they should give Kane the win, but it looks as though they’re going to hand the baton to MVP or Christian. Both are working matches really well as of late and have bright futures ahead of them.

Who should win: Kane

Who will win: MVP or Christian

John Morrison and The Miz v. Carlito and Primo Colon (WWE and World Tag Team title unification match)

This match will also be a lumberjack match. No, there will be no chain-sawing — this just means that the ring will be surrounded by other tag teams who aren’t competing in any other events at Wrestlemania. This is pretty much a way to get much of the roster on Wrestlemania without having to produce a match along with the build up and what not. I’ve watched Carlito for a while now, and, honestly, I’m not impressed. His in-ring skills are great, but he’s boring. His hair is by far the most interesting thing about his personality. I have seen John Morrison and The Miz, however. These kids deliver. They can fly high, they’re technically sound, and have got more swagger than Yeezy and Weezy. They’re really fun to watch, and it seems like the WWE is taking a liking to them. Also, my crystal ball says John Morrison will get a world title shot within about a year.

Winner: John Morrison and The Miz

Chris Jericho v. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper w/ Ric Flair and Mickey Rourke (Handicap gauntlet Match)

Chris Jericho has been yapping for weeks about how he’s better than many of the legendary wrestlers of WWE’s past, and three of them intend to do something about it. Anyone who watched wrestling in the 80s remembers these three guys. “Superfly” was the high flying thriller, Ricky Steamboat guaranteed an excellent match, and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was, quite possibly, one of the greatest heels of all time. Although he will not be wrestling, Ric Flair will be at ringside, and Chris Jericho has personally seen to it that star of The Wrestler Mickey Rourke will be sitting at ringside for the event. Jericho will beat both Snuka and Steamboat, but will have trouble against Piper. At this point, Flair will intervene, then Rourke will come over the guard rail and deliver either a sucker punch or a Ram Jam to Jericho, but it won’t be enough. Then, and I’m calling this right now: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin comes in with the stunner, the 123 and brewskis for everyone. The End.

Winner: Roddy Piper w/ help from Mickey Rourke, Ric Flair and Steve Austin

The Undertaker v. Shawn Michaels

Oh, man. This should rule. My two childhood favorites square off against each other. These are two veteran wrestlers who know how to make a great match. Bet the farm that the Undertaker will win this. He’s 16-0 at Wrestlemania, and I don’t see any reason why they would let Shawn get away with that. Whoever snaps that streak should be a lot younger. That being said, I think Michaels will do what he does best at Wrestlemania and steal the show. Michaels will come closer than anyone else has ever come to beating The Phenom, but it’s pretty much certain: Taker 17-0 @ Wrestlemania.

Winner: The Undertaker

Edge(c) v. John Cena v. The Big Show (World Heavyweight Title)

I’m not very happy with this match. For one, this Sunday will mark the 34th time that Edge and John Cena have squared off against each other on television. That’s not even counting the house matches. Don’t get me wrong, they’re both great competitors and have wrestled excellent matches against each other, but come ON! I get that you’re supposed to put #1 v. #2 here, but it’s getting ridiculous at this point. Also, I didn’t like the build up to this match. The love triangle, Edge getting.. well, edgy, then The Big Show (that’s The Giant for you WCW fans) makes out with Vicki Guerrero. Ugghhh… Many are saying it’s going to be either Cena or Edge on this one. I’m going with neither and picking the Big Show for this. He might not hold the title long, but I think that he’ll be able to sneak away with the title after a choke slam to John Cena.

Winner: The Big Show

Triple H (c) v. Randy Orton (WWE title)

This is the match that has gotten the most build-up. The definitive main event of the evening. If there’s one word to describe this match, it’s intensity. These two have been at each other’s throats for weeks, and this Sunday, it comes to a head. Don’t be surprised if this match is made “No DQ” early in the night, because if I know Triple H and Randy Orton, it’s going to get ugly. This’ll be a good match, I think. In order for this main event to mean something, I believe Randy Orton has to win this contest. The WWE is retarded if they don’t give the belt to Orton right now. He’s the hottest wrestler in the company right now, and he’s also a great heel. If there’s anyone that can lead the company into the new generation it’s Randy Orton.

Winner: Randy Orton

If you want to check out Wrestlemania 25, order it on PPV this Sunday at 7. Or, just go to a bar — they probably have it on TV.


Post written by Rob Molster.

TBS's My Boys defies social stereotypes to make for a really great show

My Boys on TBS returned tonight and reminded me of how good a TV show can be. Don't get me wrong, I like The Office as much as anybody and am more than a little obsessed with Law and Order (except Criminal Intent, but that's more weird character actor hour than Law and Order anyway), but seeing My Boys proved that sometimes less is more. The show is anything but flashy, centering around PJ, a tomboy sports writer, and her close group of boy buddies and super feminine best friend living a very average existence in Chicago. The characters are all very relatable and real, dealing with the usual relationship pitfalls as well as recession-induced job drama, the debate about giving up city life for your family in the suburbs, and the way your friends can become your family. The writing is solid, more charming and witty than absurdly funny, and it has finally reeled in some of the sports metaphors overused in the first season so that the narration is more natural and observational rather than forced. And as endearing and even cute as this half hour cable gem is, My Boys never crosses over into the over-indulgent, fashion show with half a plot chick flick for the small screen. The show may focus on the only girl in the group, but this is one of few shows that allows for men and women to really be friends and actually works. My Boys balances girl talk with mustachio competitions (yes, that happened, and yes, it was awesome) and throws in a little baseball talk on the side, making for a really good night of television.

My Boys. TBS 10:30 on Tuesday. Check it out.

Post written by Rachel Silver.

MC Hammer's softer side - "Get2NoU"

And I thought I'd heard everything...


But, truly, nothing could prepare me for what I discovered today. Las Vegan electro-heartthrobs The Killers have somehow decided to cover sad boy Bright Eyes. It's on the EP follow-up to Day and Age, their latest album that begged the brilliant question, "Are we human? Or are we Dancer?" They decided to cover "Four Winds" off of Cassadaga, and boy have they ever extracted all that was quivery and close to sobbing about it. Listen in confusion.

Interview: Just Plain Ant

Last week, I got the chance to sit down and chat with Anthony Gillison, a 21-year-old hip-hop producer from Richmond, Va. For the past four years, Gillison has been hard at work making beats and collaborating with local artists to produce his own unique brand of independent tunes under the moniker Just Plain Ant.


With two albums already under his belt, Just Plain Ant's blend of old and new hip-hop stylings have made him quite popular in the local scene, as he tells me that he is currently working on three different projects right now with artists from around the area. But, why am I telling you all this when you can just check out the interview down below?


Here's what Anthony had to say:

CB:How long have you been producing?

JPA:I started in 2005, which was my senior year of high school. I wanted to start finding something that I was passionate about and music was that thing.

CB:How many releases have you had?

JPA:I've had two releases. My first album, Fly, was released in July of 2008 and then I followed with Dig Deep, which is my current release.

CB:When was Dig Deep released?

JPA:It was released this past February

CB:I know on Dig Deep, you collaborated with a bunch of local hip-hop artists including Alex Murphy and Brad Oblivion. Was Fly the same way?

JPA:Yes, on both albums, I worked with all local artists except one or two. I feel that when you're surrounded by such talent in your area, you should take advantage of it.

CB:What has been your driving inspiration throughout your musical pursuits?

JPA:Music has always been something I've just naturally felt. I started really listening to underground hip-hop when I was about 12, and after that, I decided I wanted to be a part of the scene. As I grew as a hip-hop fanatic, I realized that a lot of the music sounded the same. As a result of that, I decided I would mix genres like hip-hop, downtempo, ambient, trip-hop, and nu-jazz in order to make something that's not done regularly. I love the old boom bap style beats, but I always find myself wanting to hear something different, and I'm at a place right now where I can undertake that task myself.

CB:Who would you say are your biggest influences?

JPA:With Dig Deep, my biggest influences are Flying Lotus, Prefuse 73, Zero 7, and Blue Lines-era Massive Attack, but my influences change with every release.

CB:Are you working on anything currently?

JPA:I'm actually working on a few projects. I'm working on starting a local mini-label called Just Plain Sounds. The first releases off of that Jay Slim's "The High Life" and Braintrust's album, which is as-yet-untitled. I also just finished Brad Oblivion's "The Beauty Of Imperfection. I'm also working on two new albums by myself. One is a project which will be my first album behind the mic, and the other is my third compilation album called "Lemonade", which will be out in Spring 2010.

CB:You stated that your influences change between releases? Can we get any insight into the influences going into any of these albums?

JPA:High Life is the main one that I've completed. That somehow came out to be mellow and hard-hitting at the same time. I didn't think it could be done, but when people hear it, they'll understand what I'm talking about. I didn't really have any influences on it, except for the records that I dug through to find the samples that I used.

CB:What makes you want to get behind the mic? Or, rather, why are you just now wanting to emcee?

JPA:I have a lot to say. I used to write a lot when I was younger, but I just lost the itch for some reason or another. Right now, I'm at a point in my life where I've experienced a lot of things that make me think and music is definitely my outlet.

CB:Just Plain Ant. That's an interesting name. How did you come up with it? What does it mean?

JPA:I was sitting trying to figure out what a good name would be one day. All of a sudden, I decided that I shouldn't be anybody, but just plain Ant.

CB:What do you want people to take away from your music?

JPA:I just want people to have a good time. Whether it's being dance, mellow out, or reflect upon your emotions. All I know is that I want people to enjoy my music. I do it as a release, but I feel like an artist saying that he/she does the music completely for him/herself is pointless, because the whole point of releasing music is to take people on an experience.

CB:You said earlier that a lot of the current hip-hop landscape sounds similar, but are there any artists out there that you could compare yourself to or take cues from?

JPA:I can't compare myself directly to other artists, but I can kinda compare myself to Dert. Not many know who he is, but those that don't should Google him. He's incredible.

CB:When can we expect to see more of your handiwork?

JPA:Braintrust's album and Jay Slim's The High Life will both be available very very soon.

CB:Where will they be available? Also, (I forgot to ask this earlier) but where are Fly and Dig Deep available?

JPA:They're all available on my blog http://antdotnet.blogspot.com. And if you can't find it, go to www.myspace.com/justplainant and message me for a copy. I won't hesitate to respond.

CB:Anything else you want to add?

JPA:Just Plain Ant is for the Children

Bonnie "Prince" Billy coming to Charlottesville

Bonnie "Prince" Billy: An interesting character and one of the most compelling folk artists of our generation, Bonnie "Prince" Billy's songs will pluck your heartstrings and make you want to go out and buy a banjo (or a guitar...).

The Kentucky native began his public life as an actor but found his calling in 1992 when he debuted his musical talent with the Drag City single Ohio River Boat Song, which he released under the stage alias "Palace Songs." Oldham's debut album, T
here Is No-One What Will Take Care of You, was released in 1993 under the alias "Palace Brothers." After performing under a variety of performance-names, Oldham settled on Bonnie "Prince" Billy in 1998 with the release of his Black Dissimulation and the following year's I See a Darkness. His most recent albums include a solo record, The Letting Go (2006), an EP of cover songs titled Ask Forgiveness (2007), Lay Down in the Light (2008), and Beware (2009).

Covered by Johnny Cash, collaborated with Björk, and quoted by Madonna, Bonnie "Prince" Billy is one of this country's most celebrated singer-songwriters (and although it may not seem like it, there are more cultural references to Oldham than you may realize). His lyrics will touch your soul and his quiet chords might make your eyes water. Described as a variety of genres, one that seems to fit best would be "Appalachian post-punk solipsist." Not distinctly Americana, folk, or indie, Oldham's do-it-yourself mentality fits nicely with punk. His wavering voice and twangy melodies are definitely reminiscent of roots, folk, or Americana.

Lucky for you, Bonnie "Prince" Billy will be making a May 24 appearance in Charlottesville at the Fry's Spring Beach Club. The event already has approximately 160 in attendance — that's a blow-out, man! If you're in town, GET OVER THERE! It's only March and I'm already weeping that I'm going to miss this beautiful show.


Post written by Anna Lise Kvan.

SONG OF THE WEEK

Hüsker Dü - Makes No Sense At All



This week's song is another throwback that's so catchy it'll get stuck in your head for weeks. Hüsker Dü, despite never being commercially successful, was perhaps one of the most influential bands for the alternative music scene. In fact, bands like Pixies and Foo Fighters owe quite a bit to these Minnesota punks for pioneering modern alternative rock.

Bob Mould, frontman for Hüsker Dü, will be playing April 5th at Gravity Lounge.