Organizations We Support

These are the following organizations and foundations supported by us here at Basic Bloganomics. If you're interested in having your banner link listed here, you can comment here with your URL and image that you want on this entry.

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Carnival of Blue Stars is hosted weekly by Blue Star Chronicles that brings family and friends of our Armed Forces together.

This is an organization headed by my good friend David Carroll who is living with ALS. He and I have been friends for over three years after meeting on the Sporting News website. For those interested in joining this cause, click the banner link.

This is an organization headed by friend and talented music recording artist Petra Luna. Petra Luna is strongly against child abuse and domestic violence which is what this foundation fights passionately. Not to mention, she is very talented and one heck of a recording artist which is why I've become a fan of her music, too. I recommend checking her site out which can be found here: Petra Luna

This site provides information and advice on how to deal with cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined as repeated and inflicted harm by use of electronic devices such as computers or cell phones.

This is a site that gives advice on all forms of cyber crime, and also documents past cases in detail from victims and their abusers. It is one site I recommend because of the detail and lessons that can be learned in how to fight against forms of cyber crime.

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SMU Receives Death Penalty on February 27, 1987

On February 27, 1987, a shocking announcement had been made that forever changed the landscape of not only one college football program, but signaled the beginning of the end of a major conference. It was on this day that the NCAA announced that Southern Methodist University(SMU) had received the "death penalty" that effectively canceled their 1987 season. The NCAA had given Dallas, Texas-based school the most severe penalty ever handed down to a college football program.

Before they received the death penalty, SMU was one of college football's most storied programs in the early 20th Century. The Dickinson System named them national champions in 1935, and they also had the 1949 Heisman Trophy winner in Doak Walker who is widely recognized as one of college football's all-time great players. They had numerous All-Americans and won 10 Southwest Conference titles despite having the second smallest school within the conference. They did have an unbeaten 1982 season in which they were famed for having the "Pony Express" led by running backs Eric Dickerson and Craig James. However, they only had three winning seasons since 1949 going into the decade of the 1980s.

They made strong efforts in trying to compete with the bigger SWC schools, but found themselves in violation with the NCAA beginning in 1974. Between 1974 and 1984, the school received probation five times by the NCAA. In 1985, the school was placed on three year's probation as a result of recruiting violations in which boosters and an assistant coach were involved. They were banned from playing in bowl games in 1985 and 1986, and lost the rights to have their games on television in 1986, too. But this was only the beginning of what was uncovered during an investigation of the school. The "death penalty" would mark the seventh sanction the school received which is the most of any Division 1-A program to this day.

Beginning in the summer of 1986, ABC affiliate producer John Sparks for WFAA-TV had received a tip about more violations at SMU. Eventually, the investigation led him to former SMU linebacker David Stanley, who played at SMU in 1983 and 1984. Stanley later claimed that he received $25,000 to sign with SMU, and was receiving payments every month while playing. The school was put on probation during this period, and Stanley was still being paid by officials. This was a key turning point in the school getting the "death penalty" because they had two major violations in five years. The NCAA had the power to bar any sports program for up to two years after a second violation in five years which is what is effectively known as the "death penalty". Sparks continued with his investigation alongside reporter Dale Hansen.

Sparks confronted then-SMU Athletic Director Bob Hitch, head coach Bobby Collins, and Henry Lee Parker, a recruiting coordinator. Sparks showed evidence of letters that Stanley received from the school that was postmarked in October 1985. It was confirmed that the signature for those payments came from Parker, who denied any of it. In November 1985, Hansen appeared on television to reveal the report of Stanley receiving payments from SMU. But more importantly, the report also said Stanley had contacted the NCAA which led them to get involved with a school again.

The Dallas Morning News, who were owned by the same company as WFAA-TV, revealed that starting tight end Albert Reese had been living rent-free in a Dallas apartment. Coincidentally enough, it was George Owen that paid the rent, who was the booster that had been permanently banned from the program which eventually led to SMU's probation in 1985.

In 1986, a petition by professors was presented to put a ban on athletic scholarships. Bill Clements, who was to be Governor of Texas in two months at the time, was the chairman of the Board of Governors at the school. He considered dropping the school's football program entirely to maintain integrity if necessary.

From 1985 to 1986, 13 SMU players were paid from a slush fund from a booster that was later identified as Sherwood Blount Jr, a well-known Dallas real estate developer. Blount, who played at SMU in 1969-71, paid out over $61,000 to those 13 players. The slush fund was to be continued until all 13 players were out of eligibility. By the end of the 1986 season, only three of those 13 players had eligibility left.

Two NFL players, New England Patriots running back Reggie Dupard and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Rod Jones, were among the 13 that received payments from the slush fund.

SMU President L. Donald Shields, Hitch, and Collins all resigned just days after the report came out about the slush fund.

A report was given to the NCAA on February 5, 1987 that proposed the sanctions to be placed on the program. This included an extension of probation until the 1990 season and the removal of non-conference games in through 1989. They also recommended an extended ban of bowl games and television coverage through 1989, too. The NCAA did recognize the cooperation of SMU during the investigation after the report, and decided only to cancel the 1987 season. Without the lack of cooperation from the school, there's no doubt they would have had the full "death penalty" placed on them resulting in two years of canceled games.

The NCAA committee voted unanimously to shut down the 1987 season for SMU. Furthermore, they only allowed the school to play seven games in 1988 - all away from the school. The previous probation was extended until 1990 and the loss of bowl games and television coverage were on banishment until 1989. They could not hold any off-campus recruiting again until August of 1988 and they lost 55 scholarships for the next four years. Furthermore, Owen and the rest of the boosters that were banned from the program previously would be banned for good or more sanctions would be placed.

It was later revealed that a slush fund provided by boosters had existed dating back to the 1970s. Clements was implicated in the slush fund, and it was revealed that over $800,000 was paid out to Hitch, Collins, and Parker to keep a silence on the matter.

The school did not have enough players to field a team in 1988, so they cancelled that season with an announcement in April of 1987, too. This came after school gave players a full release to transfer to another school without losing eligibility.

The "death penalty" at SMU has effected the football program even to this day. However, this signaled more dark days ahead for a conference that had repeatedly been on the wrong side of bending violations for years.

The school wouldn't have a full roster of scholarship players until 1992 because of the 55 they lost, and they have only one winning season(1997) since the penalty was imposed. They have made no bowl appearances since then, and have a compiled a dismal 58-153-3 mark. But the sanctions placed on SMU damaged the conference's reputation that already seen other schools violating rules, too.

During the 1980s, nine programs were in Southwest Conference: Arkansas, Baylor, Houston, Rice, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, and Texas Tech. At one time, all but three(Arkansas, Baylor, and Rice) were on probation in the 1980s. Because of NCAA rules banning schools from appearing on television while on probation, the market share had dwindled in the conference which caused schools and the SWC to lose large amounts of money, too.

Arkansas bolted for the Southeastern Conference(SEC) in 1990 beginning play during the 1991 season which effectively marked the beginning of the end for the SWC. In 1992, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech decided to join the Big Eight Conference to become the Big 12 Conference with play beginning in 1996. SMU, TCU, and Rice decided to join the Western Athletic Conference beginning play in 1996 as well. Houston joined Conference USA in 1996. SMU and Rice would join Conference USA in 2005 joining former SWC rival Houston. TCU joined Conference USA in 2001 before leaving to the Mountain West Conference in 2005.

Even though the SMU football program has had a tough time overcoming the "death penalty", they have a glimmer of hope in their future. Before the 2008 season, long-time head coach June Jones left Hawaii for SMU. Despite the 1-11 season in which it was a rebuilding year, Jones has had a track record of success in winning at the college level. His run-and-shoot pass-heavy offense led Hawaii to two WAC Championships and a 4-2 bowl record. He did receive criticism for SMU's 2008 record. But a new system and coaching style to go along with heavy competition in recruiting in the state of Texas is something that will take time to overcome. Jones is currently the school's fifth coach since the penalty in 1987.

The "death penalty" at SMU forever changed the fortunes of one program and was a large reason why the Southwest Conference is gone. Three times since then, the NCAA considered handing down the "death penalty".

The Baylor basketball program nearly had the "death penalty" placed on them in 2005. Baylor took swift action and forced the resignation of coach Dave Bliss. According to the NCAA, Baylor admitted wrong-doing from the start and this saved them which wasn't the case for SMU after not being upfront to begin the investigation.

The NCAA has reported that 29 Division 1-A schools have had two major violations in five years which means a "death penalty" could have been placed on them. Since then, only two programs have received the "death penalty": Morehouse College soccer, a Division II school, and MacMurray College tennis, a Division III school.

The "death penalty" has caused the NCAA to rethink the way they sanction schools because of the damage caused in SMU's case. While integrity and credibility is very important to maintain in college sports, the effect of such a penalty is something the NCAA does their best to avoid handing down now. SMU's case is a clear example of what can happen to a program, conference, television, and sport even many years after it was handed down. While this doesn't excuse any program from violating rules such as SMU's case, it does in fact make it tough for NCAA officials to place such a penalty after what this scandal caused. College football is effectively a business, and having a "death penalty" placed at a school in a major conference can create massive chaos. Afterall, SMU hasn't come close to being a good football program on the field since.

Thanks for viewing and I hope you enjoyed this history flashback!

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Followers Update For Blogger Part 2

OK, many of you have probably noticed that the process of integrating Google Friend Connect and Blogger has been completed. Now for those that were already using Google Friend Connect, you can now follow each blog publicly again. Here are some things I've noticed with Friend Connect so far.....

1. When going to each site, you have to sign in on Blogger with your Google account. This maybe a minor thing, but I've already noticed that by visiting a couple of sites that have Friend Connect. I'm not sure if this can be corrected.

2. You can go to your Dashboard and click on your followers to invite friends to join Friend Connect. Towards the bottom of the page below the followers is the list of friends you have with a link to invite them, too. You also have the option of emailing those that don't have an account for Friend Connect or Blogger to join your site. This could be very beneficial for those that have friends that read your blog(s) that don't have an account for either one.

3. For those that were already using Friend Connect, you don't have to go to each site that you were following before in order to follow them publicly. Go to your Dashboard and scroll towards the bottom of the page to followers under the Manage link. You'll have to click on Settings for each site you're following, but this at least saves you time of going to each one to do so.
Advice: To save you time, I would just stick to following Blogger sites publicly and stay with following the rest anonymously. Those other sites using a different host will not show the amount of followers anyway. You'll know very easily if a site is using Blogger because you'll see the number of followers next to them - unless it is a Blogger site with no followers. You can also find them by looking to see if "blogspot" is in their web address, but some sites have their own domain to where you may not know. You can still see each site when they update on your Dashboard regardless if you're following them publicly or not. This is just a way to save you time for those that follow sites that don't use Blogger as a host.

So to everyone I've been following, I will eventually get around to publicly following your blogs unless you don't have Blogger as your host. And to those that use Friend Connect, you can invite me if you choose.

Also, I want to point out that I changed a few things on this site that some may not have noticed yet. First, I changed the color of the text links on the left column of the page, so that should help everyone to see the blogs better.

Second, I changed the Blog Roll around in which I have two different lists: My friends here in the USA and my International friends. And I have them in alphabetical order now, too. I did this because some have had difficulty locating their blog on my link and it helps me to find your blog easier because of it being in order. If I made mistake of putting you in the wrong list, then let me know and I'll move it to the correct one. If anyone wants linked, then let me know what country you're in so I can put it in the correct Blog Roll list. Note: This isn't done for anything other than to make it easier for everyone including myself. I value my international friends as much as my own here in the USA, and I appreciate anyone no matter where they're at for stopping by my page.

If anyone wants to add something that the community needs to know about Friend Connect or Blogger, then you can leave me a message or comment and I'll add it in.

Thank you all!

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Cassius Clay Beats Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964

On February 25, 1964, one of the most famous athletes in North American sports history forever stamped his name in the annals of boxing. It was on this day that boxing heavyweight champion Sonny Liston defended his title against Cassius Clay at Miami Beach, Florida. Clay would shock the world and let everyone know that he changed his name to Muhammad Ali after it was over. However, this fight almost didn't take place.

During that period of time, Ali had been seen around Miami Beach with The Nation of Islam. Malcolm X, one of the members of that group, was also seen with Ali in which he became a strong supporter of him. It is widely believed that this is much of the reason the fight took place in a half-filled arena because many viewed The Nation of Islam as "hate group". But despite this, the fight took place as the champion looked to continue his dominance.

Liston, who was a dominating figure in boxing at the time, completely overwhelmed his opponents with power in the ring. In 1962, Liston finally got his shot at the heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson. Patterson, who declined fighting Liston initially because of his criminal past, lost his title in convincing fashion. In their rematch, it only took Liston a few seconds longer to beat Patterson.

Clay was a 1960 Olympic gold medal winner in the Lightweight division at the Games in Rome, Italy. He began his pro career after winning the medal and defeated everyone in his path before challenging Liston to a match for the title. One of the opponents that Clay beat before challenging Liston was a good fighter by the name of Archie Moore.

Clay even went as far as to go to Liston's house with a bear net after following him around for a period of time. Liston agreed to defend his title, and most observers thought this would be another easy win for him. The fight was set to take place in Miami Beach. Clay was a 7-1 underdog going into the fight, but was very confident that he would beat Liston.

"If you wanna lose your money, then bet on Liston," said Clay before the fight.

Most thought that Liston, who was an ex-convict, would not have too much trouble with a flamboyant boxer like Clay. Even during the weigh-in, a fine was issued for an outburst by Clay. But this later proved to be mind games for Clay after many thought he did that because of being scared of Liston. But doctors find out that he was just fine, and was ready to upset the champion of the boxing world.

In a half-filled arena in Miami Beach, it was Clay who dictated the pace early on in the opening round. Clay circled and danced around the ring avoiding the power of Liston. He used his quick feet and jabs to fend of the champion while Liston couldn't use his strength to fend off Clay. Clay looked more like the champion rather than a 7-1 underdog early on.

By Round 3, Clay used a left/right combination punch that cut Liston above his left eye. Three rounds into the fight, and Clay controlled the tempo the entire time. But a problem came up in Round 4.

During Round 4, a liniment from Liston's cut had gotten into the eyes of Clay which blinded him going into the next round. Controversy to this day exists as to what it was and how this happened to Clay. Clay fought Round 5 blind, and stayed away from Liston to keep the champion from knocking him out. It was amazing that Clay was doing this though not everyone knew exactly what was going on in the ring at the time.

By Round 6, Clay's eyes had cleared. He went back to dictating tempo while frustrating the champion. Liston looked very weary going back to his corner at the conclusion of the round. Suddenly, a shocking turn of events had taken place.

Liston stayed on his stool while not answering the bell for Round 7. It was said that Liston claimed a shoulder injury and could not continue in this fight. Most everyone thought he had quit the fight because he couldn't beat Clay.

Clay was then interviewed after the fight, and had one of the most famous lines in sports history....

"I'm the king of the world, I am the greatest, I’m Muhammad Ali. I shook up the world, I am the greatest, I'm king of the world, I'm pretty, I'm pretty, I'm a bad man, you heard me I'm a bad man. Archie Moore fell in four, Liston wanted me more, so since he's so great, I'm a make him fall in eight, I'm a bad man, I'm king of the world! I'm 22 years old and ain’t got a mark on my face, I'm pretty, I easily survived six rounds with that ugly bear, because I am the greatest."

This would be Clay's last fight under his name, and he legally changed it to Muhammad Ali after winning the title. Originally, it was to be Cassius X, but he rescinded it to Ali instead.

A rematch between the two took place in May the following year under more controversy. That fight was originally scheduled in November of 1964, but Ali suffered a hernia which delayed the fight while many believed Liston was in the best shape of his career. The rematch only lasted a round.

Ali hit Liston with he called an "anchor punch" that put Liston on the mat. Jersey Joe Walcott, a former heavyweight champion who was referee for this fight, couldn't get Ali to a neutral corner therefore, he couldn't count for Liston on the mat. Walcott rubbed Liston's gloves and consulted with the time keeper before Ali went to punching him again. The timekeeper then advised Walcott that Liston was down for more than ten seconds and decided to top the fight. Ali retained his title, but controversy brews to this day as to what happened.

Many thought Liston was bribed and the crowd, who was behind the challenger, yelled that it was fixed. Many also agreed that Ali's punch couldn't have knocked Liston out. Many more questions than answers came in the two fights they had.

Nonetheless, Ali's rise to the top of boxing was undeniable. He would be stripped of the title by the WBA in 1967 for refusing induction into the U.S Army. He would return in 1970 while eventually winning back the heavyweight title. Ali is widely considered by many to be the best boxer ever, and he's also recognized as one of the best athletes as well as popular sporting figures, too. Many claim he's the best ever not only for his accomplishments, but because he fought in the golden age of boxing where competition was at it's highest. He finished with a career record of 56-5-0 with 37 wins coming by way of knockout.

Liston's life was never the same after the two fights with Ali. Even though he won a series of fights after this, Liston lost his last fight to Leotis Martin in 1969. Like the controversy in the fights with Ali, his mysterious death in 1970 still has more questions than answers surrounding it. One thing for sure is that Liston took whatever happened to him in those fights straight to his grave. We'll likely never know what truly happened with Liston. Liston's career record was 50-4-0 with 39 wins by way of knockout.

Muhammad Ali lives with Parkinson's Disease which he was diagnosed with in 1984. After years of being despised by some fans for his arrogant style in boxing, Ali is now widely beloved and adored by fans despite the disease. In 1996, Ali had the honor of lighting the flame at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Despite the controversy in this fight, this began the rise of Ali as a cult sports icon in the United States. Ali has received numerous accolades and is still one of the most recognized people in this country. Ali will always have his place in history as a true legend and icon in boxing, sports, and in life. The man known as the "Greatest of All-Time" had arrived on this day in 1964.

Thanks for viewing, and I hope you enjoyed this sports history flashback!

For any Ali fans out there, here's his official site: Muhammad Ali's Page

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Followers Update For Blogger

For those using Blogger on their site, you may have noticed a decrease in the amount of followers on your list. That is because Google is integrating Google Friend Connect and Blogger together. Until the process is complete and to prevent from linking profiles of either one, those using Friend Connect will be following blogs anonymously.

So just to be clear, the number of your followers hasn't changed because those using Friend Connect are following you anonymously which means they can see when you update on their Blogger homepage.

Google Friend Connect, after integration, should allow blogs to have more visibility and help the community as a whole.

I use Google Friend Connect now, so don't be alarmed that I stopped following any of you today because I didn't do so. In fact, I added to my list today. This goes for anyone else that is using Friend Connect at this time as well.

This is for those that were wondering and/or were unaware of why the number of followers decreased on your list.

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Miracle On Ice on February 22, 1980

On February 22, 1980, what is described by many as the proudest moment in United States sports history had taken place. It was on this day that the U.S. ice hockey team faced off against the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The U.S.S.R. was heavily favored to win this game, but it was the U.S. team that forever made their mark on history on this day at the Olympic Center.

The Soviet Union were led by head coach Viktor Tikhonov, who believed in resting his star players and studying film rather than using them when they weren't needed. It was hard to argue with the success. The Soviets had won every ice hockey gold medal since 1964 going into this game, and had they had played together many times before.

The Soviet Union dominated in group play while winning all games leading up to the medal round. Though classified as amateur players, many of them developed in a professional league while also having a 5-3-1 record against an NHL All-Star squad(which included a 6-0 win for the Challenge Cup) and beating the New York Rangers and New York Islanders in exhibition play. They had lopsided wins of 16-0 over Japan, 17-4 over the Netherlands, and 8-1 over Poland. They also handily defeated the U.S. team in exhibition play with a 10-3 win, too.

U.S. Head Coach Herb Brooks was nearly the polar opposite of Tikhonov. Brooks was often confrontational with his players and he strongly believed in hard, tough practices and berating his players to play to his expectations. Most of his players came from Boston University and Minnesota, but they had practiced together since 1979.

The U.S. did settle for a 2-2 tie against a good Sweden team before winning four straight games to qualify for the medal round. Czechoslovakia, thought by many to be the second best team behind the Soviets, was upset by the U.S. in group play too.

Sweden, after an upset of Canada in group play, advanced along with Finland to the medal round as well.

Bad blood between the two sides further escalated politically with the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan the year before. There were concerns that the Soviet Union may not show up for the Winter Games in New York. Also, then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter strongly considered boycotting the Summer Olympics in Moscow during this time in which he eventually did so. The U.S. did upset the Soviets in 1960, but the American team had an average age of 22 for their squad going against a team that was experienced and played together many times before.

The Cold War helped set the stage for what turned out to be a surprisingly competitive game. The energized crowd witnessed the U.S. making an improbable run to get to the medal round and there was a patriotic presence in the arena. Early on, it seemed the Soviets were going to make it a one-sided affair.

In the opening period, the Soviet Union jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Vladimir Krutov deflected a slap shot from Aleksei Kasatonov that got past U.S. goaltender Jim Craig. But the U.S. answered back as Buzz Schneider scored a goal to tie the game.

The Soviets then took back the lead when Sergei Makarov scored later in the opening period.

Craig improved his play as goaltender as he turned away many shots from the Soviet Union. As the opening period came to a close, the U.S. team had the puck on their end of the ice.

Forward Dave Christian fired a shot at Soviet goaltender Vladislav Tretiak which was initially saved. But Tretiak misplayed the rebound which allowed Mark Johnson to scoop it up into the goal to tie the game 2-2 with one second left in the opening period.

Tretiak, who was considered by many to be the best goaltender in the world at the time, was replaced by Vladimir Myshkin to start the second period. Tikhonov' move to replace Tretiak shocked both teams and fans, and it likely was the turning point in the game.

However in Myshkin's defense, he didn't allow a goal in the second period. The Soviet Union took back the lead on a power play goal by Aleksandr Maltsev in the second period. The Soviet Union held a 3-2 lead going into the final period.

With under 12 minutes left in regulation, the U.S. had a power play opportunity when Krutov was penalized for high-sticking. Johnson scored a goal past Myshkin with seconds remaining on that power play to tie the game 3-3.

The U.S. took the lead for the first time two shifts later when Mike Eruzione, who was left undefended in the high slot, received a pass from Mark Pavelich. Myshkin was screened by a teammate as Eruzione fired a shot past him to give the United States a 4-3 lead.

Craig continued to turn away shots by the Soviet Union as regulation time began to wind down. In the closing minute, the Soviet Union elected not to pull Myshkin from the game for an extra attacker. The Soviets kept the puck in the U.S. zone, but the U.S. cleared it past the blue line with seven seconds remaining in the game.

As the clock winded down, fans chanted "USA!" and announcer Al Michaels made the famous call:

"Eleven seconds, you've got ten seconds, the countdown going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk. Five seconds left in the game. Do you believe in miracles? Yes!"

Game stats:
Shots on goal: Soviet Union 39, United States 16
Power play Goals/Attempts: Soviet Union 1-for-2, United States 1-for-2
Penalties/Minutes: Soviet Union 3-for-6 minutes, United States 3-for-6 minutes
Craig: 36 saves, 3 goals allowed
Tretiak: 6 saves, 2 goals allowed in 20 minutes
Myshkin: 6 saves, 2 goals allowed in 40 minutes
Soviet Union goals: Krutov assist from Kasatonov at 9:12 in first period; Makarov assist from Vladimir Golikov at 17:34 in first period; Maltsev assist from Krutov at 2:42 in the second period
United States goals: Schneider assist from Pavelich at 14:03 in first period; Johnson assist from Christian and Dave Silk at 19:59 in first period; Johnson assist from Silk at 8:39 in third period; Eruzione assist from Pavelich and John Harrington at 10:00 in third period

The shocking upset allowed the U.S. to advance on to play for the gold medal against Finland. Overcoming a 2-1 deficit, the U.S. rallied for a 4-2 win to secure the gold medal. Because of rules at the time, this was a round-robin tournament which made it possible for any of the four teams to finish anywhere between 1st and 4th. The tie against Sweden by the U.S. in group play counted along with the medal games. After the Soviets rebounded to knock off Sweden in the silver medal game, the U.S. clinched the gold medal by beating Finland. Sweden ended up winning the bronze medal.

The Soviet players had fear of returning back to Moscow after not winning the gold medal. A better lifestyle came for anyone making the Soviet team because it was considered high placement in their country while dominating the sport. The USSR would still remain as the dominant ice hockey team in the world until the breakup in 1991 despite the loss in this game. However, many players from the country defected or ended up in the NHL.

After the breakup of the country, more Soviet players began to open up about the game against the U.S in 1980. Soviet players recognized the intensity and relentlessness of the U.S. team while also stating they deserved the hard-fought victory, too.

Some U.S. players went on to a better life after this game. Ken Morrow was part of the 1980 Stanley Cup Champion New York Islanders team. Mike Ramsey played 18 years in the NHL and was a five-time All-Star. Dave Christian played 14 years in the NHL while being named an All-Star in 1991. Mark Johnson played 11 years in the league, and eventually became the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison coaching the team to national titles in 2006 and 2007.

Jim Craig only played in 30 NHL games during his career, but he's the most well-known player from this team. Craig went on to become a highly successful salesman and marketing executive, and is currently President of the Boston-based Gold Medal Strategies company. He has helped to provide inspirational and motivational strategies to over 300 companies including Coca-Cola, Merrill Lynch, Pepsi, and Walt Disney.

Even Craig Patrick, an assistant under Brooks during the 1980 Winter Games, had a successful career as a General Manager in the NHL which eventually earned him Hall of Fame honors.

Herb Brooks had a so-so career as head coach in the NHL, and would return to coach the U.S. team in 2002 in Salt Lake City as they won the silver medal. Sadly, Brooks died on August 11, 2003 in a car accident outside Forest Lake, Minnesota. The location at Lake Placid where the Miracle on Ice took place is now called Herb Brooks Arena.

A movie called Miracle on Ice aired on television in 1981 starring Karl Malden as Brooks and Steve Guttenberg as Craig.

After the death of Brooks in 2003, a movie called Miracle starring Kurt Russell as Brooks came to theaters. The "Do you believe in miracles?" line was the actual original broadcast from Michaels in the movie.

Michaels was named "Sportscaster of the Year" for 1980 for his coverage of the epic moment. Michaels has continued his very successful career, and also won an award for his coverage during the Earthquake World Series in 1989. He's now more famous for his role as announcer on Monday Night Football on ABC and his current position teaming with former NFL head coach John Madden for Sunday Night Football on NBC.

The U.S. team was named "Sportsmen of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in 1980. This game was voted the greatest sports moment of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated in 2000. They were also named "Athlete of the Year" by both the Associated Press and ABC Wide World of Sports. In 2004, ESPN's 25th Anniversary recognized this event as the top moment, game, and headline on their network. Furthermore in 2008, the International Hockey Federation picked this game as the top international hockey moment.

The famous "USA!" chant has continued to be used by supporters since this game in 1980. Turbulent times in the 1970s had strained national pride, but this game helped bolster it in a big way.

When I think about the greatest upsets in sports history, this one in my mind is the biggest of them all. No one game ever brought out the best in our country during the Cold War quite like this one. During a time when the United States needed a boost of morale, this team provided that. Against a team that had dominated the sport in the previous Winter Games, the U.S. would not be denied on this day on their own turf. In currently tough economic times, one can look back with a smile on a day when we as sports fans were proud of a team that restored national pride for many of us.

At the time, I was only five years old, but I love watching the highlights of this game on ESPN Classic as much as anyone. I was once asked which event in sports history I would have witnessed, and I said this one. The fever pitch, the Cold War, and crowd that wouldn't let the U.S. stay down would have been something to see.

As I leave you, I want to flashback to the actual closing moments of the game. Al Michaels and Ken Dryden have the call.

Photo shows Eruzione's game winning goal and celebration. The second photo shows the United States on the podium after winning the gold medal in 1980.

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EBW UnCut

Live from the ArnieV Civic Center in Catbalongan, Samar, Philippines

The following presentation is rated R (For language and extreme violence)
Viewer discretion is advised.
Close captioning where it is available by pressing the CC button on your controller.
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Now available in High Definition(HD)!
Note: The matches are truly fictional and scripted. This show isn't meant to put any team, player, member, race, or culture down. This is just for fun, so if you don't like it then you have the right to read another blog. Being that I've written wrestling storylines and I'm familiar with the business, this was created. Again, this is scripted, so the outcome of the matches might not be what you expect in trying to put together entertainment for members and fans. Enjoy, and DO NOT take this seriously.

(The show opens to a close up of the GM in his office. (Big heel pop).

Paul Huffaker: Good evening. My name is Paul Huffaker, and I am the General Manager of Extreme Blog Wrestling. I would like to welcome you to the first EBW UnCut here on Basic Bloganomics. Much has been written in regards to my actions in EBW recently, with many questioning my legitimacy as GM. Many are worried that because the EBW Heavyweight Champion guardian of the galaxy has aligned himself with me, along with the BWE Women’s Champion soadrules doing the same, that I may “go easy” on them in booking their title matches at our premier event, No Recovery, which will be our next PFV event.

I would like to assure you that will not be the case. In fact, I have decided their matches already, and while I will not reveal the Women’s Title match here tonight, I will make an announcement regarding the EBW Championship. When I looked back at the beginning of EBW, I noticed a lack of “extreme” here. I will not allow my brand to be the #2 promotion in BWE! So I have devised a match so extreme, so evil, so diabolic, and best of all, so dangerous that the competitors will be risking their life just to compete! It is the Ultimate Hell! The EBW Champion will defend in a Fatal 4 Way Match under Elimination Rules, so there is guaranteed to be only one man standing, well, if he can even stand at all! (laughs)

But that’s only the beginning! Because I have scoured the globe searching for just the right touch to make this match truly unforgettable and I now have it! The ring will be surrounded by 20 foot high steel cage! The cage itself will have a roof on it to make sure nobody gets in, and more importantly, that no one gets out. And to make it truly extreme, the 4 walls of the cage, not including the top, will be covered in BARBED WIRE! (Big face pop) Tonight, we will have the first qualifying match, our main event of Lester’s Legends vs. REIGNBLOOD. The winner will qualify to sacrifice themself in the Ultimate Hell. Good luck to those 4 unlucky souls who enter the match, you may want to pick out a good nursing home for afterwards.

Speaking of finding nursing homes, Miatay, I just wanted to let you know some great news. I looked into the insurance policy and we will be able to get you the finest nursing home in America once I put you out of your misery in our match tonight! And it’s for the best anyway. You get to fight in front of your friends & family right here in The Philippines and get to retire in front of them too! I will finish the job the Agents of Chaos started in Washington D.C. Miatay, your dream is about to become a nightmare.

(The opening video for EBW UnCut plays, highlighting all the stars!)

(A wide shot of a darkened arena, quiet in anticipation. After a minute or so, a red light starts spinning around the arena. It is slow at first but quickly builds speed to cover the entire arena in a dark red light pool. The lights die once again, only to build to a brilliant white glow focused squarely on the E-Screen. A thick, red liquid appears on the screen in a video that flashes several short words: death, life, honor, blood, uprising. The stage explodes in flames as the crowd pops huge! Rising through the ashes, a figure appears, clothes covered in blood. He steps forward and slowly makes his way to the ring where he picks up a microphone. His head is bowed low to obscure his face to the fans as he begins to speak.)

When you are faced with your mortality, you have two choices. Succumb to your fate, or become he who determines it. When I was left for dead in a parking lot 6 months ago, I swore that if The Fates allowed, I would get my revenge! And as the blood spilled from my head, instead of uncertainty, clarity became reality. I felt cleansed. I felt…reborn. And tonight, I shed the exterior and extract my vengeance!

(The robe covered in blood is thrown off to reveal a reborn The Phoenix standing before the shocked audience.)

Phoenix: Propaganda. That’s all you have been fed. Everyone has been led by corruption, creed, and a desire for control. The Agents of Chaos would like you to believe they have no plans; that all their work is to create anarchy and disorder. Do you believe anyone in a position of authority lives without plans? I refuse to be led to slaughter once again by the AOC! I know who attacked me, and I know he benefited to the highest degree. But now, they will all fall. Guardian of the galaxy was nothing more than a puppet, and believe me I want to destroy that puppet along with his two cronies. But when all is said and done, destiny will be fulfilled. I shall have my vengeance on the puppet master! And I shall handle accordingly any mortal who impedes my path of destruction. No one will be spared.

(The Phoenix’s dark and violent prophecy has brought fear to the hearts of the crowd who are torn in their response. Phoenix drops the microphone and begins to walk towards the stage. Reignblood makes his way to greet The Phoenix, presumably to show support for his initiative. Phoenix never gives him a chance as he cuts him down with a vicious clothesline.)

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Joe Payne: The Agents of Chaos have already arrived at the arena tonight, and I have no doubt we will be hearing from them in response to The Phoenix. I have never seen the usually fun-loving Phoenix in this state before. The AOC needs to be careful. They may have created a monster they cannot contain. Well, let’s shift gears here and try to get this thing underway! We are live for the first EBW UnCut of 2009! And if ’09 is anything like ’08, it’s going to be wild in the world of hardcore! Let’s go to the ring for our first match of the year!

Ring Announcer: This is the first match of 2009 in Extreme Blog Wrestling! Introducing first, from the great state of Georgia, he is the EBW Lightweight Champion, Wassup!

(Wassup carries the title over his shoulder as he makes his way to the ring, eager to get the action started.)

Ring Announcer: And his opponent, the Fbkid!

(Fbkid is all energy as he sprints to the ring to a great ovation.)

Wassup vs. Fbkid

Joe Payne: This opening contest is sure to be exciting as the Lightweight Champion, Wassup, battles Fbkid. Bell rings, Wassup and Fbkid tie up. Wassup goes into an armdrag, but Fbkid wiggles out and runs into the ropes, ducks a clothesline from Wassup, and comes back for a dropkick! Wassup comes back to his feet, and both men are at opposite corners of the ring. Wow, Fbkid has gotten the early advantage in this match. He could be a real threat to Wassup, who has held the Lightweight championship for over 6 months. Speaking of threats, I hope the AOC are not going to disrupt any of the exciting matches on our show tonight, as they have been living up to their name in EBW lately. Both men tie up again, and Wassup quickly punches Fbkid in the face, and keeps giving him knife edge chops forcing him back into the corner. Wassup gives Fbkid an enzuigiri kick that sends him out of the ring down to the floor. Wassup goes outside and tries to give Fbkid an irish whip into the rail, but Fbkid reverses it and sends Wassup into the railing. Fbkid tries to run and clothesline him, but Wassup ducks and Fbkid runs into the railing. Wassup grabs Fbkid by the head and slams his head into the ring post!

Wassup rolls him back into the ring, and goes for a headlock. Fbkid is trying to find the strength to come to his feet, but Wassup will not let go. Wassup lets go, and goes for a leg drop, but Fbkid rolls out of the way! Both men are on the ground! Fbkid has come to his feet first, and sends Wassup into the ropes. Wassup comes back, and Fbkid gives him a crossbody! 1...2...and a kick out! Wassup comes up and Fbkid gives him a few shots to the face. He whips Wassup into the ropes again, and Wassup gives him a sunset flip and goes for the cover! 1...2...and he kicks out.

How much more can these two take? Wassup brings Fbkid to his feet, and whips him into the corner. Wassup sits Fbkid on the top turnbuckle, and Wassup begins his ascent, and gives him a hurricanrana! Both men are lying on the ground, and the referee begins the 10 count. What a match this has been so far, I hope the rest of the matches we have tonight can live up to this one, especially Miatay vs. Paul. Wassup comes to his feet, and slowly begins climbing the turnbuckle for an aerial maneuver. But Fbkid quickly comes to his feet, and runs over to the corner and grabs Wassup for a roll up! 1…2…3!!! Fbkid has defeated Wassup!! Wassup cannot believe it! What an upset win! I hope these two have a rematch in the near future, with the Lightweight Championship on the line!

Winner- Fbkid

(Camera cuts to backstage, a quick pan of the GM’s empty office.)

Joe Payne: If the GM’s not there, that means he’s roaming the arena somewhere tonight. And if he’s not in a good mood, he will make damn sure none of us are! What does the AOC have in store for us tonight, as the GM takes on the hometown hero, Miatay?

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Joe Payne: Good lord! What the hell are you doing?
Paul: Making an example.
Joe: Welcome back to a volatile UnCut. The Agents of Chaos have arrived, and they have dragged LakerKev to the ring! This is out of control! It looks like we will be treated to hearing the GM speak as he has demanded a microphone from the frightened ring announcer.

Paul: It seems that a certain “problem” has returned, and apparently he’s under the control of “The Fates,” whatever the hell that means. I figured if he can pretend to be deeply disturbed and volatile, then he might want to take some lessons from those who really are! You people have this preconceived notion that there is good and evil. That there are heroes to save you from the villains of the world. Well, I love to be the bearer of bad news; there are no heroes in this world. There is just evil, darkness, despair, misery, and anarchy. This is not some cheap Hollywood movie! The good guy isn’t going to pull off some miracle to vanquish the forces of evil! We will destroy those who stand up to us. Make no mistake, I am in charge! So, LakerKev is it? You have a very important job tonight. You are going to be sacrificed.

Joe: WHAT??? Is that even legal? This is insane! Yankees3Fan7 is in position behind a defenseless LakerKev. The BWE Women’s Champion soadrules is circling the…er, victim. The EBW Heavyweight Champion Guardian of the Galaxy is smiling smugly as he holds the championship aloft. What does this have to do with the top prize in EBW? Oh, what a clothesline from Y3F7! Kev is down now, and what is the Women’s Champion up to? She is bending down and she just locked lips with LakerKev? What? Well, at least it’s not *all* bad. Oh wait, she just kicked him in the side of the head. Yeah, this is going to get worse. (Massive heel heat for entire segment)

Both Y3F7 and soadrules are stomping LakerKev into the mat. Guardian is standing there laughing and the GM is barking orders on the execution of LakerKev’s blog wrestling career. Kev is starting to struggle to his feet, and he reaches the ropes trying to fall in between them and get out of the ring. But Y3F7 grabs him before he can finish his fall. Damn I was hoping he would make it! Soad just slapped Kev for the desperate escape attempt. Y3F7 plants Kev into the ground with an intentional Spike DDT! He could have snapped his neck right there! Now the vicious duo is trying to break Kev’s legs! Y3F7 has the left leg in a heel hook; soadrules is trying to hyper-extend the right leg! This is too much! This is a damn maiming! Guardian has the microphone now.

Guardian: Hey Phoenix. I want you to take a good look at Kev here. Because this is just a taste of what the AOC can do to you! There is nothing you can do to stop us! You called our GM a puppet master. What makes you so special that you can declare anything? Last time I checked, the champ is the one in charge of the show. And I say our GM’s nobility in the face of mounting criticism and emotional strain is a testament to his desire to see his show succeed in ways no one ever dreamed!

You threatened the Agents of Chaos. Do you have a death wish? Did I knock out a few too many brain cells when I bashed your head in with that pipe 6 months ago! You can boo me all you want, I couldn’t care less! (Holds up the title) As long as I have this, I am untouchable! We are untouchable! (Looks at LakerKev) It’s time to end another career.

Joe: That did not sound promising. Guardian is slowly, methodically approaching the downed LakerKev. Hey wait, are those brass knuxs on his fist? Those could break Kev’s jaw! No! Soad & Y3F7 are holding Kev in the corner, and Guardian is using that dangerous fist to pummel the ribs and gut of LakerKev! Good God! He falls out of the corner, and there may some serious internal injuries! Oh no, he’s setting up for the final blow! Someone stop him! Huh? The GM just stepped in front of LakerKev to stop the EBW Champion? This doesn’t make sense. Paul’s directing traffic again, as Y3F7 is under the ring looking for something.

Paul: I believe I said LakerKev would be sacrificed tonight. I meant that. Every word of it, but it will be done the proper way.

Joe: Is that what I think it is? There’s some sort of alter type thing in the ring and Kev’s head is lying across it and the GM is pulling something out of a protective case. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??? He has a f*cking sword! Pardon my language, but someone needs to get their asses out here NOW!!! What does he think he is, Jason from Friday the 13th? The GM is out of his mind and somebody needs to stop this! Kev is defenseless dammit! Someone talk some sense into the crazy bastard! The AOC members are standing stoic. They can’t let this happen! NOOOOOOO!!!

What happened? The lights are out in the arena. Is LakerKev alive? Lights are back on, and the ring is covered in blood! Oh my god he must have done it. Wait, LakerKev is safe! And there’s The Phoenix! The Phoenix has saved LakerKev’s life! Oh thank god! But where did all the blood come from?

Phoenix: There are no holes in the Prophecy. Guardian, you spilled my blood, so I will spill yours! The blood which I have provided you is specially picked for you, Guardian. It is your blood type. Consider it my gift to you, because the next time you will be covered in blood, it will be your own blood! I don’t care about your precious championship, Guardian. No, I am going to destroy you! And then, General Manager, you will pay for your crimes against EBW! I shall then decide whether you will be spared or not. And I would not hold my breath if I were you. Neither of you will rise from the ashes. There will not be a rebirth. This is a complete and total annihilation. (Huge face heat)

Joe Payne: Statements have been made and the battle lines are being drawn. A war is about to erupt and EBW may be its only real casualty!

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Joe: The level of insanity in EBW is at radioactive levels as we welcome you back to the only “extreme” brand of blog wrestling today! We are set for a star-studded 6-Man Tag here and it is live!

Ring Announcer: This match is a 6-Man Tag Team Match, scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Scottsdale, AZ, here is the owner of the E-Diner—dking!

(Dking gets a good face pop as he throws sides of bacon to the fans as he makes his way to the ring.)

Ring Announcer: And introducing his partners, first from Williamsport, PA, the baseball card collector authority, fanofreds!

(Fanofreds brings out his traditional plate of nachos as he “nacho chesses” his way to the ring.)

Ring Announcer: And their partner, from St. Louis, MO, here is enova!

(Enova slaps hands with a few fans as he comes to the ring. In the ring, he shakes hands with his partners and they begin to talk over some last minute strategies.)

Ring Announcer: And their opponents, first Washington DC, he is 3rdStoneFromTheSun!

(3rdStone doesn’t seem to be on the right team as he is acting nothing like his partners tonight have. He grabs a sign that displays his catchphrase, “I know more than I can divulge.”)

Ring Announcer: And his partners, Yankees3Fan7 & the EBW Heavyweight Champion guardian of the galaxy, they are the Agents of Chaos!

(The demeanor of the match takes a dramatic change as the cold and calculating AOC methodically makes their way to the ring. Guardian has the EBW Title around his waist, while Y3F7 walks slowly, his cold eyes staring in the ring at the four men.)

6-Man Tag:
dking, fanofreds, & enova vs. 3rdStone, guardian, & Y3F7

Joe Payne: An exciting 6-Man Tag we have for you here, and the EBW Champion is one of the 6 in action! It will be interesting to see how much ring time he gets with that barbaric Ultimate Hell match looming at No Recovery. There’s the bell, and here we go! Looks like dking and 3rdStone will start the match. It seems like dking has been in the AOC’s sights for quite a while with all the brutal matches he’s been forced to compete in (They tie up). Just a few months ago at our huge Draft event, it was enova who beat dking in a brutal Falls Count Anywhere match which caused dking to be drafted to EBW. I hope they can put the past behind them and work as a cohesive unit here. These guys are just slugging it out, as each man takes a shot. But an uppercut by dking has 3rdStone down early. 3rd crawls into the corner, but eats a low dropkick from dking! Wow! I don’t think 3rdStone saw that one coming! Dking keeps the advantage, not giving 3rd a moment to breathe as he grabs him for a Camel Clutch. Made famous by the Iron Sheik, but created by “Gory” Guerrero, the patriarch of one of the greatest families in wrestling. The pain has to be excruciating! Dking is really cranking the pressure! But they are too close to the ropes, and 3rd has the wherewithal to grab the middle rope. And dking has to break the hold.

Dking tags in enova, a little rougher than a traditional tag, but here comes the man from the “Show Me State!” A quick stomp to the back keeps 3rd down, but on the second stomp 3rd grabs the foot and flips enova backwards. Nice move there. 3rd goes right to work, as he goes for a leg lock. Enova is trying to fight it, as he drags himself and 3rd to the corner. Not a lot of fundamentals in this tag match. Enova is close; all he has to do is reach! And even in the leg lock, his partner is able to reach and he tags in fanofreds! That took a lot of leg strength, ladies and gentlemen!

Jaysfan: My God are you boring! This is like listening to public radio!

Joe: Jaysfan? And Geek in the Pink? What are you two doing here? You don’t have contracts with EBW! And what a sensational sunset flip by 3rdStone! He’s got him!

Jays: Wrong again, Joe. That’s only a two count! Didn’t they teach you how to count to 3 in American public schools?

Joe: Excuse me? I think you should watch your mouth, son. Before Security comes to take you away, why don’t you answer one question? Why are you two always interrupting EBW events? Before you answer that, a great clothesline by enova! Another as 3rdStone gets up light on his legs. Cover, but enova only gets 2!

Jays: We are here as invited guests of the General Manager. He went back and watched the video of our last appearance, and he liked what he saw, so he invited us to save your commentary. He said he’s as sick of this contract issue as we are! He’s agreed to everything the investigators have asked, but the new guy on BWE keeps screwing everything up! So the investigators are going to ask for a public questioning of the executives of BWE & EBW and other important people to get to the bottom of it! Nice headscissors by 3rdStone! That’s the kind of stuff you will only see on EBW!

Joe: Indeed it is! But what’s this about a public questioning? Am I going to be subpoenaed?

Jays: We said important people. So what do you think? We will be glad to get this crap over with so we can show everyone how we do things in the ring. Hey, there’s the tag to Y3F7! (Big heel pop) This is when things get interesting! While you were, blabbing, 3rdStone had been targeting the left arm of fanofreds, and that appears to be Y3F7’s target as well. Quick stomp, to the injured arm, nice! Now the dangerous Y3F7 is dragging fanofreds across the ring, cutting him off from his partners. He’s got fanofreds’ arm wrapped around the ring post!

Joe: Oh no! Break the hold! The man’s arm is being torn out of the socket!

Jays: Who cares??? Sometimes, that’s what you have to do to win! Y3F7 is not satisfied with the damage done, and he’s pulled fanofreds out of the ring. He’s got him up and down he comes on the security wall! Damn, that’s gotta hurt!

Joe: Fanofreds’ face bouncing off the wall like an underinflated basketball. What is going through Y3F7’s mind right now?

Jays: Destruction. This man is hell-bent on destruction. Look at him. Do you think he gives a damn about you or anyone else? No, he doesn’t. He looks out for himself and his buddies in the AOC. That’s what breeds champions. And mark my words; Y3F7 is destined to be champion.

Joe: Maybe so, but it doesn’t take serial killer like tactics to accomplish that! Our first Champion was a man of honor and dignity, much like Lester’s Legends. As Y3F7 whips fanofreds into the steel steps! Oh man, the anguish etched onto fanofreds’ face tells the story there!

Jays: And look at the former champ now! He got retired and lost his championship at the same time! And now, he’s a memory to EBW fans. Look at this vicious streak in Y3F7! Oh man, here they come! Y3F7 just slammed fanofreds on the announce table!

Joe: What did Y3F7 mean by that? He just looked at you and said, “Are you boys taking notes?” Why?

Jays: That, my nosy little reporter, is none of your business. Y3F7 rolls fanofreds back in the ring and covers him but only gets two. Y3F7 tosses fanofreds into the corner, and he just drills him with a nice punch!

Joe: You mean a cheap shot! That’s all that was. And now he has fanofreds’ injured arm in position, and he tosses him into the ringpost! Damnit.

Jays: Y3F7 seems happy with the damage done, and he tags in 3rdStone. 3rd goes for the cover, but dking runs in and breaks it up at 2 ½. And now, dking knocks Y3F7 off the apron with a cheap shot! The ref is trying to get dking back to the apron, but guardian runs into the ring and hits a vicious running DDT on fanofreds. His head spiking into the ground like a tree planted into the ground. (Big heel pop)

Joe: None of that was legal, of course! Guardian is acting like he’s been on the apron, pointing at himself and mockingly asking the ref if he thinks it was his fault. You can’t fault the ref for doing his job, and he can’t have eyes in the back of his head. Oh! Enzuguri! The Head Kick from fanofreds on 3rdStone! This could be the opening he needs, as he crawls towards his corner!

Jays: That was a sick kick! He’s reaching, and there’s the tag! (Big face pop) This is the turning point of the match! Enova is on fire, a clothesline to 3rdStone! A back elbow to Y3F7! And a chop to the Champ!

Joe: The voltage just got cranked up when enova hit the ring! A shot to the ribs by enova, and how he sends 3rdStone off the ropes. There it is! The Gateway Arch (a vicious backbreaker that arches the victim’s back in a very awkward way)! He’s got him! 1-2-3! What a victory!

Winners- enova, dking, & fanofreds

Joe: What the hell? Dking just grabbed enova and they are slugging each other! I guess there’s still some tension from that Falls Count Anywhere match a couple months ago. They are brawling out of the ring, and into the crowd! We need to get a camera on them! There they go to the back, and we have at least a dozen referees trying to pull them apart! Hey, wait a minute! Guardian just caught fanofreds flush in the face with a title shot from the EBW Championship! What the hell is that for? Oh no! Y3F7 just laid out fanofreds with a Cutter! This has to be a message sent by the AOC to the rest of EBW. This is just sad. Jaysfan & Geek in the Pink have left the announce table, not soon enough if you ask me.

The AOC members are posing on the stage as this crowd is telling them what they think of that sneak attack. What are those two up to? Jaysfan & Geek in the Pink are on opposite sides of the ring, on the top rope. Oh not that! The Synchronized T-DOT, named for the airport code of their hometown! What is the point of that? Here comes Security to escort them out of the arena. This is not helping them secure a contract with EBW! Those boys came across very arrogant tonight, and I hope for their sake it isn’t their Achilles Heel!

(Camera quick cuts to backstage as Miatay is walking through a hallway towards the ring.)
Joe Payne: A vindictive General Manager is about to face the wrath of the “Filipina Fury!” The Intergender Match is next!

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Joe: We first heard of this match on SportingNews.com. Miatay jokingly called out the CEO David Funk for a match, which Mr. Funk played along with until EBW GM Paul Huffaker poked his nose into an A-B conversation. Instead of “C”-ing his way out of it, he antagonized the red hot Filipina, whom his Agents of Chaos left in blood and tears on the previous EBW UnCut. He succeeding in angering the 91 lbs “Filipina Fury” and has booked this intergender match for tonight. As the road to No Recovery winds through our first international destination in EBW, does Miatay have home-field advantage?

Ring Announcer: Our next match is the special Intergender match, scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, from Elyria, OH, the General Manager of EBW, Paul Huffaker!

(Paul is getting massive heel heat as he feigns sword swipes with his hands.)

Ring Announcer: And introducing the opponent! From The Philippines!!! She is the “91 lbs. of Filipina Fury!” Welcome Miatay!!!

Joe: The roof has damn near blown off the arena! I have never heard such a face pop in my life! And I think it’s safe to say, Mia’s got home-field advantage here tonight!

(Mia hits the ring and gives waves to her hometown fans as she soaks in the moment, before locking eyes with the cold, vindictive GM.)

Intergender Match:
Paul H vs. Miatay

Joe: The GM has wronged many as his Agents of Chaos took over EBW. But no one more so than Miatay. The way she was used as bait against Lester’s Legends in, ironically, another Intergender match, was absolutely appalling. I know I should not be rooting for anyone in this match, but how can you not hope that Mia snaps Paul’s neck with her powerful legs?

The bell rings and here we go! Kick his ass, Mia!!! I’m sorry, but there’s no way on this side of a frozen Hell that I can be impartial here! Mia is smiling, knowing she’s got that sorry bastard right where she wants him! Kind of makes you wonder why Paul would agree to a match like this when he has not competed in nearly 6 months. Mia, meanwhile, has been training to prepare for her debut and while that may have been on our last UnCut, she would love nothing more than to be involved in the Women’s Title picture. Nothing has been announced thus far about AOC’s soadrules defending her title, but a win her would propel Mia right to Texas and our biggest event of the year!

Paul is laughing? I suppose he enjoys a good ass kicking too. Even if it’s his! I guess I should mention Paul’s previous in-ring experience, including appearing on BWE Throwdown! and several PFV events. Beautiful spin kick from the equally beautiful Mia! Paul is down! Mia just said something to the ref, who is now busy at ringside with one of our security walls. This gives Mia the chance to grab Paul by the throat and choke him with no mercy! The GM’s face is turning a beautiful shade of blue as he gasps for air. (Big face pop) The ref is back in, and he has to do his job in telling Mia to release the hold. Mia stomps Paul in gut and the ground is eating it up! Paul’s struggling against the ropes and telling the ref to quote: “Keep her the f*** off of me!” Not that we condone that kind of language, but you were warned at the top of the show. The former “Rated R Blogger” is nothing more than a shell of himself in the ring as Mia pops him right in the mouth! She helps him to his feet and then tosses him across the ring with a martial arts throw! She immediately grabs the right arm and locks it into a picture-perfect armbar! Paul is howling in pain as he reaches desperately for the ropes!

She is letting him get close to the ropes, only to drag him back away! She’s teasing him! Nicely done, girl! Our friends here in The Philippines are enjoying this! Paul’s about to tap, but Mia lets go of the hold. She wants to make that lousy piece of crap suffer for what he did! She has to be flashing back, to the manipulation, the torture, the DDT on the concrete, and of course the kick into the steel steps, a move which had Mia been placed two inches further up would have put her out of blog wrestling forever as it would have cut into her spine and neck. This is payback! Mia is stomping on the arm, and I hope she breaks it! The ref is being very lenient with the rules tonight, which this capacity crowd more than appreciates. Mia is pulling the padding off the turnbuckle, which is against the rules and the ref is going to have to put it back. The ref is going to be busy for a while.

Mia is going to be able to bend the rules a little. She’s got Paul by the hair of his head, dragging him to his feet. Wait, why is Paul’s fist shining? Aw damnit! Those brass knuckles! Aw you son of a bitch! He just knocked out Miatay with those knuxs. (Huge heel pop) You can’t be serious! Where in the hell did they come from anyway? The no good bastard just spit on Mia’s unconscious body, and is now placing a foot on her chest. This isn’t right. Mia’s shoulders are down and the ref, who apparently is blind as a bat and did not see any of the replays on the E-Screen, counts the 1-2-3.

Winner- Paul Huffaker

Joe: I apologize once again for my language, but I’ve known Paul for too long and I’ve never seen this side of him last this long. And I think we found the culprit on the brass knux. The Women’s Champion Soadrules just rolled out from under the ring. I guess we should have counted on some AOC interference. The Women’s Champion has just marked her territory on the “Filipina Fury.” And they are not done, unfortunately. If they pull out that damn sword again, I’m getting out of my chair! Oh not that! Soadrules, known to her friends as Julie, is grabbing 2 steel chairs. If you’ve been with us for any UnCut episode, you know what happens next. Julie is laying the first chair under Miatay’s head, but she appears to be having second thoughts. For once the AOC has a conscious. Paul has one chair, Julie the other. No, stop them now!!! This is the original Con-Chair-To made famous by the WWE tag team of Edge & Christian. This could put any hope Miatay had of a blog wrestling career in the question.

Lights out! Now what??? It’s The Phoenix, again! He’s saved Miatay! And look at what he has done! A dummy that looks just like the GM is hanging from the rafters! No words need to be spoken; the message is clear. The Phoenix is going to be the end of our GM!

Blog Commercial:

The Road to No Recovery winds its way through BWE & EBW! Coming soon, the brands come together for a night like no other as BWE & EBW present the Jakarta Encounter! What new unbelievable moments will this show give us? And how will the GMs react to the their first face-to-face encounter? Or the superstars of BWE & EBW for that matter? You won't want to miss this one of a kind event as No Recovery approaches!

(Camera focuses on JDIN827, backstage, holding a microphone while standing in front of an black backdrop with the EBW logo in the center.)
JD: Please welcome Lester’s Legends!

(Lester walks into the camera frame.)
JD: Lester, this is a big opportunity tonight. If you beat Reignblood, you get a shot at the EBW Title as part of the Ultimate Hell match at No Recovery! What is your strategy heading into this must win match?

Lester: My strategy? My strategy is to survive. I’ve dealt with the AOC for 4 months now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Paul will do whatever he can to protect his champ. So AOC, “GM”, bring it! You’ve tried to take me out before, and I’m still standing!!! And I’ll be standing in that cage at No Recovery, as the new EBW Heavyweight Champion! I may not be a hero, but someone needs to save EBW and it looks like that someone is going to be me.
(Lester walks off camera towards the gorilla position, water bottle in hand. Camera cuts to a wide shot of the arena as the fans go wild!)

Joe: It is Main Event time as the wild ride continues on UnCut!

Ring Announcer: The following contest is our Main Event of the evening! And it is a Qualifying Match for the Ultimate Hell at No Recovery! And I have just been informed this math will be contested under Extreme Rules!!! Introducing first, he is a member of Raider Nation, REIGNBLOOD! (Big face pop)

(Reign hits the ring and begins looking for weapons underneath it. He seems to understand the importance of this match and will do what it takes to get the first spot in the wired cage.)

Ring Announcer: And introducing his opponent! From Minnesota, here is the man, the myth, the Lester’s Legends! (Huge face pop)

(Lester is all business as he makes his way to the ring, nearly in tunnel vision.)

Ultimate Hell Qualifying Match- Extreme Rules:
Reignblood vs. Lester’s Legends

Joe Payne: I’m nervous about No Recovery. The cage that the GM has put together is very similar to WWE’s Hell in a Cell structure, but wrapping it in barbed wire raises the danger level to scary heights. The HIAC structure they use has ended careers, without being surrounded by barbed wire. I can’t imagine anyone is happy about the potential careers that could be ended at No Recovery. But first, we need to get to the Ultimate Hell. The bell rings, and we are underway! Neither man is actually in the ring, they are searching under it for weapons. Lester has a kendo stick; Reign has a trash can and its lid. Reign is circling around from behind as Lester is busy looking for more “international objects” under the ring. OH! Trash can to the back of Lester! And twice more! He turns around and takes a shot right to the head! Down goes Lester, and the can is crumpled! Lester uses the ring apron to get to his feet, and he turns around into a shot to the skull with the lid from that trash receptacle! Boom! Another and yet another! He’s folded the lid in half over Lester’s skull! Lester is not looking good in the early going.

Reign is busy under the ring, and he has another trash can. He is laying it on its side behind him, and that can’t be good for the Minnesotan. Lester is holding his ribs, no he isn’t! He just caught Reign foolish with a shot to the kidneys with the kendo stick! Wham! Bam! Thank you ma’am! Three more shots striking the body parts Reign can’t protect! One more shot to the skull turns Reign around! Lester’s got Reign and he’s going for a Reverse DDT, and he hits it onto that trash can! That can is trash now!

Lester has the fans going bananas, as the late Gorilla Monsoon would say! Lester is by the security wall as he takes a moment to catch his breath. But Reign is on the hop and he clotheslines Lester over the wall, and his momentum takes him across too! This is why you should always try to get floor seats to an EBW show; you never know who might land in your lap! Reign is clearing out some space and he suplexes Lester onto the concrete floor! Oh my! There’s a fan trying to get involved there with a Lester’s my hero sign, but Security steps in and holds him back. Lester is doing everything he can to retake the momentum, and he throws himself into Reignblood, and they go right through the wall!!! This is what it means to be EBW Champion, and these guys are just fighting for a title shot! Lester is back up, and he’s dragging Reign by the left arm. He puts him in position and stomps the arm. Now a leg drop to that arm and Reign is howling in pain!

This match needs to end in the ring guys! Lester is taking a moment to look under the ring, and he pulls out a ladder! (face pop) That thing has to be 15 feet tall at least! What is he going to do with that? Reign is trying to shake his arm to regain some feeling in it. When he got to his feet, you could see it was just hanging limp. Reign is fighting back with his one good arm, throwing some punches which cause Lester to drop the ladder. He’s holding the other arm against his body to protect it. A kick to the gut stuns Lester, and Reign comes from behind and drops him with a running bulldog! Reign is all fired up! Hey wait a minute, what are you doing? Reignblood is clearing off my announce table. And now the ladder is being set up near it? Oh, from behind Lester catches Reign and clubs him in the back. Reign is lying on the announce table, and the crowd seems to be anticipating something. Lester is signaling for his finisher, the Legends’ Elbow! But how is he going to do that here? Lester runs up the ladder, it nearly tips over and Oh my God! Lester hit the huge Elbow Drop off the top of the ladder through Reignblood, through the announce table!!! We have to see that again! A “Holy Shit!” chant has started here in the ArnieV Civic Center!

Both men are lying in a heap, and it’s Lester who is first to his feet. He drags Reign into the ring, and this could be it! Here’s the cover! 1-2-and he kicks out! That had to be a reflex! Even Lester can’t believe this! What the hell? That Lester Fan from earlier is in the ring with a chair and he just laid out Lester’s Legends with a wicked chair shot! He must have gotten through that hole in the security wall, but what’s with the mask? He’s taking off the mask, and damnit! It’s the EBW Heavyweight Champion guardian of the galaxy! (Big heel pop) He should be stripped of the title for this! Lights out in the arena! What else could happen? Lights are back on, and The Phoenix is standing right behind the EBW Champion! It’s payback time! The Phoenix has the steel chair in hand, and he swings for guardian’s head! Oh no! Guardian ducked, but Reignblood took the shot right to the head! Innocent bystander in what amounts to a drive by. Phoenix is chasing the Champion, and Lester is back to his feet, unaware of what happened. Lester is setting up for the Legends’ Elbow, and he hits it! Cover! 1-2-3! (Bell rings)

Winner & Qualifies for Ultimate Hell at No Recovery- Lester’s Legends

Joe: What a shocking turn of events! Lester is in the Ultimate Hell at No Recovery, but what a fight Reignblood put up! Lester has to be excited, knowing that he will get his hands on guardian and there will be no escaping Lester!

(Camera cuts to the parking lot and a limo pulling up with the license plate “BWE 1.” A limo driver gets out, but is immediately attacked by Yankees3Fan7.)

Y3F7: Don’t think for one second we’re letting this happen! Get the hell out of here! You’re not supposed to be on EBW!

(Y3F7 throws the limo driver back into the driver’s seat. The car suddenly pulls out of the parking lot as Y3F7 pulls out his AT&T wireless phone and calls someone.)

Y3F7: You were right, he tried to show up. Do we need to eliminate him? (Listens to response). That’s what I wanted to hear. Consider it done, Boss. We’ll send him a message he will never forget.

EBW UnCut is in conjuction with Basic Bloganomics.

© Copyright 2009. Property of Basic Bloganomics. All rights reserved. Any publication or retransmission without the express written consent of Basic Bloganomics is strictly prohibited.

Written by Paul Huffaker.
Lightweights Match written by Jeff Lander.
Special Thanks to the members of our Creative Team!

Thanks for reading and supporting the site!

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EBW Preview

Note: This is fictional, and none of this is to be taken seriously. It is about Extreme Blog Wrestling (EBW) in which bloggers are written into storylines. The locations and travel are not real.

For the first time in 2009, Extreme Blog Wrestling is coming live this Wednesday! Join all the stars of EBW as we head to The Philippines for the first blog wrestling event held outside of North America! Rumors are flying about the upcoming show as many are wondering what the Agents of Chaos will be up to at the event.

One member of the AOC that will be in action is the EBW General Manager, Paul Huffaker, who has challenged the “Filipina Fury” Miatay to a one-on-one match! Miatay quickly accepted the match and it will be one of our featured contests at the ArnieV Civic Center. Why would the GM challenge Miatay to a match, after he orchestrated that heinous attack on her on the last episode of UnCut?

We caught up with Miatay earlier to get her reactions to the match. “Hell yeah! It’s on now! When I get my hands on that disgusting excuse for a human being, he’s going to find out why they call me the Filipina Fury!”

Also coming at UnCut in the Philippines, the EBW Lightweight Champion Wassup takes on the rookie Fbkid in a non-title match. The Champ is looking to cement his dominance in the Lightweight division, but the upstart Fbkid would like nothing more than to knock the champ off the top of the mountain. The Philippines is in for a wild ride with the lightweights of EBW coming to tear the roof off the arena!

The road to No Recovery tears through EBW UnCut in The Philippines! You never know what might happen! Don’t miss the action as it comes to you live, this Wednesday on the exclusive home of EBW, Basic Bloganomics!

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BWE Throwdown! Newsletter

Note: This is fictional, and none of this is to be taken seriously. It is about BWE(Blog Wrestling Entertainment) in which bloggers are written into storylines. Some of the opinions expressed here are inside jokes amongst us as well. And yes, the locations and travel are NOT real.

Note: AB means Associated Bloggers

Front Page Headlines

BWE Throwdown! & EBW UnCut Locations Announced

High Point, NC(AB)- BWE Promotions has announced the next three locations for their brand of entertainment. They've announced the Asian Invasion tour for the upcoming tour.

EBW UnCut, which debuts on Basic Bloganomics this week, will come to you live from ArnieV Civic Center in Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines. This will be the first BWE Promotions event ever held outside the USA. A preview for the show will come before the event is posted.

The next BWE Throwdown! will be coming to Malaysia as part of this tour. This will be the first Throwdown! held outside the USA. The city and facility will be announced soon.

Also it was announced that an event called Jakarta Encounter with both BWE & EBW shows on the same night. It will take place at the Tripzibit Resort in Jakarta, Indonesia. This event will be the last one held before the Pay-For-View event, No Recovery!

No Recovery! will be coming to the T-Sad Motor Speedway in Dallas, Texas.


Congress To Investigate BWE For Infractions

Washington D.C.(AB)- Congress has been given a report by a private investigator in which BWE has violated the underage policy for bloggers.

According to the investigator, BWE has used bloggers that were under the age of 18 in matches which is not legal. Recently, bloggers such as jaysfan and Geek in the Pink as well as doodlebug have appeared on shows interfering in matches despite being underage.

The NCAA has also reported other infractions in the promotion including those that still use blog writing enhancing steroids. The CEO David Funk was once accused of taking them himself, but the charges were later dismissed because of forgery from another person on the roster.

Congress has requested a date for BWE representatives to testify by the promotion and their activities at a time to be determined.


BWE Throwdown! News

-Rumors are flying about who this group wearing monkey suits and NCAA shirts attacking bloggers are. The one wearing The Pseudonym shirt apparently has some kind of problem with fragnoli. Fragnoli has repeatedly denied claims that he's under a curse, and has said his head was bothering him in his match with mojomike on the previous Throwdown! show. Fragnoli has demanded that The Pseudonym and this group reveal themselves at the next Throwdown! show.

-Afrank Angle's campaign continues to tour around the nation, and now he's going to take that to Asia. No one knows for sure what "Presidential" position it is that he's looking at, but maybe he'll shed some light at the next Throwdown! event in Malaysia.

-With the potential of probation in BWE Promotions because of the report sent to Congress, BWE Throwdown! GM KDL is feeling very uneasy about the future of the promotion. KDL wasn't available for comment, but his publicist said he's not feeling real good about the situation at the moment.


BWE Transactions

Los Angeles, CA, USA(AB)- Cashew Redneck and Blue Monkey Disco Party has signed with BWE Promotions. Kenny Kumar, who is the Cashew Redneck, negotiated the deal over the phone while on business in Chicago last week. The Blue Monkey Disco Party also readily signed a deal with BWE Promotions.

My Opinion- The only problem I have with this is the ring attire. I'm not sure anyone wearing a Blue Monkey suit coming out in disco music will go over well in the 21st Century. To each is their own though.

Harrisburg, PA, USA(AB)- Birdbrainz, aka Philly the Kid, has signed a new deal with BWE Promotions. He's been unavailable of late because of how the NFL season unfolded for him, but he said he's ready to take his anger out on BWE.

My opinion- It looks like good old-fashioned Philly justice will be served in BWE. He does want to negotiate the Texas Hold 'Em part of the deal as well. Comments, questions, or concerns?

Killeen, TX, USA(AB)- Rialyn Stevenson has signed with BWE Promotions. She signed the deal last week and is looking to make an immediate impact in BWE Promotions when she debuts. According to the Pinay star, the deal was held up because of her reserving tickets to go to her native country in the Philippines. She leaves out at the end of March. Ria's agent signed the deal very quickly after booking her trip.

My opinion- She's a top blogging superstar, so I'm not going to be that cold-hearted and not give her a vacation. However, I can't give her vacation pay, so please don't hate me for that!

Söderhamn, Sweden(AB)- Maxi from Health N Beyond agreed to a deal with BWE Promotions yesterday. Because of weather conditions in Sweden, she won't be able to travel at this time. Her start will be determined at a later date, and she has said this was the only holdup in getting a deal done.

My opinion- See, I'm trying to be the nice guy here and I'm allowing another top blogging superstar a little time before starting in the ring. We both kept "disturbing" each other about the start date in the contract, so hopefully the "blogging and bugging" will cease now. I hope she doesn't "disturb" me about paying for her flights out of Sweden next though! LOL!

Bangkok, Thailand(AB)- Tai, better known as ztwO, agreed to a deal with BWE Promotions yesterday. The Thai star has been a fan of BWE from the start, and he's been training real hard for in-ring competition in the promotion.

My opinion- I think everyone better watch out for this guy. The more he "updates" me with the latest going on with him, the more I'm convinced he'll be a force to be reckoned with in BWE.

The End

We hope to have the BWE and EBW tab links that you'll find above at the top of the page updated soon with the current roster.

Thanks to everyone that has stopped by Basic Bloganomics. I also want to specifically thank the great countries and bloggers of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines for stopping by the site. Those rank behind this country in traffic on this site. Because of this, that is why we're holding fictional events in your countries for BWE. Thanks again.

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Valentine Linky Love

I got this from my good friend Ria at Live Love Laugh. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, so this is indeed good timing for this post.

VALENTINE LINKY LOVE

SPREADING LOVE ALL OVER THE WORLD

‘For God so loVed the world,

That He gAve


His onLy

BegottEn

SoN

That whosoever

Believeth In Him


Should Not perish,

But have Everlasting life.’John 3:16

Master List: 1. Pinay Mommy Online 2. Small and Simple Things 3. Heartnet02 4. Aha Mama! 5. A Simple Life 6. walkingnewspaper 7. My Piece Of Paradise 8. Live Love Laugh 9. Basic Bloganomics 10. Your next.

Rules:
1. Post this tag in your blog if you believe in the message. Please don’t forget to copy from = Start Copy Here = to = End Copy Here =. If you want, please include your own thoughts about LOVE.
2. Tag as many friends as you want to help spread the message to the world.
3. Comment with the link of your post here so that you will be included in the master list.
4. Don’t forget to come back to the master post once in awhile to check and update your own blog’s master list.
5. Please don’t delete this tag or out no follow tags. Let’s spread love and so as linky loves. Thanks!



= End Copy Here =

I'm going to pass this to Flo, Maxi, Casa de Boneca, Aline C, Greta, Sharon, Arnie, and to EVERYONE else who reads this. Spread the love around the world!

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