Why ROH on Showtime/HBO Would Mutual Benefit Both Parties?

It has come to my attention recently that Ring Of Honor Wrestling’s deal with HDNet is ending. As someone with Time Warner Cable, I will admit that this channel was not available to me and so I did not watch their shows but I did check out internet videos from time to time. I may not know every wrestler on their roster but there is one thing I know, they have a great in ring product that many fans do not have access to on a regular basis. This made me wonder, why shouldn’t Showtime or HBO consider offering professional wrestling programming and if they do, wouldn’t ROH be the best fit?

Showtime and HBO feature boxing and MMA on their channels as well as a wide variety of shows and movies and I think this would be a great addition. I would not have an issue if TNA or WWE made such a jump but with ROH providing more in ring product than those two and less soap opera drama, ROH could appeal more to the same demographics who enjoy MMA and boxing. ROH has a very passionate fan base and offer great in ring talent/matches that would attract even the most casual of fans if they had access to the product. And no need to go out and sign big names just to make a splash, do what ROH does best and offer some of the best and hungriest wrestlers in the world and feature great matches.

Just think about how this could benefit ROH, the premium network that made the deal with them and wrestling fans for just a minute. ROH would get a channel that every cable or satellite service carries and thus get more exposure to their product. This would also benefit Showtime/HBO because I believe passionate wrestling fans would look into adding their channel to their cable/satellite packages and with the proper advertising/push, those numbers could grow in time. Showtime is a CBS company and both sides may benefit from cross promotion as well to build interest from those who are not already watching but might enjoy action packed shows. Fans would benefit because for less than the cost of a monthly pay per view, you not only get the ROH shows but you have access to the programming they already offer which in most cases includes multiple channels as well as movies, series and sports.

This would not hurt any credibility on either side and I feel as though it could be a great way to change the way wrestling is viewed by many. If ROH wanted to run pay per views, they now have a partner to do so but my hope is they would appreciate that fans paid for the premium channel and keep it to a limited amount per year if they get such a deal (this also makes the pay per views have more of a special feel when they do). I do not work for either party so I am not sure what it would take to make such a deal or what changes would have to be made to the product/company but I definitely see nothing but a bright side to this as a fan.

How I Grew To Be An Orange Fan

I am not sure if I have ever told this story but I thought I would share it either way. Many may not know this but I am not a Syracuse alum but someone who wishes I were. I love Syracuse so much that I love everything orange in life. I drive an orange car, my favorite candy is orange slices, 70% of my wardrobe is orange and my family has learned that if you want to get me a cheap gift, lean towards something orange.

When I was a young kid, I grew up around mostly casual Syracuse fans who were fair weather at best. They would root for SU and boast when they won but say they expected it when they lost. Me, I was the kid who tried to defend them but I was also the kid who's opinion did not matter because very few outside my family knew I existed.

I do however remember going to games with my family and watching Syracuse football with my grandfather who spoke the praises of the guys who wore 44. Needless to say, I tend to be more passionate for football than any other sport but I would watch Syracuse play a ping pong championship just to support the school.

I remember being a kid and sometimes I would sneak off to the library (I am 38 so we didn't have internet and it wasn't too far from home that I could not ride my bike). Many times while there I would look for Mark Twain books or sports biographies of playing I liked to watch on television. The one thing I never told anyone is, I would also look up Syracuse college to try and learn more about the only college I really cared about.

When I was younger, I had an issue paying attention (no matter how hard I would try) and studying. Many in my age group will confirm that in our day, that meant you were lazy and just not trying hard enough for most. I think the reason I was good at math was it required the least amount of studying and just simply applying practical practices. I would study often but my mind wandered no matter what the subject (sometimes even Mark Twain books I would have to reread as I missed important details before).

At some point during my high school years, I just simply gave up on what it would take to become a Syracuse student but remained a faithful fan. I would take the Post Standard or Herald American and look up stats of guys who once played at Syracuse and now played in the pros, I would cut out Syracuse stories in the paper and hang them up. But I knew I did not have what it took to get in and had no idea what I wanted to major in so why waste my time trying?

Please do not mistake this post as some form of plea for sympathy because I have lived a life that has it's ups and downs and would not change much of it for anything because I believe it all happened for a reason. My 4 years in the Army (2 of which were spent in Germany) made me appreciate Syracuse even more being so far away and not able to see every game. I have a 22 year old daughter that I adopted and 17 year old stepson who I would gladly give my life for that I would never have been able to know had my life not gone the way it did. As Garth Brooks once sang, "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Some people have multiple teams they enjoy following and I have some other teams in professional sports I follow and like at times but nothing takes the place of Syracuse Orange. I spent many years hearing the stories, dreaming of attending and reading as much as I could about Syracuse and that passion still burns inside of me at times. I never realized how much I enjoyed writing until I was an adult and maybe that may have made the difference but regardless, this is my life.

I may not know what Schine looks like inside or the best bar on Marshal Street to get in with a fake ID but very little excites me as much as driving back to Syracuse for a visit and off in the horizon as I head down 81N is the glorious view of the Carrier Dome and I know I am home. I may not have attended a class or have a degree from Syracuse University but I assure you that I live, breathe and bleed Orange. And when the good Lord says it is my time, I hope those who love me will remember this and bury me the same way I live my life, surrounded by as much Orange as possible.

Thank you to those who share this journey with me and to those who have not yet but will. GO ORANGE!

Top 10 Syracuse Related Topics The Fan Base Is Tired Of Dealing With Every Season

Top 10 Syracuse Related Topics The Fan Base Is Tired Of Dealing With Every Season:

10- Other towns complaining about the snow when anyone who has spent a winter in Syracuse knows snow in Syracuse is like earthquakes in California or finding a pub in Ireland, it’s a way of life. Snow hits NYC and people panic and roads close for a week whereas when it snows in Syracuse, the plows have already been on the road for hours and everyone is ready to go. I grew up in the area and half the neighborhood had snowmobiles and part of a young person’s driving was dad taking you to the store parking lot that had not been plowed yet and grabbing your steering wheel to teach you how to handle a spin out. We got snow and we loved it.

#9- Anything Hoyas, Huskies or Scarlet Knights related unless it involves Syracuse beating them. If this needs to be explained further, I will post a tutorial on teams Syracuse fans dislike the most at a later date.

#8- Can we please end this preposterous myth that Dino’s BBQ is better than Tully’s? OK, this may not be a huge issue amongst SU fans and I know many enjoy both but I had to fit in a Tully’s mention somehow per my deal with the Tully the Turtle on a cold Syracuse winter night when beer was involved. It’s not like I was trying to debate Chuck’s verses whatever new bar is opening on the Hill this week.

#7- The Big East is the worst conference in the BCS. Really, is the ACC that much better? The Big 10 went 0-5 in bowl games on ONE DAY while the Big East only bowl loses were WVU and UConn (First EVER Pinstripe Bowl champions’ baby, heck yes).

#6- Any mentions of Greg Robinson. The best thing Syracuse football coach has done for this program is winning so that we can try to move past those horrible years. I didn’t shave my head; I pulled the hairs out individually watching those years he coached with the sole purpose of making Syracuse “the USC of the east coast.” Can we please not have to hear this every football game as though we the fans forgot about him and the bad football played during his time here?

#5- Mentions of Greg Paulus or legacy players every game. I understand Andy was Leo’s son and Brandon is Howard’s nephew and also understand there are casual fans who may not understand this fact as well as SU fans but do you truly think Rutgers or sports fans not of the Orange persuasion care about their blood lines. Though the Paulus conversation has calmed some and we no longer have to see his basketball clips (and we thank him for his year to help give Nassib time to learn the system), seeing Nassib have a great game in the Pinstripe hopefully solidified his position as the starting QB without meriting comparisons to his former teammate.

#4- I know some of you may tire of it but songs like Cotton Eyed Joe are part of the fun when you bring a family. I personally hate the Kiss Cam (as well as most forms of public displays of affection) but I do not go on a rampage every they do one at a game. Cotton Eyed Joe is a fun song that kids enjoy dancing to and I think it is a good idea to occasionally cater a song towards that demographic so that they enjoy their experience more. Ever take a kid to most sporting events and ask them to sit still the entire game? You will either upset them so that they throw a fit or just are so bored, they do not look forward to going back. Would you prefer the theme song to Hannah Montana or Barney? Admit it, if they played “Who Let The Dogs Out” knowing the kids liked it, you would be equally disappointed. And yes, I am not ashamed to admit I am probably defending this one because I actually think it’s an amusing song (oh please, I didn’t have any street credibility to lose anyway so admitting it won’t hurt me much).

#3- Do we really need to have the debate after each game about people leaving early? REALLY! Is the Dome traffic that bad? REALLY! Unless there is an emergency at home or the kids have just finally pushed your last button and you are taking them home to lay the smack down on them, stick around and enjoy the game (possibly the post game as well). You have no idea how terrible it looks when there is a mass exodus at the Carrier Dome when the clock is still running and occasionally the announcers even mention it and show those leaving questioning their motives. I have been to games with several thousand people in attendance at the old Charlotte Coliseum and I assure you, you have not seen awful parking situations until you had to leave that place and I never left a game early (and that was not even Syracuse whom we should support more). OK granted one of the exits from a WWE event during the “attitude era” allowed my, at the time, 11 year old nephew to witness two women taking turns displaying their nurturing devices for the whole parking lot to witness so that helped but still. I do understand that occasionally games end late on weekdays or there may be circumstances at home that require your attention but for the most part, you should stick around and show your support and love for these teams and plan accordingly when attending a game. Applaud the players or find out who is going to Chucks for post game drinks and make new friends.

#2- Restore 44. Do I really have to do my own top 10 reasons why retiring this number retired a Syracuse tradition? We all know Delone Carter is not Jim Brown or Ernie Davis or Floyd Little but it was about more than just three legends who I love and admire. I have nothing against when schools or teams retire jerseys as I find it a great tribute but 44 was more than a number, it represented Syracuse. It was our way of essentially naming an offensive captain to lead the charge. Watch The Express when Ernie discusses how it was Jim Brown’s number and is basically told that now it is his. It is about embracing a young running back and allowing him to grow in our hearts and minds. Look in the stands of the Carrier Dome and you will see a flock of 44’s that I assure you will outnumber Jeter jerseys in Yankees stadium because 44 IS Syracuse. Syracuse fans love this program and we loved seeing who would get the coveted jersey with anticipation. It was never about living up to those who wore it before them, it was a chance to recognize a special player and a recruiting tool for those who wanted to share in the honor or wearing that number. I promise you that as long as there is breath in my body, I will fight to have this tradition restored and see it on the field again. And if I die before it is done, I hope my tombstone contains the words “Live, Breathed and Loved His Orange. Restore 44.”

#1- SYRACUSE IS NOT A DISTANT BOROUGH OF NEW YORK CITY OR THE CAPITAL OF NEW JERSEY AND ACTUALLY INVOLVES A PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL TRAVEL. THERE ARE NOT SUBWAY STOPS IN SYRACUSE SO FOR ALL THAT IS HOLY STOP MAKING IT SOUND AS THOUGH ALL GAMES IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR NEW JERSEY ARE “BASICALLY” HOME GAMES AND THIS TEAM DOES NOT TRAVEL. DOES THIS MEAN WHEN SU PLAYS ST. JOHNS OR RUTGERS THAT WE ARE STILL THE HOME TEAM? NO! SO STOP THIS FOOLISH BS ABOUT HOW THEY DO NOT TRAVEL. SYRACUSE USED TO BE LABELED AS THE TEAM WHO NEVER PLAYED ANYONE AND WHEN THE OUT OF CONFERENCE SCHEDULE GOT TOUGHER, THE “EXPERTS” FOUND SOMETHING ELSE TO BITCH ABOUT. SHAME ON YOU COACH B FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE COACHES VERSE CANCER TOURNAMENT, YOU SHOUL D HAVE GONE TO HAWAII FOR SELFISH REASONS ACCORDING TO SOME. SHAME ON COACH MARRONE AND THE UNIVERSITY FOR ACCEPTING A BOWL BID SOMEWHERE SENTIMENTAL AND NOT LEAVING THE STATE FOR A BOWL GAME JUST TO PLEASE SOME “JOURNALISTS” AND PARTICIPATE IN AN INAUGURAL BOWL GAME IN ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE CITIES IN THE WORLD. I WOULD BE WILLING TO BET A PAYCHECK THAT EVEN IF SYRACUSE PLAYED 95% OF THEIR GAMES ON THE ROAD, THEY WOULD FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. WHY NOT JUST LET THIS TEAM PLAY THEIR SCHEDULE AND WE WILL SEE WHEN THE TOURNAMENT ARRIVES IF THEY ARE THAT GOOD OR NOT (TO THOSE THAT POINT OUT LAST YEAR’S POST SEASON, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT FORGET THAT AO WAS INJURED DURING THE BIG EAST TOURNAMENT AND THE TEAM WAS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT HIM). I CAN TELL YOU THIS, IF THIS IS YORU COMPLAINT, I PROBABLY STOPPED READING YOUR COLUMN WHEN I SAW YOU NOTE IT.

Let The Doug Marrone For Coach Of The Year Campaign Begin Now

Last night on Twitter, I noticed a movement that during this political environment, I can fully endorse. I am not sure who to credit first but noticed that @Live315, @asmcnama and @PJASchultz all were being RT'd in this matter so I will let them fight out out either in some mud or a steel cage, whichever they see fit. No matter who started it though, I think many should start to support their idea and that is, Syracuse Head Football Coach Doug Marrone should be a leading candidate for National Coach of the Year.

This is not just Syracuse Orange fans drinking the Kool-Aid or some hyperbole based on one big win. After reading Brent Axe's posts on syracuse.com(starting with this one http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2010/10/su-cincinnati_recap_this_that.html ), I realized he had the stats to justify this contention. According to Brent, "Syracuse is 6-2 for the first time since 2001, when they finished 10-3.Syracuse is 3-1 in Big East play for the first time since 2004. Syracuse beat Cincinnati for the first time since 2004. Adding to a streak of beating South Florida for the first time ever and beating West Virginia for the first tine since 2001." And Sean at www.nunesmagician.com noted that Coach Marrone is now 10-10 as head coach at Syracuse and noted it took Coach Robinson 4 years to achieve that goal. Greg Robinson finished his 4 year tenure at Syracuse with a record of 10-37 overall and 3-25 in the Big East and yet, Coach Marrone has those 10 wins already in only his second season as head coach and matched those 3 BE wins this season alone with 4 more games to go (3 of them in the Big East) and the toughest part of their schedule in their rear view mirror and I do not foresee them sleeping on the rest of these games either with Coach Marrone at the helm.

How many of you have heard the little snide remarks from people when they talk about Syracuse being bowl eligible and having a shot at a BCS game should Pitt fall a bit and they win out? My first instinct is to boycott their sorry shows and write them a long email about it but then I remembered, they are finally talking about Syracuse being relevant again, even if it is while laughing. The fact that the fans and media are talking about this after how far this program fell is reason alone to mention Coach Marrone's name whenever someone wants to discuss who has done the best job coaching this year.

According to the experts, Syracuse has to win one more game in order to be bowl eligible, which hopefully they can do at home against Louisville this upcoming weekend. If this team goes from the obscurity to playing in a bowl game, to me that is more worthy of being coach of the year than those who were expected to win a BCS championship meeting expectations. Coach Marrone and this staff and players are above and beyond what most expected to see this year (I predicted 8 wins but expect now they could even surpass that and made my predictions from the heart, not my head).

As you may have read in earlier posts, I personally campaigned and even almost started up a website with my support for Turner Gill when Robinson was fired. I sit before you humbled and ask Coach Marrone's forgiveness as he has demonstrated he deserved this job beyond a shadow of a doubt. He won me over with the speech posted on my blog yesterday but continues to amaze me every game even still with his coaching on the field and his demeanor off it. And now I think it's time he win over the rest of this country and be awarded this honor for restoring a program many buried only a few short years ago. So Syracuse fans, show your pride and let's spread the word that in this election year, we want to see one man who deserves our vote get it and that is "Doug Marrone For Coach Of The Year".

Go Orange!

My Post Game Speech If I Were In The Syracuse LockerRoom After SU #BeatCincy

Today, we are one win away from being bowl eligible. Today we are 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big East conference. Today we celebrate our third Big East road victory this season(all of which were homecoming games for our opponents). Today we will head to Varsity and flip another banner. Today is another day for those who believed in this team and wore their Syracuse Orange with faith even when they were mocked for doing so. Today is a stepping stone on our way to rebuilding our program and regain the respect and dignity this program once had. Today is a day fans will look back on this team as more than a fluke or a lucky win but instead see into their hearts and determination and know they are worth your love. Today is for every fan who didn't leave early out of disgust or make negative comments publicly when times got rough(though at times were discouraged because they knew we could do better) knew that when SYRACUSE football was back, our faith would be justified. Today is the day Coach Marrone and his staff show those who doubted they could do it, thought they didn't have the resume to believe in, or doubted his emotion in leading this team were proven wrong (including myself who campaigned heavily for Turner Gill until Coach Marrone won me over with this halftime speech during basketball season).



Today, we the fans say thank you again for your blood, your sweat and your tears when many "experts" picked you to finish last or next to last in the standings. Today we hold our heads high, party like a rock star and know in our hearts that we bleed Orange and will enjoy our lives today because of you. I have said it before but you can never say it too much when you truly mean it and today I say to you Syracuse University, Coach Doug Marrone and the staff and players on this football team...THANK YOU!

GO ORANGE!

And now today's party song:

Thank You Syracuse

I was going to do my first video ever but have decided to put it off for now until I work out a few details. Instead, I will write here what I had planned to say.

Thank you to those of you Syracuse fans who have stuck by this team through thick and through thin. Those who did not look for every chance to bash them after a loss but understood sometimes a team loses a game and it's not always how we want it to be. Those who check out the blogs and Twitter and make being a Syracuse fan fun. And thank you to those who like me wore our Syracuse merchandise for the past few years and endured the abuse and ridicule who can now hold our heads high with a smile knowing we our headed in the right direction.

Thank you to the players on this team who work their butts off for us fans. You guys fight hard every game to bring two things back to this team many of us thought was missing, tradition and respect. I won't single out anyone or any side of the ball because I think it is a team sport and a team effort so thank you to all of you whether you start or not. I assure you that every single one of you is why I bleed Orange and I am grateful for your sacrifices and will support you with anything I possibly can.

Thank you to Coach Marrone and his staff who has brought honor and competitive football back to a once proud university that struggled over the past few years. Some might challenge your passion or your resume but the true fans know you are on of us and want this team to succeed even more than all of us. Anyone who watched this WVU game and still questions your passion was not a true fan to begin with because a true fan knew it that day you took off your jacket during the basketball game and spoke to us from your heart in the Carrier Dome.

I was raised in the Syracuse area. I have loved this team for as long as I can remember and over the years, done my best to support and defend them even when the times were tough. I bleed Orange to the point that surrounding myself with all things orange makes me feel more comfortable. When I die, it is my hope that I am buried Orange (preferably my 44 jersey my brother gave me years ago and I treasure every time I wear it).

I have experienced a lot of heartache in my life off and on for the past few years and even been fortunate in other things. The one constant is my enjoyment of all things Syracuse Orange. I believe all things happen for a reason and I believe we went through the pain to further appreciate the road we will begin to climb to restore this program into what we Syracuse fans know it to be. I believe that even when your team struggles, you stand beside them just as you do in victory. So on behalf of myself and hopefully many other Syracuse fans I say to Syracuse University and especially the current football players and staff, THANK YOU.

Go Orange!

Which Would You Choose, The Better Video Or The Better Song?

So I was researching some videos to possibly do a entry on fun songs that remind me of Syracuse games when I came across a dilemma. Did you know that there are actually two songs titled "Beerrun"? One is a country version with Garth Brooks and George Jones while the other is a comedy version I remembered from my days listening to Bob And Tom in the mornings. The problem is, though I like country music, the Brooks/Jones collaboration does nothing for me but I love the video that YouTube user "royboy1993" did for the song and most resembles my thinking but the other song is a lot better in my opinion with a lame video. Here are the two videos and tell me which do you think is better, the video of the country song or the song with the lame video? You decide.

Better Song, Lame Video:


Better Video, Least Entertaining Song:

How I Spent My Summer Vacation In Syracuse

Picture courtesy of Syracuse New Times

How I Spent My Summer Vacation In Syracuse
By Orange Chuck
I have not blogged in a while but this seemed like a fun way to restart it. Some of you may know that I just returned from trip for five days to Syracuse for my cousin Tim’s wedding, though two of those days were mostly travel days as we drove the entire way. Sadly, I can only manage short vacations/trips to the ’ Cuse these days so I try to fit as much as I can into those trips. So here is a brief description of my trip along with some fun pictures that were taken along the way that I hope you all enjoy.
The drive there was about 12 1/2 hours long and we left China Grove, NC at about 4:30 am Wednesday morning. Along with me for the ride would be my mother, my nephew and my 21 year old daughter. In case you have never driven it, interstate 77 to 81 is a long drive but it is well worth it when you see the Carrier Dome off in the distance of 81 and know you will be turning off onto 481 (well that and what ‘Cuse fan does not love seeing THE Dome).



When we first got to my grandmother's house in Bridgeport, we enjoyed some welcome greetings as well as some pizza from Sami's Pizza. It's always great to see your family when you don't get to see them very often and the pizza was ok but not as good as usual. I also enjoyed seeing one of my best friends ever from my childhood Shelly, who was also my junior prom date (and who looks even more beautiful now than she did when she convinced me to go to my prom and I jumped at the chance 20 years ago). I also got to see my cousin's 4 month old baby for the first time in person, though I had to spend time trying to convince Shelly that kidnapping was illegal no matter how cute the baby is. We did not get in until close to 5pm so needless to say this was the extent of our first day in NY.



Thursday was our "free day" as there were no plans for any wedding events. So what major plans were in store for our off day? After resting for half the day, I prepared my daughter for a Tully's meetup with Shelly and her brother Tim for dinner. I know me eating at Tully's will shock very few who will read this but I had to mention it since we had a great time. Tim is retired from the Army now and I had a great time with both catching up with an old friend and educating my daughter and nephew on just how big of a geek I was back in the day (which also probably will not shock many who read this).







After some delicious Tully's Tenders at Tully's in Liverpool, we headed off to meet Shelly's friend Renee and we were headed to Papermill Island in Baldwinsville (otherwise known as the B'ville T Party according to the Syracuse New Times). The band featured was named Square Pegs and butchered such greats as Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and Tiffany. The good news is, the Bud/Bud Light were only $4 a piece and cold but even better, I had a great time catching up more with Tim about his family, his trips to Afghanistan and how much he still enjoys picking on his sister and Renee. I do not go out and socialize often but I have to admit, I would do it more often if these two were around. Sadly, we had to split ways early since my nephew Josh is only 18 and the bar we tried to go back to only allowed 21 and up at that point in the night, we headed home for the night (we had a beer or two at the place earlier in the day with no issues but missed the cutoff later to sneak him back in).





The next day did start off with some Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. We had a wedding rehearsal and dinner planned for the evening so my daughter, my uncle, the groom and I had to make some stops early in the day to some local Syracuse hot spots (in my opinion anyway). Our first destination was actually the adult bookstore in Mattydale to help complete the "honeymoon kit" my grandmother makes for her grandchildren when they get married because really, what is a honeymoon kit without midget porn? For those who wondered, my daughter and the groom stayed in the car while my uncle showed me where to find the video as nobody knows adult book stores like Uncle "Harold".
So after picking up the video and receiving a text message from Shelly saying she was getting er nails done at the same place and time as the bridal party a mere mile away from us at Unicorn Nails, we proceeded to Hoffman's Hot Haus in Mattydale. I love Hoffmans German Franks almost as much as Tully's Tenders so this is a must. So much of a must in fact that when we left Hoffmans after a brief lunch, we headed off to the greatest grocery store known to man to purchase more Hoffmans, Otto treats, and salt potatoes for the trip home. By the way, if you are questioning the name of this grocery store, you have obviously never been to Syracuse and enjoyed the luxury of a Wegman's for yourself and I beg you to try it one day soon.





After leaving Wegmans, I enjoyed showing my daughter some of the spots I grew up in and around such as my houses and schools and of course Gateway Park. At which point, we then proceeded home to get ready for the rehearsal because according to the itinerary the bride printed off for the whole wedding party, we would need to be on our way soon to the community church on Erie Blvd. near Shoppingtown Mall. And yes, she had an hourly itinerary breakdown as to what everyone should be doing. However if you knew the groom and his father especially, you would print one off for them as well even if it included a reminder not to bring his ball cap to the church for the wedding and clean his ears.


This is the house I grew up in many moons ago.

The rehearsal went well and quick and we learned that if the weather was nice on Saturday, it would be held outside in the church patio area. Of course, if you thought hanging out at the church had saved your soul, you were about to be corrupted by the previously mentioned "honeymoon kit" which would be opened to display in front of family and friends at the rehearsal dinner at Borio’s in Cicero. Those of us who have received these kits look forward to this moment to see what new items my grandmother had planned for this particular kit. And for those still reading this who think my video contribution would be the most controversial item of the night, I would point to the fact that the last gift to be opened was in fact a swing for the bedroom with instructional pictures on the box (though the bride and groom decided it may be best not to pack the swing for their honeymoon in Jamaica).



We then went home to crash for the night and sleep before the big day because even though it was a 3pm wedding, we knew it would come quickly. And of course we were right as bright and early the next morning, Uncle Harold went to get some beer while friend of the family Joe brought his homemade concoction known as Lady Poison. I did not sample this drink as it seemed to be for the wedding party but judging by the reactions of those who chugged from the thermos, it was a mixture of delicious and "holy crap, what did you put in there". Those who know Joe or our weddings in general, know that it is simply a rite of passage that not only Joe bring the drink but bring the fun as well, though I have been told that his 4th of July parties will put hair on a freshly waxed chest and turn a Buddhist monk into Bluto from Animal House. So needless to say, the drinking was well underway before the tuxedos were being put on and before the limo showed up at 1:15 to pick up the males in the wedding party.



The wedding was beautiful even though it required me to read a poem in front of everyone. For those unaware of my current situation, this was not the easiest of tasks but I had help writing it and had done this before so that made it a bit easier. And after the courageous people decided to sign away the rest of their lives, it was off to the local Tim Horton's as my grandmother assured me that it was better than Dunkin Donuts and we had 2 hour window between the wedding a reception. So I did enjoy an Apple Fritter and bottled water, which were better than I had received during recent Dunkin Donuts visits in North Carolina and New York.





After Tim Horton’s and a short visit back to my grandmother's house, it was off to the Legion Hall in Cicero for the reception to see just how good drunk white people can dance to music from the 60's up until current songs on the radio (though I was disappointed to hear my daughter had never heard the Humpty Hump until this night). My dancing these days is limited due to bad knees but my enjoyment was plentiful watching my daughter dance with my cousins and nephew as well as Shelly and others. Luckily, attempts to get my daughter so drunk she would get sick were unsuccessful but I do think that with help from Shelly, we succeeded in getting my daughter addicted to Fuzzy Navels as apparently this bartender made some very good one (though we learned she does not care much for Mudslides or Sex On The Beach and I doubt Rum and Coke will ever be her drink of choice).

Note To Self: when attending a wedding with bar, they may not accept debit/credit cards for mixed drinks and you should bring cash with you (thank you Shelly for being smarter than your friend and I owe you dinner big time at Logan's).

The evening finally wound down as I said goodbye to Shelly and the bride and groom and the wedding party as well as other family members because we would be leaving too early the next morning to say goodbyes at that time. It is never easy to say goodbye to great people when you truly never know when you will see them again but sometimes life is not easy so that is why when you can, you should take the time to enjoy it as much as possible. And I did leave the wedding sober for those curious but mostly in the event that if my daughter was unable to drive home the next morning to North Carolina, I could fill in.

We left the next morning after a big breakfast cooked by my loving grandmother and aunt and headed out on our long journey back to reality and away from the place I still call home. As of this writing, my knees are still sore but the memories of the trip overpower any discomfort I may feel. I would like to thank my loving family for making this trip so special as every time I come to visit it is always great. I would also like to thank my friends Tim and Shelly who made a hermit feel good about getting out and around and not missing a beat when it comes to reliving some great times we had years ago and making new memories. I would like to thank my parents for helping to pay for the trip and making it possible as I never would have done it without them. I would like to thank my daughter for being herself and being the pride and joy of my life that made this trip even more fun, especially aiding in our picking on my poor nephew who learned you must be 19 to purchase cigarettes in Onondaga County.

And last but not least, thank you Syracuse, New York for being my home away from home that proves you can go home anytime you want and still enjoy every minute of it. Whether it’s the family and friends or the memories or the great local businesses like Tully's, Wegman's, Hoffman's, and that book store in Mattydale for having midget porn readily available for a newly wedded couple to enjoy, you are greatly admired and missed while I am away. I left many businesses out this trip but I am hoping to afford round 2 during the Christmas season and maybe sneak in some that I did not get to enjoy such as a game at the Carrier Dome, try Dinosaur BBQ for the first time, and hopefully relive some great times and burgers at Zebb's. Syracuse is my home and one day I hope to return when the circumstances are right but for right now, I am looking forward to my return visit as soon as possible (and counting down the days until a couple friends come to visit us in NC, which hopefully will be Labor Day weekend). Home Sweet ’Cuse.
GO ORANGE!

Here is the wedding poem I wrote for those curious to read it:

Love Means-Tim and Michelle's Wedding
Sometimes we take love for granted or ignore even the signs we see
So I wrote down some definitions to explain what love really means
Love means going the extra mile just to make her smile
Love means waiting your turn for the bathroom can take a while
Love means you might miss an upcoming UFC event for a date night
Or going out early enough so they can be home in time for the fight
Love means a small gift of appreciation even when it's not a holiday
Love means saying "I'm Sorry" and knowing what else to do or say
Love means forgiveness is understanding we all make mistakes
Love means forgetting is harder when you do it again and your apology's fake
Love means when they are hurting, you comfort them and feel their pain
Love means knowing if you were hurting, they would do the same
Love means their "just woke up" look still looks good to you
Love means you sacrifice to make their dreams come true
Love means one look or smile can make the worst days better
Love means allowing him to enjoy his old ripped up SU sweater
Love means acccepting that her cold feet will wake you up at night
Love means that his snoring won't start the next day off in a fight
Love means you are their security blanket when life has them stressed
Love means saying "You look beautiful" no matter how she is dressed
Love means you did not notice that girl on the beach in the bikini
Or that muscle bound Brad Pitt twin stepping out of the Lamborgini
Love means every meal was delicious and even better than mom makes
Love means being grateful that she is the first view you see when you wake
Love means going out of your way to help when they are sick with the flu
Love means saying "I Love You" comes not just from your mouth but your heart too
Love means you are better off with this other person in your life
And you love them so much, you decide to become husband and wife

If You Love Your Country And Are Not A Communist, You Will Buy This Book

First things first, check out this link to read why you should buy this book: How To Grow An Orange: Now On Sale! - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Then balance your checkbook, brown bag it to lunch for the week and save up your $10 to purchase this book (which you can do here: Smashwords - How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way To Brainwash Your Child Into). For some, that may mean just being grumpy to the other half and some co-workers for a few days and cutting out some coffee in your work week. However you can do it, do it as soon as possible.

Each year, thousands of children make the unfortunate mistake to attend schools like Rutgers, UConn and even Georgetown. With this book, you can help your child avoid such sad future choices and that is worth the price alone. The great poet Whitney Houston once said, "I believe the children our are future...teach them well and led them lead the way." Follow her lead (though just say no to drugs because if you have heard her sing lately, she sings like a Hoya does, well anything) and help to educate our future generation the proper way. Socrates would be proud of you.

If you still are not sure, please let the greatest college basketball coach in the history of the sport explain why you should trust Sean to help mentor your children along with you and your spouse/baby mama:



BUY IT TODAY OR YOU WILL BE LISTED AS A HOYA SYMPATHIZER!

My Top 12 Syracuse Fantasies

I may have a couple interviews in the works over the next couple weeks and even a couple ideas finally I can get around to now that I have adjusted to this computer but in the meantime, here is a fun top 12 list to enjoy to help you pass the time(also please enjoy the newest edition to the page, an awesome sketch by @MBorkowski).

Top 12 Syracuse Fantasies I Have Had Over The Years:

12. Running into a SU coach in public and saying Go Orange! (the only one actually accomplished years ago when I ran into Coach P at BJ's back when he coached SU football and the guy was awesome).

11. Nickname a child either Pearl or 44.

10. Sex anywhere in the Carrier Dome but would settle for a wedding proposal if I ever got married again which I am not thrilled at the prospects of doing right now.

9. Interviewing one of many SU sports figures from my childhood for my blog (Sherman Douglas or Pearl would be the tops).

8. Winning the lottery so I can get season tickets for every SU sport and bring along some fans who otherwise would not be able to get tickets.

7. A Syracuse based TV show that uses a lot of Orangemen either current or past (maybe an Otto based Saturday morning cartoon teaching kids moral lessons every episode).

6. Having Otto or something SU related painted onto my car or my house.

5. Becoming a celebrity just so I can receive a honorary degree from Syracuse University.

4. Winning one of those Dunk and Bright orange recliners during a Syracuse game.

3. A Syracuse tattoo (which I may do one day if I can decide on the right design and location).

2. Tully's opening up a sports bar in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and keeping the Syracuse sports layout.

1. Being Otto for a game.

Top 15 Things The Big East Should Do To Keep SU And Not Become Extinct

I will admit up front, I am pro-Big East. I do not want to see them fall apart. I do not want to see Syracuse end up in the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC or whatever other conference they may get rumored to join this week. I do however think that a majority of the issue could be resolved if the Big East would be proactive and stop letting people attack them without a fight. Here are the 15 things I think would help make the Big East more relevant and in some cases, appeal more to the Syracuse folks. Yes some are for my own cheap amusement but some I think are steps they need to explore.

Top 15 Things The Big East Should Do To Keep SU And Not Become Extinct

15. Split football into two divisions and have a Big East Football Championship Game either in a neutral city or rotating cities among Big East home towns.

14. Paint the field for the championship game orange.

13. Allow the athletes to be paid whatever compensation someone is willing to pay them.

12. Make the games more interactive by showing tweets at the bottom of the screen that use the hashtag #BigEastFootball and maybe have the announcers comment on them occasionally.

11. Rename New York City "South Syracuse" since it will appeal to SU administration and some of the so-called experts thinks its a home field advantage already. This will help ensure we get more "Syracuse" recruits.

10. Sell the naming rights for the Big East to the highest bidder. The Pizza Hut Supreme East? The Big Nike?

9. Offer Dr. Gross and Dr. Cantor executive jobs for life working for the Big East including a house in every Big East city loaded with Dome Dogs, Otto's snacks, and Cristal (and a few Labatt's Blue). Also rename all post season tournaments The Dr Daryl Gross Invitational.

8. Get Matt Park to do the weekly televised football game of the week along with Jim Brown and some of the Citrus TV students to help out in studio and on sidelines.

7. Night games will feature a strip show at halftime.

6. Make either Jim Boeheim or Coach Mac the Big East commissioner in waiting.

5. Tell Villanova they have 3 years to develop their football program into a BCS level contender and tell Georgetown, Seton Hall, and St. Johns to explore their options now or be left out when the league gets better.

4. Make Notre Dame a lucrative offer to join the football conference and inform them that if they turn it down, take all other sports with them on their way out the door.

3. Reach out to the military academies and make all three an offer to join (Army, Navy and Air Force). Getting all three will boost their rivalry games and make it a part of the Big East tradition as well as offer competitive games.

2. If you thought 3&4 would help, I am also going to include further EXPANSION ideas such as teams like ECU, UNC-Charlotte, Boise State, and maybe a Texas school or any other credible teams either developing their programs or with reputable names to join within the next 2-3 years. If it takes big money and the team is on the right track, spend it and it will pay off later when the Big East not only still exists but is a factor in college football again.

1. Explore the possibility of signing on with a network that already has major cable/satellite distribution and make that your premiere network instead of investing in the Big East channel. It will be cheaper and this rate, you will just need to maybe help get them more exposure, especially if its someone like SNY who has a good regional network but needs help getting a better deal with more cable and satellite companies. Many of these ideas may cost a lot of money but it's better to find avenues to get the money now than lose money later when teams leave and you are a step away from being a Division III conference.

The SOB's Continue As I Present To You: Best Junior

Thank you for the hand off Jameson.

If you followed the link here, you know what this post is all about. We, the bloggers of Syracuse University sports, are awarding those associated with Syracuse basketball with our annual awards (though this is my first time involved since I have a tendency to cease to exist when they come around). I pondered long and hard how to make this a fun build up with suspense and excitement but the truth is, I have the Best Junior and with all due respect to Rick Jackson who had a good season, the voting was unanimous. The winner and new Junior champion with 12 votes is...Wes Johnson.

Here are the blogger comments as to why they all voted this way:

Sean at TNIAAM started it off by saying: "Wes Johnson - What can you say about the Big East Player of the Year that hasn't already been said? Wes was a star, capable of taking over when he wanted but playing team ball as much as possible. A consummate teammate and the kind of guy you love rooting for. He will be missed."

Syracusan from Cuse Country compares Wes to Carmelo with this explanation: "Wes Johnson was first team All-American and third in the national POY voting. Both of those honors exceed what Carmelo Anthony received. Granted that says more about how poorly the national media and awards institutions handled Melo's accomplishments than it does about Wes, but it's enough to make this category a no-brainer."

Andrew from The Three Idiots shared this very poignant and brief statement: "Wes Johnson. No explanation needed." Indeed sir, indeed.

Brian from CuseOrange says: "Wes Johnson - it's not often that a lottery pick arrives via transfer, and we were treated to a magnificent season by The Corsicana Kid. The recovery from his fall took longer than I thought it would, but I'll remember Wes for his highlight-reel plays, crazy leaping ability and efficient scoring. It's sad to see him go but I can't wait to see him flourish in the league."

The Glaude from HoyaSuxa shares his view as only the legend can: "WESGODDAMNJOHNSON: The dude pinwheeled over a Providence player and didn't die. He defies medical science and human physics. Plus, he has excellent teeth."

Dan "Cheesehead" Lyons from Bleacher Report gave this view from his seat (and this is from a game who never missed a game at the Carrier Dome that I know of): "Wes Johnson: Not even a contest, Wes was our best player all season, even with some injury issues, and played some lights out basketball all season. He can run, he can board, he can shoot, the man does it all. Without question the most efficient offensive player I've seen in recent memory, I really wish he would've looked to score a little more at times. I'd love to have Wes for one more year, but we all know that we got our fill in 2009-10 and should be thankful."

Brian Harrison, the man from Orange 44 who could close down a Syracuse bar almost as well as any other blogger (if Glaude is home sick) stated: "Wes Johnson: Easily the best player on the floor most nights versus most teams. He could put up big numbers even though he only shot the ball a few times a game. When he was healthy almost the entire court was in range for him, and he had a surprising ability to get teammates involved in the scoring with some nifty passes. Easily one of the top college basketball players this season."

Jameson from Bleacher Report, who with his great work should be picking whatever job he wants after graduation, was accurate as usual with this assessment: "Wes Johnson: It's a shame he didn't injure his hand and lower body because he could have had one of the best seasons in Orange history."

DA from Orange Fizz tries to get all technical on us like this: "The NCAA's transfer eligibility rule. Not technically "a junior," but without it Wes would've been a member of last year's Orange team. Could you imagine how poisoned he would've been trying to share the floor with Devo and Paul Harris? Our nice guy from Ames would've been standing on scorer's tables and whining about minutes. "

Steve from CuseOrange says he was infected or something or other: "Wes Johnson. When healthy there was no one better. Maybe could have been POY had he not been brought back to earth in the Providence game. Played with a joy that was infectious."

Josh from Cuse Country defends Rick but just like the rest of us, knew who the better junior was: "As solid a season as Rick Jackson had, there is no possibility that anyone other than Wes Johnson goes in this slot. What a treat he was to have around. Undeniable talent, a great work ethic and (by all accounts) a fabulous teammate. The first guy since 2003 to show up in his first year and be *better* than advertised"

That is all for the comments about this issue. Please start off your day tomorrow at 9 am by visiting the Idiots we all love...Three Idiots on Sports who will present the award for the Best Photo. Good night and thank you for stopping by. Go Orange!

Exposing Syracuse Bloggers And Twits

My name is...well let's just say my name is Greg for now. I have hacked into this account and I am writing this because of stuff I have read over the past couple years on these "blogs" and "tweets". These Syracuse "fans" displaying nothing but their arrogance when we know they have skeletons in the closet as well and frankly, I am sick of it. Let's see how they like being called out while in the public eye and get a dose of their own medicine.

My response to this blatant and uncalled for exercise in ego is to one by one, call them out. I will research all of you within the Syracuse community who dares to snub your nose at others and expose them for the frauds that they are. Today, I plan to start with this genius who calls himself "Orange Chuck" which to me resembles the lack of imagination and intelligence that his blog shows on a regular basis.

After interviewing a few solid sources and reading this crap he refers to as a blog, it is my contention that this person is actually a high school freshman (and not even an intelligent one at that) who works part time as a busboy at the Tully's in Liverpool, NY and not the 37 year old North Carolina resident he portrays online. Have you read his stuff? He is probably in a 6th grade level English class struggling to get a D for a grade.

I can confirm as well that pictures he post online actually belong to his father that he found posted on a dating website called lovablelosers.net. He constantly mentions Tully's in the hopes that one of his managers will see his determination and promote him to a waiter position. Even pictures of him eating a delicious Tully's Tenders Platter was merely his father there to support him on his first day of work there he hoped to use to make your mouth water so bad you would have to stop in for your own plate. And whilst on the subject of his father, I may also point out that his father is a janitor at one of the adult bookstores in the Syracuse area who is under investigation for making more of a mess than he actually cleans daily.

So as you can see, he is a fraud and I refuse to sit idly by while this perpetrator judges others while living these lies. Please take these facts into evidence the next time you read one of his blog entries or see him post anything online.

And as for the rest of you out there with your blogs and your Twitter pages, I have not forgotten about you either. I will surpass whatever lame passwords he uses (OttoLikesThe69, what the hell kind of pass word is that anyway?) and post other investigative findings I have on them here as well. I already have a few items on some but I am awaiting confirmation of my sources before posting them.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Boy Who Lost His Smile Retires A Gentleman

I understand not everyone who reads my blog likes wrestling. I also know others have at least in the past enjoyed it as much as I have. There have been many top names in this business who made it a pleasure to enjoy being a fan. For many years, there was one I did not like or respect and his name was The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. My how the years have changed us both.

To be fair, I was a major Bret Hart fan. I liked the Rockers and my naive nature at the time made me blame Shawn for the breakup. I never liked some of what DX did during the attitude era, though the crotch chop was fun. There was never anything about what I saw of him or what I read about him that made me even want to care about him. How could anyone like what they saw? I remember hearing a story about an altercation he had in Syracuse many years ago with some Marines and my first instinct was to wonder what he did to deserve it.

Times changed though and maybe it was his overall behavior change while still keeping some of his juvenile sense of humor. Maybe it had something to do with being Born Again and accepting Jesus into his life and changing things in his life. One thing is for sure though, as time passed, he became someone you wanted to see in the ring more and more.

The Undertaker is a phenom and his 18-0 at Wrestlemania is a great record but the truth is, Shawn over the years became Mr. Wrestlemania. His Iron Man match with Bret Hart made 60 plus minutes of in ring action one of the best matches in history. His match with Stone Cold with Mike Tyson as referee was spectacular, which in of itself is a feat considering it is a known fact that at the time, Shawn's back was so bad he needed time off after to let it heal. And there are last year and this years matches with the Undertaker which, for someone as talented as Shawn, is one great way to end a career.

My point is, Shawn earned my respect and until someone from WWE blocks the access to the videos I posted below, you can see why the guy who once was rumored to have taken some time off because he did not get his way or would not lose to certain individuals, left a gentleman who wrestling fans not only should respect but appreciate as well. If you want to become a wrestler, emulate Shawn as much as possible. The guy took the concept of a ladder match and made it so legendary that it has become a part of wrestling culture, trying to see who can use it to have a great match. He is no longer just some punk kid who craved the spotlight but will go down as one of the greatest performers in the history of the business and a Michael Jordan of the WWE in that one day, you will be in awe of his work and brag to your children that you saw Shawn master "skinning the cat" in Royal Rumbles and tell great stories in the ring.

Thank you Shawn. I may not have always been your biggest fan but in time, I became one. Whether it was me who changed or you, I respect you and thank you for the great moments you gave us as fans. May you enjoy your retirement and you and your family live a great and blessed life.

Top 12 Reasons To Celebrate Syracuse University's 140th Birthday

For those who don't know, today is the 140th birthday celebration of the greatest university known to man kind, Syracuse University of course. In tribute to the Orange in which I bleed, I compiled a list of the 12 reasons you should love this school.

Top 12 Reasons To Celebrate Syracuse University's 140th Birthday

12. Nobody knows business like Whitman's School Of Management

11. Football may have struggled recently but we have a rich history and are now on the right track with Coach Doug Marrone

10. Sean Keeley, Brian Harrison and The Glaude could kick your school blogger's butt and yes, all three are SU graduates.

9. Your school closes when the weather man predicts snow in his forecast. At Syracuse, if you can open your door, class is in session.

8. Remember the name Sidearm Sports because it is the perfect example of why your school is trying to catch up to technology while Syracuse's iSchool is leading the way.

7. Syracuse is not just a one sport school and as proof, has won championships in several sports ( 2003 and 1926 men's basketball, 1959 football team, 14 lacrosse championships and many more with more to come).

6. Newhouse has produced so many great voices in the media that it would take all day to list them.

5. That is a Syracuse Law graduate one heart beat away from the presidency.

4. Coach Boeheim has the greatest men's basketball program in the country and Coach Q is establishing the women's team into a contender.

3. Dino's, Tully's, Chuck's, Faegan's and Zebb's make being at Syracuse a better environment, especially on game days.

2. The list of athletes that attended Syracuse include names that have revolutionized sports like Brown, Gait, Monk, Freeney, Pearl, Davis and the list is endless.

1. 44 is more than a number, it is part of Syracuse tradition and just the mention of the number give a Syracuse fan goosebumps of joy and make you proud to bleed Orange.

What We Learned On Twitter Today-March 21, 2010 (Debut Edition)

I see the poll voting is obviously going in a certain direction and since I want to true make this something everyone will enjoy, I will use this column to make an initial practice run on how to set this up. I am sure that in time, I will do my best to make improvements when needed or recommended but I just want an idea of where to take this. Please let me know either via email at orangechucke@aol.com, send me a message on Twitter or comment on these columns if you have any questions or ideas. And now, the debut of What We Learned On Twitter Today.

OK class, in light of Syracuse stomping Gonzaga today, I wanted to try and debut this thing on a positive note. Many among the Syracuse Twitter family were very vocal about their excitement.

Take for example, Assistant Coach Rob Murphy who said: @robmurphycuse Great Win today Cuse! Salt Lake City is the next stop for the "Shut It (cont)http://tl.gd/j0emp

Or what about one of our players DeShonte Riley's post game quote: @DeeRiley33 Sweet 16 baby! Good win fellas. Thanks everybody for the love and support(as well as the hate). I really appreciate it!

And then among the fans side of the Twitter family, we had our buddy Paulie tweeting about how some with Gonzaga thought Syracuse was a bit soft and wrote: @PaulieDars I hope someone asks Sacre how "soft" that avalanche of points that SU dropped on him feels.
UPDATE: If you are curious as to the reference for Paulie, here is the tweet: @Syracuse_Live: (Charlotte Observer) NCAA: Gonzaga's Sacre calls Orange 'soft': http://bit.ly/9UzHnS

And @pjaschultz sent me this addition to the quote: @sdrosenb: sacre blue!?! Wes Johnson in the HOUSEE!!!!! #SU #SHUTITDOWN

Pat, the man behind the Giant Boeheim head attended the game in person in Buffalo and had a dealing with the fans I can't stand to sit near (and I would put into the #13 slot from my D-Bag list I previously made) when he shared this piece of info: @pmanley Love when people tell me to sit when I stand to cheer an exciting play

We also had references to potential future Rautins children with this tweet from Brian at http://orange44.blogspot.com/ @BH_Orange44: All the ladies nearby are now preggers thanks to Andy.

Then of course, we have the initial tweet from someone tweeting on behalf of Syracuse's opponent in the Sweet 16 round and keep in mind that when the crap flies, this was the first shot heard: @ButlerBasketbal Syracuse it is. We never liked orange anyways.

In response to some general tournament issues, we had Alex, who apparently avoided a bum/store manager fight today at least enough to share this gem with us in reference to The Office: @Alexander_O Andy Bernard's bracket must be looking great in The Office's pool.
If you have never seen the show, here is a quick example of his reference:

And Stewart Mandel from SI gave us this sound bite which had me almost in tears laughing about the matchup of Cornell and Kentucky: @slmandel Seriously, Kentucky-Cornell would be fascinating. Three future lottery picks vs. their future financial advisers.

Of course, Syracuse grad Bill Voth added this comment which added joy to my heart living in ACC country: @billvoth Maryland gets buzzer-beaten and now Duke's the only ACC team left.

And last but not least, let me leave you with a fun NASCAR related quote. I know many of you are not fans but some are and I am becoming more and more of a fan everyday. Brittney Cason, who is a great writer for the Charlotte Bobcats website as well as Charlotte's edition of Creative Loafing and contributor on Speed Network shared this nice quote following Jimmy Johnson winning today at Bristol: @BrittneyCason At this point I wouldn't be surprised if drivers tried to sue #JimmieJohnson for being a monopoly like businesses did Microsoft! #NASCAR

And that class is what we learned today on Twitter. I hope to make them bigger in the future but I will need your help as well. If you see something you think would be funny posted in a future segment, please either RT it with my name (@OrangeChuck) included in it, DM me the message or email it to me and if it measures up, I will be more than happy to add it and maybe even credit you for the find. I think we could have some fun with this thing and hope you all enjoy it. Class dismissed!

Top 12 Wrestling Catch Phrases Utilizing Syracuse Basketball References

Some of who use Twitter may remember a week or two ago, I had an idea for a list of matching up wrestlers and Syracuse Orange players names. I could not really do but maybe a top 3 so I just brought it up on Twitter and had fun with it there. I did however find a fun swerve with mixing wrestling and SU basketball by utilizing catch phrases instead. So I now present to you, the top 12 Syracuse Basketball Wrestling Style Catch Phrases.

Top 12 Syracuse Basketball Wrestling Style Catch Phrases

12. To be the man, you have to beat Brandon.

11. Everybody has a price for the Athletic Director Dr. Daryl Gross

10. Wes is just That Damn Good

9. Quote the Boeheim, nevermore.

8. G-Mac is the whole f'n show.

7. The limousine ridin, Kris Jo flyin, wheelin and dealin son of a gun

6. Can you smell what the Scoop is cookin? (yeah thats hot)

5. Beat him if you can, survive if Andy lets you.

4. What you gonna do when AO goes wild on you?

3. And that's the bottom line because Coach Boeheim said so.

2. Jonny Flynn can go whooo! all night long.

1. Syracuse Basketball: The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be!

Top 20 Syracuse Themed Names For A Potential Blog

I was wondering a while back about renaming the blog but decided against it because not only do I like the name but it would also change the URL address and I have messed around with this blog enough trying to figure it out. Part of me wanted some catchy fun name but I also never could really settle on one that I liked. However, recently I started a list of one's I would consider and after I realized I had like 20 of them, I figured I would share them with you and see what you thought. If you wish to start a blog and steal an idea, feel free with my blessing. If you have any ideas, leave a comment here or on Twitter and let's see what the funniest ones are. Here is my list for your entertainment, at least I hope.

Top 20 Syracuse Theme Names For Your Blog:

20. A Little Bit Of Tenderness: Tribute To Tully's Tenders

19. Syracuse: So Close To Everything That Every Game Is Home Field/Court

18. I Want To Be The Lone Ranger When I Grow Up

17. SU: Where Traditions Are Retired Or Sold To The Highest Bidder

16. McPherson's: Over One Million Fans Pleasured And Still Counting

15. The Orange F'n Show

14. Nobody Puts Duany In A Corner

13. GMac Is Not Over Rated/Gmac Is Worth At Least 10 F'n Games

12. Powell Be Thy Name/The Secret Of Nims

11. When You Want News Done Right, Do A Newhouse Grad

10. Devo Is My Baby Daddy

9. Keith F'n Smart Haunt My Dreams

8. Seikaly: A Greek God Among Men

7. Joe Morris: Real American Hero

6. Doug Logan Bleeds Orange

5. U Conn Handle 6 OTs

4. Warrick's World: The Shot Block Heard Around The World (Echoing In Kansas)

3. Gaitway To Heaven

2. Real Men Do Winters In Syracuse

And the #1 name I would pick if I rename this blog today:

1. Boeheim Is My Buddha

Bored Of Just Your Office Bracket Contest? Try These.

Are you like me and love filling out brackets this week and can fill out about 100 and still want more? Well below is a link to all of the contests that I can find so that we can enjoy the chance not only to win with that perfect bracket but have fun filling them out for prizes. If you know more, please email me at orangechucke@aol.com and I will add them as I check them out. Oh and check out this link for those of you in the Syracuse area who want to take advantage of some bargains in the name of the tournament Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau

$10,000 College Basketball Bracket Challenge - Build and Track Your 2010 NCAA syracuse.com contest and the greatest of all contests

SOBE LIFEWATER ZERO INHIBITIONS BRACKET CHALLENGE FanHouse

Applebee's® College Basketball Bracket

ESPN - College Hoops Pick 'em - Game Home

ESPN - Hardcourt Challenge - Game Home

FOX Sports College Basketball Bracket Challenge - Game Home

Bracket Challenge by Citizen Sports on Facebook

Fantasy Home USA Today

PC Pitstop's March Madness 2009 Contest: Home

It's Madness - Bracket Picks.. NBC Sports

Games - swisher.com

Bodog Bracket Buster Contest

NCAA Basketball Tournament - March Madness - Boston.com - College - Sports