WIXY's Gone Bananas

In my pre t eenage years, I discovered how much I enjoyed getting lost in a good comic book. I was a big DC comics fan, first Batman, then Superman, Flash, Green Lantern, and so on. I was also aware of another comic book company, Marvel. They had Spider-man, Fantastic Four, Captain America, and the incredible Hulk, among others in their stable. In a way, pro wrestling was that way in the late eighties. WWF was D.C. and NWA/WCW was Marvel. I mainly watched WWF for awhile. About 1987 I started watching "Superstars of Wrestling" with my oldest daughter. WIXYjr was less than 2 years old at the time. In the next couple of years he started watching it with me, as he was starting to root for "Ho Hogan" and the "Ootil Warrior". The WWF superstars were good and evil, faces and heels. The one thing that wrestling had impressed upon the audiences was that sometimes cheaters do prosper(which is also true in life). The faces at the time included, Hogan(of course), Ulti...

An interesting thing about pro wrestling is that many watch but fewer admit to it. My guess is that it's always been that way. As a kid, I used to listen to Pete Franklin on the radio at night, as most young men in the Cleveland area did. For those who are unfamiliar with "Sweet Pete", he had a sports talk show on WWWE. One of the quickest ways to get "cut off" from his program was to ask a question about pro wrestling or roller derby, as they weren't accepted sports. Wrestling and roller derby is what is considered "sports entertainment". There are two types of people I find disturbing. the first who thinks that all of wrestling is real. the second is the type who thinks he's done something the equivalent of finding the cure for cancer, by proclaiming to the world that wrestling is fake. For the record, wrestling is not fake. The outcome of matches is predetermined, but the moves, for the most part, are real. the referees are out there to cont...

For those who like the history of this post, I have put in many links. Enjoy your trip in the time machine. This post has been revised as of October 17, 2008. Click here to go to the revision,which includes a tribute to Jack Reynolds. Pro wrestling has been a significant part of television since at least the 1950's. ESPN Classic used to show some bouts from the 50's with wrestlers like Gorgeous George , Sailor Art Tho mas , and Angelo Poffo (father of "Macho Man" R andy Savage ). When I was in high school in the early seventies, my brother and I watched "Championship Wrestling" on WUAB/43. The announcer was Jack Reynolds, veteran radio personality in the Cleveland area. The North American Champion at the time was Johnny Powers . Every Saturday night at 7:00 we would hear the refrain from Mason Williams' "Classical Gas", along with the announcement, Championship Wrestling with Johnny Powers, and yours truly Jack Reynolds". At one time Jo...

At the end of a week where I had my ups and my downs, I am pleased to announce the newest addition to the family. Silas came into the world last night at 10:15pm. He is our third grandchild. Silas, Mom, and Dad are all doing fine. So is brother Ben , and sister Makenna . You could by the use of cameras at the hospital tonight who the grandparents were. In case you were wondering about my knee : I had an appointment at the Crystal Clinic(great facility) today. Dr. Lewandowski said that all I probably needed was some exercises to strengthen my quadriceps.

I read an excellent article in this morning's Beacon Journal, written by Bob Dyer. It was concerning high school students who had My Space pages. The article went on to say that these students would be pictured with alcoholic drinks in their hand, and giving an obscene gesture to the camera. They would go on to say what they would do , have done, or wanted to do. These pages could be seen by anyone. Funny, if I would tell my parents some of the things that these kids post on my space, I'd still be grounded. I wonder if some of these things are kids wanting to look to others like they are really something. The sad thing about this is there are perverts running around preying on people like this. I will say it time and again. I don't lead such a remarkable life. Outside of traffic tickets, and some trouble with the City of Cleveland over some property I had inherited, I have never been in any trouble with the law. I'm not great and I'm not bad. I may be mediocre, but...

Bulletin: Ohio Media Watch has announced that (they) will return on Monday, January 29. It should be bigger and better than ever. The muse has visited several times today. Funny before this morning I hadn't had a post since Sunday, and today I've had three posts between my two blogs. I was made to realize that no problem is insurmountable when the Lord is in control. I just had to have friends to remind me. Even though I don't respond to all the comments on my posts, I appreciate them all, and today they were very uplifting. I had to get some medications refilled on my way home tonight. One of those which I take for my blood pressure had costed me 15 dollars, which was my co-pay. The cost was cut in half. I will rest better tonight. Thanks to everybody who helped my day. Hang in there Danny. Remember that no problem is too big for the Lord.

I have taken a thought from this post and expanded it on my other blog "Seek Him First" I know it's been a few days, but I've had a few things on my plate, and the muse has been very stingy this week. It's been weird this week that I've been finding myself posting on pro wrestling message boards, even though my last post here concerned a word- kayfabe used almost exclusively in pro wrestling. Not much happening. "My"101.7, as newsnomore put it to me in an e-mail, yawwwwn . Daytona 500 is coming up next month. I don't have too many NASCAR fans who look at this blog, but I am so I thought I'd put this here. BTW way CollegeDJ 86, you're from Indiana. What do you think of Tony Stewart? Ohio Media Watch is currently on hiatus, which is why I put "gone fishing" next to his link. He needs a rest, so hopefully he's getting one. No third grandchild yet, but he's coming any day now. I will probably have to go to Nelsonville ...

For those of you who aren't familiar with pro wrestling, the word "kayfabe" means to stay in character and storyline. There has been times in the ring when kayfabe has been broken, so one of the performers could get out of character and give his real feelings. that either occurs after the death of one of the fellow wrestlers, or after a national tragedy, such as 9/11. Click here to read the Wikipedia article about kayfabe. I think that kayfabe can be used concerning message board posting. Sometimes the kayfabe (which in this case I'm using as keeping your real identity under wraps) is used to protect your professional identity. Some of the individuals which I communicate with off the boards and I identify here as their forum names have to in order to be able to express themselves for reasons I can respect. Other times this kayfabe is used for evil or immoral means, things which give the internet a black eye. I've stated time and again that I'm the same person...

As I write this, I'm a few days from welcoming my third grandchild into the world. I was also reminded in the past few days of how much an idiot I was back in my younger days, so I guess that being able to enjoy grandchildren is one of those bonuses in life that falls under the catagory "unmerited favor". Today was an off day in many for me, as I was able to "sleep until I woke up" as it were. and had no long distance driving to do. So I answered some e-mail and checked the forums. Our oldest daughter(she identifies herself in the comment section at times as WIXYette jr the 1st), needed some rest this afternoon(she's the one having the baby) so she asked us to take the kids for the afternoon. So since we hadn't done anything with them in awhile, it was off to Chuck E. Cheese's. Needless to say, we all had a good time. What impressed me about Chuck E. Cheese's was the fact that as we entered the restaurant, we were all stamped with a simular, un...

First, a tip of the hat to the newest friend of this blog, BizDecision . Welcome aboard Biz. Mold those young minds in your charge in the best way you can. I received a call from WIXYjr last night. He was needing advice on what to take for a cold. I asked him if he was watching American Idol. He said no, that he didn't watch until they get down to the final 24(the time, as I was informed by a very reliable source, that it goes from a reality show to a talent contest). We then talked about a story I read in yesterday's Beacon Journal concerning two youths who took a train locomotive for a joyride. The "joy ride" took the two boys past Hocking College, where WIXYjr . attends. Campus police noticed the train going past the college(this was early Tuesday morning) and thought that this was odd, since the train only runs on weekends. Hocking College is in Nelsonville , about 60 miles southeast of Columbus. The two youths took the train as far as Logan, 12 miles away before...

I was not going to post anything tonight. But as I am getting ready to wrap up my day, I have on American Idol. My son is a real talented singer and wanted to audition in Cleveland two years ago. I, feeling that it wasn't in his best interest at the time(he was having some personal problems including seizures), discouraged him from going. Right now they are showing the audition programs. After seeing some of these folks "sing" I have to wonder, am I a good parent, or am I a bad parent for discouraging my son? Or are some of these people the products of disfunctional families? 74WIXYgrad-out. Of course there is always Trivsearch.

Maybe I'm too trusting an individual. Or perhaps, I am too optimistic. I start this with a slip. It happened late yesterday afternoon when I was taking trash to the curb for pickup. I slipped and fell. No problem except for the fact that I had my knee replaced almost six years ago. when I got to work this morning my leg was stiff, so I had to call the doctor's office for advice, and of course the I was told to come in. The good thing about this was that my work day ended at noon. At least I didn't have to put up with rush hour traffic coming from Cleveland this afternoon. I got to the doctor's office fine. Weight is up, blood pressure was up, I thought I was in trouble for that. That wasn't even mentioned. What the doc was concerned with was the play in my man made knee. I was referred to the Crystal Clinic(original total knee was done by Dr. Gradisar , now retired) I was also sent for x-rays, and went to Kaiser, my heath care provider. I proceeded to go to Fairlawn...

Once again thanks to Michelle Maloney, editor of The Post Newspapers, as I have another byline, shared with my daughter, Sylva . And as I am not looking a gift horse in the mouth, I am sorta disappointed that my photographer for this story, Brenda Fry , didn't get the recognition she deserved. I have been helped by many good people since the launch of this blog this past August, and I try to give as much recognition as I can when it comes to crediting my sources. On a somewhat somber note, I see in the " Publishers Notebook ", Bruce Trogdan had wrote about the inminent demise of the Wadsworth Sun Banner . I think that this is sad, seeing that people always remark to me how much they like the personal touch that I give my blog. This personal touch aways involves a glimpse into Rittman. The Daily Record, Medina Gazette, or Akron Beacon Journal wouldn't give print to something like the steel drum concert. I feel that the band at least deserves a story every once in ...

I may now alienate a good portion with this post, but hang with me, as I will be back with other material in future posts. I'm just amazed that it took me this long to post something about NASCAR . No I am not a redneck! I am a relatively new NASCAR fan. Charlie, who has the office next to mine, has been a large influence in me as far as my interest in stock cars is conerned . Anyway, I was looking at this morning's Medina Gazette, which on Fridays always has racing news. During the Nextel Cup season they always have a feud of the week. During the off season(which is now) they have the feud when something noteworthy happens. Guess what? Something noteworthy happened this week. The feud involves two of my favorite drivers, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards. Tony Stewart, pictured to your upper left is two time cup champion. He is approaching middle age, fights the battle of the bulge, and whines alot when things don't go his way, much like most of the population. And like al...

This post is an answer to some message board and blog comments I've read of late. It seems to me that people think that because Ohio voted democrats into top positions this past November, we have become a blue state. The liberals wonder why the liberal format is going away in Columbus radio. My answer to that is maybe people don't want to hear "rah rah me" as much as they want to hear "shame on you". Now that democrats have gained power, Rush Limbaugh and those who have patterned themselves after him will gain popularity. Has Ohio turned "true blue"? I don't think so. I think that in November, people voted for change, not necessarily for the Democrats. They voted against the party in power. I think the state turned "purple". My observations have been that the Republicans have promised to legislate morality, and Democrats promise to legislate prosperity. I don't think you can truly legislate either. Morality comes from within. Pr...

By Cliff Feightner, editor-in-chief, WIXY's gone Bananas, and Sylva Feightner, Rittman Band Alum Photos by Brenda Fry, Rittman Band Alum, member WGBB, and proud Rittman Band Parent PANomenom , the award winning Rittman High School steel drum band performed for an appreciative audience in the cozy confines of the Multi Purpose room in the high school on January 9. After opening the program with the steel drum standard, " Yumbambe ", the show took on a definite flavor of the sixties. We that remember Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were treated to the song " Tijuana Taxi ", which also brought back memories of "The Dating Game". The audience then heard the Johnny Nash tune " I Can See Clearly Now ", which was arranged by Rittman senior Ray Craig . The show continued with just the pans playing " The Summer Knows ". " Mo Java " followed that then those of us "more mature" folks were treated to more memories...

Attention OSU fans: The sun will come up this morning. Once again, I am glad I decided to go to bed early without turning on the BCS Championship game. I have to get up around 3am, and with some health issues that I have, three hours of sleep does not bode well with me. Besides, I still remember all too well the seventh game of the 1997 World Series, which was played on a Sunday night. The people at the shop the next day were all walking around like zombies. I am also glad that I don't write a sports blog. All I have to say, judging by the score is Ohio State didn't come to play, and Florida did. And we don't have to hear about how we need Jim Tressel(whom I believe is a good guy) to coach the Browns. And you know what? One hundred years from now nobody will remember this game. But for now, all the Florida fans in this area are about to come out of the closet. And if all these people who say that they knew Florida was going to win this game played the stock market, they wou...

Woke up yesterday morning and had to go to Ashville(south of Columbus) to run some things to WIXYjr, who was spending the weekend at his aunt's house. I went by myself, so it was the WIXYmobile making the trip. Trip down went without a hitch, a couple of stops to stretch my legs and gas up. WIXYjr suggested we go for some lunch, so we headed to Circleville and ate at Arby's. Upon leaving the restaurant, much to my horror, we saw that the WIXYmobile had a flat. Needless to say, we had to take care of it, so the balloon spare went on, and off to the Wal-Mart across the street. You see I didn't want to drive 150 miles on a balloon spare with no backup. I'm crazy but not nuts. I also had a headlight out, so I had to get that fixed, as the police sorta frown on your car winking at them. Kudos to the TLE(tire and lube express) folks at the Circleville Wal-Mart . Even though I spent more money than I had planned that morning, and spent more time away from my wife than I really...

Persistance pays off, I guess : Johnny Morgan, fulltime attorney, part time disc jockey, and all around good sport has restarted his blog Morgan's Musings . This was after some "prodding" from yours truly. I do have to wonder, however, if it was wise on my part to harass an attorney. With no restrictions, look for some good stuff from Morgan's Musings. My next question is aimed at OMW : How many blogs has Ohio Media Watch now inspired? As I was driving to work this morning, I took I-77 to the E.55th St. exit. Heading north on 55th I approached the 5 point intersection, E.55, Woodland, and Kinsman. Approaching this intersection there is a sign that says " Right Lane Must Turn Right ". Well, I was still going straight, as Central Ave. was my destination. I was in the middle lane. The car beside(in the right lane) also went straight. I just wonder, was that sign a directive- Right Lane Must Turn Right! Or was it a rhetorical question- Right Lane Must Turn, Rig...

Inventory time at work again , so I was basically chained to my desk. My radio was on ESPN1540, the only AM station I could get in my office. The topic of discussion was mainly Nick Saban going from being the head coach of the Dolphins(where I understand he had some time left on his contract) to become the head coach of the University of Alabama. Now I ask you, what values are these major colleges teaching student athletes when they can have a coach break his contract to come to their school? It's bad enough that more than half of all marriages are doomed to break up nowadays. During my life we have seen loyalty diminish in all areas. I remember when you had a local pro sports team you could root some of your favorite athletes, but those days are long gone. Now if you root for the Cleveland Indians , you had better just root for the uniforms, because time and time again the Indians have just been a farm team for the rest of major league baseball. The Indians drafted Albert Belle...

There are more than one billion people in China, most of whom don't care what I write in this blog . I felt that I had to write those words to put things into perspective. But those who look at my words do notice things. I've been busted : Mary Ann , the benefits coordinator at the company I work for, and a very faithful reader, noticed that I mispelled a word in yesterday's post. Good thing about posting on the internet though is you can go back and correct mistakes. What was that word? I hit the "a" instead of the "s" when I spelled "yesterday". You know what that makes me? Human. I've also been propped : Michael Dane , of This Wild World and Sunday Oldies Jukebox fame, gave me props in his latest entry in his new blog. I'm only giving back what was given me several months ago when I started writing this blog, as I also received tips from others. But commenting on his subject today I will say comparing WMJI to the Sunday Oldies Ju...

New Year's Day is here, and the only hangover I'm suffering from is the one over my belt. But I posted yesterday that I have made no resolutions, so I will have to follow this secret formula, but I will let you in on it: eat less and exercise more . We just have to be able to write this up as a fad diet and we could make millions. My wife had to work last night so instead of going to church for New Year's Eve dinner, and service, I wanted to stay home and wait for her. We watched " New Years Rockin' Eve ". Dick Clark looked good last night,even though he's still showing the effects of the stroke he suffered two years ago. Ryan Secrest's appearance reminded me that " American Idol " starts up in a couple of weeks. The best part is watching everybody who think they have talent show they don't. Enjoy your day.