| A Farewell And A Thank You |
[Sep. 15th, 2009|09:39 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  morose | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Good Night, Travel Well" - The Killers | ] |
The last message in my myspace inbox is from Matt Lowry, aka Matt Riot.
Matt was one of my favorites among the younger wrestlers. He was enthusiastic, eager, and infectious with his mood and attitude. He was selfless and kind, and someone who always brightened the locker room.
Today at 3:23 PM, Matt passed due to an aneurysm.
You will be missed, my friend. Thank you for everything you gave to the fans and your fellow wrestlers. Thank you for always listening, for always caring about your opponent, and for always being willing to do whatever needed to be done to make the show go. That's about all I can say at the moment.
Fly free, fly high, fly well. When we meet again, Matt, I want to know that you have soared. |
|
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| For the record... |
[Jul. 1st, 2009|10:45 pm] |
|
...surgery Monday went fine. Don't expect much out of me for a week or two, though. |
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| An Ending |
[Jun. 1st, 2009|10:58 am] |
| [ | Tags | | | wrestling | ] |
| [ | mood |
| |  angry | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Over Now" - Alice In Chains | ] |
Nearly a third of my life. That's how long I've been a professional wrestler.
I've had a lot of highlights and lowlights on the path. I honestly can't imagine me *not* being a wrestler. Sadly, now I have to do just that.
June 13th will be my final match.
I'm not happy about this. I'm not walking away because it was my choice. Instead, a non-wrestling related injury (which was already surgically repaired once) is taking this decision out of my hands. I'll be having two more procedures performed on my foot, and when those are completed, I'll no longer be able to perform as a professional wrestler - in fact, I'll be limited pretty much to walking from that point forward. If I elect not to have the procedures done, the bones of my ankle will basically collapse upon themselves, and that will require even more surgery and greater limitations afterwards.
I hate this. I'm incredibly angry about the entire situation, and I'd like to apologize in advance if I seem ill-tempered, short fused or frustrated. I'm trying to watch out for it, but it still sneaks up on me here and there.
That said, all of you who have ever said you want to see one of my shows? This is it. June 13th.
WWC No Escape 2009
Saturday June 13, 2009
@The Municipal Building
99 Main Cross Street
Aberdeen, OH 45101
Show Time: 7pm
Admission: $12 front row reserved, $10 general, $8 presale
Hopefully, I'll see most of you there. |
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|
| With A Bullet! |
[May. 27th, 2009|11:37 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | accomplished | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Lights Out" - Mindless Self Indulgence | ] |
"Wolfsheim", the supplement we wrote for the Scion game line by White Wolf Publishing is #6 on the top hot items on RPG Countdown.
Take a listen here: http://rpgcountdown.com/2009-05-20 , and if you haven't already, buy a copy of Wolfsheim in order to help me zoom up to #1! |
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| Published Last Friday |
[May. 4th, 2009|10:45 am] |
| [ | Tags | | | writing | ] |
| [ | mood |
| | accomplished | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Silver Cloud" - The Cells | ] |
Secret Project W has made it to the light of day!
For White Wolf's Scion game line comes a new Storyteller Adventure Series item - Wolfsheim, as written by yours truly and Drew Backer.
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=61547
Only $6.99, and it's a good introductory adventure into the Scion world that's receiving very positive reviews. Go! Now! Take a look and buy! Leave feedback on the White Wolf forums (or to me directly) so that I can do this more often! |
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| Reminder - Tonight at 8:00PM |
[Apr. 11th, 2009|04:21 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  thankful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Silver Cloud" - The Cells | ] |
My Birthday celebration at the Casa de Backer. Drop me or he a line if you need directions and stuff. Whilst I'm at it, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) supercannuck is celebrating his birthday today as well, up in the wild north.
Presence is appreciated far more than presents - I'll be providing some food, cake, and maybe the non-alcoholic beverages. I'd be much happier seeing you all than anythign else.
That said, if you do have some odd, overwhelming urge to buy me something, I have a list of suggestions (OK, they're mostly hints for Steph, but hey) in the form of an Amazon wishlist.
See as many of you there as possible tonight! |
|
|
| I've been told... |
[Apr. 7th, 2009|11:44 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | complacent | ] |
...that I'm very difficult to buy for when it comes present time.
So, I'm making it simple for those interested.
Also, my birthday party is on Saturday, April the 11th at the Casa de Backer/Profit. If you need info, send me an email. :) |
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| The Special Gift Toy Drive 2008 |
[Nov. 21st, 2008|01:05 pm] |
Each year, thousands of children suffer burn related accidents from the many hazards of childhood. In July of 1979, I joined those children. At the tender age of 6, I was admitted to Shriner's Burns Institute in Cincinnati to receive the specialized medical attention I needed to survive another day. Like many of the other children in the faceless statistics, I awoke disoriented, confused, and alone, in a sterile environment designed to keep me alive. I was scared, frightened, and felt completely isolated from the world I knew, common actions that I had taken for granted now causing crippling agony. And I was lucky. Lucky to be alive, and lucky to be in a caring environment. After four months of rehabilitation, I was able to leave the hospital, mostly under my own power. There were several follow-up visits and surgeries, but for the most part, the worst was over.
However, there are many children who arrive at Shriner's without the luck I have. Many have lost their families, or are summarily abandoned due to their injuries. Compounding that tragedy like nothing else are the hospital stays that last through the holiday season, beginning with Halloween, passing through birthdays and Thanksgiving, before ending up on Christmas, the most anticipated holiday to many children.
The Shriner's Burns Institute relies on private sources to maintain the free hospital services that they provide. They consistently give the best care in the burn field, making breakthrough discoveries almost daily. They do their best to provide for every child who is rushed in through their doors, but the holidays are tough, especially for the tiny patients. That's where you and I come in to the picture. We are collecting new toys, games, and books to donate to the Shriner's Burns Institute in Cincinnati – to give back a “Special Gift” to the children. Words can not even begin to describe the feeling received when you know that your actions are able to bring a smile to the face and joy to the heart of these young victims.
From now through December 20th (to allow adequate time for delivery to the hospital), we are asking that if you have the opportunity, please purchase a new (sadly, used toys can not be accepted due to sterilization concerns) toy, game, comic or book for donation to the Special Gift Toy Drive. Each comic, card, game or the like that we donate this way will provide a child with the things that we love so much, hopefully igniting in them the same passions we feel when we read a great book or play an awesome video game.
Below is a list of the items we’re looking to acquire – if you (or someone you know) would like to donate, feel free to pass along my contact information.
Thank you, and I hope that you and yours have a happy and rewarding holiday season.
( The List )
Please feel free to spread the word. |
|
|
| The Doktor is IN! |
[Oct. 27th, 2008|11:00 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | excited | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Military Fashion Show" - And One | ] |
Just finished reading the first trade for "Doktor Sleepless" by Warren Ellis, thanks to Sarcy.
Holy hell in a wicker basket, this stuff is INCREDIBLE. Go read it NOW.
Damn you, Sarcy, for adding to my monthly pull... *shakes fist in impotent rage* |
|
|
| The 2008 PWI 500 |
[Sep. 12th, 2008|11:59 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | chipper | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Cam Convention Song" - Nash Bozard | ] |
...I'm jumping on my own bandwagon, since someone else posted it first, I feel safe in this not being Shameless Self Promotion. :)
The PWI 500 is an annual list of the top 500 wrestlers in the US, Mexico, Japan, Canada, UK, Puerto Rico - OK, pretty much the entire world. Looks like someone noticed me this year, even if some of the information is slightly dated.
 |
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| Secret Project W |
[Sep. 12th, 2008|11:41 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  contemplative | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "A Case Of You" - Joni Mitchell | ] |
This is just here to keep me accountable.
Secret Project W:
One more week or so should finish this for the rough draft. |
|
|
| Plans for tonight? |
[Apr. 5th, 2008|10:28 am] |
| [ | Tags | | | wrestling | ] |
| [ | mood |
| | grateful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Syndic Calls" - Isis | ] |
For anyone who doesn't know, Brian Pillman was a Cincinnati Bengal and later, professional wrestler for WCW, ECW and the then-WWF. He died of a congenital heart disease a few days prior to his wife, Melanie, discovering she was pregnant with his son.
In his honor is the Brian Pillman Memorial Show. All proceeds go to his family and the education of his children. If you live within a few hours drive, it will be worth your time to come out, support a great cause, and even see me in action.
Pillman 10 Year Anniversary Event!
International Stars signed
*** ROH Star BJ Whitmer ***
*** Former WWE star Ro-Z ***
*** Former WWE/WCW Star "Above Average" Mike Sanders ***
*** Independent Standout JD Michaels ***
*** 27-Year Ring Veteran Bull Pain ***
*** Former WWE/WCW/ECW star PG 13 Jamie Dundee ***
*** Former NWA Champion Chance Prophet ***
Matches Already Signed
Chikara/CZW star Marvelous Mitch Ryder vs. Todd Morten
Ric Byrne vs. JT Stahr
American Kick Boxer vs. Kid Hybrid
Kimera & Ganger & Mitch Magnus vs. "Bad Attitude" Brian Beech & Onyx & Eric Dark Storm
Bull Pain vs. "The Wildman from Dixieland" Matt Dillenger
Mary Elizabeth / Japanese Wrestling Sensation Hailey Hatred vs. "The Self- Proclaimed Hottest Tag Team in The Midwest" Neveah and Shimmer's Ashley Lane
"The Real Deal" Rory Fox vs. PG13 Iceman Jamie Dundee
Dusty Dillenger vs. Chance Prophet
Mr. EGO Cody Hawk & Sexy Shawn Casey vs. GP Code's Andre Heart & Deja Vu
J.D.Michaels vs. "Above Average" Mike Sanders
And special guests hosts BJ Whitmer, Kingdom James and Ripper Blackheart.
Battle Royal
Featuring stars of EGO Pro Wrestling and many other feds!
Don't Miss It!......
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Doors open at 7:00 pm, Belltime 8:00 pm
Norwood Fieldhouse, 2060 Sherman Ave, Norwood OH
Card subject to change
How about all this for the Great Price of $10? CHEAP! |
|
|
| Special Request From Shriner's |
[Dec. 5th, 2007|11:01 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | contemplative | ] |
| [ | music |
| | The Refused - "Liberation Frequency" | ] |
Hey All,
My contact at Shriner's let me know that they have a few special requests for this year, and I figured I should see if we can fill them. If anyone can donate one of the items on this list, let me know, and I'll coordinate sending it to Shriner's.
1. Brio Trains (the ones with magnets that go with the Brio train sets).
2. Multi-player PS3 games rated "E".
3. Wii controllers.
4. Charging station for Wii controllers.
5. Guitar Hero 3 for Wii (extra controller if possible).
6. 3 portable DVD players (the types with a built in screen of 13" or less).
Numbers 2-6 are the exception to the "everything has to be new" rule - if you have some of these items sitting around not being used, we can pass those along.
Again, thank you ALL for the effort you put into this. It is incredibly appreciated! |
|
|
| The Special Gift Toy Drive 2007 |
[Nov. 24th, 2007|11:44 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | busy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Every Time I Die - "The New Black" | ] |
I think most of you know my story, but I'll recap it to remind you why I do this. Each year, thousands of children suffer burn related accidents from the many hazards of childhood. In July of 1979, I joined those children. I was admitted to Shriner's Burns Institute in Cincinnati to receive the specialized medical attention I needed to survive another day, the victim of family abuse.
Like many of the other children in the faceless statistics, I awoke disoriented, confused, and alone, in a sterile environment designed to keep me alive. I was scared, frightened, and felt completely isolated from the world I knew, common actions that I had taken for granted now causing crippling agony. Despite all of that, I was lucky. Lucky to be alive, and lucky to be in a caring environment. After four months of rehabilitation, I was able to leave the hospital, mostly under my own power. There were several follow-up visits and surgeries, but for the most part, the worst was over.
However, there are many children who arrive at Shriner's without the luck I have. Many have lost their families, or are summarily abandoned due to their injuries. Compounding that tragedy like nothing else are the hospital stays that last through the holiday season, beginning with Halloween, passing through birthdays and Thanksgiving, before ending up on Christmas, the most anticipated holiday to many children.
The Shriner's Burns Institute relies on private sources to maintain the free hospital services that they provide. They consistently give the best care in the burn field, making breakthrough discoveries almost daily. They do their best to provide for every child who is rushed in through their doors, but the holidays are tough, especially for the tiny patients. That's where you and I come in to the picture. We are collecting new toys, games, and books to donate to the Shriner's Burns Institute in Cincinnati – to give back a “Special Gift” to the children. Words can not even begin to describe the feeling received when you know that your actions are able to bring a smile to the face and joy to the heart of these young victims.
From now through December 20th (to allow adequate time for delivery to the hospital), we are asking that if you have the opportunity, please purchase a new (sadly, used toys can not be accepted due to sterilization concerns) toy, game, comic or book for donation to the Special Gift Toy Drive. Each comic, card, game or the like that we donate this way will provide a child with the things that we love so much, hopefully igniting in them the same passions we feel when we read a great book or play an awesome video game.
As many of you know, we often donate a higher end video game system to the hospital, along with a television, some games, and a rolling cart so that it can be taken to the children unable to leave their beds. In that vein, I have a more ambitious goal than ever – I intend to have one PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and game/movie donated for each child in the hospital over the holidays (around 30). If you’re interested to contributing to that particular effort, let me know - the best deal on it I have found is at Wal-Mart (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5733771). Also, if you wish to donate general items, I have a list of items that Shriner's would like to have donated – all you need to do is ask to see it.
As I said, I was lucky. I'm even more blessed by seeing the generosity of all of my friends each year - and there is nothing that makes me prouder than when we spread our good fortune on to others in this way.
Thank you very much, and I hope you have a happy and rewarding holiday season.
Sincerely,
Ric Connely
The Special Gift Toy Drive |
|
|
| Silly Videogames |
[Nov. 12th, 2007|03:03 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | frustrated | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Old School Hollywood Baseball" - System Of A Down | ] |
I've been trudging along on the old-gen consoles (PS2 and XBox, although the XBox isn't even mine - it's a long term loaner due to the XBox I had giving up the ghost with the red rings of death). I was happy like this, until Guitar Hero came along. I quickly became hopelessly addicted.
Now, Guitar Hero III is out. More songs and better graphics on the PS3 and 360, soon to be followed by Rock Band and Conan - all of which will have components only available by download, meaning that PS2 and regular Xbox won't be able to provide the complete experience for these games. Conan alone is enough to make me purchase a next gen system all by itself. I'm considering trying to scrounge up the money over time to grab either the 360 Elite or PS3 to accomodate these games.
I'd go for a 360, but the games I'm still (slowly) completing on the regular Xbox aren't all yet compatible with the 360 (although I see that the list keeps growing larger over time, so there's still hope). I'd go with a PS3, but it's exhorbitant price tag for backwards compatible platforms (the 60G and the 80G versions, because the 20G isn't fully compatible) sways me away.
So, if any of you out there hear of one of these going for some ridiculously cheap price (or are looking to divest yourself of one), let me know. It may be a year before I can purchase, but I'm going to try and get one of these, one way or the other, within the foreseeable future. |
|
|
| Technical Opportunities |
[Nov. 7th, 2007|03:06 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  sleepy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Prong - "Avenue Of The Finest" | ] |
Below are two positions both open at my current employer. If you're interested, toss your resume to me.
And yes, one of these is my current position. No, that's not a bad thing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Settlement Analyst
This position is based in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Settlement Analyst’s responsibilities include:
* Perform daily batch sweeps to identify outstanding settlement batch issues
* Determine status of identified batches
* Track/record outstanding batch issues for fast resolution and to identify trends
* Take necessary action on batches based on analysis of system logs
* Record all actions for future reference
* Track and diagnose ongoing batch issues and communicate results to Engineering group and Senior Management
* Interact with merchants and Skipjack personnel on batch-related issues
* Identify and implement improvements to batch processes and tools
Additional responsibilities include:
* Research merchant issues as required
* Implement fraud response procedures
* Track and communicate fraud issues to the appropriate parties
The Settlement Analyst will be part of a dynamic team that is serving the payment solution needs of clients across North America and beyond.
This position requires availability from 7AM to 4PM, and may require occasional evening work.
Skills/Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Commerce or Engineering or related discipline
* 2-4 years of sales or support related experience in a technical environment
* Strong knowledge of PC and Internet technology
* Knowledge of and competence in Microsoft Office applications
* Extreme attention to detail
* Excellent communication skills, oral and written
* Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
* Proven ability to get things done
---------------------------------------------------------
Job Description - Database Administrator
Summary:
* Senior DBA to analyze, design, test and develop database schema, architecture and solutions for use in real-world mission critical production environments.
* Senior DBA with 5+ years of enterprise database design and development experience using Microsoft SQL Server. Specialty, in developing large-scale (200+ Gigabytes) database architectures with experience through the full database solution life cycle is required.
* Minimum of two (2) years experience with handling OLTP and reporting databases.
* Experience in DTS is a BIG plus.
* Bachelors degree in Computer Science. Masters degree a plus.
* Self-starter with strong leadership, professionalism and responsible qualities. Ability to work well with aggressive deadlines and minimal supervision.
* Ability to write analysis reports for delivery to management. Strong technical writing skills a plus.
* Must be able to pass security and background checks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Work with software engineers to benchmark, stress test and perform scalability assessments of databases.
* Architect, design and develop database solutions and functionality.
* Design robust database administration functions for resource management, security, backup and recovery, performance monitoring and tuning, data management, capacity planning, and replication/failover between database instances. Design and implement scripts for monitoring, maintenance, backup, cloning, etc., using SQL, TSQL.
Knowledge and Skills:
* Candidate must be an experienced DBA who has worked on SQL Server 2000 and SQL 6.5 and 7.0. Must have a good foundation in SQL Server 2000 architecture. Must have a strong background on Windows operating system. Experience with Sun and UNIX platforms a big plus.
* Strong experience with performance optimization and tuning of database applications a MUST
* Experience in object oriented methodologies and programming preferably in Visual Basic and C/C++ preferred
* Expertise in designing and implementing web-based, two-tier and three-tier client server applications preferred
* Hands-on experience in Oracle or other RDBMS preferred
* ASP, VBScript and XML knowledge preferred
* Development experiences in .NET a big plus!
* Must have excellent communication skills both written and verbal
* Mature, confident team player motivated by a fast paced environment
* Ability to manage & direct high-profile client communications and projects
Other Skills:
* Must be creative and detail oriented
* MCDBA track certifications a plus
* Domain knowledge of enterprise database architectures, especially performance tuning, benchmarks, stress testing products a big plus
---------------------------------------------------------
Again, if interested in either position, drop me an email via ric AT skipjack DOT com. |
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