Category Archives: Random

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CPAC 2017 Arms Young Conservatives With Intellectual Ammo

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President Trump takes time to bask in the moment mid-speech.

by Connor J. Frontera

The Conservative Political Action Conference, held In the Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Md. last week, attracted more than 10,000 conservatives (many of them college students) to share and gather knowledge about conservative values and contemplate the future of the United States of America. Speakers were invited from all over the globe, including Senator Ted Cruz, Judge Jeanine Pirro, and the even the President himself, Donald J. Trump.

The convention began last Wednesday and ran until the following Saturday afternoon. Each day, Speakers presented special seminars, talks, and panels to pass on their knowledge and experience to young and passionate conservatives to arm them with the proper arguments against their liberal opposition. These seminars included topics regarding very simple Constitutional rights, such as the meaning of the second and fourth amendments, as well as some very controversial topics which included sanctuary cities, illegal immigration, and radical Islamic terrorism.

President Trump, arrived Saturday morning via Marine One to address the convention. In the Gaylord National Resort ballroom, over five thousand patiently awaited his arrival, some students waking up at as early as 3 o’clock in the morning to get a front row seat. This was the first Presidential appearance at this convention since Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s.

In his speech, President Trump addressed all of the current issues that are facing the country today. He criticized the mainstream media for its “fake news,” exclaiming that the people of this great nation are no longer going to let the media report false stories. The President also addressed ISIS, stating that he will make sure they are “eradicated,” and that he will help build our military so strong that it will be completely unstoppable. In addition to these topics, the President covered immigration and the wall, helping businesses by cutting taxes, and that he indeed loves Campbell’s soup.

Minutes after his speech, a crowd joined outside to watch him head back to the White House on Marine One to get back to work and help deliver on the promises he has made as President.

 The overall convention was a success and most of its attendees went away happy and gracious from what they had learned. It supplied them with the intellectual ammunition for battle against their liberal opposition in future debates, cases, and biased college campus policies.

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Spectacular Crowdfunding Fails And Their Impact On Entrepreneurship

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by Nermin Hajdarbegovic

Before I proceed, let me make it absolutely clear that I have nothing against crowdfunding. I believe the basic principle behind crowdfunding is sound, and, in a perfect world, it would boost innovation and provide talented, creative people with an opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.

Unfortunately, we live in the real world, and therefore it’s time for a reality check:

Reality /rɪˈalɪti/

noun

  1. The state of things as they actually exist.
  2. The place where bad crowdfunded ideas come to die.

While most entrepreneurs may feel this mess does not concern them because they don’t dabble in crowdfunding, it could have a negative impact on countless people who are not directly exposed to it:

  1. We are allowing snake oil peddlers to wreck the reputation of crowdfunding and the startup scene.
  2. Reputational risks extend to parties with no direct involvement in crowdfunding.
  3. By failing to clean up the crowdfunding scene, we are indirectly depriving legitimate ideas of access to funding and support.
  4. When crowdfunded projects crash and burn, the crowd can quickly turn into a mob.

Click here to read more.

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Is Staffing Software Really the Answer?

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As technology advances in staffing by way of app, job sites, and software, more and more applicants are being selected based on their credentials. With the ability to apply from anywhere in the world, the right candidates are sometimes still a hard find. This begs the question: is technology the be-all end-all when it comes to hiring?

Staffing software can be a funny thing. On one hand, it chooses candidates based on a pre-programmed skill set that matches their resume. The software then notifies the employer almost immediately, transitioning the hiring process almost seamlessly. It also makes for applicants to apply en masse for a position – giving employers a plethora of job seekers to choose from to fill a role in the span of a few hours.

On the opposite end, software does not account for personality or any life experiences candidates may have that would better qualify them for a role. Technology also does not cater to older generations. Due to ease of access and buzzwords in job descriptions that the software picks up, it’s not only easier for job seekers to apply to many vacancies in a short time, it also allows them to manipulate their chances of landing an interview via copy and paste. When it comes time for said interview, they simply just have to be the best candidate that shows up to get the gig. Whether or not they are actually qualified will still be a crapshoot. The ease of applying for work in relation to how often they are deemed worthy by software also means that more applicants are simply applying for random positions algorithms on job sites such as Indeed have told them match their search. In addition, the right candidate for the company could slip through the cracks due to use of the wrong keywords.

Take Mel Blanc for example. For years he would journey to Warner Bros. Animation studios to ask for a voiceover job, only to be turned down by the front door. After years of persistence, Blanc got a break when a talent fell ill and the doors finally opened – albeit for a temporary moment as the studio had no replacement. As you know, Blanc would go on to voice some of the most iconic characters in the history of animation, including most of the Looney Tunes roster, Barney Rubble, and many more. By showing persistence, enthusiasm, and getting in front of the right people, Blanc was able to become the most legendary voice actor in history. If Blanc was constantly told to “apply online and never inquire in person or call about the job,” there’s no telling how many of these characters would not exist or be held in as high of a regard as they are now.

What can employers do to offset this factor? By merging traditional tactics with tech, staffers can get a clear vision of who their next hire is without relying too heavily on algorithms. Allow candidates to drop their resumes off at the front desk, let them call about a job, then check your online applicants. Try hosting open interviews on slow days, or scheduling more career fairs. This will create a more equal opportunity for all, bring effort back to job searches, and help employers find diamonds in the rough.

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Spaceman Frank’s Survivor Series 2016 Predictions

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Much like Hell in A Cell, WWE is going all out by having three of Survivor Series’s gimmick matches on display. WWE is trying to hype up these matches at a big event to try and get bragging rights between the brands, which would work better if the brand split was less than six months old. That being said we do get an extreme case of “fantasy warfare” and cramming this much talent into one Pay-Per-View must make it good right? Right???? I’m Spaceman Frank and here are my predictions for Survivor Series 2016.

Brian Kendrick (c) vs. Kalisto (Cruiserweight Championship Match – If Kalisto wins, the Cruiserweight Division moves to SmackDown Live)

WWE pretty much shot themselves in the foot by announcing 205 Live before this match. I think Brian Kendrick could be a fine champ, but the way he was booked before and after being crowned is pretty pathetic. As saw in the CWC, he can still put on amazing matches, but WWE would rather have him fart around and beg his opponents to let him win.

Kalisto was always the odd man out as the cruiserweight on SmackDown, but maybe WWE was smart (or insane) enough to put him on SmackDown for this scenario. Seeing as Raw has epically botched the Cruiserweights, I’m ready for SmackDown to get their hands on the super talented division. Kalisto wins and becomes the first respectable champ the brand has had.

10 vs. 10 Tag Team Raw vs. SmackDown Survivor Series Elimination Match

This hodge-podge of a match has the teams fighting because…reasons. For all the segments featuring the teams trying to get me to care about this match, clearly this is the redheaded stepchild of the Raw vs. SmackDown matches (and no, I’m not just saying that because Heath Slater is involved). I realize now how many joke tag teams WWE has on the main roster.

Really, this breaks down (for me at least) as American Alpha vs. The New Day and Enzo & Cass, and I see American Alpha snagging a win for SmackDown because it’s about damn time Chad Gable becomes the megastar he could be.

The Miz ((c) with Maryse) vs. Sami Zayn (Intercontinental Championship Match)

I would love to see a proper feud between these two. Sadly, I feel as though this is going to be a one-off match for them, especially because it seemed like everyone expected the IC champ to still be Dolph Ziggler. With SmackDown almost certainly getting the Cruiserweight belt, I see Raw grabbing the IC belt to even things out. This gives SmackDown a unique flavor, while giving all the traditional titles a home on the flagship show. Obviously this means Sami Zayn will win, and since he did, you know, beat Kevin Owens in their last match of the “Fight Forever” feud, this gives him a better spot to launch from. Perhaps hey could even book The Likeable One semi-decent if he’s champ.

5 vs. 5 Raw vs. SmackDown Women’s Survivor Series Elimination Match

Which team will pull it together after weeks of fighting? Who cares! I was kind of into this match until the go-home SmackDown where the Raw ladies beat down Becky Lynch. This included Sasha Banks and mega babyface Bayley doing a five-on-one beatdown (BAYLEY JOINED IN ON A GROUP MUGGING OF HER FRIEND!!! THAT IS VERY HEELISH!!!). Poor writing all around sucked me completely out of this match. SmackDown has more potential dissension moments between the teams, so I think Raw will win. Plus, they have Nia Jax who is due for a main roster statement match and eliminating most of SmackDown will do just that.

5 vs. 5 Raw vs. SmackDown Men’s Survivor Series Elimination Match

This match has been heavily hyped, with Stephanie McMahon threatening to fire people if they lose on Raw and SmackDown’s men having The Undertaker threaten to bury people alive (sounds like Raw has the better deal since they, you know, don’t have somebody threatening to murder them). There are many interesting angles that can play out here, from champ Owens vs. champ Styles to Roman Reigns vs. the crowd to Braun Strowman versus everyone.

This can be the match of the night if booked properly, or it can be a disaster if they decide to push certain people (cough, Reigns, cough) over everyone else. Honestly, I think the biggest mystery is how Strowman will be booked, and how they preserve the new monster on the block. Raw wins, with Owens and Reigns being the last two standing so they can hype Roadblock in December.

Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) vs. Goldberg

I really want to hate on this match but I won’t. There will be plenty of fine technical wrestling this weekend, but sometimes you need some sizzle and this match has sizzle in spades. I was at the go-home Raw for Survivor Series and it was palpable how badly people wanted to see these two fight. I’m not saying this will be a five-star classic or even a serviceable match, but this figures to be one hell of a moment. I think we’ll see a match similar to Lesnar’s match with Orton at Summerslam where it builds to Brock beating Goldberg until the bell is called. Or they both get themselves disqualified and they just bloody each other up. Either way Brock stays strong and Goldberg can have his superhero moment before getting the Hall of Fame nod.

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Spaceman Frank’s NXT TakeOver: Toronto Predictions

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by Frank Lucci

A big Four Pay-Per-View is here, which means that WWE is rolling out the NXT brand the night before for a (probably) superior show of their own. What’s most likely is that the last major show for the developmental brand of the year promises to be an exciting event, and considering the event will be around one-third of the time Survivor Series promises to be that is very welcome. With an emphasis on tag team action reflecting the overall Survivor Series theme, Toronto has massive potential to show why WWE deserves to invest in more serious tag teams instead of the multitude of joke tag teams that populate the main roster. While it’s unusual for no new talents to be making their debut during a live special, Toronto features several grapplers having the highest-stake matches of their careers, plus the return of a legendary women’s wrestler. I’m Spaceman Frank, and here are my NXT TakeOver: Toronto predictions.

The Authors of Pain vs. TM-61 (Finals of Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic)

It’s smart of the WWE to only have the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic on the Toronto show rather than the semis and finals in one night. It’s also smart of NXT to have two up and coming teams clashing for the trophy rather than having a superteam win it like last year. While I would (and honestly) rather see Team DIY and The Revival clash for the NXT Tag Team Championships and the trophy, I’ll take this alternative instead. What I don’t like is Paul Ellering being suspended from a cage above the ring. If we had seen the dastardly manager interfere in more matches it would make sense, but since the Authors have been pretty dominate it doesn’t seem necessary. It’s tempting to say that the Authors of Pain will win…so I will. TM-61 is a fine team, but to me they are discount Team DIY until they fully establish themselves.

The Revival (c) vs. Team DIY (Two Out of Three Falls Match for the NXT Tag Team Championships)

Having this be a two out of three falls match is perfect. This was already shaping up to be the match of the night, and guaranteeing there will be high drama throughout the match. These four can steal not only this NXT special, but the whole wrestling weekend as well. I think The Revival will win, so they can bide their time until AJ Styles brings them in to be his henchmen in the SmackDown chapter of The Club (please let it happen WWE). There is a lot of fertile ground for Johnny Wrestling and the Sicilian Psychopath to begin feuding, and the smart money says that losing their chance at the belts for a second time will lead to the split. I could also see them splitting up while trying to take the Cruiserweight Championship on the main roster, considering how many times we’ve been teased with their divorce. Either way, the stakes in this match are high, and I’m ready for The Revival to pull out some shenanigans and Team DIY to lay some some serious hits that echo so loudly I hear it from Buffalo.

Bobby Roode vs. Tye Dillinger

The only singles match on the card not for a title involves Dillinger finally getting a match on a live special he is not guaranteed to lose, and it’s about time considering how long the dude has been working away at NXT and has been overdue for some sort of push. The crowd is solidly behind the guy, as they have wanted The Perfect 10 to get the spot he finally deserves. On the other hand, he’s going up against the immensely popular Bobby Roode, whose theme song admittedly is more over than he is. NXT is in need of some main event heels besides Samoa Joe, and Roode fits the bill to a “t.”

In order to do this, I predict he will bully and batter Dillinger to get the win, earning him some heat so people begin to turn on him. Roode wins to set himself up as the next challenger for the NXT Championship and Dillinger solidifies himself as a midcard face with a strong outing.

Asuka (c) vs. Mickie James (NXT Women’s Championship Match)

Asuka is facing her stiffest competition yet…or at least that’s what WWE wants you to believe. Mickie James is a legend and probably a future Hall of Fame candidate, but rumor has it that the only reason she’s here is because Trish Stratus was not available. I also have concerns over how their styles will mesh, but considering the biggest thing I know about James is that she sexually assaulted Stratus at ‘Mania 20 I’m probably not a good reference point. Asuka seems destined to hold on to the belt until Ember Moon (or someone else) steps up, so she’ll win this match and will have to wait awhile until someone becomes the clear-cut choice to take her title away. Either that or NXT books her in a multi-women match so she can lose the belt without being pinned.

Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Samoa Joe (NXT Championship Match)

While I predict the Tag Team Championship match will be the highlight of the show, these two are engaging every time they face off. While their first encounter was built around the dream match potential, now there are personal stakes involved as Nakamura and Joe have taken turns beating the bejesus out of each other. I predict these two will lay down some serious lumber, and if Brock vs. Goldberg II matches 50% of their intensity I’ll be shocked.

I know NXT is reluctant to throw around gimmick matches, but if any two needed a Street Fight stipulation this is the pair. Joe has nothing left to prove in NXT, and is an early candidate for a 2017 Rumble entrant. Therefore, Nakamura is walking away with the title. Maybe he’ll have one final encounter with Joe, or maybe Roode will sneak into the main event scene, or maybe No Way Jose turns heel and uses an actual baseball bat on the champ. We shall see.

Gaming, Graphic Novels, Podcast, Random

F*ck Mondays! Episode 18: Pokemon Goes to UFC 200

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In great detail, Chris and Jon discuss UFC 200, the sensations and dangers of Pokemon Go, and goings on in the Marvel comic universe. Chris details his first Uber experience.

Graphic Novels, Movies, Podcast, Random

F*ck Mondays! Episode 4: Bucky Dent is Not the Winter Soldier

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Chris and Jon ramble about The Human Centipede: Final Sequence, critic reviews for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and more in this Thanksgiving Eve podcast. Trailers discussed are Captain America: Civil War and Legends of Tomorrow.

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Bonesaw Update: Thrash, Doom and BBQ’s

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Hi Everybody,

Haven’t posted anything in a few days guys so I figured I should cue you in on what’s been going on.

I’ve been working like a dog at my “joe” job while trying to become a force in publishing. During my days off, I’ve been recording podcasts with a number of fantastic underground artists, writing for Metal Insider and working on some musical projects (which I’ll get to later).

On top of that, I’m still doing some booking for the Thrash Bash BBQ. It’s been a little tricky since we changed the date from August 1st to August 15th so there has been some re-booking issues here and there. I am also waiting for the artwork to be delivered by Paul Motisi. He does work for Moon Tooth and is a fantastic artist. You can check out his stuff here. Once the artwork is taken care of the final flyer will be made and we’ll be going into heavy promotion mode.

I’ve been reading Hardcore Holly’s book “The Hardcore Truth” and my God, is it good. Holly holds nothing back in his tell-all. If you’re the type who enjoys a good shoot this is for you.

On a side note, prepping for my cousin’s wedding this Fourth of July weekend so it’s been hectic. I’m very proud of her and can’t wait to see her walk down the aisle along with friends and family.

Music has been interesting to me lately. Some new artists I think should be taken care of are Gruesome and Temple of Dagon, who are hitting their stride with their new EP titled “Revelations of the Spirit.” Both artists are incredibly talented and deserve a listen. Gruesome’s “Savage Land” album is great. How they managed to nail Death’s “Leprosy” sound is beyond me because this was an effort that took much more than studio magic. There will be some reviews for these pieces and hopefully that will open a few doors.

Saw The Skull the other night at Santo’s Party House along with Sunlord, who’s guitarist Alfonso Ferrazza was a recent guest on the podcast. It’s always nice to meet the people you work with. They had some high energy but no energy was higher than The Skull as singer Eric Wagner was inhaling cigarette smoke and other substances that are legal in some states (but not this one) on stage. If you don’t know The Skull they’re a doom/stoner band consisting of former member of the band Trouble – who are still active with different members. If you don’t know Trouble then check them out. “Plastic Green Head” and “The Skull” are good places to start.

Last but not least, my musical endeavors have begun to start back up. The Zamboni album is sounding great but is still in the early mixing stages. Hopefully it’ll be finished by the end of the year. I’m very proud of it and can’t wait to get my hands on the end result. I have also been working on a blackened doom project with my friend and coworker. I won’t be giving away any details but I will say that it’s instrumental with soundtrack concepts.

Thanks for giving me the time to fill you in on my current events. At some point I hope to bring back the band of the week and throwback Thursdays. If you or anybody you know would be into writing about anything the site focuses on feel free to email me at bonesawzine@gmail.com. We’re always looking for contributing writers. Until then know what you’re worth and fight the good fight.

-Chris Butera

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Places to Eat: Bonnie’s Grill

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Bonnie's Grill in all its glory.
Bonnie’s Grill in all its glory.

If you’re looking for good food, cheap booze and blues, look no further than Bonnie’s Grill.

Located on 5th avenue and 1st street in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, New York; the humble eatery is a narrow hole-in-the-wall type of place surrounded with pictures of both blues and southern rock legends.

Bonnie’s Grill features some great wings fried to a crispy perfection, covered with four different sauces of choice – each boasting a different level of heat. If you want a nice, tangy punch then go for BBQ or the medium sauce. If you’re looking for punishment, then go for broke with hot or hotter.

While one of the more traditional selections at Bonnie’s are their ribs, Applewood pork dogs and burgers (a juicy slab of Angus sirloin chock full of flavor), they make one hell of a pulled pork sandwich – served with your choice of fries, salad, soup, chili, or some spicy coleslaw for that extra kick. The different spices, juices and textures complement each other in the supreme way that only Southern cooking can. Bonnie’s also features a soul fueled brunch menu on the weekends complete with chicken and waffles.

One of the more unique features of Bonnie’s Grill is the old-timey homage set by their display. Pictures of Roy Orbison, Robert Johnson and Elvis Presley adorn the walls of the neighborhood haunt.
Bonnie’s Grill also has an impressive beer menu ranging from craft, local and your standard domestic suds to bring it all home.

When it all comes down to the nitty-gritty, Bonnie’s Grill has you covered. With Southern style cooking, great beer and a little piece of Rock ‘n’ Roll, you simply can’t go wrong.

Binnie's pulled pork sandwich with an ample serving of their spicy coleslaw.
Bonnie’s pulled pork sandwich with an ample serving of their spicy coleslaw.