Hello all, and welcome back to the 411 interviews 411 series!  I'm your host JT, and I must say that I am PUMPED because we have FOOTBALL PEOPLE!  I give a shit if it counts or not.  I only get one day a week for twenty weeks, I'll take what I can get.

We aren't here for me though.  I sat down with 411's Chris Lansdell to talk about his youth, his migration to 411, and his thoughts on Canadian football!  Shall we?

JAMES "JT" THOMLISON:  Hello, kids!  I am JT, and I am sitting here with one of 411's resident iron-men, Chris Lansdell.  Chris, thanks for taking time out from your Olympics viewing to sit down with me.  How are you?

CHRIS LANSDELL:  Can't complain sir, enjoying a rare few minutes without writing for 411...d'oh!

 JT:  The boss does keep the slaves churning, doesn't he?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  It took 13 stitches in my back from that blasted whip...

 JT:  Been there, buddy.  Been there.  So tell the readers a little bit about yourself that they may not get from reading one of your many columns.

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Well, although I currently live in Canada, I was born in England and lived in Barbados for 9 years...I've also been married for 9 years (to the same woman!)

 JT:  Married, really?  She must be quite understanding with your constant work for 411.  Is she a wrestling fan as well, or no, your own private guilty pleasure?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  She'll watch the big ones, mostly WrestleMania and the odd Rumble. As for understanding...she is, very. Of course, I manage to do a lot of work while she is working, so it works out quite nicely.

 JT:  I hate to get sidetracked Chris, but I couldn't resist the chance to bring something to the attention of the masses; is it true that you get a point for missing a field goal in Canadian Football???

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Dude, to be honest I never watch the thing...real football is played in the rest of the world. You do get a single point for something though

 JT:  Craziness.  So when did professional wrestling enter your life?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  That's an interesting one. I know I've seen every WrestleMania, but I think the first 3 were on tape. The first match I vividly remember is Savage winning the WWF title at Mania 4.

 JT:  That was a pretty big moment then, wasn't that the official forming of the Mega Powers?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Sure was. It was also part of the storyline that got Ted DiBiase the closest to the world title than he ever got. Strangely enough, because I was in Barbados at the time and had no access to PPV, I became an AWA, then WCCW and later GWF fan, since they were the only feds I could get on the 4-channel cable system (CNN, ESPN, Lifetime and TNT Classic Movies).

 JT:  The height of the WCCW period; that must have been quite a ride for you.

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Von Erichs, Skandor Akbar, the Flair and Lawler invasions...it was certainly a good way to hook a young, impressionable kid. Kevin and Kerry were my early favourites, and Gentleman Chris Adams until he turned heel. His superkick is still the best I've seen.

 JT:  "Until he turned heel".  I like that; so in your kayfabe days, you were a faces guy?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  I think most kids were. I hated people who cheated or attacked after the bell, and I was always a fan of crowd reactions. Even today I notice the size of a pop, good or bad. It's probably why I was a rabid Hulkamaniac back in the day, along with my younger brother who started watching the same time I did. He was a big Slaughter fan too.

 JT:  I think the first heel I openly rooted for was either Curt Henning or Ted DiBiase, can you remember yours?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Hmmmm...tough one. It was probably Jake the Snake, but it could also have been Undertaker. It was around the time that Taker debuted and Jake had his snake bite Savage though

 JT:  You mention your younger brother.  Is he still the wrestling fan you are, and if so, is that something you guys still enjoy together?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Far from it, he claims to have "grown out of it". We're pretty close, but wrestling is one thing I tend to enjoy on my own. Although, my son is a big fan of the stuff I let him watch.

 JT:  That raises an interesting question.  As you know, WWE is switching to all TV-PG.  So I have to ask; disappointed because of how it will affect the product you watch, or excited that it might allow your son to watch more?

CHRIS LANSDELL :  You know, I never felt that the product needed to be edgy or risky to be good. The things I enjoy - technical matches, impressive moves, good promos - should not be affected at all. Being able to watch more with my son is a definite plus, even though it will have to be on DVR. No way he is staying up that late! He's a big fan of John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Kane and The Boogeyman. He also loves CM Punk, but that's more a product of my heterosexual man-crush on Punk than any real affection on Andrew's part.

 JT:  So CM Punk is one of your current favorites, who's on your list all-time?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Right at the top is Bret Hart. Then there's Shawn Michaels, Jericho, Tazz, Flair of course, Danielson and Steamboat.

 JT:  My father had no problems breaking my heart when I was young.  I knew the sport was scripted when I was six... six... do you think you'll let your son believe a little longer than that?

CHRIS LANSDELL:  I don't think I'm going to have a choice. He's already started to ask questions about how people like Jeff Hardy and Jack Evans can do the things they do and not die. I've been able to explain it away so far, but I fear it's just a matter of time.

 JT:  If you don't mind, how old is Andrew?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  7 going on 17.

 JT:  7.  A fine age to be a wrestling fan.  So you grew up on AWA, WCCW and such, when were you able to get back into WWE?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  I never really got out of the pay per views, I would be at the video store a day or two after the events to rent the tapes. The store owners had huge satellite dishes, at least 8 feet across, and they could get the US channels and PPVs. They'd tape off the shows, copy them a couple of times and make a mint off renting them. It was hard keeping up even then, missing the weekend shows and such, but I was able to watch most of the events. Still, a few shows a year could not dislodge the everyday shows I was getting of the other feds.

 JT:  Just a couple more questions before we get to the 411 side of things.  1. Were you living in Canada in 1997?  2. Had you lived there long enough to consider yoursel "Canadian".  Where this is leading may be a bit obvious!

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  1997 was 2 years before I moved here. Even today I only consider myself an honorary Canadian though.   But the Screwjob caused a huge knee-jerk reaction from me...I was a BIG internet mark back then so I was reading all the rumours and was calling for Vince and Shawn's blood along with the rest of the non-US world.

 JT:  That actually leads perfectly into my next question, which was when you broke down the walls of kayfabe; not knowing it was scripted, but the dirt sheets, the inside info, etc.   Also, was it a bit of a shock to you?  I suspect it can take a little adjusting for some.

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Excellent question. I had realised wrestling was scripted long before I discovered the internet, but I first discovered wrestling websites when making a webpage as a school project. It opened up a whole bunch of doors that I had no idea existed: the politics, the backstabbing... Shocked...yeah, I guess I was. Knowing that people like Hulk Hogan, who I had looked up to as a kid, were actually known for holding others down really made me wonder if it was safe to idolise anyone in the public eye.

 JT:  That makes perfect sense.  Sometimes it's no fun when we open the closets of our heroes.  So having discovered the internet, when and what brought you to discover 411mania?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  A friend of mine mentioned it to me as a wrestling news site that wasn't infected with spyware, pop-ups and countless ads. He also put over that the columns were written by people who loved wrestling and not people who had or pretended to have "inside connections". First column I read was Julian Williams' Top 10, and it hooked me.

 JT:  Hear that Julian?  A column you ripped off of a small portion of Cook's news column brought us Chris Lansdell!  I kid.  Did you find yourself gravitating towards certain columns and writers, or did you try to read anything and everything?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  I pretty much clicked on everything to start with, as this was before Facebook. Ask 411 was a quick favourite, as was the Small-for-All. I never read Hidden Highlights to start with, but once I did I loved it.

 JT:  Flattery of the interviewer is not necessary, but thank you (as I'm sure JP does).  You mention Ask 411, and we'll get to that, but tell us about joining the 411 family.  Was it during a hiring period, did you just randomly and independently submit something?  How did that go?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  I saw the hiring post and thought, "Hey cool! A way to get my name up in lights!" I had been writing in to a couple of columns (ask 411, Hidden Highlights, and Hayhurst's old column) and thought "I can do that!" I was sure I could do better than Bayani. This was right after the Signature Pharmacy scandal, so I wrote up a piece about the punishment for the assorted vagabonds and what might happen to those who had not been publicly suspended. I wasn't really expecting to get accepted since I'm not a journalism student or anything, but when I got the email (which I still have saved!) I was amazed. Then I got a follow-up email from Csonka, on a Thursday, saying my first column was due that Sunday!

 JT:  Ah yes, the initial loving, caring, heart-felt email from Csonka.  ....my how he suckers us in!  So it began with The Way I C It.  How'd you come up with that?  Did you like the fact that you basically had reign to talk about whatever you'd like?  Not everyone gets that to start off (see: ME!).

JT:  For anyone wondering, he's referring to JP Prags "Hamilton Ave. Journal" on Saturdays (cheap plug!).  And as with most writers who take over Wednesday's "Ask 411" (cheap plug!), Steve had to step down and cut back his duties a bit which led to the return of "Cook's Corner" (cheap plug!).  This again created opportunity for you, as you took it over and it is one of your current roles at 411.  What made you decide to take over such a daunting column?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  It's all about the hits, baby! With the reviews I do, and Ask 411 being so high-profile, I had hopes that it would bring me even more into the public eye. Surely the freebies can't be far off! MUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!  No, seriously, I loved the column when I first read it and found that I knew the answers to a lot of stuff that was being asked. It's also not as hard as people had warned me. Answer a couple of questions a day and presto guess-to, you have the column done!

 JT:  Then let me take this opportunity.  How many times has Warrior died??? and how many people have played the "actual" Kane???

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  That's only the third time I've been asked that! And of course the answers are 11, and googleplex.

 JT:  That, sir, is correct.  I thought for sure you wouldn't get googleplex.  So let me ask you... You may not be aware, but we are in fact exactly, to the date one month from the one year anniversary of your first column.  How do you feel?  How have you liked writing for the site?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Wow! I knew it was soon but I had no idea it was 11 months today. I've lasted longer than almost everyone who started with me, so that's a plus, and I hope I have a fair number of readers. I love writing for the site and not just because it gets me on all sorts of websites and my own clothing line (cheap plug!). The creative outlet and especially the variety of comments I get are the biggest pluses in my mind.

 JT:  Yup, September 10th, 2008.  Planning on seeing September 10th, 2009?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  That, my man, is down to the whims of one Csonka Csonka Honky love, and the wonderful readers RIGHT HERE, at 411mania.com!!! (cheap pop)

 JT:  Well we both know as long as he coke and hookers are dropped at his back door once a month, your job is secure!  Speaking of Larry, is it possible that this interview will be....... Numerous Purchases~!  Anything you'd like to say about that?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  I was hunting for a catchphrase, since every good writer has one. I tried using HAJIME! to start my articles and SURIMATE! to end them, and nobody cared. I realised that Larry had FAR too many catchphrases (and he won't let anyone else use them!), so taking one of his and thesaurus-izing it seemed like the way to go. I used it once and there were 3 or 4 comments along the lines of "Numerous purchases~! > Many Buys@", which Larry HATES. I win.

 JT:  Don't worry, I stuck Dancing Brock in one of mine and stole his column last week and I'm still around.  You're probably safe.   I will also mention that Chris has done and still continues to occasionally do 411 Instant Access.  That's right people.  You're enjoying your Pay-Per-View, he's putting in work for you!  Chris, anything else you'd like to shamelessly plug, shill, mention, or point out before we let you go?

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  Well, I have the second part of my well-received joshi column coming up soon, and of course the Brunch on Sundays and Ask 411 on Wednesdays. And JT totally needs to write more stuff!

 JT:  All seven of my readers agree with you, although they might be down to five after my last column!  Chris thank you for joining us; I know you said you are a fan sir but the feeling is completely mutual.  Folks, let me again mention you should check Chris out Sundays (the Brunch), Wednesdays (Ask 411), Saturdays (TNA's PPV Roundtables), and sometimes other random days (reviews, joshi columns, Instant Access, fill ins, etc!).  Chris, it has been a pleasure.

 CHRIS LANSDELL:  The feeling is mutual sir. Lansdellicious - Out.

The 411MySpace blogs are back up and running, and to start things off, we have our first of many new interviews with the 411 writing staff.  Enjoy...

George H. Sirois: Hello everyone, I'm George H. Sirois from Scene Anatomy 101 and The UBS Evening Movie News. And I'm here with 411 veteran and the High Priest of Hot or Not. You know him as DivasRGr8 and you also know him as Andy Critchell. How are you tonight, Andy?

Andy Critchell: I'm very good sir, thanks for asking. Yourself?

George H. Sirois: I'm doing very well. Been preparing the final segments of this week's UBS report, which you will be contributing to on a weekly basis from now on.

Andy Critchell: I am very excited for that! I have done some "at-large" work for the wrestling zone and it will be nice to branch out.

George H. Sirois: And it'll be great to have you in the Movies Zone as well.

Andy Critchell: Thanks buddy.

George H. Sirois: So let's get started. Tell the readers about yourself. Where you're from and what your family's like...

Andy Critchell: Well, I come from the great city of Saint Louis, MO. I am the oldest of 4, I have two sisters and a brother. I am 30 years old, never married, no children

George H. Sirois: How has your family been coping with the flooding over there?

Andy Critchell: Well, none of it has really been around here so it has not been much of an issue. Fair St. Louis, the 4th of July festival the city puts on, had to be moved a few blocks but otherwise no real effect on St. Louis.

George H. Sirois: What was it that got you into wrestling?

Andy Critchell: I got into it when I was really little, like 6 or 7, I just enjoyed the cartoony aspect of it. I kind of quit watching it regularly when I was around 10 or 11 but I kept up with it somewhat.

George H. Sirois: Did you have a favorite character when you started watching?

Andy Critchell: Once I got into high school and all my friends were into it, I got into it again. Of course, that was during the hight of the "Monday Night Wars" between WWE and WCW so it was very compelling TV. Ever since then I have been a regular viewer, I have gone to a few live events, and I have even become interested in smaller, independent (non-WWE) wrestling

George H. Sirois: There's nothing like a live event. You can't help but get sucked into everything.

Andy Critchell: I completely agree. But I am like that when I watch the shows on TV as well. I don't try to over-think it, i don't try to analyze it, I just watch with an open mind and let it entertain me

George H. Sirois: I know the feeling. As long as I'm alone or with friends who are also fans, I'm the same way. Who are your favorites?

Andy Critchell: My current favorite has to be John Morrison. I just think he is amazing and really destined to be a huge WWE star. I also really enjoy MVP. And Edge of course

George H. Sirois: good choices, I'm so impressed with how far Edge has gone as a legitimate main eventer.

Andy Critchell: Edge is a real success story. As for "good guys" it doesn't get much better than HBK, Shawn Michaels.

George H. Sirois: Awesome choice. I was there for HBK's first two matches back in 02

Andy Critchell: Oh man, that had to be awesome!

George H. Sirois: So intense, it represented the best in wrestling, what it can really do to you.

Andy Critchell: To me, good wrestling combines the anticipation of sport with the entertainment and drama of theatre.

George H. Sirois: Perfect choices with HBK and Edge then.

Andy Critchell: That is what makes it different from a regular TV show.

George H. Sirois: What attracted you to looking for wrestling writing on the 'net?

Andy Critchell: Hmmmm. Well, I enjoyed wrestling on TV so much that I wanted to get more info about it. That is when I found 411. I enjoyed reading about the "inside" news and notes that you never hear about on TV. Also, the forum offered me a good opportunity to discuss something I enjoyed with like-minded individuals.

George H. Sirois: Was there a specific writer that you caught on with?

Andy Critchell: Honestly, when I first started visiting 411 regularly, it was just for the news. I pretty much skipped the columns all together. But eventually I started checking them out. And of course, Larry Csonka stuck out to me right away.

George H. Sirois: Larry's good at that.

Andy Critchell: He is indeed! In fact, I am doing a podcast with him later tonight. Also, Stephen Randle is another writer that I really enjoyed.

George H. Sirois: So this was after the change was made from 411Wrestling to 411Mania?

Andy Critchell: Yes, that is correct. I, for one, am glad the change was made.

George H. Sirois: You and me both.

Andy Critchell: Obviously! The UBS is a regular read for me these days. It has been for a while as you well know. I actually read quite a bit on the movie zone and the music zone

George H. Sirois: And you've been a hell of an asset to the UBS, which brings me to the next question...

Andy Critchell: Shoot.

George H. Sirois: What brought you to your home away from home on the forum?

Andy Critchell: Most of my friends had quit watching wrestling so I started posting on there to discuss wrestling with other people who enjoyed it as well. I had posted regularly on a sports message board in the past and enjoyed it so I thought that the 411 forum would be just as fun, and it was. When I first started, I had another "handle" though.

George H. Sirois: What was it?

Andy Critchell: It was AndyC0803. Then I noticed that some people were taking wrestling WAY too seriously.

George H. Sirois: As in August 3?

Andy Critchell: Yes, Aug 3rd is my birthday.

George H. Sirois: Nice, 3 days before mine.

Andy Critchell: All right! So anyway, I thought it was weird for people to be taking wrestling so seriously, for me it has always been a fun little diversion. After reading a lot of posts talking about how "worthless" WWE Divas were, I decided to have a little fun with those people and changed my name to DivasRGr8. Of course, it doesn't hurt that I love beautiful women

George H. Sirois: And you have very good taste in them, as we've seen in the Hot or Not section.

Andy Critchell: Ah, thank you.

George H. Sirois: how was the Hot or Not section before you got there?

Andy Critchell: Uh, not that great. No one really posted in there, and it just seemed kind of lame

George H. Sirois: Same pics over and over?

Andy Critchell: Well, not so much that but people posting genuinely average women and then debating about whether or not they would have sex with them. Now I have had some beauties in my day but some real dogs too. I prefer to remember the beauties, I prefer to look at beauty, and so I posted some beauty.

George H. Sirois: Do you remember the first one you posted?

Andy Critchell: I really don't. Most likely it was someone like Vida Guerra, who I have always has a big crush on.

George H. Sirois: That's a hell of a choice. Do you have a favorite actress?

Andy Critchell: Angelina Jolie, without a doubt is up there. Scarlett Johansson is also very great. And Megan Fox is a new favorite of mine. I do have to say though, that the advent of social networking sites and Reality TV have made attention whoring a lot more accepted so stumbling across a hot woman in the Internet is very easy to do. But those three are special.

George H. Sirois: Speaking of which, what's your favorite guilty pleasure show and girl to come out of that guilty pleasure?

Andy Critchell: No question, The Hills is my favorite guilty pleasure. And I thank that show for Whitney Port and Audrina Patridge quite often

George H. Sirois: Very good choices there. So what prompted you to write for 411mania?

Andy Critchell: Andy Clark writes a column for 411 Wrestling called "The Shimmy." I read it regularly and I really enjoyed it. I would email him after every column with my thoughts and comments. Finally he just asked me if I would like to contribute a short little commentary every week. So of course I said yes. I even subbed for him when he was on vacation. That led to me doing some work on 411's Wrestling Fact or Fiction as well as the Wrestler of the Week and the Pay-Per-View roundtables. And, of course, my guest bits on Larry Csonka's podcast.

George H. Sirois: Your commentaries involved the wrestling that was going on that week, or something you would rather see?

Andy Critchell: They were more just my views on whatever random topic that was on my mind. Sort of like Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes. My first commentary was about how tag-team wrestling was pretty much dead in the US and people should quit bitching about how it's never shown anymore

George H. Sirois: Would you like to see that come back into wrestling?

Andy Critchell: Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me. My main concern with wrestling is whether or not it entertains me. I want to see big personalities, big action, fun storylines, and a little bit of humor.

George H. Sirois: Do you have a personal favorite storyline?

Andy Critchell: Currently or all time?

George H. Sirois: Both.

Andy Critchell: Currently, the HBK/Jericho storyline has been great. It has really been an example of two pros doing what they do best. All-time, it would have to be the nWo storyline. That was just a work of art

George H. Sirois: any least favorite story?

Andy Critchell: The first thing that jumped to mind was the Triple H/Scott Steiner feud. I really could not have cared less about either one of those guys at the time. The match itself was awful too.

George H. Sirois: Oh yeah, the bench-pressing contest and all that...

Andy Critchell: It was just so lame.

George H. Sirois: and of course they HAD to have a rematch

Andy Critchell: Plus it was during Triple H's long and uninteresting phase, when he was on top and had no viable challengers.

George H. Sirois: That was when SmackDown really had to carry the load.

Andy Critchell: St. Louis didn't have UPN at that time so i never got to see SmackDown.

George H. Sirois: Ohhhh, that sucks.

Andy Critchell: So it was all Raw, all Triple H, all the time.

George H. Sirois: Except on PPV's.

Andy Critchell: Exactly. But at that time money was tight as I was just starting out in the working world. So I rarely ordered a PPV.

George H. Sirois: Understandable. Based on your avatar, would you say Maria is your favorite Diva?

Andy Critchell: She was. But recently my tasted have shifted to Layla El (so exotic!) and to Maryse. (French Canadian, how can you go wrong?) I really do like that little angel picture of Maria though, so I don't mind keeping it.

George H. Sirois: Who would you consider your all-time favorite Diva?

Andy Critchell: Wow, that is a tough choice. Trish was always a favorite, she always looked so good

George H. Sirois: And she got plenty of skills the longer she stuck around.

Andy Critchell: Absolutely, but you know, as far as looks go, things are better now than they ever have been. The current Divas are better looking all together now than they ever have been. You have Maria, Layla, Maryse, Kelly, Michelle, Eve, Katie Lea, Candice

George H. Sirois: It's like an all-star lineup.

Andy Critchell: It really is!

George H. Sirois: What do you think about the current state of wrestling? What do you think could be changed and what has worked the best?

Andy Critchell: Currently, I think it is pretty good. I know some people are quick to say that it isn't as good as it used to be but people tend to remember the good stuff and forget all the trash. Even during wrestling's "golden age," there was a lot of garbage. So, really, wrestling is in good shape. As for what could change, well, I'd like to see an emphasis placed on creating a new batch of stars for the future, which WWE has been doing recently. That breeds excitement and anticipation and helps prevent predictability. As for what works best, I think wrestling is at it's best when you have talented guys that are just themselves. They aren't always trying to be a character, they are just themselves but with the volume turned up.

George H. Sirois: Very cool. And here comes the final question....

Andy Critchell: OK...

George H. Sirois: what are your thoughts on the current state of 411Mania? what are your hopes for it over the next couple of years?

Andy Critchell: I think 411 is in a great position right now. We are getting interviews with people in movies, TV, music, and wrestling. 411 is starting to become a place where great writing happens, in all the Zones. Readership is at an all time high. The staff has expanded beyond writing into podcasting, which I think is the next big medium to explode. Really, you can't ask for much else. 411 is becoming a force. In the next few years, I'd like to see 411 put more emphasis on expanding as a multi-media site where the original content is king. 411 provides a vehicle for a lot of unique voices and I would like to see that continue. And of course, any increase in my involvement would be sure to generate success!

George H. Sirois: Which is why I'm bringing you onboard for The UBS. DivasRGr8 = Ratings!

Andy Critchell: Boom, there it is!

George H. Sirois: And that's the perfect way for us to wrap up this interview. Thank you so much for taking part in this, and I can definitely speak for the rest of our readers when I say I'm looking forward to your next contributions to 411...

Andy Critchell: Thanks buddy, it has been my pleasure!

Hello readers and subscribers alike!

Just wanted to let you know that the 411MySpace page will be active again very soon with plenty of new interviews and links to some of our latest columns and also to our Cafepress merchandise page. 

-- George H. Sirois

~ Posted by Will Helm

Happy Monday, friends! And, perhaps, a very happy Monday for some of you, as there may be some new faces writing The Daily 411 in the very near future. Due, sadly, to a recent change in my real-life schedule, I may not be able to craft The Daily 411 with the same timeliness as before; hence, you'll be seeing some new and great 411Mania.com give The Daily 411 their own personal spins. For now, however . . . you're still stuck with me.

Joseph Lee of 411Movies got stung this weekend when he went to go see Bee Movie. Peter "Mr. Floppy" Bielik goes under the radar with his analysis of Stealth. Meanwhile, Ron Martin combines Smurfs and ogling a very devilish Kate Beckinsale in A Fool's Utopia. The wonderful Christi Csonka stops by with a review of Anne of a Thousand Days. James McGee takes a trip among the stars and he finds himself a Martian Child, while Jacob Ziegler throws in his lot with an American Gangster. Bryan Kristopowitz has his awesome column for you, while Leonard Hayhurst answers your questions and watches The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones at the same time. Finally, just to ratchet up the awesome, Tony Farinella sits down with Saturday Night Live alumna Victoria Jackson.

In 411Music, Mikey MiGo needs a drink because he's been hanging out with the Kottonmouth Kings on Cloud 9. In addition, Jesse Coy continues his personal countdown of greatest albums . . . all while locked up in his Padded Cell. Luckily, Jesse had a chance to step out for a bit to catch Tori Amos at The Orpheum in Boston. Not to be out done, Josh McAuley counters by heading over to Carling Academy in Birmingham for Madina Lake.

Over the years in ECW, Beulah McGillicutty evolved from a HOT CHICK feuding with Tommy Dreamer to a HOT CHICK married to Tommy Dreamer; luckily, Mathew Sforcina of 411Wrestling was paying attention. Because NO ONE demanded it, Michael Bauer breaks down what would happen if the Boogeyman took on Papa Shango in The Un-Dream Match. T.G. Corke hops into The Seventh Dimension and travels back to June of 1998 for an alternate take on Mick Foley's infamous King of the Ring plunge. According to Ring of Honor, there is Glory by Honor . . . and there's certainly glory in Ari Berenstein's Column of Honor. Look out! Misawa is coming to America, and Matt Short has a Navigation Log charting his course. Somehow, WCW returns . . . only in The Triple Threat. Alex Barcham takes a closer look at Cyber Sunday and then he's Hitting Below the Beltway. Jordan Linkous puts together a little love story all about TNA's X-Division, while Andy Clark grants us all a little bonus edition of The Shimmy. Brad Garoon may very well be violating Wellness because he's feeling FIP Stronger Than Ever. Perhaps it's due to PWG All Star Weekend 2 -- Electric Boogaloo, Night Two. J.D. Dunn, meanwhile, is breaking and entering because he's In Your House I. In addition, The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC impresses us all when he puts together an Instant Classic: The Best of Christian Cage.

In 411Politics, Andy Bracken continues his unequaled coverage of the Australian elections. Meanwhile, in 411Sports, Derek Robbins breaks down all the action so far -- including the Patriots besting their arch-rival Colts and Adrian Peterson breaking records -- of the NFL's week nine. When it comes to football of the round variety, there is no greater expert than Tim O'Sullivan. Ramon Aranda goes down for a Ten Count because of Joe Calzaghe's domination, while Dan Martin studies the threat of David Nalbandian from Across the Net. According to Jason Chamberlain, not only is hockey a religion, but it also has its own offshoot: the Montreal Canadiens in Quebec. The Ottawa Senators have now locked up two of their star players; is it time to start talking "dynasty"? Neil Borenstein takes a look from Inside the Penalty Box.

Nathan Grayson of 411Games must have nature shows on his mind; why else would he review Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions for the PSP? Damian Sarcuni, meanwhile, has different prey in his sights because he's on a Manhunt 2 on the Wii. Unfortunately, it must not go well, as Damian just returns from his quest as an Angry Gamer. The spectre of the California State Athletic Commission looms large over the world of MMA; 411MMA's Leland Roling has the analysis in his MMA Analytics. Matt McEwen, meanwhile, looks back to the good old days, specifically UFC XXI: Return of the Champions.

Meet some new friends in the 411 Forums; it's not just a hangout . . . it's a way of life! Just like 411Mania.com and The Daily 411! I'll see you all again soon!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

I hope you're all looking forward to the weekend, friends, because it's Friday! Yay! Although this has been an interesting Friday, mainly because I was thinking about what would happen if two of my favorite shows -- MythBusters and Ghost Hunters -- combined. Since "Ghost Busters" has already been taken, I suppose that the new program would have to be Myth Hunters . . . which would mean that leprechauns and unicorns would soon become very endangered species. Something tells me I just pitched a midseason replacement without even knowing it.

Luckily, I'm not the only fan of Ghost Hunters on 411Mania.com as 411Movies' Ron Martin steps up with the first part of his epic recap of the Ghost Hunters Halloween Special. Joseph Lee wraps up his Halloween history in A Bloody Good Time, while Owain J. Brimfield welcomes superheroes into the world of The Flux Capacitor. The 411Movies gang look forward to the next full moon and their Top 5 werewolf movies; then, in bigger news, the staff lets you know what to see and what to avoid this November. One thing definitely worth seeing on DVD is Fido, and Tony Farinella has an interview with its director, Andrew Currie. Meanwhile, Chad Webb lets you know if you should put a contract out on American Gangster.

Jesse Coy, of 411Music, heads to the Mountain to meet with the Masters of War. Dan Haggerty jumps into the Mosh Pit to check out a few artists before they were famous. Ben Czajkowski turns on the Modern Rock Radio for the latest singles.

In 411Wrestling, Stuart Carapola continues his Survivor Series retrospective with the 1989 and 1990 editions of the big event. The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC and his loyal henchmen break down this week's 4R's, while Mitsuarhu Misawa and Nigel McGuinness are on the trading block for Mike Campbell and Jacob Ziegler in 411's Buy or Sell. Cyber Sunday is an interesting pay-per-view concept, but, as with anything, there's always a High Road/Low Road . . . at least according to Sat & Uncle Trunx. Brad Garoon and Jacob Ziegler grab the nearest ladder because they're having a Ring of Honor -- Race to the Top Tournament, Night 1. J.D. Dunn, meanwhile, invites the Butabi brothers over for Ring of Honor -- A Fight at the Roxbury.

The Scotsman, Brian McLain, has invaded 411Politics and he's got a confession to make. Dan Martin, meanwhile, has blandness on his mind because he's busy watching Hillary Clinton's campaign play it safe. The NFL guys at 411Sports are seriously excited about the big game of the week this Sunday; just ask Ken Schmidt and Randy Isbelle. Even Chris Widner is getting in on the action as he looks Behind the Numbers of the Colts-Patriots matchup. Ramon Aranda steps to a neutral corner for The Boxing News Report, while Neil Borenstein investigates the New York Yankees latest moves in MLB Fastball. Finally, David Friedman had a bit of a scare this past Halloween . . . in the form of the Cavs' home opener!

In 411Games, Ramon Aranda has laundry on his mind when he plays Bleach: Shattered Blade for the Wii. James McGee sneaks in one more Halloween column, but that was his Game Plan. In addition, Theo Fraser and Mike Minotti have some multiplayer fun in 411Games Fact or Fiction. Meanwhile, the 411MMA guys are getting ready for the weekend; I wonder what they have planned?

Anyway, while I'm busy cracking up while listening to a police officer on Cops explaining what a "blunt" is, you should go to the 411 Forums for a natural high. Of course, nothing gets you higher than 411Mania.com, The Daily 411 . . . or Rick Astley!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

Happy November, friends! I hope you all had a great Halloween yesterday; I spent mine laid up with a nasty sinus infection. Luckily, I'm feeling better, so I have the ability to bring you the best 411Mania.com has to offer today, only in The Daily 411!

I think we all have to resign ourselves to the fact that 411Movies' Tony Farinella, the one and only Interviewing Machine, is better than all of us. Why? Because today he's got an interview with none other than William Shatner. Yes, THE William Shatner. William f'n Shatner. Arnold Furious, fresh from filling in for an about-to-get-hitched George H. Sirois, takes a little trip to Iwo Jima in his latest Furious on Film. J.D. Dunn finishes up his 31 Years, 31 Screams with the double feature of The Ring and Saw. In addition, Robert Sullivan baits my ire because he's talking smack about Superbad. As a bonus, Randy Isbelle stops by to prepare us for the Christmas season with Deck the Halls.

Dan Marsicano of 411Music is party to a little experiment proctored by Avenged Sevenfold; find out just what theories he has inside! As it's Thursday, there's loops to be dug, and, luckily for us, Phil Watts, Jr., is here.

The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC, Larry Csonka, may be taking up Tony Farinella's gauntlet as he counters with his exclusive 411Wrestling interview with Dr. Shawn Stasiak! If that wasn't enough, Larry then takes on his arch-nemesis, Steve Cook, in this week's edition of 411Wrestling Fact or Fiction. Nigel McGuinness needs a little time to heal up, so Bayani Domingo takes a look at what's going down while the Ring of Honor title is having a time out. TNA may be packed with well-known grapplers, but, unlike their rivals, they seem deficient in making new stars; Michael Weyer shines a spotlight on their predicament. Maybe one problem is that their latest release, Rikishi/Junior Fatu, is an idiot . . . at least according to Rob Halden. Brad Garoon has nothing to say but Arriba! for CHIKARA Pro and the Torneo Cibernetico. J.D. Dunn, meanwhile, spends a little quality time with the only thing more frightening than Jigsaw and Samara: the Baltimore Colts' Art Donovan at WWF King of the Ring 1994.

411Politics' Enrique knows of a creepy cult enveloping the nation: "9/11 Truthers." Unsurprisingly, he's got a story about them. So, do you think that the 411Sports gang is excited about this weekend's Patriots-Colts showdown? Mark Crouse, Matt McEwen, and Javier Zuniga sure are! The NASCAR season is -- eventually -- going to end soon, but, until then, Jim Carson has all the latest news in the Green Flag.

Owain J. Brimfield of 411Games must have spent some time with the spookiest family on his block last night because he's got Addams Family Values in The Wonder Years. Meanwhile, 411MMA's Joe Newman took a few Heavy Handed shots to the head, so he's letting all the contents therein spill out. People may already be complaining about UFC 78: Validation, but Ken Kobel is Intelligently Defending the event because you shouldn't believe the hype. Finally, Dustin James weighs in with his rankings of MMA's light heavyweights.

Go to the 411 Forums and brag about your candy haul from last night; I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Of course, it's not half as sweet as 411Mania.com or The Daily 411!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

Happy Halloween, friends! Hopefully you've got some sweet costumes on and you're ready for candy, because 411Mania.com sure is sweet today. And The Daily 411 just happens to be that awesome house that gives out the full sized candy bars, rather than the disappointing "Fun Size" bars. Who decided that was the official size of fun anyway?

Trevor Snyder is all about celebrating today as he declares a Shadow: Dead Riot in 411Movies. J.D. Dunn gets down with an American Psycho, so much so that George H. Sirois has to call The Exorcist. Mike Gorman shares his love for some of the most bizarre films ever, while Tony Farinella sits down for an interview with a real Dick . . . Andy Dick. Ben Moser parties so hard he needs a doctor so he turns on the sixth season of Scrubs. Ron Martin, meanwhile, forgot to look at his calendar as he's busy reviewing the Christmas "classic" Jingle All the Way.

Like a good music fan, 411Music's Patrick Robinson sells his soul to The 37th Chamber. Rob Samuels takes a trip to the Emerald Isle for a little bit of Thin Lizzy. Mikey MiGo takes on music journalism in The Savage Animal, while Dan Marsicano and Matt Reno have a battle of the bands in 411Music Fact or Fiction.

If you've got questions, Steve Cook of 411Movies has answers. Alex Mattis has the best . . . The Best of the Rest. The Wrestling Pundit, Tim Haught, puts a hit out on "The Hitman"'s new autobiography. Stuart Carapola goes back in time to reminisce about Survivor Series 1987 & 1988. Mike Minotti knows all about contenders, but he thinks there aren't really enough of them in ECW. Hopefully, some new contenders show up in Daniel Wilcox's new column about the stars of tomorrow. Eventually, those stars may very well become the most important performer in the industry, but Ronny Sarnecky knows who that is right now. At RAW next week, "Stone Cold" is tapped to return; Steve Sullivan has to decide if that's Happy-Go-Sucky. Decades after Night of the Creeps, Ring of Honor had Night of the Grudges and, now, Mike Campbell has the review.

In 411Politics, Brian McLain plays his greatest hits when he flashes back to the fourteen points of fascism. Laura Bush recently wore a head scarf and Mark Radulich defends her from the slings and arrows of conservative criticism. The biggest game of the NFL schedule comes this weekend and, surprise, surprise, it involves the two top teams on Don M. Dumas NFL Power Rankings, only on 411Sports. And, even though he might not be able to say it, it's obvious Thag the Brute is excited. Matt Knowles has a Ph.D. in the sweet science and he makes it known in The Prizefight Review-Preview. Alex Rodriguez is now the biggest free agent in baseball, but can he handle it when Ian Smart goes High and In-Tight? Tood Spehr, meanwhile, is going for a degree in team chemistry as he takes a look at how like-minded NBA players score together. Rob Bonnette celebrates this Halloween as a fortune teller as he looks to the future of the NBA season. FInally, Ken Schmidt ranks the NHL like the fanatic that he is.

The hockey love continues on in 411Games, as Rod Oracheski pops in NHL 2K8 for a little review. Also, in honor of the holiday, Vincent Chiucchi inducts the infamous Night Trap into his Hall of Shame. Lotfi Sariahmed, of 411MMA, follows up his prior interviews with a chat with the IFL's John Gunderson. Sid Needelman, meanwhile, takes a look at one of the craziest MMA tournaments around.

Luckily, there's nothing scary about the 411 Forums; they just rock. But they don't rock quite as hard as 411Mania.com or The Daily 411!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

Happy day before Halloween, friends! Out to cause a little mischief tonight? Just keep the eggs away from my house and my car and everything's cool. Even better, you can take part in the mischief that 411Mania.com always has to offer and I'm throwing the first egg in The Daily 411!

Joseph Lee of 411Movies heads over to the local Home Depot today because he's got Saw IV on the brain. Even though Halloween is one day away, J.D. Dunn finds himself Se7en days behind. Trevor Snyder is taking a little trip today on the Flight of the Living Dead. Tony Farinella, meanwhile, has elected to follow the October Road with Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec; unfortunately, they run afoul of local authorities who aren't too happy about The Tripper. In addition, yours truly brings to you a film that may very well be the best Misunderstood Masterpiece ever.

Britney Spears may very well have made 411Music's Mitch Michaels unconscious; why else would he have to suffer through a Blackout? And if that wasn't disappointing enough, the rest of the 411Music staff lists off their Top 5 Biggest Disappointments.

411Music may have a Top 5, but 411Wrestling does five better with Julian Williams' Top Ten Hell in a Cell Matches. Samuel Berman has Webb and Younger slotted into his Independent Mid-Card, while Jarrod Westerfeld continues teasing his audience by being lost and confused. Chris Lansdell has a smooth move on his mind . . . and it's the Death Valley driver! The Fink looks into the WWE's new possible films, as The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC and his gang break down the 4R's of WWE Cyber Sunday 2007. In addition, Robbie Brooksbank tops all the rest with Ring of Honor -- At Our Best.

Cedric King of 411Politics fires up the Political Mock 5, where Mike Huckabee makes a return. In 411Sports, Ramon Aranda sizes up the world's boxers in Pound for Pound. Meanwhile, after years of neglect, the NHL's Central Division may boast a plethora of contenders, or so sayeth Neil Borenstein Inside the Penalty Box.

While the crew over at 411Games have opened up the Orange Box and gotten trapped inside, Lotfi Sariahmed of 411MMA previews the IFL Grand Prix on Planet Tapout. In addition, to fill in the blanks, Lotfi also interviews the IFL's Benji Radach. Randy Harrison continues on that theme with the Sprawl and Brawl of IFL -- Greatest Knockouts and Extreme Action -- Part Two.

Head on over to the 411 Forums, but beware their mighty eggs. It can be scary in there. At least you're always welcome on 411Mania.com and The Daily 411!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

Good morning, friends! I hope you all enjoyed -- and survived -- any and all Halloween parties over the past weekend. Even though it's usually more rewarding when Halloween falls on a weekend, there's still fun to be had no matter what . . . just like on 411Mania.com today. So grab yourself a Snickers bar and sit back with The Daily 411 as I wrap up what we've got in store for you!

Since it's the weekend before Halloween, that can only mean one thing: 411Movies' Bryan Kristopowitz has a review of the latest edition of the now long-running Saw franchise, Saw IV . . . as well as his usual column. Leonard Hayhurst has nothing but answers in Ask 411Movies while Tony Farinella, the Interviewing Machine, asks questions of the lovely star of Twin Peaks, Madchen Amick. Trevor Snyder hangs out with some Dead Creatures while listening to Apple's new I Zombie. J.D. Dunn, meanwhile, watches as someone steals his Identity, only to Slither away. Ron Martin celebrates the reason for the season as he breaks down all this year's horror movies in A Fool's Utopia. Leonard Hayhurst, being awesome, returns to continue his on-going review of The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.

In 411Music, Jesse Coy paints his padded cell in orange and black as he puts together his official Halloween mix. Matt Reno, spurred on by The Rise and Fall of Love and Hate, travels to Oslo, where he runs into Serj Tankian, who wants Matt to Elect the Dead.

The people have spoken and, thankfully, 411Wrestling was listening as WWE Cyber Sunday went down last night. The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC provides the play-by-play, while Daniel Wilcox shares his snap judgments in Instant Access. Alex Barcham is Hitting Below the Beltway when he finds it so hard to say goodbye to the Undertaker. Boys II Men would be proud. Samoa Joe took a recent voyage to NOAH and Matt Short reveals what went down in The Navigation Log. Ari Berenstein finds a little hate and a Hero in his Column of Honor this week, while Jordan Linkous just has hate for Vince Russo. I guess some IWC grudges never die. The Triple Threat pines -- like 99.9% of wrestling fans -- for the return of Chris Jericho, as Andy Clark fills out a Shimmy report card for Dwayne Johnson . . . a.k.a. The Rock! J.D. Dunn jaunts across the pond for a double helping of UK Rampage '92 and '93. Larry Csonka goes back in time to WWE Cyber Sunday 2006, while Brad Garoon gets down with Ozone in PWG All Star Weekend 2 -- Electric Boogaloo, Night One; then, Brad welcomes his Boogaloo Shrimp, Jacob Ziegler, to help him get down with Ring of Honor -- Live in Osaka.

California is burning and 411Politics' Brandon Crow has all the pictures of the conflagration in Totally PC!. Mark Radulich wraps up the latest PC Live Radio, while Dan Martin and Joe Rivett take on the truth in 411Politics Fact or Fiction. Tim O'Sullivan of 411Sports kicks up a storm of football news in The Round Football Column. Roger "the" Federer is still 1, but, to Dan Martin's approval, he did it at home and Across the Net. Eddie Gomez, meanwhile, laments the lack of a competitve World Series -- as the Red Sox sweep *yawn* the Rockies -- in Viva Sports. In other news, baseball still matters to a select few, The Underground Insight's JD Koziarski among them.

Today, 411Games' Chris McCarver finds himself embroiled in a homicide investigation; luckily for him, he's got an Xbox 360 and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Hard Evidence to help him out. Nathan Grayson celebrates the return of a king -- but probably not THE king -- in The Epic Column, while Damian Sarcuni makes a few enemies by spoiling the plots of three horror games in Angry Gaming. In 411MMA, Leland Roling sets his MMA Analytics on M-1 Global; in addition, Matt McEwen recounts the History of the UFC with UFC XX -- The Battle for the Gold.

When it comes to gold, the 411 Forums are always in first place . . . or, at least, maybe third, just behind 411Mania.com and The Daily 411!

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~ Posted by Will Helm

Good day, friends! Welcome to the Hung-Over Halloween Party edition of The Daily 411! I know it's a little early, but this is generally the official weekend for Halloween parties, so be careful out there. 411Mania.com doesn't want to lose any readers . . . faithful readers of The Daily 411!

In 411Movies, James McGee provides another opinion on the vampire flick 30 Days of Night. While he may have enjoyed it, the rest of the 411Movies staff lists off some vampire flicks they didn't enjoy in their Top 5 Worst Vampire Movies. Owain J. Brimfield grabs his crystal ball to look into the place of prophecy in science fiction in The Flux Capacitor. J.D. Dunn calls in from the Lost Highway because he got a tingling of The Sixth Sense. Perhaps he's going to visit Peter Bielik, who's touring the Town & Country. Trevor Snyder, meanwhile, is up to his neck in Premutos, which means . . . something. While everyone else is partying, Chad Webb has decided to stay home, in the Home of the Brave.

While the 411Music gang is getting down with their bad selves, J.D. Dunn and Michael Bauer of 411Wrestling tackle 411's Buy or Sell. The King of the WWE -- Booker T -- has been usurped, and Sat & Uncle Trunx track his path to revolt on the High Road/Low Road. Magnus "ver" Donaldson puts on the ritz with Billionaire Ted in Cut to the Crap, while Mathew Sforcina watches Chris Jericho evolve. T.G. Corke welcomes his fans to The Seventh Dimension. While Leonard Hayhurst paves The Road to Cyber Sunday, the rest of the staff hit the road with their Roundtable Preview. Mike Campbell takes a trip to the City of Orange for 2CW: Unfinished Business while J.D. Dunn is baptized by Ring of Honor and Reborn: Again. Finally, Brad Garoon spins like a disk with PWG Straight to DVD.

As the 411Politics crew is preparing to go trick-or-treating, 411Sports' Randy Isbelle previews Week 8 of the NFL. Lotfi Sariahmed has a daunting task on his hands today as there's too many big NCAA games to count! Neil Borenstein pities Torii Hunter because it seems that the Minnesota Twins are leaving him hanging. The 411Games crew is embroiled in a crazy bit of Halo 3 capture-the-flag, so The Hardest Workin' Man in the IWC (and MMA) has to hold down the fort in 411MMA with his Take on Final ShowXC. Finally, Michael Huckaby referees Adam Morgan and Randy Harrison in 411MMA Fact or Fiction.

Go to the 411 Forums and get happy. It's just another great part of 411Mania.com, just like The Daily 411!

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