Michael's Jam

pop culture, music, movies

  • The Best Horror Films Of All Time

    I have been a fan of the horror genre ever since I saw the original IT in 1992. I was seven years old when my friends dad introduced us to Pennywise the Dancing Clown and the evilness that Tim Curry terrifyingly embodied. It was a sleepover with my teammates from our select baseball team. We were scared and excited to watch the movie since Blake’s dad, Layne, did the Pennywise voice, “Hiya Georgie, want a balloon,” on the regular and he sounded just like him. I remember being extremely traumatized after the first viewing, yet I wanted more. We would watch it all the time, scared shitless, and would even act like The Losers Club from the movie in our lives. I will never forget this experience and will always credit Blake and Layne, who lived five houses down from our house in Plano, Texas, for establishing my love for the horror genre, with impeccable taste, too.

    With Halloween in full swing, I feel like it’s time to illustrate my favorite horror thrillers of all time, educating my audience on what to watch this October, instead of y ‘all wasting nights scrolling for shit to watch and finally landing on something terrible. Below is my list of some of the best and most iconic horror movies across different sub-genres, known for their intelligence, creativity, realness and the ability to terrify:

    Psycho (1960)

    Known for its shocking twist and innovative use of suspension of disbelief, this film is a psychological thriller that shocked the world in a way it hadn’t before. Norman Bates, played by the creepy Anthony Perkins, is a troubled hotel manager who becomes fond of a pretty blonde stranger (Janet Leigh) who is running from her company in which she stole thousands of dollars from. What comes next is a twisted, deranged “scary as hell” movie that will have you thinking of never taking a shower in a hotel ever again.

    The Exorcist (1973)

    One of the most disturbing films of all time, this supernatural horror rarity focuses on the possession of a young girl, which has become a cultural touchstone and was the first movie to have people vomit and leave the theatre because of how scary it was. It still holds up today and has gone down as a cinematic masterpiece.

    Halloween (1978)

    This slasher film introduced the iconic Michael Myers and set the template for many slasher films that followed, including the Friday the 13th movies, Child’s Play and A Nightmare on Elm Street. The original Halloween has to be one of the most iconic and frightening movies of all time, which established Jamie Lee Curtis as the ultimate scream queen of the 80’s & 90’s.

    The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

    A gritty and disturbing tale of cannibalistic murderers, this film shocked audiences with its relentless brutality and shocking portrayal of the seriously deranged and dangerous lunatics that live in our world, too. You have to think that some of the most disturbing horror movies have to be based on even a slither of truth, yeah?

    Hereditary (2018)

    A modern masterpiece that blends family drama with supernatural horror, filled with unsettling imagery and intense psychological terror. Toni Collette gives one of the best performances of all time, not just in the horror movie genre. It’s a shame she wasn’t even nominated for a Golden Globe or an Oscar. Her acting chops are in full force here and you’ll be thinking about the dinner table scene for months. Also, the insane thing that happens to the sister in the backseat of her brother’s car is traumatizing.

    SCREAM (1996)

    With an opening scene that kills off the biggest star of the movie, you know something awesome is about to develop. Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson created a brilliant, witty, hilarious and scary movie that changed the horror genre forever. Horror movies were dead and mostly crap in the late 80’s and early 90’s, until SCREAM came along and blew audiences away. The opening scene with Drew Barrymore is still one of the best opening sequences of all time. “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

    Longlegs (2024)

    Nicholas Cage gives the most insane, raw and realistic performance of his life portraying a serial killer named Longlegs. Think Get Out meets Midsommar, with a splash of Seven and Silence of the Lambs. It’s a wild cult like vibe throughout the movie and the female lead’s performance as an FBI agent named Lee Harker will haunt you for weeks. Just when you think it can’t get crazier, it goes to a place you’ll never see coming. This is the most terrifying serial killer movies to come out since The Silence of the Lambs.

    Get Out (2017)

    A socially-conscious horror film that uses psychological horror and tension to explore issues of race and identity in America. Not only does this film mock and bring to life the idiosyncrasies of black and white culture mixed together, but it also makes you feel like this does happen in real life, especially in cults and in Hollywood. I would hail this the best horror films of this century so far. It’s a near perfect movie and extremely demented. If you haven’t seen this film, you must immediately stream it and get ready for the ride of your life.

    Smile 2 (2024)

    The way Smile 2 sheds light on the darkness of the entertainment industry, while still keeping that same eerie and creepy vibe of the original is absolutely disturbing in ways you can’t even imagine. It’s the best reviewed horror movie since Get Out and Naomi Scott’s performance is one for the books. The academy of motion pictures and award show dictators of Hollywood need to take the stick out of their ass and give this girl a nomination. Who cares that it’s a horror film, Scott delivered an outstanding performance displaying mental illness, addiction and the brutal abuse that pop stars like Britney Spears and Whitney Houston went through. That’s the real horror tragedy in this movie and Director Parker Finn knows how to entertain an audience with superb performances and disturbing scenes throughout almost every frame in the movie.

    This list spans different decades and styles, offering a broad spectrum of horror for various tastes. What’s your favorite scary movie?

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  • Home Grown Roofing and Contracting Is Colorado’s Most Superior Roofing Company

    Home Grown Roofing and Contracting has distinguished ourselves as the premier roofing company in Colorado, a state known for its diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. Several key factors contribute to our unparalleled reputation: exceptional craftsmanship, customer-centric services, extensive experience and commitment to sustainability.

    At the core of Home Grown Roofing and Contractings’ success is our commitment to providing the best possible customer service to each and every client we serve. Our company employs highly skilled and certified roofing professionals who are proficient in a wide range of roofing systems, including steel roofing, metal roofing, tile, and flat roofs. This expertise ensures that every project, whether residential roofing or commercial roofing, is completed with the highest level of precision and quality. The use of top-tier materials further guarantees that the roofs are durable, weather-resistant and aesthetically pleasing.

    At Home Grown Roofing and Contracting, we place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. From the initial consultation to the final inspection, our business maintains transparent and open communication with our clients. We provide detailed estimates and timelines, ensuring homeowners and business owners are well-informed throughout the process. Our commitment to punctuality and cleanliness minimizes disruption to daily life, as our responsive customer service addresses any concerns promptly. This customer-centric approach has earned Home Grown Roofing and Contracting numerous positive reviews and a loyal customer base.

    With years of experience in the roofing industry, Home Grown Roofing and Contracting has developed a deep understanding of Colorado’s unique roofing needs. The state’s varying climate, from heavy snowfall in the mountains to intense sun in the plains, requires roofing solutions that can withstand extreme conditions. Our extensive portfolio showcases our ability to adapt to these challenges, providing roofs that not only protect but also enhance the value and beauty of properties.

    In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, Home Grown Roofing and Contracting stands out for our commitment to sustainability. We also offer steel roofing options, such as energy-efficient shingles and recyclable materials, which help reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. Additionally, Home Grown Roofing and Contracting practices responsible waste management as we promote roofing systems that improve energy efficiency, thereby lowering utility bills and reducing environmental impact.

    Beyond roofing, Home Grown Roofing and Contracting offers a range of related services, including gutter installation, attic insulation and siding repair. This comprehensive approach means clients can rely on us for multiple aspects of home improvement, ensuring consistency and quality across different projects. Our ability to provide holistic solutions makes us a one-stop-shop for many property owners in Colorado.

    Home Grown Roofing and Contracting stands out from other competitors as our community engagement, innovative use of technology and comprehensive service offerings further solidify our position as the top choice for roofing needs in the state. For anyone seeking reliable, high-quality roofing solutions, Home Grown Roofing and Contracting is the clear leader, combining technical expertise with a genuine dedication to our clients and the environment.

  • Playing Tinder 2: Shopping For Men Around The Country

    So, before everyone assumes I’m only on Tinder to continue this “social experiment” I’ve tangled myself into, I swear that’s not why or was it my original intent. I truly do want to find a man to spend the rest of my life with. I have experienced the exhaustion of talking to multiple men every day, to then be ghosted after hours of talking on the phone (what’s up with that?) or me turned off by them, so I couldn’t help but wonder…Is knowing the sexual preference of someone you’re interested in or a complete stranger one of the very first questions to ask? Not how I was raised in Dallas. We have manners. It doesn’t need to be the legit first fucking thing you talk about.

    I decided to up the ante with my Tinder account and purchase Tinder Gold a few months ago, for just one month. It’s really not that much different than the free version, but the one feature that stood out to me was the passport tool. I could search a city and show up in other states, cities and countries, as if I were actually there. Most of the studs I match with either think I’m visiting their town at the time of match, or I had just departed from their stomping grounds.

    The smart ones get it and think it’s pretty dope to expand my dating pool to more than 100 miles, agreeing that Denver isn’t the only city I could find someone special in. Some ask me how or why this happens, and I reply with this; “Who is to say our future partners, next boyfriend or possible soulmates are restricted only to the cities we currently live in?” That sounds awful and quite scary to me, especially being in Denver for ten years now and currently an eligible, single bachelor once again.

    I’m the male Jessica Simpson in search of my Nick Lachey. I want to be pursued like how straight men go after women. I like to clean, do laundry and take care of a guy, while he’s my ultimate protector and sees me as a trophy he wants to show off at all times. I work too of course, remotely running my own social media business, but I’m his ultimate prize and we compliment each other like Nick & Jessica did on the early years of Newlyweds. Yes, I know they broke up two decades ago, but I’m just giving an example of what type of guy I like and how compatible they were on the groundbreaking reality tv show, “Newlyweds,” in 2003-2004.

    While some think my methods of meeting the plenty of fish in the sea are a bit misleading, I hold true to my belief that my future husband could, do I dare to say, actually live in another city outside of Denver. The cities I’m “arriving” in are places I’ve been or want to visit, so it’s advantageous for me to see what the men look, behave and talk like. I plan on traveling to these places I haven’t been to a bunch over the next few years, so why not make new friends in the process? Who knows, my future partner could be in one of those cities, huh?

    One of my friends asks me every day what city I’m shopping in, which got me to thinking a sequel to my original “Playing Tinder” blog would fit quite nicely. She said it was hilarious and very clever to poke fun at the outrageous nuances of dating virtually. I laugh of course and continue to have conversations with these absolutely attractive, sweet and mature men in the South, Midwest and on the East Coast. I’ve “met” some pretty cool dudes in Austin, Nashville, Charleston and throughout New England. A few “standouts” are taking our chemistry from a platonic feeling to a more intimate, possible romantic vibe – which I love. There’s just something about those Charleston, Oklahoma and Alabama men. Damn. However, while the saying “there are plenty of fish in the sea” is still one hundred percent accurate in our generation, that also comes with a few rotten sharks that suck the life out of me.

    Ever since my “Where In The World is my Nick Lachey,” journey began, I’ve learned a lot about other people’s views, interests and most importantly, their manners. Asking someone in the first introductory message if they’re a top or bottom, is just absurd, rude and terrifyingly tacky.

    I ran into a few awkward conversations about politics and their importance of career statuses to others, even including the position I enjoy in the bedroom, right off the bat. I’m sorry, are we only looking at sex positions to determine who could possibly be someone to grow old with? That’s tragically unfortunate, as you’re most likely missing out on some great people with whom you could date | share a life with.

    Instead, because two bottoms don’t make a top, you’ll say goodbye immediately or block them abruptly. They could have even been your soulmate in a platonic way, but because society dictates our ridiculous assumption that only tops can be with bottoms, we are missing out on a great person, or even the love of our lives. I’ve talked to some of my friends and people on social media and found this also contributes to an unnecessary amount of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and lying to impress someone you’ve never met. How sad. So okay Michael, “meet someone in real life” they say. “You’re never going to meet Prince Charming on fucking Tinder, bro.”

    Straight men and women don’t ask each other on a first date, especially during the first text exchanges, what their preferences in bed are, lol. I’m a very sexual guy and the man I end up with will embrace all my desires, fantasies, needs and be able to color outside the lines, no matter what my “preferences” are. We’ll be so in love with each other, that anything partaking in the bedroom will be unbelievably satisfying, like the main attraction at the Ringling Brothers acrobatic circus. Is wanting a sporty, jock guy to date so hard to ask? Well, in lefty liberal Colorado, it sure is.

    So, should Tinder insert a top or bottom question preference at the top of their interview sheet, or maybe the bottom, ha? Do you hold true on your beliefs that if both men share the top or bottom bunk as one unit, that there’s absolutely no way an intimate relationship could explode into greatness?

    Jessica Simpson | Rolling Stone

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  • Playing Tinder

    Ten years ago, I joined Tinder and I still haven’t figured out how to win. The object of the game is to find a partner to spend the rest of your life with, right? How can an objective so easy to comprehend be one of the most mind-boggling, challenging games to play?

    When Thriller (Michael) and I (MJ) (yes our names are both Michael, so it was cute because Michael Jackson, his song “Thriller” and MJ…okay y’all get it) split at the end of 2012, I immediately joined this new craze and uploaded my best pictures and a detailed bio, naturally. Bam, I was another contestant in the exciting game of Tinder. When you first join, the instant gratification of men and women plastered all over your phone is unbelievable. It was a real life CandyLand. It was like having these beautiful creatures at your fingertips and one swipe could determine your Friday or Saturday night.

    I imagined being in a room with various men lined up in front of me. I was in control and could press the green button for admittance into my life. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you know what I mean. I was so bewildered to have such easy access to any dude I wanted. I began venturing out on dates, almost every night of the week, while I was still living in Dallas. I could legit write a story about all my encounters. Oh wait, I am.

    When I moved to Colorado in 2013, I was depressed from losing Thriller and from striking out from Tinder. I was in a terrible slump and realized that moving to Denver didn’t fix any of my problems immediately; neither did playing Tinder. Meeting boys in Dallas was fun, but nothing serious ever developed and now I just have chapters in my autobiography to go off of. While moving here initially was difficult, Denver is now home to me and maneuvering through the scary and eye opening experiences over the past two years has completely changed my life.

    Ten years later and two ex-boyfriends to cross out of my list in red underline, (Taylor Swift) Tinder is just as hard as it was in 2013, even more exhausting than ever. The odd, often fickle guys I meet and my views of dating apps in general are this: You match with someone, flirt and make plans to meet. Some even talk about futures with you and how great your lives would align together. The hype seems real and then all of a sudden you’re ghosted. No reason, explanation or fake story of a dramatic thing that happened in their life. It’s not that difficult to say, “I’m just not that into you, bro.”

    I usually get doods numbers quickly and vice-versa and plan a fun night out or a hike in the mountains. The exchanges of texting and talking on the phone are legit exciting, leading both of us to assume that meeting in person will be a walk in the park. The letdown of the real “Ken” doll up close and personal is so devastating that you swear off Tinder indefinitely. The next morning, you redownload the app and start playing again.

    I had this dude come over a last year and we started cuddling. I figured it was a hook up, but as I told him some of my recent happenings in my life, he literally scrolled on his phone trying to find me a job without even asking me. I mean yeah, thanks for the links to jobs bro, but can we start kissing please? I don’t need someone to find a job for me; I’m the King of recruiting and promoting myself.

    Another Tinder date I went on a few months ago started out pleasant, but as we began to have a conversation, I noticed him shaking and not asking me one question about me. I had to continue asking questions to dismiss the extremely awkward silence and even as I started to break the ice, the man could not reciprocate at all. The texting for a week prior to the date was great, so I was outrageously flabbergasted on how the date turned out.

    As we get older, we realize that meeting someone and falling in love on social media isn’t completely realistic. The frustrating part is that no one really meets organically anymore because we are all so stuck up our own asses to strike up a conversation in person. Or because they’re married, open, poly, demi, etc…So, how do we meet people? Some random is going to hit on you at King Soopers? How about buying you a drink at the bar with intentions of not just wanting to bone you? Sorry, but that unfortunately just doesn’t happen like it did two decades ago.

    As I think about all the times I’ve lost while playing Tinder, some small part of me truly believes a strong, hunky Paul Bunyan type man will open the door to the next level of the game, making me the happiest “Barbie,” in the world. A sporty jock, Nick Bosa athletic type would be nice, too. Have you won at Tinder?

    Harry Jowsey | Men’s Fitness

    Photo Cred | Best Life

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  • Roots & Leaves Kava & Teas: Alcohol Free Bars Aid In Keeping People Sober

    When I first got sober for the 23rd time last September, I was introduced to kava bars after attending the grand opening of The Golden Kava Lounge, in November. I was in awe of how much fun I had at a bar that didn’t serve alcohol. I was just figuring out my next move in my life as the ladder part of 2023 was a bit messy, so I immediately gravitated to the welcoming community and the bar like atmosphere, with pool, music and tournament games weekly.

    I started to become a regular and got pretty into the kava scene in Golden, Colorado. After seeing how many people’s lives were changing, including mine, I felt this flame inside my heart that I knew I had to work in this industry. I’m now six months sober and am doing something I love.

    At the start of 2024, I began to venture out to other kava bars in the area and I immediately fell in love with Mile High Kava in Westminster, Colorado. After a short time, my boss Nicole was looking for a social media manager and thought I’d be the perfect fit. It has been truly exciting to be a part of The Roots & Leaves team and run the social media for all five bars we have. Four in Colorado and one in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

    Our newest location in Lakewood, Colorado is Peak Kava and I’m currently growing the social media following and engagement. Since I have started with Roots & Leaves, we have seen growth in our socials and our overall presence has increased, so I want to thank all of you for following our pages and supporting this wonderful community I get to be apart of.

    Peak Kava just opened a few months ago and we are blasting out events left and right. From trivia nights, open decks, EDM parties and pool tournaments, plus a single mingle gathering we are hosting on Friday, April 19th from 5-7 pm, there’s literally something for everyone. All human beings are welcomed in our community, whether you drink or not and you will quickly see how much fun we have. Additionally, all of the hard work we all contribute to this phenomenal company is something spectacular and I can’t wait to see how far we continue to thrive. We are saving lives and to hear testimonies from our community that yes, we have helped people struggling in recovery and flirting with the idea of eliminating alcohol from their lives, is very special to me.

    Everyone in this community, including management, Kavatenders and all of our outstanding friends who come in and out of our doors, thank you dearly for aiding in keeping me sober and my dreams coming to fruition. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity y’all have given to me and I’m super stoked to be a part of such a warm, loving and genuine company.

    Check out our Instagram pages below and if you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol and want to explore something different and life saving, please come in and see what we’re all about. Bula!

    @peakkava

    @official.milehighkava

    @kavaradostation

    @rootsnleavessantefe

    @rootsandleaveskava

  • KAVA DRAMA

    When I was told last November that kava bars are full of fabulous, yet delusional, disingenuous people, drama & chaos, I wanted to turn a third eye blind and sit back to watch a potentially great show. It took me a few months to observe the first kava bar I ever stepped foot into, but ultimately I met many crazy/beautiful characters daily and I began thinking of my previous boss I worked for in production, for shows on SPIKE TV, CW, Bravo and MTV, just to name a few.

    I was a casting director for a well known company in Los Angeles, California, but I started at their satellite office in Boulder, Colorado. Believe it or not, I don’t announce or talk about everything I do behind the scenes. I know how this world works, so hey, I worked in development for unscripted programs and reality tv from 2013-2017. Some of the shows I casted for were Bar Rescue, Naked & Afraid, Barmeggedeon, Million Dollar Listing and Catfish. I eventually began traveling to LA to work there and be in the scene, learning a great deal surrounding the world of reality television.

    I reached out to Jackson just a few months ago in March and told him all about the dramatic, tacky, sociopathic and wonderful people I met at the new kava bars I was doing social media & marketing for. He was beyond entertained and asked me to start sending videos to him of the bars I frequented to regularly. So not only was I getting paid to take pictures and videos for the company I worked and played at, but I was also getting fantastic B-roll for content for a possible reality show centered on me, the employees and my tribe. In addition to sending Jackson footage of my nights at the bars, I worked with him to determine who we would make the main cast members of the possible series, the stars if you will. A few of you know who you are. *anyone who I’ve spent many hours, nights, had numerous conversations and hangouts with over the past SE7EN months are not being referred to in this article. I don’t talk shit about my friends that I’ve developed relationships with, nor acquaintances who are warm & genuine* “what’s in the box?” Brad Pitt.

    Since I naturally stand out in a crowd and am a tremendously social dude, I was starting to hear ridiculous rumors from random people talking mad shit about everyone I knew, especially people these naysayers called their own friends. Distributors not staying in their own lanes, strangers coming to me spewing their miserable life dramatics onto me as if I were seriously invested & “HR” trying to school me on what’s quality content, plus what smart decisions should be made. Those were just some of the circus theatrics I encountered everyday. I was a human resources director for Ralph Lauren for several years; I think I know what I’m doing, in addition to being the social media manager for Orangetheory Fitness for four years.

    After getting really close to pitching my idea to several networks with Jackson, I was fucking fired for literally telling my supervisor to stop berating myself and my colleagues. I told her straight up how it was and I received a phone call the next day telling me I was canned. Constantly validating yourself in front of your peers out loud is not cute. Success and confidence is quiet, not vocalized daily.

    From slow service and certain kavatenders always inventing charges to my tab of drinks I did not consume, fake, two-faced buffoons spreading lies and inaccuracies of people they claim to love and constantly being watched, makes me extremely grateful for the exit from that business. Could you imagine if what all I described here was captured on camera? This could have been a fucking goldmine. Drama, drama drama, huh? Such a shame, but trust you me, a second season is brewing.

    Kristin Cavallari | The Hills | MTV

    📸 @tenor

  • The Dark Side of Sports: The Impact of Rigged Games on Sports Gambling

    Sports have long been celebrated for their unpredictability and the pure thrill of competition. Fans flock to stadiums, tune in on televisions across the world and now, more than ever, place bets on their favorite teams and athletes. Sports betting, a booming industry worth billions, thrive on the element of surprise and the faith that every game is played fairly. However, the integrity of sports is occasionally called into question with allegations of rigged games, casting a dark shadow over the excitement of both the sports and betting worlds.

    In the 2024-2025 season, The Kansas City Chiefs were questioned in almost every game they played, winning just seconds before the end of a bunch of their matches. I have seen my buddies lose a ton of money, win some more, lose again. Should sports betting be allowed for the future? Go Cowboys (hopefully we get back to winning the division like we have over the past decade.) Yeah, I know we haven’t made it to The Super Bowl since I was in middle school, but at least we get to the playoffs consistently. What happened this year is a mix of bad coaching, Dak’s injury and my boys playing terrible football. I am excited to cheer on the Broncos this weekend though; what an incredible comeback they have had. Lets take a look at the history of sports betting scandals.

    The history of sports is littered with infamous examples of rigged games. Here are a few that have left a lasting impact:

    The Black Sox Scandal (1919): Perhaps the most notorious case in American sports history, eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of intentionally losing the World Series in exchange for money from a gambling syndicate.

    The 2006 Italian Football Scandal (Calciopoli): Involving some of Italy’s top football clubs, this scandal saw teams like Juventus, AC Milan, and Fiorentina implicated in a scheme to influence refereeing appointments to their advantage.

    NBA Referee Scandal (2007): NBA referee Tim Donaghy was found guilty of betting on games he officiated and making calls that affected the point spread, raising concerns about the integrity of officiating in professional sports.

    Rigged games severely undermine the credibility of sports betting, which relies heavily on the unpredictability of outcomes. When the results of a match are predetermined, it not only cheats the fans but also disrupts the betting markets. The ramifications are significant.

    Erosion of Trust: Bettors need to trust that the events they wager on are fair. Even a whiff of corruption can deter casual and serious bettors alike, damaging the industry’s reputation.

    Financial Losses: Both bettors and betting companies can suffer significant financial losses due to rigged games. Bettors lose money on bets they had no fair chance of winning, while betting companies may face payouts on bets they never anticipated.

    Legal Repercussions: Legal actions often follow high-profile rigging cases, leading to fines, suspensions and even criminal charges for those involved. This adds a layer of legal uncertainty to the sports and betting industries.

    The fight against game-fixing is ongoing, involving multiple stakeholders from sports leagues to government bodies and betting companies. Several measures are being implemented to ensure the integrity of sports:

    Strict Regulations and Monitoring: Sports leagues and betting companies are investing in sophisticated monitoring systems to detect unusual betting patterns that could indicate match-fixing.

    Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency in officiating and enforcing strict penalties for those caught rigging games are critical steps. Publicizing these measures helps deter potential wrongdoers.

    Education and Awareness: Educating athletes, referees and officials about the consequences of game-fixing is vital. Many leagues have introduced mandatory training programs to highlight the legal and moral implications of such actions.

    Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Effective collaboration between sports organizations, betting companies and law enforcement agencies can help track down and prosecute those involved in game-fixing.

    The concept of rigging games is as old as organized sports themselves, truly. The reasons behind fixing a match are multifaceted, ranging from financial gain and gambling debts to external pressures from criminal organizations. The potential for substantial profit makes rigging an enticing proposition for those willing to compromise the essence of fair play. When a defending champion team (Nuggets) loses by 45 points when all they needed was one more W to advance to the conference finals, is quite a stretch and a bit odd. The Denver Nuggets were also up by almost 25 points at halftime last night in game 7, to then be eliminated on their own turf? The Texas Rangers were one out away from winning the World Series in 2011, then wound up losing. Just some sports for thought.

    The thrill of sports and the excitement of betting hinge on the unpredictability and fairness of the game. While rigged games have cast a shadow over the integrity of sports, ongoing efforts to combat corruption are crucial to restoring faith among fans and bettors. The future of both sports and sports betting depends on maintaining the sanctity of fair play, ensuring that the love of the game remains untarnished by deceit.

    Photo cred; YouTube

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  • Ariana Grande Shines On New Album; Justin Timberlake Needs To Stop Crying Wolf

    Over the past few weeks, we have seen an array of pop artists release songs and or albums simultaneously. Both superstars Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake released new albums, Jennifer Lopez put out her first record in ten years, plus Cardi B released her new single, Enough (Miami). I’ve been a huge fan of Ariana Grande since her album Dangerous Woman in 2016 and her 2019 album, thank u, next, absolutely saved my life and inspired me in so many ways. It helped me in getting over a major depressive heartbreak and was (still is) the soundtrack to my life.

    Eternal Sunshine, Ari’s 7th studio album, is positive, uplifting and down right intoxicating. She’s way more optimistic here, an extremely quick journey recapping her life over the past three years. Ariana feels more comfortable being her most authentic self while navigating the game of fame and love. When Ari released the upbeat, dance lead single yes, and? in January, fans (mostly the gays) immediately thought the album would also be an uptempo, dance album throughout, but were irate to hear mostly mid-tempo R&B tracks. Ariana’s new album is solid Pop & R&B, with monstrous beats similar to those of her thank u, next albums production.

    Justin Timberlake released his first album in six years and one thing is for sure; Justin & his wife Jessica Biel are either open in their relationship or he’s cheating on her. Some songs paint Justin as the bad-boy-bachelor who encounters hookups on a daily basis. Also, there are quite a few tracks that are obviously about Britney Spears, which he’s blatantly singing stories that are so inaccurate of their global romance back in 1999-2002. Sure, it’s a he said she said situation, but I highly doubt Britney and team would lie about Justin knocking Britney up and then forcing her to have an abortion, or cheating on her many times when she was barely twenty one years old.

    In terms of sound and beats, produced mostly by Timbaland, Calvin Harris and Ryan Tedder, the album is entertaining enough. However, Justin and Timbo try too hard to resurrect the nostalgia from Justin’s brilliant 2013 album, The 20/20 Experience. Everything I Thought I Was is a recycled version of 20/20 and Justin consistently croons and sexualizes women that are not Jessica Biel. It’s quite confusing as if those flirtatious songs are just for tracks to make the cut on his album. Like pick a lane, bro.

    To sum things up, Ariana takes the cake by a landslide. While Timberlake’s album is full of some good pop gold, Eternal Sunshine is memorable, written all by her and will definitely be nominated for multiple Grammy’s next year.

    Eternal Sunshine Key Tracks: we can’t be friends (wait for your love), the boy is mine, eternal sunshine and imperfect for you

    Everything I Thought It Was Key Tracks: Memphis, Flame and Infinity Sex

  • The 10 Best Albums Of The Year (Michael’s Version)

    It was an unusual year for music in that so many artists released pop albums. Mainstream or not, pop music reigned supreme in 2023. Some songs that were released years ago found success this year, another peculiar thing we haven’t seen in radio until the last couple of years. Taylor Swift’s smash hit Cruel Summer was actually from her 2017 album, Lover. Miguel’s single Sure Thing was all the way back from his album, All I Want is You in 2010. Once again, Taylor dominated steaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. Plus, every time the radio came on as I started my car, it was always Taylor Swift. She was also just named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Needless to say, 2023 was definitely Taylor Swift’s year. Honestly though, what year isn’t?

    10) Doja Cat – Scarlet

    2023 was the year Doja Cat reinvented herself, or as she says “this was always the real me.” She jokes on Demons, one of her singles from her new album, how she is a cash cow and that many people who’ve been sleeping say that she raps now. She started out rapping in this game of music, so the dig is perfect.

    She shaved her head, started to mirror Britney Spears with her strange, but fascinating Instagram posts and has created such a dominant image. She also started to tease fans with a pure rap album that would come out towards the end of 2023. Well, that album, Scarlet, was released on September 22, 2023. Singles Attention, Paint the Town Red and Agora Hills have been super successful and it’s clear that Doja wants her haters and fans alike to know she’s been making rap music since day one. She’s also cleared up those rumors that she’s antisemitic; she’s not and never once announced that. Her demon alter-ego is a metaphor towards really fucked up she went through, therefore to her it’s ironic who and who hasn’t been in her life during | after her demon days.

    She was so smart, however, to go mainstream and popish with her debut album, Hot Pink. Say So was such a huge hit single that finally put her on the map. She was on the radio, all over the Internet and had record album sales. With Scarlet, she raps her ass off, calling out her naysayers. I love Doja Cat and her album is in heavy rotation with her different songs on different playlists to this day.

    9) Tate McRae – Think Later

    When Tate McRae first stepped onto the scene a couple years ago, her music was more alternative than pop and was more of the teen angst sounds of Olivia Rodrigo and older Avril Lavigne stuff. When she released her chart topping and life changing single Greedy earlier this year, everyone was dying to know who Tate was. She’s a Canadian who first began her career winning the 2016 show, So You Think You Can Dance and has never looked back. Greedy was one of the most streamed songs of this year and her loyalty to her fans is admirable. Aside from her smash hit Greedy though, most of the album’s songs sound similar, but do differ in themes and some stand out bangers like Exes and Think Later will definitely sound great loud in the car. She dances like Britney Spears did in the early 2000’s and could be Gen Z’s version of Britney. Keep an eye on Tate!

    8) Kesha – Gag Order

    Kesha really turned heads this year with her new, mature sound and deep, dark and often relatable songs. Eat the Acid, the clear standout and first single released from Gag Order, is a haunting, beautiful song that touches on past trauma, spirituality and the negative side of changing. Yet, Kesha still manages to get through the challenging, almost manic induced coma she may have been experiencing with closure of new and happy beginnings.

    She is now absolutely 100% free from her former label and icky producer Dr. Luke, who Kesha claimed for years sexually abused her. She had no control of what music she could put out for over a decade and it’s so wonderful she can now create whatever the fuck she wants. Similar to Doja Cat, Kesha was a huge pop star when she started out and now is more independent. After all her hard work, the battles she fought and not being in control of her own life has certainly paid off. Kesha is more than just a TikTok, one pop wonder and has evolved into one of the smartest and talented artists in the business. Check out her album Rainbow, too for a wild, fun and cool ride. And her banger of an album, Warrior, is one of the best pop albums of the 2010’s. Love you Kesha.

    7) Post Malone – Austin

    When Austin first came out, blonde me thought that Post Malone was from Austin, Texas. Well, for once I was wrong (kidding) and it’s actually Posty’s real name. Austin was one of those albums that came out at the perfect time during the summer and an album that could be played from start to finish. It was played on the radio, pool parties, bars, barbeques and streamed all over the planet. I’ve always liked Post Malone, not only because he is a huge Dallas Cowboy’s fan but is not afraid to just be himself and relate to most people in America. The guy has been through some terrifying, scary hiccups in his life and it shows throughout all of Austin. I heard he is an awesome guy and has legit, energetic stage presence, so he’s definitely on my list of entertainers to see live.

    6) Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday 2

    When the word got out that Nicki Minaj was working on a sequel and follow up album to her critically and commercially successful Pink Friday album of 2010-2011, fans went bonkers and suddenly Nicki was back in the limelight. It was a pretty risky move to wait over ten years for a follow up to one of the most influential and best rap albums of our time, so all bets were off. When I first gave Pink Friday 2 a whirl, I was instantly annoyed that Nicki used so many samples on one album. I think it’s mostly tacky and just not a good look when artists do this, especially so repetitively. The song Everybody is the most ridiculous song on the album in my opinion, but many writers in the music industry think it’s going to be a hit. Well, on the radio sure, because people who only listen to the radio (still) and slap to the heavily played singles just don’t really have great taste in music, again in my opinion. Thankfully the Queen of Rap holds her seat on the Rap Throne. Nicki also showed up with so many great rap verses and bangers throughout Pink Friday 2. Collabs with Drake, J. Cole, Lil Wayne and Future assist in making this quite a comeback for Minaj and one of the best rap albums of the year.

    5) SZA – SOS

    SZA has been in the R&B/Soul music industry for years now, often being featured on big named artists hit songs. With a hypnotic voice and her own unique style of self-expression, SZA released her best album to date and is at the top of every song critic list. Rolling Stone magazine put her as the number one album in their annual 100 Best Albums of the Year feature. Thanks to Rolling Stone, I was very eager and curious to listen to her stuff. First of all, like what is even Kill Bill? It’s one of the coolest songs I have heard in a while and will most likely have me remembering the song over the movie Kill Bill. The entire album is soulful and SZA’s ability to get you into her head and feel the beats | rhythms that coincide with her lyrics is pure greatness. SZA is one of the most talented artists in the industry and I’d get used to hearing her name a lot.

    4) Tinashe – BB/ANG3L

    I swear I’m not always purposefully trying to include Britney in all of my reviews and blogs, but the first time I heard of Tinashe was when she was featured on Britney’s song, Slumber Party in 2016. I loved her sound, look and then realized she sang the song 2 On featuring Schoolboy Q in 2015. It was a hit and her sexually forward and passionate love songs became music to my ears. I’ve been jamming to her ever since. On BB/ANG3L, Tinashe unleashes her most sexual and liberating album to date, swooning and commanding things like Talk to me Nice to her mate. The beat is a non-stop thrill ride, with a no bullshit attitude throughout. Miss Tinashe is becoming one of my favorite artists and I look forward to her future endeavors. Check out one of her older bangers Company, too.

    3) Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

    Taylor this, Taylor that. “She gets too much coverage during NFL games, she’s fake, way overrated, and she creates shit music.” Say what you want about Taylor Swift, but there’s not one debate that could or would ever hinder her career or discount her accomplishments and credibility.

    The Era’s Tour is the highest grossing tour of.all.time. Every city that Taylor Swift played in this year, their GDP was increased by millions and millions of dollars. Here in Denver, her concerts added four million bucks towards our GDP during her two-night stay in July. Over the past couple of years, Swift has re-recorded her albums to her own liking and all in her control. Her former manager Scooter Braun did her dirty and never allowed her to create music on her own, keep her overdue earnings and write on her own terms. Well, at last Tay has been able to do so and this year was the release of her Grammy award winning album, 1989. When 1989 came out in 2014, this was Taylor’s debut as a pop artist. I wasn’t a fan until this album.

    Songs Shake it Off, Out of the Woods, Style, Bad Blood and Wildest Dreams were all Bonafide hits, and the album ultimately won Album of the Year at the 2015 Grammy Awards. She won numerous awards that night as well and it cemented Swift as one of the most marketable, talented and musically diverse artists of our generation. On 1989 (Taylor’s Version) each song has its own special charm and you can literally hear the shift in her tone. She’s more comfortable, confident and you can tell she is proud of how far she’s come. Again, if Taylor isn’t your jam, cool, but the constant hatred and comments about her on TV (when she could care less if she is being shown or not) all over social media is tacky, classless and quite stupid.

    2) Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation

    It should be no surprise that I chose Miley’s latest album to be so close to the top. I honestly thought I would have her as the number one on my list, but it’s just short of album of the year for me. I’ve been a fan of Miley Cyrus since her Bangerz album in 2013 was released and I loved the vibe in its entirety.

    On Endless Summer Vacation, Miley is her happiest, most relaxed and free spirited self I’ve seen her be. The lead single off of the album, Flowers, was the most popular song of 2023. It was played everywhere and it’s my least favorite tune of all of the outstanding tracks, annoyingly, ha. It’s catchy, I just don’t normally listen to the singles that are hot; I dig deeper and usually wear out the rest of the album. From the yoga thumper Handstand and the production of Rose Colored Lenses, Endless Summer Vacation is my favorite pop album of the year.

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Kaytramine

    Kaytramine is a Hip-Hop/Rap album from Kaytranada, Amine and Kaytramine. Released earlier in 2023, I am going to be honest and say I didn’t even know this album existed until I read Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Albums of the Year article last month. They had it at number 29, I liked the cover and I’ve listened to Kaytranada before (check out Midsection featuring Pharrell Williams). I listened to this album all the way through and was pleasantly surprised of what I was listening to. I almost can’t describe why this album is so great. From production and lyrics to sounds that stick with you, Kaytramine hits your soul and creates magic in the bones. It definitely did for me, and I can tell this album, also nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards will go down as one of the greatest pieces of work in a very long time.

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  • The Eagles Are Flying To Cowboy’s Turf: A Big Game For Both Teams Sunday 🏈

    On December 10th, The 9-3 Dallas Cowboys will host the now 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles for an epic showdown for first place in the NFC. Now if the Cowboys beat the Eagles on Sunday, they will be tied for first, both having 10-3 records. This would then truly be a fight for Dallas as they take on winning teams for the rest of their season, not including Washington.

    Philly already beat us 28-23 last month, so Dallas will be extra pissed off boosting their confidence even more to go hard. Also, we get to show them who’s boss at home. Dallas won their 14th consecutive home game, rallying to beat the Seahawks 41-35 on Thursday night. Needless to say, my boys are determined to keep that streak alive and spank those Eagles in Cowboy territory, making it their 15th straight game won at home.

    The Eagles and Cowboys have a long history of ongoing rivalries between each other. Not only are they in the same division, but they always seem to stay neck and neck with each other and hardly have to worry about the unfortunate New York Giants (sorry Dad) and Washington Commanders tailing their asses.

    Many spectators and commentators in the NFL like to keep reminding fans that the Cowboys have only really been beating losing and mediocre teams and that’s the only reason why we’re so good. While some of that bullshit may be true, we are killing those teams, not barely scraping by. Plus, the three teams we’ve lost to were mostly exciting games to watch. The only winning team that has demolished Dallas this year was the San Francisco 49’ers back in October.

    After the Cowboys beat the Eagles on Sunday, we will head to Buffalo and then to Miami on Christmas Eve. Dallas will host Detroit on December 30th and then close the regular season in Washington on January 7th, 2024. I predict Dallas’s 2023-2024 record ending at 13-4, possibly losing to the Miami Dolphins in Miami.

    Whether you’re an Eagles fan or a Cowboys fan, or couldn’t care less about either, there’s one thing we can all bet on. Sunday nights game between the two will be the biggest and most watched regular season game this year, if not of all time. The excitement surrounding this game from NFL heroes, experts, reporters and the fans is quite amazing. The game will also be a 100% fight to the finish with Dallas winning in overtime. GO COWBOYS! Sorry Mom 🦅

    Be sure to check out my Instagram page @michael_jenney

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