HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

There are three days of the calendar year that I look particularly forward to…

1.       My  Birthday

2.       Wrestlemania

And today… Halloween.

So I thought I would be remiss in not taking a moment to acknowledge this day and some of my personal favorite memories of it.

As a child I of course loved Trick-Or-Treating. I spent my early youth living in Elmhurst which was a great place for Trick-Or-Treating.

I’ve always to this day appreciated homes that really go all out for Halloween. Decorating the yard and the whole house for that one night when the kids came. A well decorated house was usually indicative of a home that’d be giving out some decent candy too. So it was a big score.

Then of course you’d get pissy if you got some candy you didn’t like, or someone would answer the door and tell you they don’t do Halloween; which is a dick move. Don’t give out pennies, or granola bars if you don’t want to participate in Halloween. Don’t be THAT person, and don’t answer your door to explain to kids that you refuse to give them candy.

Anyway I digress…

Then when I moved to Lombard I lived in the Yorktown Apartments/Condo complex on the south end of Lombard. Far from the real “neighborhoods” which were ideal for the traditional Trick-Or-Treating experience, but what we lacked in atmosphere the Yorktown kids made up in volume.

There were on average about 60 units per building with about 8 or so buildings we had access to. Weather was never an issue as we were inside the whole time so we could wear our costumes without coats or any of that shit.  Each unit was about 10 feet away from the next so we were able to maximize our candy grabbing efficiency to the point where we’d have to literally stop back home after each building to drop off candy and empty our bags. We’d pull in WAY more candy than most other kids.

Eventually our friends started picking up on our little secret and wanted to come with us, and with each year we got more people joining us.

Trick-Or-Treating aside there were of course the horror movie marathons, television specials, and music that added to the holiday.

By the time we had moved out of Yorktown I was “too old” to be Trick-Or-Treating, but I never lost my love of the holiday. The Halloween dances in high school were my favorite to go to. Between the costumes everyone would wear at school that day and at the dance it was always great to see what people would come up with. It was one day where the social classes didn’t seem to matter.

Post H.S from 1999 to present day I’ve had a Halloween party every year.

My apartment has always been very Halloween oriented year round. With the exception of the Christmas season you’ll find orange and purple lights up around my place at any given point in the year, as well as other Halloween decorations.

Like most holidays it’s the spirit of the holiday that fuels my passion for it.

So to all of you out there in The T3 Universe who share my love for the holiday…

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

The T3 Universe

Greetings…

Welcome… to The T3 Universe.

This will be home to all of my various creative outlets. From my personal training business, music, art, television, vloging, bloging, as well as any and all future thoughts, rants, and other creative endeavors that are forthcoming.

The T3 Universe is vast and endless. It's comprised not only of myself but all those who are a part of my world. It's a family... a community of creative people that I'm hoping will only grow with each passing day.

I humbly share all of these efforts with you in the hopes you will be educated, entertained, intrigued, or inspired by them.

And so it’s with open arms, and a loving heart I welcome YOU…

To the T3 Universe.

T3

Clowns

The first movie that ever scared the shit out of me was Poltergeist.

I was 4 or 5.

My parents told me to stay in my room while they watched it.

I didn't listen.

I snuck out of my room... went down the hall... I peered around the corner to see what they were watching.

The first thing I saw was a kid look under his bed, and a clown came out from under the bed... grabbed the kid... and pulled him kicking and screaming underneath. Proceeding to strangle the kid with it's long boa constrictor like arms, as the kid screamed his unheard pleas for help while his mother was in her room oblivious to it all while blow drying her hair.

I lost my shit.

My parents were like "We told you not to watch this and stay in your room!". They were absolutely right. I should have heeded their fucking advice. Cause I ...WAS... SCARED... SHITLESS!!!

I ACTUALLY HAD A FUCKING STUFFED CLOWN IN MY ROOM!!!

So... I of course did not feel that I would be safe in my bed until SOMEONE... other than myself... looked underneath to make sure there were no evil fucking clowns under there ready to drag my ass into some hellish abyss... that I never even knew existed until I saw it on TV. 

So... enter my Father.

My Mother tells him to look under my bed. To put my mind at ease so that I would not be keeping them up all night as I sobbed in terror at what may lie underneath my place of slumber I once felt so secure in.

He gets down on the floor... 

Gets about half way under the bed and ...

STARTS SCREAMING AND KICKING LIKE HE'S BEING DRAGGED INTO SOME HELLISH ABYSS BY SOME EVIL FUCKING CLOWN!!!

HOLY FUCK!!! 

I lost my shit!

While my Father thought this was absolutely hysterical, my Mother felt otherwise...

She was not happy.

Many may wonder if I have an aversion to clowns on account of what might seem like a traumatic experience for a 4 or 5 year old boy.

The answer is no.

I think clowns are awkward, and to some end make me uncomfortable. But I do not fear your average run of the mill party/parade/street clown. I have yet to meet a clown whose ass I didn't think I could kick on the street. So I feel quite safe in the presence of clowns. Generally they're nice to me.

Occasionally even give me a balloon animal :)

But if I ever look under my bed and one fucking jumps out at me...

I'll most likely lose my shit.

My WWE Collection

My WWE collection started in 2001 when I got hooked on the WWE. 

I have over 30 WWE T-shirts along with a few hoodies, long sleeves, and a vintage NWO Starter jacket.

My WWE DVD collection consists of every single Pay-Per-View from 2001 to date, along with "Best Of" collections, and other documentaries. I also picked up the new WWE Rumblers figurines which are seated atop the DVD's currently.

Throughout my place are various PPV posters I've collected over the years... These are what are up right now. I have more, but only so much wall space.

My Championship Title Belts are my pride and joy of my collection. As of right now I only have the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships. Someday I'd like to have every belt ever.

The WWE Championship

The World Heavyweight Championship

While my apartment is littered with WWE stuff, but my bathroom is actually the room I have dedicated the most to the WWE. Featuring action figures, posters, and WWE PPV ads from the past decade. All laminated so as to withstand the humidity.

A few points of interest...

I had this made to commemorate Eugene defeating Kurt Angle for his gold medals in his "Kurt Angle Invitational". I have a buddy who is a huge Angle fan, and when this happened I had this made just to piss him off.

I of course must have a Y2J: Chris Jericho action figure...

I have several heavy rubbermaid bins full of WWE, and the now defunct Raw & Smackdown magazines from 2001 to present.

These are all just some highlights of what I have. There is much too much to take pictures of it all. Some things are in storage, and there's a little this and that all over my place... but this gives you the jist of what kind of WWE fan I am.

Paying At The Pump: No Longer Convenient

Paying for gas at the pump in no longer faster or convenient. In fact it’s become less convenient.

They hit you up with so  many fucking questions on a slow ass system that you spend 2 minutes standing there answering questions after you swipe your card. I want to swipe it, put gas in my car, and get back on the road. THAT’S convenient.

Instead, you have to tell it debit or credit… wait 20 seconds for it to think about it, enter your zip code… wait some more… car wash?... wait some more… THEN you can start putting gas in your car.

OR!!!

I could take $30 inside, say pump 4 and start pumping my gas in a fraction of the time. No questions… no bullshit.

 So, paying at the pump has gone from being a great convenience to a pain in the ass. Especially when you’re standing outside taking this quiz in 9 degree weather.

So fuck it.

Athene's Theory of Everything

One of the things I talk about a lot with my clients is your body's ability to adapt, and how it does so out of it's duty for self preservation. I talk about this, because once you understand how your body works you can understand how to manipulate the variables to your favor.All of these physical changes and adaptations however, start in your brain. So, understanding how your brain works and adapts to your everyday life is valuable knowledge to have as well.

Mental health is crucial. The ability to understand why you are who you are, and how to harness that knowledge for your own betterment is an incredibly empowering tool to have at your side.

My younger brother Mike Else a.k.a. "Professor Kliq", is a fantastic and inspiring musician. He has released several original albums, as well as having recently scored a 12 part mini-series on The Science Channel called "Ever Wondered".

Most recently he was responsible for writing music for a documentary that I found to be an incredible insight into how your brain works, and it's effect on your habits, personality, and your body. I saw small clips of it a couple of months ago while it was all in production, and knew then I'd want to share this with all of you.

I highly recommend watching the whole thing. It really is well done and is incredibly informative.

If you are interested in hearing more of my brother's music you can stream it, or download any of his albums for free from his website at:

http://www.professorkliq.com/index.html

T3 Waking Up

Every morning I wake up and rapidly go through 5 stages that get me from sound asleep to on my feet...

1. "What the fuck?": This is always number 1. Appropriate and self explanatory.

2. "What the fuck is that?": This is in reference to my alarm. No matter how many times I wake up to it I will always be dumbfounded as to what the hell that sound is.

3. "Jesus Christ...": This is usually after I've hit the alarm and my head comes crashing back down to my pillow. I take a few breaths and then it's...

4. "Shit": This is me coming to the realization that I am going to have to physically remove myself out from under my covers, get vertical, and start my day.

5. "Goddammit": This is during the actual physical rise out of bed.

And then I'm up! Ready to start the day! After these 5 simple stages of advancing coherency, I'm ready to go out and inspire the masses to eat right and work out!

Opti-Free "Replenish" VS Opti-Free "Express"

OPTI-FREE makes two separate contact lens solutions...

OPTI-FREE "Replenish"

And..

OPTI-FREE "Express"

Now, I have read the list of features on each of these products. I can't find one difference. They make all the same claims. I've read the directions... they're exactly the same. They come in the same size, and cost the same amount of money.

I have often found myself staring at the two of these... looking for any small detail that differentiates one from the other so that I can better choose the product best suited for my needs. Nothing. I've tried them both. I can't give you any definitive difference in performance from one to the other. Yet it haunts me... what IS the difference??!!

So I took them up to the pharmacists at the store. Two of them stood there looking them over... they had no answer. They too were stumped.  

There MUST be a difference... right? If not, then why consistently sell them both as separate items, and stock them right next to one another?

Jigsaw

So, last night I saw SAW 3D...

I had never seen any of these movies before, but I have to say... I like Jigsaw's style.

As sick as it may sound, I understand and can relate to this villain. Everyone he kills he has a pretty valid reason for it. Perhaps they don't deserve the gruesome death they receive for their crimes, but at least he can justify it to some end. Not to mention he takes the time to explain to them why he's doing what he's doing. In all fairness to him, he does give them all the opportunity to get out of it. It might mean losing a limb, or some other horrific experience... but it's not your typical mindless killing that guys like Jason and Freddie dish out, and generally speaking they deserve what's comin' to em'.

Too many in this world get away with things that hurt others that can scar people for life either physically or emotionally. I like seeing someone get what's coming to them for once.

Without giving away any of the movie... the opening sequence I thought was the most righteous and justified kill in it.

If I were ever to go so far as to kill somebody, and had the means I would definitely want to do it Jigsaw style. He makes them have to think about what they've done, he makes their deaths slow, painful, and just absolutely flawless. Whatever it is he has lined up for them... if they can't get out of it... they will most definitely die from it. Now I don't know where he gets the funding for these elaborate traps, and torture devices, but if I had the means... this would definitely be my style of choice.

I have always said that I am not above revenge. There is a list of people I'd like to see have to pay for their transgressions against me. I would want them to know I was the one doing it. I would want them to know the pain and suffering they've caused me, and have to suffer worse in order to survive or die trying. Given the funding I could most definitely put together some pretty creative death traps for these people based on what they've done to me.

Chris Rock had a routine years ago about O.J. killing his wife where he says "I ain't sayin' he should've killed her... but I understand".

Now... I ain't sayin' Jigsaw should be going around killing people... but I understand.

Half Of Us

This is interesting...

As someone who has known physical and mental abuse as a child, it's always comforting to hear the stories of others who have shared similar experiences. Even more so when it's coming from one of your biggest heroes. 

Swearing

Today I heard someone say ... 

"People who use vulgar language do so because they lack the intellect to creatively express themselves verbally."

Bullshit.

As an avid swearer this is something I take great exception to. I hate the bad rap that swearing gets. I say there are no bad words, only words used to hurt people. I could say terrible things about somebody that would bring them to tears and never use a single curse word. I could equally congratulate, thank, and show my love for someone and swear my ass of the whole way through. 

I find swearing to be the spice of verbal expression. It adds flavor, and emphasis to the point you are trying to get across. Yes, more often than not it's used negatively, but that's all at the discretion of the person speaking. I swear pretty regularly. My parents were both very big on swearing. It's just second nature to me, but I honestly think that 9 out of 10 times I say "Fuck" it's in a positive connotation. "Fuckin' A" is a pretty consistent response from me, and is usually well received. 

Now I certainly use it negatively as well. That's one of the many beauties of "foul" language. It can be used both negatively and positively. I'm glad that there are words out there that allow you to really give it to someone when the occasion calls for it. Sometimes you need to be able to tell someone where to get off, and there's nothing quite like telling someone to go Fuck them self.

Comedians who swear a lot also get a bad rap. I think that all just comes down to a matter of personal preference. I've found myself more amused by comics who swear than those who don't. I find movies with vulgar language more entertaining. Again, that's just personal preference.

There are most definitely people who overdo it for attention. You can tell when someone is just trying too hard, and it's not something that comes natural to them. But you can say that about a lot of things, and is certainly not exclusive to swearing.

Now, I also understand that the rest of the world doesn't think the way I do. So, yes in business and certain situations I have to make a conscious effort to not let one slip through. But on my own time it's part of who I am. I have historically been more attracted to girls who aren't afraid to swear. A girl who doesn't swear lacks a certain spunk that I require.

My children will not be brought up to know "swear" words to be labeled as such. They won't even know what a "swear" is. They will only know the English language. "Swears" included. They WILL be taught however that it is not appropriate to use ANY words to be hurtful towards others. If I get a call from the principal that my child is in trouble for swearing, I'll back my kid up 100%. If I find out that they were using it, or any other words to be hurtful... then they're going to be disciplined accordingly.

I have nothing against people who choose not to swear. It's like religion or politics, what you choose to do is your business... just don't push your beliefs on me or try to censor me, and don't be offended by my choice of words when they are not being used to be hurtful or offensive. 

When I hear an ignorant statement like I heard today it just gets under my skin.

I Hate Marching Bands

Despite the fact that many of my friends were in our high school marching band, I can't stand marching bands...

I think it is just the most obnoxious music on the face of the planet. There are 3 kinds of music in this world I have no room for... Smooth jazz, Christian music, and marching bands.

It's especially sickening when they try to cover songs like "Jungle Boogie" or "Brick House". It just makes me want to puke. How did such an awful form of music ever become a standard?

I always thought it was bullshit too that the marching band got letters for their school jackets. Aside from some well choreographed formations they do while they drill through your brain with that awful sound... what the hell do they do to earn a letter?!

Three's A Crowd

Well I just finished another television series... "Three's A Crowd". A short lived spin off of "Three's Company".

"Three's A Crowd" follows the life of Jack Tripper after moving out with his previous two female roommates. Now he's living with a girl, Vicki, who he his madly in love with, but who refuses to marry him despite his many proposals. Vicki's father is co-owner of "Jack's Bistro"... Jack's French Restaurant. Her father disapproves of Jack and Vicki living together out of wedlock, as do most people who realize their living situation. A sign of the times.

Jack is joined in his bistro by an assistant chef who is an early 80's surfer dude named EZ. Who lives in his van outside the bistro, and has the stereotypical surfer dude vernacular.

The show goes episode to episode with various mishaps that Jack gets in. Nothing ever too exciting. The show was canceled before any real closure could be brought to the series.

Not the most exciting show I've ever watched. But I enjoy watching these obscure spin-offs that have fallen into the black of television obscurity.

In spite of thorough searches, I could not find a video of the intro of the show... but it's pretty ridiculous.

I give this series a 2 out of 5.

I'm still waiting for The Ropers to finish downloading... until then... it's on to "Maude".

31 Years... Of Tommy Else

Well, today is my 31^st, birthday…

The past 10 years have been possibly the most difficult of my entire life. I can be pretty negative here on my blog. I know… But hey, isn’t that what blogs are for? Bitching about the world while hiding comfortably behind a computer screen?

Well, I thought rather than sit, and re-hash all of the negatives from the past 10 years  I would celebrate the positives.

Since I was 21 a lot has happened…

·         I’ve spent the last 10 years in an apartment that has been more of a home to me than I’ve ever known. Lots of ups, lots of downs, and LOTS of parties.

·         I learned to kind of play guitar, write, and record original songs.

·         I’ve played live shows.

·         I developed a love and passion for the WWE which honestly got me through some of the hardest times in the past 10 years. It provided me the distraction I needed from the pain I felt, and the inspiration to get off my ass and do something with my life. Honestly… I credit the WWE for all of that.

·         My Stepmother Andrea came into my life and along with her an immediate extended family who has always been great to me, my Dad, my brother, and my little sister.

·         I’ve seen countless concerts of some incredible bands, and seen the WWE LIVE over 10 times now including getting to go to Wrestlemania 22!!!

·         I’ve made new friends…

·         I got to attend my 10 year high school reunion which was awesome.

·         I’ve reconnected with old friends, and relatives whom I thought I’d never see again.

·         I was blessed with the birth of a baby sister Olivia whom I love so much.

·         I’ve seen many close friends get married, and some have children.

·         I got to see my Father complete the Florida Iron Man Triathalon.

·         I spent my birthday last year in San Francisco with Pete Gerharz.

·         I’ve watched my brother grow into an INCREDIBLE musician, both as a recording artist, and live performer. He is a good man, and a great brother whom I love very much.

·         I competed in my very first bodybuilding competition, and 2 more since then. Placing in the top 5, three times.

·         I began a career in personal training which led to me starting my own business. I’ve also have had the pleasure of befriending all of my clients, as they are all wonderful people.

·         I am currently co-writing a book with my good friend Rev. John Dolan about depression. It tells both of our individual stories, it’s effect on us, and our loved ones. Our intentions are to bring hope to those who also suffer from it, and educate those who don’t, so that they may be better equipped to be there for friends and family who do.

·         I most recently had the honor of standing up in my best friend’s wedding, which was truly one of the greatest things ever, and now last night got to see their baby daughter for the first time… Incredible…

These are just some of the highlights… There have been many more.

But as I sit here the morning of my 31^st Birthday… for all that the past 10 years have brought… the highs and the lows… I am grateful for what I have today. I am grateful to be alive, and in good health. To be able to sit here and reflect upon the wonderful events of the past, and look forward to many more to come in the future.

I want to take a moment to say something to my friends… The O’Connors, Mike Else, The Bodnar Brothers, Marousek, The Bachs, Rizzi, Steve, The Millers, Ian… and all the rest.

If I died today, I’d want you all to know how much I truly love you all. How important you all are to me, and what your friendship has meant to me. I could never put into words how I feel about you all. You are my family.

Also, if for some reason I do die today… I would like to be buried with my WWE Championship belt around my waist.

So there it is… 31 years… Bam! In the books! Now I start the next chapter in the life of Tommy Else. Who knows what I’ll have to report a year from now. Your whole life can change in a minute, let alone a year, but I look forward to what lies ahead.

So with that I will leave you with my single favorite song in this whole world, by my favorite band in the whole world… which just happens to be titled after the same year I was born…

Congratulations Neil & Sarah!!!

There so few moments in life that are as awesome as a child being born. Being there when my sister was born was one of the most incredible things ever.

Now, my best friend in the whole world... Neil Miller... is somebody's Father!

He called me up, and told me to get on Skype. That he had something to show me. He has NEVER been on Skype before, so I figured something was up. Sarah wasn't due till September 20th though. But sure enough, when I signed on there they were both sitting there with their new baby daughter!

Mabel Ann Miller!!!

She's about 6lbs, and Sarah's labor was 8 hours with no drugs!

They are all healthy, and doing great!

I was able to get a few still shots of them with their baby from Skype. I couldn't be happier for the two of them, and the night before my birthday this is possibly the best way ever to have started it. I'm Uncle Tom now!!! I am absolutely busting!

For those disappointed that it wasn't a boy named "Cool Breeze"... fret not. Neil says it's in Mabel's astrological chart that she'll have a baby brother. So he's coming... just you wait!

I just wanted to take a moment to say how happy I am for my good friends, and I can't get down to St. Louis fast enough to meet the newest Miller. I can't wait for the day I have my own.

Congratulations Neil & Sarah... Mabel couldn't ask for two better more loving parents.

I love you!!!