1000 Episodes of RAW

Just last week, WWE's flagship television program RAW aired its 1000th episode, and it featured some nostalgic, shocking and unforgettable moments filled in three hours of heart-stopping wrestling action. 

RAW debuted on the USA Network on January 11, 1993 at the Grand Ballroom in Manhattan, New York City. 19 years and 1000 episodes later, it emanated from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Vince McMahon, the creator of RAW, opened the show and thanked the fans and the viewers for helping the show become what it is today. The next segment saw D-Generation X reunite, not as the most recent tag team of Triple H and Shawn Michaels, but as a stable that was popular in the late 1990s. In addition to Triple H and HBK, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn of the New Age Outlaws, and X-Pac joined them for a one-night reunion. After a brief interruption by Damien Sandow, a 'Sweet Chin Music' and 'Pedigree' combination finished off Sandow, after which DX celebrated in front of the crowd.

Triple H later returned to cut a promo on the possible SummerSlam match against Brock Lesnar. For a while, it looked as though Paul Heyman, Lesnar's representative, would refuse again, but after a slap by Triple H's wife Stephanie McMahon, Heyman then accepted the match, after which Lesnar appeared for a staredown.

Other legends would appear throughout the episode, including The Undertaker, who reunited with fictional brother Kane as the Brothers of Destruction to fend off an attack by Jinder Mahal, Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins, Camacho and Hunico, and Drew McIntyre. In addition, Ron 'Farrooq' Simmons and John 'Bradshaw' Layfield reunited as the APA, helping Lita defeat Heath Slater, who had a run-in with WWE legends recently. Other legends, such as Bret Hart, Mick Foley, Roddy Piper and Me Young, made brief appearances.

A new general manager was also named, as AJ was hired to the position. This happened in the midst of her 'wedding' with 'beau' Daniel Bryan. Later, The Rock arrived to a standing ovation, and then declared his intention to challenge the WWE Champion at the 2013 Royal Rumble, much to the dismay of Bryan and CM Punk. 

The Miz would defeat Christian for the Intercontinental Championship, while Sheamus, Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara defeated Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho in a six-man tag team match. 

In the main event, John Cena cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase against WWE Champion CM Punk. Unfortunately, The Big Show interfered, causing a disqualification. The Rock would help Cena, but was ultimately attacked by Punk before he was finished with the 'Go to Sleep' and mocked in front of a stunned audience to end the show.

With episode 1000 in the books, what else is in store for the next 1000? Check us back for the next 1000 or so.

Throwback vs. Fu-Back: Chicago Bulls

In this segment, we will discuss comparisons between throwback logos and uniforms, and 'fu-backs', or the throwbacks revived in a contemporary sense. The suffix 'fu' stands for future, if you don't know. Our next feature focuses on the Chicago Bulls.

The first incarnation of the current Bulls
uniforms debuted in 1985, and stayed
until 1992. Note the reflected light on the
silk-screened uniform.

The Bulls' jerseys have remained virtually the same since it debuted in 1985. Basically the front of the jersey, home or away, were untouched. However, the back of it have shown substantial changes, such as two-toned and serifed player names in 1992, and the addition of the angry Bulls logo in 2004. The uniforms also paved the way for the successful Bulls dynasty of the 1990s. 

Most NBA teams in the 1980s use silk-screen printing on their uniforms, and the Bulls were no exception. When they debuted their current uniforms, they kept the back of the uniform intact, but made the numbers in front larger and centered. On the home uniforms, the Bulls wordmark was modified to appear enlarged and in a straighter arch. On the away uniforms, the 'Chicago' cursive wordmark was replaced by the said 'Bulls' wordmark. The very first season of the new uniforms saw Michael Jordan score a playoff single-game record 63 points in a playoff game at Boston. 

The uniforms were also worn when Jordan made the game-winning playoff shot at Cleveland in 1989, and then followed with a 69-point effort the next year. In the final two seasons of this incarnation, the Bulls won their first two NBA championships in 1991 and 1992.

Derrick Rose wearing the current 
Bulls jerseys, now in the Adidas
Revolution 30 cut.

Before the 1992-93 season, the Bulls made minor changes to their uniforms. They no longer use silk-screen printing; instead they returned to the traditional sewing method. The players' names are now serifed and color-trimmed accordingly. This incarnation would remain during the Bulls' final two seasons at Chicago Stadium, and their subsequent move to the United Center in 1994. The Bulls won the next four NBA titles in this incarnation, including a record 72 victories in the 1995-96 season. 

Prior to the 2004-05 season, the Bulls made another minor addition to their uniform. They added the Bulls logo atop the back side of the uniform. Though the Michael Jordan era was behind them, the uniforms remain popular among fans. Today, the uniform is manufactured in the current Adidas Revolution 30 cut, which is lighter in weight and production than previous uniforms. And the Bulls return to winning form the past two seasons, mainly due to the All-Star exploits of Chicago native Derrick Rose.

The Bulls also introduced black alternate uniforms during their 72-win 1995-96 season. Initially it was a stripped-down version of the regular Bulls uniforms (no diamond, pinstripes added), but in 1997 the pinstripes were removed, and then the city name marked its return before the 1999-2000 season. The Bulls logo was added on the back of the uniforms before the 2003-04 season, and then the red diamond was added before the 2006-07 season. With minor changes, the Bulls continue to wear the alternates on select road dates, but they have never worn them in postseason play. 

A green version of the road uniforms debuted before the 2005-06 season, and were worn on St. Patrick's week during March. Other than the Bulls logo keeping its red color, the uniform is all green. A Latin-flavored version of their red uniforms are also worn during the month; the only change was 'Los Bulls' in front. They were worn as part of the NBA's Noche Latina program, which has been in place since 2007.

The Bulls' iconic uniforms have not only brought them success, but also recognition and approval. Perhaps no one can change the Bulls' classic look, not even in a period of modernization and progress. Whether clamoring for the throwback or the fu-back, the Bulls' uniforms will remain attached in the hearts of Bulls fans forever. However, what is my say here?

The winner: Fu-back. Makes it more recognizable with the Bulls logo on the uniform and shorts, thus it is more identifiable with fans. 

How to Get to the Mall of Asia Arena?

The SM Mall of Asia Arena hosted its first event on June 16, 2012, when Lady Gaga performed the first of a two-night concert as part of the Born This Way tour. On July 7, it hosted its first basketball game when the PBA hosted a semifinal game between Talk N' Text and B-Meg, and the following week, it opened the 75th UAAP season. For neophyte commuters who may not know how to get there, here are some travel guides.

Via train:

• Take the MRT 3 and arrive at the Taft station. Then take the electric vans with the route stating 'Mall of Asia' and find the Mall of Asia Arena at the left wing of MOA.
• Take the LRT 1 and arrive at either the Gil Puyat or EDSA stations. Then take the electric vans with the route stating 'Mall of Asia' and find the Mall of Asia Arena at the left wing of MOA. If you are coming from Eastern Metro Manila, take the LRT 2 then arrive at the Recto station before moving to the LRT 1 at Doroteo Jose.

Via bus:

• Take the southbound EDSA bus that goes to Baclaran then arrive at the Mall of Asia. Find the Mall of Asia Arena at the left wing of MOA.
• From Makati, take the bus bound for Ayala then depart near the LRT 1 Gil Puyat station.  Then take the electric vans with the route stating 'Mall of Asia' and find the Mall of Asia Arena at the left wing of MOA. 

Via jeepneys:

• From Manila, take the jeepney bound for Taft-Vito Cruz-Buendia then get down near the LRT Gil Puyat station.  Then take the electric vans with the route stating 'Mall of Asia' and find the Mall of Asia Arena at the left wing of MOA. 

Via taxi:

• Take a taxi and then state that you are going to the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The fares will depend on the location you came from. 

Pinoy College Hoop Wars Underway

July 14, 2012 marked the first time UAAP and NCAA games were aired on national TV on the same day. Wonder why? Here is what happened.

Shortly before the NCAA began its 88th season on June 23, they signed a new lucrative contract with the Associated Broadcasting Corporation, better known as TV5, to air its games through the AKTV block on IBC 13. Under the new contract, the seniors games will be aired on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 4-8 pm. Looks like a smart move for Manny V. Pangilinan, isn't it?

Under previous coveror ABS-CBN, NCAA games were aired mostly on Wednesdays and Fridays only, with most, if not all Monday games aired only during the Final Four and the Finals. With the arrival of AKTV, they were able to air all games at the aforementioned days. The only prominent game they did not cover so far was the now-famous San Beda-Arellano game. That game saw the six-player Red Lions team, decimated by player suspensions, upset the 15-man Chiefs team on June 24. 

The move to AKTV also rescinded the NCAA's previous commitment to host its games at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, with logistical problems cited for the decision. The new schedule put up by AKTV would be in conflict with most of the UAAP schedule, which plays its games on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. And because most of the NCAA games played host to sparse crowds, hosting a game at the MOA would be costly as well.

The UAAP's 75th season just got underway today, with National University, this year's host and whose owner Henry Sy bankrolled the construction of the MOA Arena, blowing out the University of the East by over 30 points. Far Eastern University then escaped past the University of Santo Tomas after trailing by as much as 12 points in the second game. Meanwhile, a pair of blowouts in the NCAA today saw Arellano University and San Sebastian College defeat Lyceum of the Philippines University and Jose Rizal University, respectively.

Aside from the MOA, the UAAP will host select games at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and the PhilSports Arena for the first round alone, mostly for non-marquee games. The Ateneo-La Salle game, perhaps the one game both school's fans encircle on their calendars, will be at the MOA on July 28. 

The first ever basketball game at the MOA was held on July 7, when the PBA hosted a Governor's Cup semifinal game between the B-Meg Llamados and the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters. 

Every Thursday and Saturday, from July to October, there will be no ratings war. Instead, for college hoops fans, this will be a time to switch channels more often to watch some of the future pros slug it out on the hardwood and make an impact. Whether rooting for the highly physical NCAA or the more glamorous UAAP, fans are looking forward for this opportunity to cheer loud and proud. 

Throwback vs. Fu-Back: Baltimore Orioles

In this segment, we will discuss comparisons between throwback logos and uniforms, and 'fu-backs', or the throwbacks revived in a contemporary sense. The suffix 'fu' stands for future, if you don't know. Our next feature focuses on the Baltimore Orioles.

Logo

The Orioles revived the iconic cartoon bird logo in late 2011. This logo is closely identified with the team through three World Series triumphs in 1966, 1970 and 1983. The modern version is as detailed as ever, featuring the alternate O's logo on its cap and a sleeker look. The new logo replaced the 'ornithologically correct' Oriole logo which they used from 1989-2011.

Uniforms

The new orange jerseys and the old
orange jerseys, side by side.

While the cartoon bird was the only change, in the uniform department, they revived the orange jersey for Saturday home games. The Orioles have used an orange alternate jersey on several occasions throughout their history. From 1971-72, they wore a full-bodied orange uniform. In 1975, they brought back the orange jersey, but not the knickers, and used them from 1975-92, with the exceptions of the 1983, 1985 and 1986 seasons. From there, they switched to black alternates starting with the 1993 season, and have used them since. 

Comparing the previous orange jerseys to the current ones, on the new jerseys, the wordmark 'Orioles' appears with better calligraphy than it did in the previous incarnations, while the Maryland flag badge appears on the left sleeves. Orioles fans have immediately accepted the new duds just as the return of the cartoon bird was well-received.

The current home jerseys, as seen
on Matt Wieters, have combined
the classic 70s look with the
90s typeface.

And if you were wondering, the current Orioles jerseys (home whites, road greys, black alternates) remained the same from previous years. The home set, in particular, was a mix of the old and the new, with a predominantly orange lettering inspired from the 1970s and 1980s set, and the 's' tail extending to the bottom of the word 'Orioles' having stayed virtually the same since the 1990s. They, along with the orange alternates, are paired with the two-tone headwear featuring the aforementioned cartoon bird and white in front. 

The road greys, in use since 2009, feature 'Baltimore' on the script, their first instance of the city name used on the uniforms. Other than that, the lettering colors have stayed the same since 1995. The road headwear is black all over, again with the cartoon bird.

The black jerseys were introduced in 1993, and with the exception of white trim in the 1990s and the use of the alternate 'O's' cap since 2005, have also remained unchanged. The black jerseys are currently used on Friday games, home or road. However, they never had an 'O's' batting helmet, instead using their cartoon bird helmets.

Bringing back the cartoon bird makes more sense, isn't it? The Orioles history is closely identified with this classic look, and fans love it. The uniforms are a mix of classic and modern styles, and the orange alternates brought back a sense of nostalgia and attitude among old and new Orioles fans. If they win the World Series this year, then this look may top all 'best uniform' lists this year. The winner: Tied