#then when i was looking refs for Victoria's face again recently...

[temeyes]

i had a revelation

[grapsandclaps]

GRAPS AND CLAPS REVIEWS - GPW 'BACK WITH A BANG' #THEPIESAREON!

Hello and welcome everyone, once again to Graps and Claps this time travelling to Hindley for the first time this year for Grand Pro Wrestling 'Back with a Bang' with very much a card full of new and established stars in the land of Hindley Graps with the debut of Lucas Steel who has been making noises in NGW Wrestling and has recently been the feature of the 'One to Watch' part of Fighting Spirit Magazine.

The trip to Hindley as ever started with the dash to Rochdale station, with me this time just missing the direct train to Hindley, so instead I had to get a train to Manchester VIctoria then one from that station to HIndley which didn't cause much too much fuss arriving into Hindley for 6:15 pm to meet up with the rest of the gang (Ben, Chris, Geoff and Tom) in the Edington Arms which I will report about later on the going downs in the karaoke world. Only one stop for me this time in pub land which was the posh wine/cafe bar called Kore which since gaining a craft beer selection is now becoming a place to visit when going to GPW. Two drinks here were a Jester Pale Ale (4.1% £3.20 pint) and a Hophurst Brewery Cosmati Pale (4.2% £3.10 2/3rds), with the Jester Pale Ale being the standout drink - not too heavy with a smooth light taste this was a winner with my palate.

Drinks done and the time reaching 7:10 pm, we made our way into the Monaco Ballroom for the night's action and in a continuation of things from last year a packed crowd was in attendance estimated easily around the 200 marker with people standing at the back of the room and also near the bar due to seats being well taken up. Ticket prices have gone up £1 here, but for £9 entry you can't complain much with the quality of action you are always served at these shows, one big revelation that came apparent during the afternoon was that they had finally found an oven to heat the famed 'Hindley Pies' up better - so for a great start to the GPW year - THE PIES WERE ON!!!!

With that said, let's get into what went down with the first match being a big grudge match that has been going on for quite a bit with 'Magnificent Matthew Brooks' taking on Isaiah Quinn with his House of Isaiah in tow (Nick Maguire and Jacob North). After being captured by Quinn's group a number of months ago, Brooks finally left the clutches of the house back in November so he was free to go back singing and to entertain once again, however that could all change again with the stipulation in this match that if Brooks lost he would have to once again join the House of Isaiah which the crowd certainly didn't want to see. However, if Brooks won Quinn would be forced into singing a duet with Brooks as per the stipulation.

Early on it was Brooks who was in control hitting a Singer Splash followed by 10 punches in the corner and a high pitched song right into Quinn's ear to deafen him, Brooks then followed up with a flying headscissor, but Quinn managed to recover to hit a back cracker to get back on top. As the bout moved on to it's big crescendo with the referee (Fitzgerald) not looking, Brooks got hit with Quinn's stick which resulted in a two count, thankfully for Brooks who made a fightback but found a bump in the road when he missed a big legdrop which put the ball back in Quinn's court, but it was maybe complacency on Quinn's part as he was caught out of nowhere with a CHEEKY ROLL UP! from Brooks who picked up the popular 3 count in a really fun opener to proceedings. As per the stipulation, Quinn had to sing a duet with Brooks - that being 'Purple Pants' by PRINCE, that brought fits of laughter from our section! Just as Quinn was getting into the spirit of song he attacked Brooks from behind leading into a beatdown from the House, that was until Brooks was eventually saved by JJ Webb and Stoxx (The Green Machine) to bring some sense of order.

Up next was a No.1 Contenders match for the vacant British Title with two qualifiers taking place on this evening, first starting with this fatal 4-way contest with Luke Jacobs vs Kameron Solas vs Dylan Roberts vs Rio. Early on it was Jacobs who was on the offence first hitting clotheslines and suplexes to everyone and looking good in the process (Jacobs certainly looks like someone with a great future with his Rugby style broadness and hard-hitting offence).

As the match moved on, we had a high crossbody by rio to Solas for two, then as Roberts (who had been on the outside for quite a while saving himself for later in the match) and Solas were on the floor, they were hit with a big dive by rio and luke to floor them instantly. Back in the ring, Kameron Solas who was once again impressing hit a slam on Luke to Rio's back leaving them crumpled in a heap, but Rio was able to recover from this as later in the match he hit the big tower of doom spot to everyone to leave a mass of bodies in the ring. Home stretch now we had a missed Sky Twister Press by Solas and also Jacobs got taken out leaving Dylan Roberts to lock in the Arm Clutch to tap Rio out, in what looked sadly like a miscommunication between the ref and rio, as Rio took ages to tap out, which was a shame because it was an alright match.

Next up was the singles debut for two of the up and coming stars of the scene with Ethan Allen who has been making waves in Futureshock as part of the Young Guns with Luke Jacobs taking on 'The Standout' Lucas Steel who instantly as he walked through the curtain got the 'Wow' reaction from the crowd in attendance which is a great base for him meaning the crowd thought he looked a threat instantly. Ethan early in this match tried to knock the big fella down to size with strikes and kicks but he was waffled with a hard clothesline and a big elbow by Lucas for a two count, When Ethan did get Steel to 1 knee he hit more kicks followed by a Roundhouse and then a DDT for 2 to daze Steel. As the match reached its conclusion with Steel ready to hit a Powerbomb, Ethan managed to roll out to nearly get a roll up on Steel, but Lucas was wise to this as he eventually hit the Jackknife Powerbomb to get the three count in an impressive debut. After the match Steel tried to continue the beat down on Ethan, but Ethan was thankfully saved by his team mate Luke Jacobs to end any more suffering for him. In closing, this was an excellent 5/6 minute match that was a competitive squash match that got both wrestlers over in an instance with the crowd - Steel especially who as we would see later in the show looks to be the main antagonistic heel as GPW goes through 2019. 

Half time main event now with Jack Griffiths vs Bin Mann, with Bin Mann's former friend Jett Fashion in the crowd in his best Liverpool FA Cup FInal white suit (he looked bloody awful) to make Mann wary if he interfered in this match. Bin Mann didn't look distracted early as he hit a belly to belly to Griffiths followed by a prolonged beatdown ending with a lariat for 2. At this point, I admit I went to the toilet as nature was calling, but I came back in time to see Griffiths hit a headscissors, and then a springboard moonsault to the outside. Back in we had jumping forearm by jack for 2, but he then misses a springboard moonsault, leading to Bin Mann to hit Jack with a side suplex. The match coming to an end, Jett Fashion was provoked enough to get involved whilst the referee wasn't watching to hit a spear to Mann to leave him in prime position for Jack to hit a split-legged moonsault to get what some may call a surprise victory over Bin Mann.After the match we had an announcement from Jett Fashion that on March 29th we would have the feud ender between these two as they will face off in a Dumpster Match which if like the two matches of this type before in this promotion should be a wild match. I hope they both go all out though, because this feud has been greeted with quite the apathy I feel from the Hindley crowd, but we shall see what they serve up in March

Back from the break we returned with The Bad Lads who were offering anyone in the back, in the crowd a chance to get in the ring with them, as they were in a foul mood especially Big Joe who was getting easily wound up once again by the height jokes. The two victims for The Bad Lads would end up being GPW youngsters Samson Cross and JJS - not much to say about this match other than it was a massacre that ended mercifully with Big Joe hitting the Doink The Clown Whoopee Cushion from the top rope to JJS to get the victory in quick fashion. After the match with The Bad Lads still wanting competition they searched out the crowd for it and after bypassing us lot, they pulled out a local boxer (whose name I didn't get) who was then duly beaten down in the ring, that was until;The Young Guns came out and saved him from any further damage from The Bad Lads - so it looks like these will be in a 6-man of sorts in the future

Another British Title qualifier next with Chase Alexander taking on our favourite Sandy Beach fresh from his victory in the Crazy Cruiser 8 tournament. The reaction to Sandy is still not letting up in Hindley, the Baby Shark chants, maybe but there is still enough sustained support for Sandy who this blog has been blowing the horn about for ages. As per the earlier qualifier, this was another good match with Chase looking impressive and also impressing my mates Ben and Chris who remembered him from 5/6 years ago in Coventry for Triple X Wrestling when he wasn't the finished article. Chase certainly nearly looked like the finished article here as he swatted away the Inflatable shark from Sandy and slammed him to the mat. With Sandy looking like he was on his way to defeat, as Chase had him in position for a Berry Bomb which he hit for a 2 count, luckily though for Sandy he managed to regain his marbles to hit a Jumping DDT to Chase to get the win in around 10 minutes - Good contest! After the match Chase offered Taonga who had been doing the honours of the raffle the opportunity to be hit valet, but this brought out Dirk Feelgood and Melanie Price of Feel Good Media LTD (FML), leading to a beat down of Taonga and what looks like the addition of Chase into FML.

Main Event time next with a huge 6-person tag team match with the Champions on one side in the form of Joey Hayes, Lana & L.A Austin taking on the contenders T-Bone & Craig Kollins and Soner Dursun with the latter hoping that if they got the win this would lead to title shots in their respective divisions in the future. As expected this was an all-action tag match from the start with both teams looking impressive along the way including picture perfect dives from both the Austins with Lana hitting a dive reminiscent of an Eagle.

In the ring with the action reaching fever pitch, everyone were hitting their moves ending with T-Bone hitting a Superkick to Joey to leave a scene of bodies on the mat. It would be Hayes though who would eventually recover to end the match as he locked in the Cross Hayes to Kollins to get the Submission victory in just over 15 minutes to send the crowd home happy or so we thought. Out came Lucas Steel who attacked Hayes from behind, to stake his claim at the March 29th show for a GPW Heavyweight Championship match and I for one can easily see him beating Joey to wrest the title away from Leigh's favourite son.

Show done, we had enough time to visit the Edington Arms for this month's Karaoke hopefuls and once again it was the man with his take on 'Reet Petite' stealing the show - check Ben Corrigan's twitter for the full video!.

I hope you have all enjoyed reading this review of GPW, give it the usual Likes and Retweets and I will see you next time - BYE!!

[shprojectphotography]

‘‘The system we grew up with is based on a simple formula:Do your job.Show up.Work hard.Listen to the boss. Stick it out.Be part of the system.You’ll be rewarded.That’s the scam. Strong words, but true.You’ve been scammed.You traded for years of your life to be a part of a giant con in which you most definitely not a winner.’‘ (p. 14)

W H Y  G R A B  I T  A N D  R E A D  IT 

Well, that is something to think about.As a motivational book lover, after ‘’GIRLBOSS’’ and ‘’The Bingo Theory’’ I was looking for a valuable material to review. Seth, I’ve been looking for you. The book is for those who are restless or tired from being an ordinary slave to labour. Who is tired and bored of rules. Who want to build business or is not ready for it just yet, but wants to change his job routine here and now. This research, which Seth Godin provides us with, is full of contemporary examples of people who are linchpins or became linchpins in their life. But who are these mysterious linchpins who have great jobs and feel great at doing what they do? 

 I was watching another vlog by Alex Ikonn and his monthly May favorites and  TA-DA it hit. (You can watch him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q7DUUWmqsQ) This book was featured in his monthly favorites. I was looking to read something for a while, but nothing really catched my eye amongst these authors such as Timothy Ferris and Ron Friedman.  I guess I am not ready to start my own business or maybe I am just not sure yet. I am just fed up of being fed of being at work and looking for the right place. I am restless and I believe it is for my benefit. So, ‘’Linchpin’’ enters my life in the face of an emotional catharsis. Don’t know if I will ever be a CEO, but I am a linchpin for sure. 

T H E R E  U S E D  T O  B E  T W O  T E A M S : M A N A G E M E N T  A N D L A B O U R

N O W   T H E R E   I S   A  T H I R D  T E A M : T H E   L I N C H P I N S

Seth Godin sees a linchpin in those who are not afraid to release their inner geniousness. Geniousness does not have to be something extraordinary, its just being creative! Creative, not as in artistic, but as in your genuine approach and your strong will to gamble. In today’s economy, the word creative is full of ambiguities. Today’s economy needs more than just a factory worker. It needs an inventor. Everyone can have an A grade CV or a graduate diploma from Oxford University. But what can make you stand out really? Although all these words might seem daunting, Seth makes it clear that being a linchpin involves emotional, and not just physical labour. Its about connecting with your heart, doing good and doing more than it says in your job requirement book or contract. Inventing new ways of approach and not following the map. There is always someone who creates an extraordinary work place and let it be you.

For example, here is a differentiation between worker as a linchpin and working as worker. A story that happened with me and happens with all of us all the time.A few days ago, on an ordinary working Saturday after a day at work, I sat at Victoria Station waiting for my train to go home.My train was running late and the board wasn't showing a platform at which it suppose to arrive.Usually, its Platform 2. It was 20:00, and my train leaves at 20:07.I asked a gentleman who works for Southeastern Train Company when does my train arrive.He just waved his hand towards the right platform and murmured that it should stop there.20:05 and I am still waiting.I see people running towards Platform 1 as there was a train. I thought:"Why are they all running?Is it my train after all?". I stood up and asked him again as he was standing next to a bench with a bored face."Sir, is this my train on the left?".He nodded and said yes with no emotion. So, there I am running like crazy to another platform with hope to get on the train at time and cursing the guy for his laziness and irresponsibility, meanwhile a person who works for transport company is not caring about passengers.I was almost late for my train that takes me 45 min to get home. It might seem as nothing special, but small details like this make a difference. It made a huge difference to me that day. After this, I decided that no matter how I am annoyed at work, it will not harm me to be even more nicer and try harder at work when not feeling like it. I am responsible for my own wellbeing and I can bring happiness and kindness to every customer. I can make their day nicer by just complimenting or offering service I have never offered before. Seth calls such emotional labour as a gift. Don’t wait for reciprocity, but I can say for sure you will receive it some way or the other. It works.

Y O U  H A V E  T H E  P O W E R  O F  G I F T I N G

Yesterday, I decided to implement an emotional gift. I sat at a restaurant on my own enjoying my little lunch at a Venetian restaurant ‘‘Polpo’’ in Sloane Square,London. I love exploring new places and it was a nice weather for a nice lunch outside. I am not scared to eat on my own and I sat. To my surprise, there were a lot of people of their own and I liked it. Its nice sometimes to have time to yourself. The weather who was serving me was really nice. After a finished my meal, I stacked my plates together neatly so it is easier for him to collect. He thanked me by saying: ‘’It’s very kind of you.’’ I smiled. Its a nice feeling when you appreciate other jobs. For him, it might be another day at work and I wanted to be a person who could have made him feel better. I was a waitress myself and I know the job. When he brought over my bill, I saw a service charge at the bottom. I decided to leave more. I know how nice it is when customers leave more that is required. He repeated the same phrase: ‘’It’s very kind of you. Thank you.’’ I could see it has made his day and it has made mine. I didn’t gain any money, but I gained emotional pleasure from pleasuring someone else. I felt like a linchpin. I am learning,Seth. 

O N  T H E  B O O K  I T S E L F/ C O N T E N T S/L A Y O U T

Seth made it easy for us. It is readable and full of modern examples by or influencers such as Bob Dylan, Elizabeth Gilbert, Steve Jobs and just ordinary people who are on the way of becoming great linchpins. He mentioned pilots, factory workers, his friends and family. And Seth himself. And I can mention more people like J.K.Rowling who published Harry Potter after 13th rejection.

INTRODUCTION:HOW WE GOT HERE?

BECOMING THE LINCHPIN

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HARD WORK IN A CUBICLE?

THE RESISTANCE (Why can’t we do it or what stops us?)

THE POWERFUL CULTURE OF GIFTS

THERE IS NO MAP

MAKING THE CHOICE

THE CULTURE OF CONNECTION

THE SEVEN ABILITIES OF A LINCHPIN

WHEN IT DOESN’T WORK

SUMMARY

This book has also recently influenced me at a job interview and it worked.I felt myself more than before. It was the best interview I had ever had. I got the job.At your next job interview, make sure to read it beforehand for inspiration. Everyone need linchpins in their workplace. If you cant yet be great at your own thing, be great at your job.It doesn’t cost. But is will make you cost more on the job market. And if you are not valued, don’t be afraid to leave. You don’t want to work where your are not being seen. Spend time on companies that will see.

Grab it here now!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Linchpin-Indispensable-career-create-remarkable/dp/0749953357/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1499197285&sr=1-1&keywords=linchpin