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Showing posts with label rules. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rules. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Blaze Of Las Vegas Glory - Vote Loud Vote Proud Vote Daily For The Best Of Las Vegas!

 

To me, after a lifetime circling the amps, cameras, stages, and media trenches, I’ve learned a few truths carved in stone. 

One: if you’re in the arts — musician, photographer, writer, whatever your weapon — you’re blessed beyond measure. 

Two: every shot, riff, lyric, and frame is just your soul kicking the door open. 

And three: no matter how tough you talk, you judge yourself by the echoes — the fans, the crowd, the noise — because their reaction becomes the mirror you can’t escape.

This brings me to today’s blog — the neon‑lit pinnacle of Vegas glory. The ultimate reward for excellence in this wild desert circus. Think the Oscars, the Grammys, the Golden Globes, the Billboard Awards — all smashed together, shaken hard, and poured into one legendary trophy. 

That’s the Best of Las Vegas awards, the annual crown jewel where the city decides who truly owns the spotlight!

So, if you’re fresh to Sin City, or tuning into my blog from some far‑off corner of the planet, you’re probably wondering: what’s the deal with these Best of Las Vegas awards? What’s everyone buzzing about? What makes this thing such a big, neon‑soaked badge of honor in the desert?

It’s the question every newcomer eventually asks — and the answer hits like a spotlight blast!

What are the "Best of Las Vegas Awards"

The Best of Las Vegas is the city’s annual neon‑crowned roll call of greatness — a fan‑driven spotlight blast where YOU get to decide who really keeps this town alive. It’s the moment when locals, diehards, and desert dreamers point straight at the businesses, pros, and personalities who make Las Vegas tick, grind, shine, and deliver day after day.

And here’s where the Best of Las Vegas Awards really kick the doors open and start to rock’ n’ roll —

It’s also where our local music scene gets its praise, its honor, and its hard‑earned kudos for a job done right.

This is the arena where the bands who sweat under the lights, the singers who shred the mic, the guitar slingers who melt faces, the killer venues that hand their stages over to the fans, the shows, the tribute acts, and the behind‑the‑scenes crews who keep the whole beast roaring finally get their moment in the neon sun.

It’s Vegas stepping forward, tipping its hat, and saying:

We see you. We hear you. And WOW — you’re tearing this town up in all the right ways!

Here’s where YOU — the heartbeat of our Las Vegas music scene — jump into the spotlight. Slide over to www.votebolv.com, smash that Entertainment tab, and dive into the categories where our scene is stacked, loaded, and ready to dominate.

Lounge Acts, Tribute Shows, Concert Venues — the whole neon buffet is there for you. Thirty‑five sub‑categories, each one a stage waiting for your vote, your voice, your fire.

This is where the city hears you. This is where the music community shows up. This is where Vegas gets loud!

Cast your daily vote (yep, you can vote each day) before the September 10th midnight deadline, then keep your eyes locked on December 6th when the winners drop on the Best of Las Vegas website and inside the Las Vegas Review‑Journal’s Winners Magazine. This is the moment the city lights up, the spotlights swing wide, and the champions of our scene get their victory roar.

Gary England

Best Of Las Vegas

Vote Best Of Las Vegas

Best Of Las Vegas Rules

Las Vegas Review Journal


Tuesday, July 14, 2026

When Baseball Went Bananas: The Banana Ball Takeover



Banana Ball didn’t just arrive on the sports scene — it literally detonated like a rock‑and‑roll pyro blast behind home plate. Born in 2018 as a wild experiment from the Savannah Bananas — a scrappy summer‑league team founded in 2016 — the game grew from a near‑bankrupt idea into a full‑blown touring spectacle that now packs MLB stadiums coast to coast. 



Founder Jesse Cole, the yellow‑tux showman who sold his house to keep the team alive, built Banana Ball on one core belief: baseball should move fast, hit hard, and entertain like a stadium tour. Two‑hour time limits, points for innings, walk‑off dances, sprint‑style ball‑four chaos — it’s baseball re‑wired for adrenaline junkies and sports fans who want action, not downtime.

The popularity boom came from pure spectacle: choreographed player dances, the Party Animals rival squad, TikTok‑melting walk‑ups, and a fan‑first philosophy that treats every game like a rock show. Media outlets from ESPN to Sports Illustrated jumped on the story, and suddenly Banana Ball was selling out 17 MLB parks, NFL stadiums, and launching its own championship league. Jesse Cole himself is a walking fun fact — he proposed in a yellow tux, lives by “Fans First,” and channels equal parts P.T. Barnum and sports‑mad ringmaster. 

Click on pic to enlarge


To catch the madness live, check out these links for more info about the madness of the bananas. 

The Bananas on Facebook

Jesse Cole

The Bananas Ticket Exchange

The Bananas on Instagram

The Bananas on YouTube

Watching Banana Ball is pure fun — a neon‑bright, high‑octane blast of athleticism from finely tuned players who perform with the swagger of rock stars and the precision of elite competitors. As the Bananas like to say: “If it’s not fun, why do it?”

{My Take}

After 58 years of writing about every sport under the sun — pro leagues, minor leagues, dusty backfields, neon‑lit arenas, you name it — I thought I’d seen every curveball the sports world could throw. But one night, sitting in my living room with the TV humming in the background, I stumbled onto a game that didn’t just catch my eye… it grabbed me by the collar. Banana Ball wasn’t baseball as I knew it — it was baseball with a jet engine strapped to its back, a rock‑concert heartbeat, and athletes who move like they’re powered by lightning. I’ve covered champions, dynasties, heartbreakers, miracle seasons — but nothing hits quite like this!

Jesse Cole truly is doing everything right—with his bright yellow tux and larger-than-life enthusiasm, he’s become a role model for kids and adults alike. It’s not just about the game; it’s about creating joy and community, and he’s absolutely someone you can look up to for that! I hope to catch a game, or two the next time that the bananas are in Vegas!

So here it is, straight from a Vegas‑based lifer of the sports beat:

Banana Ball rules!

I Love The Bananas!

~Gary England~

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #Baseball #sports #professional

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Fines Demotions And Firings Just Ain't Enough: The Bears And The Bills Sitting At Home This Weekend

Fines, demotions, and firings aren’t enough. Those are just cosmetic punishments; they don’t fix the structural problem, and they don’t help the teams that got burned in real time this past weekend! If the NFL actually wanted fairness, competitive integrity, and accountability, it would need system‑level reforms, not scapegoats (Officials).

Here’s what would actually move the needle.




🏈 1. Centralized Replay Authority With Full Power

Right now, New York can “advise,” but the on‑field crew still controls too much. A real fix would be:

  • A centralized officiating command center with final say on all reviewable plays

  • Authority to correct obvious errors, even if a coach can’t challenge

  • Real‑time communication with the broadcast so fans understand the ruling

This removes ego, confusion, and inconsistent interpretations.


🏈 2. Make All Officials Full‑Time Employees

The NFL is a multibillion‑dollar league. Its officials should not be part‑timers.

Full‑time officials would mean:

  • Year‑round training

  • Mandatory film study

  • Standardized grading

  • Offseason clinics

  • Accountability tied to performance metrics

Right now, the league treats officiating like a side gig. That’s insane for a sport this big!


🏈 3. Expand the List of Reviewable Plays

Some of the worst calls — DPI, roughing the passer, catch/no‑catch — are judgment calls that swing games.

A fair system would allow:

  • Automatic review of all turnovers, scoring plays, and OT plays

  • Coach challenges on ANY play, including penalties

  • A “sky judge” who can buzz down instantly when something is clearly wrong

If the technology exists, use it.


🏈 4. Transparent Grading and Public Accountability

The NFL hides officiating grades like state secrets. That secrecy protects the league, not the teams.

A fair system would publish:

  • Weekly officiating grades

  • Explanations for controversial calls

  • Crew rankings

  • Assignment logic for playoff games

Sunlight fixes a lot of problems.


🏈 5. Remove Crews From the Playoffs if They Blow Calls

Right now, officials with bad games still get playoff assignments because of seniority or politics.

A fair system would:

  • Bench crews immediately after major errors

  • Promote younger, sharper officials

  • Reward accuracy, not tenure

This is how every other performance‑based job works.


🏈 6. Add a “Correctable Error” Rule

If a call is obviously wrong — even outside the rulebook’s current review structure — the league should be able to fix it on the spot.

Think of it like the NBA’s “trigger” system or MLB’s replay center.

This prevents disasters like:

  • The Rams–Saints NFC Championship no‑call

  • The Dez Bryant catch

  • The Bills–Broncos and Rams–Bears inconsistencies you’ve been calling out

When the whole world sees the mistake, the league should be allowed to fix it.


🏈 7. Independent Oversight, Not NFL Self‑Policing

Right now, the NFL investigates itself. That’s why nothing changes.

A fair system would include:

  • An independent officiating review board

  • External audits of controversial games

  • Public reports on findings

This removes the conflict of interest!


🎯 Bottom Line

If the NFL truly cared about fairness, it would overhaul the system — not just fine a ref or quietly reassign a crew. The league has the money, the technology, and the visibility to fix this. What it lacks is the will.

GE

Monday, September 29, 2025

NFL Football What Makes More Sense: Win Lose Or Draw?

 {Professional Sports}

If you watched the Dallas Cowboys versus the Green Bay Packers last night on Sunday Night Football, you'll probably agree that the game last night seemed like it could have gone on well beyond the official sixty minutes of play, plus the ten-minute overtime. Seventy minutes and call it a draw! 


So, are tie games good for us fans? Are tie games good for the morale of the teams? 

Are tie games good for professional football?

Last night's 40–40 shootout between the Cowboys and Packers was pure chaos, both teams trading haymakers and field goals in overtime. It’s no wonder fans are asking whether the NFL should rethink its overtime rules.

Current Rule:

  • Regular-season OT is 10 minutes.

  • Each team gets a possession unless the first team scores a touchdown.

  • If the score is still tied after 10 minutes, the game ends in a draw.


Arguments for Change:

  • Fans want closure: A game that intense deserves a winner. A tie feels anticlimactic for the teams as well as for us fans!

  • Playoff implications: Ties can muddy standings and playoff seeding, making outcomes harder to predict.

  • Momentum matters: Teams like Dallas, who clawed back late, might feel robbed of a chance to finish the job.


Arguments against Change:

  • Player safety: Extending overtime increases injury risk, especially in a brutal sport like football.

  • Strategic depth: Ties force teams to play smarter during regulation, knowing they can’t rely on OT heroics.

  • Tradition and fairness: The current format ensures both teams get a shot, unlike the old sudden-death model.


{Here are my Overtime thoughts}

The Cowboys-Packers clash last night was a barnburner, 40–40 and still no winner? It’s like watching a rock concert end mid-guitar solo. The current NFL overtime rules in the regular season can feel like a letdown after a game that intense. My best two cents about ending an NFL game with a tie like last night is to put in place a college-style shootout involving a tie. The game continues until a winner is crowned! < Rules > Or play the game until the first team scores! Safety, Field Goal, or TD. The End!

GE




Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show RockGodz Hall Of Fame Best Rock Band In Las Vegas Contest

 Face it. The Las Vegas music scene is a very competitive industry.

Being a music and entertainment journalist in Las Vegas, I've heard it said often by both musicians and fans.

"Who's The Best Band In Las Vegas"

I love Battle Of The Bands Contests. They're great entertainment for the fans. Good clean fun. And give our local bands the publicity that they much deserve!

It's human nature to believe that you're the best at what you do. Music is no different. 

Announcing The Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show - RockGodz Hall Of Fame 

"Best Rock Band In Las Vegas" Contest. 

(It's like a battle of the bands contest on Steroids)!!


Best Rock Band In Las Vegas Contest Is Open To All Bands In Las Vegas!


Here's how to qualify your band for the "Best Rock Band in Las Vegas" Contest.

Submit (1) song (preferably an MP3 File) or a music video featuring your band to Tony Silva at threechordmontelv@gmail.com. (If the file is too large to send through email, use Dropbox to send the link) Also attach a short paragraph about your band. And why you feel like you deserve this award. Last, Be Creative!

Deadline for submissions is April 30th, 2025.

Dropbox Sign In / Sign Up

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Bands will be judged on:

Instrumental and vocal ability

Tightness and cohesion as a band

Complexity and execution of the music

Unique sound and style

Songwriting quality (if performing original material)

Creative arrangements of covers (if applicable)

Creativity and Entertainment value

And Image and branding.

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Contest Judges

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show / RockGodz Hall Of Fame staff members, along with a panel of Professional Musicians and Music Industry professionals will act as judges for the contest.

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The Winner's Announcement & Awards

** The winner of the "Best Rock Band In Las Vegas" contest will be announced Friday, May 30th at 2:00 pm on the main stage at the Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show.

** The Best Rock Band In Las Vegas (Winner) will be the opening band for the "RockGodz Hall Of Fame" Award Ceremonies and concert Saturday Night May 31st 

** RockGodz Hall Of Fame Representatives will award the Best Rock Band In Las Vegas with an official RockGodz Hall Of Fame Platinum Award Of Excellence. 

There will be representatives from all aspects of the music and guitar industries. Booking agents from the casinos, talent scouts, and dignitaries from the music and the entertainment industry. Along with the stars in the music industry. 

Plus, National Wide Coverage & Exposure For The Winning Band. 

Just Might Be The Right Time For The "Best Rock Band In Las Vegas" To Get Discovered!


Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show Official Website

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show Facebook

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show Instagram

RockGodz Hall Of Fame Official Website

RockGodz Hall Of Fame Facebook

RockGodz Hall Of Fame Instagram

Silverton Hotel Casino Official Website

Silverton Hotel Casino Facebook


** Registration for Vendors is open. If you would like a booth, please contact Alicia Anderson Margasa at 781-426-6586 or email Alicia at info@LVGTS.com


** VIP tickets are available for purchase on our website. Early bird special ends 3-1-25.

Remember to lock these dates in on your calendar: May 30th - June 1st, 2025

Good luck to all of the local bands in the contest.

Remember, the deadline for submitting Audio / Video files is April 30th

(Comments & Questions Below)

GE

#USAToday #USAT #YourTake @YourTake #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainment


Monday, February 24, 2025

Las Vegas Kings Set For Their Season Opener And A Fans Guide To Arena Football

 What an awesome weekend of football. Not the NFL version of outdoor football! But the fast-paced version of professional arena football. I spent the entire weekend at the Las Vegas Kings Training Camp as they prepared for the upcoming 2025 Arena League Season.

I've been writing and taking photos with the Las Vegas Kings organization since their inception in 2016. 

By the looks of what I saw this past weekend in training camp. Led by Head Coach Chris Wallace, 


The Kings will be fielding a fast-paced offense, along with a crushing defense that will turn heads in arena football this year!

"To this journalist. This year's Kings are bigger, faster, stronger, and meaner than ever"

GE




In my blog this past Saturday, I talked about The Kings gearing up and making preparations for their scrimmage against the Arizona Bandits in Phoenix Arizona this upcoming Sunday. < Read Blog Here >

Many times, in my sports articles and blogs. I'm asked numerous questions about the game of Arena Football. 

Here's my fan's guide to Arena Football. 

(Rules may vary across different leagues)

To me, Arena football is a faster-paced, more high-scoring version of American football played indoors on a smaller field. It has unique rules and strategies that differentiate it from traditional outdoor football.

Field Size: 50 yards long with 8-yard end zones, about half the size of an outdoor field.

Team Size: 8 players per side (compared to 11 in outdoor football).

Scoring: Similar to standard football—touchdowns (6 points), extra points (1 or 2 points), field goals (3 points), and safeties (2 points). 

Kickoffs: The ball is kicked from the goal line instead of the 35-yard line. Rebounds off the nets are live.

Motion Rules: One receiver can move toward the line of scrimmage before the snap (unlike outdoor football, where motion is restricted).

Walls & Nets: The field is surrounded by dasher boards (like hockey), and kicks can rebound off end-zone nets, making the game more unpredictable.

Downs: 4 downs to advance 10 yards, similar to traditional football.

Overtime: Usually one possession per team, with a chance to match or outscore the opponent.

Pass-heavy Offense: Due to the small field, teams rely on quick passes and deep shots.

High Scores: Games often have scores in the 50s or 60s.

Closer fan experience due to small arenas.

Opportunities for players to develop and move to higher leagues.

There you have it. My fast-paced Fans Guide to Arena Football.

(Questions & Comments Are Welcomed Below) 

For Vegas-Insider.

GE


Las Vegas Kings Facebook

Vegas Kings Football