Heview: CW/DC Arrow Show Star Amell Is Surprisingly, Sinceriously, "Good"

Unless you are a huge DC Comics fanboy, maybe even if you are, the first word to come to mind about a show on The CW Network probably would not be "good", nor would your thoughts on the capabilities of its main actor. But when it comes to the show Arrow and its namesake character and actor Stephen Amell, the word "good" goes beyond the quality of the show to what he does off-screen.

An interview gaffe has turned into a new word used by
Arrow's Amell, now in an awareness campaign

I had no thoughts of ever watching the show, even with the first 2 seasons "free" on streaming services, until a friend told me it was good. Even then it took me a while to test the waters until one day my wife and I were looking for a new show to watch together. I expected the standard pretty-bad-boy fare like Vampire Diaries and other CW shows, but was pleasantly surprised that the show far surpassed what I though was a kiss-of-death combination of subject matter and network in a lesser know DC hero and The CW, and especially that the quality of work included Amell in the role of main character "Arrow" (Green Arrow of DC comics). But I have been even more impressed with Amell the man after I started following social media about him and found out he is as big a hero off-screen as he is on.

Today, Amell launched his second Represent awareness/fundraising campaign for two great causes right up our alley: Stand for the Silent, an anti-bullying campaign, and Paws and Stripes, a veterans' therapy dog organization with his Sinceriously apparel.

Great Play: MKE Tennis Pro Smyczek Shows "Amazing" Sportsmanship

Nadal congratulates and thanks Smyczek (left) on the match

In the second round of the Australian Open, Milwaukee native and No. 112 ranked pro tennis player Tim Smyczek showed the world what character we Wisconsinites have. He battled current No. 3 ranked "King of Clay" and 14-time Grand Slam Champion Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller to 2-6, 6-3, 7-6, 3-6, 5-7. But his tru character came when he gave Nadal a break that showed "amazing" sportsmanship according to the "King".

Nadal was serving at 6-5 in the fifth set when someone in the stands shouted and the serve went long. As Nadal was about to go for second-serve, Smyczek signaled that Nadal should discount the failed first serve and redo it. Nadal ended up winning the pointon the next serve with the mulligan. After four grueling hours of play to be so close to an upset and give his opponent that edge of not needing a second serve, Smyczek showed what "sportsmanship" truly is.

"You know, I thought it was the right thing to do." Smyczek said about conceding the mulligan. Too bad some others in the news lately didn't think about if what they did was the "right thing to do" whether it gave them an edge or not *cough* Patriots *cough*.

Man's Best Friend: Help Protect A Dog That Protects Us

This one will be short and sweet, as its pretty simple, to me it's a 'nuff said deal.

The MECA Foundation, who's mission it is to is to protect every police dog in the state of Wisconsin by providing them with bullet proof and stab proof vests, needs the help of the community for a local police dog named DJ.

DJ's K-9 Protective Vest has expired and MECA would like to purchase him a new one. The new and improved vests go for approximately $1000 and they need us to step up and give them the funds they need to do so.

We have covered MECA before, about their annual Vest A K-9 Fest, which you can read about here. I have a soft spot for dogs, I respect what they do for us as companions and more as caretakers. They serve and protect us in so many ways, one of which is as police dogs, and MECA is there to return the favor to protect the dogs that protect us.

Please consider donating to the cause and get DJ a new vest - head on over to their donation page here.

UPDATE 1/20: The funds have been raised for DJs vest, however, MECA is always in need of funds so please consider making a donation now or in the future.

This Year Skip The Resolutions And Start A Revolution

When it comes to making life changes, follow Yoda's advice.

With it being the new year, it's that time when so many make 'resolutions' on things to do (or not to do). Usually these are ways to improve themselves like lose weight, eat better, giving up smoking, etc. Rarely it might be something a little more out of the ordinary like learn a new language, learn to ride a motorcycle and so on. This year though, I say forget making a resolution and instead start a revolution. Do something extraordinary this year.

Great Play: BelAir Taco Supports Tosa Skate Park

I recently noticed a new addition to the menu of the BelAir Cantina Wauwatosa location: a taco called the TSU360. Funny name for a taco, until I read the description. The TSU stands for Tosa Skateboarders United, a local organization raising funds for the new Hart Park skate park to whom BelAir is giving proceeds of orders of the taco.