About Me

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Since 2005, and over 800 entries, the orginal purpose of this BLOG has never changed. I consider it to be a personal letter from me to my extended family of fans, supporters, and friends. I ALWAYS encourage your emails, comments, suggestions, and questions. Be Blessed! ~Percy

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

IT'S "FAT TUESDAY"

"Hamming It Up" with my dear friends from our GULF SOUTH WRESTLING group last night on the streets of Mobile. (From left to right) My cousin "Marvelous" Marcel Pringle, Ricky "The Rocket" Roberts, Aeon Flexx, and of course yours truly. Although today is Mardi Gras Day, I don't have any plans of attending any of the celebrations downtown. I think I've done more than my share since the festivities began back on February 10th.

I am not working at the Funeral Home today, believe it or not most of the city is closed today for the annual "Fat Tuesday" event. As I mentioned yesterday, I have a very busy week ahead of me, so I am going to use my time today very wisely.

Our longtime Webmaster and buddy "Plowboy" Kurt Nielsen arrives tomorrow evening, and I am also at the Funeral Home during the day tomorrrow and will be helping out later in the evening with The Gulf Coast Wrestlers Reunion before I go to the airport to retrieve Mr. Nielsen, and welcome him to "God's Country."

I am pleased to have my 'ol buddy, and wrestling legend Les Thatcher (above) at our GULF SOUTH WRESTLING Training Center on Thursday night. Many of you know that Les, along with Harley Race, and Dr. Tom Prichard, do seminars all over the country. Les has agreed to conduct a private mini-seminar for our talent, and future talent, just as a special favor for us. To say we are excited about this, is an understatement.

If you really want to step right into the local Mardi Gras action, one of our local television stations, WKRG-TV CBS, will have streaming live video from downtown Mobile all day today, beginning at 9:00 am (CT). Just click on This link: LIVE MOBILE, ALABAMA MARDI GRAS COVERAGE
Then, if you are really brave. Here's two links to streaming live Mardi Gras direct from Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
LIVE STREAMING VIDEO - BOURBON STREET
MORE NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS VIDEO ETC.

And for you "newbies" out there, here's a short history of exactly what this Mardi Gras stuff is all about. To do this, we will have to first explain the real meaning of the words, "Mardi Gras". The words, "Mardi Gras", is in the French language. Broken down, the words are, "Mardi", French for "Tuesday". "Gras", in French, means "Fat". In translating French to English, the last word spoken should be, (more or less) the first word translated. Therefore following this loose rule, the translation comes to mean, "Fat Tuesday". Now that we have the literal translation of the words, we need to know why this one Tuesday of the year is referred too, by the French, by this given name.

In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church prescribed what was on the daily menu. Each week during the Lenten season, there was at least one day, and more often three or even four days (depending on where and when in medieval Europe, you were) during which no meat was to be eaten. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat with the lone exception of fish, during Lent.

In those days, long ago, people, of course, had no refrigeration, to hold perishable foods for long periods of time. Lenten season, requiring the observer to refrain from meat, presented some interesting problems for keeping and storing foods. Since the Lenten season is about 40 days long, in duration, meat on hand, had to either, be eaten, before the start of the observance or discarded.

Since Lent always starts on the seventh Wednesday before Easter, the religious following of Jesus, would choose the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday to feast, before beginning the season of "fasting". This way they could take care of two problems; the first, the hunger that goes along with fasting. The second, how to get rid of all that food before it spoiled, because they basically had a meatless and sometimes a very slim diet, for the next month. The French began to refer too this day as, "Fat Tuesday" or, as spoken in French, "Mardi Gras".

As a major holiday in parts of Europe and South America, the celebration dates back to 1703 when the tiny French colony of Mobile (the future Mobile, Alabama) observed North America's first Mardi Gras. The Cowbellion de Rakin society took loudly to the streets in 1830 armed with rakes, hoes and cowbells plundered from a hardware store, and no doubt later kept the feast with whatever food and drink they had. Although they marched on New Year's Eve and not Fat Tuesday, they were a true antecedent of Mardi Gras in Mobile and the first mystic societies, which were later formed in the 1830s. Later, in 1857, the Mobile members of the Cowbellian de Rakin Society traveled to New Orleans and assisted with the formation of the Mystic Krewe of Comus, to this day New Orleans' most prestigious Mardi Gras society. From these early roots grew the wonderful Mardi Gras celebrations found today in the Port City.

The stress of the Civil War brought an end to the annual festivities in Mobile. After the war and under Union occupation, the city was disillusioned and discouraged. On the afternoon of Fat Tuesday in 1866, Joseph Stillwell Cain set out to raise the spirits of Mobile. He donned Chickasaw Indian regalia, called himself "Chief Slacabormorinico," climbed aboard a decorated coal wagon pulled by a mule and held a one-float parade through the streets of Mobile. Mardi Gras with all its frivolity was reborn!

Cain founded many of the mystic societies and built a tradition of Mardi Gras parades, which continues today. In fact, he is remembered each year on Joe Cain Day, which is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Known as "the people's day," Mardi Gras revelers decorate anything they can push, pull, or drag for the Joe Cain Procession and parade, which is as much fun to watch as it is to ride. Cain himself participated in each year's festivity until he died at age 72.

Mobile, Alabama is not only the home of the first-known Mardi Gras celebration in North America in 1703, but also home to the modern America’s Family Mardi Gras which delights all ages from across the nation. This magnificent celebration lasts for nearly two weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent.

For weeks, the streets of downtown Mobile Bay are filled with the sights and sounds of live marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and excited crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing spectacles manned by masked riders from secret Mardi Gras societies festooned in satin and sequins. They are armed with crowd-pleasing "throws" such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy. Mardi Gras must be experienced to be fully understood and Mobile Bay is the perfect place to do so.


Now you know what it's all about!
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
~Percy
www.PercyPringle.com


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Sunday, February 26, 2006

RIP Don Knots... the week ahead and more...

Hello my friends,
I know many of you are aware that we lost one of the greatest comedians of all time over the weekend, Mr. Don Knots. There will certainly never be another, and we pray for the repose of his soul.

Granddaughter Grace was all bundled up on the streets of Mobile last night for the evening Mardi Gras Parade. It was her first parade, and I think Dianna and I had more fun taking her, even though there still was a bit of rain in the air. As I mentioned in yesterday's BLOG entry, the daytime parades were rained out Saturday, and rescheduled for tonight. The rain is gone, and we are looking forward to taking my parents downtown tomorrow night. Then Tuesday is THE day, MARDI GRAS DAY that is. I guess you have to experience it to really understand what it is all about.
This is also The Gulf Coast Wrestlers' Reunion week. It is our 15th gathering, and we are expecting to break all past attendance records. My Webmaster and friend Kurt "Plowboy" Nielsen arrives in Mobile Wednesday night, and well... it's gonna' be a few interesting days. Notwithstanding the fact that I am working full time now back in Funeral Service, Mardi Gras, our Reunion, GULF SOUTH WRESTLING business, being "Plowboy" Kurt's personal tour guide and entertainment director, it's gonna' be a long fun week ahead. We will keep you updated as often as possible.

God Bless!
~Percy
www.PercyPringle.com

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Tough Decision Today...

Unfortunately, the weatherman's right on the money. Rain is covering our Gulf Coast this morning, and we decided in the best interest of our talent and equipment that we pull out of our part in the scheduled Mardi Gras Parade today. There's always next year...
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
~Percy

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Friday, February 24, 2006

Oscar's Birthday, Mardi Gras and stuff...

Oscar, the oldest of our three Dachshunds, turns 3 years old today. In the photo above, he is keeping a close watch on the front yard, especially scouting for the next door neighbor's kitty cat. If you are a pet lover, you know how much they can become a part of your family.


Mardi Gras is in full swing, as beginning last night the celebration is non-stop until Tuesday night. I've written for weeks about my GULF SOUTH WRESTLING organization in the parades tomorrow. However, the weatherman is calling for rain, so let's keep our fingers crossed. usually the parades roll rain or shine, but the moisture could seriously damage our expensive plywood on our ring.

I am also working fulltime with a local Funeral Home and Cemetery these days. Many of you know that I am a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, and have maintained my credentials all of these years. I also have a Degree in Mortuary Science. It has, and will always be Pro Wrestling and Funeral Service for me.

Well, the clock says it's almost 7:00 am. Gotta' go. Take care, my friends!

~Percy

www.PercyPringle.com



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Monday, February 20, 2006

RIP - Bobby Shane

One of my favorite wrestlers of all time, Bobby Shane, died on this date in 1975. Bobby was the lone survivor of an airplane crash in Tampa Bay involving himself, Gary Hart, Buddy Colt, and Mike McCord (Austin Idol). Bobby was so important to my dream of finding a way into this industry, that on my first trip to St. Louis (Bobby's hometown) with The WWF, I made it a point to find and pay my respects at his gravesite. I took the photo above myself, as a fan sitting on the front row in my hometown of Mobile. I'll never forget him.

~Percy
www.PercyPringle.com

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Escape From New York

I had my doubts several times, but I safely made it back to "Sweet Home Alabama" all in one piece. Seriously, I enjoyed a good trip into JFK Airport and The K & S Promotion Classic Action Figure Signing on Saturday. I had a blast visiting with several old friends, and meeting some new ones as well.

I was concerned about my flight home last night, as we were delayed an hour and a half out of JFK, and I only had about an hour's connection in Atlanta. It was the last flight into Mobile for the night, and if I missed it. Well... Fortunately, it was slightly delayed also, and I made it to the gate just as they were preparing to shut the door. Whew... it was a close one indeed.



I had a chance to see one of the members of the original 1985 "Pringle Dynasty" Barry Horowitz (above), for the first time in 10 years or so. We hashed up a bunch of old memories for sure.


It was fun sitting between my 'ol buddy Kimala, and Outlaw Ron Bass (above) too. I watched Ron Bass here in my home territory back in the early 1970's as he teamed with Don Bass, and they were managed by "Maw" Bass (the late Mae Weston).



Ernest "The Cat" Miller (above) was in attendance. I thought we had met in the past, but he told me it was our first encounter. It seemed like I knew him, what an interesting guy. Then there was an old friend that was a fixture at Madison Square Gardens for many years, Elliott, known as "The Professor." It was good to see him again.

Special thanks go out to Ken and Steve for their hospitality, and to my new found friend, young fan Bryan Sokol. I know I missed a bunch of names, but you know who you are, I appreciate you all!

We'll shout at you tomorrow, enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

~Percy

www.PercyPringle.com







Thursday, February 16, 2006

A Few Busy Days Ahead...

Hello my friends,

I have several busy days ahead, and you may not get another update here until Sunday or Monday. A special shout out to my Sister, Joan Marie, who had another knee operation this week. Things look good, and she should be home this afternoon. My brother has finished his radiation and chemo therapy, and is back to work pretty much full time now. On behalf of my entire family, we thank you for remembering us in your prayers and kind emails as well.

We'll hit the streets of Mobile again tonight for another Mardi Gras parade. If you are a regular visitor here, you know how much us Mobilians love a celebration. Especially, Mardi Gras! Following the parade, it's down to our GULF SOUTH WRESTLING Training Center, where we are preparing to take our show on the road to southwest Mobile County again tomorrow night, at 7:00 pm.


Then on Saturday, February 18th, I will be in Jamaica, New York near The JFK Airport for a special signing of my newly released "Classic" action figure. You can find more information on that appearance by clicking here: K & S PROMOTIONS CLASSIC SIGNING. If you live in the area, I'd love to see 'ya!


Let's not forget that Saturday also marks the anniversary of the death of my dear friend Kerry Von Erich. Kerry passed away on February 18, 1993. It just doesn't seem possible. What a fantastic performer, father, friend, and human being. He will always be missed. May his soul and the souls of all our departed brothers and sisters rest in the palms of our Risen Savior.

Have a fine weekend, and we'll be back in a few days.

God Bless!

~Percy

www.PercyPringle.com

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Hey Ya'll.... It's Mardi Gras !

The first Mardi Gras parade of Mobile's 2006 season rolled through the streets last night. In our typical tradition we were there as a welcome wagon. Along with family, friends, and many members of my Gulf South Wrestling organization; we had a fantastic time! Ohhh... I forgot another guest, Mr. Jack Daniels, and he is directly responsible for me resembling the photo below this morning.
I will be appearing in Chipley, FL this evening at 8:00 pm with The AWF - American Wrestling Federation. If you live in the neighborhood, give us a holler! I will also be in Jamaica, NY one week from today on Feb. 18th, at The JFK Airport Holiday Inn for The K & S Promotions Classic Signing. You can get more information about that by clicking on this link:
Speaking of "CLASSIC." Check out my new WWE action figures. You can find more about them by clicking on the appropriate link below each photo.


PAUL BEARER - UNDERTAKER CLASSIC 2 PACK - SERIES 4


PAUL BEARER CLASSIC SERIES 9 COLLECTION

I wish you all a great weekend, and God Bless!

~Percy

www.PercyPringle.com

Friday, February 10, 2006

Remembering Curt Hennig

My friend, Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig passed away today in 2003.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Thanks My Friends...

I would like to thank all of the regular visitors here for your kind support. My BLOG has suffered from the lack of updates recently due to my extensive involvement in GULF SOUTH WRESTLING.

We had a fantastic event this past Saturday evening, in fact it was the largest independent pro wrestling event in this area in almost 10 years. We are really making an impression on the Gulf Coast, and I am proud to say it is a positive one. Unfortunately, so much of our work has been dedicated to "damage control." So many so called "promoters" and "wrestlers" have destroyed the confidence of many loyal fans, not only in my home area, but all over our country. Slowly but surely, we are putting a bandaid on the wounds, and allowing them to heal, and that they will.

In my heart I know that if things are done correctly, we will win in the end; and when I say "we" I mean all of us that love professional wrestling. I have said many times that I was born a fan, and I will die a fan.

Seriously, I don't care what the others do. I am focused on our business, and ours alone. Area fans already can see the difference in the production and talent that my company is proud to present. Once again, I can't thank you all enough for being there for me.

The first Mardi Gras parade of the 2006 season is this Friday, and runs through February 28th. The weather has been beautiful, but cool the past few days. Even the azaleas think it is Spring as they are already in bloom.

Take care my friends,
~Percy
HEBREWS 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.



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