What Illusion?
Today the respectable author Jonathan Snowden posted a response to Saturday’s UFC card Aldo vs. Faber. I’m going to start this off by saying I respect his thoughts as a author and wish him no ill will. It’s just that something is off in his post. I’m trying to explore the faults in his explanation. I didn’t pour over the comments on BE, I don’t have that kind of time. This is just straight from my thoughts.
First thing Snowden brings up is the gripe about Cerrone and Henderson being the co-main event. He says they aren’t high level prospects therefore they shouldn’t be in that slot. I feel Snowden is undercutting the compelling five round match-up the first fight was. They had a fight so good it was fight of the year on some sites. He also says they aren’t high level prospects. In my world, you can’t still be a prospect when you have the title. Nor can you have it when you have fought for the title before. I feel prospects are those who aren’t in the big show yet. Once they have made it they are just building their way to the title. If your in the WEC, are you really still a prospect? I mean, Anthony Pettis is a dynamite fighter. Is he still a prospect? No. Is Mighty Mouse? No. He’s made it. He now has the label of a WEC fighter. Cerrone and Henderson aren’t prospects. They are 155 pound fighters who eventually are going to merge into the UFCs 155 division according to Dana White. Some say Benson isn’t a top 10 LW fighter. So what? Rankings are subjective. They are used to incite conversation. They are just talking points for fighters in the gym and fans behind their keyboard.
Let’s look at the first fighter he mentions as part of the illusion: Carlos Condit. Carlos dominated a lot of people in WEC. The competition was no where near UFC level but hey he did what was asked of him. I can’t fault him from that. Snowden says Condit has quickly faded into the middle of pack. After only TWO fights in the UFC how can you say that? Since when did two fights track your career trajectory? Both of his fights against Kampmann and Ellenberger were razor thin close. Should Condit be punished for those close decisions? No. Kampmann once was a title contender at 185 and 170. Ellenberger has proven to be a handful for anyone at 170 and slowly making his rise in the division. Does a 1-1 record move him to the middle pack? In my opinion, no. We all knew the 170 division didn’t measure up to the best in the UFC. Should Condit’s talent and possible future achievements be hampered because of that? No.
Move on to Brian Stann and Steve Cantwell, who have fought each other three times and have had limited success in the UFC. Who knows what in the world is happening with Cantwell who had to back out of a UFC card in the past due to personal problems/injury. Stann’s losses are against a fringe guy in the “Polish Experiment” and Phil Davis who is a stud. He has always been pushed a little too hard in his stint with the WEC. He has a great story but his actual progression in MMA has been limited. What do people really expect from Brian Stann? Yes, he was a champion but he quickly lost it back to Cantwell. So what did that really say about Stann in the first place? He has marginal stand up and could beat lower level guys, but anyone with actual talent he has a slim chance against. Cantwell just slowed down and took his time picking Stann apart in their rematch. It was a workmen like win for the last stand of the 205s in the WEC. What did anyone expect of the 205 champion in the WEC? Nothing. How could you when you know that they were only facing a portion of the best in the world? I argue Stann and Cantwell were always in the middle of pack in the big picture regardless of a title. If you think any titles in the WEC above 145 mean anything, you are living in a dream world. All kinds of titles are present in MMA. What really matter though? UFC ones. Everything else is moot.
I believe it’s the WEC’s duty to make the casual fan believe that there fighters are viable challengers to the title. Each of their titleholders should be put up as invincible. What are they supposed say? In terms of 145 and 135 the best are in the WEC. Faber did have the 145 division by the balls for a couple of years and then he ran into Brown. Brown, then went on to look good against Faber twice and Leonard Garcia. When Brown lost to Aldo, we went damn, “Should Aldo who has run through people for now, not be promoted as the best in the world?“ Why does the WEC have to be humble? MTB yes was a journeyman but when was he given the actual opportunity to be the best he won the title. All of these men did. The illusion is more for hype than anything else. Anyone taking Zuffa on their word either are casual or don’t care enough to form their own thoughts about MMA.
I believe Snowden is saying we are supposed to look at the rankings to confirm the illusion. Ben Henderson isn’t (according to BE rankings) as good as Joe Stevenson, Nate Diaz or JZ Calvan. If you believe those rankings sure the illusion is there. You should ultimately feel betrayed that you are buying into Zuffa promotion. You have been told that Ben is a dominant 155 but supposedly it’s been against meager opposition. Cerrone doesn’t have the resume, right? Well, can either man get the resume in the WEC? No. Dana said it. They are going to be folded into the UFC. Plain and simple. Then we really know. But right now? It’s nice Ben has the title but even he knows that there are more people to beat outside of his promotion to be the best. Right now, the best is in the UFC. Where is the illusion? This is just real talk. Zuffa is good at selling their product. But is it inferior because they choose to promote their fighters as the best? No. Is it inferior because BE rankings say he’s not even top 10? No. Because if you stop and think about what’s really going on you know that Ben isn’t the best 155er in the world. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not the best. But he’s the best the WEC can offer. We shouldn’t punish or insult them if they try to make us believe otherwise. If you choose to adopt the illusion, that’s on you. Not Zuffa. They are doing their job and doing it well.
So if you disagree with me please know that I am female. So if you curse me, please say “SHE doesn’t know what the 5 bucks she’s talking about.”
Friday, April 30, 2010
So You Want to Date a Fighter?
I feel like my blurb about being single/fighter relationship was crap. I wrote it while inebriated. I’m going to try to take a stab at this sober.
I will tackle fighter relationships first. This whole concept was brought up when I was chatting with @chaosthemonster about something funny/silly/non-MMA related. I brought up how I would never be in a relationship with a fighter. Now, when I was still in college and naïve (I am still the same way don’t worry), I thought ‘”Damn wouldn’t it be great to be with a fighter or with someone just as passionate as about MMA as I am? I would get to share the my rich thoughts about rubber guard. We could eat popcorn and drink Root Beer on the couch while watching WEC on Versus. Then I graduated, saw what the real world is like and started realizing it could be disastrous.
I watch the UFC PPV’s at a local bar and at first I looked high and low for someone to watch them with. I wanted to build a good friendship through MMA. I didn’t find anyone. Then a thought then popped in my head. “If I actually started dating anyone right now, would I want to watch the fights with them?” NO. I don’t need or really want to be with someone who watches/knows about MMA. I love to watch MMA and probably will for the rest of my life. I just don’t need my significant other to share that passion I have for the sport. It would be a little weird arguing over who is more of a dick: Tito Ortiz or Jamie Varner.
So on my checklist of the perfect guy (calm down I don’t really have one. At least one written anyway) is a box saying MMA knowledge: unnecessary. Would they get some bonus points if they knew who Keith Kizer was? Sure. Would I date a fighter though? No. I think there are several reasons for that.
1. A guy being a MMA fighter isn’t that attractive to me. If a guy dropped that he trains out at the Throwdown Center, it wouldn’t make stop and go, “Ohh. That’s hot.” This means most amateurs or wannabe fighters are out. Most guys who lead with a line like that isn’t going to be enjoying my company for long period of time anyway. Now, what if a serious professional MMA guy came up to me with that line? I would still be like, “ok.” I would go home and check their record out if I didn’t know them but still that’s not something that would get my engine going. At this point, I can’t imagine a professional fighter coming up to me and actually hitting on me since they don’t go out much anyways. Most of them stay in their social circles created inside the gym.
2. Tie Me Down by New Boyz is my theme song. Listen to the lyrics boys and girls. Live by these. I’m just kidding. Ok let’s go down this road assuming I meet someone who is doing MMA full time. It will make talking about this way easier. So, Roger Huerta comes up to me hits on me (hey it’s my scenario!), and asks me out on a date. Of course I say yes and then jump up in the air like on Anchorman when they decided they were going to go suit shopping.
What do we talk about? Oh so, hey that Clay Guida fight? Amazing. Nah. Oh so tell me more about yourself? Oh yeah I’ve already watched the countdown about your harsh beginnings. Er. So what do you like to for fun when you aren’t training would be the only acceptable question to ask him. If I don’t know the fighter then of course the conversation could flow a little more easier and be more insightful. When the conversation switches to me though, I will probably mention that MMA is a passion of mine and a significant part of my life. As this is starting to play out in my head, I see that it may not be that big of a hurdle after all. I have many more interests in life than MMA. I like to be outdoors and see cool things. I read, workout, watch TV, listen to a lot of music and pretty much up for anything. I don’t like sitting at home all the time. I am perfectly willing to go to a new place I heard by myself. Would that part of my personality of wanting to go out and do new things coincide with a fighter and their lifestyle?
3. How would I react to my dude going through a eight, or twelve week training camp? I’m pretty sure sleep would be on the top of the list every night during that time. Of course, I have a job which would keep me busy and various side projects that would occupy my time. Do I have the strength to go through the dieting, the three a day workouts, promotions? If I want to go have a drink, would I feel guilty because he can’t have one? If I wanted to go visit a friend, have a weekend in Vegas, wouldn’t it have to wait until after the fight? Now, I know he wouldn’t be tired every night and would be taking days off from training because one’s body eventually has to rest. I don’t have to go out every weekend. Date nights don’t have to be on the agenda either. On the other hand, a ton of effort would have to be put out by both parties to see each other. Would I willing to put that effort at this point in my life? Well I’m a Scorpio and we don’t do anything half assed. We are loyal to a fault. We also tend to get really strong feelings about whoever we are with and typically do anything we can to hang on anyone we care about. So I guess the answer would be yes. If I really liked that person I would want to be with them and would do anything to see them. Is that healthy or smart? I mean is dropping everything or moving everything around in my day really something I should be doing for every guy I go out with? I don’t know.
Yes, I do know their will be time when he’s not fighting. Those times will probably be pretty provided he is has good health.
4. To put it simply, how do you deal with a fighter after a loss? I find it excruciating to even bring up a loss in a interview, so how would I conjure up coherent and appropriate words that are comforting afterwards? Maybe they will come to me. Maybe they won’t. Also, could I watch someone I’m going out with lose, get their arm broken, be put to sleep, or quit? I honestly don’t know. I don‘t like too many fighters because something inside of me burns when the ones I actually do like lose. It’s not a great feeling. I can only imagine how emotional I would be if it was someone I cared about. I feel like my reaction would matter a great deal if I were to go out with a fighter. Fighters when they lose, often talk about feeling like they let people down. Honestly, when the lose, they do. I know the fan in me would be let down.
I think a important distinction needs to made here about the difference between fighter and the actual man. I wouldn’t go out with any guy just because he’s a fighter. So why would it affect me when he loses? I would be going out with the person rather than the fighter. It would suck seeing the guy I’m going out with deal with a loss, but in the end, everything would be ok wouldn’t it? I mean, he will go on living. Eventually he will get back in the gym. The order of the world would be restored. It’s much easier to move past things like losses with someone by your side. As I said before, I tend to stick by people through thick and thin. So doesn’t that mean I would date a fighter?
At the beginning of this blog, I had made my mind up about dating a fighter: No. But now at the end of this, I would. I wouldn’t make my relationship about MMA. That would be the last thing I would want to talk about. But I would be able to support and “L word” a fighter.
I will tackle fighter relationships first. This whole concept was brought up when I was chatting with @chaosthemonster about something funny/silly/non-MMA related. I brought up how I would never be in a relationship with a fighter. Now, when I was still in college and naïve (I am still the same way don’t worry), I thought ‘”Damn wouldn’t it be great to be with a fighter or with someone just as passionate as about MMA as I am? I would get to share the my rich thoughts about rubber guard. We could eat popcorn and drink Root Beer on the couch while watching WEC on Versus. Then I graduated, saw what the real world is like and started realizing it could be disastrous.
I watch the UFC PPV’s at a local bar and at first I looked high and low for someone to watch them with. I wanted to build a good friendship through MMA. I didn’t find anyone. Then a thought then popped in my head. “If I actually started dating anyone right now, would I want to watch the fights with them?” NO. I don’t need or really want to be with someone who watches/knows about MMA. I love to watch MMA and probably will for the rest of my life. I just don’t need my significant other to share that passion I have for the sport. It would be a little weird arguing over who is more of a dick: Tito Ortiz or Jamie Varner.
So on my checklist of the perfect guy (calm down I don’t really have one. At least one written anyway) is a box saying MMA knowledge: unnecessary. Would they get some bonus points if they knew who Keith Kizer was? Sure. Would I date a fighter though? No. I think there are several reasons for that.
1. A guy being a MMA fighter isn’t that attractive to me. If a guy dropped that he trains out at the Throwdown Center, it wouldn’t make stop and go, “Ohh. That’s hot.” This means most amateurs or wannabe fighters are out. Most guys who lead with a line like that isn’t going to be enjoying my company for long period of time anyway. Now, what if a serious professional MMA guy came up to me with that line? I would still be like, “ok.” I would go home and check their record out if I didn’t know them but still that’s not something that would get my engine going. At this point, I can’t imagine a professional fighter coming up to me and actually hitting on me since they don’t go out much anyways. Most of them stay in their social circles created inside the gym.
2. Tie Me Down by New Boyz is my theme song. Listen to the lyrics boys and girls. Live by these. I’m just kidding. Ok let’s go down this road assuming I meet someone who is doing MMA full time. It will make talking about this way easier. So, Roger Huerta comes up to me hits on me (hey it’s my scenario!), and asks me out on a date. Of course I say yes and then jump up in the air like on Anchorman when they decided they were going to go suit shopping.
What do we talk about? Oh so, hey that Clay Guida fight? Amazing. Nah. Oh so tell me more about yourself? Oh yeah I’ve already watched the countdown about your harsh beginnings. Er. So what do you like to for fun when you aren’t training would be the only acceptable question to ask him. If I don’t know the fighter then of course the conversation could flow a little more easier and be more insightful. When the conversation switches to me though, I will probably mention that MMA is a passion of mine and a significant part of my life. As this is starting to play out in my head, I see that it may not be that big of a hurdle after all. I have many more interests in life than MMA. I like to be outdoors and see cool things. I read, workout, watch TV, listen to a lot of music and pretty much up for anything. I don’t like sitting at home all the time. I am perfectly willing to go to a new place I heard by myself. Would that part of my personality of wanting to go out and do new things coincide with a fighter and their lifestyle?
3. How would I react to my dude going through a eight, or twelve week training camp? I’m pretty sure sleep would be on the top of the list every night during that time. Of course, I have a job which would keep me busy and various side projects that would occupy my time. Do I have the strength to go through the dieting, the three a day workouts, promotions? If I want to go have a drink, would I feel guilty because he can’t have one? If I wanted to go visit a friend, have a weekend in Vegas, wouldn’t it have to wait until after the fight? Now, I know he wouldn’t be tired every night and would be taking days off from training because one’s body eventually has to rest. I don’t have to go out every weekend. Date nights don’t have to be on the agenda either. On the other hand, a ton of effort would have to be put out by both parties to see each other. Would I willing to put that effort at this point in my life? Well I’m a Scorpio and we don’t do anything half assed. We are loyal to a fault. We also tend to get really strong feelings about whoever we are with and typically do anything we can to hang on anyone we care about. So I guess the answer would be yes. If I really liked that person I would want to be with them and would do anything to see them. Is that healthy or smart? I mean is dropping everything or moving everything around in my day really something I should be doing for every guy I go out with? I don’t know.
Yes, I do know their will be time when he’s not fighting. Those times will probably be pretty provided he is has good health.
4. To put it simply, how do you deal with a fighter after a loss? I find it excruciating to even bring up a loss in a interview, so how would I conjure up coherent and appropriate words that are comforting afterwards? Maybe they will come to me. Maybe they won’t. Also, could I watch someone I’m going out with lose, get their arm broken, be put to sleep, or quit? I honestly don’t know. I don‘t like too many fighters because something inside of me burns when the ones I actually do like lose. It’s not a great feeling. I can only imagine how emotional I would be if it was someone I cared about. I feel like my reaction would matter a great deal if I were to go out with a fighter. Fighters when they lose, often talk about feeling like they let people down. Honestly, when the lose, they do. I know the fan in me would be let down.
I think a important distinction needs to made here about the difference between fighter and the actual man. I wouldn’t go out with any guy just because he’s a fighter. So why would it affect me when he loses? I would be going out with the person rather than the fighter. It would suck seeing the guy I’m going out with deal with a loss, but in the end, everything would be ok wouldn’t it? I mean, he will go on living. Eventually he will get back in the gym. The order of the world would be restored. It’s much easier to move past things like losses with someone by your side. As I said before, I tend to stick by people through thick and thin. So doesn’t that mean I would date a fighter?
At the beginning of this blog, I had made my mind up about dating a fighter: No. But now at the end of this, I would. I wouldn’t make my relationship about MMA. That would be the last thing I would want to talk about. But I would be able to support and “L word” a fighter.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
UFC 48
I went to the bar looking forward to not having to deal with tools in Affliction shirts since no one knows what the WEC is or who those fighters actually were. I have to say this was the most annoying experience I had in the my time watching the fights. On one side of me was a group of guys who whispered more secrets to each other than two teenage girls on Harriet the Spy. The other side featured a guy who actually knew his shit, a girl who was that “rah-rah” girl who is always at the fights and a black guy who said 145 and 135 fighters shouldn’t be in the UFC nor fighting on TV. Ugh. It was like going on chat roulette. (I’ve never been on there but I’ve heard the stories. Honestly.)
Fights
I’m glad Anthony Pettis disposed of Alex Karalexis like that. I would have liked to see Karalexis’ KO face, but I’ll take his triangle one instead.
Chad Mendes finished someone. Is he still that boring ground and pound guy? I feel bad for Anthony Morrison and then I’m like “This was his one chance to fight a non ATT guy. He should have jumped all over it.”
Korean Zombie and Leonard Garcia. I didn’t score this fight. The crowd at the bar loved it. I enjoyed it like I do previews at the movies. Both guys won more fans. By the way, does Leonard Garcia get all of our respect for fighting through a broken hand? (cough Brian Bowles cough)
Antonio Banuelos vs. Scotty Jorgensen
This was my favorite fight of the night. I have to admit I was taken aback when I saw Antonio getting over on Scotty in the first round. I was thinking, “Damn. Has this guy regressed? Has the Jordan Breen hype machine got me rooting for someone who is going to lose again?" Then he came out in the second and absolutely embarrassed Antonio. He used his reach to just land pinpoint jabs and he cut the cage in half. It was really, really sexy boxing. Scotty put a lot on the line in this fight and I want to see him avenge his loss to Demacio Page. I also became a huge fan of his. Anyone who can adjust mid fight like that is always going to be a favorite of mine. IMO Antonio Banuelos will always be a gatekeeper at 135. He is well rounded but he just isn’t getting better in his career. Everyone else at 135 is and they are leaving him behind quickly.
Congratulations to Brad Pickett and Takeya Mizugaki for their UD wins. Tyler Toner thank you for finally being on JBS and winning emphatically. It’s good to finally have you in the WEC.
419 Nigerian Mail Scam vs. Team Takedown
Shane Roller did exactly what he needed to do. Very disappointing to see 419s gaping holes. MMA can be such a bitch sometimes.
Manny Gamburyan vs. Mike Thomas Brown
I didn’t give Manny any chance in this fight. I thought Mike Brown would toss him around the cage and then ground and pound him. I like how there is a new contender at 145 because it’s something Jose Aldo needs, but I’m also sad at the same time for MTB. It came out from Dana that he had a lot of personal problems and quit training for two weeks during camp. That’s not good. I’m worried about him because when he’s not 100% mentally there, he gets absolutely worked in the cage. I don’t know what it’s going to take for him to get mentally right but I hope it happens soon because he’s in the prime of his career. I would hate for him not to get back to the top because he has poor choice in women.
Cowboy vs. Smooth
Donald damn near broke my heart losing that way. That being said, Ben has a great guillotine. It’s one of the best in the game. He’s a tough match up for anyone at 155 WEC or UFC wise. It’s great to have a champion like him. Honestly though, this sets up a great fight between Varner and Cowboy. These two don’t like each other and they need to throw on the gloves and settle this like the homosexual skinheads they are.
Aldo vs. Faber
Urijah Faber got a little black in him and decided not to check leg kicks. Aldo chopped the Sacramento Kid down. It was brutal to watch. A dominating performance by one of the baddest men in the world.
I’m not going to touch the issue about the WEC brand not being built upon. Zuffa put on a damn good show. This is what Strikeforce’s April 17th show should have been like. No matter what number they pull, it was one of the best cards of the year so far.
Fights
I’m glad Anthony Pettis disposed of Alex Karalexis like that. I would have liked to see Karalexis’ KO face, but I’ll take his triangle one instead.
Chad Mendes finished someone. Is he still that boring ground and pound guy? I feel bad for Anthony Morrison and then I’m like “This was his one chance to fight a non ATT guy. He should have jumped all over it.”
Korean Zombie and Leonard Garcia. I didn’t score this fight. The crowd at the bar loved it. I enjoyed it like I do previews at the movies. Both guys won more fans. By the way, does Leonard Garcia get all of our respect for fighting through a broken hand? (cough Brian Bowles cough)
Antonio Banuelos vs. Scotty Jorgensen
This was my favorite fight of the night. I have to admit I was taken aback when I saw Antonio getting over on Scotty in the first round. I was thinking, “Damn. Has this guy regressed? Has the Jordan Breen hype machine got me rooting for someone who is going to lose again?" Then he came out in the second and absolutely embarrassed Antonio. He used his reach to just land pinpoint jabs and he cut the cage in half. It was really, really sexy boxing. Scotty put a lot on the line in this fight and I want to see him avenge his loss to Demacio Page. I also became a huge fan of his. Anyone who can adjust mid fight like that is always going to be a favorite of mine. IMO Antonio Banuelos will always be a gatekeeper at 135. He is well rounded but he just isn’t getting better in his career. Everyone else at 135 is and they are leaving him behind quickly.
Congratulations to Brad Pickett and Takeya Mizugaki for their UD wins. Tyler Toner thank you for finally being on JBS and winning emphatically. It’s good to finally have you in the WEC.
419 Nigerian Mail Scam vs. Team Takedown
Shane Roller did exactly what he needed to do. Very disappointing to see 419s gaping holes. MMA can be such a bitch sometimes.
Manny Gamburyan vs. Mike Thomas Brown
I didn’t give Manny any chance in this fight. I thought Mike Brown would toss him around the cage and then ground and pound him. I like how there is a new contender at 145 because it’s something Jose Aldo needs, but I’m also sad at the same time for MTB. It came out from Dana that he had a lot of personal problems and quit training for two weeks during camp. That’s not good. I’m worried about him because when he’s not 100% mentally there, he gets absolutely worked in the cage. I don’t know what it’s going to take for him to get mentally right but I hope it happens soon because he’s in the prime of his career. I would hate for him not to get back to the top because he has poor choice in women.
Cowboy vs. Smooth
Donald damn near broke my heart losing that way. That being said, Ben has a great guillotine. It’s one of the best in the game. He’s a tough match up for anyone at 155 WEC or UFC wise. It’s great to have a champion like him. Honestly though, this sets up a great fight between Varner and Cowboy. These two don’t like each other and they need to throw on the gloves and settle this like the homosexual skinheads they are.
Aldo vs. Faber
Urijah Faber got a little black in him and decided not to check leg kicks. Aldo chopped the Sacramento Kid down. It was brutal to watch. A dominating performance by one of the baddest men in the world.
I’m not going to touch the issue about the WEC brand not being built upon. Zuffa put on a damn good show. This is what Strikeforce’s April 17th show should have been like. No matter what number they pull, it was one of the best cards of the year so far.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
What does this song mean to me?
I think I'll break down a song from time to time and it's personal meaning to me.
Today it's Expo 86 by Death Cab for Cutie.
Sometimes i think this cycle never ends
We slide from top to bottom and we turn and climb again
And it seems by the time that i have figured what it's worth
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse.
But if i move my place in line i'll lose.
And i have waited, the anticipation's got me glued.
I am waiting for something to go wrong.
I am waiting for familiar resolve.
Sometimes it seems that i don't have the skills to recollect
The twists and turns of plots that took us from lovers to friends
I'm thinking i should take that volume back up off the shelf
And crack it's weary spine and read to help remind myself
But if i move my place in line i'll lose.
And I have waited, the anticipation's got me glued.
I am waiting for something to wrong
I am waiting for familiar resolve
I am waiting for another repeat
Another diet fed by crippling defeat
And i am waiting for that sense of relief
I am waiting for you to flee the scene
As if you held in your hand the smoking gun
And on the floor lay the one you said you loved.
And it's strange
They are basically the same
So i don't ask names anymore.
Sometimes i think this cycle never ends
We slide from top to bottom and we turn and climb again
And it seems by the time that i have figured what it's worth
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse.
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse [x2]
I do believe sometimes that I am waiting for the other shoe to drop in my life. It's a silly way to live, but I often fear the repercussions of my actions a year or two years later. Then I think I may not have that much left on this Earth, which leads to my fear of death, and the whole damn argument leaves me scared. This song has a great guitar part and always gets to me with it's great chorus part.
Like the song says though, I am waiting for that sense of relief. I know that I probably won't be able to get it living in my parents life and being a security guard. I honestly feel stuck though. Stuck in this irrelevant BS. oh well.
Today it's Expo 86 by Death Cab for Cutie.
Sometimes i think this cycle never ends
We slide from top to bottom and we turn and climb again
And it seems by the time that i have figured what it's worth
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse.
But if i move my place in line i'll lose.
And i have waited, the anticipation's got me glued.
I am waiting for something to go wrong.
I am waiting for familiar resolve.
Sometimes it seems that i don't have the skills to recollect
The twists and turns of plots that took us from lovers to friends
I'm thinking i should take that volume back up off the shelf
And crack it's weary spine and read to help remind myself
But if i move my place in line i'll lose.
And I have waited, the anticipation's got me glued.
I am waiting for something to wrong
I am waiting for familiar resolve
I am waiting for another repeat
Another diet fed by crippling defeat
And i am waiting for that sense of relief
I am waiting for you to flee the scene
As if you held in your hand the smoking gun
And on the floor lay the one you said you loved.
And it's strange
They are basically the same
So i don't ask names anymore.
Sometimes i think this cycle never ends
We slide from top to bottom and we turn and climb again
And it seems by the time that i have figured what it's worth
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse.
The squeaking of our skin against the steel has gotten worse [x2]
I do believe sometimes that I am waiting for the other shoe to drop in my life. It's a silly way to live, but I often fear the repercussions of my actions a year or two years later. Then I think I may not have that much left on this Earth, which leads to my fear of death, and the whole damn argument leaves me scared. This song has a great guitar part and always gets to me with it's great chorus part.
Like the song says though, I am waiting for that sense of relief. I know that I probably won't be able to get it living in my parents life and being a security guard. I honestly feel stuck though. Stuck in this irrelevant BS. oh well.
Friday, April 23, 2010
What am I watching right now?
What am I watching right now?
Good question. I watch a lot of good and bad TV. I thought it would be interesting to start talking about what I watch and the effect it has on my life.
Right now: Lost, Treme, Justified, PParty Down and Damages
Lost:
Their is only 4 episodes left of Lost. Do I know what's going on? No. Do I care? Not necessarily. This is one of those shows that come around every five years that sucks people in. People are going to be talking about it for years to come. I have started listening to Lost podcasts which has heightened the Lost experience but ultimately has left me with little clarity. I don't know how I want the show end. I just know that on May 23rd, it will and I'll be sad.
Spoilers ahead
At this point, everything is being turned on it's head. We have a fake Locke running around. A timid Jack, and crazy Claire. This season of Lost has scaled back Jack's character alot which makes me sad. I like Jack and could always connect with him and his demons. We have all had people in our lives that have told us that we weren't good enough. Jack is a perfect example of what happens when you actually listen to that kind of shit.
Treme
David Simon, The Wire creator, has given us another drama this time about Nah Orleans. I don't know much about the the culture or how things go down there but I do know he has done a spot on job of showing us how different things are. In NO, people throw on costumes with normality, play in bands, and yes still struggle after Katrina. I know that it's three months after the hurricane, but I can still feel their despair and feelings of being out of place. I don't know what Simon plans to do on a long term basis for the show or that it's going to back for another season. While it's on though I will take performances by Bunk and Steve Zahn over David Caruso in CSI:Miami.
Justified
Plain and simple it's a western set in modern times. I can't say I have heard about Timothy Olyphant before but in this role, he does it for me. He is spot on in his portrayal of a US Marshall who still has the small town roots in him, but big city wit. It's a good hour of TV. I'm not really emotionally invested in the characters but I like the pace of the show.
Party Down
I love Paul Rudd. Anything Paul Rudd does, I'm for. So when I saw him created in creating Party Down, I was all for it. I first heard of the show through the Firewall and Iceberg podcast, and I just recently picked it up. It stars Adam Scott as a down and out waiter for a catering company. The show follows them around when they are at various gigs from a college Republicans meeting to a after party for the porn awards. Now, I will say Jane Lynch is great in this and carries the show whenever she is on screen. The lady is seriously talented but Adam Scott as the main character also does a great job. He's addicted to pain pills, a drunk, sarcastic and doesn't really give a damn about anything. It's my kind of character. I will hold off a more big picture perspective of the show until I'm done with it though.
Last
Damages
Now I am 1/4th through the first season. I've always heard great things about the show. It's a whodunnit with Glenn Close playing the head bitch. She plays her part well. I have no idea where it's headed and I definitely can't say anything about the show until I'm done with it. The way it ends will def have a huge part in my opinion about the show.
Well that's what I'm watching right now. I'll do something like this every week. I'll be either updating the shows I am watching or bring a new show to the table.
thanks
Good question. I watch a lot of good and bad TV. I thought it would be interesting to start talking about what I watch and the effect it has on my life.
Right now: Lost, Treme, Justified, PParty Down and Damages
Lost:
Their is only 4 episodes left of Lost. Do I know what's going on? No. Do I care? Not necessarily. This is one of those shows that come around every five years that sucks people in. People are going to be talking about it for years to come. I have started listening to Lost podcasts which has heightened the Lost experience but ultimately has left me with little clarity. I don't know how I want the show end. I just know that on May 23rd, it will and I'll be sad.
Spoilers ahead
At this point, everything is being turned on it's head. We have a fake Locke running around. A timid Jack, and crazy Claire. This season of Lost has scaled back Jack's character alot which makes me sad. I like Jack and could always connect with him and his demons. We have all had people in our lives that have told us that we weren't good enough. Jack is a perfect example of what happens when you actually listen to that kind of shit.
Treme
David Simon, The Wire creator, has given us another drama this time about Nah Orleans. I don't know much about the the culture or how things go down there but I do know he has done a spot on job of showing us how different things are. In NO, people throw on costumes with normality, play in bands, and yes still struggle after Katrina. I know that it's three months after the hurricane, but I can still feel their despair and feelings of being out of place. I don't know what Simon plans to do on a long term basis for the show or that it's going to back for another season. While it's on though I will take performances by Bunk and Steve Zahn over David Caruso in CSI:Miami.
Justified
Plain and simple it's a western set in modern times. I can't say I have heard about Timothy Olyphant before but in this role, he does it for me. He is spot on in his portrayal of a US Marshall who still has the small town roots in him, but big city wit. It's a good hour of TV. I'm not really emotionally invested in the characters but I like the pace of the show.
Party Down
I love Paul Rudd. Anything Paul Rudd does, I'm for. So when I saw him created in creating Party Down, I was all for it. I first heard of the show through the Firewall and Iceberg podcast, and I just recently picked it up. It stars Adam Scott as a down and out waiter for a catering company. The show follows them around when they are at various gigs from a college Republicans meeting to a after party for the porn awards. Now, I will say Jane Lynch is great in this and carries the show whenever she is on screen. The lady is seriously talented but Adam Scott as the main character also does a great job. He's addicted to pain pills, a drunk, sarcastic and doesn't really give a damn about anything. It's my kind of character. I will hold off a more big picture perspective of the show until I'm done with it though.
Last
Damages
Now I am 1/4th through the first season. I've always heard great things about the show. It's a whodunnit with Glenn Close playing the head bitch. She plays her part well. I have no idea where it's headed and I definitely can't say anything about the show until I'm done with it. The way it ends will def have a huge part in my opinion about the show.
Well that's what I'm watching right now. I'll do something like this every week. I'll be either updating the shows I am watching or bring a new show to the table.
thanks
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Domination or what happened in Nashville on April 17th
Very special thanks to Sherdog.com for the King Mo and Jake Shields pictures.
ASTRA card Yoshida's farewell
Hidehiko Yoshida vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura
Michihiro Omigawa vs. Micah Miller
Ryo Chonan vs. Jung Hwan Cha
Jorge Masvidal vs. Naoyuki Kotani
Daisuke Nakamura vs. Ganjo Tentsuku
Yuya Shirai vs. Che Mills
Tatsunao Nagakura vs. Akihiko Mori
Enson Inoue vs. Antz Nansen
This is happening the same night as the WEC. I thought it was worth throwing up the fights. I'm excited to see the ever improving Micah Miller fight big competition in Omigawa.
Michihiro Omigawa vs. Micah Miller
Ryo Chonan vs. Jung Hwan Cha
Jorge Masvidal vs. Naoyuki Kotani
Daisuke Nakamura vs. Ganjo Tentsuku
Yuya Shirai vs. Che Mills
Tatsunao Nagakura vs. Akihiko Mori
Enson Inoue vs. Antz Nansen
This is happening the same night as the WEC. I thought it was worth throwing up the fights. I'm excited to see the ever improving Micah Miller fight big competition in Omigawa.
WEC 48: Good analysis in two sentences!
WEC Featherweight Championship
Jose Aldo vs. Urijah Faber
Is Jose Aldo faster than the speed of light?
Can Urijah Faber lose in Sacramento with that much of a push by the WEC, UFC and the city?
Verdict: Aldo way too quick for Faber. Grease Lightning to a first round TKO.
WEC Lightweight Championship
Benson Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone
Will Ben come to wrestle or fight?
Can Donald stop a takedown in all five rounds?
Verdict: Donald will find it acceptable to fight off of his back and therefore lose the fight.
Mike Thomas Brown vs. Manny Gamburyan
Does Mike Thomas Brown want to fight Manny Gamburyan?
Will Manny's shoulder pop out?
Verdict: If Brown wants to win this fight he will by beating up Manny on the feet and shrugging off those takedown attempts.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Shane Roller
Can the 419 Nigerian Mail Scam stop the takedown?
Can Shane Roller handle the explosive kicks and punches of the feet?
Verdict: I see the mail scam getting taken down to the ground and pounded on for all three rounds.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Antonio Banuelos
Scott Jorgensen is always improving in his fights as of recent.
Antonio Banuelos gets to prove that the first fight wasn't a fluke.
Verdict: Scotty J will run over Antonio and make us all forget that he lost to Antonio (supposedly) in the first fight.
Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung
Leonard Garcia has barely got by in his last few WEC fights.
Korean Zombie finally has his debut in the US.
Verdict. Zombies always win.
Anthony Pettis vs. Alex Karalexis
Anthony Pettis is a dynamic striker.
Alex Karalexis is a old UFC holdout.
Verdict: Any way Pettis feels like on the feet. Just make it pretty.
Brad Pickett vs. Demetrious Johnson
Brad Pickett trains with ATT and Mike Brown.
DJ trains with Matt Hume and is undefeated.
Verdict: DJ outworks Brad on the feet and then ground and pounds him.
Chad Mendes vs. Anthony Morrison
Mendes took this fight on short notice
Anthony Morrison is just fighting out his WEC contract against non-ATT guys.
Verdict: Mendes by strong wrestling and top position.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Rani Yahya
Mizugaki just got worked over by Scotty Jorgensen.
Yahya just got clink. clink. boomed by Joseph Benavidez
Verdict: Hm. I think Mizugaki wins the scrambles and therefore wins the fight.
Brandon Visher vs. Tyler Toner
Visher KO'd Courtney Buck into the unemployment line back at WEC 45.
Tyler Toner went over in Shoot Boxing in June of 2009 and KO'd 2006 S-Cup Champion Kenichi Ogata.
Verdict: Toner by fast hands and better movement.
Jose Aldo vs. Urijah Faber
Is Jose Aldo faster than the speed of light?
Can Urijah Faber lose in Sacramento with that much of a push by the WEC, UFC and the city?
Verdict: Aldo way too quick for Faber. Grease Lightning to a first round TKO.
WEC Lightweight Championship
Benson Henderson vs. Donald Cerrone
Will Ben come to wrestle or fight?
Can Donald stop a takedown in all five rounds?
Verdict: Donald will find it acceptable to fight off of his back and therefore lose the fight.
Mike Thomas Brown vs. Manny Gamburyan
Does Mike Thomas Brown want to fight Manny Gamburyan?
Will Manny's shoulder pop out?
Verdict: If Brown wants to win this fight he will by beating up Manny on the feet and shrugging off those takedown attempts.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Shane Roller
Can the 419 Nigerian Mail Scam stop the takedown?
Can Shane Roller handle the explosive kicks and punches of the feet?
Verdict: I see the mail scam getting taken down to the ground and pounded on for all three rounds.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Antonio Banuelos
Scott Jorgensen is always improving in his fights as of recent.
Antonio Banuelos gets to prove that the first fight wasn't a fluke.
Verdict: Scotty J will run over Antonio and make us all forget that he lost to Antonio (supposedly) in the first fight.
Leonard Garcia vs. Chan Sung Jung
Leonard Garcia has barely got by in his last few WEC fights.
Korean Zombie finally has his debut in the US.
Verdict. Zombies always win.
Anthony Pettis vs. Alex Karalexis
Anthony Pettis is a dynamic striker.
Alex Karalexis is a old UFC holdout.
Verdict: Any way Pettis feels like on the feet. Just make it pretty.
Brad Pickett vs. Demetrious Johnson
Brad Pickett trains with ATT and Mike Brown.
DJ trains with Matt Hume and is undefeated.
Verdict: DJ outworks Brad on the feet and then ground and pounds him.
Chad Mendes vs. Anthony Morrison
Mendes took this fight on short notice
Anthony Morrison is just fighting out his WEC contract against non-ATT guys.
Verdict: Mendes by strong wrestling and top position.
Takeya Mizugaki vs. Rani Yahya
Mizugaki just got worked over by Scotty Jorgensen.
Yahya just got clink. clink. boomed by Joseph Benavidez
Verdict: Hm. I think Mizugaki wins the scrambles and therefore wins the fight.
Brandon Visher vs. Tyler Toner
Visher KO'd Courtney Buck into the unemployment line back at WEC 45.
Tyler Toner went over in Shoot Boxing in June of 2009 and KO'd 2006 S-Cup Champion Kenichi Ogata.
Verdict: Toner by fast hands and better movement.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Bellator April 15th: Hopefully it doesn't get pre-empted by Stanford women's softball
Local Feature Fight Card:
Jeff Curran vs. Bryan Goldsby
Felice Herrig vs. Jessica Rakoczy
Louis Taylor vs. Ryan Sturdy
Daniel Strauss vs. Jonatas Novaes
Televised Tournament Bouts:
Ben Askren vs. Ryan Thomas
Shad Lierley vs.Wilson Reis
Mike Ricci vs. Pat Curran
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. William Romero
Just a few quips about the fights
I like Curran vs Goldsby. Curran will outbox him but will have to deal with Goldsby quickness. It's a nice resume builder for both men.
Notable that former boxer Jessica Rakoczy is fighting. Throw both of the fighter's records out as they both have sub .500 records. This will Rakoczy's change to get his first win in MMA. She's a great boxer, but has had zero success in MMA so far.
We finally get to see Ben Askren in a bigger promotion against a very experienced Ryan Thomas. Thomas, who went 0-2 in the UFC and is going for his second win a row after his UFC stint.
Wilson Reis gets another shot at Featherweight glory this year and it starts against Shad Lierley. He should get the win.
Mike Ricci comes in with a lot hype coming out of GSP's camp in Montreal.
Those are my thoughts and I'm sticking to them
Jeff Curran vs. Bryan Goldsby
Felice Herrig vs. Jessica Rakoczy
Louis Taylor vs. Ryan Sturdy
Daniel Strauss vs. Jonatas Novaes
Televised Tournament Bouts:
Ben Askren vs. Ryan Thomas
Shad Lierley vs.Wilson Reis
Mike Ricci vs. Pat Curran
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. William Romero
Just a few quips about the fights
I like Curran vs Goldsby. Curran will outbox him but will have to deal with Goldsby quickness. It's a nice resume builder for both men.
Notable that former boxer Jessica Rakoczy is fighting. Throw both of the fighter's records out as they both have sub .500 records. This will Rakoczy's change to get his first win in MMA. She's a great boxer, but has had zero success in MMA so far.
We finally get to see Ben Askren in a bigger promotion against a very experienced Ryan Thomas. Thomas, who went 0-2 in the UFC and is going for his second win a row after his UFC stint.
Wilson Reis gets another shot at Featherweight glory this year and it starts against Shad Lierley. He should get the win.
Mike Ricci comes in with a lot hype coming out of GSP's camp in Montreal.
Those are my thoughts and I'm sticking to them
Strikeforce Challengers 8: Night of fights with fighters that you are like "Oh yeah, they fight for Strikeforce"
A new Strikeforce: Challengers is coming to Portland on May 21st starring who else but MMA vet, Matt Lindland. A opponent hasn't been named. I have no interest in seeing him fight ever again, but I can't hate on Strikeforce trying to capitalize on the local boy. I bet you some Sportfight shit is going to be on sale at the show though.
In a another profile building fight, Tyrone Woodley takes on another local favorite in Nathan Coy. Coy, who has impressive wins against UFC vet Ricky Story and Jesse "Money" Taylor. Woodley has looked great in his last two Challengers fight and actually will face a stiff test in Coy. He is best competition Woodley will have faced in his career. I like the matchup. If Woodley wins though, he has to start fighting on Strikeforce main cards. It just has to fucking happen.
In a women's bout Kerry Vera faces Julianna Pena the last of the three local names announced. Vera ran over Kim Couture and now will be looking to add another win to her resume over the Spokane, WA product.
Overall, Strikeforce can't ask for a better Challengers card. Good job Strikeforce. You finally did something right this month.
In a another profile building fight, Tyrone Woodley takes on another local favorite in Nathan Coy. Coy, who has impressive wins against UFC vet Ricky Story and Jesse "Money" Taylor. Woodley has looked great in his last two Challengers fight and actually will face a stiff test in Coy. He is best competition Woodley will have faced in his career. I like the matchup. If Woodley wins though, he has to start fighting on Strikeforce main cards. It just has to fucking happen.
In a women's bout Kerry Vera faces Julianna Pena the last of the three local names announced. Vera ran over Kim Couture and now will be looking to add another win to her resume over the Spokane, WA product.
Overall, Strikeforce can't ask for a better Challengers card. Good job Strikeforce. You finally did something right this month.
Kenny Florian Staph
Pretty brutal but Kenny will be ok. Keith Florian talked to Sherdog.com and Greg Savage about his brothers impending surgery.
“Kenny had a bursa sac in his knee that popped and it got infected with staph,” said the younger Florian brother, “and now he has to have intravenous antibiotics and a minor surgical procedure to scoop it out tomorrow.”
If it's minor, then Kenny would still be on track to fight in Boston, which the UFC has to be hoping for. Here's to Kenny's speedy recovery.
The reason I threw this up there is that I thought this was a pretty rad picture. I'm waiting eagerly for news about Kenny because I don't want to see Gray Maynard get the title shot. I was disgusted (one of the few times in my MMA career) at his wild abandon and unpolished boxing against Nate Diaz. He embarrassed himself by not listening to his corner. Come on, Gray. Just do what you always do: smother people and then get the decision. Don't try to convince us that you are something that your not.
I do understand that Gray beat Frankie hands down in their first fight. I just don't think he's done anything extraordinary to get the shot.
http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Florian-Hospitalized-With-Staph-Infection-In-Knee-23838
Doug Crosby
I just had to quickly put up this link to the madness that is Doug Crosby. He is the judge who put up a 50-45 scorecard on the Frankie Edgar/BJ Penn fight. Please read this and just bask in the idiocy of this man. This is one of the reasons MMA isn't mainstream because of guys like this being able to judge/speak.
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=forum_framed.posts&forum=1&thread=1624568&page=1
just copy and paste the link
http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=forum_framed.posts&forum=1&thread=1624568&page=1
just copy and paste the link
Friday, April 9, 2010
112 Picks
Hey just a quick post of my 112 picks.
Anderson
BJ
Matt Hughes
Mr Wonderful
Jon Madsen
Matt Veach
Munoz
Etim
Gunderson
Ricky Story
DJohnson
Anderson
BJ
Matt Hughes
Mr Wonderful
Jon Madsen
Matt Veach
Munoz
Etim
Gunderson
Ricky Story
DJohnson
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