Shoot the J. SHOOT IT: Caps-Bruins GM 2 LIVE BLOG

3:33: More than five mins into the game at this point. This is my first post since before my vacation. I'm probably as tentative writing this as Dany Sabourin is waiting on the pine.

3:37: Halfway through the 1st PD and we have the 2nd penalty of the game, 1st against the Caps. You can imagine my disbelief, that one of the Caps exquisite defensemen (Mike Green) made in fact a poor play, leading to a hooking penalty.

3:40: Ladies and gents, the gang is back - Backstrom is back on line w/ Ovechkin. If Dale Hunter pulls the trigger and lines them up w/ Semin at some point, I'm gonna ask for them to cue the NWO music.

3:42: BTW, that line just generated another penalty against the Bruins with 7 mins to play in the first. I'm trying to temper myself.

3:43: Really not fair to be facing a guy that's basically Dirk Nowitzki on skates ... who also happens hold a howitzer for a slapshot (i.e. Chara). Gonna be interesting if Dale can match the lines and get Ovie on against the other lines. Anyway, power play ends w/o a strike.

3:49: Replays of Gm 1 and Chris Kelly's game winner on Thursday. A quick reminder of Braden Holtby's biggest strength and greatest weakness as the Caps' netminder: Way too overaggressive in the 1-on-1. As my buddy Ice noted the other night, he was WAY out of net to challenge Kelly on the breakaway. Left a lot of net open. Something to watch.

3:52: Under 2 mins to play in the PD. BTW, I probably would have started in time for the puck drop but I had to fry an egg. Not to get into too much detail but I'm basically eating the equivalent of five crackers and rabbit food each day, so every meal counts. A lot. I'll try not to pass out before the end of the game.

3:55: Scoreless after one. Shots even between the teams, and some solid scoring opportunities for both. I'm going to stop staring at this apple.

4:00: Good points by Mike Milbury re. the Caps' 2nd power play. He's still an asshole.

4:13: Onto the second period. Second line is out to start the period. An apple to keep me upright.

4:14: Ovechkin w/ a nice chance on a Bruins' turnover in their defensive zone. Bruins return the favor w/ a flurry on the other end. Brad Marchand (your favorite Beantown midget) camped out in front and drew a crosscheck from Hamrlik. Refs don't buy Roman's argument that, 'he's an asshole, he started it'. Two minutes for the Caps to kill.

4:19: A few close calls but Caps escape the minor penalty unscathed.

4:22: Stop in play after the Bruins are called for icing w/ just over 13 mins to play in PD 2. Before that, a brief sighting of the artist formerly known as Alex Semin. He of course was replaced by his equally well known counterpart: Playoff Semin.

4:24: Still no score. A glance at Jeff Schultz, after he was nearly decapitated earlier in the period. Apparently his best defense is his face. Either way, it was his best defensive play all year.

4:27: I should be more sympathetic to athletes of 'limited stature'. But unfortunately, Brad Marchand plays for Boston. As such, I'm hoping someone mistakes him for the puck and flings him into the netting.

4:30: Halfway point of the game. Bruins snap off a shot, while Holtby does his best impression of a wall. Impressive doesn't do him justice through the first five periods of this series.

4:33: As if on cue, Marchand launches himself and his stick into John Carlsson's face. Two minutes for Mini-Me as the Caps go on the PP.

4:34: Ovie is tripped coming across the blue line. Incredulous.

4:35: Good passing along the perimeter by the Caps and a few good shots but no dice. Greenie looking more and more like himself, esp. on the PP. The republic is pleased.

4:41: CAPS SCORE. Great pass in front by Ovechkin under duress. Brouwer does the rest banging it in on the second try. 1-0 Cappers.

4:48: Through two, Caps lead 1-0. CASHEWS AND WATER TIME!

5:03: Still intermission. And cashews are still delicious.

5:05: Third period underway. Side note: It's a really nice day out. Fat chance I get back out there to enjoy it. I hate allergies.

5:08: Few shots through four minutes. Pretty physical game as Ovie lines up a Bruin in open ice. There will be blood.

5:10: A flurry in front of the Caps' net. Shots still pretty even but Boston spending a lot of time in the offensive zone.

5:12: Thirteen minutes to play and the zebras swallow their whistle as Semin got clipped moving into the offensive zone. Meanwhile, Marchand continues agitating. If he's not pissing off the Caps, he's pissing me off.

5:15: Speaking of Marchand, haven't seen a more irritating pre-pubescent runt since King Joffrey on Game of Thrones.

5:19: A ho-hum opportunity for the NWO line (i.e. Ovie/Backstrom/Semin). Bad pass by Backstrom, equally bad pass by Ovie on a timing play. Bruins clear. Bleh.

5:20: Stop in play and it's commercial time. ESPN's Michelle Beadle pops up in this Bridgestone ad. She's a sports fan, and she watches wrestling. Heart be still

5:23: Bad sequence. Holtby again gets beat coming way out of net to address the puck and got hammered in the process. Tied at 1. Distraught.

5:26: Just under six mins to play. Pretty consistent theme this year, as the Caps sat back trying to protect their lead, rather than extend it. The defense hasn't improved enough where they can rely on the D to salt the game away. I need an adult beverage.

5:32: No one loses an edge or misses a 'gimme' pass like Dennis Wideman.

5:34: Less than two to play. Boston trying to send a message, roughing up Backstrom in front of the Boston net. I'm expecting some measure of a response when this series comes to DC.

5:37: Seconds tick off, no game-winning tally in the 3rd. Extra hockey. Go time.

5:53: Bruins win the faceoff to start OT and already Holtby has made two stops in the extra frame. Semin gets a chance himself but fires wide. I'm having palpitations.

5:59: Five minutes gone in OT and the Bruins are turning up the pressure. Oddly enough, Semin has been all over the ice on D. Playoff Semin seems to be out having a smoke.

6:02: Lots of back and forth, you'd think they were playing 4 on 4. Anyone else's palms a little sweaty?

6:04: I might need a valium.

6:05: On a long pass, Aucoin had a chance to go 1 on 1 to win it for the Caps and then ... lost an edge and fell down. Alcohol, stat.

6:08: Fresh ice as we're through 10 mins in the extra frame. Thirty seconds later, Beagle puts a silly one on net that Thomas gloves with little fanfare. Speaking of Tim Thomas, I hate his Freddy Mercury mustache. YOU'RE NOT FREDDY, TIMMY.

6:13: FUUUUUUUUURIOUS activity in front of the Boston net. Beagle is stopped, loose puck, Alzner fires one off that Thomas nabs out of the air. Meanwhile, I'm blasting "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.

6:17: This is easily the most I've seen of Jay Beagle all season. Glad I will have something else to remember him by, other than getting decked by Aaron Asham at the start of the season.

6:22: This is an amazing game BTW. Staring double OT in the face right now.

6:23: I hate the stress of sports. Four periods away, still notched at 1. Pizza sounds amazing right now.

6:41: Second OT is going.

6:42: SECOND OT IS OVER. Backstrom with an ABSOLUTE RIP to beat Thomas stick side. 2-1 FINALMENTE. Caps win.

DONE. DEAL.

Disclaimer: There may be some typos in this post. I'm writing from my iPhone which should give you an idea of the urgency with which I'm writing. But this must be said. Onward and upward.

Ok the one Friday night I hit the sack early and THIS happens?!

Unless you're living under a rock, you know the Redskins engineered a trade for the Rams' #2 overall pick in the draft and in doing so, pulled off the coup of all coups this offseason. It's not often that happens before we hit free agency but already the city and the sports world alike are abuzz. (I know this because my future brother in law fired off a giddy 4AM text.)

Now It could've been the rumor that Peyton Manning wasn't interested in coming to DC. It could've been Cleveland's posturing towards a potential trade with St. Louis. I don't know what spurred the Redskins to action. Whatever it was, I don't care.  To quote my brother (who I think was quoting George W Bush), "ladies and gentlemen, we got him."  The Redskins pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade aimed at answering their quarterbacking woes for the next decade. And unless videos surface of Andrew Luck injecting small kids with heroin, the Colts will take him at 1, leaving the Redskins poised to take Baylor QB and Heisman trophy winner, Robert Griffin III. Make no mistake about it, this was the move.

Yes, the price was steep but keep in mind this is the first trade of picks with the new collective bargaining agreement in place. Under the new CBA and the rookie wage scale, top draft picks are worth now more than ever before. Under the old system it would've been easy to write this deal off based on sticker shock alone. But this is a whole new ball game. Griffin makes this an easy deal to assess if he pans out. But make no mistake, this will not be the last trade of its kind.

And for the record, the hysteria about this trade costing the Redskins three first rounders is absurd. Let's be clear: This is a swap of first rounders this year. The actual cost to the Redskins?  Two future firsts and a second this year. That's still a lot, and it may be semantics but it gives this deal a little better perspective. Again, it's easy to go nuts with the headline stuff but digging a little deeper makes us all a little smarter in the end.

I guess it's pretty obvious where I fall on this trade. But for years the Redskins have squandered both money and draft picks on a litany of ill-advised deals, mostly aimed at winning short term battles. For once it seems the brain trust in Ashburn made a move to win the war.

Hit Me With it: TOP CHEF FINALE LIVE BLOG

1000: Just before the finale starts, we get ... a cryptic commercial for a program called 'Around the World in 80 Plates.' Color me intrigued.

1004: As the defeated chefs battle to serve as sous chefs to the finalists ... we have a Grayson sighting. I could probably log off now.

1006: Sarah nabs Nyesha as one of her sous, which prompts her to mention her skills as a saucier. Suddenly, I'm reminded of that scene from 'Tropic Thunder' where Robert Downey talks about being a 'saucier in San Anton'.

1010: "I'm not letting you butcher." - Sarah to Tyler, the first and most infamous eliminated chef this season, who also just happens to be one of her sous chefs. I'm really LOL-ing at this.

1012: Commercial time. BTW, thanks in large part to the unseasonably warm DC weather, I'm getting an early dose of allergies, which is completely wiping me out. So to fuel me through this episode, this post is brought to you by Coke Zero. A really small can though (see left).

1019: As the chefs prep for service, Tyler frantically begs for guidance. Reminds me of another movie, in this case, 'Waiting', when the gals are telling Calvin to not be a pussy. [/imdb]

1024: Commercial time. Are we really two thirds of the way through this episode? Already?

1025: Plug for 'Million Dollar Listing New York'. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I really miss the original 'Million Dollar Listing'. Coiffed douche bags and overpriced real estate. Classic.

1027: Back in the kitchen, Paul takes the first speed bump (funky crab) and plows through it. The backup prawns get pulled in and he doesn't miss a beat. So far.

1029: As the judges get seated in Paul's restaurant, we get two notable items from the judge's table: the phrase 'Top Chef Canada' and the host of 'Around the World in 80 Plates', Kat Cora.

1031: Mid-meal, Paul is greeted by his girlfriend and family. He don't look filipino but that was for damnsure a filipino accent.

1032: I just want to go on record as saying this doesn't feel like a finale. Just ... doesn't.

1033: In Sarah's kitchen, we hear the phrase, 'nutty consistency'. Just for kicks, if you ever watch Bizarre Foods, grab a beer, and drink every time he says, 'nutty'. Leave me a comment when you wake up the next day w/ your clothes still on.

1037: Commercial time. The Bud Platinum commercial hits. Can I say I'm a huge fan of the use of Kanye for this spot? Brilliant stuff.

1039: Back from the break ... and Sarah's crying again. Not gonna be too sexist. I'll just say I'm over it.

1041: Crisis # 2 for Paul, as the prawns in his apps end up overcooked. In Sarah's kitchen, she dodges a pinbone bullet w/ her fish. Meanwhile, I'm considering lesbianism as I glare at Kat Cora.

1044: Not to play on any stereotypes, but I'm certain the owner of Terlato wines has buried a stool pigeon or two in his lifetime.

1045: "I feel pretty good ... for the first time here." Paul, of his performance in the finale. Not sure if that's a good omen.

1046: At judges' table, we got mention of Sarah's sweetbread dish. Quick mention of the only time I had sweetbreads. I had it at Volt w/ my fiance for our five year anniversary. I ordered it w/o telling her what it was. Once she found out what it was ... well, let's just say she hasn't totally forgiven me yet.

1050: Nothing against Hugh Acheson, who's been perfectly fine in his role as the fourth judge this season. But I just miss Anthony Bourdain.

1051: Ugh. A 'Watch What Happens Live' plug and looking at Sarah's smiling face, I'm not too keen on Paul's chances of pulling this out. Excuse me as I ready that bottle of wine.

1058: Second commercial I've seen for 'Shahs of Sunset'. Aside from Top Chef, I think every other show on Bravo makes me want to go jogging ... into traffic.

1059: All the eliminated chefs looking on. Nice touch to build the dramedy.

1100: THANK GOD.

1101: MOTHER OF GOD, THANK YOU.

 1102: A THOUSAND TIMES, THANK YOU. Paul takes the crown, and Sarah does a teary eyed face palm (metaphorically speaking). Elsewhere, Bev is clicking her tiny heels together, as she skips down the street. Not sure I can conjure another coherent thought tonight so on that note, I will see you guys next week for the reunion episode. Auf wiedersehen!

SWITCH!: TOP CHEF LIVE BLOG

1008: Opening the show with a Quickfire Challenge in ... Chinatown (Vancouver to be exact). Three Asian chefs in the top five. It's like the producers started this season by saying, "This year ... LET'S GO ASIAN!"

1014: Interesting Quickfire. Contestants and Top Chef masters taking turns working on the same dishes. For the record, THIS is more like it. I know we usually get the celebrity guest chefs involved at this point in the season. But with all the extreme challenges this season, I'm just glad they went back to something that works.

1016: Emeril - "The Chinese sausage was just a little overpowering." (That's what she said.)

1017: Paul stumbles out of the gate, while Sarah meanders a curry dish into a $20,000 quickfire win. It's worth noting that at about 9:59, I told my fiance that Paul was probably gonna eat it just short of the end, clearing the way for Sarah and Lindsay in the final. Or what I would to call ... "The Most Irritating Finale of All Time." Save us, Paul. Prove me wrong.

1022: For the elimination challenge, Lindsay goes back to the halibut, hearkening back to Restaurant Wars when Bev 'lost it' for ol' Linds. I don't get it. Bev's gone. For a second time. Yet the yentering about her persists.

1025: Commercial time. Larry the Cable Guy pushing heartburn meds. This makes sense.

1027: As the chefs begin to prep for the elimination challenge, we see Paul ripping a bucket full of lobsters in half with his bare hands. Meanwhile, I take house spiders out of the house and gently place them on the deck so as not to hurt them. When I grow up, I'm gonna be a chef.

1034: As usual, Paul is nervous about his dish. If this season has taught us anything, a nervous Paul is a recipe for win. Might need to change my vote.

1040: Commercial time. Looks like Bravo's got a new show to push! Follow along with me. See if you can find a theme ...

Affluent housewives. Ghetto, affluent housewives. Realtors to the affluent. Matchmakers to the affluent. Affluent Arabs. I think Bravo caters to affluent. I think.

1045: Challenge is complete and the chefs are at judges table. I had some additional thoughts on who I figured might be going home. Then Sarah started explaining why she deserves to be in the finale and all I could think about was hitting myself with a meat tenderizer.

1048: Commercial time. Plug for 'Watch What Happens Live'. Obviously I like talking about Top Chef. That said, Andy Cohen could be talking Top Chef ... or Kate Upton having a wardrobe malfunction on my doorstep and you still couldn't pay me enough to watch that show.

1054: Quick check on the Cheftestants. I can't believe I haven't mentioned anything about Paul's 3rd grade, Asian kid comb over. In terms of Asian hairdos, I have Paul's look running a close second to Jeremy Lin's 5th grade, center-cut fro. (Bet you didn't think you'd get a JLin reference here did ya?)

1058: Despite my moment of weakness, I'm sticking with my prediction that Paul comes up short.

1059: CURVEBALL! Padma sends Sarah ... to the finale. Saucy minx. Well played.

1100: Aaaaand the nervous nellie worries himself to victory (again). Paul takes the win and the other slot in the finale. Lindsay takes the halibut train outta dodge. Yes, that means I was wrong; however, I'll take responsibility for betting against Paul. If you weren't already aware, I wager about as well as I can dunk. So for any Paul fans, you could say I did you a favor. You're welcome.

1105: Was writing something and I lingered on Bravo too long. Caught the opening of 'Watch What Happens Live' and I nearly blacked out. Anywho, bit of a ho-hum elimination challenge after a fun opening quickfire. I guess you could say the last couple finales have really ruined me going forward, especially the All-Stars finale with Antonia, Mike Isabella, and Richard Blais. Those three seemed to raise the bar and by comparison, this season doesn't come close. Hopefully Sarah and Paul step up with the title on the line.

1111: Punching out, looking forward to next week. Til then, stay thirsty, friends.

Two Outta Four: TOP CHEF LIVE BLOG

1006: Okay, so two of the final four chefs are Asian. Maybe not the two I had anticipated but ... I'll deal.

1007: I'm not sure what it is about being on Top Chef but for some reason, when it gets to four, regardless of the season, the chefs feel compelled to come back with new haircuts.

1010: So the quickfire challenge has our final four cooking ... wait for it ... on ski lifts mountain side gondolas in Whistler. I'm not sure what the ratings have been like this year but these 'extreme' cooking challenges have been way too frequent and nigh unwatchable. Not a fan to say the least. Here's hoping they straighten up their act and get back to actual cooking next season.

1015: It's been 15 minutes and ... Beverly's already annoying while Lindsey screwed the pooch on her dish. Shocker ... ?

1018: Whatever, Lindsey. Enjoy failure in the finale.

1019: A zillion barbeque challenges, countless extreme challenges, free passes to the final two rounds ...  this season has completely confounded me.

1021: Sarah - "Beverly ... is the silent horse." Riiiiiight.

1024: I had a coherent thought two seconds ago ... then the fiance started playing 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' by Starship. Where am I? What's happening?

1025: Food in ice blocks. Keep on pushing it, a**holes. 

1027: Watching the contestants wail away at the ice blocks reminds me of my childhood ... wailing away at ice blocks, working in a hot dog truck in DC. FYI, Asian parents don't understand the phrase 'child labor laws.'

1032:  You have to love the karma. Paul helps his fellow contestants, takes down the second quickfire and the second seat in the finale. Meanwhile, Sarah is already lining up therapists, in the event she screws the pooch against Bev. Love it.

1038: And for the final challenge? A biathlon.  I want jump off my balcony into a cauldron of scalding hot split pea soup.

1045: If nothing else, the look of absolute anguish on Sarah's face throughout this ep has been worth the price of admission.

1049: Judges' table, deliberation time as we go to commercial. Bravo once again shoves 'Watch What Happens Live' down our throats and adds the ghoulish grill of Lil' Kim into the mix for good measure. I will never watch that 'show'. (And I may not sleep tonight.)

1054: More commercials. I'm sure Ellen Degeneres uses a ton of the stuff but I'm not getting her as a L'Oreal pitch person. Old Navy, Toyota Prius? Maybe. Make-up? Not so much. Stick with Sofia Vergara, thanks.

1057: Moment of truth ... and all I can fixate on is Padma's yellow shirt.

1058: Ugh. Sarah moves on and ups the annoying quotient for the finale.

1101: Wait, what? That was just the semifinal round? A one-on-one finale? What in the crikey hell is going on?

1103: Just a quick word to close this post. I know I've said it ad nauseum but this season has really been a dud. Again, totally flying blind on this season's ratings but I do know the past few seasons have seen a dip in viewership so I can understand a few tweaks. That said, the need to keep things interesting  shouldn't come at the expense of the show's integrity. And I'll leave it at that.

Thanks for playing, kids. Good times watching and writing. I say good day.

Where's That Chowder Place?

I meant to post while on the road for work in Seattle but truth be told, it's been a crazy couple of weeks.

Before I set out for the west coast, my brother mentioned a really good soup spot in downtown Seattle. I neglected to jot it down at the time but something reminded me of it midweek so I decided to text him to get the name. However, instead of texting, he responded with a call. When I saw his name crop up on the phone, I just figured he was REALLY excited about the joint.

Then the conversation went like this ... 

Me. Hey. 
Bro: Hey.
Me. What's up?
Bro: The soup place is Pike Place Chowder.
Me. Sweet. Thanks.
Bro: Oh BTW, I'm at the hospital.  Dad collapsed, maybe passed out. Doctors are checking to see if he might've had a stroke.
Me. ... Oh.

From there, things got a little hazy. Suffice it to say, soup was on the back burner after that.

Two days and a steady stream of updates later, it turned out that dad did indeed have a stroke, albeit a minor one. Luckily, he wasn't alone, and the stroke occurred in a part of his brain that did NOT impair his motor function or his speech. After a battery of tests, and a couple nights of awful hospital food, dad was discharged and sent home. Although it's still early, the 'old man' looks to be on the mend.

This wasn't exactly what I envisioned for my post-Seattle entry but life has an odd way of dictating the stories you tell. In any event, I promise a return to form tomorrow, as Top Chef goes into final four mode, which of course means ... live blog mode. For now, I say adieu.

Cletus with Gloves: UFC on FOX 2 LIVE BLOG

821: Quick word on the choice of analysts. Couture is a 10 on the mic. As for Jon Jones, as a fighter, I'm all in. That said, he has as much charisma as my punching bag. Doesn't help that he was constantly looking at his notes. Considering how Brock came across on UFC on Fox 1, UFC might want to consider NOT employing current fighters as analysts.

825: Chris Weidman vs. Demian Maia - Round 1. Pretty hard round to score so far. Weidman with the crisper strikes but Maia responding well. Very even fight, slight edge to Chris. 10-9 Weidman.

827: It could be the way the mics are set, or the fact that the first round was too close to call. Either way, from what I can tell, this Chicago crowd is straight ass so far.

828: The biggest loss for the UFC in losing Mark Munoz from the card? Not being able to repeat his nickname as 'the Filipino Wrecking Machine' a billion times.

829: Into the 2nd round. Again, even round to this point but Weidman is obviously landing with the lead left. Shocker, this crowd of Chicago dullards is booing.

831: Here's a great drinking game for you kids that are into that kind of thing: For every time Mike Goldberg says 'headkick', consume. You would be surprised how blitzed you get. Really, it's the weirdest quirk about Goldie as a commentator. It's like he's so excited at the notion of someone getting kicked in the head that he can't even muster another word  to describe the action except 'headkick'.

834: 3rd Round. Based on the jabs and the takedowns, I had the 2nd  round narrowly for Weidman. Granted, this hasn't been a very exciting fight but this crowd really blows. The slam by Weidman barely elicited some 'ooohs' from the audience. Just awful.

837: Note to Dana White: Cross Chicago off the list. Forever. Thanks. Can I get a RT?

840: After three, I'll give Maia his token round. Fight could go either way but I've got Weidman 29-28. Winner by Split Decision: Chris Weidman. 

841: LOL @ Bruce Buffer. He called Chris the victor... but pointed at Demian Maia. Classy.

842: Kind of an awkward moment. No customary post fight interview for Weidman. Looked like he was standing around waiting for Joe Rogan to ask him about the bout, maybe ask if he had any shoutouts. Oops.

846: Chael Sonnen gives another great promo. He could use a little more coaching on loving the camera though. CHAEL, WE'RE OVER HERE.

848: Don't know how Fox let's 'Goddamn' slip through in a video package. Amateurish.

855: Chael Sonnen vs Michael Bisping - Round 1. Quick take down by Sonnen after a short exchange. This round should be very telling, in terms of where this fight will take place.

Sidebar - I think someone may have sprayed the audience with adrenaline. They might have a pulse now.

859: After two early takedowns, Bisping is really controlling the position by going to the clinch. Both guys seem to be butting heads quite a bit. Sonnen looks a bit tentative to start. 10-9 Bisping.

901: We have a Brittany Palmer sighting. My night is made.

902: Second round under way.

903: 'Sonnen looks terrible here.' Might be Joe Rogan's best analysis of the night. THIS IS WHY HE GETS THE BIG BUCKS.

905: This fight has been a whole lotta nothing. Sonnen has been largely ineffective after scoring a takedown. Bisping is controlling the pace but it seems like he's just holding position against the cage to guard against the takedown. I'll give it to Chael on the takedown but I really don't want to. 10-9 Sonnen.

908: Someone's going to have to explain to me if/when non-title fights will go five rounds. Not that this fight needs it but it's for the #1 contender-ship. Seems kinda important. Just saying.

909: Third round. Sonnen lands a brutal double leg takedown. Chael quickly takes his back, transitions BEAUT-I-FULLY to a full mount. If he can finish the round this way, it'll leave a lasting impression.

912: Five rounds, Dana. What's up?

913: I've got it 29-28 Sonnen but round 2 is a coinflip in my eyes. How do you score two close rounds and one fairly decisive round?

914: Sidebar - I really hope Fox is in it for the long haul. Three fights on Fox so far and not a single finish. Pray for patience.

915: Winner (and evidently the best fighter in the world) by unanimous decision: Chael Sonnen. I wish I could get a transcript of that post fight 'interview'/ promo.

917: I think someone snuck some quaaludes in Goldie's Snapple. Rogan too for that matter. Neither seem really jazzed for tonight's show but they certainly picked up the energy level talking about next week's pay-per-view. Coincidence?

922: Talking up the Davis - Evans contest and they showed a list of top 10 light heavyweights. Forest Griffin is still listed in the top 10. That should tell you all you need to know about the rankings.

923: I know the UFC is fighting to steer clear of pro wrestling at all costs. That said, they could really benefit by having the WWE produce their video packages. Wake me when the fight starts.

930: So much for hearing about Phil Davis. Oh well, on to the fight.

931: It's hilarious that Bones and Rashad are 'beefing'. Their personalities are almost exactly the same. Every 'clever' comment they make seems totally forced. In fact, nothing they say comes across as authentic. I hope you recognize this, Dana.

936: I'm curious if Rashad is really as relaxed as he seems. I wonder how quickly he'll get off (pause) against the younger guy in Davis.

940: A pro-Rashad crowd. But not by much. This crowd can suck it.

941: Rashad Evans vs Phil Davis - Round 1. Davis is moving well so far, showing now sign of rust but not much going on. Lots of feeling out.

945: Evans catches one of many kicks from Phil, keeps the single and sweeps to land the takedown. Davis in trouble, fighting out of a crucifix position. Phil frees himself but the damage is done. Solid round for Sugar. Unfortunately. 10-9 Evans.

947: It's almost 10 and we've yet to see an ounce of 'the beautiful Arianny'. I call foul.

948: Into round 2. Davis looks more active standing but he's struggling to use his reach advantage. He's obviously working to land a takedown but the leg kicks and combinations aren't doing anything to set it up.

950: Since midway through the first, you could see Sugar really stalking and controlling where the fight is actually taking place in the cage. More of the same through two.

952: Evans lands another takedown just as he did in the first. Catches a high kick from Davis and pulls the single leg into a takedown. A couple solid elbows in the sidemount from Rashad. Pretty impressive showing thus far for Rashad. 10-9 Rashad.

954: Round 3, underway. Interesting that they ID Jeremy Piven in the crowd but not Michael Vick in the same row. Curious.

956: Safe to say the inexperience of Davis is shining through. Nearly through the third and Evans is starting to pick Phil apart. Davis finally lands a desperate takedown but Evans escapes with relative ease. Even w/ the takedown, Evans seemed to control the round from beginning to end. 10-9 Evans. 


1001: Round 4 underway. To answer the most egregious injustice of the night, I give you ...

You're welcome. 

1004: Davis is gassed. Rashad is being Rashad. A ho-hum penultimate round. 10-9 Evans and going for the sweep. 


1005: Perfect sentiment for this fight. From the ever so articulate Chad Dukes ...

"Why the UFC booked Rashad Evans for a @UFConFOX fight is beyond me. He's an excellent fighter but is NOT going to excite first time viewers."

Could not say it better. He'd better finish Phil in the 5th.

1006: Fifth and final round. I'm going to keep watching after the fight for the inevitable Jones/Evans post-fight confrontation.

1009: I need Joe Silva's job. At least when it comes to the Fox cards. A couple featherweight fights would have been nice for the noobs. Maybe the next lightweight title bout. Just something with the potential for excitement. Please?

1012: Clean sweep for Sugar. Book it. We'll see you in Atlanta. Jones. Evans. Fireworks. 10-9 Evans.

1014: I'll go into more detail on this later but I really think the UFC really blew it with this card on Fox. This was a golden opportunity to really reel in the casual viewer. And the card even before the Munoz injury looked okay at best. Evans is a tough sell for seasoned and rookie viewers alike. Odd that he was the centerpiece for this card.

1018: Winner by unanimous decision: Rashad Evans. Jones stays in the booth. DAMNATION.

1020: Decent night of fights but it could have been so much more. Thanks for those that followed along. I'll have further analysis shortly. Good game, kiddos.