UFC 118 Results: Frankie Edgar Beats BJ Penn For 2nd Time

Saturday night in Boston Frankie Edgar retained his lightweight UFC belt via unanimous decision by frustrating, exhausting and demoralizing BJ Penn. Looking like the only fighter to improve since their previous bout, Edgar was faster, crisper and more energetic than Penn. BJ on the other hand seemed to have learnt nothing from his title loss months ago. Penn looked like a sparring partner for a jumpy, dynamic and almost casually confident Frankie Edgar.
Upon walking into the ring, Penn had a depth of focus that seemed inhuman and frankly, scary. Edgar bounced into the octagon looking like he was about to go for a workout. Up until 10 seconds into the bout, the aura of invicibility surrounding Penn seemed to foreshadow an inevitable comeback victory. But Edgar began to float into and out of Penn's reach and to outscore the former champ. Penn was flat footed while Edgar looked like an upside down bungy-jumper with his incessant and visually confusing -- and therefore highly effective -- bob n' weave. The crisp snap of Edgar's kicks and punches did not always land but they did keep coming. Whereas Penn seemed content to react to Edgar, appearing to look for that one lucky combo to rattle and slow down the buoyant Edgar. A combo which never came. Edgar did not manage to overwhelm Penn but he did outscore him and force him to play at his pace. Penn stuck to mostly countering Edgar. Always a bad game plan for a challenger.

Although the actual punch count would have been in Edgar's favour by slightly less than a dozen, the lightweight champ had the more stunning shots and took Penn down 3 times and kept the Hawaiian prodigy on the canvas for minutes on end. Penn managed only two take downs but he had to scrap and scramble for them and both were eventually reversed or escaped from by Edgar. In the end, Edgar did not finish or overwhelm Penn but he stunted and confused him much more soundly than in their first match.

The biggest disappointment for BJ fans should not be the final outcome but the road to that outcome. BJ had a ferocious vibe as he entered the octagon. If only he had fought as ferociously, Penn fans would have a certain satisfaction to help nurse their disappointment. But within a minute of this rematch, it appeared Penn's gameplan was not proving difficult for Edgar and Penn went into an Edgar/Penn 1 trance and marched himself to a predictable technical defeat. The Randy Coutures, Chuck Liddels and Matt Hughes of the sport loose but they do so only after letting it all hang out. When a gameplan is not working, you do not become your opponent's sparring buddy, coasting to a comfortable defeat and avoiding drama and trauma. You dig deep and you try everything... EVERYTHING in your arsenal. Both the well practiced and the spontaneously created come out and you fight for your title, career and legacy. True champions have heart. That kind of heart. Unfortunately, this was distinctly absent from BJ Penn on Saturday night. In the pre-fight interviews from his fight camp, Penn stated that he surrounded himself with sparring partners that were not "here to hurt me." Perhaps this was a strategic mistake. That kind of fight camp may make for good friendships, but it isn't the cauldron from which you can forge a comeback. Between the 4th and 5th rounds, Penn's corner was not giving him D-Day instructions. There was an awkward silence and someone said something along the lines of "hey, he stole [the belt] now you go get it back." This is barely motivational to someone currently frustrated by a guy who has already beat him only several weeks ago. What BJ needed from round 2 onwards was a consistent dose of reality. "Hey, Penn. You're the better fighter, but you're not fighting like it. You need to risk getting knocked out by letting your hands, feet, knees and elbows go. Now."



The overall disappointment is that Penn is a better fighter than Edgar. But the size of Edgar's heart and the depth of his will were twice that of Penn. And it was enough to turn off Penn's will to win. BJ is an emotionally motivated figher. He is not quiet and cerebral like Couture and he is not relentless like Clay Guida. Purely emotional fighters can ride a tidal wave of optimism when things are going their way. But they can crash stunningly when their bubble is popped by stubborn opposition.

Two Moons on August 27-Hoax

There is a very large hoax widely circulating the Internet. It originated in the summer of 2004, and it’s now rising up once more. This hoax comes in the form of an email titled “Mars Spectacular,” it originates from an unknown source.
The Mars hoax email has been passed on to countless people who haven’t been able to resist forwarding it to their entire address book. In some cases, the message has been more than just an email. It’s been a full-blown presentation with photos and graphics that seemingly provide a sense of authenticity to the message.

The email says that on the night of August 27, the planet Mars will be closer to Earth than it has been in 60,000 years. This will supposedly offer spectacular views of the Red Planet.

The email also proclaims that Mars will be as big as the moon, and will be very visible in the night sky.

The only problem with this is the dates and a few specifics. The August 27 is actually August 27, 2003. That was when Mars made a historically close pass by Earth that night (34.6 million miles). The Hubble Space Telescope used this opportunity to take some fantastic images of Mars, however, to the naked eye, Mars was nothing more than a very bright yellow-orange star. It was nothing like the full moon.

Garmin Nuvi Recall 1.25 Million Devices

GPS device maker Garmin is voluntarily recalling 1.25 million of its Nuvi personal navigation devices, nearly 800,000 of which were sold in the United States.
The Nuvi devices in question have a battery -- manufactured by an unnamed third party supplier -- that may be prone to overheating when used in models with a specific circuit board.

Garmin released a statement yesterday saying that "in rare circumstances" the recalled Nuvi devices may be fire hazards. The company claims that less than ten cases have been identified and that there have been no injuries or significant property damage as a result of the overheating devices.

The recalled devices include Nuvi model numbers 200W, 250W, 260W, and 7xx (where xx is a two-digit number). Model numbers are located on the back or bottom of devices. Affected owners can visit Garmin's recall site to verify whether or not their device is subject to recall.

Recalled devices will not be replaced and device owners should not attempt to replace the battery on their own. "Garmin will replace the battery and insert a spacer on top of the battery next to the PCB before returning the nüvi to affected customers free of charge," according to the company's statement.

Personal navigation is big category for Garmin, albeit one where the company is facing stiff competition and declining sales. In the last quarter, sales of 4 million personal navigation devices accounted for nearly half of Garmin's total revenue, according to Reuters. The recall is not expected to dramatically affect company sales, however, as the battery supplier is said to be sharing battery replacement costs.

The Barclays 2010 Golf Tournament

The Pro-Am brings PGA Tour pro golfers together with amateurs. New York City’s own Mayor Michael Bloomberg teed off this morning with Phil Mickelson.

The highlight of the Barclays Pro-Am so far happened off the course. Golfer Jim Furyk, victim of a missed alarm due to a dead cell phone, was late for the 7:30 a.m. start. Per PGA Tour rules—a golfer cannot skip tournaments like Pro-Ams, where they have to play with typically bad but rich non-pros—Furyk was disqualified.

Mickelson was not happy about the decision. “I cannot disagree with it more,” he said. “I have no idea how the commissioner let this rule go through. It’s ridiculous.”

The other big news is, of course, that El Tigre is playing. Already finished with his 18 holes by 11:45 a.m., Tiger shot six under par for a 65 and, as of now, sole possession of first place. After three years of being ranked as the No. 1 golfer in the world, his current 112 ranking could not use a solid round more than it does now.

Pro golfer Jim Furyk has been disqualified from The Barclay's Golf 2010 tournament at Ridgewood Country Club, thanks to his cell phone. That's right, the PGA star uses his cell phone as an alarm clock, but it died overnight, meaning Furyk didn't wake up at the right time.

According to PGA.com, Furyk woke up for his pro-am time at 7:23 AM making him late. Anyone who misses the pro-am time is ineligible for the tournament, meaning Furky gets some time off. Furyk is currently amongst the PGA playoff hunt in the top 10 seeds. While Ernie Els is the top seed in the playoffs, Phil Mickelson is considered the guy to beat as he is the leader in these playoffs.

Mickelson says the pro-am time policy is ridiculous, but rules are rules. The cell phone was the villain here, although when you've got an important time to be up for, maybe a traditional alarm clock will do the trick. However, Jim Furyk is likely out shopping for a new cell phone as it costs him a chance at the $10 million prize for winning The Barclay's Golf tournament in 2010.

Atlantic City Air Show 2010

 Today, Wednesday August 25th, is the scheduled Atlantic City Air Show 2010 “Thunder over the Boardwalk”. This is one of the most popular events held in Atlantic City, that now celebrates 100 years since the first air show was hosted.
NEW YORK: New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly declared the opening of Air Force Week at the proclamation ceremony with the theme Honoring Hometown Heroes at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan .

"It's an honor to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that the men and women of the United States Air Force have made since its inception in the defense of America and its allies around the world," said Commissioner Kelly.

It is the first Air Force Week ever held in New York City scheduled from August 24th through August 29th. Along with the Hudson River flyovers, the City is holding events including special Air Force Nights with the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York Mets, and Staten Island Yankees, and an appearance by the Thunderbirds at the Atlantic City Air Show on Wednesday afternoon.

Air Force Week also brings Airmen to New York neighborhoods to tell their stories, as well as gives them an opportunity to thank the people of New York City for their support.

"I feel wonderful that I am still here. It has been a long time. I am glad the city has the recognition for us every year," Al Maher, a veteran Air Force man told Xinhua.

Air Force Weeks were established in 2006 to provide the big picture of the U.S. Air Force mission and way of life. The second Air Force Week of 2010 will be held in Cocoa Beach, Florida from October 26th through October 31st.

Military and civilian pilots will be ding incredible feats and maneuvers on air. Among the demonstrations we will be watching this year are:

* U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
* U.S. Army Golden Knights
* Brazilian Smoke Squadron
* Rob Holland MX2
* U.S. Marine Harrier Jet
* Tom Duffy’s B-25 Flybys
* U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet
* Jim Beasley Jr. P-51
* SAF A-10A Thunderbolt II Demo Team
* USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration Team
* U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demonstration
* Military Flybys (KC-135, F-16, C-17, KC-10, and many more)
* FAA William J Hughes Technical Center Aircraft Flybys
* USMC AV-8B Harrier II Demonstration
* U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Demonstration
* U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye Demonstration


Atlantic CITY Airshow 2010 Schedule :
10:00 a.m. Airspace Closes, TFR in effect
10:30 a.m. Horizon Blue Cross Blimp of New Jersey Flybys
10:35 a.m. US Army Golden Knights Streamer Drop
11:00 a.m. Tow Banner Aircraft Sponsor Signage Flybys
11:05 a.m. US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Flag Jump w/Brazil National Anthem
11:07 a.m. US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Flag Jump w/US National Anthem
11:13 a.m. US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Mass Show
11:25 a.m. USAF-ANG 177th FW F-16 Fighting Falcon Flyby (4-ship)
11:27 a.m. USAF-ANG 108th ARW KC-135 Stratotanker Flyby
11:31 a.m. New Jersey Air National Guard Composite Flyby (KC-135 & F-16s)
11:33 a.m. Mr. Monopoly Parachute Jump
11:38 a.m. FAA William J Hughes Technical Center Global 5000 & Convair 580 Flyby (2-passes)
11:44 a.m. Jason Flood Pitts S1T Aerobatic Demonstration
11:55 a.m. US Coast Guard HH-65 Search & Rescue Demonstration
11:59 a.m. US Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian Flybys (2-passes)
12:10 p.m. USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II Demonstration
12:25 p.m. Jim Beasley Spitfire Demonstration
12:39 p.m. USAF F-16CJ Viper Demonstration
12:54 p.m. USAF-AFRC 514th AMW C-17A Globemaster III Flyby
12:55 p.m. Chopper 10 and Chopper 3 News Helicopter Flybys
12:59 p.m. USMC HMLA-773 AH-1W SuperCobra Boat Assault
1:04 p.m. Tom Duffy B-25 Bomber Flybys (2-passes)
1:08 p.m. USAF-ANG 103rd RQS Pararescue Demonstration
1:15 p.m. USAF-ANG 143rd AW C-130J Hercules Flyby
1:20 p.m. USAF B-52H Stratofortress Flybys (2-passes)
1:25 p.m. US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Demonstration
1:40 p.m. Brazilian Smoke Squadron Demonstration
2:20 p.m. Rob Holland WINDOWS WORLD MX-2 Aerobatics
2:35 p.m. USMC AV-8B Harrier II Demonstration
2:55 p.m. USAF Thunderbirds Enlistment Ceremony
3:00 p.m. USAF Thunderbirds
Airshow Ends

Kat Stacks Exposes Soulja Boy’s Cocaine Habit

The video starts with Kat Stacks in a hotel room bathroom talking into a mirror while a bathrobe barely covers her fake breasts (insert Mel Gibson quotable here). Right from the jump Kat claims that Soulja Boy is a cokehead. She then proceeds to walk into the dining area of the hotel room and sure enough on the sideboard are a few lines of what looks like that White Girl.

In her latest video, Kat Stacks puts Soulja Boy on blast by providing “proof” that the 20-year-old rapper loves him some Bolivian marching powder.

And just when you’re realizing that Soulja Boy hasn’t been seen or heard at all and you’re starting to doubt her story, the video cuts to a recorded phone conversation between the two, along with what looks like a series of private messages sent by Soulja Boy on Twitter.

Phone conversation not enough for you?

Cut to camera phone video of her on a bed watching television next to some dude who, all we see of him are his scalp and a gang of tattoos that look like Soulja Boy’s inkings.

You never get a clear shot of the guy’s face, because Kat Stacks is a grimy chick and knows if these dudes caught her videotaping them, she probably would need reconstructive surgery on that ugly face of hers.

Is it really Soulja Boy? Was that really llello on the sideboard?

Decide yourself ?

Kat Stacks Busts Soulja Boy for Cocaine Use But....

you can watch all the proof that Kat Stacks provides to prove that Soulja Boy is a cocaine user. Warning: The language in the video is extremely offensive unless you speak gangsta. Which I don’t.

She does not show Soulja Boy actually using the cocaine. You’ll notice that in the scene where she shows the lines of white powder, she is in an anonymous hotel room where Soulja Boy does not make an appearance.
There’s a lengthy phone conversation and shots of a Twitter page which I’m not sure was supposed to prove anything other than that she really did have some kind of relationship with the rapper. In the last scene it appears she is trying to prove it’s really him by showing us his tattoos and his face, but it’s hard to be sure it’s him. Even if it is him, she only proved he has very poor taste in women. Sorry Kat…you failed on this one. And no one respects a woman who trashes a man’s bedroom style publicly, especially when it’s obvious you were handing yourself to him on a platter.

Tropical Storm Danielle 2010 in Atlantic(Video)

Newly-formed Tropical Storm Danielle will likely reach hurricane status in the next 24 hours, according to an advisory from the U.S. National Hurricane Center this morning.
Hurricane Danielle is expected to move west-northwest toward Bermuda from its position in the Central Atlantic, Reuters reports.

Experts have predicted that up to seven major Atlantic hurricanes could form this season.

So far, Hurricane Alex has been the only Atlantic Hurricane this season.

Shanna McLaughlin's racy UCF VIDEO

University of Central Florida (UCF) alum Shanna McLaughlin posed nude in the college locker room. And even though she had permission from the head coach, the naked photo controversy may have Shanna in the hotseat.

McLaughlin, Playboy Magazine's Miss July 2010, went onsite to the university with a total film and camera crew.
Accordingly she wasn't in violation since she had permission of Head Coach George O'Leary. He later told the press he "approved" but was duped into thinking it was a college-friendly magazine.
For McLaughlin, it was a self-proclaimed “guy’s girl” for her "love of fishing, football and darts", Shanna is reportedly three classes away from earning her Master's degree in business administration from UCF. Her education she says, "was like Playmate boot camp". Her degree from the University was also one reason Coach O'Leary didn't second guess a "photo shoot".


"It's not what I expected...
but it's nothing too outlandish."
- UCF Head Coach
George O'Leary
on Shanna McLaughlin's
racy photo cover

VIDEO: Shanna McLaughlin racy photo cover shoot on UCF campus

the coach said. "There was a UCF girl who had her MBA and all that. And the only thing I asked is, 'Is that a magazine that is distributed on campus?' And they said, 'Yes'." He adds, "It's not what I expected".

While he also mentions it's noting too "outlandish", the university is on fire about Shanna's racy photos taken in the locker room. In an official statement released from the school, Associate Director Joe Hornstein said UCF did "not condone" the photos or video footage and will work to "re-educate" the faculty on university standards.

UFC 117 Press Conference Post Fight

UFC 117  Press Conference Post Fight

Even the commissioner of the league, Dana White was not looking forward to last night’s fight card simply due to the unpleasantries of the past. However, a great fight between two of the nights most famous fighters rendered even White excited the rematch between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva. Although Sonnen had spent an inordinate amount of time trash talking and Silva sat back and let him, Sonnen did however dominate the entire fight. The UFC 117 Post Fight PressConference was a matter of issuing money rewards to fighters for the “fight of the night” and Dana White even went so far as to declare Sonnen deserving of the rematch.

White awarded a $60K bonus to both Sonnen and Silva for the “fight of the night” accolades. Matt Hughes and Struve earned another $60K in fight night bonuses for the performances as well. Sonnen who had previously been extremely vocal about his intentions to walk away from this fight as the winner seemed slightly disheartened but realized that he could get yet another rematch before long. In addition the the extra fight money, the UFC 117 Post Fight PressConference was an opportunity for White to hand over another $60K to both Silvia and Hughes for their “Submission of the Night” bonuses.

While other fighters were handling their own post fight conferences, Dana White was on hand to also award Struve a bonus for his “knockout of the night”. Amazingly enough, the post-fight pressconference was quite a success once the fighters were attended to medially and managed to come down off of the adrenaline rush. That’s a lot of money in bonuses that should keep these famous fighters afloat and coming back for more soon. The UFC 117 Post Fight Press Conference had the potential to get just as ugly as some of the pre-fight talk had been instead Dana White took control and the post-fight festivities were a big hit.

 Penick's Analysis: Fitch is going to continue to have the "boring" stigma placed upon him despite his clear dominance and grappling superiority. He'd absolutely be favored over any other welterweight in the world except for GSP, and he's stuck in a very tough position because I don't think he has anything different to offer the Champion in a rematch. Personally, I think they'll end up putting his rematch with GSP together if St. Pierre wins in December, and then I'd match up the Shields-Kampmann winner against Matt Hughes early next year.

Shannon Marketic released from a Texas Jail

Shannon Marketic, a former Miss USA, has been released from a Texas jail after she was accused of stealing almost $90 in merchandise from a Target department store in North Texas.
Marketic, 38, was released from a Denton jail Tuesday after posting a $500 bond.

The former beauty queen is charged with stealing an Oil of Olay Professional ProX skin treatment worth around $60, along with some baby items.

According to Capt. Len Carter with the Denton Police Department, Marketic was detained by Target loss prevention just before 9 p.m.

Marketic's Facebook page indicates she is the marketing director for the North Texas Fresh - an American Basketball Association Team. A call and email to that organization have not been returned.

This is not Marketic's first brush with the legal system. In June of 2007, Marketic was arrested for public intoxication at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Marketic won the Miss USA title in 1992. In 1997, she sued the sultan of Brunei, accusing him of having held her as a sex slave. According to the Dallas Morning News, a federal judge threw out the suit saying the sultan was immune from such a court action as a foreign head of state.

The Real Housewives of D.C. Well to District Season 1 Episode 1

 

Watch The Real Housewives of D.C. – Welcome to the District Season 1 Episode 1
The Real Housewives of D.C. – Welcome to the District Season 1 Episode 1 will be aired on 5th August 2010.
Stay Connected….
Michaele’s Polo event; old rivalries cause Lynda to snub Michaele; Mary struggles with a guest list.

Jon Fitch Vs. Thiago “Pitbull” Alves

Key Victories : Fitch (Thiago Alves, Diego Sanchez, Paulo Thiago, Mike Pierce, Ben Saunders, Akihiro Gono, Brock Larson)

Alves (Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, Karo Parisyan, Marcus Davis, Chris Lytle, John Alessio)

Forecast : It is a complete an utter travesty that this fight isn’t getting the hype it deserves. In my pound for pound rankings (coming soon), Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves make the top ten. If I play devil’s advocate, the only reasoning I can give for the lack of promotion is that this bout has been postponed multiple times. The UFC could be tiptoeing around this fight just in case it falls through again. In any case, fans should get ready for one of the biggest showdowns this year.

This bout is actually a rematch from the UFC Fight Night card on June 28, 2006. On that night, an upkick and a barrage of punches led to a TKO victory for Fitch. Since that fight, Alves’s vast improvement has garnered him significant victories over Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, and Karo Parisyan. A win here could get one of these guys within distance of a rematch with Georges St. Pierre.

Fighting out of San Jose, California, Jon Fitch was a four-year letterman and captain of the Purdue University Wrestling Team. He currently trains at American Kickboxing Academy with Cain Velasquez, Josh Koscheck, Mike Swick, Cung Le, and Josh Thomson. His style consists of Wrestling, Kickboxing, and Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu (black belt).

In many MMA rankings, Fitch is currently listed as the #2 Welterweight in the world. He is an incredible 21-1 in his last twenty-two bouts. His lone loss came to GSP in August 2008. At UFC 111, he tenderized Ben Saunders’s face for three rounds.



Thiago Alves was born in Fortaleza, Brazil. He started training in MMA at the age of seventeen. Training at American Top Team, he is surrounded by guys like Thiago Silva, Jorge Santiago, Mike Brown, and Alessio Sakara. His style is predominantly Muay Thai and BJJ (brown belt).
He is currently ranked on most MMA lists as the #3 Welterweight in the world. After losing to Fitch, Alves went on a seven fight win streak. He was finally stopped at UFC 100 in a Welterweight title bout with GSP.

Keys to Victory  Jon Fitch: There is no secret to what Jon Fitch must do to win and possibly keep his facial features intact. He has to be consistent and successful with his takedowns. Disguising the shot and Alves’s ability to stifle fence clinches will be two major problems facing Fitch come fight night.
On the feet, Thiago Alves is easily one of the best strikers in the Welterweight division. Alves isn’t dumb either. He knows what Fitch wants to do in this fight. The whole fight will come down to Fitch’s ability to be successful enough on the feet to setup takedowns.

When Fitch shoots in, he needs to catch Alves out in the open. Alves is very strong from the clinch and will be nearly impossible to drag down if pushed against the fence. Fitch has to avoid telegraphing his takedown attempts. He can’t allow himself to get sloppy as the fight wears on. I hope Fitch has been working on defending and countering leg kicks. Alves kicks like a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

Thiago Alves will have the definitive striking advantage. He needs to put together a workmanlike performance on the feet and remain patient. Fitch is as durable a fighter as they come. He can likely take whatever manly violence Alves dishes out. Alves also has to be prepared to defend plenty of takedowns.

In the bout with Josh Koscheck, Koscheck seemingly forgot that he was a wrestler and chose to engage Alves on the feet. Fitch is a more methodical fighter. Expect to see plenty of takedown attempts.

Despite losing to GSP, Alves was active from all positions. That can’t change in this fight. Fitch won’t mind lingering in stalemated positions to grind out a decision. If pushed against the cage, Alves has to keep scoring points with short punches, knees, and elbows. When taken down, he has to land strikes from the bottom and constantly seek out opportunities to scramble and explode back to his feet.

Prediction : On June 28, 2006, Jon Fitch’s hand was raised after his TKO stoppage of a young, up-and-coming Brazilian. On August 7, 2010, that honor will be bestowed upon Thiago Alves. Fitch will really struggle grabbing takedowns. His mediocre striking will be his undoing. Alves will avoid takedowns and take Fitch apart on the feet. A bruised and bloodied Fitch will stare hopelessly down at the canvas as the judges give Alves the victory and his title aspirations.

UFC 117 Breakdowns and Predictions

Expect nothing short of fireworks in perhaps the most stacked MMA card this year. Can Chael Sonnen back up his words and dethrone the pound for pound king? What will be the outcome this time around in the long-awaited Fitch/Alves rematch?

Could the end be near for Matt Hughes? Who will become the new #1 contender for the UFC Heavyweight Championship?

The questions will become answers on Saturday night. I encourage you to read my breakdowns to see why I made the predictions that I made. At the end of the breakdowns, I will have my official picks listed. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the fights!

Anderson “The Spider” Silva Vs. Chael Sonnen

Key:
Silva (Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, Forrest Griffin, Demian Maia, Patrick Cote, Nate Marquardt, Thales Leites, Chris Leben, Hayato Sakurai, Jeremy Horn, Carlos Newton, James Irvin)

Sonnen (Nate Marquardt, Paulo Filho, Yushin Okami, Dan Miller, Jason Miller, Jason Lambert, Trevor Prangley)

Forecast :
The hype for this bout has far exceeded original expectations. We all have Chael Sonnen to thank for that. For months, he has talked more trash than Quinton Jackson and Rashad Evans combined. Does Sonnen truly believe the things that are coming out of his mouth?
No one knows for sure. I do know one thing though. He truly believes he can beat Anderson Silva. With the right mindset and style, Sonnen makes for a very formidable opponent against the proposed pound for pound king.

While Sonnen attacks his wardrobe, English speaking abilities, and willingness to take fights, Silva sits behind the shadows quietly listening. Will Sonnen’s trash talking throw him off his game?…Or…Will it infuriate him and bring out the Anderson Silva from every fighter’s nightmare? The man who made Forrest Griffin’s punches look like bullets from the matrix. The man who turned Rich Franklin’s nose into a broken, yet straighter version than Owen Wilson’s.

Whatever happens, let’s hope for a great performance and a satisfying finish…Not a regretful Sonnen balled up in the fetal position two minutes in. Well, I guess that would be satisfying for some.

Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Anderson Silva is a black belt in BJJ, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo. He is also a yellow belt in Capoeira. To those accusing Silva for his Michael Jackson Thriller-like antics, Capoeira is an art form that incorporates martial arts, music, and DANCE.

Silva is a member of Team Black House alongside longtime friends, the Nogueira brothers, Lyoto Machida, Paulo Filho, Junior Dos Santos, and Jose Aldo. In twenty-six bouts, fifteen have come by KO. He currently holds the longest active winning streak and the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history. At UFC 112, he severely busted up Demian Maia en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.

Fighting out of Portland, Oregon, Chael Sonnen is an NCAA Division I All-American Wrestler, a two-time University National Champion in Greco-Roman, and a U.S. Olympic team alternate. He trains at Team Quest with fighters like Dan Henderson, Matt Lindland, and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou. Sonnen is currently on a three fight win streak. At UFC 109, he took a huge upset in impressive fashion over top ranked contender, Nate Marquardt.

Keys to Victory :In a recent interview, Sonnen said, “I think a black belt under the Nogueiras is saying, like, ‘I got a free toy in my Happy Meal’.” Pop quiz time! What do Trevor Prangley, Forrest Griffin, Jeremy Horn, Renato Sobral, Paulo Filho, and Demian Maia all have in common? They have all submitted Chael Sonnen. Horn in particular has submitted Sonnen twice.

People are forgetting Anderson Silva is a black belt in BJJ with an extremely underrated guard game. Silva has the ability to seek out submissions and land devastating elbows from bottom. If taken down, he has to employ this tactic on Sonnen. Don’t remain stagnant and allow Sonnen to impose his will.
On the feet, Silva can be his usual dominant self. He has to be a little more careful to avoid being taken down. Sonnen is leagues above Demian Maia in the wrestling department. Distance and timing will be key in Silva’s avoidance of the takedown.

Silva has to also be careful throwing kicks and especially flying knees. Every kick gives Sonnen an opportunity to catch the leg and land an easy takedown. With his accurate and explosive technique, Silva may be able to avoid getting his leg caught. Flying knees are a completely different story. If he misses or doesn’t rattle Sonnen, he has all but guaranteed himself to be taken down.

Despite showing improved standup, Sonnen needs to strike when needed and be consistent with his takedowns. Silva does a lot of taunting and gesturing in his bouts. Sonnen has to ignore what Silva does and stay with his own gameplan. The one thing Sonnen has going for him in this bout is his ability to snag takedowns from the outside.
Travis Lutter and Nate Marquardt all took Silva down with outside shots. Unless he gets a good body lock, Sonnen should stay away from the clinch area. Silva has the most devastating Muay Thai Plum in the game.

Throughout the bout, Sonnen has to avoid becoming lackadaisical in his approach. He has to count on Silva being there to make him pay for every mistake. On the ground, Sonnen should keep a good base and control Silva’s hips. Silva has long legs and will constantly look for submissions. Sonnen needs to be patient and drag Silva into deep waters with a grinding onslaught of takedowns and ground and pound.

Prediction :Chael Sonnen poses a significant threat stylistically for Anderson Silva. I just don’t see it coming together for him on fight night. Unless he’s been training with Chris Brown, Sonnen has nothing for Silva on the feet. Silva will happily dance around every punch landing three or four of his own in return. Sonnen can definitely take Silva down, but his submission defense may not be enough thwart Silva’s advancements.

All of the trash talk leading up to this showdown is a win-win for Sonnen. His stock has grown regardless of the outcome. Fighters like Dan Hardy and Paul Daley have utilized similar tactics. Their notoriety soared because of their pre-fight antics against bigger named competition. Win, lose, or draw, Chael Sonnen is a smart man.

Look for Sonnen to make things interesting by snagging a takedown or two. He may even steal a round. One mistake will be all that’s needed for Silva to lock up the triangle finish from bottom. After this fight, maybe Sonnen will seek out a Happy Meal?…or at least some submission defense.

MAD MEN Season 4 Episode 2 watch online

Mad Men Synopsis: Season 4 Episode 2 “Christmas Comes But Once a Year” – A last minute visitor threatens to spoil the agency’s Christmas Party.


Season 4 Preview Summary: The consequences of the shattering secrets exposed in season three will continue to reverberate in “Mad Men’s” fourth season, as the lives of the men and women of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce continue to evolve. As relationships are redefined and people are forced to face themselves and the world around them in new ways, the series will continue to question the traditional norms and the simmering societal frustrations between women and men with compelling story lines and resonant moments that are sure to enthrall as the new season unfolds.

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Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys Married Ceremony Pictures

Chelsea Clinton wasn't the only famous person trading "I Dos" this weekend -- Alicia Keys married her soon-to-be baby daddy Swizz Beatz during a secret wedding ceremony on an island in the New York.

Alicia Keys wedding photos came as a surprise yesterday. Of course, the Alicia Keys wedding photos still weren't the biggest wedding photos of the weekend. That went to Chelsea Clinton, as her big ceremony finally took
place Saturday. But, while everyone knew she would tie the knot on Saturday, the marital status of Keys and Swizz Beatz was more up in the air. Yet, after countless rumors, they finally got hitched on Saturday as well, leaving the Alicia Keys wedding photos with the spotlight all to themselves today.

The couple has been together since fall 2008, and announced that they were having a baby in May. After that news got out, speculation turned to whether they would get married, and when. Swizz Beatz had denied they would get married on a yacht the previous weekend, yet they finally tied the knot a week later.

The Alicia Keys wedding photos were highlighted by an image on People of the couple kissing after the "I do's." Like Clinton, they were wed at a private ceremony, in this case on the Mediterranean Sea. Like Clinton, Keys wore Vera Wang, although it was Grecian inspired. Unlike Clinton, they got Dr. Deepak Chopra to perform the ceremony.

Other Alicia Keys wedding photos made it on TMZ and on a Keys website, although both pages have been up and down all day. Just as Internet users rushed to see Clinton wedding pictures, they are coming out to see Keys' ceremony. Of course, they had less time to prepare for that bit of news.

This was a good time for secret ceremonies, as it turned out. Not only are Alicia Keys wedding photos up, so are pictures of the wedding for Tiny and Tip. This entire weekend was dominated by weddings, both planned out and in secret.

In the case of Keys and Beatz, it was already known that they would get married eventually. The superstar singer and the producer/rapper just managed to keep the date under wraps, although People came close to guessing it last week. But Beatz denied it would happen the previous weekend, and also denied that he was stepping in as Keys' new manager.



At the least, the Alicia Keys wedding photos are giving the Clinton ones a run for their money, especially since they just came out last night. Now the couple will get ready to welcome their first child, as Keys is already showing a baby bump.

Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding at Rhinebeck New York

The wedding of former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton to investment banker Marc Mezvinsky is this summer’s final status invitation. The list of guests includes only 400 names. By ordinary standards the size of list is good for a wedding, but barely big enough to accommodate the people who snoozed in the Lincoln Bedroom during Bill Clinton’s presidency. So planning it has been a diplomatic problem of the highest order.
The location of wedding is being kept under wraps, “The wedding planner will contact each guest directly a week in advance and let them know where it is,” a source says. Because of traffic concerns, the Hamptons reportedly are out. More likely is a location in upstate New York, such as Westchester or Dutchess County. Also not on the guest list are Bill Clinton’s love handles: Chelsea instructed her dad to slim down for the reception.



Splendiferous houses, unparalleled shopping and 437 historic locations flourish in Rhinebeck. Where else in the world can one experience notable World War I aircraft in flight, but at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome? And, the 165-acre, 160-year old Dutchess County Fairgrounds hosts annual antique, craft, vintage car fairs, as well as its famed country fair. History buffs flock to events and tours at Wilderstein Historic Site, once owned by Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, the last resident and cousin of President F.D.R. Need rest and rations? Head to the oldest operating inn in America, The Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn; 73 rooms and renowned restaurant with Colonial charm.

Chelsea Clinton Get Married with her Boyfriend

Chelsea Clinton is expected to marry her longtime boyfriend, investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, at a ceremony tonight attended by 400 to 500 people at the grand Astor Courts, an estate on the scenic east bank of the Hudson River.

RHINEBECK, New York, (AFP) - After weeks of secrecy, the marriage of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s only daughter Chelsea to her Wall Street banker beau finally got underway Saturday at a lavish, A-list bash in rural New York.
The intriguing and covert build-up intensified shortly before 6:00 pm (2200 GMT) with a caravan of buses, sport utility vehicles and vans with tinted windows whisking hundreds of guests to the exclusive party at a secluded mansion outside the quaint town of Rhinebeck.

A carnival atmosphere — and a blanketing police presence — spread across Rhinebeck in the final hours before Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky married in what US tabloids hyped as the "wedding of the century."

Throngs of well-wishers and celebrity watchers gathered at Rhinebeck’s main crossroads for a glimpse of the guests staying at the Beekman Arms inn.

The bride’s parents — former Democratic president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton — arrived on the eve of the wedding.

Their guests were expected to include the likes of TV chat show queen Oprah Winfrey and Hollywood mogul Steven Spielberg.

"This is exciting. There’s so much trouble in the world but this Saturday everything stops just for this wedding," said Anne McConnell, who’d secured a strategically placed bench opposite the Beekman in hopes of seeing members of the Clinton family.

"It’s just a shame it’s not on TV," she said. "This should be live on TV like Princess Diana’s wedding."

There was no chance McConnell’s prayers would be answered.

Chelsea, 30, and Mezvinsky, 32, prepared their nuptials in the kind of secrecy usually reserved for affairs of state.

Wedding details have been nearly impossible to glean, and while the ceremony was reportedly scheduled for 6:00 pm, it was not yet clear if the couple had exchanged their vows, or whether Bill Clinton escorted his daughter down the aisle.

Husband and wife actors Ted Dansen and Mary Steenburgen were seen walking through town Saturday. Steenburgen, a longtime Clinton friend from the president’s home state of Arkansas, said Chelsea’s powerful parents were experiencing "pure joy" for their daughter.

"Knowing my friend, Bill, for 30-something years, I’m sure he’ll be crying his eyes out," she said on CNN.

The wedding itself was taking place in the high-security seclusion of Astor Courts, an estate about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of New York city. Up to 500 guests were expected.

Authorities declared a no-fly zone to prevent paparazzi photos and police turned out in force, and a police helicopter buzzed overhead as the Clintons, the Mezvinskys and their guests converged for the ceremony.

Even the location had not been confirmed right into this week, while details such as the designer of Chelsea’s dress and the guest list were still unknown to the public on Saturday.

A different sort of mystery was whether a minister or a rabbi — or both — would preside, since Chelsea is a Methodist and Mezvinsky is Jewish.

Ironically, the news blackout fed an ever greater media frenzy. News teams from Japan to Israel flooded Rhinebeck, joining amateur wedding watchers, all asking the same questions.

"I want to know what dress Chelsea’s wearing — and Hillary too," said local Chris Madden.

"I want to know what’s on the menu," said Walter Mullin.

Reports from gossip websites such as TMZ and tabloids like New York’s Daily News painted a picture of an extraordinarily lavish occasion likely to cost three to five million dollars.

That included renting Astor Courts, an elegant white building near the Hudson River commissioned a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, a tycoon who died on the Titanic.

Chelsea is believed to have ordered a dress from top fashion designer Vera Wang, who was reportedly sighted in Rhinebeck Saturday, while just the air-conditioned tents erected for the day are estimated to cost 600,000 dollars, with the floral arrangements only slightly less.

Although guests were given strict instructions not to disclose invitations, they were reported to include Winfrey, Spielberg, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright and possibly former British prime minister John Major.

President Barack Obama isn’t there — he says he wasn’t actually invited and that in any case two presidents would be one too many at a wedding.