Man the last 24 hours have been an insane constant gogogo and it's not stopping yet. After a night of Michael Buble, heading north to Drais n Hollywood, surviving eating danger dogs, re-living my youth by eating at Mel's in Hollywood after partying aaannnnd getting about 3hrs ZZZ at the London hotel on Sunset... A bit of shopping/dim sum/coffee later I'm finally resting up for a night of fights.

Absolutely thankful I was designated driver last night, as hangovers and lack of sleep are the worst. Buuuut it's tiiimmmmeeeee <insert bruce buffer voice> for my picks for the evening.

Marcus Davis
Ken Flo
Demian Maia
Randy Couture (though if u bet on toney, payout is 6:1)
Frankie Edgar (better boxer and I hate Penn)

That's all folks, for pix updates n more follow the twitter. <3 u all!
Sent via Blackberry at&t
--
Diana Le
Creative Direction, Marketing, Solutions
http://www.chowmut.com/
http://www.thedailychow.com

I've been to many concerts in my few decades of living and there are only two artists to which I can say sound immaculately better live then on cd, Alicia Keys and Michael Buble.

While sitting in the Sports Arena parking lot, watching people fight inch by inch to leave, I figured I would blog for you and marvel in the spectacular show that took place.

I found out that my favorite Canadian singer was coming to San Diego a few months ago and when I passed around word, asking who would want to go, no one bit, so I decided to go alone. Although I was surrounded by wives and girlfriends that dragged their men there, and the occassional well dressed gay couple (whom I wish I was closer too, bc they were singing n havin fun) I actually had a great time!

Michael Buble, had it not been for his magnetic charisma, boyish charm and incredible voice that lead him into performing, could have been a stand up comedian. He is witty, funny and entertaining.

For the male attendees that feared an evening of anti-manly slow love song singing, this wasn't the case. The evening consisted of signature soulful songs, upbeat interludes, a little Michael Jackson and even a finger snapping homage to Ferris Bueller and his day off. :)

More than anything else I adore what a classy and humble guy he is, even with a sold out arena screaming for him, he was able to stay cool, even curse a lil, be a bit dirty and come off entirely genuine.

How he looks in a suit isn't too bad either haha!

Goodnight my readers, I'm jet setting off to L.A and tomorrow my picks for UFC 118. Cheers.
Sent via Blackberry at&t
--
Diana Le
Creative Direction, Marketing, Solutions
http://www.chowmut.com/
http://www.thedailychow.com

There's nothing that makes a Monday better than seeing your team's quarterback ingoing for an epic win tackle over and over and over and over again. 

For a guy who's not exactly Speedy Gonzales when it comes to moving his feet, his reaction was impeccable.  Too bad the Cowboys took this home, but it's just pre-season, we'll get them come regular season!

Thx ry! 

While the beaches were probably packed today and everyone was out in the sun, I spent a good portion of today workin from home, watching re-plays of this weekend's pre-season games, being lazy with louis, sipping iced coffee on my porch and of course catching up on some personal art.

It's been a muchly needed calm and quiet weekend with visits to some good friends and catching up with some projects.

It wasn't too long ago that I finally got my french press and favorite coffee and day by day I get better at making the most delectable iced coffee.

What's in store for the evening? An HBO marathon including Hung, Entourage and True Blood of course. Starting in just a few minutes so I'm grabbing a beer, popping up popcorn and tuning in. Laundry and cooking will have to wait. Happy sunday and don't forget to check out my finally posted pix from UFC up close and personal.
Sent via Blackberry at&t
--
Diana Le
Creative Direction, Marketing, Solutions
http://www.chowmut.com/
http://www.thedailychow.com

Although this is long overdue since the expo was months ago, I finally got to loading a few of the hundreds of images taken at the UFC Fan Expo.  Luckily being a shorter girl, I was able to ninja my way past quite a few lines and hordes of people in order to score some great images and get up close and personal with many of the fighters.  I'll let the pictures do the talking, here are just a few of my favorites, more to come and for now you can view the complete album on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=471023&id=874020499&l=69929923c4

 So without further adieu, pictures and commentary by yours truly thedailychow.com

 What would sports be without beautiful ladies.  Although Arianny is absolutely stunning, I think she actually looks better in film/photos than in person.  Who was actually cuter in person was Chandella.

Despite being a long time Michael Buffer fan, I absolutely am electrified by Bruce's energy and charisma.  I again somehow ninja'ed my way past hundreds of people and even got to have a convo about him announcing at my wedding, to which he replied "he'd love to."

Cain Velasquez is quite charming and extremely huge in person.  Gonz got to say "Brown Pride" to him, and Cain being Cain, he graciously nodded and gave a thumbs up. I told him that he's rocking the heavyweight division and cheers to a long a prosperous career.  Oh and not to mention I thought he was a beast.  (more photos in album)

While him getting a take-down on anyone seems like a miraculous feat, what is most admirable about his man is his lack of hunger for the fame aspect of fighting.  When asked how he responds to people asking him if he's "the Cheick Kongo" in person, he usually replies "I'm sorry you have the wrong man."

 Probably one of the biggest surprises at the expo was learning that Dan Hardy isn't as big of a douchebag that he plays out to be on TV.  Which was kind of shocking because I've spent many many conversations and blogs talking about what a trash talking jerk Dan Hardy is.  When I met him, he was actually pretty good to his fans, took the time to pose for me separately from everyone else and even shot a wink and a smile. 

In contrast to Dan Hardy and just as expected, Frank Mir is an A-HOLE in person.  Not only was he the only fighter that refused to pose for a pic (not that I was even asking for one with him) but while his fans were in line, he would wave them in one by one yelling "next, next, NEXT!"  WHO the hell do you think you are Madonna?

Although he was in rush, I caught him while walking through the crowds on the convention floor and got to tell him that I thought Silva was a dbag and that I admired his massive heart. Demian Maia is my hero :)

Always ready to be in character the talented Jon Fitch.

It's a shame because of all my awesome pictures I took of every other fighter, the ones of Forrest were all wonky. 

Dressed for the occasion, Ken Flo living up to his "professional commentator" recent status by looking slick.

I so wanted to scream out something dorky like I HAVE A CUT, I HAVE A CUT, but resorted to "if you ever need an apprentice, I would make a career swap in an instant!" He (Leon Tabbs) laughed and said blood smells, I said so do boys in sweaty trunks.

For the entire weekend I was Lyoto's personal stalker.  But I'm pretty stoked that I got a lot of good pictures of him and his charming smile.  He's another fighter that was really gracious to fans and short asian girls with a camera ;) After the second day when he was at another booth, he recognized me and my cam, pointed and laughed.

Surprisingly not that many people were stopping mr Swick and he was free and clear to exchange a few words and even pose for me.

So, this picture probably pissed off a lot of people, because while I was walking by, there were HUNDREDS of people who had been waiting in line for eons and were hording around to catch some Randy action.  I literally turned and yelled RANDY you kickass can you pose for me, and he yelled "sure thing pretty lady, as long as you get in here and take a picture too."  Randy Couture is one handsome man and charming at that.  If I can land a punch when I'm even 5 years his jr. I'd be stoked.

Some people say that the Gracie's are no longer relevant, I say they still created a legacy to their name and respect is do.  Renzo was utterly gracious, incredibly funny and one of the few fighters that would actually smile.

Another great guy, Ross Pearson. I think if I were hot enough to be a ring girl, I would fake punches or spinning side kicks to the camera instead of blowing kisses all the time.  Hell i'd even air guitar the equivalent to a hadoken.

Shonie Carter, a classic and still a character.

There's two things I love in a fighter 1) heart and 2) a touch of class.  I've been following this man since Pride and despite his Axe Murderer alter ego, Wanderlei Silva is  one of the classiest fighters in the sport and he loves his fans.

I don't know what happened in his last bout against Fitch, actually I do literally know what happened because I watched it, but more so I'm concerned as to what's next in the book for Thiago Alves because I do believe that he packs a punch as a fighter but just lacks that takedown defense and bit of speed. Great guy in person!

I miss Pride, although there's dream and UFC still pays homage to the Pride days, some of the best fighters/fights happened through Pride.

I wanted to wear it and sing a song.

 The one person I did wait in line to see. My words to GSP "you're going to rock as a coach on TUF, good luck and hope you shut Koscheck up!"  Of course GSP being the classy guy he is says, "I'll do my best!"

That's it for now, but there's plenty more that I'll be loading and sharing that will also include pix from Vegas during that trip.  The point was not just getting fan groupie pix standing their posing, but getting up close and personal with the fighters.  You can view the entire album and more pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=471023&id=874020499&l=69929923c4

Enjoy fight fans and HOOORAH for football season.  Next up my picks for UFC 118, needless to say, I'm routing for Edgar.

Blackberry App World is giving us love by featuring our game! I'm pretty stoked to see another game aside from colorful falling jewels, fuzzy animals or bubbly blocks be featured.  I know I know we all love a little bit of fun cutesy games on the go, but sometimes it's fun to chase someone down, pull out a gun and run em over.  (in game speaking of course :P )

Blackberry users check it out here.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/screenshots/12289

A memorable trip to Seattle, endless insomnia and constant exciting work projects, have all contributed to my physical addiction to coffee.

I've found that drinking coffee long enough to become dependent on it will do one of two things, make you a tasteless consumer who will ingest anything as long as it's caffeinated or turn you into a coffee snob that is picky because you know what you like, and how you like it. My dear readers I've become a rookie coffee snob. I have a lot to learn about origins, various prep methods and types of beans but, a big but I know one thing for sure. I refuse to drink any type of coffee that doesn't taste good black or with just a splash of soy milk (or lactose free milk).

Many people think they are drinking great coffee when in fact what they are consuming is nothing more than great amounts of flavored creams and sugar.

I had Caffe Umbria coffee years ago from the amazing seafood restaurant called "Crustacean". Paired with dessert and sipped black, I was in love.

Fed up with daily trips to Starbucks for merely "acceptable" coffee, I picked up a porcelain to go cup that I love, a French Press and ordered two bags from Umbria (who will send you your coffee based on how you will be preparing it.)

Let the art of trial and error begin. Hopefully with practice, I'll master how I love my coffee.

With how busy things have been, you'll be seeing more short posts on the go from the bberry. Till next time :)
Sent via Blackberry at&t
--
Diana Le
Creative Direction, Marketing, Solutions
http://www.chowmut.com/
http://www.thedailychow.com

Let's start with much ado about the MAIN EVENT! I tell you, it's been a long time since I've disliked both fighters in a fight and hoped for some sort of dual ko/implosion but although Anderson Silva is an arrogant dancing fool, I do hope he shuts Chael Sonnen up.  I've found with fighters there's two ways to cross over and become of celebrity status: 1) BE an amazing fighter that is incredibly charismatic or 2) Talk so much trash that you win the love of other douchebags.


Not going to lie, a little drama definitely hypes up the fight, but as always some fool always has to cross the line and Chael Sonnen went so far past that he exited this earth.  Between outlandish self proclamations & bashing of other fighters, what kicked him beyond just "douchebag" status was his comments about "Lance Armstrong" giving himself cancer in an interview with Jim Rome.  Like Rome says, you just don't joke about Cancer man.



In a more recent interview with HeavyMMA.com Chael admits to being a jerk but brings up the valid point that Anderson Silva is a jerk as well but likes to bow to you, pretend respect, then stab you in the back.  I think both guys have their own PR stunts, Sonnen believes all press is good press and Silva can rain douchebaggery, then apologize and give excellent politically correct statements.

For now, Joe Rogan said it best. "Chael Sonnen, world's pound for pound best trash talker and Anderson Silva world's pound for pound best fighter."

The remainder of UFC117's card is just as packed w/ great line ups.  Here are my picks (bold/underlined)


Thiago Alves (171.5*) VS Jon Fitch (170.5)
I like both fighters, but I think Alves has more power behind his punch and a bigger fire in his fight.

Ricardo Almeida (170.5) VS Matt Hughes (170.5)
Ugg Matt Hughes, another fighter who loves to revel in the use of his mouth by trash talking, but I won't deny that this Hall of Famer is a great fighter


Junior Dos Santos (240) VS Roy Nelson (263)
Tought one, people like to judge Big Country and doubt his ability due to his gut,  I personally think his weight helps propel him  and increases his inertia. Kinda like the Juggernaut.  BUT big but, gotta route for my main man Dos Santos.  Had the pleasure of sharing a flight back with him from Vegas and the guy is incredibly classy and cool.

Rafael Dos Anjos (156) VS Clay Guida (156)
YES I know Clay Guida isn't the best, YES I know he likes to hug it out, but the guy's charisma, INSANE CHIN and unbreakable spirit is incredibly infectious.  Whenever I see Clay Guida fight, I hear Eye of the Tiger playing in the background and I just want to start climbing stairs.

So there you have it folks, I hope it'll be an epic weekend for you too.  I'm off to visit some old sports friends and just get rowdy.  Ciao! <3

While I may not be part of some secret elite club, boxing the teeth out of disgruntled white collar workers in a basement, I couldn't help but think about Tyler Durden while staring at the ceiling the past few evenings.  In moments of delirium, I started wondering if I could create my own Tyler Durden, but name him Astro Boy (childhood imaginary friend) and also start up some secret society of anti-conformists.  I blame the creative thinking on being an artist haha.

You see most people claim insomnia when they have trouble sleeping and doze off at about 2am.  I've dealt with waves of actual insomnia since I was a kid, where for days, weeks, months at a time the idea of trying to sleep would be dreadful, because I know it would not come easily.  It's so true how Edward Norton describes it in Fight Club, "When you have insomnia, you're never really asleep... and you're never really awake." Most times, a little Dramamine or benedryl can help with the doze aid, but last night no amount of influence was going to let me rest.  I used to go like this for at least a week every month, but as I've gotten older the frequency of restless nights is reducing. 

Nevertheless, it still sucks.  I was a zombie today, and if it weren't for gallons of coffee, I have no idea how I would have functioned.  I barely made it to momma's house after work, and actually got an hour of rest in.  But enough with the wah wah wah sob stories about lack of sleep, as a gamer and an artist I won't deny that the best things happen when the sun is down.

Let's actually skip backwards to an epic Saturday night of fights at UFC Live on Versus. I got to the San Diego Sports Arena during the end of most of the prelims but right at the moment that Igor Pokrajac put James Irvin in a rear naked choke.  The moment was so perfectly witnessed that my instant thought was "tonight's gonna be a good night of fights" and boy was it ever. 

I won't give you a play by play b/c by now everyone knows the results , but I will say that my picks were near 100% if it weren't for Munoz and his epic failure at takedowns.

Actually both Okami and Munoz failed at the takedowns, it was like one was trying to teach the other a safety drill of tucking, dropping and rolling.  But I do wish I went with my gut instinct and picked Okami.

The highlight of the evening for me was seeing Gomi deliver the KO of a lifetime while the entire arena was chanting "USA, USA, USA!"  I've always been partial to Pride fighters (except in the case of Shogun/Machida.. .) so you can believe I was jumping with obnoxious exuberance when the 3:1 underdog won!

As for the main event, it was short and sweet.  Jones delivered a rainfall of elbows, TKO'ed Matyushenko and left SD with a positive greeting to "Stay Classy."  I'll admit of all the UFC crowds I've been around, San Diego has the least amount of douchebaggery and Ed Hardy/Affliction uniforms.

 I wore my Jaco shirt which ended up being covered in buttered popcorn due to massive excitement!

Lack of sleep aside, this weekend is going to be one gargantuan ball of epic win!  Saturday morning is the Charger's training camp and then the evening will be a night of fights for UFC 117! While I hate both trash talkers Silva and Sonnen, I somehow am praying for a double K.O or they somehow knock each other in the throats so hard, neither can ever spew another word of trash ever again.  I saw the two of them confront each other at the UFC Fan Expo so I'm excited to see this fight happen. 

It's back to work then hopefully sleep, till next time, ciao! (pardon any vague or convoluted sentences, i'm a walking zombie today who doesn't even have the energy to nom brains let alone edit).

It's a beautiful August Sunday, pre-season is starting and what better way to spend a gorgeous day as such, then by attending a UFC event.  Absolutely excited and practically out the door to head over, here are my picks for tonight's fights.  

(picks underlined)
Jon Jones - Vladimire Matyushenko
Mark Munoz - Yushin Okami
John Howard - Jake Ellenberger
Tyson Griffin - Takanori Gomi (gotta support my asians :)__)

Follow my twitter for live pix and updates.