I’ve never been a fan of autographs. It’s too easy to forge, and, unless you can verify it and possibly even sell it for a premium, to me, it’s worthless. Celebrities are humans too. Some piece of paper with their chicken scratch on it doesn’t hold much weight. That’s just me.
But, as girly/kiddie as it sounds, what really gets me charged is getting a photo with said celeb. I value this the most because it has significance to me and me alone. I don’t care if it’s worthless to anyone else and ruined cause my ugly mug is in the photo, it’s just good kine fun and proof - in that particular moment in time - that I was there and actually met somebody I could tell a story about.
This past weekend in Philly, I had a blasty blast. Not only did I get that interview with Bruddah Shane, I was also able to sneak in some photo opps with “stars” from the MMA world, thanks to our awesome seats at UFC 101 the night before! Peeps like:
Cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran
“Stitch” caught the same flight as us from Vegas. Cool guy!
UFC President Dana White
UFC President Dana White taking the time to greet his fans
Fighter Frank Trigg
Newly signed (again) UFC fighter Frank “Twinkle Toes” Trigg. Why does Bari look so upset?
Referee Mario Yamasaki
Referee Mario Yamasaki kept coming into the stands for some reason. I caught him one quick one after the event was pau
Phillie All Star Shane Victorino
Me and Bruddah Shane in the Phillie dugout after our interview
Which led me to this week’s Fave Five question. Which 5 celebs would you most like to have a photo with? If photos ain’t your bag, you can use autographs for your list.
Flavor Flav – OMG! He’s so flamboyant and out there! This would be the funnest photo, like EVER! LOL!
Mr. T – see above! Seems like a nice, humble guy too.
Kimbo Slice – he’s crazy intense, but seems like a cool, mellow cat, outside the ring. I give him mad props for starting from scratch in the coming season of the Ultimate Fighter!
Michael Jordan/Tiger Woods – gods in their respective games, though I’m not sure how good/genuine their personalities would be.
I’m sure I’m missing a lot more, so lemme hear it. Send over your list of celebs you’d like to get a pic with/meet/get an autograph from.
Some celebs I forgot to mention were those that would bring the most cashola to my pocket (when sold to the tabloids). *grin* Maybe a scandalous shot with Jon or Kate, or both? Or Brangelina? Or even the Octo-mom? Is she even relevant anymore?
Anyway, I digress. Have fun with this list on your T.G.I. Friday y’all!
Happy VHO7V Friday and have an awesome weekend k? Shoots!
(Editor’s note: Don’t get me wrong. I ain’t no celebrity stalker/groupie type, as the pictures above may make it seem. LOL! If I had to stand in line and wait a couple hours for one photo, I wouldn’t do it. These just so happen to fall into place a-ight? )
As part of my UFC 101 weekend in Philadelphia this weekend, I’ve been in contact with Shane Victorino’s management company (shout out to Josh Goldberg at Beverly Hills Sports Council) to see if I can’t line up an interview with our proud Phillie All Star that very same weekend. Josh says that we’ll make it happen so I’mma keepin’ my fingers crossed!
In anticipation of this interview, let’s collect your questions, much like how we did with your BJ Penn ones: Post any questions you’d like to ask Shane in the comment area below and I’ll take them up with me to ask Shane himself. Then, we’ll do a post-interview blog with your questions (much like how we did with the BJ ones)! Sound good? Comment away!
A special thank you to Ted Nakamura who connected me to Leonard Nakahashi who connected me to Shane’s mom, who connected me to Josh at BHSC. Mahalo Ted, Leonard, Shane’s mom, Shane, Josh, and BHSC!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade or so, the name B.J. Penn is one you’re probably very familiar with. It’s the same name that is revered in Mixed-Martial Arts circles and synonymous with that word “respect”.
Best of all, bruddah is ours; a son of the `aina, born and raised in our backyard of Hawaii.
Hawaii’s own… BJ Penn (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
When the opportunity presented itself to meet and interview this legend of the sport, you can bet your candypants that I was going to be there.
Penn was first introduced to the art of jiu jitsu by his neighbor Tom Callos. Callos had just moved to Hilo with his girlfriend and was looking for training partners to roll with. B.J. excelled and eventually went on to become the first American born competitor to win the (Mundial) World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black belt featherweight division.
Since then, he’s fought some of the biggest names in (and out of) his weight class including Georges St. Pierre, Lyoto Machida, Matt Hughes, Renzo Gracie and Takanori Gomi, and has made a case for himself as one of the greatest pound for pound fighters in the world.
Penn puts a rear naked choke on then Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes to take the title at UFC 46: Super Natural (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
On August 8th, Penn will be putting his Lightweight Championship belt on the line against a game Kenny Florian at UFC 101 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Florian is one of the top lightweight contenders in the UFC who possesses a dangerous muay thai striking game, wicked elbows and a sick jiu jitsu ground game, and, is, oh-by-the-way, riding a 6 fight winning streak over the likes of Roger Huerta, Joe Stevenson, Joe Lauzon and Din Thomas.
UFC 101 Poster (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
Penn, now 30, talks about fighting Florian, his family and what’s to come in his not-so-distant future… Check it!
Video Interview with B.J. Penn – Part I – Personal Life (Click to Play!)
PERSONAL LIFE:
Edward Sugimoto) (It’s very evident that) you’re very close to your family. Describe the importance of that strong bond.
B.J. Penn) It’s always good to have a good family bond. You know you always got people to back you up and always got someone to hang out with… Someone to have fun with… have a good time so, yup family’s very important.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) You just started a family of your own with your daughter (Aeva Lili’u , born on October 16 2008). How has she changed your life?
B.J. Penn) (*laughs*) Yeah I just had a daughter Aeva, 7 months old right now and, you know, she’s awesome! She gives me a reason to come home. There’s no reason to stay out late a lot of the nights. You know, just come home. It’s just awesome, awesome having a daughter.
Edward Sugimoto) What is your favorite part of being a dad?
B.J. Penn) I guess my favorite part about being a dad I guess is just seeing your baby after not seeing them after a couple hours or waking up in the morning. It’s just a real good time.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) Growing up with brothers, you have a tendency to be very competitive. You have 3 brothers. How much of a role do you think that played in your life competing in sports?
B.J. Penn) I definitely think that having a lot of brothers made me competitive. I mean, just with me being in between Reagan and JD you know I can you know, I can get into it with him and get into it with Reagan so being a middle child I think that helped me a lot.
Edward Sugimoto) You seem to go out of your way to represent the state of Hawaii with great pride. From your King Kamehameha pose during the weigh-ins, to your Brudda Iz entrance song, to your shakas… Even staying true to your Big Island roots. Why is that so important to you?
B.J. Penn) I just uh, I like to go out there and spread Hawaii all around the world and let people know what we’re about. It’s really good to spread the Aloha Spirit and all these different things around and you know, sometimes you feel like “if I don’t do it, who will?” (*laughs*) you know.
B.J. Penn and the author
Edward Sugimoto) Unlike other celebrities, you’re pretty down to earth, you’re welcoming with your fans. What makes you so grounded and humble?
B.J. Penn) I guess when I’m in Las Vegas and the big UFC and everything, and all the action going on you know, I really don’t get to see none of that stuff over here at home in Hilo so it’s just a total different world you know. You go up there and it’s real busy and all these things. Down here in Hilo it’s just real relaxed. I think can owe a lot of being grounded to just being where I grew up.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) Do you have any heroes?
B.J. Penn) I for sure have a lot of heroes. Hulk Hogan, “Rocky Balboa”, and Mike Tyson. You know, I mean everybody growing up. I’m a fan of a lot of people.
Edward Sugimoto) Do you follow other local athletes like Shane Victorino, Tadd Fujikawa, etc.?
B.J. Penn) I’m not a big baseball fan, but I know of Shane you know, I wish him the best and all his successes. And I remember Bryan Clay… just won the Olympics. That’s just amazing. Greatest athlete on earth right there. So it’s just amazing the kind of athletes that have been coming out of Hawaii lately.
Edward Sugimoto) What is a typical day in the life of B.J. Penn?
B.J. Penn) Typical day in the life? Training day: I guess wake up, drink a protein shake with some oatmeal, and go work out. Come home, relax, eat a bunch more times, and go back and work out again. Come home and relax. And on a rest day: don’t do nothin’. Stay home all day or down at the beach or river or whatever.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) You make a lot of excellent use of web and social networking: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, whatnot. How has these helped to get your message out to your fans?
B.J. Penn) Yeah, it’s a great way to get what you want to say out to the fans. And that’s the best thing about having your own web site or doing stuff because people always try to edit you down and people always try to not let you say what you want to say and that’s the most important thing about having BJPenn.com is I can say whatever I want to say and I can get that message out.
Edward Sugimoto) Speaking of BJPENN.com. It looks like you guys put a lot of work into it. Daily video blogs, forums, and that kinda thing for the fans. What’s the ultimate goal with the site?
B.J. Penn) I just want to let BJPenn.com keep growing and you know, ah, I guess it’s at it’s ultimate goal right now, and now we just keep letting it grow and multiply and multiply until it’s something to be reckoned with I guess. (*laughs*)
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) You work pretty tirelessly with the keiki as well, at your gym and you have a B.J. Penn Foundation. What motivates you to educate and shape the future of Hawaii?
B.J. Penn) You know, just kinda watching the kids around. I don’t want to be a role model. I don’t want to be you know the guy, like I’m a perfect person cause I’m not that’s for sure, but you know, you put me in front of a bunch of kids and you tell me to start talking to them and it just seems like it comes out natural. And I just talk to them and I see them and I know you know, everybody’s different, everybody has their hardships and goes through their different things, so it’s good, you know, if I can just brighten up their day for a little bit or maybe they can take any advice that I might’ve learned over my years of experience I guess, it all makes it worth it.
Edward Sugimoto) You’ve been seen wearing “B.J. Penn for Governor” T-shirts. Is this something you’d like to one day shoot for?
B.J. Penn) (*laughs*) Um, I don’t know. I don’t know if we’re gonna run for office. Anybody who ever asks me about that shirt, I just have to tell um, “we’re weighing our options.” (*laughs*)
Video Interview with B.J. Penn – Part II – MMA Life (Click to Play!)
MMA LIFE:
Edward Sugimoto) When did you first realize you could scrap?
B.J. Penn) I still don’t know if I can scrap. I gotta find out some more. I don’t know I just realized one day when we were playing around boxing and somebody punched me and I realized ah, it doesn’t even hurt. And that’s when I realized that, well I didn’t realize, but then I just knew that punches don’t hurt.
Edward Sugimoto) Speaking of that, what is your head made out of? I hardly ever see you bruise or bleed or anything!
B.J. Penn) (*laughs modestly*) Oh no, no! I don’t know. Just gotta knock on wood (*knocks on wood*) for that one.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) The story of how you got introduced to BJJ is legendary (introduced by your neighbor Tom Callos)…
B.J. Penn) Yup, my neighbor Tom Callos lived right on this road. And he did a couple of jiu-jitsu lessons and he seen us kids wrestling around, boxing and hanging out, and he wanted a bunch of kids to just work out with. Cause he wasn’t teaching, just to have fun and roll around with. And then we, we uh, we started… So I didn’t wanna really do it, and my dad was like c’mon go do it, go do it, so I went down and then Tom choked me out tapped me out and I was like man, there’s something to this, and my brain just started going.
Edward Sugimoto) So we can thank Tom for B.J. Penn!?
B.J. Penn) Yeah, I really gotta thank Tom Callos. I tell him that all the time. (*looks into camera*) And thank you Tom.
BJ Penn, unknown, Kennan Cornelius, Reagan Penn, Tony DeSouza and Tom Callos. (Photo Courtesy: Tom Callos)
Edward Sugimoto) You still work with him right?
B.J. Penn) Yeah yeah, he lives right here, down the road.
Edward Sugimoto) I mean on the web site, you have his web site linked.
B.J. Penn) Yup, Tom the Master. Martial Arts gym owner, business man.
Edward Sugimoto) You earned the nickname “The Prodigy” early on. In a recent interview I saw that you were thinking about changing it. If you could change it today, what would you change it to?
B.J. Penn) (*laughs*) Um, Jay Penn, Jr. Nah. I dunno. Umm…
Edward Sugimoto) We’ll just stick with that one.
B.J. Penn) Yeah, we’ll stick with “The Prodigy” for now (*laughs*)
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) Talk about your flexibility and how that helps you.
B.J. Penn) Yeah, I didn’t know I was flexible my whole life. You know everybody always asked me, “How’d you get so flexible?” “Do you stretch so much?” and after I started doing jiu jitsu, everybody started telling me I was flexible, and THEN I started stretching, like, to make it even more… to get more flexible. So that’s the whole story on my flexibility.
Penn displaying his flexibility against Matt Hughes at UFC 63 (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
Edward Sugimoto) A lot of people try to use the statement “oh he’s spoiled because he comes from a rich family” and that pisses ME off hearing that. Be honest, how fired up do you get (when you hear people say that)?
B.J. Penn) You know, a lot of people say I’m spoiled and stuff and I really would like to respond, but I gotta go jump inside the limousine, it’s waiting for me right here and we’re gonna go ahead and jump in my private jet and head outta here so… (*laughs*) You know, but um. Ah, people can say whatever they want. They don’t know how you live, you know. But I guess at least they’re that interested that they want to know. So if people are talking good or bad, you know, just as long as they’re talking, it’s worse if they’re not saying anything.
Edward Sugimoto) A lot was made also about your partying days and your cardio back in the day, Until one day, you just flipped the switch. Was their one specific thing, that made you do that?
B.J. Penn) I didn’t like partying after a while. I mean, I still don’t mind it, but, I mean, now with a daughter, and just the whole training and everything, I wanted to take it more serious. I wanted to see you know how far can I get, how good can I get? You know it’s constantly evolving, it still isn’t finished yet, and I don’t think it ever will be. Every time you get into a new training camp, you try new methods and you try to improve and that’s just how it goes. I don’t think there’s ever an end-all say-all this is it, this is how you train for a fight.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) What’s the deal with licking blood?
B.J. Penn) I dunno, you gotta ask that guy in the ring because the guy right here would never lick blood I tell you that right now. (*laughs*) So it’s just a different man
Edward Sugimoto) Your cauliflower ears are often referred to as one of the nastiest in the business. Do you take that as a diss or a compliment?
B.J. Penn) (*laughs*) What do you mean? (*shows his right ear*) Look at that aerodynamic! (*laughs*)
Edward Sugimoto) The other side!
B.J. Penn) OK, ok, this one’s pretty bad, but… um, yup, it got bad. I really, you know, tell all the kids out there, you know, if you start grappling and your ear starts getting messed up, take care of it. I really wish I didn’t let it get too bad.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) You have an intensity on your face before you walk out or in your interviews that is unmatched. Are you like pissed off or focused? What is that?
B.J. Penn) I think I get focused when I’m doing interviews or in a match, but, I think it’s just that I’m emotionally involved, and I’m there, and I really wanna do my best, and I… I really wanna do my best whether it’s fighting, entertaining the fans, or whatever it is, you know, and I really feel I have a genuine like or love for the sport of mixed martial arts, and I take this stuff very serious, you know. This isn’t just a game for me.
Penn’s game face (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
Edward Sugimoto) Did you catch Machida’s performance (at UFC 98)?
B.J. Penn) Oh I got to see Lyoto Machida knock out Rashad Evans and that was just amazing how he did that. He did an awesome job. And Rashad went down.
Edward Sugimoto) Don’t think Dana White would allow it (different weight classes), but is that a rematch you’d like to have one day?
B.J. Penn) Um, you know, we’ll see what happens in the future with Lyoto and stuff. I mean first thing’s first. I gotta beat Kenny Florian coming up on August 8. And then I’m gonna move forward slowly and see who we fight next, and I wanna make sure I got a couple rematches in mind you know that I wanna have.
Edward Sugimoto) Speaking of UFC 101 against Florian. How’s the training going so far?
B.J. Penn) The training’s going great for UFC 101. I’m making sure not to overtrain. And, you know we started a couple months ago, and I’m training with Marv Marinovich, and we’ll be spending our last 8 weeks in California with a bunch of good training partners, with Marv Marinovich there, Jason Parillo will be there, Rudy Valentino’s gonna fly up, so I feel VERY good about this training camp.
B.J. Penn and the author
Edward Sugimoto) Just a while ago, you also just came back from training with Marv (famed ex-NFL trainer Marv Marinovich). How did that go?
B.J. Penn) Marv is just amazing. You know, I don’t want to get into everything that he does but it’s just his fundamentals for making somebody get to a much better athletic performance, it’s just amazing how he tackles athletic problems. He really is, that guy’s a genius.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) Kenny Florian is no joke. Without giving away too much, what’s your kind of plan of attack (for taking him out)?
B.J. Penn) Well I never really make a game plan when I go into a fight. I’m just gonna try to run at him, try to hit him. And he’s gonna try to I dunno, get away from me, or come in, but I’m gonna try to submit him or knock him out the whole time. And that’s it. I’m not really a good game plan guy, I just go and try and do my best.
Edward Sugimoto) Are you concerned at all about his notorious elbows (opening up a cut)?
B.J. Penn) You know, I’m sure he’s gonna be coming out with his elbows and stuff but actually, it’s better that I know that his elbows exist, and he’s good at um, so I think already that’s an advantage. Knowing is half the battle.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) There’s also our Hawaii boys Kendall Grove and Shane Nelson on the same card (UFC 101). How does that make you feel?
B.J. Penn) I’m really excited to have Kendall and Shane on the card with me. I’m gonna be a lot more comfortable. So I’m not gonna be the only one with pressure on my back that night. They gotta share the load.
Edward Sugimoto) Years ago, probably something like this would have never happened: 3 out of the 11 fights (of a major UFC card) involve fighters from Hawaii.
B.J. Penn) That’s right! Three out of the 11 fights are people from Hawaii. That’s amazing.
The author and B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) You’re also in a movie (“Never Surrender”) and you’re also in a video game (UFC 2009: Undisputed). Must be good to be B.J. Penn right now huh?
B.J. Penn) (*modest laugh*) Uh, I dunno, uh, ah, things… I dunno I haven’t gotten to play Undisputed yet, but I heard it’s a great game. And, I don’t know about my acting in the movie. Wasn’t too good, so… It’s alright, it’s alright. Just same ol’ getting back in the gym and getting ready to fight.
Edward Sugimoto) What does the future hold for B.J. Penn?
B.J. Penn) After we beat Kenny Florian on August 8th, come back, relax, and then, I don’t know, we’ll see how it all goes you know, I wanna get another title defense quick, right away, right after it so, we’ll see how it goes.
B.J. Penn
Edward Sugimoto) Anything else to add for your fans out there?
B.J. Penn) I just want to thank all the fans. Fans of MMA in general and all my fans. And thank you guys very much for the support and thanks for sticking with me. It’s been a long ride and it’s been fun thank you guys.
B.J. Penn
Even though this was probably one of the most challenging interviews to line up, it was definitely the most gratifying. Not only am I a huge jiu-jitsu/MMA/martial arts enthusiast, I’m a big fan of B.J. Penn. He’s come from his humble beginnings in Hawaii and made a name for himself in his sport like no other. He’s as real as they get and for that I applaud him.
UFC Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn (Photo Courtesy: UFC)
Following this experience, in which he showed true class and humility and never once made me feel like just another appointment on his calendar, I can truly say that I am an even bigger fan of Hawaii’s own, B.J. Penn. All the best to B.J., his family, his fight, and his future.
Respect Bruddah B.J…. Respect!
B.J. Penn and your boy. Yeah, I need a haircut… I know!
A special mahaloz to Maribel Quemado and JD Penn for making this interview a reality, Dave Oi for being my videographer and photographer for the day, and to Elizabeth Loucheur and Edward Muncey from the UFC for all of their assistance with media requests.
***
BONUS!
Prior to this interview with the champ, I asked my World Wide Ed blog community if they had any questions they’d like me to take up. The following link goes to the blog that I wrote today, that includes the questions they posed, and B.J.’s video response to them. Enjoy!
UFC 101 Live Streaming Content: Thanks to the good people at the UFC, you can now view post UFC 100 video highlights and LIVE streaming events taking place leading up to UFC 101 on Oceanic.com! Check it out!
As some of you may know, dis buggah was lucky enough to have the unbelievable opportunity to fly to Hilo this past weekend to interview Hawaii’s own, BJ Penn. Using Twitter as our base, here’s a recap of the weekend’s activities. What a BLAST!
2:19 PM May 29th – Hilo here I am! LOL!
Just landed and was picked up at the airport by my buddy Dave. Was enthused to see what was to come.
4:23 PM May 29th – just enjoyed boneless chicken at Blanes with @dave_OI
My co-worker Evan (Hilo native) said we should try the boneless chicken from Blane’s, so when we were looking for a snack to nibble on, that’s what we nibbled on.
7:00 PM May 29th – is waiting for his Mike Piazza from Kilauea Pizza Hut
With all the pizza talk from our Friday blog, Dave and I were itchin’ for a slice (or two). We hit up the local Pizza Hut for a custom pie. Props to bruddah kuya.d for giving me a ring-a-ling and asking if we wanted to come check out an imu (for kulolo) him and his students were building! Next time fo sho!
9:36 PM May 29th – don’t these coqui frogs know that I have an important interview tomorrow morning? *grin*
Didn’t realize how noisy those buggahs were until I heard them for myself. Trying to study/prepare for an important interview with them “coqui-ing” away in the background was quite the challenge.
8:36 AM May 30th – enjoying taro corned beef hash at Kuhio Grill. Mmmmm!
Sorry Ynkau. I nevah try the 1 pound lau lau, but I wasn’t that hungry that morning. Plus, if BJ wanted to roll with me, I wanted to be ready. Ha!
And then…
It was time…
Here are some shots from my camera during the interview.
BJ Penn chillin’
BJ Penn getting into it
Side view of the Champ and I
10:59 AM May 30th – Interview with Time Warner at JD’s house http://sml.vg/z40gzp
This one (and the next one) is actually from @Officialbjpenn’s Twitter (now @UFCBJPenn @bjpenndotcom). And yep, for those of you who were wondering, that really IS him on Twitter. I saw it with my very own eyes!
11:32 AM May 30th – @Officialbjpenn Mahaloz for the time! That was awesome!
My mahaloz to BJ through Twitsville.
12:34 PM May 30th – respects and admires BJ Penn even more now. What a kool kat!
So true. He’s such a mellow, cool, likeable guy. It’s no surprise that the entire state of Hawaii is so supportive of our MMA hero.
3:18 PM May 30th – just picked up 18 strawberry mochis from Two Ladies Kitchen. Wonder how dese buggahs taste…
Even though it was just an over-nighter, you know you gotsta pick up omiyage. We picked up 18 of these popular strawberry mochis from Two Ladies Kitchen. Holy Toledo. They were HEAVY!
All in all it was an awesome trip! Much love to BJ for the time! Mad props to JD Penn for the hook-ups and the hospitality. Mahaloz to Dave Oi for being my personal chauffeur and cameraman for the weekend!
OK, so I think I did it! After months of persistence, I think I’ve finally secured that interview with BJ Penn! Much love JD! Gonna be flying up to Hilo this weekend, but before I do, I wanted to check in with all y’all MMA fans (or fans in general) to see if you had any questions for the UFC Lightweight Champion of the Woooooorrrrrllllllld!
Post um below and I’ll take the best ones up with me! Wish me luck!
On a side note, if you have any suggestions for places to grind in Hilo, please post those as well. Shooots!
Jason “Mayhem” Miller and I have been “friends” on MySpace for years, but he probably had no idea. Sure, we’ve traded a few emails about him possibly becoming an AroundHawaii columnist one day, but that was way back in the day. You know, before he really became the Mayhem we all know and love today.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller posing during a match in Japan’s Dream tournament (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
Who the heck is Mayhem you ask? The question really should be who Mayhem isn’t ’cause he’s just about everything you can think of in a real life action figure. He’s part wrecking machine (a sick professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter), part comedian (one of the funniest, off-da-wall guys you’ll ever meet), part Hollywood (gots more personality than a WWE wrestler), and part geek (loves him some video games).
Mayhem on Xbox Live (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
Mayhem’s humble beginnings started back in June of ‘03 (well, at least it did for us Hawaii MMA fans) where he beat Jay Buck at the SuperBrawl 30 – Collision Course event. He followed that up with successive wins against Sean “Tornado” Taylor, and local favorites Egan Inoue and Ronald Jhun. By this point, us Hawaii peeps started taking notice. His ring entrances were magic and his post fight interviews even better. Hawaii had no choice but to fall in love with this charismatic S.O.B. (wassup Anuhea! )
Then it was off for a brief stint in the UFC before returning for more fights in the islands under the Icon name. And then… it happened…
KABOOM!
The world of MMA pretty much exploded into the mainstream phenomenon it is today, and, along with it, “our” beloved Mayhem. He’s now got numerous sponsors, is pretty much the face of HDNet Fights, writes regularly for FIGHT! Magazine, appears on a segment called Mayhem Mondays on Jason Ellis’ Sirius Satellite Radio show, is a favorite for all MMA related magazine and TV show interviews, and even has a worldwide cult following called the Mayhem Monkeys.
Mayhem Monkeys cult leader (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
In preparation for this interview, I tried to “osmosisize” as much Mayhem info as I could. I knew it was going to be a wild ride as I’ve seen him wreak havoc (in a good way) on TV shows many times before. I was going in with the mindset that my questions would simply be the footnotes to the show that would be Mayhem. That’s pretty much how it all went down yo. Enjoy!
Edward Sugimoto) For those who aren’t in the know, please give a little background on who Jason “Mayhem” Miller is and what makes him tick.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Aw c’mon that’s the easiest question ever! What do you mean describe who I am? By the end of this interview, if you don’t know who I am… then you’re not reading. So if you read this… if people read this, well Bob’s your uncle.
Edward Sugimoto) (persists) OK, so for those non readers and non-MMA fans out there then, who the heck is Mayhem?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) NO! I’m not going to answer that. Mayhem is Mayhem. If you don’t figure it out by the end of this interview, either you didn’t give a good enough interview, or the person did not read well. You’re gonna figure it out over the course of this magical journey.
Edward Sugimoto) Who are the Mayhem Monkeys?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Mayhem Monkeys are a cult. Like any other cult we do whatever it takes to further our agenda and, on a daily basis, we’re furthering our agenda.
Edward Sugimoto) And it got started on the Internet?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) No, they got started in my backyard when I was 16.
Edward Sugimoto) Is it true that you used to be a computer geek growing up?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) I am still a computer geek to the fullest. I just switched over to a Mac and I think that anybody who doesn’t switch over to Mac is pretty much a retard and should not be allowed to breed. And I say that with every drop of my soul involved because Mac is so much easier and it doesn’t crash half as much and when it does crash it comes back to life normally. And they have service that is light years above and beyond that of the PC… the call centers in India where they don’t even speak English well and they’re just faking like they do and they say their name is “Ted” but they’re name isn’t “Ted.” Their name is some varied Indian name but they can’t say that so they gotta pretend that and say they’re in Indiana but they’re not! They’re in Mumbai.
Edward Sugimoto) So I take it you’re sponsored by Mac?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) No! I wish! If Mac would come though, I would gladly… uh… You know what? I would even do it for just some new computers. Some Macbooks and new uh… I want one of those Airs, but I can’t justify spending that much money when I can’t even put a CD in that thing.
Edward Sugimoto) How did you go from being a computer geek to punching people in the face?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) I’m still a computer geek. I never left. I just punch people in the face. It’s the same thing dude. Fighting is the same as anything else. You figure out a system to win, and you try to win, you know what I mean. Life is just one big video game. If you figure it out, you try to find the best skills to do whatever you need to do well then Bob is your uncle you figure it out.
Mayhem victorious (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
Edward Sugimoto) What’s a typical day in the life of Mayhem like?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Usually wake up, go for a run, eat an egg white omelette, cruise MySpace, go on Facebook, go box, eat lunch, try to pick up chicks, go back to training again, at night, kickbox or jiu jitsu or something, try to pick up chicks, write my article for Fight Magazine, go to sleep and do it again.
Edward Sugimoto) You’ve always given props to your Hawaii fans. What is it about them that you vibe on?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) What do you mean? Hawaii is like my home. Hawaii is like my hometown, you know, so what the hell, like I can’t really turn my back on the whole deal, just because I’m living on the mainland trying to make a bunch of money being a TV star, beating people up in the mainland and in Japan. You can’t just turn your back on your family you know. Believe me I tried because my family is out of their goddamn minds.
Edward Sugimoto) OK, we won’t put that in there.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) NO! Put that part in. I don’t care. My family knows they’re all out of their damn minds. My dad’s crazy, my mom’s crazy, my sister’s crazy. And that’s all I got in this world. That and Hawaii.
Edward Sugimoto) Your ring entrances are legendary…
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Legend!
Edward Sugimoto) How do you come up with it? Where does it come from? Why do you do it?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) What I do is an art, an art form. That’s just part of the art, the expression, so, I do it.
One of Mayhem’s many “artistic” ring entrances (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
Edward Sugimoto) It’s not to intimidate the opponent?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Why? It’s for me, it’s for the fun. I only get to be magic for one night in the fight world so I’m gonna make the most of it you know. Everyone’s paying attention so, you know, I try to express myself in other ways than punching the guy, kicking the guy, and choking the guy.
Edward Sugimoto) You’ve got two pretty good badges of honor (your cauliflower ears). I’m jealous.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Badges of honor? They’re an annoyance.
Mayhem’s cauliflower ears (photo courtesy of Mayhem’s Myspace)
Edward Sugimoto) Be honest, it helps you with the ladies doesn’t it?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Yeah, if they know what it is. If not, they think I’m retarded. You know, whatever. I was just too lazy to wear a headgear honestly. And then I got the ear and then the doctor said to wear the headgear and I just never wore it, so you know, it’s nothing special. I wish that I didn’t make my mama cry. She stopped drinking for 9 months so that I wouldn’t be retarded, and I still ended up retarded.
Edward Sugimoto) What was up with that sudden retirement? Were you seriously just done with it all?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Yeah, I never was retired, I said retarded. Yeah and then everybody thought I said retired so I just rolled with it and said yeah, I’m retired and just agreed with everyone. So, I dunno, I just didn’t have any fights scheduled so I said whatever you know.
Edward Sugimoto) You’re next fight is against tough guy Kala Kolohe Hose on April 18th. Are you ready to go?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) I’m ready to do it right now… in the parking lot… on University at Team H.K. I’m ready to do it right now in the parking lot, but whatever, I’ll wait, you know. I’ll wait and train even more.
Kingdom MMA Mayhem vs. Kala poster (poster courtesy KingdomMMA.com)
Edward Sugimoto) You also have a new reality show coming out on MTV this month called “Bully Beat Down.” Let’s talk about that.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) What do you want to talk about?
Edward Sugimoto) You know, what it’s all about, what’s the premise, that kinda thing.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) The premise is, you know there’s bullies all over the globe. I step to the bully and offer ‘em 10 Gs to step in the cage against one of my fighters. Now, more often than not, they agree to do it AND they get their ass kicked… and we all have a good laugh.
Edward Sugimoto) Good for TV right?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Dude, it’s TV platinum. It’s not even TV gold, it’s TV platinum. I’m taking it to the next level.
Edward Sugimoto) I expect global notoriety and worldwide domination after that. You?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) It’s already there. I’m just getting out to a different demographic now. I’m getting out to the MTV generation of retards.
Edward Sugimoto) Anything else you ‘d like to say to your Monkeys out there?
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) They already know. Yeah, they’re in the know. I don’t need your web site to tell ‘em.
Edward Sugimoto) *laughs* Ouch!
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) No offense. *smirks*
Edward Sugimoto) Alright, thanks a lot man.
Jason “Mayhem” Miller) Yeah of course. My pleasure.
Probably one of my most adventurous interviews yet. I knew going in that I would be laughing my butt off, but I didn’t think it would be after every single question. Though he’s pretty intense and intimidating at first (perhaps it was because I met him right before some serious training?), he’s got a likable way about him that makes you feel comfortable as well. It was almost as if it were just two friends shooting the breeze one evening. Well, MySpace friends at least…
Mayhem flashin’ the shaka
(Would like to send a special shout out to Todd Tanaka of Team HK for setting things up and letting us use your dojo for the interview. Mahaloz also to the students there for letting me sit in and watch you guys train. Lastly, mad props to Jason “Mayhem” Miller for the time. Good luck in your upcoming fight and TV show).
Please do not post your losses if it will get you in trouble with the wife/husband/gf/bf/friend/loan shark/parents. *grin* And by no means does this mean I condone betting as a regular activity. Personally, I don’t really like to do big cash bets – especially if it’s between friends – because, like they say, money is the root of all evil. I’m more of a “for bragging rights,” plate lunch bet kinda guy, just to keep things interesting.
But since I was in the betting capital of the world for Super Bowl weekend just 4 short days ago, I put a cool 100 to the test for Arizona (with a spread of 7). Zona lost, but by just 4 (27-23) so I was in the money baby! I got $180 back, netting $80. Not bad, but it was a small consolation for the $100 (and a full week of plate lunches I owe my co-worker) I lost with my Penn pick the night before.
It’s gonna take me a little more time to organize my thoughts (my photos as well) on my UFC 94 weekend in Las Vegas, but here’s a lil’ sumthin’ sumthin’ for y’all in the meantime. It’s a video of BJ Penn’s entrance. The building was going bananas: B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
Every so often, there comes a time in a man’s life when the stars just align. The perfect storm of pleasure if you will. The weekend of January 30th was one such time.
You see, The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – the most popular Mixed Martial Arts promotion – was having their biggest, most highly anticipated fight card in history: UFC 94. The main event featured Hilo’s own BJ Penn against Canada’s Georges St. Pierre, arguably the two best pound for pound fighters in the sport. Superbowl XLIII (43) festivities, which featured the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Arizona Cardinals, was also going on that weekend. Did I mention that this was all going down in Vegas? ‘Nuff said!
It all started with a confirmation of UFC 94 fight tickets, just a couple weeks before the event (Mahalos to Bruddah DJ and the rest of the UFC posse). From there, it was pure pandemonium as I worked some flight, room and car reservation magic for less than $580 per. Not bad, given the current flight prices.
Wifey unfortunately couldn’t take off of work so my friend Dave “took one for the team” and forced himself to come with me on this once in a lifetime, sport-filled weekend.
We caught the red-eye on Thursday the 29th, and enjoyed breakfast at Ruby’s Dinette on our LAX layover.
Outside Ruby’s Dinette
I’ve been by this place numerous times before, but never had the chance or the time to eat there. With our hunger, and a couple of hours to spare, Dave and I checked it out. It’s a good thing we did because it was surprisingly good.
Ruby’s Breakfast Burrito: “A flour tortilla filled with fluffy scrambled eggs, salsa and shredded cheese. Topped with sour cream, black olives and chopped green onions. Served with black beans. It’s our “South of the Border” specialty!”
Skillet Potatoes
Ruby’s Dinette – LAX
201 World Way – Terminal 6
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 646-2480
We arrived in Sin City at about 10AM on Friday, the 30th, but by the time we got our luggage, stood in line to pick up our rental car, and took my mobile phone in for service (it stopped working for some reason), it was almost time for the first two events of the trip: the exclusive Q&A session with (fighter) Rashad Evans and the official UFC 94 weigh-ins.
UFC 94 Schedule of Events poster
Thanks to Bruddah DJ, we were able to get early access into the event and sit decently close.
The much anticipated BJ Penn-Georges St Pierre stare down, as St.-Pierre’s head trainer Firas Zahabi, an unknown male, UFC President Dana White, ring announcer Bruce Buffer, Penn’s head trainer Rudy Valentino and fight matchmaker Joe Silva look on.
Following the weigh-ins, I decided to check my voicemail from my friend’s phone and was surprised to hear that my Las Vegas (Hawaii transplant) friend Jen left a couple of messages. She wanted us to meet up for dinner with her and her boyfriend Brandon at an all you can eat sushi spot called Sushi-Mon. Since Dave and I were practically starving, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect!
Sushi-Mon sign
For $26.95 ($21.95 for lunch), you can pick from a large array of sushi/nigiri, rolls, and side dishes, and go to town on them for one hour. And go to town I did!
2 orders of ikura (salmon roe) and 2 orders of masago (smelt egg) (one order already eaten… couldn’t wait! *grin*)
2 orders of hokkigai (surf clam) and 2 orders of hamachi (yellowtail tuna)
Dave’s Moon Roll order (Freshwater eel, yum yum scallop & avocado served on a bed of tempura crumbs topped with eel sauce).
Jen’s recommended Cajun Albacore sushi
Snow crab meat sushi (you’re only allowed one order)
Baked Scallop Shell side dish
Ika (squid) sushi
Sushi-Mon (on Sahara)
8320 W Sahara Ave #180,
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 304-0044
Open 7 Days a week, 11:30AM-2:00AM
And den, it was fight day! After fueling up on the $7.99 Garden Court Buffet Lunch at the Main Street Station Hotel in downtown…
My $7.99 buffet lunch (breakfast actually) at the Main Street Station Hotel in downtown (heart don’t fail me now!)
… we headed towards the Mirage to place some fight bets, as, according to my friend Kippy who messaged me on Facebook, they had Penn at +180, some of the best lines in town! By the time we got there though, the line had moved to +135, but that was still good enough for me to back our local hero. While there, I also dropped a bit on the Super Bowl for good measure (‘Zona with the 7 point spread). What the heck right?
Following that, we went back to our hotel to get a quick R&R before the big day ahead. Then it was time! We started by roaming the MGM casino area an hour before the gates were to open. We saw a cool photo opp set up for fight fans, and, after asking a girl to take our photo there, her friends thought it was a good idea to tell her to jump in the photo with us! Um, yeah, thanks!
Dave and I posing with some random girl.
At 4:15PM we started to slowly make our way to the gates. The heart started a racin’ and the adrenaline started a pumpin’! I couldn’t believe we were actually there son!
Shuffling in before showtime
Here are the results with some personal observations sprinkled in between.
Dan Cramer defeats Matt Arroyo by Split Decision
- I thought Matt Arroyo, The Ultimate Fighter 7 alum, would take this one, but was surprised with Cramer’s perseverance.
Jake O’Brien defeats Christian Wellisch by Split Decision
- Another surprise as I picked Wellisch to come out on top for this one. As you can tell by now, my fantasy UFC picking is pretty horrible. Good to see O’Brien back from his injury and looking strong though.
John Howard defeats Chris Wilson by Split Decision
- This was too close to call, but both men gave it their all.
Thiago Tavares defeats Manny Gamburyan by Unanimous Decision
- Tavares was too big and too strong (and too quick) for Gamburyan, as expected.
Jon Fitch defeats Akihiro Gono by Unanimous Decision
- Gono impressed me by taking Fitch the distance. His entrance performance (where he dressed up in drag with two of his cornermen) had me in stitches!
Akihiro Gono’s hilarious drag queen entrance
Clay Guida defeats Nate Diaz by Split Decision
- Not a huge fan of Diaz, but knew Guida couldn’t finish him. Picked Guida, just based on his energy and spirit. Gotta love someone who is passionate about what they do. Got hooked to his entrance song (Foo Fighter’s “My Hero“).
Karo Parisyan defeats Dong Hyun Kim by Split Decision
- From my vantage point, I thought Kim got robbed on this one. He impressed me. Looking forward to more from him.
Jon Jones defeats Stephan Bonnar by Unanimous Decision
- Woah! Where’d this guy come from? Jones was very unorthodox, but impressive at the same time. Bonnar must’ve been confused with the strikes coming from all ova tha place!
Lyoto Machida defeats Thiago Silva by Knock Out at 4:49 in the 1st round
Lyoto Machida and Thiago Silva stare down each other as they get instructions from referee Yves Lavigne
- ALAS!!! A finish!!! Machida must’ve heard all of our groans from a card filled with decisions. And he made sure to bring it. Silva was completely out for a good minute or so. It was the first time I jumped out of my seat (other that to use the potty! *grin*). Mahalos Lyoto!
Silva still on the ground after a vicious Machida punch
Georges St-Pierre defeats BJ Penn by TKO Stoppage at 5:00 in the 4th round
BJ’s Entrance Video
Animation of opening sequence
- D’oh! What a disappointment. But soooo worth being there in person. I was there when they first met at UFC 58 in March of ‘06 so it was inevitable that I be there at this one. Unfortunately, the results didn’t reflect my (and probably most of Hawaii’s) wishes. That’s ok, BJ is still the man in my eyes! He showed great courage by not giving up.
On a side note, was it just me or did BJ not look all there from the very beginning? Even from where I was sitting, I could tell that something was just not right. He didn’t come out with the tenacity and that fire in his eye like he usually does. Something was just off. When I watched it back on my DVR at home, I noticed that his eyes were glassy and puffy and he had a look of stress/worry. Was it mental? Was it physical? Only BJ knows I guess, but the results from the fight seemed to confirm my spidey senses.
Following the fight, the rumors started to fly. My Google Reader started blowin’ up! I heard everything from BJ having a fever, to a stomach flu, to a nervous breakdown. I can’t imagine the pressure of having an entire state (and country) on your shoulders. And I know that BJ has that mental toughness a fighter needs to succeed, but something just wasn’t right.
For you Canadian/GSP fans/readers out there, I’m not making any excuses. GSP followed a perfect game plan and fought a flawless fight, and truly was the better man that night. However, if, indeed, the Vaseline and stomach flu rumors were true, and BJ was able to fight at full strength (mentally and physically) against a fair, Vaseline-less body, I’m absolutely positive that the fight would’ve been A LOT closer than it was. If it turns out that those rumors were false, GSP is undeniably the better man at Welterweight.
Leaving the arena took a ridiculously long time as there was just one exit for all 14,885 of us fans in the Grand Garden Arena (I really hope the folks at MGM do something about this potentially dangerous situation). It did give us some time however, to observe some interesting things like the proud/happy Canadians singing their national anthem aloud and the local mokes trying to call them out fo’ beef. I really wish that that fight broke out to give us some entertainment. Not that I was upset at the Canadians. Heck, they deserved to be proud. I think it was more that my thirst for excitement was not quite quenched, with just two stoppages the whole night.
I got some consolation when I saw Pride fighting legend Takanori Gomi waiting in line for his car outside, and took a picture with him. He seemed intense, but gave me a proper, Japanese bow as I bowed and thanked him with “Arigatou gozaimasu.”
Wifey also called me later to tell me that my goal of getting on the historic DVD with my cheesy fluorescent green shirt had been fulfilled, albeit the back of our heads. LOL! So it was not all a disappointing night yo.
Dave and I forever a part of UFC 94 history. LOL!
We thought about going to the Official UFC afterparty at LAX (http://www.laxthenightclub.com/ ) at the Luxor, but decided to grab a bite instead. We called my high school buddy Jeff (another Hawaii transplant) to see if he and his wife Yvonne wanted to join us, but he instead, invited us over to his house to eat leftovers from their UFC 94 party. ‘Twas nice to see them and just chill after a long night.
The next day was Superbowl Sunday, but with our bets already placed, we said “Superbowl Shmuperbowl” and hit the slopes at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort for a lil’ boardin’.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort Sign
It was a gorgeous day with decent conditions (mostly smooth with some powder and icey patches), but the best part was that the Blackjack, High Roller, and Keno paths (blue square) and Jacks, Slot Alley and Grandma’s (black diamond) were relatively empty (see trail PDF here). I pretty much had half the mountain to myself! Awwwww yeah!
Empty path… Loves it!
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
End of Highway 1506 in Lee Canyon
(702) 385-2754
Lift Hours: 9am to 4pm
Lodge Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
After a mandatory Trader Joe’s omiyage run following our boarding sesh, and a quick bite to eat at Panda Express (yes, we had the urge!), we got back to our hotel just in time to catch the most exciting 4th quarter in Super Bowl history.
Kurt Warner’s look of disgust as his Cardinals allow Pittsburgh to move the ball closer and close to the end zone
All in all, it was a quickie, but exciting 3 days of 3 breathtaking sporting events: MMA, football and snowboarding. The perfect storm of pleasure.
* Who are you picking to win at UFC 94: BJ Penn or Georges St. Pierre?
These two bruthas are arguably the best pound for pound MMA fighters in history and they will be facing off this Saturday in Las Vegas for the UFC Welterweight Championship (again). Penn is a local boy from Hilo and has a HUGE following both in Hawaii as well as in the MMA community. St. Pierre is an athletic stud from Canada and is loved by the more mainstream/every day fan. Women especially swoon over him for his physique. Which side are you on for this one man?
Me? I gotta go with our local boy Penn. Not only is he from our aina, but he is unbelievably talented in the art of combat, and makes me crack up in every interview he does. I just love it that people outside of Hawaii are also huge fans of his. Represent baby!
Tie – You’re cool! We could’ve been classmates son!: 8 (DA WINNAH!)
Me, Adam & Eve were homies!: 1
Anyone born in the 70s or before is old brah!: 4
Shut up and lemme get back to the Disney Channel!: 2
You could be MY dad!: 0 (Whew!)
I’m flying out to Vegas tonight for a little UFC 94/Super Bowl 43/snowboarding action so I’ll see y’all next week a-ight? I’ll be checking the results of this Survey Thursday on my breaks throughout the day and on my phone when I leave though, so be sure to vote k? Shoots!
Happy Survey Thursday y’all! It’s almost Aloha Friday!!!
We can talk about the obvious, like Bruddah Barack’s historic inauguration today (congrats Barack!), but we all know errbody and their mama will be talking about that up in hurr.
Lessee, we can gossip about American Idol, which will air its 3rd and 4th shows of the season today and tomorrow… but things won’t start gettin’ juicy until they go to Hollywood.
Or how about Tadd Fujikawa’s amazing Sony Open story? How he not only made the cut, but hung with the big boys and finished tied for 32nd!
We can even go old school and chit chat about MMA again. Affliction’s 2nd show, entitled “Day of Reckoning,” pits MMA deity Fedor Emelianenko against hard hitting, former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski this weekend.
Or what about Super Bowl talks, now that the two unlikely teams – The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers – have been decided?
But why pick just one? It’s News Day Tuesday aftah all! How bout’ you decide which topic you wanna talk about and have at it. You can even pick your own newsworthy topic (not mentioned here) and gossip away. Holla!
I’ll start… and yeah, since I brought um all up, I’ll talk about um all.
* Barack Obama Inauguration
It’s gonna be another busy day at work, but I’ll try to sneak a peek every once in a while to catch history in the making. I’ll also be recording it at home. Doesn’t hurt that bruddah has ties to Hawaii and we claim him as our own.
* American Idol, Season 8
I used to be an avid fan, but the bad auditions are starting to get to me. I almost just want them to get to Hollywood already and get on with the show with the good singers. It’s been good to see many cultures and backgrounds getting through so far. Hopefully the diversity continues…
* Tadd Fujikawa at the Sony Open
I was there in 07 when Tadd burst onto the scene so it’s nice to see that he’s still holding it down. Bruddah’s not a one hit wonder. He’s in it to win it baby and ya just gotsta admire that! Goooo Tadd!
* Affliction Day or Reckoning
Top to bottom, this is yet another insane card, but for some reason, I’m not sure I have the urge to order it. Their first card was lukewarm for me, so I’m just afraid it will be the same. Ah, we’ll see. Really interested to see: Fedor vs. Arlovski (obviously!), Barnett vs. Yvel, Horodecki vs. Lauzon, Baby Fedor (Sidellnikov), Matyushenko, and Bao Quach.
* Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Talk about a snoozefest. Nah, I guess the Warner story is a good one, but I wish the teams were a little more exciting. I’ll be in Vegas that weekend, but will probably go snowboarding instead of watching the game. *yawn* If I had to pick one, I’d go with ‘Zona.
As some of you may know, my friend Noreen made global, national, state, island, city, November-weddings-in-Honolulu-Hawaii history by live-Twittering our wedding for us. Using her “play-by-play” as the framework, I’ll interject my personal commentary and some photos I’ve received from others to help give y’all a feel for our big day. I promise, after this, you’ll never have to hear another word from me about my wedding (sorry!)… That is, until I finish it up in part 2 tomorrow!
First, let’s rewind a bit to the night before. Being a member of several bridal parties myself, the night before the wedding is an exciting, anxious, and memorable time. It’s the last time you’ll ever be with your boys as a single man. Though unspoken, there is a certain “this is it” feeling in the air and errone knows it. My night-before-the-wedding outing was no different.
Kelvin, Bari and I checked into the hotel in the late afternoon. Since Grant and Tommy wouldn’t be joining us ’til later (Tommy was flying in that afternoon and Grant offered to pick him up after work) I presented Kelvin and Bari their bridal party gifts early: a Reyn Spooner Aloha Shirt, a customized NBA T-shirt and a new Spalding indoor/outdoor basketball. After chillin’ for a bit, we headed to the BJ Penn/Georges St.-Pierre media event happening at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. There, Grant and Tommy met us and, after the event finished, we headed towards the back for a special V.I.P. Meet and Greet with the fighters!
What an amazing experience (much love to “Big Wave” Dave Jackson and the rest of the UFC crew!)!
The Face Off
Grant and BJ Penn
Bari and BJ
Yours Truly and BJ (I took his belt! )
Back at the hotel, I presented Grant and Tommy with their gifts and we decided to take some snaps with them on.
Me, Bari, Grant, Kelvin and Tommy in our customized NBA Tees
The flip side
After a night of school girl-like giggles, we all wake up early and get ready for the big day. Here, Kelvin, the team mother, pours us all our morning O.J.
Thanks mom!
AND DEN… IT WUZ TIME!!!
At Sheraton Waikiki for @worldwideed’s wedding. Parking garage is crowded. 9:47 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
Stage is set for @worldwideed’s wedding. Too bad it’s raining. But view is great. 10:03 AM Nov 22nd from TwitPic
Stage is set…
Ed’s Comments: We were kinda bummed about the rain at first, but it actually worked out for the better IMO as it brought a more intimate feel to the ceremony, while still having a view of the Pacific.
Bride walks down aisle. @worldwideed looked a little nervous. How cute! 10:20 AM Nov 22nd from TwitPic
Nice shot Noreen!
Ed’s Comments: Haha! That wasn’t nerves, it was just my game face!
Wedding begins. @worldwideed and his bride look great. Vows now! 10:15 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
@worldwideed and maile as they exchange vows 6:27 PM Nov 22nd from TwitPic
Awww…
@worldwideed and Maile say “I do” and he pumps his fist! Woot! 10:16 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon in reply to worldwideed
@worldwideed has 4 groomsmen and maile has 3 bridesmaids. I’m sure there’s a story to it. 10:19 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon in reply to worldwideed
3+4=Lucky number 7
Ed’s Comments: Yeah, we made our own rules. Ha! Actually I couldn’t eliminate one and the wife couldn’t add just one more. Seven is good luck anyway right?
Exchanging rings now 10:20 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
A few lighthearted laughs. Now special presentation to the parents 10:21 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
They are now husband and wife! 10:22 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
*smack*
Ed’s Comments: Woot!
There’s also a bodybuilding contest in next ballroom. Better make sure we go to right one! 10:30 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
Ed’s Comments: There actually was! I didn’t know which event to participate in! *grin*
Like the renovated ballrooms. It’s freezing though! And I have no sweater! 10:32 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
My TwitPic is slow so you may get photos out of order. Standing in line to check in 10:35 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
Ed’s Comments: I gotcho back ‘reens. I reordered them in the correct sequence (I think!).
@frankstah: Primo is a hit at the wedding! 10:42 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon in reply to frankstah
Ed’s Comments: Not sure who @frankstah is, but yeah, I’m happy it was. You know we also had to have the Asahi and Heinys representin’!
Bruddah Bryan cleans up nice to be emcee of wedding 11:06 AM Nov 22nd from TwitterFon
That’s it for part 1 ladies and germs. Apologies again if you’re sick of this wedding talk. Last one ever tomorrow… I promise (I think)! Happy Monday y’all!
With the festivities to my own wedding here and gone, I’d like to think that I’ve got a pretty decent grasp on what it takes to get married here in our beautiful islands of Hawaii (Oahu in particular). From quality vendors to use to helpful tips to help make your (or someone you know) special day one to remember, here’s a brain dump of what I’ve learned in the long and arduous process.
Location, Location, Location
As in real estate, the most important element of your special day is location. Be sure to pick your blessed spot AT LEAST a year in advance, as everything else (booking vendors, guest’s travel arrangements, etc.) revolves around when and where it will all be going down (no pun intended).
Depending on the location’s availability, you may have to be a little flexible as to when you will want your wedding. Last year’s 07/07/07 is a prime example. I’m sure everyone and their grandmama wanted to get married on that day, so most venues were probably already spoken for years in advance. If you really want a certain location on a specific date, it is imperative that you plan WAY in advance.
What we did – We went with the Sheraton Waikiki based on the view of their Niihau room (see below) and in anticipation of the renovation of their ballroom.
Recommendations – Though our experiences with the Sheraton on the day-of, and every other staff member throughout was absolutely amazing, we had numerous issues with our one, single contact there. I was raised to not say anything at all if you have nothing good to say, so I won’t get into it, but it’s difficult to give a recommendation as long as this person is there. Otherwise, I would highly recommend them. Their food is excellent, the Niihau Room view is amazing, and the newly renovated bridal suites and ballrooms are just gorgeous, etc.).
View from the Niihau Room (our ceremony location)
Next on your hitlist should be the Photographer and Videographer.
Just Shoot Me
Like the location, these guys get snatched up pretty quickly. If you know who you want, you should call ‘em and book ‘em right away Danno. A year or more is also the recommendation here.
Choosing the right one, aside from their portfolio or slide show reel, is all about feel. You’ve gotta genuinely like and be comfortable with their personality. They really are the ones who will get the emotion out of you. If they irritate you or can’t make you feel good/happy, it’ll show in the pictures. If you think about it, you will be spending most of your day with them. Be sure you choose the one that you don’t mind spending that time with.
When negotiating with your chosen vendor, inquire if you can get the originals as part of the package (RAW or JPGs for Photographers and unedited footage for Videographers). Something neat to also get these days is having your footage shot in HD (High Definition). Ask if there is an extra fee for this.
Recommendations – If you can, request Vince Shin from Love Story Weddings. He’s a fun/funny guy that can get your bridal party going. A shout out to Sharmil Elliott as well. She knows her stuff and did an amazing job at the reception! Greg Ventura from Advanced Visual Arts gave us an affordable/reasonable option for Videography/Slideshow services (sold in packages). He also offered to shoot it in HD as part of the package. Initially, we were a little worried about his response time, but it was probably because he was busy with other weddings. When it came to crunch time, he came through like a champ and turned out a wonderful product. We got our fully edited DVD (of the entire day) just two weeks following our wedding. Amazing!
The next group would probably be the Florists, Hair and Makeup Artists, Emcee, DJ/Entertainment, Officiant, and Day-Of Coordinator (if you need a Wedding Planner from Day 1, this priority should go before finding the location above.)
Flower Power
Florists are also very important and book up very quickly. They handle everything from the ceremony (bouquets, altar, flower petals on the ground) and reception room decoration (centerpieces, cake, head table, trim) to the leis worn by the groom, special guests and beyond.
Recommendations – Though really, REALLY busy, she came through in the clutch and did a superb job!
Setting up the ceremony site
Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful
This one is primarily for the ladies and they also book fast. They will not only be the ones who come early on the day of, but also can be hired for trial sessions and the engagement day photos.
What she did – The wife and her bridesmaids went with Naturally You and loved them.
Recommendations – Wifey had CJ Bae from Naturally You and highly recommends her/them.
MC HAM-mer
The Master of Ceremonies can make or break your wedding reception. If you are trying to cut costs and will be asking a favor of one of your loud friends, be sure he or she has some wedding emceeing or public speaking experience. Just because they are loud and funny in small group settings, it doesn’t necessarily translate to funny and entertaining through the course of several hours. The worst is when they tell inside jokes, or there are moments of silence as they try to figure out how to stretch in certain situations.
We were fortunate enough to have a friend who is also a professional. I highly recommend a pro who knows how to keep things flowing. There aren’t too many good ones around town, so book these guys early as well.
What we did – We went with a longtime friend and former roommate, Bryan Min. And, oh, by the way, he’s Bruddah Bryan, DJ on KCCN FM100 and has done many-a-wedding as a side gig.
Recommendations – I’ve had numerous compliments from my guests about Bruddah Bryan for his off-the-cuff humor. It probably helped that he knew many of us and may’ve been more comfortable letting loose, but he’s very responsible and on-time, and even cleaned up pretty nicely for our event. Much love Bruddah B!
Bruddah Bryan, Wedding Emcee
Entertainment Tonight
Emphasis put on entertainment really depends on the couple. Some are ok with a friend simply controlling things through a CD or iPod. Others want the full-fledged lighting and sound action. And still others want live music on top of that. There’s nothing wrong with any of them, but like any of the other “live person” hirings above, you should book in advance, as there is only one of them.
What we did – We had the luxury and honor of having friends in the professional DJ (Brian) and professional musical artist arenas (Justin and Jon), so they did it out of the kindness of their hearts.
Recommendations - For DJ services, we fo sho recommend you contact Brian Ebisui from Signature Audio Hawaii. We also highly recommend Justin Young and Jon Yamasato, though booking them may prove challenging. Justin lives in California and is regularly touring with Colbie Caillat (go Justin!), and Jon is a full-time real estate agent and just does music as a hobby for now.
Your boy singing with his boys Jon Yamasato and Justin Young (why are they laughing?)
Will You Marry Me?
For those who don’t attend church or are generally non-denominational, it could be difficult to think of an officiant that you will feel comfortable with, taking care of one of the most important moments of your life. Not only should you book the one you want far in advance, you should probably start researching or inquiring around even sooner.
What we did – We really wanted Gaius Thede, a long time mentor and friend to reside over our wedding, but he, unfortunately passed away (R.I.P.). Fortunately, we fell upon Rev. Mel Morishige and were delightfully thrilled with him.
Recommendations – Not too sure if he does this as a full-time gig, but if he does, we highly recommend him.
What, me worry?
Initially, we didn’t think we needed a day-of Coordinator, but looking back, it was probably one of the wisest investments we’ve ever made. You definitely want a professional who’s been doing it for many years. They know what to look for, and more importantly, what to look out for. Hiring a friend may be ok, but it can’t be their first time. It requires big time multi-tasking and being on top of your game non-stop. The key is that this person needs to take care of all the problems of the day (they will inevitably come up) so that you don’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying yourself and the moment.
What we did – We left this until the last minute as we thought we would just have a friend help us with day-of coordination. Boy, are we glad we decided against it. We were lucky to hire Dianna Shitanishi of Hawaii Weddings and Events last minute (her original event on the same day got cancelled) and she was a savoir.
Recommendations – Her resume is exactly what you want to see in a coordinator. She is totally on top of her game and her email response time is astonishing. She helped to ease our mind with all of the issues we had with our contact at the Sheraton. In a sense, she saved the day. Absolutely, unequivocally recommend her 100%. Book her early!
The next group would probably be taking care of the invitations, wedding cake, centerpieces, favors, the wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses, and tuxedos.
We-vite
If you’ve got the time and want to cut costs, you may opt to make your own invitations. If you aren’t a crafter by nature, however, be forewarned that the cost you save may quickly disappear with all the supplies you may need to purchase (e.g. paper, glue, printing, stamps, cutters, etc.). Time is the key here. You’ve got so many other things to worry about, that using up precious days to put your invitations together may not quite be worth it. If it is not, you should hire a professional or enlist the help of a crafty friend.
What we did – We bought the materials from Paper Source and customized (printing, embossing, etc.) to our liking.
Recommendations – Do only if you have time and are comfortable with crafty projects. It took longer than expected and took us away from other burning issues at the time.
One box of goodies from Paper Source
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
The general rule of thumb is to book this 6 months in advance, but the wife says the earlier the better. Search for cake designs that you like in places like wedding magazines, Internet web sites, etc. This will help your hired cake designer get a feel for what you are looking for, if different from what they have in their portfolio. Wifey’s notes: Did you know that each layer of your cake can be a different flavor? Also, you can do a cake tasting before you make your final decision!
Warning: Check with your hotel FIRST to see if they have a cake-cutting fee (for 3rd party cakes). If they do, it is usually a per slice fee, which, depending on the amount of guests you have, may turn out to be as much or more than the cost of your cake.
Recommendations – The wife took care of all of this, but she was very happy with their product. Again, be sure to check with your hotel first on that cake cutting fee before placing any order with an outside vendor.
Here’s our cherry blossom themed wedding cake
Centerpiece On Earth
This section only applies to those who are not going to have flowers (through their florists) as their centerpiece. Start looking or thinking of possible centerpiece ideas that will help capture your dream or theme. Keep in mind that one lucky person on that table will be taking it home and keeping it (hopefully) forever!
What we did – Consistent with our Japanese theme, we decided to go with Asian Lamps as our centerpiece. We went with Claire and Roger from Aloha Mana’o Imports.
Recommendations – They are a cute couple whom we met at one of the many craft expos. Their prices are cheaper than the other guys, but the quality is better. They are very responsible and even offered to assemble all of them for us. They also offer rental lamps for the day-of. Highly recommended.
Our Asian lantern centerpiece
Favor Faaaave!
Like the centerpiece, you should try to keep the favor consistent with your wedding’s theme. It has to be affordable enough so you don’t break the bank (one goes to every guest), but presentable enough that you are happy with the results. I’ve seen anything from chopsticks to cookies to chocolates to customized CDs. Be creative!
What we did – The ‘rents helped with this one. They were able to find an affordable, but good quality masu (sake box) online from a company in Japan called Kishimoto Kichiji Shouten. They even customized it with whatever we wanted. Later, you’ll see how the masu fit into our sake ceremony. In the masu, we ordered half-dipped heart-shaped cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company, wrapped it nicely and placed it right in the masu. It fit perfectly!
Recommendations – Sake boxes were off the hook, but you’ll probably need to know and be able to read Japanese to read and order from this site/company. The cookies were delish and added a nice touch. Even opting to wrap the cookies in a nice presentation and having that as your favor would be good enough in my opinion.
Our customized masu (sake box) and cookie favor
Dress to Impress
Other than the tuxedos, I’m not too up to speed in this area. Apparently, wedding dresses are a big deal. And the earlier you know what you want, the better. Visit the local shops around town and, again, look through bridal magazines and web sites. Often times, if a magazine has it, the bridal shop can bring it in.
Bridesmaids dresses are in the same arena. Look for something you like. It may be a good idea to consult with your bridesmaids, as they may have certain preferences based on their comfort level. I hear that lately, the bridesmaids may choose to wear different styles of dresses with the color being the one constant. It’s up to you what you decide.
Tuxedos. Now there’s something I can talk about. Usually, the bigger tux shops are the way to go. I heard of one shop closing soon after the groom had his wedding. It worked out though as he and the groomsmen got to keep their suits, but imagine if it happened before?
Keep in mind that you have to decide on colors (suit, vest, tie, shoes, handkerchief, etc.), AND styles. The groom should be in one style (the main attraction), while the groomsmen and fathers (and ring bearer?) should have yet other styles and colors. Be sure to check with wifey on color approval (to match her bridesmaids).
Have your boys come in for a fitting months in advance to be sure that they are sized right. Several days before the big day, they will have to come in again for a final fitting and to pick up their tuxes. Don’t forget to assign a friend the task of returning your tux the following day when it’s due. You will be too busy to worry about returning it.
Recommendations – Ladies, correct me if I’m wrong, but where you get the bridal gown really depends on who has the one you want and at the right price. Wifey went to several bridal shops and Bridal Emporium just so happen to have the one she wanted. My dad knows the owner of Masako Formals so that is the reason why we went there for the bridesmaids dresses. I signed up for a special deal at a wedding expo for tuxedos from Celebrity Tuxedos. It turned out to be a good thing as Elsie from Pearl City’s Celebrity Tuxedo was very good. All three locations’ computer systems (Ala Moana Shopping Center, Pearlridge Mall, and Windward Mall) are linked together so your boys can go to any location to get fitted, do pick-ups and do their returns. VERY convenient for those who live all over the island. Highly recommended.
Da Rest!
Cranes – If you are doing a tsuru (crane) display, be sure you have enough time to fold 1,001 (1,000 by bride, 1 by groom) and book the mounter in advance.
What we did – We went with the more traditional crane mounting that uses the actual crane as the design. In our opinion, Morris Atta from SuMoCa Arts is on top of the game.
Recommendations – He had us biting our nails down to the very last minute, but came through on the morning of, with an incredible work of art. For obvious reasons, he can only take on so many projects at one time, so book early.
Our tsuru (crane) display: her family’s mon on the left and my name in kanji on the right
Engagement Photo – Schedule this with your photographer in enough time to take it, print it and mount/frame it.
Rings – Find your favorite jeweler or jewelry and purchase it in advance as you may need some time for resizing.
What we did – We went with Russell Oshita from the Diamond Specialists. Russell is da man!
Recommendations – Russell is a jeweler first and salesperson second, so you can be sure that he’s not going to rip you off. Before any big purchase, he takes you through a crash course, if you will, educating you on the ins and outs of diamonds. Highly recommended!
Rentals/Reservations – If you are renting a limo or need to make reservations for your photo shoot location, do this about this time. You should also start thinking of your rehearsal lunch/dinner location (where you’ll be taking your bridal party after the rehearsal) and whether or not you need to make reservations for this.
Banzai – Popular tradition says that you should do at least one banzai at your wedding. This brings good luck and long life.
What we did – We went with two of the most amusing and entertaining banzais I’ve ever seen, one from a friend and the other from his good friend (my brother-in-law).
Recommendations – I don’t think they are for hire, unless they too are YOUR friends. We recommend pitting two friends against each other like we did though. They will try to one up each other, which makes both more spirited than ever.
The banzai toasts: Dave vs. Lee
Bridal Party Gifts – Hawaii tradition says that the bride and groom pays for everything for the bridal party (tuxedo rentals, bridal dresses, jewelry, shoes, etc.). It also says that you should buy them a gift for being on your party. I’ve personally received, money clips, shades, a pen, etc. I’ve also heard of beer, watches, customized goods, etc. Be sure to buy these in advance so you can present it to your buds the night before.
What we did – Wifey bought her bridemaids necklaces from Maui Divers , treated them to a spa day, and more. I spoiled my boys with Reyn Spooner Aloha Shirts, customized NBA T-shirts, and brand new Spalding basketballs (which we also used in our photo shoot).
Recommendations – Think of things that you have in common. For me, it was basketball. All of us could also use the Aloha shirts for work or otherwise. I also felt that since it was once in a lifetime and they’ve been my best friends in life, why not spoil them right!? I guess they deserve it!
Me, Bari, Grant, Kelvin and Tommy in our customized NBA Tees.
The flip side
Hotel Rental and Plans for the Bridal Party for the Night Before – Don’t forget to book your hotel for the night before the wedding. This will ultimately be the last time you get to spend with your boys as a single man. Make the most of the opportunity!
What we did – I was fortunate enough to have an awesome connection at the UFC who hooked it up with a special meet and greet at the BJ Penn/Georges St-Pierre event that was going down at the Blaisdell Concert Hall! That was a !#$% killah experience and what perfect timing! Much love to (Big Wave) Dave Jackson and the rest of the staffers at the UFC! Best MMA company in the biz!
Recommendations – If meeting UFC fighters is not high on your priority list, then perhaps some other high testosterone activity might be fun for you and your boys. Shooting guns at a shooting range, taking some cuts at the batting cages, etc., may be other options.
The future(?) and current UFC Lightweight champs. BJ Penn… What a cool brutha!
Something Unique/Different – I’ve been to weddings where they had a traditional Chinese lion dance or a Japanese taiko drum performance. I recently heard about one wedding that included mochi pounding. Do something unique and different that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
What we did – We did a traditional Japanese celebration called Kagami Biraki. It’s where you open the top of a sake barrel with a mallet for good luck.
Recommendations – Though you won’t be the first anymore , we highly recommend it. It was a hit, as evident by the long line of guests waiting to try a sip of the sake (using the masu that we gave as our favors)! My dad knew somebody at a local place called the Cherry Company. Couldn’t find a web site for them, but I found their number via Google: 808-422-6555. Give ‘em a call!
The family opening the top of the sake barrel
The guests enjoying the fruits of our labor
Music – We tried to go old school and nu skool with our picks for background music. I got a lot of suggestions from commenters on my blog too. I thought I’d share a small sampling of some of the songs we used to help get you started on your quest. Woah, givin’ away our secrets! You’re welcome!
Bitty McLean – Forever Be Mine
Bread – If
Brian McKnight – Everything
Color Me Badd – Let’s Start With Forever
Heatwave – Always & Forever
Hi-Five – I Can’t Wait Another Minute
Imua – Swing
Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat – Lucky
Jets – You Got It All
Joe Cocker – You Are So Beautiful
Johnny Gill – My, My, My
Jon Basebase – Suddenly
Journey – Open Arms
Kalapana – Nightbird
Keith Urban – Making Memories Of Us
Klymaxx – I’d Still Say Yes
Michael Bolton – Soul Provider
Na Leo Pilimehana – Saving Forever
New Edition – Earth Angel
New Kids On The Block – I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)
Opihi Pickers – Love You Forever
PC Quest – Can I Call You My Girl
Peter Moon Band – Flying
Stylistics – I’m Stone In Love With You
The Lovin’ Spoonful – Do You Believe In Magic
Tony Terry – Everlasting Love
Trey Lorenz – Someone to Hold
Miscellaneous – There are often things that you may overlook for the day-of. Be sure not to forget the creation and printing of your program, table cards, sign-in sheets, etc.
Tips
If you’re a first-time wedding planner, the following tips helped us and will help you in your path to planning bliss.
- Visit the Wedding Café for their regular workshops. They invite vendors in the industry to come and do presentations to the public. You can then inquire about availability based on what you saw or set up a future meeting with them to discuss in greater detail.
Note from the wife: “These are the best ever! I highly recommend these workshops so that you can meet vendors in one casual meeting rather than booking 5 or 7 separate meetings with each individual vendor. Most are free workshops sponsored by the Wedding Café. We found our Videographer, Florist, Hair/Makeup w/ the help of the workshops!”
- Go to wedding expos & shows when they are available. There are at least 2-4 per year. You can find vendors or look for ideas to take away to your own wedding. Craft fairs also sometimes help.
- Read wedding magazines for inspiration and ideas for colors, dress styles, makeup/hairstyle ideas, what’s hot, what’s not, etc. You can bookmark the pages you like or just rip ‘em out and bring them to your vendor to discuss your options.
- Visit web sites like theknot.com and bridesclub.com for community support. Read what others are doing or get reviews on vendors in your area.
- Enlist the help of your friends. We cannot stress this one enough. I had to practically force the wife to ask for help (she is the type to not want to bother anyone else). All of your projects go by so much “funner” and faster. Plus, they are all willing and wanting to help. Why not put ‘em to work right? Seriously though, your friends are just as excited as you are and spending the time with them working on various projects leaves memories to last a lifetime. Cherish it.
WHEW! OK, I think that’s it. There are probably a few details I missed, but I’m sure you’ll do just fine. I hope this article will provide at least a bit of help for those who wish to get married in the most beautiful place in the world: Hawaii!
OK, so your boy blew it last week by neglecting to notice (and Photoshop out) the obvious “Jurison’s” left on the plate. Either way, HNL2LAS was the big winner (again), making that her second in three weeks! Congrats HNL2LAS!
This week, I made sure to double (AND TRIPLE) check the plate to make sure there were no markings giving the answer away. Not going be so easy dis time!
Where In Hawaii is Edward Sugimoto? – October 22, 2008
Hint: TBA, if necessary… Talk to me: Post your guesses below yo!
Last Week’s Answer Here’s the answer to last week’s photo: Jurison’s Inn at Waikele Shopping Center!
P.S. The sister is being honored by the Governor at Washington Place today. Please help me congratulate her!
P.P.S. The World Series starts today! Help me (and uncle jimmy) root on our beloved Phillies baby!
P.P.P.S. If there are any MMA fans still out there reading this blog, the UFC has announced their big end of year card (UFC 92). The monster card will have Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans, Antonio Rodrigo (Minotauro) Nogueira vs. Frank Mir and Rampage Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva! Nuts!
Are you as excited as I am for tomorrow night gang?
It’s the premiere of the 8th season of The Ultimate Fighter, tagged as Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir. Yes, it’s been 8 seasons since Forrest Griffin’s and Stephan Bonnar’s historic fight that (re-)started it all. Not much has really changed as far as editing and format, but there’s just something about this show that has me glued.
I can honestly say that I’d probably watch the 600th season of this damn show. As long as they keep showing it, I’ll keep a’ watching. Are you in the same boat as me or do you think the show is getting old already? If so, what do you think they need to do to spice it up? I think Mir will make things interesting for the kids, but Nogueira, I’m not too sure.
Hawaii’s got another guy to root for this season: 24 year old Shane Nelson from BJ Penn’s MMA team in Hilo. Don’t really know much about him, but here’s a video I dug up on Youtube. Aside from the booger that was bothering him (in BOTH nostrils no less!) *grin* , he looks like a scrapper. Good luck this season Shane! We’ll be rooting for ya!
* The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 @ 7PM on Spike TV (Oceanic Digital Channel 0559). Don’t forget to also catch a new UFC Fight Night (Nate Diaz vs. Josh Neer) at 5PM preceding TUF.
Talk to Me!
* Are you hooked on The Ultimate Fighter too?
* What is your reality TV show du jour?
* Are you proud/happy when Hawaii peeps make it to the big stage?
![BJ Penn Answers Your Questions [Video]](http://www.world-wide-ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/2009-07_bj-penn-offfatfuture025.jpg)
