Category: reviews

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Israel Adesanya at UFC 243

video review : Robert Whittaker versus Israel Adesanya at UFC 243

Israel Adesanya’s antics may be annoying; he comes to The Octagon as if he’s about to compete in a dance-off; but his MMA skills can’t be denied. While not a blow-out; Robert Whittaker is also an elite fighter; he does in two rounds what Yoel Romero couldn’t in ten.

Not only is Robert Whittaker defeated, he’s knocked senseless with a hook to the face, making Israel Adesanya the new Middleweight Champion. Next up is Paulo Costa, the “heavy-ass Ricky Martin wannabe”, who’s standing in the crowd with a Vida Loca shirt on.

my rating : 3 of 5

2019

video review : Ronda Rousey versus Cat Zingano at UFC 184

video review : Ronda Rousey versus Cat Zingano at UFC 184

Cat Zingano begins this fight with a flying knee. At least that was the plan. Ronda Rousey dodges, wraps her arm around her head, takes her down, does a ninja flip which also flips Zingano and somehow transitions her into an armbar.

Zingano taps quickly and, in the words of Mike Goldberg, “It is all over!” That’s “it” meaning the fight. The most poignant part comes after when Joe Rogan interviews a terribly frustrated Zingano about losing her title shot in just a matter of seconds.

my rating : 3 of 5

2015

Sonic’s Chili Cheese Coney

Sonic's Chili Cheese Coney

I generally don’t like Chili unless it’s on a hot dog, which it actually improves the taste of. This Coney from Sonic is no exception. Cheese only further enhances the experience.

The usual condiments; mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise; would only distract. Neither is there a need for onions. It’s just a beef hot dog with Chili and Cheese and it’s delicious.

my rating : 5 of 5

video review : Chris Weidman versus Yoel Romero at UFC 205

video review : Chris Weidman versus Yoel Romero at UFC 205

“He’s just so powerful and explosive,” Joe Rogan warns early on, “Out of nowhere he will explode.” Weidman, who otherwise matches even with Romero, finds that out the hard way in the final round.

Romero’s first name may as well be George as he lands a flying knee that turns Chris Weidman into The Living Dead. The Soldier Of God then hops The Octagon to celebrate with goddess Madonna.

my rating : 3 of 5

2016

video review : Dawn Of The Dead

video review : Dawn Of The Dead

Night Of The Living Dead is a horror classic. Dawn, the title of which suggests it takes place the following morning; if the background calendars are up to date, it’s actually over a decade later; is a mess.

This, in comparison to the original, is easily the worst movie sequel I’ve ever seen. The narrative degradation from a serious thriller to what at times seems like wacky slapstick is staggeringly disappointing.

That the ghoul-shooting protagonists are no longer confined to a small house; most of this story takes place in an “indoor” shopping mall; is part of the problem. The rest has to do with the deadpan plot.

my rating : 1 of 5

1979

audio review : I’m Singin ( song ) … Biz Markie ( featuring Cool V )

This song, the drums of which sound like the first two cuts from the Cleared album this one is from, could be decent with a better hook. What Biz Markie sings is an annoying interpolation of Singin In The Rain, the ballad made famous by Gene Kelly in the movie of the same name.

my rating : 2 of 5

1993

audio review : All Samples Cleared ( album ) ... Biz Markie

audio review : All Samples Cleared ( album ) … Biz Markie

audio review : All Samples Cleared ( album ) ... Biz Markie

Biz Markie was sued for sampling a Gilbert O’Sullivan song on his last album. It was a historical case that changed the entire music biz. Rappers used to steal bits of other artist’s songs with little to no legal consequence. Now those Samples have to be Cleared.

The most recognizable bit is a fun disco anthem entitled Let Me Turn You On, which, perhaps because it’s permitted, not only samples but nearly karaokizes McFadden And Whitehead’s Ain’t No Stoppin. Other songs utilize their samples in a more conventional way.

The rapper also covers his own songs. Family Tree is a needless and inferior interpolation of the On And On verse before he started freestyling. In contrast, the first cut sounds like it was co-written by Big Daddy Kane. The album is otherwise slightly subpar.

my rating : 3 of 5

1993

Rockstar Pure Zero : Grape

Rockstar Pure Zero : Grape

This drink is supposed to have Zero calories, but my can says “5”. It does have Zero fat and Zero sugar. It also has Zero juice, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

When it comes to artificial flavors, grape is one of the best and this Rockstar is no exception. The problem is the carbonated sting, which distracts from its sweet taste.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : You Will Know ( song ) … Stevie Wonder

For this ballad, Stevie Wonder plays the role of Jesus Christ. You Will Know, The Lord sings in reply to the prayers of his troubled believers, “Trust and I will show.”

Perhaps it’s merely a metaphor to say that “problems have solutions”, but the vocal melodies sound about as soothing and reassuring as any good gospel song.

my rating : 4 of 5

1987

audio review : Characters ( album ) ... Stevie Wonder

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola

What I like most about Coca-Cola is that it’s sweet. What I dislike most is that it’s carbonated. The cinnamon-vanilla-like taste is pleasant enough, especially when you drink it cold on a hot summer day, but that’s despite the mild discomfort soda (pop) and other bubbly drinks cause going down.

my rating : 3 of 5

video review : Corey Anderson versus Jan Błachowicz at UFC Fight Night

video review : Corey Anderson versus Jan Błachowicz at UFC Fight Night

Johnny Walker was talking about being the first guy to beat Jon Jones until Corey Anderson knocked him out in the first round of their fight. Then Anderson claimed he’s the one. Guess how this fight turns out.

It took several punches for Anderson to finish Walker. Jan Błachowicz takes Anderson out with one. That says less about Anderson’s chin than Błachowicz’s “legendary” Polish power. This dude hits hard. Jon Jones beware.

my rating : 3 of 5

2020