Blog

Just a note, my blog has been moved over to my own domain:

http://bradevans.ca

 

Thanks!

Twilight Wallpaper

I have added a new Edward Cullen/Twilight Wallpaper to the Photoshop Projects section.

Also included in the update is a wallpaper of former UFC fighter Rampage Jackson, Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, and Canucks forward Alex Burrows.

Email: bevans23@my.bcit.ca

UFC 104: Recap

Machida Retains Light-Heavyweight Title

Lyoto Machida has retained his UFC Light-Heavyweight title against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, but not without any commotion. Machida, who was a 6-1 favourite, survived a five-round assault from Rua on Saturday night, retaining his light-heavyweight mixed martial arts title.

Although he lost, Shogun might have set the blueprint of how to fight against Machida. Most felt that Shogun should have came away with the decision victory, as did I. However, the judges saw it differently and Machida has to feel a little lucky by narrowly escaping with the victory.

To me, Shogun controlled the Octagon, and was the more aggresive fighter, while doing the most damage. The three things that judges are supposed to take into consideration for determing the round scores. How on earth all three judges scored it a unanimous decision for Machida is beyond me. Shogun won the first round, Machida the second, and Round 3/4 went to Shogun with Round 5 really close to call, and I could agree with either of the two fighters winning that round. One of the worst judging decisions I have seen in a long time.

The only silver lining – Shogun and Machida have already agreed to a rematch and UFC President Dana White has said Shogun will receive an immediate rematch, as in his eyes, Shogun won the fight also. When that rematch happens has yet to be determined, but most likely in the beginning of the new year.

Co-Main Event

The co-main event of the PPV pitted two huge heavyweights. One unbeaten, Cain Velasquez, against “Big” Ben Rothwell. Velasquez used his wrestling skills to dominate Rothwell en route to a second-round TKO.

Rothwell was lucky to even make it that far as Velasquez swarmed him early and often. Velasquez battered Rothwell through the entire first-round by controlling him with ground-and-pound strikes. Early on in the second round Referee Steve Mazzagatti had seen enough stopping the fight with Rothwell on one knee against the cage taking about 5 or 6 shots to the head. Velasquez improved to 7-0 while Ben Rothwell lost for the first time in 10 fights.

Main Card

To fill out the rest of the night, top lightweight contender Joe Stevenson controlled Spencer “The King” Fisher on the ground, and won by TKO from a series of vicious elbows. From that solid performance, Joe Stevenson has solidified himself as a top lightweight in the UFC and improved his record to 31-10, winning his last two fights. Fisher drops to 23-5 snapping a three fight win streak.

Although he weighed in five pounds over the 170-pound limit, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson was able to forfeit some of his purse to keep his fight with Japenese fighter Yoshiyuki Yoshida. Coming off two straight wins, you knew Johnson was going to look for the knock out home run punch. Unfortunately for Yoshida, that punch came 21 seconds into the fight. Johnson earned his third straight knockout win, vaulting him up the Welterweight ladder. Yoshida lost his second straight by a devastating KO.

Lastly, a wrestling matchup between Gleison Tibau and Josh Neer. A fairly un-eventful fight ended with Tibau earning the unanimous decision victory. Tibau used his superior wrestling and size to overwhelm Neer on the ground. Tibau improved to 28-6, and his third fight in his last four appearances. Neer dropped his second straight, and third of his last four.

That would be it, as the UFC returns for a November 14th event, live on SpikeTV featuring Randy Couture and Brandon Vera.

New Photoshop Work

I’ve added about 4 more photoshop pieces to the photoshop gallery.

A couple of Twilight ones, and a few more movie wallpapers.

Enjoy.

Questions/Comments:

Email: bevans23@my.bcit.ca

BCIT: New Media Design Program: Term 3/4

I have completed Term 1 and Term 2 out of the 4. They overwhelmed us in the second term, but I got through it, and they say it’s the hardest part of the program so I’m relieved that it’s in the past. Term 3 has some really cool programs that I’m looking forward to getting more in-depth with.

Term 3 Courses

• Project Management
• Portfolio 2
• Flash 2
• Advanced Dreamweaver
• Authoring for DVD
• Law & New Media
• Industry Operations
• After Effects

The one good thing about Term 2 was there was no final exams, but a lot of “final projects”. Term 3 just started last week after we got a much needed 10 days off. Our next break is around Christmas time.

Photoshop Projects

I made a new page for some of my photoshop work in the program. Photoshop Projects.

If you have any questions, comments, or anything you can email me:

bevans23@my.bcit.ca

UFC 101: Recap

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held their monthly pay-per-view this past weekend. The event had some huge hype as top middleweight Anderson Silva made the jump to light heavyweight to fight former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, and B.J. Penn returned to the lightweight division to take on top contender Kenny Florian.

There were some “average” ppv’s before leading up to the grand daddy of them all UFC 100 in June, and I thought it was important to start putting together a string of solid pay-per-views. Apparently, not everyone got the memo.

The night started out with a lightweight bout between Kurt Pellegrino and Josh Neer, with Pellegrino controlling the fight on the ground, but doing absolutely no damage at all. In fact, after the fight, after he sat on top of Josh Neer for 15 minutes, he came out in worse condition. Pellegrino got about 2 to 3 minutes of medical attention to his face while Neer stood still in the middle of the Octagon awaiting the decision. Both were good submission specialists, with Neer having the advantage standing up, he just unfortunately couldn’t escape Pellegrino’s takedowns. Although he got the win, Dana White needs to get rid of this guy, he’s boring. Pellegrino will never be a top lightweight, he has lost to Nate Diaz as well as Joe Stevenson, and there isn’t a star studden future ahead for Pellegrino. It was a tough loss for Neer to take, especially after submitting TUF winner Mac Danzig, but he will be back.

Another snoozer followed the Pellegrino-Neer fight, Ricardo Almeida met TUF winner Kendall Grove at middleweight. Grove’s career was in jeopardy after he lost two straight to Patrick Cote and Jorge Rivera. Grove is a very exciting fighter, before his fight against Almedia, three of his last four fights ended by knockout. Similar to Neer, Grove had the advantage standing up but couldn’t escape Almeida’s takedowns. Almeida is a world class grappler and controlled the fight on the ground to get the nod in the judges eye’s. I feel the same way about Almeida than I do about Pellegrino, another boring fighter. Almeida is 3-1 in the UFC, with two of his three wins by decision. I’m not knocking fights that go the distance, some of the UFC’s top fights are three round war’s, but Almeida can’t deliver that aspect.

TUF winner Amir Sadollah made his UFC return on this card. Sadollah won The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 fourteen months ago and hasn’t got back into the octagon because of so many injuries. . Sadollah had 14 months off to make his return for 30 seconds. Sadollah threw a high leg kick that Hendricks blocked and followed with a uppercut that caught Sadollah and dropped him to the canvas. Hendricks swarmed him with punches and referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight. The stoppage was controversial as it looked as if Sadollah was coming to life. However, during the onslaught by Hendricks, Sadollah’s body went limp, he wasn’t defending himself, and im my opinion Miragliotta made the right call. His job is to protect the fighters, Sadollah was on his hands and knee’s taking continous shots and he wasn’t intelligently defending himself. When he stood up, he still looked a bit glossy eyed and he asked Miragliotta what happened, meaning he was out. Miragliotta made the correct call in my opinion.

Co-Main Event

Anderson Silva made his return to light heavyweight to face Forrest Griffin. Griffin came charging into the octagon and held in there for about 3 and a half minutes. Anderson Silva, arguably the best pount-for-pound fighter in the world had two previous lackluster middleweight title defenses, and came back into form showing his knockout power. After a couple of exchanges, Silva knocked Griffin down with a right hook, but Griffin managed to regain his composure momentarily. Another shot sent Forrest to the canvas, and afterwards, Silva toyed with him. He put his hands on his hips and dodged Griffin’s punches by simply leaning backwards and while leaning and moving backwards he sent a jab at Forrest that sent him down for a third time. Forrest signalled that he didn’t want to continue the fight, and afterwards sprinted back out of the octagon. Griffin was immediately rushed to the local hospital because of a rumoured dislocated jaw and deafness in one ear.

Main Event

Simply, didn’t live up to the hype. I don’t know what Kenny Florian’s gameplan was, but it must not have been what occured. Kenny leaned on B.J. Penn against the cage and took continuous combinations while trying to escape. Florian held in there until the fourth round, where Penn took him to the ground and used some incredible ju-jitsu to finish the fight by Rear Naked Choke. Rumoured to be up next for Penn, is the explosive Diego Sanchez. I for one, am not a fan of Penn, and I’m praying every night that when they meet, Sanchez beats the crap out of him. Unfortunately for Florian, I’m not quite sure what’s next. Florian already holds wins over Joe Stevenson and Roger Huerta, who are two of the top lightweights. Perhaps after Florian strings together another win streak he can get a rematch against Penn, or a title shot against Sanchez.

UFC 102 is up next August 29th at the Rose Garden in Portland Oregon that features Randy Couture against Antonio Rodrigo Nogueria.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Rich Get Richer

Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline has come and gone, and to keep with Baseball’s normality, the rich got richer.

The Boston Red Sox acquired all-star slugger Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for a package consisting of Justin Masterson and two minor league pitchers. The Red Sox then bulked up at first base acquiring Casey Kotchman from the Atlanta Braves for Adam LaRoche. Martinez will likely share catching duties in Boston with Jason Varitek, but can also play first base and designated hitter. Kotchman was a move strictly to provide a strong bat off the bench.

Sticking in the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays held onto ace Roy Halladay, but moved veteran third baseman Scott Rolen to the Cincinnati Reds. I was a big fan of Rolen, and I’m sad to see him go as he was one of the better Jays players this year. However, I understand it’s a business and if you can acquire 3 young prospects for a potential free agent next season when your club isn’t contending for a playoff spot, it’s a trade that has to be made.

The New York Yankees were linked to plenty of big names, but settled on making just a minor move. The Yankees acquired utility player Jerry Hairston Jr from the Cinncinnati Reds in exchange for a minor league catcher. I’m not sure why the Yankees would acquire a bat since they boast one of the Major’s best hitting line-ups, but I guess that’s why I’m not Brian Cashman or George Steinbrenner. The Yankees have a terrible starting rotation and bullpen, and it’s shocking that they didn’t acquire any pitchers.

In the AL Central, the Chicago White Sox have tried their luck again by acquiring pitcher Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres. The White Sox initially tried to acquire Peavy during Spring Training, but Peavy rejected the trade, saying it was best for his family to stay in San Diego. This time, the trade went through, and even though Peavy is hurt for the remainder of this season, next season, he will be the White Sox’s ace.

The Minnesota Twins acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Oakland Athletics. Cabrera is a veteran shortstop that has won a World Series ring in the past, and will greatly help the Twins squad in trying to capture the AL Central crown.

Finally for the AL, the Detroit Tigers acquired veteran lefty Jarrod Washburn from the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners received a pair of left-handed pitching prospects in return. The Tigers are currently leading the AL Central by 2 games over the Twins, and Washburn is a huge addition to their pitching staff.

National League Moves

The AL grabbed most of the spotlight, but there was a couple minor moves with the NL Teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers got some huge help for their bullpen by acquiring Baltimore Orioles closer George Sherrill. Keeping with the trend, the Orioles received two prospects from the Dodgers, one a third baseman, and one a pitcher. Lastly, the Florida Marlins acquired first baseman Nick Johnson from the Washington Nationals.

Overall, I would hand the deadline winner award to the Red Sox. They were a great team to begin with, and got scary good. Already one of the strongest line-up’s in all of baseball and then they added a all-star slugging catcher or first baseman. Kotchman will also be a huge help coming off the bench. I can’t really hand out a loser in this jam-packed NHL like Deadline, as the teams that moved players, got fair value that can only help them in the future.

Plaxico Burress: Facing Jail Time?

Eight months ago, NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to his right thigh in the New York City nightclub LQ. His glock pistol was tucked away in his sweatpants, and after it began to slide down his leg, Burress reached for the gun and accidentally depressed the trigger. It was not a life threatening injury, and Burress was released from a hospital the next afternoon.

About a week later, Burress turned himself into the NYPD to face charges of criminal possession of a handgun. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will try to prosecute Burress to the full extent, claiming any punishment short of the minimum 3.5 years for unlawcul carrying of a handgun would be “a mockery of the law.” Burress also had an expired concealed carry license and no New York license.

On December 2nd, 2008, Burress posted bail of $100,000 and was scheduled to return to court March 31st, 2009, to enter his plea of not guilty.

On December 23, 2008, a search of Burress’ New Jersey home by police and investigators from the  Manhattan District Attorney turned up a 9 mm handgun, a rifle, ammunition and the clothing believed to be worn by Burress on the night of his accidental shooting. If Burress cannot present permits for the weapons, additional charges will likely be filed against him.

On April 3rd, 2009, the New York Giants released Burress, thus making him a free agent.

On July 29, 2009, Burress testified before the grand jury in New York, claming to be “truly remorseful.”

Personally, the Manhattan DA’s, and the supreme court need to throw the book at Burress here. Although a couple of days ago I defended Michael Vick, this is a lot different. What would have happened if that gun went off on an innocent victim? Why would he even need to be bringing a gun to a nightclub anyway? This was a stupid, stupid move by Burress, similar to the mistake Vick made, but the difference is, Vick paid for it. Burress needs to spend atleast 2 of the minimum 3.5 years behind bars, he should be made an example out of. One day I’m sure Burress will get re-instated to the NFL, and is a talented wide receiver, but until then, should be behind bars.

Biography

Plaxico Burress was born August 12 ,1977, in Norfolk, Virginia.  He played college football at Michigan State before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2000 NFL Draft. After spending five years with the Steelers, Burress left via free agency and signed on with the New York Giants. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Burress played four seasons with the Giants before getting his aforementioned release back into free agency.

Brett Favre: A Minnesota Viking?

Another off-season, another Brett Favre saga. After “retiring” two years ago, Brett Favre then decided to play again. The Green Bay Packers had no room for Favre, so Favre was traded to the New York Jets. Played one season, then in the off-season announced his “retirement.” Well, once again, Brett has decided that he may want to continue his career. The Jets granted Favre his release, making him able to sign with any team he wishes. I believe, Favre will continue his career, this season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Why? Well, for the simple reason that he hasn’t stated otherwise. If Favre wasn’t going to play, he would have came right out and said it. Instead Favre has dragged this on and on to give himself to get back into shape. In June of 2009, Favre underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his throwing arm. Now, why would Favre go under the knife to repair his throwing arm, if he wasn’t going to play football again. Brett apparently played through the injury for all of last season, and if he was planning on retiring and relaxing at home, I really don’t think Favre goes through the trouble of having surgery.

On top of that, Favre has been continuously been working out at Oak Grove High school, and apparently looks as good as normal according to his Oak Grove teammates. Brett has appparently given the Vikings a July 30th deadline to make his decision. Why July 30? Well July 30 marks the start of training camp. Do I think Favre will make his decision by then? Nope. Favre will most likely delay this decision until around the middle of August, because he won’t be “ready.” Who knows if he will actually make the decision by the 30th, fact is,  besides divine intervention, Favre will be a Viking. Probably only for one season.

Biography

Brett Favre was born October 10 1960, in Gulfport Mississippi. Favre is a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Favre was a quarterback for the University of Southern Mississippi for four years before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 NFL Draft. After a season, Favre was traded to the Green Bay Packers where he spent 16 NFL seasons. He started every game since the fourth game of the 1992 season until his retirement.

Favre is statistically one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Favre is the first player to win the AP Most Valuable Player three consecutive times (1995–97). He led the Packers to seven division championships (1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007), four NFC Championship Games (1995, 1996, 1997, and 2007), winning two (1996 and 1997), two Super Bowl appearances, winning one (Super Bowl XXXI). He holds a number of NFL records including: most career touchdown passes (464), most career passing yards (65,127), most career pass completions (5,720), most career pass attempts (9,280), most career interceptions thrown (310), most consecutive starts among NFL quarterbacks (269; 291 total starts including playoffs), and most career victories as a starting quarterback (169).