Mirko Cro Cop Fights Hong Man Choi On Japan MMA Card

By Ross Everett

The bizarre career of Croatian striking machine Mirko Cro Cop will continue on New Years Eve in Tokyo as he faces 72 Korean kickboxer Hong-Man Choi in what should be the final addition to the K-1/DREAM combined show called Fields Dynamite!. The matchup adds even more striking firepower to a lineup that already includes K-1 mainstays Peter Aerts, Mighty Mo, and Semmy Schlit.

For Cro Cop, its another stop on what has seemed like a meandering professional course full of much talk and little action since his departure from the UFC. In September 10, 2007, Cro Cop had just won PRIDE's Open Weight Grand Prix in dominant fashion. Some were suggesting that he, and not Fedor Emelianenko, was the best heavyweight fighter in the world.

Cro Cops upset loss to Gabriel Gonzaga changed that and his career his never really recovered. In what was supposed to be a "tune up" bout, Gonzaga smothered Cro Cop and roughed him up on the ground before unleashing his own version of Cro Cop's signature kick. Mirko never saw it coming, and he crashed to the mat like he'd been shot with his leg folded awkwardly beneath him.

Since the loss to Gonzaga it has been almost impossible to keep up with the various twists and turns in Cro Cops career. After another UFC loss, this by unanimous decision to Cheick Kongo where Cro Cop looked listless and gun shy, his management announced that he had suffered a broken rib in the first round and was having trouble breathing.

Its been an eventful year for Hong Man Choi as well. 2008 began with a loss to Fedor Emelianeko on the Yarrenoka New Years Eve event, in which the Russian fighting god briefly struggled with Chois 72 330 pound frame before submitting him. In April, he joined the Korean army for his compulsory military service only to be relived from his duties after medical tests discovered a brain tumor. The tumor was removed in June, and Choi was back in the ring in late September. He lost to then K-1 heavyweight champ Badr Hari in his comeback fight, and lost again to Ray Sefo in a reserve match at the recently completed World Cup GP. The losses prompted K-1 president Sadaharu Tanikawa to curiously announce that Choi had been laid off from the kickboxing promotion due to perceived erosion in his skills.

Tanikawas comments notwithstanding (and with the realization that they may be as much storyline as anything else) Choi is really the same as hes always been. Hes a physical mismatch for any opponent and while his striking style is awkward at best, it has proven to be reasonably effective. His reach is insane, and his size allows him to get a ridiculous among of leverage from his knee strikes. Not sure why Tanikawa is just now realizing that Choi isnt Ernesto Hoost, but hes a surprisingly skilled fighter who uses his unique physical attributes to their best advantage.

This fight isnt about competition as much as it is about commerce. Cro Cop remains one of the most popular foreign fighters in Japan, and with the proven success of freak show matchups this may have been the most attractive opponent for him from the promotions standpoint. Its a fight that Cro Cop should win, and in Japan at least a victory over Choi would have at least some significance.

About the Author:

Ross Everett is a consulting handicapper for Sports-1 and an authority on thoroughbred horse racing and internet sports betting . He's a published expert on handicapping theory, as well as financial investment strategy. He contributes to a number of websites providing insight on NFL football betting, hockey and mixed martial arts.

Choosing Contemporary Living Room Furniture

By Leroy Dyrnal

Living rooms are the often the first thing people see when they come to your house. Choosing contemporary living room furniture can showcase off any living room with a simple elegance and sophistication that no other type of furniture can give you.

The most often chosen piece is the sofa and loveseat. Modern furniture carries these in substantial, squared designs in ebony, ivory couches framed in chrome.

If you have room, sectional sofas are seen in many contemporary living rooms. While often in hide, they also come in a bevy of colours and neutrals, in addition to the standard black and whites. There are many styles here to choose from, from atomic styling of the rounded couches, to the more associated edgy styles. Some of these have backs that can be taken off and built in tables and lamps.

Another type of couch is the convertible. These are multi-use pieces and are greatly sought after for their adaptability. Futons fall into this category, but the convertible sofas of modern furniture are much more then that. These pieces offer function and have a sleek, minimal design. While less elaborate then the other two, this is an attractive alternative to the "sleeper sofas" of yesteryear in their beauty and portability.

Arm chairs are where the modern look is more readily recognized. These are featured from the satellite chair many know as contemporary furniture, to chairs that look futuristic in design. Your living room can host metals, natural and man made materials, textiles and create a centrepiece of the living room with them, because many of these transcend the ordinary and go into an imaginative territory only bound by your tastes.

Every living room has a television, and with it comes an entertainment centre. Many people also prefer to have an occasional table as well. These are offered in glass, chromes and painted woods. Silhouettes are often very different from each other, some will be kidney shaped, and some will have a block form to them, with uneven ledges for electronics. Often, these are both modernized in the lines to lend to the appearance of the room, but they are no less usable because of it.

Any contemporary living room can be made from any budget and in any colour scheme. The key to the look is to choose simple pieces that are made in modern materials and fit the contemporary aesthetic.

About the Author:

About the author - shop around for the best prices on living room furniture at Leroy Dyrnal's living room sets website.

Drunk In Charge Of A Jet Ski?

By George Ross

Jet Skiing is an exhilarating sport. Breaking the waters in your extreme equipment, slicing through the surf while turning trick after trick is an exciting adventure. It is easy to picture loosing yourself in the excitement and fun. You can imagine what you could be like when you are under the influence of alcohol.

A lot of people are becoming more anxious concerning riders and drivers who have been drinking before taking a ride on their rigs. It is a common sight to see young people having drinks on the beach these days. Jet Ski rule violations have been linked to such incidents. It has been noticed that rule breakers had a round of shots before riding their machines and get dangerously close to the boats in local bays.

Responsible Jet Ski owners are quite adamant in banning alcohol from their machines. They particularly listen to concerns of other people as well. They also never allow anybody who has been drinking to ride much less drive their Jet Skis.

Most if not all Jet Skiing accidents are associated with not obeying safety precautions and rules. Several of this mishaps are also related to alcohol intoxication.

2 citizens were involved in a Jet Skiing accident in Kentucky. As another rig was passing behind him, a drunk driver suddenly made a turn to his left. A major factor was played by alcohol in this mishap dulling the concentration and judgment of the driver.

There are also people who voice concerns about the excessive noise Jet Skiers make at times claiming that riders may have been drunk or drinking, but most often than not, the riders are only enjoying themselves.

Everyone must remember that everybody needs to be sober when they are out in the water. It is even more important to bear in mind that we should never operate a watercraft when under the influence of alcohol. Not only do we endanger our own life but those of others as well.

I have read in a personal injury lawyer's site that drinking and water sports should never mix. Furthermore, anybody should never command any mode of transportation after consuming alcohol. Any mishap resulting from it will rest upon his shoulders.

While Jet Skiing is a fun and thrill packed sport, we must always learn by heart that not only are we responsible for our safety, but for the welfare of others as well.

About the Author:

Keeping an eye open for a cool jet ski for sale? Who can blame you? If you mozy on over to our store you can browse hundreds of great deals. You can choose from all the known brands including a selection of Honda jet skis for sale. Be sure to visit today.

The Batting Cages And Women

By Bill Johnson

Seriously, the batting cages are the best option for some family fun, for blowing off some steam, and of course for a little batting practice. The whole family can get into the fun of cracking the ball, the thrill of the first hit, and the endorphins released through the whole process.

Most batting cages will offer bats and batting helmets at their gates. Pick out a bat that feels comfortable in your grip and doesn't feel too heavy. Batting helmets should fit snugly enough to stay on by not so tight that your ears end up permanently pressed into your head. If it's too tight you are likely to end up with a headache and a pinpoint spot on the top of your head that feels pinched.

For kids who are looking to make the team, the batting cages can be the tool that really gets them ahead. While you can take your son or daughter outside and work with them on throwing and catching skills, not everyone lives in an area that is open enough to survive a home run hit without damage. Going to the cages gives them the clear and free opportunity to work on giving it their all without worrying about the house windows next door or the car in the driveway.

If you've never been to the batting cages, the process is really simple. Most cages have at least some publicly available equipment if you don't have your own. Bats and helmets are usually there to make sure that you can have a good experience even if you've never stepped up to bat before.

Children, men, and women can all get their swing on down at the batting cages. If you or your children are really into baseball, this is a good place to go for some extra batting practice. Since the pitches are designed to randomly pitch at different heights and levels, you can practice your curve ball swing and your fastball swing all in the same session.

Don't forget the importance of some batting gloves. These are gloves that help absorb the vibration of the bat and help you maintain better control over the bat. If your last experience at batting practice was when you were a child, lining up with your team to take a few hits, you've probably never experienced the difference in hitting ball after ball as it slides through the strike zone. Eventually, your hands will dislike the vibration.

Batting gloves are an inexpensive but highly worthwhile investment. The vibration of the bat can eventually cause soreness in your hands without gloves. Sweat can make the bat slippery and more difficult to manipulate. Thus, one simple pair of batting gloves can make your entire experience a lot more gain without any pain.

About the Author:

Bill writes articles that teach people about backyard batting cages and how to choose a batting cage frame.

Behind the Mask: The Basics of the Paintball Mask

By Jerry Bencia

Paintball game is involved with paints where each one will be hitting other in paint, so to protect ones face from any damage a paintball mask is used. The main function of the paintball mask is to safe guard the players face from damage and also from other things like entry of paint in to mouth, ear, etc. Another thing you should note, is that some paintball masks have a small profile that leave the chin exposed. Some players do not mind it, while others who have experienced a neck shot understand that getting a mask that covers this sensitive area is important.

Think what will happen if you get hit by a paint ball moving with a velocity of 300 feet per second. The consequences are more severe. So it is always good to be on the safer side. A paint ball mask costs $25 to $100, which is highly affordable. If there is one piece of equipment you should spend good money on, its the paintball mask. Apart from saving your face from the high velocity paintball, a good mask will provide excellent visibility with incredible comfort.

When you get hit by a paintball marker, there is ever chance of paint going into your eyes, nose, ear and mouth. To prevent this from happening, the paintball mask is used and it is mandatory. It also prevents some sensitive parts of the face from getting hurt.

The paintball mask should have good padding facility. This will provide comfort to the player and give him more cushions while playing. You have every chance of falling down during the game. So a good paint ball mask is the one which is capable for protecting your head also without any damage.

Maintaining the paintball mask in a good condition is very important. Cleaning process should be done with utmost care. Just spray some water to the mask to loosen the paint and then use a rug to remove it. But make sure that you don't make use of any chemical for the removal of paint which will be very harmful for the lenses.

The arrangement in the paintball mask is that the lens can be easily removed from the mask and then cleaned separately with a micro fiber cloth and then replaced inside the mask. This will increase the visibility of your opponents during the game.

About the Author:

Some of the best paintball masks have quick change lenses, and fit the face comfortably. Some of the best masks out today include the Dye I4 which is known for its professional features. Learn more about the Dye I4.

Are There Differences Between the Blends of Different Size Cigars in the Same Line?

By Dave Sabot

Cigar smokers are a keen bunch, and they can often detect differences in tobacco blends used in different sized cigars even though they are in the same line of cigars. You will find that makers of cigars use slightly different blends for a variety of reasons. It is even possible that cigars crafted from the same blend have a different taste depending on the size of the cigar.

Size is the most important factor when it comes to the reason cigar blends in the same line differ. A smaller cigar, which is shorter and more narrow, will have a different taste than a large cigar in the same line. When you have a smaller cigar, you are going to get more taste of the wrapper for one thing. Also, you will simply not have the same ratio of tobacco to wrapper and binder as you would with a larger cigar unless the manufacturer changes the blends slightly.

What are the reasons that blends differ in taste depending on size, even though they are from a single line? The size itself is the primary reason. A smaller cigar is going to taste different from a larger cigar. When you have a larger cigar, you have more filler and less wrapper. This allows the full flavor of the cigar to come across. The smaller cigars that don't have as much of the filler are going to have a milder taste in most cases, even though it is from the same blend.

Take the cigars and cut them open to look at the difference in blends. You are likely going to see more dark tobacco in the larger cigar. Doing this is a good way for you to get a visual that will help you to understand the differences in the blends even though the cigars are from the same line.

You will find that many factors can influence the taste of a cigar, and that is one of the reasons that so many people enjoy smoking them. You will be able to find something that you like, no matter your preference and you will discover plenty of other styles, sizes, and blends that you can try to you can expand your knowledge. It is a very rewarding pastime, and one that is relaxing as well.

About the Author:

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including torch lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring articles and videos on cigar lighter repair.

Comcast Cable Promos

By Sherry Maxwell

In lots of ways, Comcast Cable TV is the ultimate home telecommunications service! This should not be surprising when you think about the fact that this leader in cable based communications delivers the best telephone, highspeed Internet, and tube that you can get anywhere!

Telephone service is probably the aspect of what Comcast TV offers that most customers find the most surprising, but when you think about it any system that can transmit hundreds of channels of Television should not have any trouble with telephone service! That's why Comcast TV offer Digital Voice as such a feature rich, yet low cost, telephone service that contains all of the call management tools that you could possibly want, plus free domestic long distance, at an exceptionally cheap flat rate!

High-Speed Internet in another impressive service that you can get from Comcast TV. With an ever increasing amount of entertainment and info available online, it's important to have the quickest Internet connection possible! After all, with the possibility of streaming high definition video over the Internet, a slower connection just doesn't cut it anymore! Fortunately, this high speed digital cable Internet service doubles the speeds of the nearest competitor and calls into question whether or not slower technologies such as DSL and satellite Internet can really be called �high speed!�

This highspeed Internet access means that you'll find it easy to take advantage of the latest online applications. Whether it's a VoIP based collaboration application for work or a massively multiplayer PC game to unwind when the work is done, a highspeed Internet connection from Comcast Cable TV can make it happen! In addition, you'll be able to download massive amounts of data and big software applications as well. Need productivity software? Just download it so that you can get to work right away instead of waiting for it to arrive in the mail or going out to the store for it! Want to buy the newest release of your favorite film? You can just acquire it online and download it as well. Even complete movies in High Definition Television are an option with this kind of speed!

Comcast Cable's high-speed Internet service gets even better when you look at the fact that you can get extensive supplementary features as well! For example, every subscription comes with complementary security and antivirus software (as well as software updates for it) and parental control software. It may also be possible to set up a hardware firewall between your home network and the Internet using hardware provided by Comcast Cable! Free or cheap access to terrific Internet content makes this service an even better deal!

While the Internet is a great tool, Television is still the greatest option when you're ready for relaxing entertainment, and Comcast TV is second to none where television is concerned! With 100's of channels, extensive High Definition TV options, DVR capability, and many other high tech features; this is the right choice for all of your Television entertainment needs! Each and every programming package from Comcast TV has features like access to ON DEMAND, your local channels, extensive music channels, parental controls, and an interactive on screen program guide. All of these features add up to a lot of control over what you watch and plenty of access to extra entertainment!

The fact that Comcast TV allows you to bundle all of your home telecommunications services together makes it an even better special!

About the Author:

Sherry Maxwell writes articles for consumers who want to find the best Comcast Cable TV Deals currently available. She has written for many major publications about the latest Comcast Promotional Offers and how buyers can find the best discounts.