Should Burger King Have Endorsed Anderson Silva?

I am not an MMA expert but do occasionally watch the pay-per-views; most recently I watched UFC 134, which took place in Brazil--home to some of the greatest mix martial artists in the world including current UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. No surprise, Anderson Silva won the fight and defended his title.

I have no complaints about the actual fight or outcome, but my biggest qualm about the Silva fight happened in the first minutes when he entered the octagon and very prominently across his left thigh was a giant Burger King Logo to accompany the giant Burger King logo on his banner behind him and the giant Burger King logo beneath him on the octagon floor. This is the first time I have seen the fast food chain represented during a UFC fight, and to be honest, I was a little upset.

The same week, Silva premiered two TV spots for Burger King promoting the "Mega BK Stacker"--a three patty bacon cheeseburger the size of my face. The spots aired in Brazil, I think, but haven't made it to the States. While blog posts and YouTube comments for the new spots are mostly positive... I still can't forgive Burger King for pitching the partnership to Silva. I regard MMA as a sport that requires discipline and strict training, especially when it comes to staying fit and cutting weight--and no where does that align with the values of fast food. There are other sponsors like Bud Light and Energy Drinks that don't align with the MMA lifestyle--but somehow I find Burger King's step into the UFC space more offensive and inappropriate, as if Burger King just sold-out the sport like it was NASCAR or something. Just another opportunity to raise awareness among growth consumers--a perfect opportunity to sell more burgers. Period.

UFC fans are very loyal to the sport and I think Burger King is taking advantage of that loyalty. My point is obesity is a very real problem and brands, especially fast food chains, and even Athletes and Celebrities need to consider the effects of their partnership beyond just sales. Strangely, I don't find Paris Hilton, Kim Kardahsian or Audrina Partridge's Carl's Jr. ads offensive so maybe I'm just taking this Burger King/Silva thing too seriously? What do you think.

Where To Watch Every Sports Game In NYC

I was looking for a bar to watch UFC 112 tonight (BJ PENN!) and stumbled upon Where We Watch, a site dedicated to sports bars in NYC and where to watch all your favorite teams.  To all non-New York sports fans, there is a bar for you and no more calling random bars until you find your game.  Cheers.

NYC Picture Post: Apt Hunt, 911, BJ Penn

Starbucks' new natural, homegrown look hoping to rid its uber-corporate reputation. 'It's not just coffee, it's Starbucks.'

Fingers crossed that I get this East Village dig with a spiral staircase & skylightI witnessed a serious car accident at 96 & 3rd and had to call 911. A van with children got T-boned and crashed into a light pole. Good thing no one was seriously hurt, but seeing the whole scene play out was very scary and disturbing to know that this happens often.
Seriously, PEOPLE SLOW DOWN.

UFC 101... yea Hawaii-boy BJ PENN won!
'Snakes on a Cane' street art throughout East Village
Witnessed an epic light saber battle in Union Square

Anticipated Backlash of Brock Lesnar's Coors Light Endorsement

UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) has its 100th Pay-Per-View today, and being that mixed martial arts is huge in Hawaii, I caught the last three fights. The most anticipated fight of the night was between heavyweights Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir. Mir, a Vegas-hometown favorite, won the last time the two matched up, and Lesnar was not going to have any of it.

Lesnar beat the s*** out of Mir, won the fight and was BOO-ed heavily by the crowd. He gave the crowd two large middle fingers and s***-talked Mir over the mic. The crowd's boos became louder and fueled Lesnar's meatheaded douchebaggyness. His unsportsmanlike behavior reflects badly upon the sport and UFC franchise.

Lesnar's most controversial comment was about Coors Light. When asked how he was going to celebrate his victory, he said he was going to have a beer--a Coors Light--because Bud Light won't pay him money, and then said something about being "on top of my wife".

It's no doubt advertising and endorsements are a HUGE part of the UFC. From the individual player's branded attire (brands like Tap Out, Ecko Unltd, Bad Boy) to promoting the fight venue, usually a Vegas hotel, you can't miss the blatant plugs geared towards testosterone heavy males.

Coors Light's decision to have Lesnar endorse the brand may hurt Coors more, as more UFC fans start to hate him after tonight's fight. I hope Bud Light doesn't decide to use Frank Mir as an endorser, because it would make me sick to see a beer company turn a mixed martial arts rivalry into a battle between watered-down beers.