In honor of "The Contender" finale, mix yourselves A Boxer

It's been an uneventful week. Sometimes working in a restaurant/bar is just like everyone else's job. Boring.

Maybe it was Reality TV Finale Week that kept the customers away? While the tasteless Nielsen families were watching the fakey, tear-jerking "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," some of us were watching "The Contender," which provided somewhat-authentic teary moments. And lots of great boxing. The show sort of proved a Movie Rule: If you're going to make a dramatic, sweeping, emotional film about sports, go with boxing! It was amazing how much you ended up caring about these guys at the end of each show. The concept translated well to television, and I think it's one of Mark Burnett's best shows to date. It was also fantastic to see free boxing on prime-time network television again. Too bad NBC's throwing in the towel. (couldn't resist)

Congratulations to the well-read and thoughtful Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora for his impressive performance. I never thought he had a chance against Peter Manfredo, but Mora's speed and unique style proved superior in the five and seven-round bouts. He proved that boxers can be powerful and intimidating while quoting Oscar Wilde, so you couldn't help being charmed by him. I'm a fan, and I'd like to thank Sergio Mora and the other boxers for renewing my interest in boxing and the more exciting middleweights, in particular. Best of luck to Sergio in the future; I'll be paying attention to your career (work on your power!) Congratulations also to Peter Manfredo Jr., Jesse Brinkley, and especially for the "fan favorite" and third-place winner, Alfonso Gomez.

At any rate, it's entirely puzzling to me that this show didn't attract more viewers. A reality show where, in order to win, you have to beat the living crap out of your opponents! And it didn't hurt that at least 90% of the fighters were hot. Purrrrrr. There are likely people who would pay to watch "Rob and Amber: The Divorce" but never gave "The Contender" a passing glance. Shame on you all. You should all be doomed to a lifetime of nothing but two-hour series starring various members of the Hilton family.

I think "The Contender" is still in repeats on CNBC, if anyone wants to set their Tivo.

And to wrap up Reality Closer Week, I imagine Bo Bice is quite relieved to have lost "American Idol." He's actually got a shot at a rock career now.

Heading into the busy Memorial Day Weekend, I hope to have more bar stories for everyone soon. In the meantime, here's a boxing-themed cocktail recipe, known as the Yellow Boxer to some, although I've always called it The Boxer.

The Boxer Martini

1 1/2 ounces Patron Silver Tequila
1/2 ounce Galliano Liqueur
Splash of Orange Juice
Splash of Sour
Splash of Rose's Lime

Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve with a smile. La di Li!

In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him 'till he cried out in his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving
But the fighter still remains
Yes, he still remains
- Simon and Garfunkel, "The Boxer"