Sharky's blog: "My take on LIFE"

After the past month of boxing venues and UFC venues, on the surface it would appear that boxing still holds the crown as being a top draw. Let's go a bit further though, boxing has maybe 1 or 2 huge matches a year. The weight classes are all chopped up from middle weight, light middle weight to fly light weight. Each weight class has at least 3 divisions, what's the point of that? Add to this the "Alphabet Soup" of sanctioning bodies that exist within boxing, IBA, IBO, WBA, WBO and so on and so on. Finally add the corruption allegations, fixing fights and contract strong-arming that has been alleged/proven at times over the past few years. Jim Lampley is one of the outspoken announcers who says (I'm paraphrasing here) - Boxing is still king and is better at pulling the bigger paydays than any MMA venue.- Fine I'll grant him that, but when you only have 1 or 2 big fights a year you can't help but have a big payday. With MMA and namely the UFC, there are fewer weight divisions so there is a consistent parade of athletes that the audience is aware of and they don't have to know 30 weight classes. Much more fan friendly in this respect. They have matches about once a month, do a great draw on pay-per-view and audience seats. Depending on the fight seats are going from $2,000 to $10,000 in the lower arena near the ring. Not a bad draw considering they do this about once a month and consistently sell out the arena. Then there is the reputation, the founders and enforcers for UFC and most MMA venues there are rules, and penalties. Pretty cut and dried about fighting and what is or is not allowed. They have worked hard to keep the sport "clean" and attractive to its audience. Purses are smaller, but title fights are more frequent, matches are on the surface more "evenly matched" due to weight, size and record. Matches might go quick but they are riveting, exciting and entertaining. Overall UFC/MMA takes the cake, based on providing more consistent entertainment, match-ups and a "clean" reputation. Being more in-tune or having a grasp of what its audience is MMA venues know what they are doing. Boxing is grasping at straws and throwing out names to just make it somewhat appealing. Give boxing another 5 years of this lack-luster approach and UFC/MMA will overtake it and the big paydays will be the only appealing thing about boxing. Just my take on things.

OMG!!! Rate me this, rate me that. Look over and over I've stated that I rate 7-9 and 10's are reserved for specific pics that I deem "perfect". Pages get 10's if they impress the hell out of me or are at least better than my own simple page (doesn't take much). I'm sorry if you are offended, upset or just not in that "mood" when I rate your page or ask you to add me. If you know me you love me, if you don't....your loss (and a big one at that-just ask my friends who know me in reality not cyberspace). I love my "real" friends and true friends, the rest can get to know me or get in line to say or do what they must to relieve their own conscience. Keep smiling and luv to my friends. Always Sharky As of March 2007...I realize that the whole point system is just a way to pass on rewards and show some luv. I drop 10's on everyone and I'm in the process of updating all my ratings on people. If I haven't gotten to you let me know and I'll do what I can about everything. Aside from that if I don't like someone I just flat out don't rate them at all.

I've seen so much on the internet, from dating tips, to advice and even women themselves putting out their criteria for what makes a man appealing. At the same time I've met a lot of women in my life thus far. In addition I was married, it was horrible for the most part because the bad times seriously outnumbered the good. I've been divorced for over 6 years now, and I'm just throwing out what I've learned about women. I could be right, I could be wrong, these are just my observations. Please note when I say "some women" that does not imply "all women". I will not generalize every woman in the world, I'm smarter than that. So anyway here goes.... I've learned that some women regardless of what they say are completely vain and into looks, just like some men. I realize that my ex-wife and her behavior does not represent all women. I'm sure there are some beautiful women out there who see any relationship as a 50/50 venture and are not out to suck the living life out of someone. I am aware of the fact, and would like to share, that these women may pay you any attention or toss you aside for the "bad boy". Take heart in knowing that someday they may regret it, and be wondering to themselves, "where is that nice, sweet guy I dumped". Please note this will not occur to them until about 5 to 10 years after they have dumped you and they are tired of being cheated on, treated badly/abused and not being taken seriously for their mind and outgoing personality. There are times when it is necessary to just forget even trying to remain friends with a woman. Namely when she sends someone to kill you, beat you up, or curses a tirade of obscenities at you as she tries to run you down with her car. Otherwise I will at least always hear a woman out on her opinion of me. I've learned to never stand a woman up, she deserves a call at the very least, and along with that she deserves the truth as to why. A gentleman always holds the door for a lady, always waits for the lady to be seated first. Walks curbside while either holding hands or with his arm around her waist. I've learned some women will not truly appreciate a guy who treats them nicely, because they think this will eventually fade. Therefore they don't give it an honest chance. I've learned women want honesty, and they remember the little things. They just don't want to lead on that they remember. They want to see what version you remember. I've learned some women crave romance and find it intoxicating. There are also some women who detest romance and find it a sign of weakness. The smart guy figures out what kind of woman he's dating within 5 minutes of the first date. ___________________________ I've learned that nothing winds up like it does in the movies. Because in the movies a beautiful woman falls in love with a witty intelligent, and not-so-good-looking guy in the span of a week for all the right reasons. They kiss in the rain, and the movie would have you think they spend together forever. I've realized that a guys career, the car he drives and where he hangs out dramatically affects the type of women he attracts and the type he doesn't attract. It's very complicated to achieve the simple things in life - who knew. LOL Sometimes the simplest act is perceived as being disingenuine on your part. I've realized that some women completely expect jewelery and flowers. But to truly impress them, do something original and it will be all the more memorable for them and you. I will be adding to this, afterall learning about women is a lifetime work in progress for me.

With the recent suits against MySpace.com, YouTube and various entertainment companies regarding website content, leaks and inappropriate promotional tactics I'm just going to add my 2 cents. Freedom of speech is one thing, the freedom of information act had some good intent, but at what point do we start considering personal safety, right to privacy and appropriate ethical behavior when it comes to our actions. The only thing that saves MySpace.com, and to some degree the higher powers here at CT as well, is that this is considered a public forum and doesn't fall under anything that could be defined as "private". Remember though intent and content are the key factors in determining the ability for a case to go forward and be tried when you get down to the basics. I'm just waiting for the day when MySpace, CT or YouTube gets a subpoena or court order and violates it and then the corporate unraveling begins. I'm curious as to how many instigations are started due to the fact that these websites don't actually adhere to their own "Terms of Use" rules? Something to think about. Try keeping the petty stuff to a minimum, be above trashing someone, and as much as it may torque you off, be above retaliating in the same fashion as your attackers when dealing with online attacks, be they in blogs, mumms or general postings. Above all to my friends, remember you are in my thoughts daily and I'm in your corner so keep smiling -SHARKY