UFC vs Boxing

Is it safe to say the Ultimate Fighting Championship is bigger than Boxing yet? I'm trying to remember the last time I watched a good boxing match. I think it was along the time when Oscar De La Hoya was on top then leading into everyone believing Roy Jones Jr. was invincible (which I think he was). But now, I see no Don King, I see no heavyweights, where is the future? I did see a semi-pop reality boxing show with Sylvester Stallone and Sugar Ray, but that's all in the past.

I have a hunch the UFC is bigger than ever, and hats off to them. Hand to hand fighting has been through it's rough times and the UFC isn't the first organization to try to sell mixed martial arts fighting. But now, I could name off a handful of fighters without even calling myself a fan...I doubt I can do that with boxers. Another plus for the UFC is that it appears to be more controlled out of the ring. I was sick of seeing boxers start the fight at the weigh in...it got old. But UFC fighters seem to be able to wait for the octagon. I think once they lose the pay-per-view and verbal "get it on" to start the fights...I might start watching.

Back to the Grind

I've returned from my 5 week stint through Europe, and am feeling about everything one can feel at the same time.

Desire (to get caught up with work), Happiness (to see friends/family again), Sadness (to leave friends/beautiful locals), Greed (to rebuild the bank account), Jealousy (of friends who are working in Positano and have real jobs), and also a thing I like to call "Aweness."

Aweness hits me at various times for about 4 days after I return from a trip. Actually it's more like a "light slap" rather than a "hit." Aweness is picking up my car keys and thinking "wow....I'm lucky I have a car and also...wow...I lived 5 weeks happily, never thinking about needing a car." Aweness was seeing the natural plants I've lived around forever and thinking "wow...I've seen more variety of plants the last 5 weeks than I have my entire life." "wow...I always enjoyed eggs, bacon and toast for breakfast...but I miss croissants, baguettes, and crepes already."

All this "Aweness" is painful and educational. The more I seem to learn, the more I see how much I have yet to learn.

But enough about that....GREECE PICTURES!


Mykonos Beach...not too many swimmers due to water being frickin freezing.



HI MATT AND TRACE! - This wasn't graffiti...it was chalk that will come off of the santorini black lava. BTW...I was going to email it, but never had internet connection.



Toy sailboat being held by Ms. Peggy


Grilled fish...and you can kind of see the grilled octopus above it.


Theatre of Epidauros - famous for it's terrific accoustics. The guide said Celine Dion performed here and nobody seemed to give a shit.


Me and Peggy in 1st Olympic Stadium.


Athens Guard. I've never been so afraid of someone in a skirt and tights.



Corinth Canal.