That Which Does Not Kill.....

       Today, I was given many reminders about how much we all tend to defend the things that matter to us and not allow them to be associated with what we deem "lesser" things - even when the parrallel is striking. It is well known that our emotions can tinge our perceptions, but it is still startling how much many of us are willing to sacrifice a logical parrallel for the sake of holding our ideal "above" things we don't particularly care for.

       The sad part goes back to a continual theme for me - that which can build can also destroy. These lines between two points could be used as a way to change our perceptions and gain a greater appreciation for the  "offending" ideal, but so often it is the trap door that we use to make the concept seem illegitimate. As a species, we have a disposition to create so many negative opinions about so many topics - but why? TO be like family and friends? Ego? An acceptance of our community standards with no thought of our own? Dismissing things out of hand is easy enough to do, but it plays a large part in why we are all so limited in our perceptions and stages of "becoming". I have learned in my time to choose another way - there are only a handful of things that I refuse to take any part in (outside of clearly dangerous ones) based on an opinion. Even my own opinion. Things I would never have imagined as a young man that I would take part in. I have learned to cook. I have learned to drink. I know how to do hair. I have danced! (Albeit not much. Try things; always be cognizant of your limitations. Blind confidence is a disaster looking for a place to happen.) I watch BBC shows (a definite coming of....... age?) If it does not hurt or offend, I do not see the reason to disavow myself of it. If for no other reason, the experience gives me another set of skills, ideas or moments I can reflect on, share or even fall in love with doing. I like to cook (For that special someone). I like doing hair. MOre importantly, I like trying to be the example to get others to open their minds and taste as many of the worlds pleasures (in action) as possible. One never knows what gifts the unknown holds for us....     

C. M. Punk Takes His Ball and Goes Home

     I have been a huge C. M. Punk mark since back during his TNA tenure. In Ring of Honor, I became a life long fan of his for his work rate, his promos and his amazing matches night after night. If you came to this post looking for me to get on Punk's case about his decision to leave WWE and has now landed in UFC, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

     Yes, Punk took his ball and went home - he left a scheduled appearance hen he had enough.That said, sometimes in life, we as people need to stand up to an unfair tyranny and say "no more". Consequences be damned, when it is time to stand for what's right - you have to have the courage to do what your heart tells you to. Kudo's Punk, on being a MAN. He broke his silence last week on his Best Friend's podcast and spent 90+ minutes mesmerizing us all with the true look from the inside of WWE. He was bukkied, he was overlooked, he was unappreciated and now he's moving on to the BIGGER company to see if he can make a mark. C. M. Punk will never read this blog; but I am proud of him a a man and a potential role model for young men today. 

     I do hope that one day (after his UFC journey), he might decide to come back to WRESTLING (not sports entertainment). For months I had imagined him living up to his initial "pipe bomb" - returning to Ring of Honor or New Japan to show how great he is. Financially, it would appear he has no reason to do so. Personally, he has nothing more to prove to the wrestling world or these orginizations. However, to hear so many wrestlers speak, it never really leaves your blood. After all the things he had to overcome - moving through the territories, being saddled with the "internet" tag upon his initial step into the WWE perversion of ECW, from being held down as a mid-carder for so many years before he finally got a chance to show what he had stored, to finally being the best in the world and being given the ball to run with for over a year! What a fantastic talent. I will always have "The Summer of Punk" dvds to remind me why I love this SPORT.

      I wish you good luck in UFC, Phil. I think your intelligence, eloquence and talent will make you as popular a draw as they have had in that federation since Chuck Liddell. Tear it up, win a title and show the world that some people are bigger than any bully - even the mega corporation with a promoter at it's head pushing people around. I look forward to your "Plunge". Godspeed!

     Heyman guys quit - to go conquer the world.