We all have quirks. Some we advertise with pride. Others, not. I've known I was "different" for a long time, since I was a kid. My interests have always been extraordinarily broad. This is my admission to friends and family that I am not the person some of you believe. I hope you will accept me still, and regard my revelation with patience and understanding.

For some time now I have indulged in an interest that many I know regard with disapproval, even disdain. Several close family members are aware, including my wife, who has been very loving and supportive. Only one close friend knows about this, and he and I have shared this affection for about a year. We have attended local events with thousands of others where we can feel accepted and comfortable. I have spent much disk space TiVo-ing, money buying, and time reading about the culture, its celebrities, and techniques.

I am a fan of mixed martial arts, MMA. My favorite television program is Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV. Randy Couture and Jeremy Horn are some of my heroes. And for my birthday, I will attend the Ultimate Fighting Championship 56 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

I'm sorry.