I've been focusing a lot on TKD testing. It's about 3 or 4 months away & I still have a great deal to accomplish. The form I'm doing for demonstration may change - mostly to make it easier for the four people "attacking" me. Also, I have to shore up the terminology, tweak my other forms just right, etc.
Which is why I was surprised when Master Rion said those four words you never expect to hear...
It's time to test...in Hapkido.
GULP!
Well, to say a fire was well lit under my backside is an understatement. I quickly realized there are over 160 techniques I need to have down pat in two weeks! Sure, I know most of them already but there's also quite a challenge in executing them ordinarily.
That being said, I am fortunate to have a mentor in the process. Mr. Reif, one of our black belts, has volunteered his time to help me with getting up to speed for this test. Recommended black belt is a big step & I'm sure to be run through the fire on this one.
In the end I know it will be worth it. Passing a test in HKD, particularly the higher belts, is always rewarding because you know you've earned it.
1/24/07
Maybe A Spanking Is In Order
OK, I know a few of you will disagree with me here, but when AirTran kicked a family off a flight because of a tantrum-laden child couldn't be consoled by her parents, I thought it was the right thing to do.
Let's face it, kids are going to be kids but parents must be able to hold their own in the face of something as common as a tantrum. Believe me, there were times when I misbehaved as a child (no, seriously!) & I can tell you that my parents were on-the-ball when it came to discipline. No, they weren't Assyrian in their methods but they did ensure I knew right from wrong.
This couple had 15 minutes to calm the kid down & they obviously had no control over the situation. Heck, the little girl was even hitting her own parents. Try that with my Father & your last moments on earth might be very painful...
Now, I know you're thinking, "Hapkido, they PAID for those tickets"! That's a fair point. So did the other passengers. Should they be forced to endure a two-hour poutfest from a recalcitrant youth? I don't think so.
The airline refunded the parents' money, gave them the opportunity to fly anywhere in the country & handled the situation with the best interests of the passengers in mind. The parents, not happy with the fact they can't discipline their own child, are refusing to fly AirTran ever again.
Sometimes you get lucky. Now I know that AirTran hasn't become AirTantrum, I'll probably be that much more willing to give them a try.
Let's face it, kids are going to be kids but parents must be able to hold their own in the face of something as common as a tantrum. Believe me, there were times when I misbehaved as a child (no, seriously!) & I can tell you that my parents were on-the-ball when it came to discipline. No, they weren't Assyrian in their methods but they did ensure I knew right from wrong.
This couple had 15 minutes to calm the kid down & they obviously had no control over the situation. Heck, the little girl was even hitting her own parents. Try that with my Father & your last moments on earth might be very painful...
Now, I know you're thinking, "Hapkido, they PAID for those tickets"! That's a fair point. So did the other passengers. Should they be forced to endure a two-hour poutfest from a recalcitrant youth? I don't think so.
The airline refunded the parents' money, gave them the opportunity to fly anywhere in the country & handled the situation with the best interests of the passengers in mind. The parents, not happy with the fact they can't discipline their own child, are refusing to fly AirTran ever again.
Sometimes you get lucky. Now I know that AirTran hasn't become AirTantrum, I'll probably be that much more willing to give them a try.
1/18/07
Carrie Underwood
I can't say I'm much of an American Idol fan - it just never caught my interest. I suppose I can be forgiven for not knowing who the heck Carrie Underwood is.
I heard her single "Before He Cheats" on the radio & while it's not really my type of song, it did encourage me to check out some of her other songs. I downloaded a few & would say she's at least worth checking out.
I'm not much of a country fan, though I do have a few artists I can enjoy. She's definitely going on the list because of her strong, confident voice. Most of her songs are catchy or at least strike a good emotional chord. It doesn't hurt that she's cute-as-a-button, either. ;-)
Seriously, she's well-worth a listen. Hope you enjoy her music!
I heard her single "Before He Cheats" on the radio & while it's not really my type of song, it did encourage me to check out some of her other songs. I downloaded a few & would say she's at least worth checking out.
I'm not much of a country fan, though I do have a few artists I can enjoy. She's definitely going on the list because of her strong, confident voice. Most of her songs are catchy or at least strike a good emotional chord. It doesn't hurt that she's cute-as-a-button, either. ;-)
Seriously, she's well-worth a listen. Hope you enjoy her music!
1/15/07
Customer Serviced?
Am I the only person out there whose noticed that service at most places has taken a nosedive? I had three instances in the past week where businesses have just plain done a terrible job.
First, I was at von Maur - a department store which sells some higher-end clothing & fine gifts. There are three people for whom I shop there exclusively. To say I'm a regular customer might be an understatement since my Mom, little sister & my friend Amy all receive gifts I purchase there.
I stood in the Gifts area for ten minutes & made direct eye contact with the sales representative to let he know I was ready to make my purchase (a rather exquisite piece of silver crystal).
Nothing. Not so much as a signal that she'd be with me in a moment...
After this brush off, I decided I'm not going to take this lying down. Instead of walking over to this obviously disinterested-in-a-sale person, I went to the back of the shop to Customer Service & asked for a manager. I politely explained that waiting is fine when the department is busy & yes, I am in fact a patient person when it comes to this. However, waiting for over ten minutes when NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND is pretty well unacceptable.
The manager agreed & took the transaction from start to finish. Still, it's disappointing for this to happen at a store I frequent largely because of their excellent service.
The second & third instances were at local restaurants (Red Robin & Ruby Tuesday). Now, Red Robin has always done well but this time just teed me off. Probably the fact it was the day after the von Maur issue didn't help. The waitress just plain ignored us for ten to fifteen minutes & a different waitress was actually the one to help us out. Ridiculous doesn't begin to describe it.
Ruby Tuesday was actually a problem tonight. The bad impression started when the hostess practically rolled her eyes at the fact we walked in the door a few minutes before 9pm (they close at 10pm). It didn't help that the server wasn't particularly attentive. Look, I'm not high maintenance at a restaurant: I don't need every single thing to be just so, nor do I complain about minor stuff. Just refill my drink when it's empty & I guarantee you get a good (20%+) tip.
Of course, that wasn't to be for this guy - who seemed more interested in yapping with other patrons (he obviously knew them) than taking care of customers. Small tip? Yeah, you know it.
All I'd like to see is people give a crap about doing their job well. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by this apathy. After all, the people at my work can't stand the fact I make them, "look bad". Yes, I do that by exceeding all my goals & setting a good example.
For all of you that feel that way, let me just say that if *you* did a good job while you're at work, then maybe you'd have less complaints about the people who do. Focus on your work, don't worry about what the other guy is doing & for Heaven's sake service the customer so they don't feel like you've "serviced" them in another way!
First, I was at von Maur - a department store which sells some higher-end clothing & fine gifts. There are three people for whom I shop there exclusively. To say I'm a regular customer might be an understatement since my Mom, little sister & my friend Amy all receive gifts I purchase there.
I stood in the Gifts area for ten minutes & made direct eye contact with the sales representative to let he know I was ready to make my purchase (a rather exquisite piece of silver crystal).
Nothing. Not so much as a signal that she'd be with me in a moment...
After this brush off, I decided I'm not going to take this lying down. Instead of walking over to this obviously disinterested-in-a-sale person, I went to the back of the shop to Customer Service & asked for a manager. I politely explained that waiting is fine when the department is busy & yes, I am in fact a patient person when it comes to this. However, waiting for over ten minutes when NO ONE ELSE IS AROUND is pretty well unacceptable.
The manager agreed & took the transaction from start to finish. Still, it's disappointing for this to happen at a store I frequent largely because of their excellent service.
The second & third instances were at local restaurants (Red Robin & Ruby Tuesday). Now, Red Robin has always done well but this time just teed me off. Probably the fact it was the day after the von Maur issue didn't help. The waitress just plain ignored us for ten to fifteen minutes & a different waitress was actually the one to help us out. Ridiculous doesn't begin to describe it.
Ruby Tuesday was actually a problem tonight. The bad impression started when the hostess practically rolled her eyes at the fact we walked in the door a few minutes before 9pm (they close at 10pm). It didn't help that the server wasn't particularly attentive. Look, I'm not high maintenance at a restaurant: I don't need every single thing to be just so, nor do I complain about minor stuff. Just refill my drink when it's empty & I guarantee you get a good (20%+) tip.
Of course, that wasn't to be for this guy - who seemed more interested in yapping with other patrons (he obviously knew them) than taking care of customers. Small tip? Yeah, you know it.
All I'd like to see is people give a crap about doing their job well. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by this apathy. After all, the people at my work can't stand the fact I make them, "look bad". Yes, I do that by exceeding all my goals & setting a good example.
For all of you that feel that way, let me just say that if *you* did a good job while you're at work, then maybe you'd have less complaints about the people who do. Focus on your work, don't worry about what the other guy is doing & for Heaven's sake service the customer so they don't feel like you've "serviced" them in another way!
1/13/07
Yeah, They "Both" Decided
Sure thing, buddy.
According to this AP report, a California man's fiance AND the California man himself decided he's going to take her last name when they get married.
To further drive the point home, she told...uh, I mean they both contacted the ACLU - the organization famed for its defense of child molesters & communists - who is suing on their behalf.
The basis? Why, his 14th Amendment rights have been violated. Specifically, the "equal protection" clause. Let's look at it, shall we?
Ah, yes, I can see exactly where this applies constitutionally! Wait, no, it's the other thing: I can't see it at all.
Of course there's nothing in the Constitution stating, one way or the other, whether this is legal.
You'd think the fact there are no laws restricting a man changing his name when he marries, that it would be a simple matter of addressing it on the state level. But no, this guy needs to take exception to the U.S. Constitution because his wife said...I mean they want to make it easier for other men - who are presumably too shy too defend their rights - to take their wife's name.
Well, at least there's no question who wears the pants in this relationship.
According to this AP report, a California man's fiance AND the California man himself decided he's going to take her last name when they get married.
To further drive the point home, she told...uh, I mean they both contacted the ACLU - the organization famed for its defense of child molesters & communists - who is suing on their behalf.
The basis? Why, his 14th Amendment rights have been violated. Specifically, the "equal protection" clause. Let's look at it, shall we?
Section. 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Ah, yes, I can see exactly where this applies constitutionally! Wait, no, it's the other thing: I can't see it at all.
Of course there's nothing in the Constitution stating, one way or the other, whether this is legal.
You'd think the fact there are no laws restricting a man changing his name when he marries, that it would be a simple matter of addressing it on the state level. But no, this guy needs to take exception to the U.S. Constitution because his wife said...I mean they want to make it easier for other men - who are presumably too shy too defend their rights - to take their wife's name.
Well, at least there's no question who wears the pants in this relationship.
That's When I Realized We're Family.
My adopted little sister, Liz, & I got into a heated argument over a politically-charged subject.
No, I won't get into the details of the matter. I will say we're both stubborn people who aren't easily swayed. So yeah, it was a "spirited" argument.
It says a lot that she could get me so worked up & assertive with my opinions. I only do that with - you guessed it - family.
That, paired with the fact we were willing to apologize to each other & drop it after the whole thing just goes to show she is, in fact, my sister after all. :-)
No, I won't get into the details of the matter. I will say we're both stubborn people who aren't easily swayed. So yeah, it was a "spirited" argument.
It says a lot that she could get me so worked up & assertive with my opinions. I only do that with - you guessed it - family.
That, paired with the fact we were willing to apologize to each other & drop it after the whole thing just goes to show she is, in fact, my sister after all. :-)
Convincing
A couple of us at the school came up with a plan to prepare Master Rion for his upcoming 4th degree test. It's going to require (at least) two black belts to make this happen.
Fortunately, Master Rion is OK with this idea.
Unfortunately, we have to make (even) more time for it to work.
Classes in Atkins have been larger than normal for at least 6 months now. That was about the time a large group of families all joined. To any well-established school of many years that wouldn't be a concern. In this case we have one glaring limitation: Too few black belts.
I'm the only other black belt in TKD whose consistently there to help with class. Mr. Lee has been getting out there lately, which should help. He's just getting into the instructor ranks, so we should have him up to speed in very little time. Other than Brian Lee, Mr Waddell is there all the time. He's just getting back into it & has to learn all the self-defense & punch techniques before he's able to lead class.
The second part of the plan - & this is really the important part - is to have Mr. Reif (1st degree in HKD) work with Master Rion on the techniques required for his 4th Dan testing. For that to happen, we need every senior belt to step things up.
I know all of that is possible. The only thing that might hold it back is, ironically, Master Rion's dedication to his own students. He's sacrificed so much to get the school where it is, that I suspect he feels he's letting the school down by taking any time to himself. This is one of many reasons why he's earned my loyalty as a student & friend.
The thing we, as his junior instructors, need is to convince him in a respectful way that spending time getting ready will ultimately make the school stronger. While I concede the students will want for lack of his leadership in class for a couple months it's an experience we can use to develop maturity in some of the children moving up to senior positions.
Fortunately, Master Rion is OK with this idea.
Unfortunately, we have to make (even) more time for it to work.
Classes in Atkins have been larger than normal for at least 6 months now. That was about the time a large group of families all joined. To any well-established school of many years that wouldn't be a concern. In this case we have one glaring limitation: Too few black belts.
I'm the only other black belt in TKD whose consistently there to help with class. Mr. Lee has been getting out there lately, which should help. He's just getting into the instructor ranks, so we should have him up to speed in very little time. Other than Brian Lee, Mr Waddell is there all the time. He's just getting back into it & has to learn all the self-defense & punch techniques before he's able to lead class.
The second part of the plan - & this is really the important part - is to have Mr. Reif (1st degree in HKD) work with Master Rion on the techniques required for his 4th Dan testing. For that to happen, we need every senior belt to step things up.
I know all of that is possible. The only thing that might hold it back is, ironically, Master Rion's dedication to his own students. He's sacrificed so much to get the school where it is, that I suspect he feels he's letting the school down by taking any time to himself. This is one of many reasons why he's earned my loyalty as a student & friend.
The thing we, as his junior instructors, need is to convince him in a respectful way that spending time getting ready will ultimately make the school stronger. While I concede the students will want for lack of his leadership in class for a couple months it's an experience we can use to develop maturity in some of the children moving up to senior positions.
1/12/07
Job Hunt Continues
Yeah, I've already got a well-paying job with a transportation company but I'm wanting to move to SC more & more everyday.
It's also crappy here in the winter.
So, I'm planning on investing some $$$ in a resume company soon to make sure the format is best-suited for finding a good job quickly. I also need to account for all my experience in a clear, creative way that will garner lots of attention.
I guess we'll see if the money spent is worth it. I can't imagine it'll take them more than a couple days to revamp one document.
It's also crappy here in the winter.
So, I'm planning on investing some $$$ in a resume company soon to make sure the format is best-suited for finding a good job quickly. I also need to account for all my experience in a clear, creative way that will garner lots of attention.
I guess we'll see if the money spent is worth it. I can't imagine it'll take them more than a couple days to revamp one document.
1/11/07
Intentions vs. Results
"A liberal is a man or a woman or a child who looks forward to a better day, a more tranquil night, and a bright, infinite future". - Leonard Bernstein
"A conservative is a man or a woman who makes it happen". - Hapkido
"A conservative is a man or a woman who makes it happen". - Hapkido
San Francisco Value-less
As if there is really any doubt of that.
Here's a city that bans JROTC from schools because of supposedly poor influence on children. I don't know about you but I've never known anyone who turned into a crazed gunman by way of a high school program. If anything, JROTC gives kids who don't want to play sports or be in the band something constructive to do with their lives.
As the linked story shows, you can't even show the most basic form of patriotism - singing the Star Spangled Banner - without, literally, coming under the heel of progressives bent on tearing down the traditional values of this country. Just as bad is the fact police released the attackers after they were identified.
Released.
After giving one Yale student a broken jaw & another a concussion.
Apparently, fighting for freedom & love of country aren't valid reasons according to the San Francisco "values" crowd. However, if you're expressing your patriotism, expect no quarter from these same people. That's something beneath contempt in their eyes.
Here's a city that bans JROTC from schools because of supposedly poor influence on children. I don't know about you but I've never known anyone who turned into a crazed gunman by way of a high school program. If anything, JROTC gives kids who don't want to play sports or be in the band something constructive to do with their lives.
As the linked story shows, you can't even show the most basic form of patriotism - singing the Star Spangled Banner - without, literally, coming under the heel of progressives bent on tearing down the traditional values of this country. Just as bad is the fact police released the attackers after they were identified.
Released.
After giving one Yale student a broken jaw & another a concussion.
Apparently, fighting for freedom & love of country aren't valid reasons according to the San Francisco "values" crowd. However, if you're expressing your patriotism, expect no quarter from these same people. That's something beneath contempt in their eyes.
1/10/07
Crank
Rating: R
(Brief nudity, Drug use, Violence)
Format: Widescreen
Cost: $16.82 - Wal-Mart
An excellent action move, "Crank" stars Jason Statham (of "Transporter" fame) as a high-priced hitman who wakes to discover he's been killed. No, he's not actually dead yet but has been poisoned by a vengeful rival.
Naturally, instead of breaking down into tears, downing a bottle of Jack & slipping off into sweet oblivion he decides he's going to take his frustrations out on the jerk who offed him.
It's kind of like DOA, except no Dennis Quaid & more action.
I'd recommend anyone who likes action flicks see this one. The acting is generally strong & believable. Sure, the plot is far-fetched but you need some of that to make an action movie work - which this does. The whole thing really flies by & comes off as a thrill ride from the first minute of the movie. That, combined with a dash of humor, makes for an excellent adventure at the movies.
(Brief nudity, Drug use, Violence)
Format: Widescreen
Cost: $16.82 - Wal-Mart
An excellent action move, "Crank" stars Jason Statham (of "Transporter" fame) as a high-priced hitman who wakes to discover he's been killed. No, he's not actually dead yet but has been poisoned by a vengeful rival.
Naturally, instead of breaking down into tears, downing a bottle of Jack & slipping off into sweet oblivion he decides he's going to take his frustrations out on the jerk who offed him.
It's kind of like DOA, except no Dennis Quaid & more action.
I'd recommend anyone who likes action flicks see this one. The acting is generally strong & believable. Sure, the plot is far-fetched but you need some of that to make an action movie work - which this does. The whole thing really flies by & comes off as a thrill ride from the first minute of the movie. That, combined with a dash of humor, makes for an excellent adventure at the movies.
1/9/07
So When Do They Positively Portray Themselves?
I've linked to this post on Michelle Malkin's website that discusses Pace University blocking the screening of a documentary titled "Obsession", which subjects radical Islam.
One particaular passage, taken from the NY Post, strikes me as most appropriate for our discussion: "The school stepped in after receiving complains from Muslim students that the film negatively portrayed Islam".
OK. Here's my question:
When is Islam going to stop negatively portraying itself? All we ever see is radical islamists spout everything from jihad on the West to making a scene to disrupt air travel and, presumably, security. The fact is the people who follow this religion have done little to nothing to show it in a positive light. Note to all extremists: threatening to chop my head off is generally NOT a good way to convince someone you're peaceful & likeable.
So here's the thing: If you want to prevent "negative" portrayals, DO. SOMETHING. POSITIVE. It's as simple as that.
But I think simplicity has escaped all too many in this "tolerant" world.
One particaular passage, taken from the NY Post, strikes me as most appropriate for our discussion: "The school stepped in after receiving complains from Muslim students that the film negatively portrayed Islam".
OK. Here's my question:
When is Islam going to stop negatively portraying itself? All we ever see is radical islamists spout everything from jihad on the West to making a scene to disrupt air travel and, presumably, security. The fact is the people who follow this religion have done little to nothing to show it in a positive light. Note to all extremists: threatening to chop my head off is generally NOT a good way to convince someone you're peaceful & likeable.
So here's the thing: If you want to prevent "negative" portrayals, DO. SOMETHING. POSITIVE. It's as simple as that.
But I think simplicity has escaped all too many in this "tolerant" world.
1/8/07
Prepare!
I saw her that one day, alone & approachable. Everything said, pushed me, to walk over & speak to the person sitting not ten feet from me.
Everything, that is, except my own insecurity.
I've played the story in my mind, viewed it like so many endings drawn up & crumpled on the cutting room floor. Why I failed to choose a path leading to the happy reconciliation, even I can't answer. Wanting the chance so long, that when it finally presented itself, offered the resolution happier than I could have hoped, I ran from it like every other time.
In that fleeting, failed moment of my own doing, I have no idea whether she would have found the same happiness in knowing me that I'm so sure I'd have meeting her. Fear, it seems has been given too much power over my reasoning.
Now, it's only angst & regret I feel when I hear anything about her or see so much as a picture. Sorrow for an glaringly obvious opportunity allowed to pass. The blame? My own.
I never imagined her as perfect, there wasn't a flawless person sitting near me. To see that wouldn't have impressed. I saw a woman with whom a great deal of similarity was obvious. A person. Human. We shared, without either ever knowing, commonality through our preferred arts. In that & by how casually she could look at me without turning shyly away when I noticed, I saw quiet confidence in her. I suppose that's to be expected from someone of that experience.
After countless reflections I've come to realize what makes something for which I obviously long so greatly impossible.
I'm not prepared.
It's nothing to do with who she is, where she is & what she wants. Sadly, this would be the concern of a person whose whole & prepared for his role in life. In my situation that person hasn't come to exist. My feelings of inadequacy are well-rooted:
My college degree, something with 3 years completed, has not been finished. Something people far less intelligent (IMAO) have accomplished with relative ease.
The current direction of my career - while promising - is far behind where a person of my age should be. I'm hard-working, adaptive & produce results. Still, the aforementioned lack of a degree limits my potential.
Ultimately, it's that I realize a person prepared for a relationship - prepared to accept the challenges of life - would have completed these goals by now. It's not that I won't complete them. It's that taking so long has made me understand how much it has cost.
Selfish as it is (if there's any point I'm selfish with, it's relationships), I know I've lost that chance with a person obviously so appreciable for her offerings to public service & education. It's by my own failing & at least I can grudgingly hope there is someone for whom she is suited.
All that I can offer from this is: Don't lose the opportunity like I did. Do what you need to be prepared for life & don't let fear or perceived inadequacy hold sway over your goals, wants & desires. I did & though my life is FAR from over & I have many things which I can anticipate, I'll have to live the rest of that life knowing I lost a genuine chance at what would truly make me happy.
All because I wasn't prepared.
Everything, that is, except my own insecurity.
I've played the story in my mind, viewed it like so many endings drawn up & crumpled on the cutting room floor. Why I failed to choose a path leading to the happy reconciliation, even I can't answer. Wanting the chance so long, that when it finally presented itself, offered the resolution happier than I could have hoped, I ran from it like every other time.
In that fleeting, failed moment of my own doing, I have no idea whether she would have found the same happiness in knowing me that I'm so sure I'd have meeting her. Fear, it seems has been given too much power over my reasoning.
Now, it's only angst & regret I feel when I hear anything about her or see so much as a picture. Sorrow for an glaringly obvious opportunity allowed to pass. The blame? My own.
I never imagined her as perfect, there wasn't a flawless person sitting near me. To see that wouldn't have impressed. I saw a woman with whom a great deal of similarity was obvious. A person. Human. We shared, without either ever knowing, commonality through our preferred arts. In that & by how casually she could look at me without turning shyly away when I noticed, I saw quiet confidence in her. I suppose that's to be expected from someone of that experience.
After countless reflections I've come to realize what makes something for which I obviously long so greatly impossible.
I'm not prepared.
It's nothing to do with who she is, where she is & what she wants. Sadly, this would be the concern of a person whose whole & prepared for his role in life. In my situation that person hasn't come to exist. My feelings of inadequacy are well-rooted:
My college degree, something with 3 years completed, has not been finished. Something people far less intelligent (IMAO) have accomplished with relative ease.
The current direction of my career - while promising - is far behind where a person of my age should be. I'm hard-working, adaptive & produce results. Still, the aforementioned lack of a degree limits my potential.
Ultimately, it's that I realize a person prepared for a relationship - prepared to accept the challenges of life - would have completed these goals by now. It's not that I won't complete them. It's that taking so long has made me understand how much it has cost.
Selfish as it is (if there's any point I'm selfish with, it's relationships), I know I've lost that chance with a person obviously so appreciable for her offerings to public service & education. It's by my own failing & at least I can grudgingly hope there is someone for whom she is suited.
All that I can offer from this is: Don't lose the opportunity like I did. Do what you need to be prepared for life & don't let fear or perceived inadequacy hold sway over your goals, wants & desires. I did & though my life is FAR from over & I have many things which I can anticipate, I'll have to live the rest of that life knowing I lost a genuine chance at what would truly make me happy.
All because I wasn't prepared.
1/7/07
Does Gun Control Work The Same Way?
New Orleans, after eight homicides the first week of the new year, is contemplating a curfew to curb the violence.
My thought is criminals, not caring a rat's rear end about the law, will simply ignore this particular governmental nuisance & continue on their transgressing way.
What's rattling around in the city council's heads down there? Are they thinking, "Well, the LAWS we have aren't working, so let's add another one in there. That'll solve the problem"! Sadly, that's not going to be the case.
I think the "solution" proposed by way of implementing a curfew is a similar tactic to gun control laws: People who obey the law aren't the ones you need to worry about.
They ARE the ones who need to worry when these sort of laws are put in the books, however. With gun control laws, law-abiding citizens are restricted from purchasing firearms. Criminals, not caring too much for the minor inconvenience of the law, simply find ways to circumvent the waiting periods & restrictions. Yes, they (*gasp*) obtain these weapons illegally.
The same will be the case with the curfew.
The Police Superintendent claims in the linked article that the killings are related to a failing school system. Yes, that's exactly what it is. Look, I went to high school in SC, which is ranked incredibly low in national education. I'm not a killer or a thug. I'm gainfully employed, do positive things in the community & don't buy into the concept that a poor educational system would lead to this. If it did AR (49th) & MS (50th) would be the most violent places in the union.
So what's the solution? First, leadership needs to step up & get enforcement rolling. If this means volunteer police forces so be it. One obstacle I will acknowledge as difficult to overcome is the legal system. It's slow going & something will need to be done to alleviate the bottleneck they're experiencing right now. I'm no lawyer, so I can't pretend to know the solution for this. Perhaps they could provide for judges/counsel outside this jurisdiction to transfer there? I'm not sure that's even a legal option.
My thought is criminals, not caring a rat's rear end about the law, will simply ignore this particular governmental nuisance & continue on their transgressing way.
What's rattling around in the city council's heads down there? Are they thinking, "Well, the LAWS we have aren't working, so let's add another one in there. That'll solve the problem"! Sadly, that's not going to be the case.
I think the "solution" proposed by way of implementing a curfew is a similar tactic to gun control laws: People who obey the law aren't the ones you need to worry about.
They ARE the ones who need to worry when these sort of laws are put in the books, however. With gun control laws, law-abiding citizens are restricted from purchasing firearms. Criminals, not caring too much for the minor inconvenience of the law, simply find ways to circumvent the waiting periods & restrictions. Yes, they (*gasp*) obtain these weapons illegally.
The same will be the case with the curfew.
The Police Superintendent claims in the linked article that the killings are related to a failing school system. Yes, that's exactly what it is. Look, I went to high school in SC, which is ranked incredibly low in national education. I'm not a killer or a thug. I'm gainfully employed, do positive things in the community & don't buy into the concept that a poor educational system would lead to this. If it did AR (49th) & MS (50th) would be the most violent places in the union.
So what's the solution? First, leadership needs to step up & get enforcement rolling. If this means volunteer police forces so be it. One obstacle I will acknowledge as difficult to overcome is the legal system. It's slow going & something will need to be done to alleviate the bottleneck they're experiencing right now. I'm no lawyer, so I can't pretend to know the solution for this. Perhaps they could provide for judges/counsel outside this jurisdiction to transfer there? I'm not sure that's even a legal option.
1/6/07
Release The Hounds!
I'm loving this site! The topics are appropriate for everyone & interesting to peruse. Not only are posts well-organized, but you can also subscribe easily to receive content.
I'll freely admit I've never heard of Ric Ottaiano before but you can believe I'll be a regular to this site - which has a great deal of serious commentary paired with a dash of humor.
Take the time to check it out. You'll be happy you did.
I'll freely admit I've never heard of Ric Ottaiano before but you can believe I'll be a regular to this site - which has a great deal of serious commentary paired with a dash of humor.
Take the time to check it out. You'll be happy you did.
1/5/07
Back In The Saddle
The first class back (on Wednesday) was excellent. I had actually showed up at the Cedar Rapids location on Tuesday. Don't ask me why. I just assumed there was class that day. Maybe it was eagerness on my part.
Master Rion had me lead TKD & I really pushed them hard. No, I wasn't trying to have anyone drop dead but the adults wanted a workout & I'm confident they got one (Note: If the adults love it & the kids complain, you're doing just right.). I mixed things up a bit & tried some new, and useful, combinations in the basic movements part of class.
One-steps & self-defense were somewhat on the routine side. Then again, I had the majority of class to teach (white & yellow belts worked downstairs with Master Rion) & there's not much time for one 1st degree to tend personally to every student. I'd prefer to have more one-on-one opportunities, like in Hapkido, but that's just not going to happen in a class of forty students.
Hapkido was very nice. The class size was just right - seven students. We need to get some of the lower belts moving up in rank but that's all in due time. My testing should be late February to early March (best guess). I have A LOT to refine in that short period.
Next week we're back on a full schedule. That means I'll probably be doing TKD, HKD, Arnis on Monday; two hours of TKD, HKD on Tuesday; regular Wednesday & Thursday to finish things off. Ah, here's to a hopefully good week!
Master Rion had me lead TKD & I really pushed them hard. No, I wasn't trying to have anyone drop dead but the adults wanted a workout & I'm confident they got one (Note: If the adults love it & the kids complain, you're doing just right.). I mixed things up a bit & tried some new, and useful, combinations in the basic movements part of class.
One-steps & self-defense were somewhat on the routine side. Then again, I had the majority of class to teach (white & yellow belts worked downstairs with Master Rion) & there's not much time for one 1st degree to tend personally to every student. I'd prefer to have more one-on-one opportunities, like in Hapkido, but that's just not going to happen in a class of forty students.
Hapkido was very nice. The class size was just right - seven students. We need to get some of the lower belts moving up in rank but that's all in due time. My testing should be late February to early March (best guess). I have A LOT to refine in that short period.
Next week we're back on a full schedule. That means I'll probably be doing TKD, HKD, Arnis on Monday; two hours of TKD, HKD on Tuesday; regular Wednesday & Thursday to finish things off. Ah, here's to a hopefully good week!
Declaration of War
A group of gunmen came across the Arizona/Mexico border on January 4th, 2007 & attacked National guardsmen posted on the border.
At what point are any of our representatives going to do something about this porous border? It's obvious, as it has been for years, that illegals have every means & incentive (thanks to increasingly liberal laws in states like CA) to come across the border to start a new life here.
Strangely enough, I'm hearing nothing but silence on the left side of the aisle about this attack. It seems liberals are increasingly concerned for our troops in harm's way when it furthers their political agenda (Iraq, Vietnam ring a bell?). However, when the issue has no opportunity for political capital, you can forget any petitions for the safety of our men & women in uniform.
The border needs to be sealed by adding more troops to the patrols. I don't know about you but I'd be somewhat discouraged at my chances to cross the border illegally if a Bradley fighting vehicle rolled up on the scene. Illegals arrested in this country (whether they're crossing the border or living in a major city) should be immediately deported.
That being said, I am for legal immigration. My family emigrated to the United States through legal means. The vast majority of today's Americans are here by the same process. Anyone who follows & respects our nation's laws to become a naturalized citizen deserves our respect & should be welcomed with open arms.
At what point are any of our representatives going to do something about this porous border? It's obvious, as it has been for years, that illegals have every means & incentive (thanks to increasingly liberal laws in states like CA) to come across the border to start a new life here.
Strangely enough, I'm hearing nothing but silence on the left side of the aisle about this attack. It seems liberals are increasingly concerned for our troops in harm's way when it furthers their political agenda (Iraq, Vietnam ring a bell?). However, when the issue has no opportunity for political capital, you can forget any petitions for the safety of our men & women in uniform.
The border needs to be sealed by adding more troops to the patrols. I don't know about you but I'd be somewhat discouraged at my chances to cross the border illegally if a Bradley fighting vehicle rolled up on the scene. Illegals arrested in this country (whether they're crossing the border or living in a major city) should be immediately deported.
That being said, I am for legal immigration. My family emigrated to the United States through legal means. The vast majority of today's Americans are here by the same process. Anyone who follows & respects our nation's laws to become a naturalized citizen deserves our respect & should be welcomed with open arms.
1/4/07
Somewhere In Solitude
My Imoto, Sarah, just gave me a copy of her new (& first) CD! It's titled "Somewhere In Solitude" & being the dutiful big brother (Ani - in Japanese), I of course need to offer my opinions of this first official work.
I'm listening to the CD right now. There are six songs (all written/performed by Sarah) on piano. Yes, I'm a bit on the biased-side, but just pretend I'm part of the mainstream media & it won't be so tough to follow along. ;-)
1) Hitori (Alone): This song captures exactly the feeling of solitude. It actually makes me feel a bit isolated, which I'm guessing is the spirit of this piece. It has a very solemn tempo with an almost playful undertone in the harmony. I'd consider this, above all, a song for quiet reflection.
2) Kaleidoscope: Almost a continuation (at the start) of Hitori, this song plays with greater depth & is reminiscent of a Sartre meditation - though, instead of descending further, this piece brings the listener a more lively, powerful essence than the previous track.
3) Sakura Matsuri: There's a slightly cheerful undertone to this one. The feeling given is similar to a successful resolution to an obstacle. The noticeable pause close to the finish invokes a brief anticipation where the melody continues on its same path.
4) Envy: "A sorrowful longing" is the best way I can describe this. Envy definitely does capture the mood. Tempo & melody combine to offer a feeling of want without hope of resolution. There's still a glimmer of idealism &, as a result, hope that underlies the emotions stirred.
5) Kouryuu: A slower & more grandiose piece of music, Kouryuu is possessed of a gentle gravity. For the most part there is a noticeable flow. This is highlighted to excellent effect by the occasional pause. Something about this track makes it feel like it slips away from you all too soon. I'm at a loss to describe this, however.
6) Owari: Actually invokes an image of a sad farewell. It's the kind of song played in a classic movie where the impending & unwanted separation of a couple - complete with an internal struggle against the inevitable - cannot be held at bay any longer. Seriously, I got all that out of this! Black & white, elegantly dressed woman with an equally handsomely dressed gentleman, tearfully separating themselves with the sincerest regret of having to do so.
OK, so you may be wondering where you can get this CD. Well, I'll have to get with Sarah on that. I received a copy for Christmas & don't know if she has anything set up for everyone to purchase. As I get more information, I'll make sure to post an update.
Seriously, I'm the first to admit I'm going to post a good review on Sarah's musical talents no matter what work she produces but this really is an excellent CD. Consider that she wrote her own songs, is still in high school (AP classes included) & still finds the time to come out for Hapkido & you'll be pleasantly impressed.
I'm listening to the CD right now. There are six songs (all written/performed by Sarah) on piano. Yes, I'm a bit on the biased-side, but just pretend I'm part of the mainstream media & it won't be so tough to follow along. ;-)
1) Hitori (Alone): This song captures exactly the feeling of solitude. It actually makes me feel a bit isolated, which I'm guessing is the spirit of this piece. It has a very solemn tempo with an almost playful undertone in the harmony. I'd consider this, above all, a song for quiet reflection.
2) Kaleidoscope: Almost a continuation (at the start) of Hitori, this song plays with greater depth & is reminiscent of a Sartre meditation - though, instead of descending further, this piece brings the listener a more lively, powerful essence than the previous track.
3) Sakura Matsuri: There's a slightly cheerful undertone to this one. The feeling given is similar to a successful resolution to an obstacle. The noticeable pause close to the finish invokes a brief anticipation where the melody continues on its same path.
4) Envy: "A sorrowful longing" is the best way I can describe this. Envy definitely does capture the mood. Tempo & melody combine to offer a feeling of want without hope of resolution. There's still a glimmer of idealism &, as a result, hope that underlies the emotions stirred.
5) Kouryuu: A slower & more grandiose piece of music, Kouryuu is possessed of a gentle gravity. For the most part there is a noticeable flow. This is highlighted to excellent effect by the occasional pause. Something about this track makes it feel like it slips away from you all too soon. I'm at a loss to describe this, however.
6) Owari: Actually invokes an image of a sad farewell. It's the kind of song played in a classic movie where the impending & unwanted separation of a couple - complete with an internal struggle against the inevitable - cannot be held at bay any longer. Seriously, I got all that out of this! Black & white, elegantly dressed woman with an equally handsomely dressed gentleman, tearfully separating themselves with the sincerest regret of having to do so.
OK, so you may be wondering where you can get this CD. Well, I'll have to get with Sarah on that. I received a copy for Christmas & don't know if she has anything set up for everyone to purchase. As I get more information, I'll make sure to post an update.
Seriously, I'm the first to admit I'm going to post a good review on Sarah's musical talents no matter what work she produces but this really is an excellent CD. Consider that she wrote her own songs, is still in high school (AP classes included) & still finds the time to come out for Hapkido & you'll be pleasantly impressed.
1/3/07
Sledding On Ice?
Ah, cowering to the fear of the omnipotent lawsuit! The City of Omaha, NE has banned sledding at two of its popular sledding locales.
I have a few choice words for the council members who bowed to paranoia & took away one of winter's most Rockwellian activities: Get. A. Spine.
Why do government "representatives" as a whole not represent their constituents? I'm certain there's no public outcry for banning the horrible, disfiguring activity of sledding. The fact there might be a lawsuit related to an activity is no reason to ban it.
The fact of the matter is banning an activity based on fear of a lawsuit not only restricts liberties (something liberals have cited, I believe incorrectly, the president as doing), it also encourages money-grubbing, litigious weasels out there to file suit, knowing they'll at the very least have elected representatives fall to the pressure of the courts.
So, city council of Omaha,NE you should collectively apologize for such a short-sighted, foolish action & allow folks to sled at the two lake dams. Have the integrity to properly represent the citizens of your great city. I visit there at least once a year for the annual Hapkido seminar & think everyone should enjoy your city for everything it offers. Sledding included
I have a few choice words for the council members who bowed to paranoia & took away one of winter's most Rockwellian activities: Get. A. Spine.
Why do government "representatives" as a whole not represent their constituents? I'm certain there's no public outcry for banning the horrible, disfiguring activity of sledding. The fact there might be a lawsuit related to an activity is no reason to ban it.
The fact of the matter is banning an activity based on fear of a lawsuit not only restricts liberties (something liberals have cited, I believe incorrectly, the president as doing), it also encourages money-grubbing, litigious weasels out there to file suit, knowing they'll at the very least have elected representatives fall to the pressure of the courts.
So, city council of Omaha,NE you should collectively apologize for such a short-sighted, foolish action & allow folks to sled at the two lake dams. Have the integrity to properly represent the citizens of your great city. I visit there at least once a year for the annual Hapkido seminar & think everyone should enjoy your city for everything it offers. Sledding included
12/31/06
Happy New Year
As the year comes to a close, I'd like to thank all of you who read this blog on a (semi-) regular basis. I hope you enjoy reading it almost as I enjoy the writing.
I'd like to say thanks to a few people who helped me get things rolling. I figure now is as good a time as any to give credit where it's due...
Harvey - Thanks for getting me started on this blogging thing. Your help has been invaluable as has your advice on the tupperdor/baggiedor.
Brian - I appreciate the spotlight & the flattering review of my site. Keep up the great work on yours & yes, the excellent commentary!
Scott - Thanks for your input & letting me bounce ideas for posts off your head.
James - Thanks for your comments & START A BLOG ALREADY! You've got a lot to say.
All the students/instructors at CVDA - Without out you guys, I'd have nothing constructive to do nor anything to write about it.
Master Matt Rion - What can I say? You're a great teacher, a mentor & trusted friend. I appreciate you allowing me to be the first black belt promoted at your school. It's an honor I'll treasure my whole life.
I wish all of you out there a happy & prosperous new year. May all of your beer be rich, your friends likewise (so you can mooch if needed) & your blogs witty.
I'd like to say thanks to a few people who helped me get things rolling. I figure now is as good a time as any to give credit where it's due...
Harvey - Thanks for getting me started on this blogging thing. Your help has been invaluable as has your advice on the tupperdor/baggiedor.
Brian - I appreciate the spotlight & the flattering review of my site. Keep up the great work on yours & yes, the excellent commentary!
Scott - Thanks for your input & letting me bounce ideas for posts off your head.
James - Thanks for your comments & START A BLOG ALREADY! You've got a lot to say.
All the students/instructors at CVDA - Without out you guys, I'd have nothing constructive to do nor anything to write about it.
Master Matt Rion - What can I say? You're a great teacher, a mentor & trusted friend. I appreciate you allowing me to be the first black belt promoted at your school. It's an honor I'll treasure my whole life.
I wish all of you out there a happy & prosperous new year. May all of your beer be rich, your friends likewise (so you can mooch if needed) & your blogs witty.
12/30/06
Class
I am sooo eager to get back to class! We've had the last week off & of course will be off 1/1 for the New Year. It's good to have the break but I need to get back into the mix!
I did work on some of the warm-ups in GM Wallace's book. It's a lengthy workout, even for the stretching. I guess that's because taking your time helps prevent injury.
Testing will have to be a priority for me in the next few months. My best guess is I'll be going for 2nd Dan near the end of April. There's nothing set in stone but I still need to be prepared for when Master Rion tells me it's time.
I'll probably test for recommended black belt in Hapkido between now & April so that's another concern. I think most of my techniques & skills are solid from white to purple. All well & good, but I'd better put some focus on brown & high-brown if I'm going to do well. My current set (red) is doing well enough. All I need there is to refine the techniques a little & I'll do just fine.
Groundfighting will probably be part of this. That's a challenge with one of our senior belts - he's in the National Guard & big on Modern Army Combatives. There's not much chance I can beat him but 1/2 the fun is in trying!
Can you tell I'm just a bit eager to get back into it? ;-)
I did work on some of the warm-ups in GM Wallace's book. It's a lengthy workout, even for the stretching. I guess that's because taking your time helps prevent injury.
Testing will have to be a priority for me in the next few months. My best guess is I'll be going for 2nd Dan near the end of April. There's nothing set in stone but I still need to be prepared for when Master Rion tells me it's time.
I'll probably test for recommended black belt in Hapkido between now & April so that's another concern. I think most of my techniques & skills are solid from white to purple. All well & good, but I'd better put some focus on brown & high-brown if I'm going to do well. My current set (red) is doing well enough. All I need there is to refine the techniques a little & I'll do just fine.
Groundfighting will probably be part of this. That's a challenge with one of our senior belts - he's in the National Guard & big on Modern Army Combatives. There's not much chance I can beat him but 1/2 the fun is in trying!
Can you tell I'm just a bit eager to get back into it? ;-)
12/29/06
Whose The Devil, Again?
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is refusing to renew the broadcast license for Venezuela's second largest TV station. He stated the license expires March 2007 & will not be renewed due to the station's leanings, "against the dignity of the republic".
Right.
This left-wing idol of a president has the nerve to call our Commander-In-Chief "the devil"? For all the griping from liberals about lost liberties in this country (normally to assault the Patriot Act), I've heard not a one of them register a complaint in response to Chavez's censoring of an entire media outlet.
Certainly you'd think hardcore left-wing organizations like the BBC would have a strong opinion on this.
You'd be wrong.
The linked article shows that the BBC doesn't seem to have much of a problem with Chavez shutting down a station similar to theirs. That is, one that attempts to undermine leadership of which they don't approve. Score one for "freedom" of speech.
Right.
This left-wing idol of a president has the nerve to call our Commander-In-Chief "the devil"? For all the griping from liberals about lost liberties in this country (normally to assault the Patriot Act), I've heard not a one of them register a complaint in response to Chavez's censoring of an entire media outlet.
Certainly you'd think hardcore left-wing organizations like the BBC would have a strong opinion on this.
You'd be wrong.
The linked article shows that the BBC doesn't seem to have much of a problem with Chavez shutting down a station similar to theirs. That is, one that attempts to undermine leadership of which they don't approve. Score one for "freedom" of speech.
12/28/06
Fearless
I bought this one on DVD the other day & yeah, I'm impressed with it.
The movie isn't exactly like you'd think. Jet Li's character, Huo Yuanjia, is mostly a two-bit loser in the younger part of his life: He doesn't obey his father, misunderstands the concept of learning his family's "wushu" & acts as much a child as his young daughter.
Later, a young man whispers in his ear that Hou cannot defeat the man's godfather, Master Chin. Compounding this, one of Huo's students is severely beaten by Chin. Huo takes this as a challenge to fight and, without asking any questions, leaves immediately to confront Chin at Nong Jinsun's restaurant.
The fight between the two has longer lasting repercussions for both families involved & the tragedy that ensues jerks Huo violently into adulthood - in his 30s.
The movie is excellent. Period. If you haven't seen it & appreciate martial arts or even just a great story which finds it's way into patriotic themes, you need to rent/buy this one immediately.
The movie isn't exactly like you'd think. Jet Li's character, Huo Yuanjia, is mostly a two-bit loser in the younger part of his life: He doesn't obey his father, misunderstands the concept of learning his family's "wushu" & acts as much a child as his young daughter.
Later, a young man whispers in his ear that Hou cannot defeat the man's godfather, Master Chin. Compounding this, one of Huo's students is severely beaten by Chin. Huo takes this as a challenge to fight and, without asking any questions, leaves immediately to confront Chin at Nong Jinsun's restaurant.
The fight between the two has longer lasting repercussions for both families involved & the tragedy that ensues jerks Huo violently into adulthood - in his 30s.
The movie is excellent. Period. If you haven't seen it & appreciate martial arts or even just a great story which finds it's way into patriotic themes, you need to rent/buy this one immediately.
Gears Of War
I got this one for Christmas this year. It's a very intense 3rd-person shooter that involves you being freed from a prison to fight in a world where subterranean monsters are taking over. Not exactly the time where you want to be granted parole, but at least it's an opening premise...
Let me just say this game is HARD! The only break you really get - strangely enough - is during boss fights. Most of the bosses are simple enough to figure out quickly & they don't pound on you too hard if you're careful. The rest of the game has a fervent intensity that won't allow your guard to drop for even a moment.
The basic enemies are really well-adapted to the environment & the AI performs brilliantly even when your tactics border on perfection. Rarely do you get an easy, open target. Most of your success is dependent on out-maneuvering or out-smarting your enemies. Even then you may not survive.
One of the worst creatures are the Kryll. These bat-like monstrosities will rip you to shreds if you go out of the light. Folks who have seen Pitch Black will see a striking resemblance.
The game makes you pay for your mistakes & keeps the pace going constantly. It's been a long wait for this title & it's been well worth it.
Let me just say this game is HARD! The only break you really get - strangely enough - is during boss fights. Most of the bosses are simple enough to figure out quickly & they don't pound on you too hard if you're careful. The rest of the game has a fervent intensity that won't allow your guard to drop for even a moment.
The basic enemies are really well-adapted to the environment & the AI performs brilliantly even when your tactics border on perfection. Rarely do you get an easy, open target. Most of your success is dependent on out-maneuvering or out-smarting your enemies. Even then you may not survive.
One of the worst creatures are the Kryll. These bat-like monstrosities will rip you to shreds if you go out of the light. Folks who have seen Pitch Black will see a striking resemblance.
The game makes you pay for your mistakes & keeps the pace going constantly. It's been a long wait for this title & it's been well worth it.
Saddamned
The Appellate court upheld the hanging execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Look, whether you're for the execution is not really relevant, IMO. Those who scream "martyr!" fail to realize that alive or dead, Hussein has the support of Baath zealots who will use Saddam's death or life internment as a motivating "justification" for their cause.
Cox & Forkum has linked to a CNN article which quotes Hussein's chief defense attorney as saying they're, "not surprised by this crazy ruling", that came from, "an illegitimate & unconstitutional court". Ah yes, let's question the legitimacy of everything for which we don't have approval. Never mind that his client is a mass-murderer with no regard for human life. It's becoming an all too familiar tactic that's largely embraced by the media & the extreme left - Let's make the perpetrator of the crime seem like the victim.
To me the result of this execution will be evident: This world is infinitely better off without despots like Hussein in it. I'm not immediately concerned with the power of this instance to deter future dictators. This trial dealt directly with Saddam, not the world. The purpose was holding to account a man accused of horrible crimes against his own people. He was judged to be guilty & justice will be served to the Iraqi people.
Look, whether you're for the execution is not really relevant, IMO. Those who scream "martyr!" fail to realize that alive or dead, Hussein has the support of Baath zealots who will use Saddam's death or life internment as a motivating "justification" for their cause.
Cox & Forkum has linked to a CNN article which quotes Hussein's chief defense attorney as saying they're, "not surprised by this crazy ruling", that came from, "an illegitimate & unconstitutional court". Ah yes, let's question the legitimacy of everything for which we don't have approval. Never mind that his client is a mass-murderer with no regard for human life. It's becoming an all too familiar tactic that's largely embraced by the media & the extreme left - Let's make the perpetrator of the crime seem like the victim.
To me the result of this execution will be evident: This world is infinitely better off without despots like Hussein in it. I'm not immediately concerned with the power of this instance to deter future dictators. This trial dealt directly with Saddam, not the world. The purpose was holding to account a man accused of horrible crimes against his own people. He was judged to be guilty & justice will be served to the Iraqi people.
12/27/06
President Gerald Ford
I was saddened to hear of President Ford's passing on December 26, 2006. Although I was born on the day after he took the oath of office on August 9, 1974 & didn't have firsthand knowledge of his presidency, from the history on this man he is someone to be respected & admired.
I wish his family all the best & hope they can take solace in the fact this excellent human being lived a long life of character & dignity. My prayers are with them.
Rest in peace, Mr. President. You will be missed.
I wish his family all the best & hope they can take solace in the fact this excellent human being lived a long life of character & dignity. My prayers are with them.
Rest in peace, Mr. President. You will be missed.
12/22/06
For Our Troops
It really wouldn't be right if this blog didn't wish all our men & women in uniform a Merry Christmas.
For those of you who are serving and have served the United States both at home & overseas, this young veteran thanks you for your courage, patriotism and the noble sacrifice that both you & your families are making during this Holiday season.
Truly, without all of you defending our freedom & serving as a beacon of hope & goodwill towards the entire world, none of us would enjoy this precious liberty only our men & women in uniform can provide.
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah & a safe, prosperous New Year.
For those of you who are serving and have served the United States both at home & overseas, this young veteran thanks you for your courage, patriotism and the noble sacrifice that both you & your families are making during this Holiday season.
Truly, without all of you defending our freedom & serving as a beacon of hope & goodwill towards the entire world, none of us would enjoy this precious liberty only our men & women in uniform can provide.
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah & a safe, prosperous New Year.
Class (Yellow Belt Drama)
Wednesday class was interesting on a few levels. Of note: This is the first class I've completely ran solo as an assistant instructor. Master Rion took the senior belts downstairs & I worked with White, Yellow & Orange belts.
Just to give you a point of reference, I consider myself to be overly fair & patient when instructing. My philosophy is to educate first, discipline second. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than people who assume everyone knows the rules.
Let's start with the Orange belts (RHIP, right?). Overall, excellent. True, most of them are adults & are in the class because they want to learn, want to work out, etc. This group followed instructions & with the exception of a couple young kids, showed perfect bearing. I think we got a lot done & the adults really appreciated the exercise before the Christmas break.
Moving on to the Yellow belts. Oh, where, where, where to start with this motley bunch? Well, none of them wanted to follow the rules. This sometimes happens when Master Rion isn't around, so I was prepared for it. I lined them up, organized them & made sure they showed proper respect for the school. No, I didn't lay into them with push-ups & such (remember my philosophy?). Now that they know where I stand, push-ups most definitely will be involved if there's a "next time".*
One incident I should mention: a young Orange belt tried to "pull rank" on a young Yellow belt. Folks, I *don't* tolerate that crap! I calmly explained to the young fellow that rank is NOT for lording over others. I will never do that as a black belt & won't tolerate it from any subordinate rank. It's disrespectful. Rank must be earned every day it is worn, not thrown around like a chew toy.
The White belts - the least experienced group - had the best behavior. No exceptions. I wish I could get more students to act this way. They followed instructions, enjoyed themselves & worked very hard. If this were grade school, I'd give them a gold star!
* - Now that I think about it, maybe 8-count body builders would be a better idea...
Just to give you a point of reference, I consider myself to be overly fair & patient when instructing. My philosophy is to educate first, discipline second. Nothing gets my blood boiling faster than people who assume everyone knows the rules.
Let's start with the Orange belts (RHIP, right?). Overall, excellent. True, most of them are adults & are in the class because they want to learn, want to work out, etc. This group followed instructions & with the exception of a couple young kids, showed perfect bearing. I think we got a lot done & the adults really appreciated the exercise before the Christmas break.
Moving on to the Yellow belts. Oh, where, where, where to start with this motley bunch? Well, none of them wanted to follow the rules. This sometimes happens when Master Rion isn't around, so I was prepared for it. I lined them up, organized them & made sure they showed proper respect for the school. No, I didn't lay into them with push-ups & such (remember my philosophy?). Now that they know where I stand, push-ups most definitely will be involved if there's a "next time".*
One incident I should mention: a young Orange belt tried to "pull rank" on a young Yellow belt. Folks, I *don't* tolerate that crap! I calmly explained to the young fellow that rank is NOT for lording over others. I will never do that as a black belt & won't tolerate it from any subordinate rank. It's disrespectful. Rank must be earned every day it is worn, not thrown around like a chew toy.
The White belts - the least experienced group - had the best behavior. No exceptions. I wish I could get more students to act this way. They followed instructions, enjoyed themselves & worked very hard. If this were grade school, I'd give them a gold star!
* - Now that I think about it, maybe 8-count body builders would be a better idea...
Honor Not Allowed
Ah, Massachusetts. Land of liberals, failed presidential campaigns & now liberal policies that encourage failure
It seems that students in Needham High School will no longer get their just recognition for excellence. According to their principal, Paul Richards, thinks it brings about, "an unhealthy focus on grades".
Uh oh! How dare we think about kids focusing on grades? Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? I'm going to explain this as clearly as I can:
Grades. Reflect. Learning.
It's really not more complicated than that. I can bet you dimes to dollars (that's ten to one for leftists) the student who earns an 'A' or 'B' has a far better grasp of a subject than a 'D' or 'F' pupil. Thus far, no one has taken me up on my get-rich-quick scheme...but I'm holding onto hope.
What would be nicer for a student who worked hard all year to do his/her best than to see the recognition of that effort in their local paper? Sure, it's not as great as the grades they've earned but they should be afforded that brief moment in the sun.
The principal also claims that we're in, "this high expectations, high achievement culture". Please. We're talking about the same school system that doesn't want to give failing grades, offers to build "esteem" through a carrot (no stick) approach & strips simple, competitive games (dodgeball, anyone?) from school yards. Yes, I do know a teacher with these concerns...why do you ask?
It seems that students in Needham High School will no longer get their just recognition for excellence. According to their principal, Paul Richards, thinks it brings about, "an unhealthy focus on grades".
Uh oh! How dare we think about kids focusing on grades? Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? I'm going to explain this as clearly as I can:
Grades. Reflect. Learning.
It's really not more complicated than that. I can bet you dimes to dollars (that's ten to one for leftists) the student who earns an 'A' or 'B' has a far better grasp of a subject than a 'D' or 'F' pupil. Thus far, no one has taken me up on my get-rich-quick scheme...but I'm holding onto hope.
What would be nicer for a student who worked hard all year to do his/her best than to see the recognition of that effort in their local paper? Sure, it's not as great as the grades they've earned but they should be afforded that brief moment in the sun.
The principal also claims that we're in, "this high expectations, high achievement culture". Please. We're talking about the same school system that doesn't want to give failing grades, offers to build "esteem" through a carrot (no stick) approach & strips simple, competitive games (dodgeball, anyone?) from school yards. Yes, I do know a teacher with these concerns...why do you ask?
12/21/06
Merry Christmas!
Happy Hanukkah as well!
Yes, I'm using "Merry Christmas".
No, I'm *not* using "Happy Holidays" nor any other dumbed-down politically-correct piece of tripe. If for some reason my Christmas wish offends, then I recommend the following action:
1) Refer to my very first post on 10/3/2006.
2) Realize you won't have any luck changing my sentiments.
For the rest of you folks out there: May you, your family & friends have a wonderful Christmas, a happy Hanukkah & a blessed New Year!
Yes, I'm using "Merry Christmas".
No, I'm *not* using "Happy Holidays" nor any other dumbed-down politically-correct piece of tripe. If for some reason my Christmas wish offends, then I recommend the following action:
1) Refer to my very first post on 10/3/2006.
2) Realize you won't have any luck changing my sentiments.
For the rest of you folks out there: May you, your family & friends have a wonderful Christmas, a happy Hanukkah & a blessed New Year!
12/20/06
Snapped Shot
Brian of Snapped Shot recently commented on one of my posts. Being the ever-grateful blogger for positive input, I checked out his site.
You should too. Excellent commentary, well-written & definitely worth your time.
You should too. Excellent commentary, well-written & definitely worth your time.
12/19/06
Enough With the $!&* Hitler References!!!
Joy Behar on "The View" claimed Time magazine should have used a "Hitler type" & put Donald Rumsfeld on the cover as Man of the Year.
Enough of this inappropriate comparison to Hitler, people! Unless someone can demonstrate that an individual planned to systematically eliminate an entire people from the face of this earth, leave the references to that sick, twisted, perversion of humanity in the grave with him.
Honestly, it seems like every time the far-left doesn't like someone, out comes the Hitler reference. The irony, of course, is that these same relativists would have no stomach to confront & combat that sort of evil.
I can only imagine these same people in World War II times screaming for President FDR's head because "Germany never attacked us" & how we "rushed to war". Evil must be confronted. Period. Europe doesn't have the stomach. The UN is inept & ineffectual. Yes, the majority of our "allies" disagree with our position in the War on Terror. This lack of acquiescence does not mean we're wrong in our course of action.
Enough of this inappropriate comparison to Hitler, people! Unless someone can demonstrate that an individual planned to systematically eliminate an entire people from the face of this earth, leave the references to that sick, twisted, perversion of humanity in the grave with him.
Honestly, it seems like every time the far-left doesn't like someone, out comes the Hitler reference. The irony, of course, is that these same relativists would have no stomach to confront & combat that sort of evil.
I can only imagine these same people in World War II times screaming for President FDR's head because "Germany never attacked us" & how we "rushed to war". Evil must be confronted. Period. Europe doesn't have the stomach. The UN is inept & ineffectual. Yes, the majority of our "allies" disagree with our position in the War on Terror. This lack of acquiescence does not mean we're wrong in our course of action.
12/18/06
Freedom of Speech (No Offense!)
Check out the link at the end of this post. Nice to see that freedom of speech is so valuable if you're bashing America or trying to make threats of violence against the president but meaningless if CAIR takes satire out of context.
I read Frank J's editorial a few weeks ago & yeah, it mockingly talks about violence. No harm there. It can be expected (blogosphere being as big as it is) that someone's going to look at said satire & think, "Hey! That's a good idea". Whether you agree with that person it serves no purpose to limit free speech in the name of not rocking the boat.
So we have one blog shut down for having an opinion counter to CAIR - an organization which, IMO, serves only to shove political correctness so far down our gullet that we have no choice by to choke on it - and threats to go after IMAO for using (*gasp*) humor.
I read Frank J's editorial a few weeks ago & yeah, it mockingly talks about violence. No harm there. It can be expected (blogosphere being as big as it is) that someone's going to look at said satire & think, "Hey! That's a good idea". Whether you agree with that person it serves no purpose to limit free speech in the name of not rocking the boat.
So we have one blog shut down for having an opinion counter to CAIR - an organization which, IMO, serves only to shove political correctness so far down our gullet that we have no choice by to choke on it - and threats to go after IMAO for using (*gasp*) humor.
I'll Have a Coke With That
Has anyone ever smoked a full-bodied cigar (Montecristo Afrique Jambo Jambo in this case) & drank a Coke?
Well, if you haven't, my friend, let me tell you what you're missing!
It takes any lingering bitterness (wasn't much with that cigar, though) & takes it right out. What you get is an even fuller flavor from the Coke. That's pleasure, there...
Well, if you haven't, my friend, let me tell you what you're missing!
It takes any lingering bitterness (wasn't much with that cigar, though) & takes it right out. What you get is an even fuller flavor from the Coke. That's pleasure, there...
Sweet Gift!
My friend Liz & her fiance, Mickey, bought me a nice bottle of Shiraz for Christmas this year. I'm a big wine drinker & cigar smoker. Fortunately, I'm much more particular with cigars than wine.
I can't wait to open this bottle! I wonder if it would go well with my Montecristos? That should be a nice marriage of flavors.
Speaking of marriage, the cute couple also gave me a framed engagement photograph. Yeah, I knew I was getting the photo, but never expected the frame! Two gifts for me. Woo hoo!
I can't wait to open this bottle! I wonder if it would go well with my Montecristos? That should be a nice marriage of flavors.
Speaking of marriage, the cute couple also gave me a framed engagement photograph. Yeah, I knew I was getting the photo, but never expected the frame! Two gifts for me. Woo hoo!
12/16/06
Gotta Get Outta This Place!
The plans to get out of the corn & pig hole to the deep south are moving along nicely. Surprisingly, I received an e-mail from one of my sis' friends, Ashley (told me to call her "Smashley" - don't ask) trying to push me in that direction.
Of course, I'm not stupid (No! REALLY). I realized that no one's just going to come on out & say, "Hey, stranger-I've-never-met, move on down here. It's fun"! There had to be an ulterior motive. Sure enough, it only took me five minutes to find out.
My sister wants to have Smashley as a room-mate when I get down there. Right now, she lives with my brother, Matt, & our Mother in a nice townhouse. I'd take over her share of the rent (more if I heard right on how much she pays) when I moved down there.
Again, I'm no dummy. It stands to reason that I'll need a place of employment outside the bowels of Hades - I mean Iowa - to provide uninterrupted income. Fortunately, I had two people who unwittingly volunteered themselves. Yep, Shannon & Ashley.
I forwarded them my resume & told them to get cracking. Yeah, yeah, I need to do some work too. Still, I'm at work this weekend & they're off - so let them sweat my situation a little bit. ;-)
There's only the one thing here that I don't want to leave. As you've probably guessed HKD/TKD are too important for me to give up. Also, there's not an ICHF (Combat Hapkido) school anywhere near that place. It's looking like the school started there will have to be my own. Master Rion is my instructor & always will be, so having a mentor isn't my problem.
My problem - well, in this case - is that I'm going to be responsible for an (intentionally) small school of my own. That may not sound like much but it's more than simply uncharted territory. I never planned to have my own school & there's not a clue in this magnificently brilliant mind to suggest how to run things best. I guess, like everything else, it'll need to be figured out in time.
Of course, I'm not stupid (No! REALLY). I realized that no one's just going to come on out & say, "Hey, stranger-I've-never-met, move on down here. It's fun"! There had to be an ulterior motive. Sure enough, it only took me five minutes to find out.
My sister wants to have Smashley as a room-mate when I get down there. Right now, she lives with my brother, Matt, & our Mother in a nice townhouse. I'd take over her share of the rent (more if I heard right on how much she pays) when I moved down there.
Again, I'm no dummy. It stands to reason that I'll need a place of employment outside the bowels of Hades - I mean Iowa - to provide uninterrupted income. Fortunately, I had two people who unwittingly volunteered themselves. Yep, Shannon & Ashley.
I forwarded them my resume & told them to get cracking. Yeah, yeah, I need to do some work too. Still, I'm at work this weekend & they're off - so let them sweat my situation a little bit. ;-)
There's only the one thing here that I don't want to leave. As you've probably guessed HKD/TKD are too important for me to give up. Also, there's not an ICHF (Combat Hapkido) school anywhere near that place. It's looking like the school started there will have to be my own. Master Rion is my instructor & always will be, so having a mentor isn't my problem.
My problem - well, in this case - is that I'm going to be responsible for an (intentionally) small school of my own. That may not sound like much but it's more than simply uncharted territory. I never planned to have my own school & there's not a clue in this magnificently brilliant mind to suggest how to run things best. I guess, like everything else, it'll need to be figured out in time.
12/14/06
Bowling
These guys at Nintendo are flipping geniuses! The bowling game on Wii sports is incredible. Even how you rotate your wrist affects the spin on the ball.
My brother & I played the crap out of this to bring our scores up (Pro is at 1000). The training games involve picking up splits, working on rotation (by dodging barriers in the lane - very cool) & power rolls where you start at 10 pins & add a row each time to a max of 91.
My brother & I played the crap out of this to bring our scores up (Pro is at 1000). The training games involve picking up splits, working on rotation (by dodging barriers in the lane - very cool) & power rolls where you start at 10 pins & add a row each time to a max of 91.
Colds
These things are a pain in the rear. I almost NEVER get sick & the one time I do is when my brother comes to visit.
To top it off, I get too sick to make class on Tuesday & missed one of our black belts coming back. It's been a long time so that really pissed me off.
Heck, the whole week has been a wash. I'm just coming out of this so I didn't attend class all week. BOOOO!!!
To top it off, I get too sick to make class on Tuesday & missed one of our black belts coming back. It's been a long time so that really pissed me off.
Heck, the whole week has been a wash. I'm just coming out of this so I didn't attend class all week. BOOOO!!!
Vacation Review
It was a great time off! My brother, Matt, from SC came up to visit for about 5 days & we did quite a bit of running around. Most of it involved smoking cigars, hanging out in bars & trying to best each other on Wii Bowling.
He arrived Thursday about noon & after an hour drive back to the apartment, we went to lunch at Red Robin. Honestly, this place can do no wrong in my mind. Anything you get there is excellent & brings the sort of pleasure that you normally need to pay women for.
We smoked a couple nice Montecristos I got from a buddy & he thought his was lacking in flavor. Apparently if your cigar lacks that certain robust character, you need to smoke a cigarette. I've never had this problem & I don't plan on it. He did like the Cohibas we tried a couple days later.
The most drama came on the day he left. No, this wasn't some tear-filled send off. We got to Moline a little late & the gate was closed for him to check in. He called AirTran & they said it'd be $80 to re-book the flight for the morning. Also, the flight was for 5:50AM. There was no way I'd be able to drive back up to CR & be awake enough to drive all the way back to Moline so we decided on a hotel for him. Yeah, that Hampton Inn was brand new, top-of-the-line & the $100 for 1 night reflected that.
I felt bad about leaving him there but at least the room was nice. Yeah, he didn't even call me to say he got home safe! I had to see he updated his MySpace profile before I could tell.
Anyway, this whole visit got me thinking. I really would rather live down there. Heck, Iowa has never been for me. I only came here because my family lived here when I got out of the Navy. I'm sure I'd like to find a job in SC so I can get out of corn & pig heaven as soon as possible.
He arrived Thursday about noon & after an hour drive back to the apartment, we went to lunch at Red Robin. Honestly, this place can do no wrong in my mind. Anything you get there is excellent & brings the sort of pleasure that you normally need to pay women for.
We smoked a couple nice Montecristos I got from a buddy & he thought his was lacking in flavor. Apparently if your cigar lacks that certain robust character, you need to smoke a cigarette. I've never had this problem & I don't plan on it. He did like the Cohibas we tried a couple days later.
The most drama came on the day he left. No, this wasn't some tear-filled send off. We got to Moline a little late & the gate was closed for him to check in. He called AirTran & they said it'd be $80 to re-book the flight for the morning. Also, the flight was for 5:50AM. There was no way I'd be able to drive back up to CR & be awake enough to drive all the way back to Moline so we decided on a hotel for him. Yeah, that Hampton Inn was brand new, top-of-the-line & the $100 for 1 night reflected that.
I felt bad about leaving him there but at least the room was nice. Yeah, he didn't even call me to say he got home safe! I had to see he updated his MySpace profile before I could tell.
Anyway, this whole visit got me thinking. I really would rather live down there. Heck, Iowa has never been for me. I only came here because my family lived here when I got out of the Navy. I'm sure I'd like to find a job in SC so I can get out of corn & pig heaven as soon as possible.
12/3/06
Vacation
My brother is coming into town this Thursday & I'm taking the week off for some R & R while he's here. Plans pretty much involve the higher callings of life: drinking, partying & probably getting around to eating at some point.
Fortunately, his flight gets in Thursday about noon - which will give me time to get back for TKD/HKD. Yeah, I'm not taking that off. Any vacation I take in-state means I have all the time in the world to go to class & I'm going to take it. Also, I'm really stoked about my certification paperwork coming in.
I've got some nice cigars sitting in the humidor at the perfect temperature & moisture level that we're going to enjoy here. The Cohibas are particularly high on my list. I need to get a new cutter, but I'm thinking maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas since I can't think of anything else.
I'll let you all know how vacation's going. Take care & don't forget to write!
Fortunately, his flight gets in Thursday about noon - which will give me time to get back for TKD/HKD. Yeah, I'm not taking that off. Any vacation I take in-state means I have all the time in the world to go to class & I'm going to take it. Also, I'm really stoked about my certification paperwork coming in.
I've got some nice cigars sitting in the humidor at the perfect temperature & moisture level that we're going to enjoy here. The Cohibas are particularly high on my list. I need to get a new cutter, but I'm thinking maybe I'll ask for one for Christmas since I can't think of anything else.
I'll let you all know how vacation's going. Take care & don't forget to write!
12/1/06
Should I Play the Lottery?
After HKD, I was headed to meet some friends over at the ID (Irish Democrat - my antithesis) & a train decided to mosey - that's the only way to describe it's incredibly lethargic pace - across the tracks with all the urgency you'd expect from organized labor. It took 17 minutes. Why yes, I had the time to count because I was stuck waiting for a stinkin' train!
For most people, that would be the end of the story. Nope, not this guy. After leaving the ID, I headed for work. Now, being the (semi)responsible individual that I am, my departure time allowed for normal traffic. My departure time, however, did not allow for fate's twisted sense of humor.
Yes, ANOTHER bleeping train on a different line managed to delay my habitually uneventful transition to place of employment by at least 15 minutes. This, of course, signifies a complete alignment of dark forces in my life; or maybe just some bad luck.
By my math* I figure the odds of two trains delaying any one person are, at very best, poor. By the same math, the odds of two trains delaying any one person to both a place of enjoyment AND a place of employment - thus providing ample opportunity for rhyming - are so exceptionally poor that I in fact have a better chance of winning the lottery.
So, what numbers should I use?
*my math = complete fabrication
For most people, that would be the end of the story. Nope, not this guy. After leaving the ID, I headed for work. Now, being the (semi)responsible individual that I am, my departure time allowed for normal traffic. My departure time, however, did not allow for fate's twisted sense of humor.
Yes, ANOTHER bleeping train on a different line managed to delay my habitually uneventful transition to place of employment by at least 15 minutes. This, of course, signifies a complete alignment of dark forces in my life; or maybe just some bad luck.
By my math* I figure the odds of two trains delaying any one person are, at very best, poor. By the same math, the odds of two trains delaying any one person to both a place of enjoyment AND a place of employment - thus providing ample opportunity for rhyming - are so exceptionally poor that I in fact have a better chance of winning the lottery.
So, what numbers should I use?
*my math = complete fabrication
Minimum Wage
So this is a big point for the democrats in Congress? To me the minimum wage is just like welfare - you shouldn't want to be there.
Adding to the pile, if you owned a company employing high school kids & you were told - other than the fact you don't control your own business - that anyone you hire MUST be paid a guaranteed minimum wouldn't you just hire less people to do the same amount of work? Am I the only person who gets this simple truth?
Of course, this isn't lost on progressives who simply blame "big business" for the evil practice of firing employees. The liberals just don't bother to mention they're forcing the business' collective hands by mandating companies follow a minimum standard for failure. What's the next step - laws against firing? Gee, viva la (French) revolucion!
The only point - if any - that should be taken from minimum wage is simply:
No one ever accomplished much by wanting the least for themselves. Motivation to excel is as alien to a minimum wage-earner as a socialist. The incentive for achievement simply doesn't exist & no amount of raising the bar will succeed if it keeps your head underwater.
Adding to the pile, if you owned a company employing high school kids & you were told - other than the fact you don't control your own business - that anyone you hire MUST be paid a guaranteed minimum wouldn't you just hire less people to do the same amount of work? Am I the only person who gets this simple truth?
Of course, this isn't lost on progressives who simply blame "big business" for the evil practice of firing employees. The liberals just don't bother to mention they're forcing the business' collective hands by mandating companies follow a minimum standard for failure. What's the next step - laws against firing? Gee, viva la (French) revolucion!
The only point - if any - that should be taken from minimum wage is simply:
"Get me the hell away from this!"Shouldn't you want better for yourself than the bare minimum everyone else makes? If not, go ahead back to reading Karl Marx & leave this conversation to the people who already understand what he's saying.
No one ever accomplished much by wanting the least for themselves. Motivation to excel is as alien to a minimum wage-earner as a socialist. The incentive for achievement simply doesn't exist & no amount of raising the bar will succeed if it keeps your head underwater.
11/27/06
Assistant Instructor
I just received an e-mail from my instructor Master Rion. He let me know that my 1st degree certificate for TKD is coming next week. It's taken awhile for the ITA to send it - I was certified 10/21/2005 - so it's nice to know it's on the way. Included will be a certificate in Korean, hand-brushed on rice paper. I'm thinking that's a good one to frame.
In addition to this bit of good news, Master Rion has also promoted me to Assistant Instructor in TKD. This is actually a surprise! I've been helping lead class & do some low-level instructing but I never considered this would earn me that position. I'm just glad I can help him out with the day-to-day class functions - Master Rion puts an awful lot of weight on his shoulders & I see it as the black belts' collective responsibility to do anything possible to take some of that load off.
I'm thrilled I have something I enjoy so much that gives me (IMAO) more than I actually put into it. I don't think most people are as fortunate as I have been.
In addition to this bit of good news, Master Rion has also promoted me to Assistant Instructor in TKD. This is actually a surprise! I've been helping lead class & do some low-level instructing but I never considered this would earn me that position. I'm just glad I can help him out with the day-to-day class functions - Master Rion puts an awful lot of weight on his shoulders & I see it as the black belts' collective responsibility to do anything possible to take some of that load off.
I'm thrilled I have something I enjoy so much that gives me (IMAO) more than I actually put into it. I don't think most people are as fortunate as I have been.
11/26/06
Brilliant Gift (or Waaaaa!!! Part 2)
As previously mentioned, my friend, Amy, is departing for Chicago,IL this week (Thursday, I think). Since she won't be around for Christmas, and I'm pretty sure she doesn't read this blog on a regular basis (love her to death, but she's not exactly computer-savvy), I'm going to reveal the brilliant (IMAO) gift I bought her.
Sure, I should keep it a secret, but this one's just too good...
I purchased a Swarovsky silver-crystal butterfly with a gold inlay for the antennae. Oh, it's a great one for a dual Christmas/going away present! You know, the whole butterfly symbolizing a new stage of life & everything. I'm even more darn intelligent than I thought! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!
I'm sure she'll love it, as she's always liked those little collectibles you get in stores. I'm not going to mention the cost, since she could actually read this thing one of these years.
OK, enough patting myself on the back. Later...
Sure, I should keep it a secret, but this one's just too good...
I purchased a Swarovsky silver-crystal butterfly with a gold inlay for the antennae. Oh, it's a great one for a dual Christmas/going away present! You know, the whole butterfly symbolizing a new stage of life & everything. I'm even more darn intelligent than I thought! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!
I'm sure she'll love it, as she's always liked those little collectibles you get in stores. I'm not going to mention the cost, since she could actually read this thing one of these years.
OK, enough patting myself on the back. Later...
P.E.T.DUH!
So, let me get this right - PETA attacks a church for using a live Nativity that DOESN'T involve live animals? Typical. They blindly go after whoever fits the bill. They admit they keep tabs on churches. Really nice of them. I think since it's SOOOOO wrong for the government to wire-tap terrorists to get information, it should be wrong for PETA to track churches. Aren't they spying on innocent churches? Is this a rush to churches? ;-)
Even better, they cite various "tragedies" to justify their cause. Let's break this down, shall we?
1) Stolen & Slaughtered: OK, I guess this may occur in 1 out of every 500,000 Nativities out there. Seriously, how are you going to pack up Humpty the Camel & not have anyone notice you're serving dromedary at Christmas dinner?
2) Escaped. Struck by car: OK, so the animals get scared & run off into the woods/streets/etc. In the possibly more frequent occurrence than #1, how can PETA make this argument? Animal rights whackos freed minks (ELF, I think) from a slaughterhouse just to have them run into traffic & get killed. The rest, all too used to being fed on a schedule, probably couldn't make it on their own. Ironic of animal rights activists to trade one quick death for another. Smooth argument...
3) Raped: How often does this happen to Bo-bo the sheep? Australian jokes aside, I don't think the frequency of this is that high. Why? Because you'd see something this bizarre plastered all over the evening news. I'm not claiming it doesn't happen, just that it must be exceedingly rare. The biggest violation in this case is probably against the truth of the matter.
4) Beaten: Yeah, I could see this one happening. However, "beating" is probably taken (surprise!) liberally by activists. I'm sure there are reported cases where the animals are harassed by kids, teens & such. We're talking teasing, egging, pulling tails, etc. Not nice to be sure but it's about like high school for most people. Are we going to cancel schooling, too? I doubt there are many extreme cases of animals beaten to death. Yes, the perpetrators should be punished for such things.
Overall, the argument made by PETA is that some people can be sick, heartless bastards so we shouldn't have live Nativities. Now, just because someone might show up at a public event with a weapon doesn't mean public events should be banned. In other words - just because someone, possibly, may do something against the law is no reason to punish the group organizing an event.
Even better, they cite various "tragedies" to justify their cause. Let's break this down, shall we?
1) Stolen & Slaughtered: OK, I guess this may occur in 1 out of every 500,000 Nativities out there. Seriously, how are you going to pack up Humpty the Camel & not have anyone notice you're serving dromedary at Christmas dinner?
2) Escaped. Struck by car: OK, so the animals get scared & run off into the woods/streets/etc. In the possibly more frequent occurrence than #1, how can PETA make this argument? Animal rights whackos freed minks (ELF, I think) from a slaughterhouse just to have them run into traffic & get killed. The rest, all too used to being fed on a schedule, probably couldn't make it on their own. Ironic of animal rights activists to trade one quick death for another. Smooth argument...
3) Raped: How often does this happen to Bo-bo the sheep? Australian jokes aside, I don't think the frequency of this is that high. Why? Because you'd see something this bizarre plastered all over the evening news. I'm not claiming it doesn't happen, just that it must be exceedingly rare. The biggest violation in this case is probably against the truth of the matter.
4) Beaten: Yeah, I could see this one happening. However, "beating" is probably taken (surprise!) liberally by activists. I'm sure there are reported cases where the animals are harassed by kids, teens & such. We're talking teasing, egging, pulling tails, etc. Not nice to be sure but it's about like high school for most people. Are we going to cancel schooling, too? I doubt there are many extreme cases of animals beaten to death. Yes, the perpetrators should be punished for such things.
Overall, the argument made by PETA is that some people can be sick, heartless bastards so we shouldn't have live Nativities. Now, just because someone might show up at a public event with a weapon doesn't mean public events should be banned. In other words - just because someone, possibly, may do something against the law is no reason to punish the group organizing an event.
11/25/06
Casino Royale
Where to start? Actually, it doesn't matter. This movie is one of the best Bond films ever produced. This simply isn't an issue to be debated. Not only are the origins for the world's most famous super-spy revealed in stunning, creative fashion, we also see a character who develops into the modern James Bond by the time credits roll.
The basic story is that Bond, newly minted as 007, is trying to defeat Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game (Baccarat in the novel - if you care to know). The potential prize is $150,000,000 with a $10M buy in. Not only does the director make this an exciting play from start to finish, Daniel Craig takes the Bond role made famous by Sean Connery & runs with it.
There's no doubt in my mind Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery. To be honest, none of the others really came all that close. Brosnan wasn't bad, Moore was good though too much on the humor & don't get me started on Dalton. Craig fits the character like he was born to play the spy. He's a myriad of contradictions: Tough, yet human; Well-groomed, yet gets right in the muck; Intelligent, but with an undeniable brutality.
This isn't the humor-filled, one-liner Bond of Brosnan & Moore. If that's what you want, look elsewhere. Craig is unapologetic, unforgiving & undeterred in his methods. The means by which he puts a target down (who stood to get refuge at an embassy) after a long chase demonstrates that this Bond is not a man with whom to trifle.
He is human, let there be no doubt about that. In many ways none of his derring dos are over-the-top & definitely none are physically impossible. Here's a character relying on willpower & skill alone. Actually, this Bond exemplifies my personal credo: "Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam" - If I can't find a way, I will make one.
I wouldn't dare spoil the plot execution of a true classic adaptation. Go see this move. NOW! I guarantee you won't be disappointed in any way. As a matter of fact, I'll bet after the last 3 words in the movie, you're begging for a repeat screening of this excellent movie.
The basic story is that Bond, newly minted as 007, is trying to defeat Le Chiffre in a high stakes poker game (Baccarat in the novel - if you care to know). The potential prize is $150,000,000 with a $10M buy in. Not only does the director make this an exciting play from start to finish, Daniel Craig takes the Bond role made famous by Sean Connery & runs with it.
There's no doubt in my mind Daniel Craig is the best Bond since Connery. To be honest, none of the others really came all that close. Brosnan wasn't bad, Moore was good though too much on the humor & don't get me started on Dalton. Craig fits the character like he was born to play the spy. He's a myriad of contradictions: Tough, yet human; Well-groomed, yet gets right in the muck; Intelligent, but with an undeniable brutality.
This isn't the humor-filled, one-liner Bond of Brosnan & Moore. If that's what you want, look elsewhere. Craig is unapologetic, unforgiving & undeterred in his methods. The means by which he puts a target down (who stood to get refuge at an embassy) after a long chase demonstrates that this Bond is not a man with whom to trifle.
He is human, let there be no doubt about that. In many ways none of his derring dos are over-the-top & definitely none are physically impossible. Here's a character relying on willpower & skill alone. Actually, this Bond exemplifies my personal credo: "Aut viam inveniam, aut faciam" - If I can't find a way, I will make one.
I wouldn't dare spoil the plot execution of a true classic adaptation. Go see this move. NOW! I guarantee you won't be disappointed in any way. As a matter of fact, I'll bet after the last 3 words in the movie, you're begging for a repeat screening of this excellent movie.
Waaaaaa!!!
My dear friend, Amy, is wrapping up her time in Iowa. She; her husband, Greg; and daughter Jessica are moving to Chicago next Thursday. Her last day at work (we're at the same company) will be Monday 11/27. :-(
Amy & I have been friends for about 5 years. She's one of the few people I trust & one of the even fewer with whom I don't put up any walls. She's the person who tells you how it is, still knows how to be tactful & is never afraid to ask for help when she needs it (which is incredibly infrequent). Additionally, she's also an incredibly beautiful, socially graceful woman. ;-)
She's done a lot to help me grow in these 5 years we've known each other. It's going to be tough managing with her gone & I'll have to figure out how. Not one person in my adult life has been such a positive example on how to live. She's helped me focus on personal accountability, direction & even loosening up a bit - you know, no point in taking life too seriously.
Still, I'm thrilled for this exciting opportunity that's come her family's way. Greg is a stand-up guy to say the very least. He recently accepted a promotion - hence the move to Chi-town - & I think it's a good move for them. Jessica will have to make new friends, but seeing as she's 10, I can't think this will be a problem for her. Socially, she's a lot like her Mom (Heaven help us all!).
Yeah, Amy can be a pain in my butt...BUT that's only because she's what I'd consider a true friend whose looking out for me. Nothing can beat that.
In closing I'd just like to say "thanks", Amy, for your part in helping me become the wonderful, intelligent, spectacular and, yes, humble person all you know & love. ;-) Congratulations to you & your family. You'll always be my closest of friends & there'll never be a moment where you're not missed by your other family here in Iowa.
Amy & I have been friends for about 5 years. She's one of the few people I trust & one of the even fewer with whom I don't put up any walls. She's the person who tells you how it is, still knows how to be tactful & is never afraid to ask for help when she needs it (which is incredibly infrequent). Additionally, she's also an incredibly beautiful, socially graceful woman. ;-)
She's done a lot to help me grow in these 5 years we've known each other. It's going to be tough managing with her gone & I'll have to figure out how. Not one person in my adult life has been such a positive example on how to live. She's helped me focus on personal accountability, direction & even loosening up a bit - you know, no point in taking life too seriously.
Still, I'm thrilled for this exciting opportunity that's come her family's way. Greg is a stand-up guy to say the very least. He recently accepted a promotion - hence the move to Chi-town - & I think it's a good move for them. Jessica will have to make new friends, but seeing as she's 10, I can't think this will be a problem for her. Socially, she's a lot like her Mom (Heaven help us all!).
Yeah, Amy can be a pain in my butt...BUT that's only because she's what I'd consider a true friend whose looking out for me. Nothing can beat that.
In closing I'd just like to say "thanks", Amy, for your part in helping me become the wonderful, intelligent, spectacular and, yes, humble person all you know & love. ;-) Congratulations to you & your family. You'll always be my closest of friends & there'll never be a moment where you're not missed by your other family here in Iowa.
Wiiiiiiiii!!!
I picked up one of those new Nintendo Wii's this week. Talk about an innovative system! The Wii Sports 5-in-1 game alone is worth it. Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Boxing, Bowling. I personally like golf & tennis the best. Very entertaining to see your actions duplicated exactly on the screen.
Then there's Red Steel - a launch title that's been much-hyped since the system release was announced. I can tell you this game walks the walk every step of the way. Not only are the controls intuitive, clean & responsive - the game has...unique features for AI. For example, not all, but most enemies will know when you have to reload. They'll tell their buddies, too. Nothing quite rattles you so much as facing down 3 or 4 guys with uzis & they rush you after firing your last shotgun blast. You can't take too many hits before you go down, either. Fortunately, health recovers automatically after a few seconds (This is great just because health items are an anathema to action in FPS games).
The mood of the game changes rapidly from calm to frantic when enemies appear onscreen. Not every one is an action hero & a small percent are just fodder. Most, however, are extremely coordinated with the others & do their best to flush you out of cover.
Duels are a major event in each level. You'll be confronted - often multiple times in a level - by various mid-level baddies intent on serving you up with tempura for dinner. The sword combat is smooth, allows for blocks, parries, dodges & counters. You can even cause damage to your opponent's weapon if your timing is good. Defeating an opponent gives you the option to kill or show mercy. Showing mercy gains respect...
The respect you have affects how your enemies respond to you. If it's high enough, then many low-level thugs will just cut & run (sort of like liberals, but better armed). This not only saves ammo, it also affords you more time in those timed parts of missions (those are rare).
Also, I have Need For Speed: Carbon. I'll get into that on a later post.
If you've been thinking about a Wii & aren't quite sure if it's worth the $$$, wonder no more - this system is easily worth the $250 price tag. Not only can you play it out of the box, but many companies are stepping up to use this new idea in gaming in just as creative ways.
Then there's Red Steel - a launch title that's been much-hyped since the system release was announced. I can tell you this game walks the walk every step of the way. Not only are the controls intuitive, clean & responsive - the game has...unique features for AI. For example, not all, but most enemies will know when you have to reload. They'll tell their buddies, too. Nothing quite rattles you so much as facing down 3 or 4 guys with uzis & they rush you after firing your last shotgun blast. You can't take too many hits before you go down, either. Fortunately, health recovers automatically after a few seconds (This is great just because health items are an anathema to action in FPS games).
The mood of the game changes rapidly from calm to frantic when enemies appear onscreen. Not every one is an action hero & a small percent are just fodder. Most, however, are extremely coordinated with the others & do their best to flush you out of cover.
Duels are a major event in each level. You'll be confronted - often multiple times in a level - by various mid-level baddies intent on serving you up with tempura for dinner. The sword combat is smooth, allows for blocks, parries, dodges & counters. You can even cause damage to your opponent's weapon if your timing is good. Defeating an opponent gives you the option to kill or show mercy. Showing mercy gains respect...
The respect you have affects how your enemies respond to you. If it's high enough, then many low-level thugs will just cut & run (sort of like liberals, but better armed). This not only saves ammo, it also affords you more time in those timed parts of missions (those are rare).
Also, I have Need For Speed: Carbon. I'll get into that on a later post.
If you've been thinking about a Wii & aren't quite sure if it's worth the $$$, wonder no more - this system is easily worth the $250 price tag. Not only can you play it out of the box, but many companies are stepping up to use this new idea in gaming in just as creative ways.
11/19/06
Key to Success
Success in life is dependent on one's HONOR & SAGACITY. These are easily defined as:
Honor - That when you give your word, you stick to it. No matter what.
Sagacity - Never giving it. ;-)
Honor - That when you give your word, you stick to it. No matter what.
Sagacity - Never giving it. ;-)
11/18/06
Thanksgiving
Wow, it's almost the holiday season?!? The year's really flown by. Of course, when you work in transportation like I do, holidays just aren't as fun. For example - I work Thanksgiving AND Christmas this year. Yeah, I get paid for it & all but all things being equal, I'd rather not work.
Adding to it, we only have class Monday & Tuesday this week. This means I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (pretty much the usual schedule) with only 2 days to vent some steam. Oh well, them's the breaks...
Adding to it, we only have class Monday & Tuesday this week. This means I work Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (pretty much the usual schedule) with only 2 days to vent some steam. Oh well, them's the breaks...
11/17/06
College Degree
This is a subject I've been dodging - at least subconsciously - for a few years. I have 90+ semester hours from University of Iowa, plus 24 or so from my time in the Navy. It's come time that I put the effort in & finish this thing. I'm not one for making excuses, but that's exactly how I sound when I have a reason for "not right now" on finishing a 4-year degree.
My question is whether to go straight into finishing the 4-year degree or get an Associates degree at a local school & finish the 4 from there? Do you lose any credits in that process? What makes more sense? The number of credits I have is well over what's needed for an Associates. The Bachelors will (hopefully) include my 90 credits, plus a few of the 24 from the Navy. Iowa, in their magnanimous, liberal elitism accepted 4 (four) credits from my military service. To call them jerks is an understatement.
Let me know what you think based on your own experiences.
My question is whether to go straight into finishing the 4-year degree or get an Associates degree at a local school & finish the 4 from there? Do you lose any credits in that process? What makes more sense? The number of credits I have is well over what's needed for an Associates. The Bachelors will (hopefully) include my 90 credits, plus a few of the 24 from the Navy. Iowa, in their magnanimous, liberal elitism accepted 4 (four) credits from my military service. To call them jerks is an understatement.
Let me know what you think based on your own experiences.
11/16/06
Bond, James Bond (Part 2)
MWAHAHAHAHA!!! I just got the notice in the mail yesterday that they have my 1st 2 collections of James Bond DVDs! hee hee I'm so excited. I can't wait until the 3rd & 4th collections come out. Dr. No isn't in the 1st 2 sets (how lame is that?). I'm no smoker, but that opening scene with Connery smoking a cigarette at the (baccarat?) table probably sold a lot of them when that movie premiered. Still, there are some darn good ones in the 1st collections. My personal favorite, The Man With the Golden Gun, is the 1st DVD of the 1st collection.
I'll be there when the post office opens at 0900 to grab 'em! Woo Hoo!
I'll be there when the post office opens at 0900 to grab 'em! Woo Hoo!
Mark Twain
No, "but HapKiDo, his name was Samuel Clemens", crap! It's called a pseudonym & I'm using it! This is probably one of my favorite quotes of all time:
"It is by the grace of God in our country that we have those three unspeakably precious things: Freedom of speech; Freedom of conscience; and the Prudence to never practice either of them". - Mark Twain
"It is by the grace of God in our country that we have those three unspeakably precious things: Freedom of speech; Freedom of conscience; and the Prudence to never practice either of them". - Mark Twain
TKD/HKD
I'm not sure what happened to me this week. Monday was good & I was at class as planned. For some reason, I just didn't have it in me to make it to either class on Tuesday/Wednesday. I suppose the fact I've cut calories - to about 1500/day - to drop some weight (I'm trying to make Iowa Games next year as a middleweight in TKD) may have something to do with that. I'll just have to pop some B-vitamins & keep the energy going.
Also, I need to get cracking on the cardio & some very minor weights (low weight, high repetition) to get my stamina/strength where it needs to be. The flexibility is coming along. So long as I manage to keep it going, I'll be in prime condition with that by next spring. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet, join a gym with cardio equipment & get on it.
To fight comfortably at middleweight, I figure 165 lbs is where I need to be. Presently, I'm right around 175. Now, 10 lbs may not seem like much, but it does mean probably losing 20 lbs of fatty stuff & adding 10 lbs of rock-solid, studly muscle. The trick, really, is to add strength instead of mass. According to GM Wallace, the best way to do that is low weight/high repetition. Looks like it's push-ups, crunches, etc for me! YAY!
After all that, there's still the issue of footwork. Fortunately (or maybe not...), I have the same limitation as GM Wallace - my right leg isn't exactly 100%. For reasons unknown, that knee can act up at the darndest times. The style he utilizes involves keeping his left leg (strong side) forward for speed to set up combinations. While he's demonstrated this style works for him (23-0, title defenses), I am not imbued with similar properties of dexterity & agility.
As you aren't allowed to backfist to the head in WTF (World Taekwondo Federation, dirty-minded readers!) sparring like is permitted in Kickboxing, there's a major concern on the power front. A front-leg kick simply won't deliver the power of a rear-leg kick. That's physics 101 stuff - the hip doesn't rotate when you kick from the lead foot. That effectively eliminates all your body mass from the energy equation. In exchange for speed, you sacrifice a great deal of power (ah, Eum & Yang rear their conflicting, ugly heads!).
Yeah, there's a bit on my mind about this whole affair. At this point, the focus must be on dropping the body fat. I can work on the rest from there.
Also, I need to get cracking on the cardio & some very minor weights (low weight, high repetition) to get my stamina/strength where it needs to be. The flexibility is coming along. So long as I manage to keep it going, I'll be in prime condition with that by next spring. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet, join a gym with cardio equipment & get on it.
To fight comfortably at middleweight, I figure 165 lbs is where I need to be. Presently, I'm right around 175. Now, 10 lbs may not seem like much, but it does mean probably losing 20 lbs of fatty stuff & adding 10 lbs of rock-solid, studly muscle. The trick, really, is to add strength instead of mass. According to GM Wallace, the best way to do that is low weight/high repetition. Looks like it's push-ups, crunches, etc for me! YAY!
After all that, there's still the issue of footwork. Fortunately (or maybe not...), I have the same limitation as GM Wallace - my right leg isn't exactly 100%. For reasons unknown, that knee can act up at the darndest times. The style he utilizes involves keeping his left leg (strong side) forward for speed to set up combinations. While he's demonstrated this style works for him (23-0, title defenses), I am not imbued with similar properties of dexterity & agility.
As you aren't allowed to backfist to the head in WTF (World Taekwondo Federation, dirty-minded readers!) sparring like is permitted in Kickboxing, there's a major concern on the power front. A front-leg kick simply won't deliver the power of a rear-leg kick. That's physics 101 stuff - the hip doesn't rotate when you kick from the lead foot. That effectively eliminates all your body mass from the energy equation. In exchange for speed, you sacrifice a great deal of power (ah, Eum & Yang rear their conflicting, ugly heads!).
Yeah, there's a bit on my mind about this whole affair. At this point, the focus must be on dropping the body fat. I can work on the rest from there.
11/13/06
Getting Antsy About This Test
I've got everything together for my upcoming test. Really, the things I have to shore up are forms (all 14 of them), one-step sparring (25) & self-defense. Being as strong with forms as I am, I can't imagine there will be trouble there. Ditto with self-defense. One steps will take care of themselves.
The nagging question on my mind is: What's my essay topic? The subject for 1st degree was What Black Belt Means to Me. I think I did a fairly good job. That paper helped me realize more of what my goals were than I had ever truly considered before. I'd say the writing (grammar, spelling, etc) was excellent & I offered not only a well-thought, also an original view on black belt.
Now, that's not to say the "average" black belt - average being a poor word because I don't think an average (read: mediocre) person can earn, really earn, a black belt - thinks it's about being a butt-kicking, one-person, wrecking crew. It's just that my opinion of black belt (cultivated over time & help from excellent friends) is that you've learned the basics & can now get to the process of really learning the art. More importantly, you have a responsibility that eclipses your authority & influence.
Unfortunately, I do think some people can get caught up with the Hollywood image of a black belt & think that strip of cloth grants them some mystical power. Hey, it's a big accomplishment. I'll concede that to anyone. *However*, it is also just a belt. The real meaning to black belt, for me, is earning it every single day you wear it. That has been the biggest challenge to me since making 1st degree. Some days I feel I've failed. Most I think I succeed. As long as I keep that in mind, I don't think I'll ever lose the right to wear one of the Dans.
So, as most of you can tell, I'm a little eager to keep the process rolling on test. I know it's 5 or 6 months away. That may seem like a lot of time, but that's all I have to write a full essay, choreograph a pattern with attackers, make sure my forms are up to par, prepare for sparring (dropping a little weight & improving endurance), get ready for breaking (2 bricks this time) & make sure my terminology is all set.
The nagging question on my mind is: What's my essay topic? The subject for 1st degree was What Black Belt Means to Me. I think I did a fairly good job. That paper helped me realize more of what my goals were than I had ever truly considered before. I'd say the writing (grammar, spelling, etc) was excellent & I offered not only a well-thought, also an original view on black belt.
Now, that's not to say the "average" black belt - average being a poor word because I don't think an average (read: mediocre) person can earn, really earn, a black belt - thinks it's about being a butt-kicking, one-person, wrecking crew. It's just that my opinion of black belt (cultivated over time & help from excellent friends) is that you've learned the basics & can now get to the process of really learning the art. More importantly, you have a responsibility that eclipses your authority & influence.
Unfortunately, I do think some people can get caught up with the Hollywood image of a black belt & think that strip of cloth grants them some mystical power. Hey, it's a big accomplishment. I'll concede that to anyone. *However*, it is also just a belt. The real meaning to black belt, for me, is earning it every single day you wear it. That has been the biggest challenge to me since making 1st degree. Some days I feel I've failed. Most I think I succeed. As long as I keep that in mind, I don't think I'll ever lose the right to wear one of the Dans.
So, as most of you can tell, I'm a little eager to keep the process rolling on test. I know it's 5 or 6 months away. That may seem like a lot of time, but that's all I have to write a full essay, choreograph a pattern with attackers, make sure my forms are up to par, prepare for sparring (dropping a little weight & improving endurance), get ready for breaking (2 bricks this time) & make sure my terminology is all set.
11/12/06
Christmas Music Already?
104.5, KDAT, here in town started playing Christmas music on November 1st. Hey, I'm all about being in the Christmas spirit...WHEN it's time for Christmas. For me, that's after Thanksgiving.
From November 1st to December 25th we get that self-righteous blowhard Delilah to tell us how flipping wonderful everything is *and* she shoves that down our gullet with a Jingle Bells dessert. Again, life IS good, but experience it, folks. Having some over-the-top radio personality who specializes in getting hyper-sensitive goofs to air their dirty laundry to the world tell you that doesn't do a thing for anyone.
Fortunately, the intelligent (& some holiday-jaded) have prevailed. We've had that silly radio station turned to one with some sense as to what people want to hear. The problem I really have with playing Christmas music so early is that people get sick of it. Christmas is something to be enjoyed in it's season. Starting it up earlier & earlier every year would be like going to the beach in February to kick off summer - you have a snowball's chance in Hades of really enjoying yourself.
From November 1st to December 25th we get that self-righteous blowhard Delilah to tell us how flipping wonderful everything is *and* she shoves that down our gullet with a Jingle Bells dessert. Again, life IS good, but experience it, folks. Having some over-the-top radio personality who specializes in getting hyper-sensitive goofs to air their dirty laundry to the world tell you that doesn't do a thing for anyone.
Fortunately, the intelligent (& some holiday-jaded) have prevailed. We've had that silly radio station turned to one with some sense as to what people want to hear. The problem I really have with playing Christmas music so early is that people get sick of it. Christmas is something to be enjoyed in it's season. Starting it up earlier & earlier every year would be like going to the beach in February to kick off summer - you have a snowball's chance in Hades of really enjoying yourself.
Perfect
Have you ever just slept so well that you woke up at the perfect time & were ready to go? :-) Now, WHY is it that only ever happens when you have to go to work?!?!? :-(
11/11/06
Veterans' Day
Unfortunately, those with courage to guarantee our rights & fight every day so we can enjoy the vast liberty afforded us are taken for granted.
With that in mind, I find this quote particularly appropriate in the face of so many willing to demonize either the military or the chain-of-command. Folks, freedom is not free. It's been fought & paid for more times than any agitator dared picket & protest on a college campus. I truly believe peace can only be obtained through strength & the willingness to demonstrate it. Pacifists want peace at any cost - even liberty.
I'd like to thank every soldier, sailor, Marine & airman who is or has ever served this great nation. Ladies & gentleman, without your daily sacrifice none of us would be able to breathe the freedom we so sweetly are afforded. Thank you all for your noble generosity & know that you are appreciated by this former sailor.
"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free".
Ronald Reagan
With that in mind, I find this quote particularly appropriate in the face of so many willing to demonize either the military or the chain-of-command. Folks, freedom is not free. It's been fought & paid for more times than any agitator dared picket & protest on a college campus. I truly believe peace can only be obtained through strength & the willingness to demonstrate it. Pacifists want peace at any cost - even liberty.
I'd like to thank every soldier, sailor, Marine & airman who is or has ever served this great nation. Ladies & gentleman, without your daily sacrifice none of us would be able to breathe the freedom we so sweetly are afforded. Thank you all for your noble generosity & know that you are appreciated by this former sailor.
"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free".
Ronald Reagan
How To Succeed At A Musical...
Last night, I went to my little sis', Sarah, musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. As usual, the kids at Alburnett High School did an excellent job. Merrick, playing the lead of Mr. Finch just takes any role & runs with it. His facial expressions are priceless. I have to say I've enjoyed all the musicals they put on twice a year.
Sarah plays Miss Jones, the big boss' secretary. For her interpretation of the role, she adopted a heavy German accent, a mean snarling sneer on her face & a loud stomp when she walked. OK, I *realize* that's not the character as it was written. However, we're talking about a 5'2", 100lb high school girl here. The fact she pulled intimidating off was pretty impressive to me. I would have hated it if her character got in my face. Somehow, someone who's small & overly assertive is more intimidating than a bigger person.
The play ran about 3 hours, with a 20-minute intermission. I thought it flew by. Among the highlights were Hedy LaRue (Dana Kuehl). She got the ditzy part of the character & had fun with it. She was so dolled up that I didn't recognize her at all. Sam Baier played the big boss, J.B. Biggley. Nice, understated success for him in that role. Understated may be a bit off considering his booming voice but he did manage to almost steal the show with his less-than-obvious humor (in addition to being a world-class knitter). Smitty (Mackenzie Reed) really showed a lot of energy for the part. Probably pound for pound for pound the best actor on the stage. She doted as an excellent foil between Finch (Merrick Robinson) & Rosemary Pilkington (Cassidy LeClaire). The young lady portraying Rosemary put a ton of emotion into the role & took an initially conniving character into a more innocent person by end of the second act. I actually liked that quite a bit. Honestly, as most characters develop they tend towards disillusionment or corruption.
Great job to the entire cast. Congratulations to all of them for a great show!
***UPDATE***
Sarah e-mailed me the cast list. Here's the acknowledgements:
J. Pierrepont Finch.......Merrick Robinson
Cassidy LeClaire..........Rosemary Pilkington
Mackenzie Reed...........Smitty
Kyle Loux.......................Bud Frump
Dana Kuehl....................Hedy LaRue
Sam Baier.....................J.B. Biggley
Kyle Francios................Wally Womper/Janitor
Sarah George...............Miss Jones
Billy Meiners..................Mr. Bratt
Dugan Knoll...................Mr. Twimble
Caleb Carver.................Mr. Gatch
Sarah plays Miss Jones, the big boss' secretary. For her interpretation of the role, she adopted a heavy German accent, a mean snarling sneer on her face & a loud stomp when she walked. OK, I *realize* that's not the character as it was written. However, we're talking about a 5'2", 100lb high school girl here. The fact she pulled intimidating off was pretty impressive to me. I would have hated it if her character got in my face. Somehow, someone who's small & overly assertive is more intimidating than a bigger person.
The play ran about 3 hours, with a 20-minute intermission. I thought it flew by. Among the highlights were Hedy LaRue (Dana Kuehl). She got the ditzy part of the character & had fun with it. She was so dolled up that I didn't recognize her at all. Sam Baier played the big boss, J.B. Biggley. Nice, understated success for him in that role. Understated may be a bit off considering his booming voice but he did manage to almost steal the show with his less-than-obvious humor (in addition to being a world-class knitter). Smitty (Mackenzie Reed) really showed a lot of energy for the part. Probably pound for pound for pound the best actor on the stage. She doted as an excellent foil between Finch (Merrick Robinson) & Rosemary Pilkington (Cassidy LeClaire). The young lady portraying Rosemary put a ton of emotion into the role & took an initially conniving character into a more innocent person by end of the second act. I actually liked that quite a bit. Honestly, as most characters develop they tend towards disillusionment or corruption.
Great job to the entire cast. Congratulations to all of them for a great show!
***UPDATE***
Sarah e-mailed me the cast list. Here's the acknowledgements:
J. Pierrepont Finch.......Merrick Robinson
Cassidy LeClaire..........Rosemary Pilkington
Mackenzie Reed...........Smitty
Kyle Loux.......................Bud Frump
Dana Kuehl....................Hedy LaRue
Sam Baier.....................J.B. Biggley
Kyle Francios................Wally Womper/Janitor
Sarah George...............Miss Jones
Billy Meiners..................Mr. Bratt
Dugan Knoll...................Mr. Twimble
Caleb Carver.................Mr. Gatch
11/10/06
Bond, James Bond
Nah, I didn't have some magical super-spy moment. I DID just order the 1st two 007 DVD collections from Amazon! Man, I'm really excited about these. Every time they run the James Bond marathon on Spike, or AMC, or...well, you get the point - I really like the 007 movies.
Now, my personal favorite is Man With The Golden Gun, even though I think Connery is a far better Bond than Moore. I just think it's an excellent plot & the fun keeps rolling the whole movie. Pretty much every Bond with Connery is great (We're *not* going to mention Never Say Never Again, uh, again. Got it?). From Russia, With Love just blows me away. Connery just pulls this one off brilliantly.
As far as the "order" of Bond actors, from best to worst, many people disagree on this one. My personal list is:
Really, I think it could go either way for the Dalton/Lazenby debate. Dalton was too stiff & "angry" of a Bond for my tastes. Lazenby was just unimpressive to me. The one movie he did hardly gives him a chance to refute this opinion. I don't mind the serious part of the character at all, but Bond shouldn't seem like he can't bend at the waist, either.
The jury's out on Daniel Craig, though based on early information on the movie it does look like his portrayal of Bond could put him ahead of Brosnan. It would take a world class performance to put him even equal Connery. Sean Connery defined the role so well that Ian Fleming even changed Bond's heritage to part Scottish.
I'm really anticipating Casino Royale, out 11/17. Not only do we get to see the pre-007 Bond, we get to see how the character is molded into the Bond we've come to know so well through books & movies.
Now, my personal favorite is Man With The Golden Gun, even though I think Connery is a far better Bond than Moore. I just think it's an excellent plot & the fun keeps rolling the whole movie. Pretty much every Bond with Connery is great (We're *not* going to mention Never Say Never Again, uh, again. Got it?). From Russia, With Love just blows me away. Connery just pulls this one off brilliantly.
As far as the "order" of Bond actors, from best to worst, many people disagree on this one. My personal list is:
- Sean Connery
- Pierce Brosnan
- Roger Moore
- Timothy Dalton
- George Lazenby
Really, I think it could go either way for the Dalton/Lazenby debate. Dalton was too stiff & "angry" of a Bond for my tastes. Lazenby was just unimpressive to me. The one movie he did hardly gives him a chance to refute this opinion. I don't mind the serious part of the character at all, but Bond shouldn't seem like he can't bend at the waist, either.
The jury's out on Daniel Craig, though based on early information on the movie it does look like his portrayal of Bond could put him ahead of Brosnan. It would take a world class performance to put him even equal Connery. Sean Connery defined the role so well that Ian Fleming even changed Bond's heritage to part Scottish.
I'm really anticipating Casino Royale, out 11/17. Not only do we get to see the pre-007 Bond, we get to see how the character is molded into the Bond we've come to know so well through books & movies.
Winston Churchill
I think this one's particularly excellent for former president Carter, the Dixie Chicks & their ilk...
"When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home". - Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
"When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home". - Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
11/9/06
Election Hangover
Well, not really. I expected that after a lackluster (at best) performance by republicans in both houses of Congress. It's a shame the gubernatorials went so poorly & it does raise concerns on my part about higher taxes for both federal & state. Where did the republicans go wrong?
They didn't run on traditional (not necessarily conservative) values as was the focus in 2004 AND they didn't deliver on the campaign promises of 2004. The voters, as they should, held them to account. Unfortunately, the fact the House & Senate are so close to 1:1 margins means very little will happen in the next 2 years, effectively making the president a lame duck with the exception of veto power. This means, 1) the president will get nothing passed & 2) Congress will get nothing passed if the president doesn't want it. Essentially, my worry is we as Americans will get exactly nothing in the next 2 years.
The biggest loss in all of this (no, not Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation) is that John Bolton will likely not get approval as ambassador to the UN. This is simply the worst part of this election. Sure, democrats may have moved into control both houses of Congress but traditional values did win big in referendum (AZ passed English as the state's official language, 4 states passed gay marriage bans). Losing the one ambassador who stands for America in the UN instead of pandering to the ineffectual world body is plain horrible.
So, for at least the next 2 years, I'll be hoping we don't see an increase in taxes or a faltering in support for the War on Terror. I don't count on the former but I absolutely pray we don't see the latter. Relativists & Progressives (normally the same people) seem to believe we're as much to blame - if not more so - for terrorist attacks as the terrorists. If someone thinks it's wrong to have the strongest & probably most benevolent nation God ever gave man, then it shows how out-of-whack their moral compass truly is.
"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." - Sir Winston Churchill
They didn't run on traditional (not necessarily conservative) values as was the focus in 2004 AND they didn't deliver on the campaign promises of 2004. The voters, as they should, held them to account. Unfortunately, the fact the House & Senate are so close to 1:1 margins means very little will happen in the next 2 years, effectively making the president a lame duck with the exception of veto power. This means, 1) the president will get nothing passed & 2) Congress will get nothing passed if the president doesn't want it. Essentially, my worry is we as Americans will get exactly nothing in the next 2 years.
The biggest loss in all of this (no, not Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation) is that John Bolton will likely not get approval as ambassador to the UN. This is simply the worst part of this election. Sure, democrats may have moved into control both houses of Congress but traditional values did win big in referendum (AZ passed English as the state's official language, 4 states passed gay marriage bans). Losing the one ambassador who stands for America in the UN instead of pandering to the ineffectual world body is plain horrible.
So, for at least the next 2 years, I'll be hoping we don't see an increase in taxes or a faltering in support for the War on Terror. I don't count on the former but I absolutely pray we don't see the latter. Relativists & Progressives (normally the same people) seem to believe we're as much to blame - if not more so - for terrorist attacks as the terrorists. If someone thinks it's wrong to have the strongest & probably most benevolent nation God ever gave man, then it shows how out-of-whack their moral compass truly is.
"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." - Sir Winston Churchill
TKD: Ge-Baek
Ge-Baek is my 3rd & final form before I can test for 2nd degree. I finally put this one together yesterday & it's definitely complicated compared to the rest of my forms. I think that's what makes me enjoy it so much. I think (except with Choong-Gun) I've always liked the highest form I've ever learned in a belt level.
This one is sort of the "opposite" of the previous 1st degree form, Po-Eun. Po-Eun runs from East to West & Ge-Baek runs North to South. Also, they oppose each other in that Po-Eun is pretty simple (being that the 1st & 2nd halves are mirrors) while Ge-Baek is very complicated & not symmetrical in any way. I'm sure the fact it's such a challenge is why I worked so hard at learning it.
Ge-Baek needs some work for me to make it flow perfectly, but I'm pretty happy that it's come together so well in a relatively short time. I have about 5 months (maybe 6) to test for 2nd, so there's not as much time as I'd necessarily like. Forms have always been my strong point, so they'll do well enough. I'm more concerned about endurance, flexibility (working on that) & sparring.
Let's face it, sparring is & probably always will be my weak point. I enjoy it, I really do. I just don't see the value in it other than a game. Reaction time aside, it's done little to make me better as a martial artist. I think the forms & philosophy of TKD have done more to teach me patience & instill confidence than any amount of sparring ever will. I'd rather spar than not but it doesn't come across to me as something very vital.
Self-defense is another strong point for me in testing. Up to & including the "circle of death", as we jokingly call it. Hosinsul (self-defense, in Korean) is the place where I find the most creative energy & refine my control. The added benefit is becoming tolerant to common confrontations (like someone trying to intimidate) & more serious things like chokes.
Back the subject, I'd say Ge-Baek is the most fun I've had with a pattern since Koryo - another form that presented it's own challenges. Something about learning something entirely new motivates me more than anything else. It gives me the ability to feel completely alive in those times when I'm going through the "same old, same old".
This one's 44 movements of pure enjoyment for me (Martial arts, folks. Get your minds out of the gutter!). I can't wait to get this one up to par like most of my other ones & see how well-refined I can make it!
This one is sort of the "opposite" of the previous 1st degree form, Po-Eun. Po-Eun runs from East to West & Ge-Baek runs North to South. Also, they oppose each other in that Po-Eun is pretty simple (being that the 1st & 2nd halves are mirrors) while Ge-Baek is very complicated & not symmetrical in any way. I'm sure the fact it's such a challenge is why I worked so hard at learning it.
Ge-Baek needs some work for me to make it flow perfectly, but I'm pretty happy that it's come together so well in a relatively short time. I have about 5 months (maybe 6) to test for 2nd, so there's not as much time as I'd necessarily like. Forms have always been my strong point, so they'll do well enough. I'm more concerned about endurance, flexibility (working on that) & sparring.
Let's face it, sparring is & probably always will be my weak point. I enjoy it, I really do. I just don't see the value in it other than a game. Reaction time aside, it's done little to make me better as a martial artist. I think the forms & philosophy of TKD have done more to teach me patience & instill confidence than any amount of sparring ever will. I'd rather spar than not but it doesn't come across to me as something very vital.
Self-defense is another strong point for me in testing. Up to & including the "circle of death", as we jokingly call it. Hosinsul (self-defense, in Korean) is the place where I find the most creative energy & refine my control. The added benefit is becoming tolerant to common confrontations (like someone trying to intimidate) & more serious things like chokes.
Back the subject, I'd say Ge-Baek is the most fun I've had with a pattern since Koryo - another form that presented it's own challenges. Something about learning something entirely new motivates me more than anything else. It gives me the ability to feel completely alive in those times when I'm going through the "same old, same old".
This one's 44 movements of pure enjoyment for me (Martial arts, folks. Get your minds out of the gutter!). I can't wait to get this one up to par like most of my other ones & see how well-refined I can make it!
11/2/06
Seminar
It was an incredible seminar! I spent the 1st half of day one with GM Pellegrini & the remainder of the two day event with GM Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. I'm always impressed with GM P & this time was no exception. The experience with GM Wallace was something new to me. I didn't know if his part was going to be more of the same kicking drills or something new. Let's just sum it up this way...
I learned the most with GM Wallace. He worked us through sparring & boxing drills after extended periods of warm-ups & stretches. If nothing else, the stretching exercises were worth the cost of the seminar. Everything is based off simple fundamentals. The man has a Masters in Human Kinesology, so it's hard to question his knowledge of human mechanics. I just can't figure out that diet plan for the life of me.
There are 3 T's involved in stretching. They are...WAIT!!! If you want 'em, try one of his seminars & learn that way! :-) Seriously, I'm no pro at this stuff & I don't want to give anyone bad info. I will say that I've never been able to open stretch as far or as efficiently as I have since this seminar. If you want more info on GM Wallace, you can check out his site. It includes info on DVDs for stretching, kicking & books on the same. Hey, it's a shameless plug, but worth the look!
GM Wallace is 61 years-old & a helluva lot faster than I'll ever be. Most of us are 1/2 his age or less & he just blew us away with a combination of speed & technique. His efficiency of movement & complete mastery of his preferred moves is jaw-dropping. Maybe it's experience, but I'd like to think it's a combination of that with practical knowledge of how the human body works & adapts. More impressive than any kick was his ability to explain the motion of your body in an enthralling way. At no point could you lose interest in his topics.
The most impressive aspect of the man is how cordial he was. There's definitely a dash of humility there, but I think the best part of him is how he relates to the "average" person - he talks to you exactly as an equal - not like he's a record-holding GM in kickboxing. You could ask a question & the reply would be direct, witty & have just a touch of humor. You also can't help being impressed with someone who just loves every part of what he does. OK, back to the seminar.
We worked on front leg roundhouse kick (closed stance), front leg side kick (open stance) & backfist. I'm no slouch at any of these, though after this time well spent in Omaha, I know where I can find better ways to perform. Backfist was probably the easiest of the three since we were instructed to do it just the way I practice - that is, snapping it out to the target & right back in. Sure, I'm no "Superfoot" but I'm not 1/2 bad, either.
Roundhouse kick is where I was most surprised. I really thought I was decent with it & I suppose I am "decent" but not that fast. A lot of work to be done there. Keeping your center of gravity in the same place (not stepping forward), snapping the kick up in the shortest distance possible, not telegraphing the thing like you're delivering for Western Union, etc...
As for accommodations our friend, Trent, whose from our HKD group & recently relocated to North Dakota, invited us to stay at his house. Really nice place. If you're in the market for a house under $180,000 in the Omaha area, let me know. I'll be happy to send him an e-mail. ;-) It's a great place & has 3 bedrooms with a finished basement & a hot tub. Great neighborhood, too. All in all, the sleeping arrangements were great...with the exception of "Darth" Kitson that 1st night. ha ha
We had breakfast the 1st morning at a little "Ma & Pa" diner. Excellent food & the service was great. Overall, I think the food was spectacular in Omaha. This restaurant we went to (Can't recall the name) had a truly succulent prime rib. I never cared for it before that experience. You could eat a steak at this place every day & not get tired of it...fat, but definitely not tired.
After wrapping up the 2nd day (GM Wallace had to leave at 3pm instead of the planned 4pm) we packed up our stuff (man, my car holds a LOT of crap!) & headed out, "deciding" - OK, guided by man instinct - to stop at the new Bass Pro Shops in Council Bluffs. MAN! That place is h-u-g-e! Really loved it through the whole place. They designed it to make outdoors-type folks comfortable, I guess. It just makes you want to grab a tent & hang out for the night.
Unfortunately, the camping trip was precluded by the others needing to be home for work Monday. We reeled it in & made a quick stop in Des Moines for food, fuel & a stretch before getting to "the beach" as Bill Reif would say. Got the guys to Master Rion's about 1130pm & we all made it home safe.
All in all, an excellent "mancation" that needs to be repeated.
I learned the most with GM Wallace. He worked us through sparring & boxing drills after extended periods of warm-ups & stretches. If nothing else, the stretching exercises were worth the cost of the seminar. Everything is based off simple fundamentals. The man has a Masters in Human Kinesology, so it's hard to question his knowledge of human mechanics. I just can't figure out that diet plan for the life of me.
There are 3 T's involved in stretching. They are...WAIT!!! If you want 'em, try one of his seminars & learn that way! :-) Seriously, I'm no pro at this stuff & I don't want to give anyone bad info. I will say that I've never been able to open stretch as far or as efficiently as I have since this seminar. If you want more info on GM Wallace, you can check out his site. It includes info on DVDs for stretching, kicking & books on the same. Hey, it's a shameless plug, but worth the look!
GM Wallace is 61 years-old & a helluva lot faster than I'll ever be. Most of us are 1/2 his age or less & he just blew us away with a combination of speed & technique. His efficiency of movement & complete mastery of his preferred moves is jaw-dropping. Maybe it's experience, but I'd like to think it's a combination of that with practical knowledge of how the human body works & adapts. More impressive than any kick was his ability to explain the motion of your body in an enthralling way. At no point could you lose interest in his topics.
The most impressive aspect of the man is how cordial he was. There's definitely a dash of humility there, but I think the best part of him is how he relates to the "average" person - he talks to you exactly as an equal - not like he's a record-holding GM in kickboxing. You could ask a question & the reply would be direct, witty & have just a touch of humor. You also can't help being impressed with someone who just loves every part of what he does. OK, back to the seminar.
We worked on front leg roundhouse kick (closed stance), front leg side kick (open stance) & backfist. I'm no slouch at any of these, though after this time well spent in Omaha, I know where I can find better ways to perform. Backfist was probably the easiest of the three since we were instructed to do it just the way I practice - that is, snapping it out to the target & right back in. Sure, I'm no "Superfoot" but I'm not 1/2 bad, either.
Roundhouse kick is where I was most surprised. I really thought I was decent with it & I suppose I am "decent" but not that fast. A lot of work to be done there. Keeping your center of gravity in the same place (not stepping forward), snapping the kick up in the shortest distance possible, not telegraphing the thing like you're delivering for Western Union, etc...
As for accommodations our friend, Trent, whose from our HKD group & recently relocated to North Dakota, invited us to stay at his house. Really nice place. If you're in the market for a house under $180,000 in the Omaha area, let me know. I'll be happy to send him an e-mail. ;-) It's a great place & has 3 bedrooms with a finished basement & a hot tub. Great neighborhood, too. All in all, the sleeping arrangements were great...with the exception of "Darth" Kitson that 1st night. ha ha
We had breakfast the 1st morning at a little "Ma & Pa" diner. Excellent food & the service was great. Overall, I think the food was spectacular in Omaha. This restaurant we went to (Can't recall the name) had a truly succulent prime rib. I never cared for it before that experience. You could eat a steak at this place every day & not get tired of it...fat, but definitely not tired.
After wrapping up the 2nd day (GM Wallace had to leave at 3pm instead of the planned 4pm) we packed up our stuff (man, my car holds a LOT of crap!) & headed out, "deciding" - OK, guided by man instinct - to stop at the new Bass Pro Shops in Council Bluffs. MAN! That place is h-u-g-e! Really loved it through the whole place. They designed it to make outdoors-type folks comfortable, I guess. It just makes you want to grab a tent & hang out for the night.
Unfortunately, the camping trip was precluded by the others needing to be home for work Monday. We reeled it in & made a quick stop in Des Moines for food, fuel & a stretch before getting to "the beach" as Bill Reif would say. Got the guys to Master Rion's about 1130pm & we all made it home safe.
All in all, an excellent "mancation" that needs to be repeated.
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