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Sensei James Miyaji is one of the most humble people you could ever meet. His humility is even more admirable given that he is one of Hawaii's most senior Karate instructors.
Earlier this month, Miyaji Sensei was awarded judan (10th degree black belt) by the Hawaii Karate Kodanshaki. What a well deserved acknowledgment! I cannot remember a judan being awarded to a living traditional Karate instructor who resides here in Hawaii (the Kodanshakai had previously awarded judan to Richard Kim, who resided on the mainland, and to Tomu Arakawa, posthumously).
I look up to Miyaji Sensei and want to extend my congratulations to him and his students. I also want to thank him for being such a good example for us Karate students -- particularly of how true humility follows outstanding accomplishments, like the ripe rice bowing. See Atama Wo Sageru.
Charles C. Goodin
Congratulations to Sensei James Miyaji
Sensei James Miyaji is one of the most humble people you could ever meet. His humility is even more admirable given that he is one of Hawaii's most senior Karate instructors.
A Prayer
Today I was asked to say the prayer for the New Years Luncheon (Shinenkai) hosted by Sensei Pat Nakata. His students, members of the Hawaii Karate Kenkyukai, and other instructors attended.
Two of the things I mentioned were that we pray for safety as we train this year, and we also thank our families for supporting us in our training. I thought that these two things were important.
If I miss a class, I always ask my son two questions: "Who came to class and was everyone safe?" At class, I am always mindful of the safety of each and every student.
I am also mindful of the fact that when I am at Karate training, I am not at home. It would be very difficult for me to train unless my wife and family were supportive. I am truly blessed in this regard. My family not only allows me to train, they support me 100%.
Today's Shinenkai was a great was to start the year with fellow Karate students and instructors. As I mentioned before the prayer, Nakata Sensei is the glue that binds many of us together. By bringing us together, he helps us to better understand each other and our respective forms or styles of Karate.
You really get to know people when you eat together.
Charles C. Goodin
Get In Shape
I meet many Karate instructors and students. If a student were to ask me what he could do to become better at Karate, for many students I would reply:
I don't think that you can be good at Karate if you are out of shape. Hypothetically, if you (out of shape) were to compete against an equally skilled twin (in shape), you would almost certainly lose.
Skill is part of it. The other part is conditioning. You need both, in balance.
The best Karate instructors I know are in excellent shape. This is not an accident. They work at it.
Even if you do not practice Karate, getting in shape is extremely important. It will make you healthier and more able to resist sickness and disease. It will also give you more energy to work and enjoy life.
Charles C. Goodin
No Zazen
Although we used to do so many years ago, we not longer practice zazen during our Karate classes. We do not practice zazen at all.
To tell the truth, I would prefer to practice Karate basics and kata rather than sit zazen. Actually, I would rather pick weeds, paint the house, or go fishing rather than sit zazen -- these things equally quiet my mind.
I am not a Zen priest and am not qualified to teach zazen. But if I was a Zen priest and was duly qualified, I think I still would not make zazen a part of Karate training. I do not believe that the early Karate masters in Okinawa did so. I suspect that Zen and zazen became more important in some Karate schools after the Ryuku Kingdom was overthrown and its lands were made a part of the Japanese empire. Zen and zazen were part of Japanese budo and as Karate instructors grappled to make their Okinawan art of Karate fit within the Japanese budo (martial art) system, some adopted the practices.
History aside, I just do not like sitting zazen. I would rather do something that produces a tangible result -- physical exercise, a clean yard, a painted house, catching a fish, etc.
But that is just me.
If a Zen priest got mad at me and said, "Charles, that was a bad thing to write. I am going to punch you on the nose!"
I would reply, "What sound would that make?"
Charles C. Goodin
P.S. One reason I wrote this post was because some Karate instructors make it seem that Japanese things like zazen have to be part of Karate training. I take Karate pretty seriously (just ask my wife and family) and I do not practice zazen at all. To practice Karate, I practice Karate... period. Karate is much more than enough for me. -- CCG
Success in 2011 -- Still Training
By this time, you have probably made your New Years resolutions for 2011.
If you are still practicing Karate, I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!
Sticking with it is an accomplishment. You cannot imagine how many people have practiced Karate and quit for one reason or another (or for many reasons). Any senior instructor can list dozens or even hundreds or thousands of former students.
But you are still training! If you are training, you can improve. If you are training, you can get better. If you are training, you can help other students, your Sensei, and the dojo. There are many things you can do.
But a person who quit will often think about Karate and long to return to training.
You are still training. You can work on yourself. You have started off the New Year well.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Thought About Bruce Lee
The other day, flipping through channels, I happened to turn to Enter the Dragon. I don't know how many time I've watched that great movie.
The movie was released in 1973. I was a freshman in high school at that time and of course, all martial arts students idolized Bruce Lee. I watched the movie at the theater, later on video, and many times on television.
Bruce Lee was born in 1940. When the movie was made, he must have only been about 31 or 32, at the most 33.
I was about 15 at that time. Now I am 53. I have reached the age where Bruce Lee, at the time he made Enter the Dragon, could have been my son! In fact, my eldest son will be 30 this year. I'm sure that some of you are my age or older. It is hard to imagine that the star of Enter the Dragon could be our son.
If he was still living, Bruce Lee would now be about 71. I wonder how his martial arts would have continued to evolve as he aged?
When I watch his movies, I am always saddened by the fact that he died so young. He certainly encouraged many young people to train in the martial arts.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Paring Knife
The other day I needed to pick some weeds in my yard and quickly grabbed a small paring knife from the kitchen (rather than my usual yard knife which is much bigger). As I was picking weeds and using this little knife, I thought to myself, "How easy it would be to conceal such a little knife and how much damage it could do!"
I always emphasize this to my sons. In Karate, we generally train to defend against things like punches and kicks. But an attacker can easily conceal a knife or could even be armed with a gun. Particularly with a knife, we say that you can't react to the weapon (because you won't be able to see it until it is too late), you have to react to the person.
I am always grateful that my first style of Karate was Kenpo Karate. The early instructors of Kenpo Karate were skilled boxers and many also practiced Escrima and were skilled in the use of knives. As such, the techniques of Kenpo Karate were based on vicious, street realistic attacks, including the use of knives and clubs.
Anyway, these are some of the things I think about while picking weeds in my yard.
Charles C. Goodin
Congratulations to Miss Hawaii
Congratulations to Miss Hawaii, Jalee Fuselier, who was second runner up at the Miss America pageant last night.
I got to meet Jalee at a local pageant last year here in Hawaii. One thing I learned about her that might not have been mentioned during the Miss America telecast is that she has performed over 4,000 hours of volunteer work -- that's over 4 thousand hours. At the pageant I met her, she was doing volunteer work for the Children's Miracle Network.
She has certainly done Hawaii proud.
And yes, it is true -- the most beautiful women in the world live here in Hawaii.
Charles C. Goodin
Sweeping First
I have discussed the issue of the Sensei sweeping the dojo and students asking to take the broom from him. Often, the Sensei and seniors will say "no" and keep sweeping.
If a junior wants to sweep the dojo, he should come to class early enough to get the broom before the Sensei and seniors. That way, he will not have to ask (and there can be no refusal).
Students should learn to do what needs to be done before anyone can ask -- to anticipate the need and address it.
Charles C. Goodin
90% of Your Happiness
My wife and I are in Waikiki this long weekend celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary.
Every so often, my wife likes to remind me of a saying she saw on a poster many years ago that goes something like this: "90% of your happiness depends on who you marry." Every year, I find this saying to be more and more true.
There is a saying in Karate that you hands should work together like man and wife. This presumes a good relationship.
If your spouse is supportive of your Karate training (and expenditures, travel, devotion of time, etc.), this will make it much easier for you to continue your training. The opposite is also true.
Don't make your spouse a "Karate widow or widower." If you do not devote enough time and attention to your spouse, he or she could end up owning half of your Karate things -- and it is pretty hard to do a sai kata with just one sai.
I think that there should be another saying that "90% of your Karate happiness depends on who your Sensei is." Every year, I also find this saying to be more and more true.
If you have a loving, supportive spouse and a skillful, generous Sensei -- YOU SHOULD COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS and work hard to deserve them both.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Saturday, January 15, 2011
Hold Your Breath and Say...
One of my children was dating a person once and I asked that child a question which I will modify here.
Hold your breath and say five good things about your Karate Sensei. Go.
It's funny -- some people find this very easy to do and some find it very difficult, and it usually has little to do with their ability to hold their breath.
As it turned out, my otherwise articulate child could not come up with five good things (in one breath) and the relationship soon ended. Funny (or not so funny).
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Saturday, January 15, 2011
Why I Sweep
Continuing on the subject of Dojo Cleaning, some people have written to me, mentioning the situation where the junior students will go up and take the broom from a senior or Sensei who is sweeping. This is pretty common in Karate and other martial arts dojo. Sometimes you will see a progression: A 5th dan will take the broom from the Sensei; a 3rd dan will take the broom from the 5th dan; a shodan will take the broom from the 3rd dan; a green belt will take the broom from the shodan; and so on.
In our dojo, students will generally come try to take the broom from me if I am sweeping. Usually, I will decline because sweeping is part of my training too. The students should go find something else to do to help clean the dojo. If they take my broom, what will I do -- stand there and watch them? No, I will go clean something else. So I might as well finish my job (and my training).
To me, there is no seniority to cleaning, just like there is no seniority to working on yourself.
Students should realize that although I am an instructor, I am still a student and am constantly working on myself. And when I stay that I am still a student, this is not just because I have two living Sensei -- it is because every instructor is still and will always be a student. There is no end to learning and training.
Sweep, sweep, sweep.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Friday, January 14, 2011
Guest Post -- More on Dojo Cleaning
In response to my post, Dojo Cleaning, 2011, my good friend, Sensei Jim Alexander (of Belleville, Illinois) wrote:
I was once told that the exercise of cleaning the dojo (which in the old days meant washing down the deck on hands and knees with damp rags before each class) was a lesson in "the value of meaningless work". That term threw me at first, but it is meant as a reflecting surface, of the individual's ego or self value at its lowest level. Every black belt scrubbed floors, until and unless a lower rank student volunteered to replace them. Likewise sensei was always doing something, even if it was only dusting...Mirrors needed to be spotless, bathrooms cleaned, lockers emptied unless in use, trash taken out...everything. The value came in the teamwork and the idea that no one was too good to clean, to care and preserve the condition of the dojo and our traditions.
No detail is too small if the mind is dedicated to the premise of constant improvement...kaizen. If one can make important even the most menial of tasks then the big things will automatically receive the importance they require. Problems in life arise when tasks go undone that anyone could do, that everyone should do but no one does. To paraphrase the "Hagakure - the Book of the Samurai" by Yamamoto Tsunetomo, "Matters of small concern should be treated seriously", if one accepts this as the laying of their foundation, as preparation, then, "Matters of great concern should be treated lightly", can become the basis for your own action.
Perhaps, putting it in current terms one could say, don't sweat the small stuff....and its all small stuff...if you have prepared your mind. O-sensei Shoshin Nagamine wrote in his Ethics of the Dojo; "First , prepare the mind."
Amazing how simply cleaning the dojo becomes a metaphor for the study of karate in general!
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, January 13, 2011
Dojo Cleaning, 2011
At the beginning of each year, our students get together for a special dojo cleaning. We will do so this weekend. I looked back, and my post from January 2007 addressed this subject as follows:
About a week ago, my students and Sensei Gary Omori's Koshinkan Dojo Aikido students got together for a joint dojo cleaning. We use adjacent rooms. On Monday, my class uses his matted room and on Wednesdays my class uses the linoleum tiled room next door.Those words, particularly the bulleted points, remain true today.
I sent an email to my students to let them know about the Saturday morning cleaning. Most of my students came out.
I must say that I have excellent students. How do I know this? Because I did not have to tell any of my students what to do. They all simply began to clean with no instruction or supervision. They all just worked together.
I did not have to supervise at all. What did I do? As the Sensei, I thought it important to find the dirtiest job and do it. So I cleaned toilets. But I had plenty of help.
No one complained. No one slacked off. This is how a dojo should be. We all work together. I even have some students who have missed classes for the last few months because of work, but still came out to help clean.
If anyone thinks I am bragging, you have remember that I am bragging that my students can clean well! I always say:Cleanliness should also apply to your gi and body. Your fingernails and toenails should also be clean and neatly trimmed. Jewelry should not be worn in the dojo.
- Clean the dojo, clean youself.
- Clean the dojo, have a clean mind.
- If your dojo is clean, your home and office should be clean too.
- If you are too good to clean, then you are too good for our dojo.
- The Sensei should lead by example. If he does not help clean the dojo, he is missing his own training.
- If you clean the dojo but do not help clean at home, you should quit Karate.
- They way you are in the dojo should reflect the way you are outside the dojo.
I am very fortunate to have fine students (who also clean very well).
Charles C. Goodin
If your dojo is clean, your house should be clean, cleaner in fact. What you do in the dojo should be a reflection of how you are in daily life. How you are in the dojo should never be better than how you are in daily life. If so, you are just acting in the dojo.
Sometimes parents will tell me that they are so surprised that their children sweep and mop the dojo because they are messy and lazy at home. I think that same may be said about some spouses!
I sometimes say that Karate should be the worst thing that you do. That way, if you are good at Karate you will be even better at everything else.
Anyway, for my students this weekend, please remember that cleaning the floor is like polishing your character. That is what we are doing through Karate training -- constantly polishing our character.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Rice Plant Design
This is a follow-up to my post, Atama Wo Sageru.
The symbol of that post was the rice plant, which "bows" when the rice grains are mature. I was thinking about it and I remembered seeing old Karate patches that had the design of rice plants for this reason. Recently, I have not seen this. Perhaps the rice plant imagery was more meaningful to our elders.
Also, few of us living in the United States ever get to see rice plants. I don't think I have ever seen any here in Hawaii. But when I was a child growing up in Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, I remember seeing miles and miles of rice paddies (off base, of course). So for people living in that area, the imagery of the rice plant would be very meaningful.
"Atama Wo Sageru" reminds us that with maturity comes humility. My good friend and senior, Sensei Bobby Lowe, when describing an arrogant person sometimes says, "That guy has an I problem." When he says it, it sounds like he is saying "eye problem," but then he clarifies that the person is always talking about himself, "I, I, I".
As instructors, we should strive to set good examples for our students. If we are humble, they will learn that that is the way for seniors to be. But is we are egotistical, they will learn that too. We should always remember that we teach by our actions, not only our words.
Anyway, all this talk about rice has got me hungry for a musubi!
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Another Point About Style -- Buffet
I had this thought:
Focusing too much on style is like going to a buffet at an expensive restaurant, eating your fill, and only then realizing that there were other rooms filled with delicious food!
I hate when that happens.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Monday, January 10, 2011
Atama Wo Sageru
This is my first post for 2011, and I think that this subject is a good theme for the year.
The other day I went to lunch with three of my senior Karate friends, Sensei James Miyaji, Sensei Water Nishioka, and Sensei Pat Nakata. We (and others) often go to lunch and this is one of the secrets of how I learn about Karate -- by talking to my seniors at lunch.
On that day, the subject turned to how a senior Karate instructor should be and one of the seniors said "Atama Wo Sageru" which translates as "To bow (or lower) your head." This saying is accompanied by the illustration of rice: when the rice is ripe and mature it bows (because the grains of rice become heavy). In the same way, when a Karate instructor becomes mature, he too will bow. The weight of his skill and experience will make him more courteous and respectful.
All three instructors agreed about the importance of this saying, "Atama Wo Sageru." To act in such a manner is a sign of a mature Karate instructor -- to act in an arrogant and conceited way is just the opposite.
For those of us living in the Western world, it seems that the Japanese bow all the time -- and to some extent this is true. Bowing is an important part of the courtesy system in Japan. But obviously, there is a big difference between merely bowing and showing respect. In fact, it is possible for a person to bow in an arrogant way.
"Atama Wo Sageru" does not simply mean that a Karate student or instructor should bow. Anyone can bow. By itself, a bow does not mean anything.
The point of the saying is not that one bows to show respect in a formal sense. Instead, one bows as a result of the weight of his training, accomplishments, and life experience. Said another way, the more you accomplish, the more humble you should become.
There is a saying in Japan. If the sun shines on your face and no shadows are cast, then you are arrogant (because you are facing up). But when there are shadows on your face it shows that you are humble (because you are facing down).
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that people should be submissive or walk around with their face down. I am just saying that sincere humility is the mark of an accomplished Karate person.
Over the years, I have been to many lunches and dinners with many Karate instructors. I can't tell you how many... plenty. I have never heard any instructors discussing their rank, titles, or any honors. If one of them has recently been honored, he never brings it up himself and responds to comments generally with a sense of embarrassment.
The seniors don't talk about themselves and their accomplishments, instead they concentrate on how they can build up and support their students.
Something I have observed in Karate is this: some people who know very little act like they know a lot, but many people who know a lot act like they know very little. I should clarify this second part of this observation. When someone knows a lot, this means that they appreciate not only what they know but what they do not not.
I took a test in law school. When I came out, some of the other students were talking about how easy the test was. I was surprised. On the surface, the test was easy, but actually there were layers to the questions, some of which were quite complex. The test actually was not easy at all.
The test of Karate is actually very complex with many layers. An advanced Karate instructor will be aware of this. Even if he knows a lot, he will realize that there is much more to learn.
And aside from self defense, there is the issue of character. Long after a Karate instructor is capable at self defense, he will continue to work on his character -- this is unending.
Through Karate training we are not climbing higher, we are digging deeper.
"Atama Wo Sageru" -- "To bow (or lower) your head."
I do not know who said this, but there is also a saying that "A man is never taller than when he bends down to help a child." How true.
I have spent the holidays with my wife, mother, children, granddaughter, and extended family. As a grandfather, I can relate to "Atama Wo Sageru." This does not mean that we should not stand tall and be proud. We should. But the weight of our experiences and accomplishments should make us more humble too.
Have a great 2011!
And I want to thank all the readers of this blog from all around the world who have sent words of encouragement. We are all brothers and sisters in Karate training. Let us all work hard and improve this year!
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Monday, January 10, 2011


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Four schools across Gippsland continued the 30 plus year competition with students from Lowanna College (Moe) winning by supers. It was a close competition with last years winner Orbost runner up, followed by Maffra and Yarram. In total 35 students participated in F-Class shooting from 500yards.
Thanks go out to all volunteers, especially Rosedale members who continue to offer this event and all the work that comes with it. Thanks to Gippsland members who supplied rifles for the students to use.
Thanks to H&S Firearms in Sale who donated a gift voucher as first prize and to Gippsland Tool Discounts in Warragul who sponsored the medallions.
Gippsland school competition
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Without an expert witness, Kansas City jurors might not understand how someone could consent to some extreme sadomasochistic behavior, a lawyer told a federal judge Thursday.
U.S. District Judge Dean Whipple said at the end of a hearing that he would rule soon on whether the court will pay for an expert witness on that culture for defendants Edward and Marilyn Bagley.
The couple will go to trial early next year on charges that they sexually enslaved a young woman for several years in their Lebanon, Mo., mobile home.
Lawyers representing the Bagleys have argued that the young woman consented to the relationship and that it conformed to the practices of those who adhere to the bondage, discipline and sadomasochism, or BDSM, lifestyle.
Lawyer Susan Dill, who represents Edward Bagley, said a defense expert would help alleviate the "ick factor" for jurors, who could be asked to view photos and videos of some very extreme sexual practices, such as waterboarding, electric shock, piercings and mutilation.
"They need to be educated by an expert that while this behavior seems extreme to you, a lot of people enjoy it and practice it safely," Dill said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Cordes already has retained her own expert on the BDSM lifestyle but has said she will withdraw his testimony on the issue if other testimony on the acceptable standards of the subculture is ruled inadmissible.
"It comes down to consent," Cordes said, "whether the victim consented or not."
If the standards and practices of the culture loom large at trial, Cordes said, she will argue that the Bagleys discussed BDSM with the victim as a "veil" to engage in sexual torture.
Whipple appeared concerned that BDSM issues could permeate even the most technical areas of the case, perhaps requiring lawyers to write a jury instruction defining what is acceptable conduct for a BDSM practitioner.
"I don't think (federal court in) the Western District of Missouri should be the forum for publicizing the standards for the BDSM lifestyle," Whipple observed.
Dill said such a jury instruction would not be necessary. She even speculated that potential jurors could include several BDSM adherents.
That raised another issue for the judge.
Whipple asked whether he should ask about that in jury selection.
"Yes," Dill replied.
Whipple exhaled: "Jesus …"


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Hello scrappers,
I am so excited to introduce you to three new GingerBread Ladies today! And ALL three of them are exclusive GingerScraps Designers!! I hope you find them as inspiring as I do. They have each picked a few products to feature today- but be on the lookout for all their wonderful goodies every Friday in the Fresh Baked newsletter as well.
First up help me give a big welcome to Pixels by Jen (know in the GingerScraps forum as vcjordi)
Pixels by Jen Bio:
I am so excited to be a Gingerbread Lady here at GingerScraps! I have been digi scrapping since 2008 and designing since 2009. I was originally a paper scrapbooker and still love hybrid. I am married and have two wonderful boys that keep me hopping and full of pictures. In addition to digi scrapping I enjoy crochet, cooking and gardening.
This kit is full of beautiful lace patterns and colors. Inspired from modern western wear, this kit is both elegant and classy. Perfect for heritage and special occasion layouts or just to scrap your softer side. It includes 10 papers and 26 elements. If you like this kit you may also like the She's Country Paper Pack Add On and the She's Country Alphabet.
She's Country Paper Pack Add On
These 10 papers add a playful and relaxed feel to the She's Country Kit. Included are 5 hand doodled bandana papers and 5 coordinating solids.
The carved wood in this alphabet coordinate with the frames in the She's Country Kit. They go beyond being feminine and would work great for outdoor and rustic layouts as well.
Some Inspiration:
And next up- the debut of Unforgettable Moments (know in the GingerScraps forum as ~Aim~)
Unforgettable Moments Bio: My name is Amy of Unforgettable Moments. You may have seen me around digi-land as Buggie, AmyP, or ~Aim~. I have been on the GingerScraps CT, and I am beyond excited to join the Ginger Bread Ladies design team! I love everything about digital scrapbooking. I love the artistic aspects, I love how much fun it is, and I especially love that scrapbooking allows me to preserve my memories. I have two incredible young boys and I want to remember every little precious moment of their childhood. I want to make all my moments in life and with my family unforgettable… the big milestones as well as the "mundane" everyday. I want my albums to contain a legacy of my own life and that of my husband's for my children, grandchildren, and beyond. Scrapbooking and digital-scrapbook design allows me to do just that! I would be honored to be able to help you along your journey of preserving all your Unforgettable Moments too!
And last but surely not least- help me give a big welcome to Susie of Psychozoe Designs (know in the GingerScraps forum as Psychozoe)
Psychozoe Designs Bio- I am a wife, a mom to 2 teen sons; and 4 fur-babies. I'm always doing something creative.. interior design, silk floral design, photoshop, scrapbooking, and now digital scrapbooking. For several years I was on myspace as my dog, Chiqi, and my cat, Zoe, lol! I have thousands of pics I've made of them and their pet friends… just a portion of them are on my facebook now. We deleted our myspace.. taking too much time and since I discovered digi scrapping, that's my main focus besides my family. Chiqi (my Minpin) has her own space in the master closet, lots of clothes and costumes and accessories… and Zoe (my kitty) is now my Digi name! PsychoZoe because she is the type of cat that lets you pet her for a second, then attacks… etc etc… several scars later. Plus, she is my computer buddy. She has to be in the middle of everything I'm doing. It's so nice to be here. Thank you, Ginger, for inviting me here!!!!
5 Barnwood Watercolor Textures


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Hight and Gieger in the Body Issue
Action Sports Bodies We Want, 2013
What do action sports athletes Maya Gabeira, Louie Vito, Stephanie Gilmore, Kelly Slater and Gretchen Bleiler have in common? They've all posed naked for ESPN The Mag's Bodies We Want issue. This week, motocross racer Tarah Gieger and snowboarder Elena Hight join their ranks for the 2013 issue.
Elena Hight
AGE: 23WHO SHE IS: Snowboarder, four-time X Games silver medalistBODY STATS: 5-foot-1, 115 pounds
Tarah Gieger
AGE: 27WHO SHE IS: Motocross racer, three-time X Games medalistBODY STATS: 5-foot-6, 125 pounds
Busy Bee
Gieger, pictured here in Barcelona in May, holds the claim of being the only female ever to compete in the prestigious Motocross of Nations event. She raced for Puerto Rico in both 2007 and 2008.
Double rodeo
Hight made history when she landed the first-ever double backside alley-oop rodeo in a halfpipe competition at the 2013 X Games in Aspen, Colo. -- a feat not even Shaun White can claim yet.
Elena Hight
"Your body is all you have in this lifetime, so taking care of it and honoring it is a huge part of my life. As an athlete, you ask so much of your body all the time, so what you do to get that response is important."
Tarah Gieger
Gieger keeps the shoot light by making funny faces. A good sense of humor helps during a long day like this one!
Sheer Endurance
Having no prior endurocross racing experience, Gieger was invited to race Women's Enduro X at X Games in 2011, and she finished second. Here, she races to a fourth-place finish in the Enduro X event at X Games Barcelona in May.
Hight is one of the few women to have beaten reigning SuperPipe champion Kelly Clark these past few years, and with her new trick under her belt, she looks to be Clark's main competition going into the Sochi Olympics.
Tarah Gieger
Photographer Peter Hapak tries to get in a few more shots before an afternoon downpour starts.
Elena Hight
Before the shoot, Hight offers free admission to the gun show.
Tarah Gieger
Hapak gives the three-time X Games medalist a peek at her wheelie shot.
Elena Hight
Photographer Martin Schoeller goes through some of the photos with Hight during a break.
Silver Platters
Gieger at X Games L.A. in 2012 en route to winning her third Women's Moto X Racing silver medal. This year is packed for her, with four X Games Enduro races and one Moto X Racing competition.
Elena Hight
"Fear still gets the better of me sometimes. But when you're just enjoying yourself and living in the moment, you're not thinking about what could go wrong. Fear can be a good motivator, but for me, it's realizing your own potential and really just going for it and jumping into the fire."
Tarah Gieger
Hair and makeup artist Karen Cleary gave Gieger a softer look to contrast her hard body.
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text:
Leon Jean Goossens
© Clive Barda
Leon Jean Goossens
by Clive Barda
bromide fibre print, July 1977
9 1/2 in. x 7 1/2 in. (242 mm x 192 mm)
Given by Clive Barda, 1993
Photographs Collection
NPG x45144
Sitterback to top
- Leon Jean Goossens (1897-1988), Oboist. Sitter in 28 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Clive Barda (1945-), Photographer. Artist of 15 portraits.
Subject/Themeback to top
Events of 1977back to top
Current affairsIn celebration of her 25th year as Queen, Elizabeth II tours the British Isles visiting communities and schools in 36 counties, before touring the commonwealth. Across the country people held street parties to celebrate the occasion; there were 4,000 street parties in London alone.
Art and scienceBritish punk rockers, The Sex Pistols, release the single, God Save The Queen to coincide with the Silvery Jubilee celebrations. The single reached Number 2 in the charts among claims that it was being kept off the top spot for political reasons. The band was arrested for trying to perform the song from a boat on the Thames during the Queen's Royal Progress trip down the river.
InternationalElvis Presley dies of a heart attack aged 42. His body was discovered collapsed on the bathroom floor of his Graceland mansion in Memphis by his fiancée Ginger Alden. Rumours that the star is actually still alive but in hiding continue to perpetuate among diehard fans.
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text:
(RNS) The Rev. Tom Sherrod loathed to "declare" a couple man and wife.
As a stutterer, Sherrod always had problems with hard "c" sounds, and the "c" in "declare" was a doozy. "P" sounds weren't easy either, and the Bible is full of them.
"If I tried to read, I would lock onto words," said Sherrod, a North Carolina hospital chaplain who is an ordained United Methodist minister. "I tried to steer clear of certain Scriptures."
Now, after intensive speech therapy, Sherrod publicly reads aloud whatever parts of the liturgy he likes. But before he learned to control the stutter, life — as it can be for many stutterers — was an exhausting exercise in avoiding some tough words and muscling through others.
A stuttering reverend or rabbi sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but they are out there – ministering to the sick, comforting the bereaved, and spreading the Word, even if the Word may not sound perfect every time.
It's National Stuttering Awareness Week (May 7-13), and increasingly, clergy who stutter are willing to talk about their stuttering, and how a profession that rewards inspiring speech can be open to those with speech impediments.
The message from these clergy is often this: A stutterer can do the job well. But first there will be a struggle, to both minimize and accept one's stuttering. That fight, though, can make for a stronger spiritual leader.
"I think I became a rabbi not despite my stuttering but precisely because of it," said Mark Glickman, who leads two Reform congregations in Washington state. "It was really a way of facing down my own demons."
Glickman, like all the clergy interviewed for this story, had a serious stutter in his youth that improved markedly with speech therapy later in life. Sometimes when these men speak _ and stutterers are most often men _ the stutter is hardly noticeable.
Ronald Webster, a Virginia speech researcher and clinician who treated Sherrod, said that about 1 percent of people, across cultures, stutter. It's a disorder rooted in physiology, not anxiety or other emotional issues, as was once thought. Speech therapy is typically helpful, Webster said, and clergy — Webster has treated about half a dozen — enjoy particularly good results.
"They tend to be more disciplined in their approach to therapy than someone who has not been faced with the immense pressure of public speaking," he said.
But even those who have enjoyed dramatic improvement in their speech still stutter sometimes.
Glickman has learned to be fine with this. "Being a stutterer has made me more sensitive. It's made me more real with congregants," he said.
The Rev. Gerald McDermott, an Anglican priest who preaches at a Lutheran church on Sundays and teaches religion at Virginia's Roanoke College during the week, also considers himself more approachable because he once stuttered badly, and still stutters occasionally.
"It shows people that you suffered," he said. "And I find that more people come to me for counseling because of it."
In his hospital chaplaincy, Sherrod said his stuttering has given him particular insight into patients whose physical limitations render them unable to say what they want to say — particularly stroke victims.
"When the body betrays you, it can be extremely frustrating and irritating," Sherrod said. "It's taken me a long time to see my stuttering as a gift to connect to people."
But if stuttering can be an asset post-ordination, it can also be a daunting obstacle for those contemplating a clerical career.
McDermott, who now lectures internationally and speaks on radio and television, recalls his own pastor's response when he expressed an interest in teaching religion: "I don't think so, Gerry. You stutter too much."
And even Glickman's own father, a stutterer himself and always encouraging to his son, questioned whether rabbinical school made sense for a stutterer.
"I used to think of heaven as the ability to talk freely," Sherrod said, "without having to worry about whether I could express myself or not."
Fortunately, stuttering clergy have a strong role model in Moses.
Though the Bible does not expressly call Moses a stutterer, that's how Exodus 4:10 is frequently interpreted as Moses tells God that he doesn't want to be his spokesman: "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent . . . but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."
Moses will certainly hold a prominent place in a book on famous stutterers that the reverend plans to write. McDermott noted that Philip Melanchthon, a founder of Lutheranism and Martin Luther's "right-hand man," also stuttered.
And while God sent Aaron to help Moses communicate, Glickman said it's notable that God requires Moses to keep talking despite his slow tongue.
"It might not be pretty and perfect and glitzy and polished, but I need you to speak," is how Glickman interprets God's response. "And indeed God tells Moses to speak over 70 times. When Moses gets in trouble, it's because he doesn't speak up."


text:
I have just been blessed with yet another "Random Act of Genealogical Kindness''...
I am completely beside myself at the moment. I sent an email to Cathy today because I remembered that she mentioned seeing my Aunt's engagement notice in a scrapbook at the Thorold Historical Society. I was wondering how I could see it too. I just received this in my inbox. Miss Rita Manley is my dearly missed Aunt Deedee and my Godmother. I've never seen this before. I never knew John because he died just before I was born but as the story goes, there was never two people more in love...
You might recall Cathy is the lady who was the friend of my cousin Jinny that I wrote about here.
Thank you Cathy!
© 2010 Kindred Footprints
5 comments:
What a blessing!ReplyDelete
I sure feel the joy you have for receiving this!Such a wonderful gift!ReplyDelete
That's great! Thank you for sharing this uplifting good deed and the treasure you received.ReplyDelete
I'm so happy for you, and thanks to technology you received the copy in your inbox..amazing how times have changed. No more waiting for the mail. Sharon, that must have been thrilling to receive it.ReplyDelete
Sharon, I love your blog and your stories. I am passing along an honor I received today. You can read more about it here:ReplyDelete
Pass it on!!
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text:
The labour market is a term used to describe the relationship between the workplace (available employment) and the workforce (people, aged 16 and over, who are working or are available to work). A labour market is said to be healthy if there is enough work available for all those who seek it. Most countries in the world have some difficulty achieving or maintaining a healthy labour market.
Labour Market Research
Current Labour Market related info
Labour Market Commentries


text:
Cancer's Natural Enemy
If you want to beat and avoid cancer, this is the book. Includes a proven natural remedy and cancer fighting protocol that has saved thousands around the world.
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There is also a chapter in the e-book titled "The Anti-Cancer and Disease Protocol", which details an extremely effective program for anyone who wants to have the maximum chances of beating cancer and disease: Cleaning and detoxification; good diet, nutrition and lifestyle; building a strong immune system; utilizing multiple anti-cancer and immune boosting supplements; and a positive, stress-free mental approach all combined in an active fight to conquer cancer and disease and keep them at bay.
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Cancer's Natural Enemy
Before you order - check out the two book
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Please Note: The e-book is sent to your designated email address. Please allow 24 hours for delivery.
To see more Rose Laurel Health Books and Rose Laurel Featured Books, including Special Offers, click here: ROSE LAUREL BOOKS
Tony Isaacs is a featured author for:
(Click on the above logo image for the author page and articles at each location)
Click here to visit our CureZone Health Forum: Ask Tony Isaacs: Featuring Luella May– Natural Health, Cancer, Longevity and Home & Herbal Remedies.
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Questions or Comments? Click here to Email us.
Required disclaimer: The information on this page and on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA. We do not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease - instead, we try to help people learn how to do so themselves. Anyone who believes they have a serious medical condition or health issue should seek diagnoses from a qualified medical professional before making any decisions on how to best address their health. We do not sell or advocate drugs, nor do we make any claims that anything advocated or sold on this website is a drug. Furthermore, anyone contemplating using any products or information on this website must accept such use as experimental and voluntary. No claims are made regarding the therapeutic use of the products or information on this website and all products featured or sold on this website must be considered nutritional supplements only.
Copyright 2005-2010 The Best Years in Life


text:
LeAnn Rimes believes she's the victim in an scurrilous phone recording conspiracy ... and now her lawyer tells TMZ she's gearing up to sue the scumbags behind the illegal activity.
TMZ just spoke with LeAnn's high-profile attorney, Larry Stein, who tells us the singer has been victimized by a gang of cyber-bullies who have been terrorizing her on Twitter ever since she hooked up with Eddie Cibrian.
Stein says LeAnn recently spoke to one of the bullies on the phone ... but unbeknownst to her, the bully recorded the convo ... and spread bits and pieces of the recording around the Internet.
Recording a phone call without consent from both parties is illegal in California .. and Stein tells us LeAnn will "Take all of the appropriate steps to address the harm that [she] has suffered as a result of this criminal conduct." Translation -- she's going to cops and wants them prosecuted.
As for who's behind the plot, Stein wouldn't say ... but noted Eddie Cibrian's ex-wife Brandi Glanville is not currently a suspect.


text:
Fully Customizable High Quality Soft Shell Jacket. This item will take 35-50 working days for production. You can customize everything, please give us a call. Shipping to your location is included in the price. Price reflects the cost of a single item only. Lower quantities possible for a greater price.
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text:
since the other thread is breaking a lot time to start a new thread to keep going.
i will start by banning everyone who bans here lol
banned for calling this a ridiculous bangame
banned cause this is a ridiculous bangame
banned for being a slave to the emperor
didnt he get force chocked by darth vader, or was that another general?
Some other guy. Admiral Ozzel.
Banned for copying Ted from Ctrl+Alt+Del
Danielost banned for posting too slowly.
EDIT: Both of you banned for posting too slowly.
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Banned for editing.
EDIT: banned cause i was too late.
banned for confusing me.
whos copying ted from ctrl+alt+delete?
and how do u quote?
The Quote button. And you are.
Banned for being oblivious to both of the above.
banned because i cant figure out how to use the quote button
i dont even know who ted is or what ctrl+alt+delete is
Banned for not realizing that Ctrl-Alt-Del is a webcomic that has a character who uses Linux and has a penquin named Ted.
oh cool, ill have to look at it
banned because . . . well, just 'cause, okay?
EDIT: banned for not realizing that linux really does have a penguin for a mascot, and that penguins name is Tux
i didnt make it up
hahaha, ted is awesome
banned for not banning
Banned for encouraging banning in a ban game. It's the death cams next, I tells ye!!
banned for saying "tells"
banned for not wanting to be tells what to do.
Banned for atrocious grammar
-The Grammar Facist.
banned for thinking i didn't write that the way i wanted to.
Banned for wnating to write in bad grammar. We can't have that now, can we?
banned because we can have that
Banned for posting an unfunny web comic.
banned for being like me and not getting enough banning time
Banned for........ Not buying a death star!
Scoutdog, banned on sheer principle. Sorry, force of habit.
danielost, banned for starting a copy of a forum game that already exists.
Everyone else banned for encouraging him.
Banned for not exiling him.
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