KarateKen

I try not to be too optimistic or pessimistic the first five or six weeks of the season since there are so many examples of early season success that goes wrong later in the year, and the opposite can also be true. Right now though I'd say it's similar to last year, the top two teams in the NFL are Philly and SF, in the AFC Buffalo and KC, though I think teams like Dallas, Jacksonville, Detroit, and maybe a couple more could disrupt things.

Here is the schedule for the next few days: Saturday, Oct. 7 TEX @ BAL, Game 1, 1 p.m. (FS1) MIN @ HOU, Game 1, 4:45 p.m. (FS1) PHI @ ATL, Game 1, 6 p.m. (TBS) AZ @ LAD, Game 1, 9:20 p.m. (TBS) Sunday, Oct. 8 TEX @ BAL, Game 2, 4 p.m. (FS1) MIN @ HOU, Game 2, 8 p.m. (FS1) Monday, Oct. 9 PHI @ ATL, Game 2, 6 p.m. (TBS) AZ @ LAD, Game 2, 9 p.m. (TBS) Tuesday, Oct. 10 HOU @ MIN, Game 3, 4 p.m. (FOX) BAL @ TEX, Game 3, 8 p.m. (FOX)

I was wrong, all four first round matchups ended in a sweep. No Thursday baseball as Arizona beat Milwaukee and Philly flushed the Marlins 7-1. Marlins were outscored 11-2 in the two-game series. Both Florida teams got run over, losing by a combined score of 22-3. Philly will face Atlanta and Arizona will take on the LA Dodgers starting Saturday.

Is this not quite risky though - a semester of varying arts is just enough for a lot of people to become a danger to themselves - erroneously believing they 'can fight' and getting into situations that they shouldn't? I don't know, I guess the same question could be asked of the new yellow belt who is overconfident and thinks he knows more than he does. I don't see a problem with learning, or trying out, different styles to see what fits the student. Hopefully they have the maturity to not misuse it.

Yep, I had that game on the radio and that was the discussion. Toronto went to the bullpen too soon and paid the price. Though the Blue Jays did get shut out. Twins and Rangers both advanced, so the AL is set. Twins will face Houston while Texas, who ran through Tampa Bay, will take on Baltimore.

The Lions are off to a good start.

Twins, Rangers, Phillies, and Diamondbacks all winners on Tuesday and take the 1-0 series lead. I'd guess at least one team will advance on Wednesday, but not all. Here is the schedule again for day 2: Wednesday, Oct. 4 TEX @ TB, Game 2, 3:08 p.m. ET (ABC) TOR @ MIN, Game 2, 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN) AZ @ MIL, Game 2, 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN2) MIA @ PHI, Game 2, 8:08 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Is being bullied in school a common reason people start martial arts? I know it exists, but how common is it? I thought most people signed up because they wanted to break boards and show off, or their parents made them do it. But I don't know.

I have never heard of a degree in marital arts, but many schools offer some training as a form of college credit. I took a semester of Jujitsu in college, and it was taught be a police officer who was a 4th degree. I've seen Judo, Taekwondo, Akido, and Tai Chi (took a semester of this also), as well as women's self-defense classes offered at universities for credit.

Agreed. I've noticed that I feel better after a micro workout. As much as I dislike going to the gym, when I am done working out I almost always feel happy that I did. A great workout can have huge emotional benefits. Honestly, sometimes just going outside to walk for a half hour can be a mood lifter.

I'd like to see either the Marlins or the Brewers do it. The Brewers have never won a World Series and they have had some good teams in recent years. I do think that it will be Atlanta though also, probably against Baltimore, who has been fantastic this year. You never know though; crazy things can happen. This is the most excited I have been about MLB in years.

Just released, the MLB playoff schedule for the opening round. Here are the matchups, times, and where to watch. Welcome to October! Tuesday, Oct. 3 TEX @ TB, Game 1, 3:08 p.m. ET (ABC) TOR @ MIN, Game 1, 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN) AZ @ MIL, Game 1, 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN2) MIA @ PHI, Game 1, 8:08 p.m. ET (ESPN) Wednesday, Oct. 4 TEX @ TB, Game 2, 3:08 p.m. ET (ABC) TOR @ MIN, Game 2, 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN) AZ @ MIL, Game 2, 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN2) MIA @ PHI, Game 2, 8:08 p.m. ET (ESPN) Thursday, Oct. 5 TEX @ TB, Game 3 (if necessary), 3:08 p.m. ET (ABC) TOR @ MIN, Game 3 (if necessary), 4:38 p.m. ET (ESPN) AZ @ MIL, Game 3 (if necessary), 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN2) MIA @ PHI, Game 3 (if necessary), 8:08 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Here are the matchups: AL: First round bye goes to Orioles and Astros NL: First round bye goes to Braves and Dodgers AL matchups: Rangers @ Rays and Blues Jays @ Twins NL matchups: Diamondbacks @ Brewers and Marlins @ Phillies For those who don't know, first round is a best of three with the higher seed getting all the home games. Winners will advance no later than Thursday (unless weather is a problem) with round two starting Saturday October 7.

Anyone picked out a costume for this year? I have no idea what I am doing, might not dress up this time around.

Playoff teams are set. AL - Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays, Twins, Astros, and Walker Texas Rangers. NL - Braves, Dodgers, Brewers, Marlins, Phillies, and Diamondbacks. We won't know all of the seedings and matchups until Sunday night, but those are the teams. October baseball is here!

Well done

Anytime I get down I try to remember my blessings. There are lots of people out there who have it a lot worse.

Good to hear. The 1-year-old's sleep hasn't sorted itself, but things are pretty good. My brother just booked a trip to come and visit next month, so that'll be fun, too. I hear it might take a while. Everyone I know with kids says that they never get a full night's sleep in the early years. Good luck, it sounds like nothing is easy about good parenting.

I think these are excellent points. When I started, I picked TKD because it was popular and my best friends 13-year-old cousin was a 2nd degree who, according to my friend, "can kick anyone's butt." Being young and clueless I signed up at the first TKD school I tried, never trying any other style or asking questions about what I could expect to learn. Naive for sure. It's common among young adults, and the soccer moms who sign up their kids. There were TKD schools in the area that advertised Hapkido, with the instructor being a 4th degree in Hapkido. In reality, they did not teach Hapkido other than a few basic techniques because the black belt was from a weekend seminar. Take a two-day seminar get a black belt certificate. Do that four times become a 4th degree and advertise it on your website. Some call that unethical, but that is what a few of these guys were doing. In the eyes of the uninformed it looks impressive and gives the instructor credibility, but people who know better see it as a marketing gimmick, at best. I should note that the TKD school I trained at was not doing this. Also, such actions are not limited to TKD schools, and I know there are plenty of TKD schools that are ethical and not just belt factories, it was only my personal experience, nothing more.

Knowledge and experience is where it starts for me. Also, their integrity and how they conduct themselves. Are the prices fair? Are they being jerk who tries to control by fear or are they inspirational? How well do they execute the techniques that they are teaching? Is what they are teaching practical for what I hope to get out of the training? It's possible I could be missing something but those are the key ones that come to mind right away.

With this being your introduction, what do you think? Something you'd like to explore more, or not your cup of tea? Do you have questions about it? Looks like it has practical applications. Seems kind of interesting, based on what little I know I would likely enjoy trying it.

This is the first I have heard of it.

You were making money learning karate?I've heard "you need to spend money to make money" so I was spending and spending and spending but never made anything. All joking aside, no, not directly. However, training martial arts taught me respect, focus, disciple, patience, and helped me mature greatly as well as improved my physical health. So, in a way, it was an investment in quality of life. I started because as a teenager in school I was targeted by bullies where I was repeatedly physically attacked, threatened and assaulted. I didn't want to feel helpless anymore.

A couple I recommend are Verbal Judo by George J. Thompson and Positive Thinking is for Sissies by Sensei Ron Thomas, who also played Bobby Brown in the Karate Kid movie. They are more about life than martial arts. Dealing with conflict, managing emotions under pressure, ect. Stuff that we face in and out of the dojo.

I will check it out. Thanks.