Patrick

:lol:

For the most part, if I'm in the U.S. and have high speed internet, I'm good. Patrick

Thanks for that, GeoGiant. No worries, Bob. Patrick

Thanks for sharing that, Blade96. The article itself is a little deeper than the headline, which is written to mainly gain attention, I'm sure. It's a little more balanced than the headline. For example: So, bullying is damaging, but negative experiences COULD teach kids about conflict resolution. I agree with that statement. It COULD. It also could not. Heh. So, just kind of a general statement that negative experiences can help people grow. But, again, don't agree that teachers should let it happen. Thanks, Patrick

Hello, KarateForums.com recognizes one member every month as the Member of the Month for their positive contributions to this community. The June 2010 selection is... GeoGiant. Congratulations! Thanks, Patrick

http://gamingbolt.com/2010/05/31/cool-iron-man-sneakers-will-make-you-feel-like-a-super-hero/ Via Digg.

I'm not sure. But, thanks for participating in it. Patrick

Welcome aboard, Tim. Glad to have you. Patrick

Haha, thanks rayjag and Brian. Thanks Jeffrey, as well. Patrick

So, the article says that kids who stand up for themselves against bullies tend to be more popular with teachers and students. I can accept that. Who doesn't like to see the bully get some comeuppance? Heh. But, as far as letting it happen in front of you, as a teacher, etc... well, it varies by situation and all that, but... I would say that letting kids fight for the sake of some attempt to show them that they won't get along with everyone... probably isn't the greatest way to teach that lesson. The thing is... it'll happen anyway, kids and people will have their chance to stand up to those treating them poorly. Not everything happens in front of a teacher, parent, friend or larger friendly person. But to let it happen in front of you for that purpose... again, just not what I would want to happen. Personally, I was homeschooled and so my exposure to bullies was pretty much non-existent. I hung out with who I wanted and didn't have forced exposure to people. I don't have any unnatural problem standing up for myself or dealing with conflict and I'm pretty well aware that some people won't like me (I manage an online community that has guidelines, haha... comes with the territory). So, I learned those lessons other ways. I think it's on parents to prepare their kids for the world, not for bullies or purposefully allowed conflicts to do so. Patrick

We don't know all the circumstances, but the video basically portrays a situation that shouldn't happen. It was inappropriate and a lapse in judgment. The teacher looks like he might be around my age or a bit younger (I'm 25). I don't think age is terribly important here or should be used as an excuse. Like I said, it was a lapse in judgment. Laspes in judgment and young teachers both were not invented in the last 5-20 years, so I also wouldn't say that times have changed. The main thing that's changed is they are better reported these days. However, what I will say is that I don't think you should treat this like you would treat, for example, some sort of inappropriate sexually motivated conduct. I don't think that the teacher's career should be over or anything like that, especially if he has a legitimate interest in teaching (something we can't tell from this article). He made a mistake, he should apologize and wait for another chance. As an aside, I have to say I find it pretty hilarious how the paper/publication calls the videos at the bottom "A Monroe360 Exclusive." This article was posted 5 days ago, according to the article itself. That video they linked to was posted online EIGHT days ago on http://poprockcandymountain.com/. Don't call it exclusive unless it's actually exclusive. Thanks, Patrick

Thanks for starting this thread, Joe. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed for the freedoms that we enjoy, and their families. Patrick

Scary stuff. Just a weird photo to have to look at. The article doesn't appear to mention 12 homes, though. Thanks, Patrick

No worries. Thanks, Patrick

http://www.ifc.com/blogs/indie-eye/2010/05/seven-memorable-on-screen-inse.php Via Digg.

Thank you.

I believe that Martialart was agreeing with you, Bob. You said that bullying a bully doesn't help. And he said that bullying a bully makes the bully worse, maybe not to the person who bullied the bully, but to someone else later down the road (they take it out on that person, instead, in other words). Thanks, Patrick

Sorry for the delay in responding. Thanks everyone for the kind words and congrats. They are greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a part of it! Bob, Thanks for the questions. The community has definitely matured and become more refined. I don't mean that the members, etc. are more mature, but really the community itself, it's structure, how we do things management wise, etc. has only become better and more consistent over the years. All communities have challenges and we've had our share, but I think that determination and persistence pays off and, in the end, if you believe in what you are doing and you're doing the right thing, it'll work out. Thanks, Patrick

Hey everyone, Thank you for visiting KarateForums.com. I'm on the road, but I wanted to drop by and mention that today marks 9 years of KarateForums.com. It's amazing to consider how long it has been since we launched on May 21, 2001. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has positively contributed to this community. I believe that this community is special and I appreciate everyone who has contributed to it being so. Thank you to Heidi, Brian, Danielle, Edwin, Alex, Jennifer and George for all of their help in maintaining this community. Thank you to everyone who has supported this community. Sincerely, Patrick

http://supermariogalaxy.com/ Video of a retro, Super Mario 64 inspired level: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=247384 Who's getting it?

Good luck with your test, still kicking. It's normal to be nervous. I may not be a martial artist, but I am a public speaker. And someone relatively new to it. My first speaking engagement was in March of 2008 and it was at a conference that is probably one of (if not) the most notable for the web tech/social media space. It was the first time I've ever got on stage and spoken in front of anyone before. In my life. I did alright. Since then, I've spoken 11 more times at 7 more events, including that same first one two more times. I have three more engagements scheduled for the rest of this year with hopefully more on the way. (I have 2 in the next 8 days, actually). My talks are about what I know. So, I have the knowledge there, which is probably the case with you, as well. The nerves just come from the moment, the crowd and wanting to do well and deliver value. I'll always get nervous. That's a good thing. It means I care. But, one thing that I try to put in my mind, in any situation where I am nervous or outside of my comfort zone is: I have two choices. On one hand, I can stay where I am right now and do what I've already done. I can be comfortable. On the other hand, if I ever want to be something greater than what I am now, if I ever want to get better, I need to do this. And if I am going to do it, I may as well give it my best. So, I plan and I prepare. But, when it comes time, it's just you, your knowledge and whatever structure/preparation you can maintain. I take a deep breath, step out on stage and start talking. Speak slow, don't go too fast, keep an eye on the clock. And go. Hopefully this is interesting or helpful to someone. Again, good luck. Thanks, Patrick

That sounds like a good principle to apply in the martial arts or anything. Thank you everyone who has replied to this thread for generally keeping it on a respectful level. I appreciate it. I understand that this topic may be sensitive for some, but my hope is that this is a community where we can explore these issues respectfully and find, understand and respect our individual differences. Thanks, Patrick

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/pretty_in_pink_one_very_rare_katydid.php Interesting pictures and article. Via Digg.

Congrats quinteros1963.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. My pleasure, Heidi. Patrick