Patrick

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

Hello, Five years ago today, Heidi (ninjanurse) became a KarateForums.com Sensei. If you don't know, that's just what we call a moderator here. Heidi has actually been a part of our community since February 13, 2003, which is the day she joined. She joined our staff, becoming a KarateForums.com Sempai (essentially, a guide), on June 17, 2003 and then, on May 15, 2005, she became a Sensei. I know, or hope that she knows, how much I appreciate the contributions that she has made to this community. But, I felt that this occasion would mark the perfect opportunity for me, and anyone else, to express our appreciation. As far as post counts go, Heidi is 4th all-time here. She just edged by Laurie, or PunchPressQueen75, recently. I'm not even sure if she realized, but if so, be sure to point that out to Laurie now, Heidi. And invite her back to try to reclaim her place, once you put a little distance between her and you. She's missed. But, post count isn't what it's about. The number of posts that one makes is a very small part of the overall impact that they can have here. The content of those posts is infinitely more important and Heidi has consistency been a kind, helpful, encouraging source of information, knowledge and good humor. That said, what non-staff members see of Heidi is just one part of the picture. The other part is the Heidi that other staff members interact with in our private staff area and the Heidi that is on our team and that part is just as valued. Heidi, the most veteran member of your staff, has consistently been a consummate team player during her entire time on the team, working well with others, helping her fellow staff members and helping us to accomplish the goals that I set for this community. She's always willing to listen and focuses on the important things. Thank you, Heidi. Thank you for all of the above and for your contributions to this community, help in maintaining it and impact on it. Sincerely, Patrick

Welcome aboard, Evan. Thanks for the detailed intro!

Congrats to them. Patrick

http://www.asylum.com/2010/05/10/anders-howard-creates-video-game-to-propose-to-girlfriend/ Neat. Via Digg.

No kidding, that's hilarious. I like the look on the monkey's face in that photo. Nice capture.

Nice idea, Bob. Patrick

Thanks George, Tiger1962 and quinteros1963. Patrick

Welcome to KF, Mcfly.

Welcome aboard, etali. Patrick

Well, the movie is out. Have you seen it? Thoughts?

Thank you for the submission, Bob. Patrick

Welcome aboard, John. Glad to have you. Patrick

Great picture. Via Digg.

Our pleasure, Jeffrey. Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Welcome to KarateForums.com.