May,
2001
Mailbag
| Note: In the course of a month I get
literally thousands of e-mail. I don't normally place correspondence in the
"Mailbag" that are either labeled "personal" or contain information of
a personal nature. As I read and answer mail, if I find a letter that I find interesting,
amusing, topical or educational, it gets filed in my "mailbag" for future use in
this feature. I try to edit out any personal information like addresses or telephone
numbers, unless the writer specifically requests that I publish it. I welcome all e-mail and will answer everyone in as timely a manner as possible. Don't be surprised if you find (or don't find) your message in this section. However, if you are concerned about your letter finding its way into the "Mailbag", simply include in the header or at the beginning of message "personal" and I will honor your request. GEM |
Sensei:
Thank you, for a fantastic weekend.
I've gotten feedback from almost everyone, and all of the guys were very
happy with the seminars.
Attached are some of the pics from the weekend.
Thank you, again, for your support.
David Kahn
Hello, how is it going? All is well, staying busy that is. Are you ready for the camp this summer? I think it will be a good camp. Last summer's camp was okay, I enjoyed the camp. However, there was a little confusion in my seminars. I only conducted two seminars. I wanted more, however, I understand that there were several other individuals teaching grappling. So, if we are going to have the same individuals, etc. If you would just set me up with two seminars. One of friday and one on saturday morning. Therefore, I could cut out if I need to. I will have a couple of videos that I have published that I will bring with me. . .
Drop me a line. I look forward to seeing you at the camp.
Pedro
Haisai Sensei !
I just wanted to drop a line to say hello and comment on your site. I think it is great!! Really liked the "Learn from your Dog" piece. If I may ever be of service to you please do not hesitate to call.
Hank Irwin www.geocities.com/bushinoji
The mother-in-law stopped unexpectedly by the recently married couple's house. She rang the doorbell and stepped into the house. She saw her daughter-in-law standing naked by the door "What are you doing?" she asked "I'm waiting for my husband to come home from work," the daughter-in-law answered.
"This is my love dress" the daughter-in-law explained.
"My husband loves me to wear this dress! It
makes him happy and it makes me happy. I would appreciate it if you would leave
because he will be home from work any minute."
The mother-in-law was tired of all this romantic talk and left. On the way home she thought about the love dress. When she got home, she got undressed, showered, put on her best perfume and waited by the front door.
Finally her husband came home. He walked in and saw her standing naked by the door. "What in the world are you doing?" he asked.
"Needs ironing! What's for supper?"
April 8, 2001
Matthew Broderick, a Loveland resident and a member of the Loveland Karate Club earned a silver metal for taking 2nd place in the USA National Karate Federation Colorado State Finals. The Colorado finals were held at Rampart High School in Colorado Springs on April 7th. All the finalist from Colorado will then be qualified to go to the WKF (World Karate Federation) national championship tournament in Houston, Texas next July.
Matthew took second place in kumite (sparring or fighting) in the 14 to 15 year old advanced black belt category. The fight was very close and exciting with a final score of 6-8.
Best Regards,
Brandon Broderick Loveland Karate Club
HELO MR.MATTSON:
MY NAME IS SALVADOR VILLASMIL, PLEASE INFORMATION TO UECHI-RYU IN SPAIN, SORRY MY INGLISH NO GOOD.
VERY INFORMACION TO KATA SANSERYU, PLEASE
GOOD DAY
Hi Sensei,
I hope all is well with you Sensei, I have a question for
you and I am sure you can help me with this.
Over the years I have seen several Uechi-ryu stylist breaking ball bats
with their shins and forearms. I also saw this in Okinawa as the Uechi-ryu and
Goju-ryu stylist demonstrated in 1997. After training with Yamamoto Sensei of
Yoshukai many years ago, he told me that the body is only as strong as the
weakest part and that I should condition not only my hands and feet, but my
shins, forearms, fingers and toes as well.
Having fought many full contact matches with and without pads (I was the
heavyweight kicking boxing champion of Kentucky for 8 years), I fully understand
the importance of conditioning the extremities.
I have been conditioning these body parts for at least 15 years now and
consequently I can easily break several 2x2's together without any damage or
pain as well as breaking a couple of boards with the big toe only. I was
wondering, what type of bats are used for breaking. Is there a particular brand
and/or type (baseball or softball). Someone told me that sometimes the round
part of the bat handle is sanded slightly to create a more flat surface as
opposed to a more rounded surface. I
would appreciate your assistance in this. Thank
you.
Jim Davenport
Hi Jim:
Breaking a baseball bat is probably a lot easier than most breaks. . . Consider that many hitters will break their bat just swinging it!
I've seen people break at this point with a simple shin kick. No special treatment necessary.
The Uechi people have been conditioning their bodies for
as long as I can remember, although Tomoyose sensei claims that we do it a bit
more obsessively than Kanbun Uechi. Some of the older and more 'radical' types
are now experiencing problems with their bodies that might be traced to their
'extreme' training.
I caution my students to train very carefully and
slowly.
GEM
Mike Aceto, who coordinates the Junior Division of
the Uechi Championships has updated the rules: (With Raffi Derdarian's help)
May
19th Uechi-ryu Championships
Junior
Division Rules
1-All matches
shall last a total of 2
two
minutes
running time, unless a competitor earns enough points to be declared the winner
before such time. The center referee is the only person who can call for time to
be stopped. If the match is tied at
the end of two minutes, a sudden death match will determine the winner.
2- All matches are five (5) points with each competitor being awarded one point at a time. If no one scores five (5) points at the end of the match, the competitor with the most points will be declared the winner.
3- Judges should use the
following criteria to determine a point:.
-the technique should be a legitimate karate technique
-the technique should be focused
-the competitor must be in bounds
-the
competitor should be in balance and not illegally down
when point is made
-the technique must be made to a legal target area
4-
Legal target areas are: face/head ten
(10)
years and over, under ten
(10)
the face/head is not a target),
chest, abdomen, and kidneys. NO HEAD CONTACT ALLOWED
AT
ANY RANK OR AGE!
5- Illegal targets: spine, back of neck, groin, legs, knees, throat, and back
6- Non-target areas: shoulders, buttocks, arms, and feet. No points are scored here. If it is deemed that the competitor is intentionally attacking these areas, a warning may be issued.
7- Legal techniques- any and all legitimate sport karate techniques. No open handed techniques (except the ridge hand) are allowed.
8- Illegal techniques- no takedowns, sweeps or throws of any kind. No blind techniques or attacking an opponent when he is down. No grabbing.
1–
If a competitor makes light contact to the head or facial area, he/she will be
given one warning.
2–
If a competitor makes a second contact to the same area, he/she
will be
given a
second warning,
and the opponent will be awarded one point.
3–
A third contact to any facial or head area will be an automatic
disqualification.
4–
ANY
EXCESSIVE CONTACT MADE TO THE FACIAL OR HEAD AREA WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC
DISQUALIFICATION WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS.
Once again, congratulations to Vicki for a job well done. Also, thanks to everyone for making our regional a big success. I particularly enjoyed the format Folta Sensei chose.... It provided a wealth of learning opportunities for everyone. The demo was fun as well. Rich C... Thanks for posting the pics; I hope you and Glasheen Sensei post some more... I ran out of film.
I think I speak for all of us who attended the regional when I note that we all mised getting together with Carria Sensei and his group as well. However, hearty congratulations to Glenn and Sean on their promotions. Great work guys! Hope to see you soon.
This Summer we are hoping for some visitors from Okinawa; from Shinjo Sensei's Dojo. It is still yet to be nailed down, but hopefully July. We'll see... I will keep you all posted so we can have another regional around that visit if possible.
Regards,
Rik
Dear George:
Please
see the attached pic and bio of my brother Tom being submitted for inclusion in
the memorial site. Tom would be
honored to be with our beloved first teacher Forrest.
Thank you again for inviting the submission.
Joe Graziano
Thomas D. Graziano, August 4, 1958 - March 6, 2001
Tom began his Uechi study in 1970, at the dojo of the late Forrest Sanborn and Carmine DiRamio, in Quincy, MA, where he taught the children's class from 1977 until Forrest's passing in 1984. Tom then formally became a student of Walter Mattson in Framingham, MA, where he achieved Yondan in 1987. His considerable size and strength coupled with his humility and gentleness, brought out the best in Tom's training partners. Tom left us all too soon as a result of kidney disease since age 18. He is sorely missed and fondly remembered by his Uechi family.
Dear Sensei Mattson:
I am a former Uechi Ryu student. I was originally taught in
Nova Scotia by Sensei Killen and then Sensei MacDougall. Unfortunately my Uechi
Ryu training has been put on hold for several years now because I had been
living in parts of Canada that did not have a Uechi Ryu school. Currently I am
living in Northern British Columbia and the nearest school is a two/three day
drive. I will be moving to Montreal this summer and I had hoped to reestablish
my training in Uechi Ryu. I have checked the Dojo list on your website and did
not find a listing for Montreal. I was hoping you may be able to give me some
direction. Perhaps you know of some people in the Montreal area who may be
interested in setting up a Dojo or have some suggestions as to how I can get
involved with Uechi Ryu while in Montreal.
Sincerely, David MacKeigan
SENSEI,
HUMBLE SALUTATION TO YOU AS A BROTHER IN BUDO. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR E-MAIL MESSAGE GLAD. AT PRESENT IN INDIA LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLES PRACTICE UECHI RYU, PRESENT STRENGTH EXCEEDED 3000 STUDENTS. I MADE ALMOST ALL THE INSTRUCTORS ARE INDEPENDENT DUE TO TIME FACTOR. I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO TRAVEL ALL OVER INDIA - FOR THESE GROUP I AM EXTENDING ONLY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUGGESTIONS. MY ELDER SON NAMELY SRINIVASULU HARSHA AGE 20, COMPUTER ENGINEER, HE IS INCHARGE FOR FEW DOJOS, HE TRAVELS ALLMOST ALL SUNDAYS TO TEACH UECHI-RYU. ANOTHER SON NAMELY SRINIVASULU KANISHKA - INCHARGE FOR ALL JUNIOR CLASSES. HE TOO TRAVELS ALL SUNDAYS.
IN HOMBU DOJO CHENNAI - MORNING CLASSES SOME OF MY SENIOR SANDANS ARE TEACHING AND EVENING CLASSES GENERALLY I TEACH FOR ALL BLACK BELTS JUNIOR LEVEL STUDENTS.
I TEACH ALL SUNDAYS TO SENIOR DANS AND BLACK BELTS, EVEN OUT STATION VISITING INSTRUCTORS. FROM MORNING 6.00 TO 10.30 AND EVENING 3.30 TO 7.30, ATTENDANCE IS COMPULSORY. IN THE SUNDAY SESSION NOT LESS THAN 100-150 DANS, SENIOR AND JUNIOR LEVEL BLACK BELTS WILL ATTEND THE TRAINING SESSION.
OTHER THAN MY MARTIAL ARTS MY OFFICIAL WORK STARTS FROM MORNING 5.30 AM - CITY CLEANING - MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IT WILL CONTINUE UP TO EVENING 5.00 PM. IN BETWEEN MY OFFICIAL WORK I HAVE TO VISIT STADIUM BEING I AM IN CHARGE OF MY OFFICIAL SPORTS TEAM LIKE BASKET BALL, FOOT BALL, JUDO & BOXING.
THIS IS WHAT MY REGULAR ACTIVITIES.
WITH REGARDS,
[M. SRINIVASULU]
Sensei:
What's up with the Forums?!
When I visit the site/URL, All I get is a text index of the files!
Gary
Guess by now everyone knows that our site was 'hacked' into and 9 forums destroyed. Fortunately, we have backup for most of the data, but we did lose about 25 days of data. GEM
Mr Mattson this is Ray Pullen i just wanted to let you know I got the 18A VidMag tape today. It is awesome, very well put together. It is amazing what you can forget over the years. Your tape brought it all back. I will be ordering the next one next week, along with the black belt test guide. Can you suggest what else I may need to further my studies? Any suggestions would be helpful, so if you are not to busy e-mail me what i should do next along with what i have already begun .
thank you, Ray Pullen
Pedro Bennett: Pedro is certified Olympic trainer(Pankration). He is an ISFA certified Shootfighting® instructor and the founder of Pedro Bennett’s School Of Self Defense. Most of his martial arts experience is in Kenpo-jujitsu / Kickboxing. After leaving the Police Department in 1995, he became a certified chemistry teacher. He is currently teaching in the Boston Public Schools and Curry College, Milton, MA.
He has BS in Chemistry and a Masters of Education. He has
additional martial arts training in Kenpo Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Jujitsu,
and Ki Development/Chi Kung. Pedro will explain some of the simple laws of
physics. In combination of showing submission techniques he will explain how to
enter/close the gap in order to apply those techniques. He will emphasis
submission techniques on the ground, both from a sport and a self-defense point
of view. Pedro recently produced two training videos: Kenpo-Jujitsu
Instructional Video (featuring 24 self-defense techniques – guns, knifes,
bearhugs, chokes, strikes, and ground techniques) and Shaping Up With Pedro
Bennett (basic anaerobic and strength training exercises for the entire body).
The videos will be available for purchase at the camp.
Attn: Mr. George Matson;
Dear George,
I trust this mail will find you in your best health and prosperous of your Dojo.
I intend to publish E-book soon "Yoki's Karate Errantry in America" in Internet of my experience 36 years ago in Boston.
In the book; full names appear of Matson Academy of Karate, George Matson, Al Ford, Jim Elliott, Seigo-Kan, Seigo Tada and myself, in addition the first name of Tom, Walter, Charly, plus a few people only as I don't know if I caould contact them now.
A few photo's if I may use such as Set Sparing you and me in your tea room on tatami mat, Flying kick demonstrate with you in your Dojo as most of all photo'S I LOST on the earthquake 1995.
I would like to take this opportunity your great help and kindness given to me. The book is very good. Please kindly acknowledge reciept of this mail and agreement to use your full name in the book or if I should delete names.
Sincerely,
Yukiaki Yoki
Mr. Mattson-
Greeting from the Hiroshima Prefecture! My name is Gregory Melchior. I have been a serious Uechi-Ryu practitioner for a long time, having studied with Mr. James Thompson (frequently)as well as Mr. Ric Martin.
Currently I am living in a small town on 4,000 people in the middle of the Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been searching for many months and I have been unable to find a Uechi-Ryu Dojo. I know that there has to be at leat one dojo in Japan's Chuugoku Region- Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Shimane and Tottori Prefectures. I have reason to believe that there is one in the the town of Fukuyama- on a hunch from a Shito-Ryu Hachi-Dan.
If it would not be a great trouble, I humbly ask if you know of any way that I could contact the Uechi's in Nara, Okinawa or any other way that I could locate a dojo?
Best Regards,
Gregory Melchior
dear sir, After visiting your interresting and well organised site, we are very glad to be among those who’ll participate in this international competition, of course depending on your acceptation.
So, take in part dear sir that our league has champions in different regional teams. Morever, champions in the Moroccan international team. Who are also considered as champions in Arabic Union and Africa. After getting an invitation from you dear president, we’d like to know all details concerning this manifestation such as (fees of participation, place of manifestation, general program of manifestation, lodging). At the end, accept dear sir my best regards and all my greetings.
Sport’s Salutations. Signed : President of league morocco Morroco
George
Do you know a Tom Saunders, he claims to have studied Okinawan Karate for about 30 years.
Ken Wright 6th Dan Seibukan
Thought you might like this
Martin
2. Name the last five Heisemann trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do? OK......
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are not second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields ... but the applause dies ... awards tarnish ... achievements are forgotten ... and, accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier? The lesson?
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are, instead, the ones who really care.
Hi, I am interested in some of your videos. I already have the 3 self defense taped about the pressure points, knife, and gun defense. I also have George Mattson doing the katas. I seem to remember a tape that had a class on tape. I am interested in a tape like that for the exercises, aiding motions and other class information. You have some tapes that look like the type that I may be interested in. They are # 17,18A, and 18B.
Do these tapes sound like what I am interested in? If I buy
all 3 of them, is there a discount as there is with the Jim Maloney tapes? It
seems that there is no one in the Morgantown W.V. area that teaches Uechi-ryu
style so I am having to learn from the tapes.
I took about a year and a half of Uechi-ryu when I wan a teen ager (many
years ago) so I still remember a lot of things.
With the book and the video tapes I seem to be picking up most of it
again. Can you tell me of anyone
around W.V. , PA., or MD that teaches? I would be willing to travel to them
about once a month or so if they were with in 100 miles of where I live.
Thank you for your help. You
have always been very helpful in the past.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Hugh Troyer
Hi George Viewing the photo of you at the 1962 tournament
gave me a chuckle, memories rushed back to those horrible gi's that we wore back
in the 60's. After a few washings the legs would shrink almost up to the knees
giving the impression we were wearing Bermuda shorts with a gi top.
Respectfully,
Jim Robinson
Sensei:
My name is Shihan Jerry C. Piddington I have studied
Karatedo for 35 years. I have practiced Sanchin Kata and exercise all during
this time. Each student I have taught has also practiced ibuki breathing. I feel
it is a functional part of training in the Martial Art. Of course all things in
moderation...However the need to overdo this exercise can be damaging to the
individual. Let us not forget that the movements of Karatedo are of great
benefit to the students and we as teachers must determine the value of the
exercise we give to our students. Because a specific exercise can hurt us in not
a logical reason to never do the execise...Understanding and Education of these
exercises should be our first concern and then the application to the needs of
the specific student. Thank you Sensei for allowing me to speak of this subject
with respect.
Shihan Piddington
Dear Uechi-Ryu Karate
My name is Tomonori Yamakwa, CEO of MIS Okinawa, a web design company in Okinawa.
Our company is conducting market research about how many people in the world are interested in Okinawan culture and art. I found your web site from Yahoo! and am sending this e-mail.
We have made an online survey of things Okinawan on our web site, and I would appreciate it if you could vote and tell members of the Uechi-Ryu Karate about this survey. We will continue this survey until the end of May , and present the result to Okinawan businesses and governmental agencies, depending on the demand.
Please visit the following page to register your vote on the things of Okinawa.
http://www.misokinawa.com/en/poll.asp
************************* Why we are doing this survey *************************
I was asked some questions about Okinawa and its art works for example "Ryukyu glass"and "Bingata" from people in the U.S. through a news group related to Okinawan subjects, but could find few English pages to show them. I felt sad about it because there are poeple looking for Okinawan things and while there are many web sites, those who don't understand Japanese cannot appreciate them. There are so many beautiful things in Okinawa, and people all over the world, specially "Uchina n chu" like yourselves, should be able to appreciate them easily in this Internet world.
Since our company does web site development and one of our business partners, IAC Translation, does translation, we thought we can help those producers of Okinawan art works and other institutes make English versions of their web sites so that they can let the world know about the beautiful things and culture of Okinawa to the world.
In order to convince those Okinawan businesses and governmental agencies, I need some statistics to show how much demand for Okinawan products there is in the world. If there is sufficient demand these companies will begin development of English web pages and, thus, people all over the world can easily access information on not only the things of Okinawa but also of Okinawa Itself.
If you have any question about this survey, please feel free to ask anything to us at info@misokinawa.com.
Thank you very much for your attention and vote. I hope you have a great day.
Tomonori Yamakawa MIS Okinawa 412-15 Yoza, Itoman Okinawa, 901-0322, Japan phone/fax: 098-994-6167 e-mail: ty@misokinawa.com web site: http://www.misokinawa.com
Good morning Sensei mattson.
As discussed last night on the phone, the Hartford dojo will be represented by three or four competitors in your May 19th tournament. As a Sensei in the dojo, I would like to accompany my students and offer my services to you as a judge or referree, or for other things you might find useful.
We will be arriving early Saturday morning.
Sincerely,
John Griffin, Godan, Kenyuaki, Hartford Dojo.
Thanks for your support John. See you May 19th. GEM
Mr. Mattson;
My son started Uechi Ryu about nine months ago, and he absolutely loves it!! I would love to help him at home as he is just turning seven but I really cannot remember all the different steps. I was wondering if there was a book or a guide that I could purchase describing the steps, and movements...E.g eight form and twenty six form have me confused so we really cannot practice, but I know if I could be more help to him he would really excel in Karate. If there is anything at all you could suggest I read, I would great appreciate it.
Sonya MacIsaac Elmsdale, Nova Scotia
==================================================
Hi George;
I sent you an e-mail some time ago wondering about a book that I could purchase to help my son at home with Karate. After much searching I have actually found a store in my area that sells your books. Uechi-ryu Karate Do is on backorder but I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. My son and I went to a Karate tournament on Saturday, our first one, and its amazing to watch the confidence, and respect the children have because of Karate. I am seriously considering joining as well. I attend the classes to watch my son, however I am sure at an adult level there is more of an incorporation and understanding of mind, body and spirit which I am definitely interested in...Thank You so much for your prompt response to my e-mail, and Take Care.
Check out our Bookstore. http://karateworld.safeshopper.com/
Uechi-ryu Karate Do has all the basics, including the 8
form. also some good video courses for beginners there. Good luck and stay in
touch. GEM
Dear George,
Your quick very nice reply is a great encouragement to me. Thank you very very much. My family very fine. My wife "Mie" and I have a son "Kozo" 25 years old. After the earthquake I started to work at one of the aircraft manufacturing company in Kobe for 5 years as an interpreter, translater and an inspecter. When Boeing absorbed Douglas, my work decreased to a half due to they stopped to produce some Douglas models and I have resigned last year end Oct so this is my turning point again.
I am considering to re-built "Y. Yoki & Co.". Leather export buz were un-competitive then due to yen currency evalue so I have changed to start import finished leather garments instead but domestic market changed to dull and 30 second earthquake took so much from me. Yes I know Pakistan is a good market to deal with.
At moment I am concentrating to upload the book. Am already anxious to have your comments after you read the book. I will be continue the next book "Japanese Karate in Hong Kong".
Re: Karate; 3 years since Mr Seigo passed away but Seigo-kan still exists and I am a sub-chairman of the board for over sea branches. I am considering to re-start teach Karate again as I aware now I am very good in instructing.
I will keep in touch with you from now on. Please do not hesitate if there is anything I can do in Japan to cooperate.
Y.Yoki
Sensei Mattson, my name is Tom Whelan, I am a student of Sensei Motts at Cold Mountain Dojo in Toronto. I am planning to attend this years summer camp but do to work obligations I am unable to travel with the others and I may be flying in Thursday evening. Can you offer any advice on methods of transportation from the Boston airport to Buzzards Bay.I have not been down that way before so I have no idea of the proximity of the camp to the airport. I met you at Cold Mountain Dojo when you were there a couple of years back and look forward to meeting you again this summer. Thanks very much for any advice you may be able to offer.
Last year quite a few people set up rides with others coming in to Boston and who were renting cars. Best to coordinate all this on the Summer Camp Forum. See you in July. GEM
INFO ON UECHI-RYU KARATE I WOULD LIKE YOU TO SEND ME INFO ON YOUR AND THE SCHOOL IN THE DETROIT ,MI AREA WINDSOR ,ONT AREA
Keith Kelly
Sensei Mattson, In your book( Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do ) the promotional chart indicates time in grade between rank, how many classes per week are these times based on? Thank you for your time, Respectfully Tom Giles Kalamazoo, Mi.
THE TRUTH IN 13 WORDS...
Inside every
older person
is a younger person -
wondering what the hell happened.
Dear sir, Request for participation In connection with the upcoming competition I wish to express our interest to participate as one of the group competitors. We came across information about the competition and we have discussed about the possibilities of participating. We however have some limitations and wishh to inform you about them. If at all you will agree to assist then we expect to travel for the competition. The limitations are: -The time period for the competition -obtaining a visa for the team, we dont have US consular section in Sierra Leone. -we again want you to advice us about the reservations. If all these problems can be solved then we expect to participate in the coming competition. We look foward to your reply.
Thanks and best regards
Abubakarr Sesay Secretary General
I subscribed on 3/11/01 to Van Canna's Self Defense Realities in digest form. I have not yet received any digests. I would appreciate it if you would check on this for me. Thanks.
Robert Romano
I wasn't aware that you could receive the forums in digest form. Perhaps a post on the computer forum will get you the right answers. GEM
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the Archangel found him resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"
God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downward through the clouds, "Look, Michael, at what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."
"Balance?" Inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth, "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot. Over there I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people," God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and arid, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel was impressed by God's work, then pointed to a large land mass and asked, "What's that one?"
"THAT IS MAINE, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, and exquisite grasslands. The people from Maine are going to be modest, intelligent, and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achievers, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace. They will be admired by all who come across them."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God?....You said there would be BALANCE! God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the loudmouth, whiny-assed, arrogant piss-ants I'm putting next to them in Massachusett.