Goshin Karate & Judo Academy - Scottsdale Arizona

http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Thursday, March 27, 2008

One Year ago Today....

LIFE

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." --- John Lennon

Here's what I wanted to tell you today. GET A LIFE! A real life! -- Not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger paycheck, the larger house.

Get a life in which you notice the stars in the sky, a life in which you stop and watch how a red-tailed hawk circles over the mountains tops in Carefree, Arizona. Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you.

And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter. Get a life in which you are generous. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beers and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister. All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good things, then doing well will never be enough. It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to take for granted the color of our kids' eyes, the way the melody in a symphony rises and falls and disappears and rises again. It is so easy to exist instead of to live.

This year I have learned to live. Something happened to me, something that changed my life in ways that, if I had my way, it would never have been changed at all. And what I learned from it is what, today March 27th 2008, seems to be the hardest lesson of all. I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get. I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and utterly. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I have learned.

Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.

Mike Anderson passed away one year ago today.
Thanks Mr. A – I miss you

http://www.goshinkarate.com/Andersons.html

Adapted from a commencement speech made by Anna Quindlen at Villanova University~

Roger Boggs - Sensei

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
480-951-2236

http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Water vs. Coke

What would YOU like to drink?

WATER 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. (This likely applies to half the world population.)

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied (in a University of Washington study).

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8 to 10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

COKE In many states the highway patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the trunk to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.

You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of Coke and it will be gone in two days.

To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean.

The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.

To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola. To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.

To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.

To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan, wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake. Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.

To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of Coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.

Coke will also clean road haze from your windshield.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8.

It will dissolve a nail in about four days. Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.

To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the "Hazardous Material" place cards reserved for highly corrosive materials. The distributors of Coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

Now the question is, would YOU like a glass of water or Coke?

Roger Boggs - Sensei

480-951-2236

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy

6245 E. Bell Road #120Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Leadership - Karate Leaders

The Power of the Leader Within

"What do

you want

to be

when you

grow up?"

Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seem almost programmed to ask it, don't they?

Maybe you remember asking your own or another's child recently that same question. Remember?

I do.

And - do you remember any of your answers to that question? I know it probably changed many times throughout the process of "growing up" but can you remember some of the answers?
I remember mine: I wanted to be the President of my own Corporation. I'm sure there were more like being a baseball player or an Astronaut but can't remember acting on them. What I do remember is the feeling that went along with the decision of choosing one or another. It was a feeling of being in a position of importance. To be looked upon with respect and admiration because I created something really great.

I didn't know it then but I was expressing the drive to be a leader. Maybe not the 'top' leader like a general or the president of the united State –or the President of Apple Computer, but a leader who made things happen in the world. I wanted to be someone who leads the way, not followed. Many people would say that I, and many greater men and women before me were born or destined to be leaders - as though fate had somehow selected us at birth to be who we are today. I know that many believe that leaders are born, but I can assure you that leaders are made.

Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being a leader. However, learning to develop the traits of confidence, compassion, respect, and many more, do. Having a vision and the ability to communicate that vision to others - setting down a workable plan and having the discipline to act upon that plan until the vision, goal or dream has become real in the world - are the signs of a leader.

I believe that whenever we feel the drive to step out of our day-to-day routine - to do acts of kindness, volunteer time and energy to a local cause like the fire department, Scouts, or other group - and yes, to join a martial arts school - we are seeking to get back to that drive toward leadership.

Everyone, whether secretly or publicly wants to be a leader. Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders - not followers. It's a natural drive. But, many of us either have not been 'lucky' enough to encounter role models in our lives who pointed the way or showed us how, or we did and didn't recognize the gift presented to us at the time. What if we didn't overlook the gift hidden in the question? What if we didn't forget the dreams of the child still there within us?
In the martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the Black Belt. In many arts, like karate, it is not so much the belt as the rank, skill, or title of authority that tells others that you have more to offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.

The true master is the person who is strong enough to do whatever is necessary. He or she is powerful enough to do real damage but exceeds that ability with the power of choice - the power to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel it when you're near them. You can sense it when they speak.

Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders. Many more tell you to take more responsibility (another important trait of a leader) and go after what you want, but, there just aren't that many who will show you step-by-step, just how to go about doing it like a good martial arts master. I feel especially fortunate in this respect. Fortunate to have encountered teachers, guides and role-models in my own life that were strong and powerful enough to have shared with me the knowledge for taking charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children and students.

So, what about you? Are you living up to your fullest potential? Are you ready to join others just like yourself on the path of the Goshin Leaders? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?

We're waiting for you!

Inspired by Jeffrey Miller

Roger Boggs - Sensei
480-951-2236
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter Celebration

Celebration of Easter

Easter is the time of springtime festivals, a time to welcome back the Tulips, the Crocuses and the Daffodils. Its a time of new suits, new dresses and patent leather shoes. A time for Christians to celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Christ. And a time of chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and colored eggs!

Easter will be celebrated on Sunday March 23, 2008. This year Greek/Orthodox Easter will also be celebrated Sunday, April 08, 2007

Roger Boggs - Sensei
480-951-2236
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Friday, March 21, 2008

Vision Statement

THIS IS WAY COOL......

Wheelchair-bound man earns karate's yellow belt

I found this Article and wanted to share it. Great Job Pat, You're an inspiration to all Martial Artist and Tony Agnello from Memorial Karate Club for allowing it to happen! --- Roger Boggs

---------------------------------

Patrick Christie practices his jabs and kicks along with the rest of the Tony Agnello Memorial Karate Club students, working his way from one end of the gym to the other. While his fellow students use precise footwork to traverse the space, Mr. Christie periodically breaks from his jabs to turn the wheels of his wheelchair.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mr. Christie, 25, of Parry Sound, said he has been in either a stroller or a wheelchair his entire life and adapts the karate moves to his unique situation. While others do back and side kicks, he kicks his feet forward; while others shift their weight to touch the floor in a side-to-side motion while in a wide-leg crouch, he leans over one side and then the other of the wheelchair; while others run around the gym, he turns the chair's wheels.

Cerebral Palsy affects his balance, range of motion and muscle tension, he said.

"They just said 'do what you can'," he said. "So I think, 'they're trying to stretch these muscles, so, if I do this, it might do the same thing.'"

He keeps his eyes on the instructor, copying the movement as best he can. His motions aren't always smooth and graceful and his kicks, with the thin legs he's never walked on, don't look assertive, but he doesn't let that stop him from taking part and even suggesting a round of push-ups during the evening's warm up session, much to the dismay of at least one fellow student.

On Jan. 26, four months after he first started taking lessons, he earned his yellow belt, which replaced the white belt of a beginner.

"That belt feels very good, because you can't buy that one in the store," he said.

During a water break last Wednesday, Mr. Christie and the other students gathered in a circle and reminisced about the rankings held in Novar last month.

"Nobody hit me," he said. "Then at the very end (one guy did) and I was like, 'finally, someone hit me.'"

"I was probably supposed to block though," he joked, gaining a laugh from green belt James Starkey before black belt George Clark took him aside for a quick one-on-one lesson.

Later, Mr. Christie said he wanted other karate students at the ranking event not to shy away, because unless someone goes to strike him, he won't know what he's blocking.

"So, I kicked a guy in the shins," he said, conceding that part of the reason people didn't hit him is they didn't want to kick the chair.

The Tony Agnello Karate Club meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Parry Sound High School. Sensei Ted Hall re-organized the club two years ago after the death of sensei and club founder Tony Agnello on September 16, 2005.

"In karate, there's a physical side to it, there's also a mental," said Mr. Hall. "They have to be in balance. If they're not in balance, it doesn't work."

Since Mr. Christie started, Mr Hall has noticed an increase in his range of motion. During Wednesday's class he talked him through a proper leg stretch and said when Mr. Christie first started he could barely move his legs and that his arm movements are improving. Currently on the physiotherapy waiting list, Mr. Christie said that although he'll still take the therapy once a spot opens up, that karate is helping.

"(Mr. Hall is) basically talking about kicks," he said. "The more I stretch out and use my legs the better they work. It doesn't always look great."

At this stage of his training, Mr. Christie said he's working on increasing the power of his jabs and punches so the force keeps the chair moving forward and he doesn't have to interrupt them to turn the wheels.

Mr. Christie joined the club after black belt Wendy Hawes, who works in the same building as him, suggested it. He'd tried karate when he was 10, but quit after a week. He said he quit everything after a week when he was a kid.

"I was complimented," said Mr. Hall. "I felt great about it, that he would consider to come to our club. He knew it would be a challenge and to think he had enough confidence to think we could (teach him)... He doesn't ask for any consideration at all. If they're doing push-ups, he does push-ups."

Despite karate being adaptable to the student, Mr. Hall said there'll be some things Mr. Christie won't be able to do.

"Patrick's an inspiration for everybody out there," said Mr. Hall. "I'm out (volunteer-teaching) five days a week, some nights I'm tired and there's Pat bouncing around the gym."

While Mr. Hall sees Mr. Christie as an inspiration, Mr. Christie spoke about a young karate student who ranked alongside him last month as the guiding light.

"I've never felt out of place there," said Mr. Christie. "They always said, 'do what you can and we'll change some things'."

Roger Boggs - Sensei
480-951-2236
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
http://www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Kindness - Continues

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Earth Hour - March 29th from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join thousands of people across Phoenix-and millions of people around the world-to make a bold statement about climate change on March 29th from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Turn out your non-essential and non-emergency lights for one hour.

Earth Hour.
World Wildlife Fund is partnering with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and community leaders to help make history. Phoenix is honored to be one of four major cities in the nation-along with Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago-leading this landmark international event. Public buildings, landmarks, and major corporate offices will take part, and residents throughout Phoenix and its surrounding cities are encouraged to participate in this groundbreaking celebration.
At the first Earth Hour last year in Sydney, Australia, power consumption dropped by more than 10 percent. But Earth Hour is not just about cutting back for one hour. It's about taking a stand and thinking ahead about what you, your neighbors and your city can do to make a difference.

Seize the Earth Hour moment. Change some of your outdated energy-wasting light bulbs to new, efficient and inexpensive compact fluorescents (CFL's). Think of other ways you can cut your energy usage and trim your electric bill after Earth Hour has passed.

In 2007, Phoenix experienced the second hottest year on record. Six of the 10 hottest years in the Valley's history have occurred since 2000. We have realized that we have to take a stand on climate change. That's why World Wildlife Fund is organizing Earth Hour around the globe, and that's why Phoenix is committed to this unprecedented event.

One person can make a difference. Cities, coming together, can change the world.

One hour, One Phoenix. One Earth Hour.

http://www.earthhourus.org/phoenix.php

Roger Boggs - Sensei

480-951-2236

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy

6245 E. Bell Road #120

Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html

www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Overweight and Obesity

Overcoming Overweight and Obesity in Your Child

The key to keeping kids of all ages at a healthy weight is taking a whole-family approach. It's the "practice what you preach" mentality. Make eating and exercise a family affair. Get your children involved by letting them help you plan and prepare healthy meals, and take them along when you go grocery shopping, so they can learn how to make good food choices.

Avoid falling into some common food/eating behavior traps:

Don't reward children for good behavior or try to stop bad behavior with sweets or treats. Come up with other solutions to modify their behavior.

Don't maintain a clean-plate policy. Be aware of kids' hunger cues. Even babies who turn away from the bottle or breast send signals that they're full. If kids are satisfied, don't force them to continue eating. Reinforce the idea that they should only eat when they're hungry.

Don't talk about "bad foods" or completely eliminate all sweets and favorite snacks from overweight children's diets. Children may rebel and overeat these forbidden foods outside the home or sneak them in on their own.

Here are some additional recommendations for children of all ages:

Birth to age 1: In addition to it's many health benefits, breastfeeding may help prevent excessive weight gain. Though the exact mechanism is not known, breastfed babies are more able to control their own intake and follow their own internal hunger cues.

Ages 2 to 6: Start good habits early. Encourage kids' natural tendency to be active and offer children a variety of healthy foods. It may take 10 or more tries before a child will accept a new food, so don't give up.

Ages 7 to 12: Encourage children to be physically active every day, whether it's an organized sports team, karate class or a pick-up game of soccer during recess. Keep your kids active at home, too, through everyday activities like walking and playing in the yard. Let them be more involved in making good food choices.

Ages 13 to 17: Teens like fast-food, but try to steer them toward healthier choices like grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, and smaller sizes. Encourage them to be active everyday. If they are not into organized sports, suggest intramural programs, fitness classes such as karate or judo, or alternative sport like skateboarding, inline skating, or mountain biking.

All ages: Cut down on TV, computer, and video game time and discourage eating while watching the tube. Serve a variety of healthy foods and eat meals together as often as possible. Try to include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day in their diet, plan healthy snacks, and encourage kids to eat breakfast every day. Encourage your children to try a variety of activities. Don't force any one sport or activity - and help them find what they enjoy and then support them in their efforts.

If you, as a parent, eat well and exercise regularly and incorporate healthy habits into your family's daily life, you're modeling a healthy lifestyle for your children that could last into adulthood. Talk to your kids about the importance of eating well and being active, but make it a family affair that will become second nature for both you and your children. Most of all, let your children know you love them - no matter what their weight - and that you want to help your child be happy and healthy.

Roger Boggs - Sensei
480-951-2236
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
www.goshingear.com/
E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day

An Old Irish Blessing - May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A Wish for a Friend - Wishing you a rainbow for sunlight after showers. Miles and miles of Irish smiles,for golden happy hours. Shamrocks at your doorway, for luck and laughter too, and a host of friends that never ends each day your whole life through!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Watch Your Kids Around Water!!

No matter how many times you hear it, no matter how many times you see it, it can't be said often enough:

Watch your kids around water!

This was April of last year.... There wasn't one child drowning — there were FOUR.

"Two toddlers, an 18-month-old girl and a 3-year-old boy, drowned Wednesday night in a family pool, the third and fourth child drowning victims in three days in Mesa.
Mesa police spokesman Detective Johnny Lopez, who called the deaths a "double tragedy," said that the children were found about 7 p.m. by the girl's aunt and uncle, who had been watching television and lost track of time."

LOST TRACK OF TIME??? - No, they "lost track" of two babies!

"A 3-year-old boy died in an apparent drowning in an apartment complex swimming pool in Mesa this morning. Colin Keran was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, Mesa police spokeswoman Holly Hosac said.. . .

The parents were home at the time of the drowning, Hosac said. The father, who works at night, was in bed and the mother told police she was sick with the flu and also in bed. The parents told police they had no idea the boys had left the apartment, Hosac said. The victim and his brother were found in their pajamas."

"Mesa police responded to an apartment home near Greenfield Road and University Drive where they found an unconscious 8-month-old, Cathy Marie Romero.
According to statements from the family, Cathy's mother was bathing her and three other children Tuesday afternoon when she stepped away for a moment and left the children in the care of a 15-year-old nephew, police said. Several minutes later, one of the children in the bath appeared holding Cathy's body." (my emphasis)
Other stories say it was several minutes. Doesn't really matter how long it was, a second is too long. And now an 8 month old is dead, and a 15 year old is probably screwed up for the rest of his life.

In addition to the four dead kids, there were several near drownings in the last week.
"Police said the 3 year old child wandered into the pool near 31st and Dunlap avenues because of a fence that wasn't latched."

No, it happened because there wasn't an ADULT watching the three year old child.

"Firefighters responded to the scene of a near-drowning after a 3-year-old boy was pulled from a swimming pool at a home near Price Road and Southern Avenue Friday night.
The child was apparently under the supervision of a 12-year-old child who had gone in to the home to grab a towel.
The 12-year-old and an adult, who was also at the home, were able to pull the child from the pool. The boy was reportedly breathing and taken to the hospital as a precaution." (my emphasis)
12 year olds don't understand that you can't leave a 3 year old alone near a pool.

WHERE WAS THE ADULT?

"A 3-year-old boy nearly drowned in a spa at an East Side apartment complex Thursday afternoon, a Tucson Fire Department spokesman said.
The boy was in the pool area of the apartments, at 8030 E. Lakeside Parkway, at about 1 p.m. with his 2-year-old sister, his uncle, 19, and a family friend, said Capt. Paul McDonough, a Tucson Fire Department spokesman.

The uncle, Frank Pizano, said he went to the bathroom, and when he returned to the pool area, he found his nephew floating face-down in the spa." (my emphasis)
What part of "you can't leave them alone for a SECOND" do these people not understand???
Please please please, watch your kids around water. Don't trust pool fences, don't trust flotation devices, don't trust young children to watch your children. Don't leave to go to the bathroom, don't go answer the phone. Watch your kids EVERY SECOND around water. Four dead children in one week is four too many, and it's not even prime pool season yet. Every single child drowning is preventable.

Watch Your Kids Around Water!!

Roger Boggs - Sensei

480-951-2236

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy

6245 E. Bell Road #120

Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeGreatWestDivision?pg=personal&fr_id=6020&fr_id=6020&px=4753197

www.goshingear.com/

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

Hi Roger, as promised, here is the info on the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

The one we are involved in is held on Friday April 11th at Paradise Valley Community College. It begins at 6 PM and ends about 7 AM Sat morning.

We would love to have you come out and see what the Relay is all about. I think you and Candace will be so inspired that you'll want to create a Goshin team next year! If you cannot be there at 6, please try to be there no later than 8:30. The luminaria walk begins at 9 and that is something not to be missed! You will get the full impact then of why we relay every year! This is the Daly family's 5 year participating in this event. And our team has raised over $50,000 in those 5 years!

Follow the link below to see our page and learn more about Relay. Our page shows that we have not raised any money - we raise money outside of the on-line record, that is why it looks like we haven't raised any.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, if you have lost someone to cancer or are celebrating a survivor and would like to honor them with a luminaria, I have attached a sponsorship form. Luminarias are $10 each and checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society.

I think I told you that at 9 PM, they shut off all of the field lights and the only light we have is the glow from the luminaria bags that line the track. This part is very emotional and very touching....bring tissues!!

Thanks for considering joining us!
Bonnie Daly

Here is Bonnie's site -

Five Things You Can Do to be Kind to the Earth

Five Things You Can Do to be Kind to the Earth

1. Pay attention to how you use water. The little things can make a big difference. Every time you turn off the water while you're brushing your teeth, you're doing something good. Got a leaky toilet? You might be wasting 200 gallons of water a day [Source: EPA]. Try drinking tap water instead of bottled water, so you aren't wasting all that packaging as well. - If you must drink bottled water, recycle the bottle. Wash your clothes in cold water when you can.

2. Leave your car at home. If you can stay off the road just two days a week, you'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year [Source: EPA]. Combine your errands -- hit the post office, grocery store and shoe repair place in one trip. It will save you gas and time.

3. Walk or ride your bike to work, school and anywhere you can. You can reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories and improving your health. If you can't walk or bike, use mass transit or carpool. Every car not on the road makes a difference.

4. Recycle.You can help reduce pollution just by putting that soda can in a different bin. If you're trying to choose between two products, pick the one with the least packaging. If an office building of 7,000 workers recycled all of its office paper waste for a year, it would be the equivalent of taking almost 400 cars off the road [Source: EPA].

5. Compost. Think about how much trash you make in a year. Reducing the amount of solid waste you produce in a year means taking up less space in landfills, so your tax dollars can work somewhere else. Plus, compost makes a great natural fertilizer. Composting is easier than you think.

http://people.howstuffworks.com/save-earth-top-ten.htm

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Earth Day is April 22

Do nice things for the Earth

On April 22, 1970, 20 million people across America celebrated the first Earth Day. It was a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire. Now Earth Day is celebrated annually around the globe.

Here is a list of things you can do to help.

Reduce/reuse/recyclePractice the three R's: first reduce how much you use, then reuse what you can, and then recycle the rest. Then, dispose of what's left in the most environmentally friendly way. Read the tips below and explore the Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/catbook

Reduce:
Buy permanent items instead of disposables.
Buy and use only what you need.
Buy products with less packaging.
Buy products that use less toxic chemicals.

Reuse:
Repair items as much as possible.
Use durable coffee mugs.
Use cloth napkins or towels.
Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
Reuse boxes.
Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
Participate in a paint collection and reuse program. For information on handling household solid waste, visit http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/citizens.htm.
Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
Reuse grocery bags as trash bags.

Recycle:
Recycle paper (printer paper, newspapers, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. If your community doesn't collect at the curb, take them to a collection center.
Recycle electronics. More information is at http://www.epa.gov/ecycling/index.htm
Recycle used motor oil (read an EPA brochure in PDF format; 750K; epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/recycle/recy-oil.pdf).
Compost food scraps, grass and other yard clippings, and dead plants.

Close the loop - buy recycled products and products that use recycled packaging. That's what makes recycling economically possible. Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/buyrec.htm

Sensei Roger Boggs

480-951-2236

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy

6245 E. Bell Road #120

Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

http://www.goshinkarate.com/
http://www.goshinjudo.com/
http://www.goshingirls.com/
http://www.goshingear.com/

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Enthusiasm Quote

Enthusiasm Quote

If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

In things pertaining to enthusiasm, no man is sane who does not know how to be insane on proper occasions. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

It's always the challenge of the future, this feeling of excitement, that drives me. ~ Yoshihisa Tabuchi

Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. ~ Mark Twain

Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. ~ Katharine Hepburn

Life's blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Like what you do. If you don't like it, do something else. ~ Paul Harvey

Love what you do. Do what you love. ~ Wayne Dyer:

Mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one. ~ Mary Kay Ash

Men who do things without being told draw the most wages. ~ Edwin H. Stuart

Sensei Roger Boggs
480-951-2236
Goshin Karate & Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254

E-Mail - GoshinKarate@cox.net

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Enthusiasm

This Month in class we will discuss Enthusiasm and how it leads to success and changes the world. As well as how it can be uplifting and contagious.

The word enthusiasm is derived from the Greek word, enthousiasmos, which means to be inspired. Enthusiasm is an incredibly powerful tool to create momentum. Enthusiasm can also be used to combat fear and nervousness and it can even create temporary energy and willpower. Being enthusiastic also creates an overall feeling of happiness and well-being that makes it worthwhile regardless of its positive side-effects.

So many of us are unenthusiastic. The media is constantly barraging us with messages of tragedy, pessimism and fear. The people we are around tend to side more on the end of cynicism and sarcasm rather than enthusiasm. As a result this behavior becomes our own. With a generally apathetic and pessimistic society, we naturally adapt these kind of behaviors, largely without realizing we are doing it. With such an environment, how can we possibly hope to cultivate the kind of enthusiasm we need?

Enthusiasm is like any other skill. If it is continually practiced and exercised, it gets better. If it is not, then it will degrade. Enthusiasm rarely comes naturally and it must be the result of conscious effort. Practicing the ability to use enthusiasm can keep you excited and driven even in horrible circumstances. Without this ability even great circumstances are viewed through the lens of sarcasm and cynicism. So how can we harness our own inner divinity?

Passion
Genuine enthusiasm can only be sustained about something you are truly passionate about. Anyone can get themselves hyped up over a boring situation for the moment, but sustained enthusiasm can only come when you deeply care about something. If you aren’t that interested in the outcome of something, you won’t be able to create enthusiasm.

Don’t spend your time pursuing things that you aren’t passionate about. If you aren’t passionate about something, try to minimize or remove the time it is taking from your life. Nobody is going to applaud you for working at a boring job, having boring hobbies or staying in a dead relationship when you are dead. We are ultimately responsible for the amount of passion we experience in our lives.

If you look at really successful people, all of them having something they are very passionate about. These people have a drive that compels them to give 110%. Nothing is more motivating than an obsessive passion. As a self-proclaimed obsessive about personal growth, I can attest to that. Passion provides the fuel, without it and their can be no fire of enthusiasm.

Sensei Roger Boggs

480-951-2236

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy

6245 E. Bell Road #120

Scottsdale, AZ. 85254