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Bolland's late tally clinches Cup for Blackhawksby Corey Masisak / Chicago Blackhawks
BOSTON -- When the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, Dave Bolland was a key secondary scorer that postseason and a consistent headache for the top players from opposing teams.
Bolland's 2012-13 season was defined by stops and starts because of injuries, and his performance in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs before Monday night at TD Garden was considerably less remarkable than three years prior.
None of that matters now.
Bolland's name will forever be associated with this postseason, and this will be one of the most memorable years of his career. The Blackhawks trailed 2-1 to the Boston Bruins late in Game 6 before Bryan Bickell tied the contest with 1:16 left in regulation.
Seventeen seconds later, Bolland pounced on a rebound near the left post and scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal. It is the first time in League history a Cup-clinching goal has been scored in the 60th minute.
"When don't you dream about it?" Bolland said. "We all dream about scoring that Stanley Cup winner to hoist the Cup, so check that one off the bucket list."
If the Bickell goal wasn't stunning enough, Bolland's tally will make this one of the most memorable clinching contests in Stanley Cup Final history. While most of the people inside TD Garden were still buzzing about Bickell's goal and preparing for a fourth overtime contest in this incredible series, coach Joel Quenneville sent his fourth line onto the ice.
After the faceoff, the puck traveled back and forth to both blue lines before Bolland carried it into the offensive zone. Goaltender Tuukka Rask directed a shot from the right wing by Michael Frolik toward the corner, and the puck ended up along the left wall on the stick of Marcus Kruger.
He guided it back to defenseman Johnny Oduya at the left point for a shot. Frolik tipped the puck en route to the net, and it glanced off the left post before coming to Bolland.
"I think [my eyes] were huge," Bolland said. "They almost popped out of my head."
Chicago forward Patrick Sharp added, "That was a big one. I don't know what he was doing dropping his gloves [in celebration]. There was a minute left, and it was a long minute."
After Bickell's goal, Boston coach Claude Julien changed his defense pairing, but left the same forwards -- his top line -- on the ice for the faceoff. Quenneville decided to go in a different direction, and it proved to be a great move.
"You equalize the game there. They might have been a little tired," Quenneville said. "I could have kept [Chicago's top line] out there, but Bolland, that line hadn't played in five or six minutes, and offensively, defensively, you know you get a contribution all year long [from] all four lines. No matter who you throw out there is capable of making plays. Next play on the wall, cruised back to the point one time and, bang, it's in the net. Kind of the way you had to score in this whole series. The pretty ones weren't there. It was the ugly goals that seemed to work."
Bolland had eight goals and 16 points in 22 postseason games in 2010. He scored big goals and harassed opposing star players, which made him a popular figure in Chicago. When an injured Bolland returned to the lineup after the Vancouver Canucks went ahead 3-0 in the first round the following year, the Blackhawks stormed back with three straight victories to force a Game 7.
Last season, Bolland tied a career high with 19 goals. The 2012-13 campaign was a trying one at times for him. He was out of the lineup at four different points during the regular season with various injuries, including a groin problem that kept him out of the first round of the playoffs.
He's spent most of the three rounds as a third- or fourth-line center after being the No. 2 guy for much of the regular season. Before Game 4 of the Cup Final, Bolland had one goal and three points in 15 playoff contests.
Then, he had an assist in Game 4 and scored the empty-net goal to clinch Game 5.
That was just a preamble for his Game 6 heroics. He scored a goal that changed his and Chicago's season. It will undoubtedly stay with him for the rest of his life.
"This is probably the biggest satisfaction I've ever had," Bolland said. "A hockey season is up and down. I had a roller-coaster year with injuries. Things like that happen. You battle through them and it is the way that you come out of it through the injuries is what matters."
Added Quennville: "[Bolland] is like that. He had one of those years. It looked like he was coming and got hurt, coming and got hurt. His playoffs, he was coming and he was OK. But one thing about [Bolland], the bigger the stage, the better the challenge is, he always welcomes it and rises to it. He's one of those competitors that finds a way to win and now he's a champion twice. I'm happy for him."


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HID lamp indexes decline during fourth quarter
Source: NEMA
Mar 18, 2011
NEMA's shipment indexes for high intensity discharge (HID) lamps declined by 11.7, 17.1, and 0.9% on a year-over-year basis for sodium vapor, mercury vapor, and metal halide lamps, respectively. For the year as a whole, shipments of mercury vapor lamps also declined for the fourth consecutive year, dipping 2.7% compared to 2009. Conversely, sodium vapor and metal halide HID lamp shipments increased during 2010 by 1.1 and 5.2%, respectively.
Sodium vapor lamps showed an increase in market share of nearly 2.0 percentage points ending the quarter at 33.2% of HID lamp shipments. The share of metal halide lamps registered a reading of 61.8%, a decline of 1.5 percentage points. Mercury vapor lamps gave up market share as well declining by 0.5 percentage points to 5.0% for the fourth quarter.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tank Top to Vest Remake
Added Mar 6, 2013
by deChez
Castro Valley, U...
This light-weight vest, or cover-up was fashioned from a flared bottom tank top that was once attached to a blouse. The shoulder seams had to be cut in order to remove it, and I was afraid that creating new shoulder seams would leave the arm holes too small. So in order to work around that, I created a couple of tabs using a similar weight knit fabric from an old dress.
This is one of those things you just have to figure out as you go along…there's not tutorial, or even hard and fast rules for creating it. Details of how I went about this remake can be found at http://www.SewMimi.com
2 Comments Sign in to add a post
Mar 7, 2013, 11.08 AMby asperge11
This is really cute!
Mar 6, 2013, 10.03 PMby Mary Athey
Its lovely x
Add to Favorites 5 people added it


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"Express your inner goofball with this pack of wacky, yet adorable, clown outfits for your EyePet. You've never seen a virtual pet quite like this - EyePet! Supports both 2D and 3D gameplay. Download the new pack today! "
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Read below stories of children who came into this world too early. Their parents share their fears, their challenges and ultimately their comfort in knowing their babies received the very best care in The Medical Center NICU. See how they have grown from so very small and fragile to healthy, active children today.
Garrett & Gracyn
When our twins were born at 32 weeks, we were told they might have to be sent to Nashville due to being born so early. But, they were able to stay at The Medical Center NICU due to their size; Gracyn was 5 lbs. 3 oz. and Garrett was 4 lbs. 13 1/2 oz. The NICU staff was by far the best staff anyone could have asked for to have watching over our gifts from above. As we sat worrying and praying that our babies would be OK, the nurses and doctors were hard at work making everything right for our twins.When we would go into the NICU, the doctors and nurses were always ready to help us with any questions or concerns we had. It was always hard to leave, but at the same time it was always comforting knowing the doctors and nurses were some of the best in the area taking care of our babies 24/7.
Tyler was born 14 weeks early weighing in at 2 lbs. 6 oz. and 15 inches long. He was unable to breathe on his own, and his heart would randomly stop beating. His skin was paper thin and extremely delicate.The doctors told us he had less than a 75% chance of survival, and even then there could be major physical and mental disabilities. Tyler struggled to gain weight and got down to 1 lb. 14 oz. He struggled to breathe when lying on his back and always preferred to sleep on his belly. With the love of great doctors and nurses and his parents who never left his side, Tyler turned the corner and started to improve. After 77 days, Tyler finally got to come home. He is very healthy with no major side effects from being born so premature. It was a long and scary road that you never think you will ever have to go down, but we are all stronger for his time in the NICU.
Addyson & Grace Ann
Grace Ann
Thirty-two weeks into my pregnancy, my twin girls came into this world through an emergency C-section. Grace Ann weighed 1 lb. 8 oz. and Addyson was 3 lbs. 7 oz. Both were put on ventilators to help them breathe, and other health complications were monitored daily. As the days turned into weeks, I found myself feeling more comfortable in the NICU atmosphere thanks to the NICU nurses and staff.After two weeks of only getting to touch my babies through the isolette access ports, they were finally healthy enough for me to hold. This was the moment I'd been praying for. The girls spent a total of 2 1/2 months in the NICU and weighed a little over 4 lbs. when we brought them home. Today, the girls are thriving 3 year olds full of love and laughter. They are in perfect health, and the reason I breathe everyday.
Vayden was born at 34 weeks weighing 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 20 inches long. The minute he was born was the scariest moment in my life. He never cried, and when they handed him to me, he turned blue. They scooped him up and ran him to the NICU. He was put on O2 and a feeding tube. He was very lazy, so he spent a few days on a nasal canula then moved to a hood and C-PAP before coming home. All the nurses took great care of our little man, and we are very thankful!


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Nadia Bongelli has been grooming pets since 2009 and competing since 2012. Her accolades include Barkleigh Honors Up and Coming Groomer of the Year in 2016, Best All Around International Groomer at Intergroom 2017, five Rising Star Gold Medals, Rising Star of the Year award at Intergroom 2016, two Canadian BIS awards and had numerous Open Level placements in Canada and several in the United States. Nadia's proudest moment was being awarded Canadian Groomer of the Year at the very first Canadian Grooming Industry Awards. She is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer with the National Dog Groomers Assoc. of America, Inc. and a certifier with the Intellectual Groomers Association. Her ultimate goal is to represent her country on Groom Team Canada with her peers.
Khris Berry has been involved in the Pet Services industry since the early 1990's. She has owned grooming shops, boarding kennels, and obedience training schools and is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is the co-founder of See Spot Grooming & Daycare which currently operates 3 locations in 2 states. Her vision has led her to create a Groomer - centric company which provides education, a positive work atmosphere, and benefits for all Spots. She owns and competes in a variety of events with Wirehaired Vizslas including dock diving and obedience.
Diane Betelak is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and has owned Heads and Tails Professional Dog Grooming, Inc. in Liverpool, NY since 1982. Diane groomed competitively in the U.S. and abroad and has multiple "Best in Shows" and "Best All-Around Groomer" wins. She qualified for the "GroomTeam USA" traveling team in 1996 and went to Milan, Italy where she won "Best in Show" with her Standard Poodle. Officially retired from active competition Diane is an International Grooming Consultant for The Andis Company. She has been a speaker and has judged all major grooming shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. Diane is also a certifier for N.D.G.A.A. Diane was the recipient of the Cardinal Crystal Award for American Groomer of the Year in 1997 and Crystal Award for Grooming competition Judge of the Year in 2011.
Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, ICMG, is the owner and Master Groomer at Love Fur Dogs in Glencoe, Illinois. Named by the Chicago Tribune as the "Best Groomer in Chicagoland", Jennifer can be seen this fall 2018 on the Hulu Network national television program Small Business Revolution (Season Three) as a Grooming Expert. Jennifer founded the Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association and has been grooming, breeding, and showing various breeds of dogs and cats for four decades. She authored several published articles on various grooming issues, and has an award-winning blog. Jennifer was one of the first generation of "CMGs" but spent most of her career as a professional educator teaching high school, college, and also in vocational grooming schools. Jennifer and husband Bill are nationally prominent victim advocates, and love the fun they have showing their newest Grand Champion Miniature Poodle "Bowie".
Dave Campanella is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist and genuine grooming enthusiast. He is Best Shot Pet Products sales and marketing director and has over 25 years of pet industry knowledge and experience. He and his wife Tracy co-owned a full service pet salon and self-wash in Ohio prior to relocating with Best Shot to Kentucky. Together they enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors and showing their Kerry Blue Terrier and Samoyed dogs.
Amy Castro is a communication, customer service and management expert, speaker, author, and animal advocate. She holds Master's Degree in Communication Studies/Human Communication Theory and is Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). Amy is also the author of the books "Practical Communication," and "The Secrets of Effective Leadership Communication." Amy's passion for working with animals started when she worked for a veterinarian/boarding kennel/groomer, and she's been an active shelter volunteer and foster for many years and has personally fostered more than 500 abandoned pets. In 2017, she started Starlight Outreach and Rescue, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to helping Houston area animal shelters provide resources for pets in need.
Multi-award winning creative stylist and instructor, Lori Craig has placed in almost every creative competition she has entered. She is best known for her "Lion King" design, which was undefeated and garnered her a Barkleigh Honors Award. Lori's work has been featured on The Today Show, TLC, Regis and Kellie, ABC Nightline and on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine. Lori has owned Doggie Styles in Moore, Oklahoma for thirteen years and is Vice President and certifier for the National Society of Creative Stylists. Lori is also working with the Creative Groomers Association to help educate and promote creative styling worldwide.
Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant) is host of two nationally syndicated radio shows and is on WGN Radio, Chicago. He's an editor of Decoding Your Dog, authored by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. He's write for various publications including Veterinary Practice News, CATSTER, PetVet and the Journal of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. He's appeared in People magazine to USA Today. His numerous TV appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, National Geographic Explorer and various Animal Planet shows. He serves on the Boards of Directors of the Human Animal Bond Association and Winn Feline Foundation.
Jonathan David has been the recipient of multiple scissoring awards, multiple Best All Around Groomer awards and Best in Show earning him a position on Groomteam USA in 2008 and 2009. Jonathan was also a contestant on Animal Planets "Groomer Has It" and has been featured as a grooming expert on multiple television shows. Currently, Jonathan owns and operates his salon, Lap of Luxury Dog Spa in Delray Beach Florida and is a board member of multiple dog clubs.
An industry veteran, Teri has owned and operated successful salons and mobiles in Florida and California. A winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of three groomteam USA Gold Medal teams. A multiple Barkleigh Honors and Cardinal Crystal Award winner, Teri is a regular columnist for Groomer to Groomer Magazine as well as a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows across the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Michell Evans is a milti-Best in Show and Best All Around winning groomer and a Certified Master Groomer through National Dog Groomers Association of America. She is the proud recipient of the Barkleigh Honors Awards for "Competitive Groomer of the Year" Award 2011, "Up and Coming Judge of the Year" 2013, "Contribution to the Industry" 2014 and "Journalist of the Year" 2016. Michell was a GroomTeam USA member 2009-2013. She was the hand stripping member of the Silver Medal Winning team in Belgium in 2011 and the Gold Medal Winning team in Spain in 2013. Her business "The Grooming Tutor" has been educating groomers since 2000.
Dr. Cliff Faver, a 1987 graduate of CSU, is the founder/owner of Animal Health Services (7 doctors, 4 groomers, 50 employees) in Cave Creek, Arizona. He is the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products. He uses the two businesses as a means of merging the grooming and veterinary professions to pursue his life's passion of healing and helping pets. Dr. Faver is an international speaker and teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program. He is a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, a sponsor for the CPPGA, a Board member for the Burbank Kennel Club, and previously served on the Novartis Lead Committee (with top dermatologists from USA), Hill's International Global Veterinary Board, and is still active in a Veterinary Management Group.
Dara Forleo attended Nash Academy in Lexington, KY, and upon completion of the Nash Program, earned her BA for Business Management from Ottawa University. Over the last 11 years, Dara has built a state of the art facility called Dara's Paw Spaw and The Whole Pet Grooming Academy, which has earned recognition from the community and her devoted following of clients. Dara provides students coming to the academy with the best equipment, products and curriculum, unlike any other offered in the country. Dara believes that training is not just about producing a beautiful groom today, it is about the long-term well-being of the groomer, the pet, the customer and the business.
Danelle German, CFMG, CFCG, founder and president of the national cat groomers institute of America and the world's first feline-exclusive grooming school, speaks worldwide on a wide variety of cat grooming topics. Danelle has authored books, study guides, certification standards, and articles for various publications and is the inventor of the Catty Shack Vac™ drying system as well as Chubbs Bars Shampoo for pets.
Jennifer Greene, CVT is a certified veterinary technician with over 10 years of experience in small animal practice and over 12 years in the veterinary sales industry. Jennifer joined Pet King Brands in 2011. Along with her technical experience, she has gained a great deal of experience in client education and provides insight on how to recognize and give recommendations to manage infections of ears and skin. Jennifer enjoys helping others to improve the health of pets. When Jennifer is not working she enjoys spending time with her dogs and cat and riding with her husband on their two horses they rescued.
Terrie Hayward holds a Master's degree in Bilingual Special Education and is a Faculty Member of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), a KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP), and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Additionally, she is also certified in Canine Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and is an Associate Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Terrie is a member of the Pet Professional Guild, and has written articles on training for BARKS magazine, Pet Business, and Grooming Business magazine and is the author of the pocket guide to working with deaf dogs: A Deaf Dog Joins the Family. She is also the co-author of a "soon to be released" book on low stress Grooming!
Laura Civello Hearn's first job was at a veterinary clinic and she discovered that she fainted at the sight of blood. She moved to Petco to "make dogs pretty" and graduated from the academy in 2007. She has since worked in a variety of grooming settings including a corporate salon, doggie day care, and as an employee of a mobile grooming company. In 2011 she started her house-call grooming business, Lazy Daisy Mobile Grooming in Texas. In 2013 she started giving educational seminars about house-call grooming. She wrote and self-published her first book, "A Practical Guide to House-call Grooming" in 2017 which was nominated for Barkeligh Honor Awards "Book of the Year" for 2018. Laura has since relocated to New York. She lives with her husband, Gentry, two dogs, Lilli and Lucky, and Bob the cat!
Barb Hoover has been in the grooming industry for 28 years and is certified with the National Dog Groomers Association of America. She owns the Groomers Lounge website, www.groomers.net. Barb won the David Salzberg Cardinal Crystal Award in 2007 and the Groomers Lounge was nominated for a Barkleigh Honor in 2011.
Judy owns Groomingtails mobile pet grooming in Nashville, Tennessee, a mobile business. Judy has multiple best in shows and best all-around groomer awards is one of Groomteam USA's top 10 groomers for four years. In 2002 she received the Sybil trophy for the most harmonious relationship with her dogs. Judy is an ambassador for Jarden consumer solutions, manufacturer of Oster professional products and Hydrosurge products.
Kelly is a National Certified Master Groomer, who has been grooming for over 20 years. She started competing in 2009 and won the 2010 Rising Star of the Year, while making GroomTeam USA top 10. This year, she made the top five. Kelly is also known for her exquisite work with creative abstract design, where she has multiple wins. She is the owner of Goin' to the Dogs in Cleveland, TN.
Internationally renowned creative stylist and instructor, Angela Kumpe has more placements in creative styling than anyone, worldwide. She won the first ever Barkleigh Honors Award for Creative Competitor. She is the author of A Creative Collection, a step-by-step guide to creative styling. Angela's work has been featured on Animal Planet, TLC, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and ABC Nightline as well as in The New York Times and on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine. Angela is the owner of Angela's Grooming and Pet Spa in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Yuna Liang is the CEO and founder of Yuna Grooming Education Center in Taiwan. She is a Wahl Educator and has been the Asian Representative Since 2017. Yuna is the author of "Five Lessons for Pet Groomers", which spent 40 weeks on the top selling book list in 2017, and has been a columnist for Taiwan Animal News since 2013. Her professional highlights include the 2018 Wahl Education tour in China, 2018 Chief Judge for Taiwan Kennel Association (TKA), 2016-17 Judge for NGKC Groomer Contests, Top 10 World Groomer at SuperZoo Jetpot Competition in 2014, as well as many other awards in Asia Grooming Contests from 2006-2012.
Shannon Moore is a Certified Master Groomer for NDGAA as well as IPG. She owns, breeds and handles Bichon Frise's in addition to her recognition for one of the top breeders of Yorkshire Terriers. She founded and owns Pink Paw Pet Spa & Resort in Birmingham AL. Shannon is an active competitive groomer.
Kelly has been grooming for 16 years and has a Bachelor's degree from UMass Amherst in Animal Science. She is currently an active board member for the N.E.P.G.P (New England Pet Grooming Professionals), is working on her N.D.G.A.A. Master Groomer certification and enjoys the creative grooming competitive circuit. Kelly started off her career helping a local rescue shelter groom dogs in need of their forever homes. She found that she loved the feeling of being able to help a pet in need. It is this need that drives her desire for continued education, while sharing what she has learned with the greater grooming community.
Jodi, NCMG and MPS, Meritus, owns the Puppy Spa Mobile Grooming Salon in New Jersey. Jodi was a four-year member of Groom Team USA and ended the 2004 season as #1 team member. She won Best American Groomer in 2005 and 2006 at Intergroom, and in 2006 she won the World Championship title in the Oster Invitational Tournament of Champions. Jodi has also won gold and bronze medals in 2005 in Barcelona Spain and a gold medal in 2007 in Milan Italy. Jodi has produced an instructional DVD Series for all levels of grooming, designed her own line of grooming apparel for groomers which is made in the USA, and written top selling grooming books.
Mackensie has been a member of GroomTeam USA for 7 consecutive years. Over the past 6 years she has ranked among the top 3 competitive groomers in the country boasting multiple Best in Show and Best All Around competitor awards. She is also an impressive 6 time winner of the prestigious Liz Paul Memorial best scissored poodle Award and has been featured on multiple covers of Groomer to Groomer magazine and other industry publications. She has spent the last several years educating groomers all over the globe with seminars and private lessons and recently began judging international. Mackensie has earned her way onto three consecutive GroomTeam USA travel teams. In 2015 she took an American cocker spaniel to Italy with the team where they brought home a silver medal. In 2017 in Belgium with the same breed and a dream team, she placed 1st over all in sporting out of 22 countries and assisted the team in bringing home the gold medal. February of 2020 she will traveling with the same team to the south of France where she again will be representing the USA with an American cocker.
Cindy Oliver is an award-winning Pet stylist in Breed Profile and Creative Grooming. Her specialty is extreme creative styling and creative abstract design. Cindy is owner/groomer of The Rollin' Doghouse Mobile Pet Grooming in Cleveland, Tn. She has 21 years of grooming experience, and has been mobile for 12 years. She started competing in breed profile and creative in 2009.
Owner of Pawsitively Pretty Mobile Grooming Salon in Danbury, Connecticut, Mary is a Certified Master Pet Tech Instructor. Mary takes a holistic approach to handling animals and holds the titles of Reiki Master and Certified Crystal Therapist. The East Coast Chair of the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America, she is also a member of New England Pet Grooming Professionals, and is a Certified Canine Specialist with PIJAC. She was nominated for the Cardinal Crystal Mobile Groomer of the Year in 2011. She is the founder of Pawsitive Educational Training. Mary writes for Groomer to Groomer and Egroomer, as well as a Groomwise Pet First Aid and Care blog.
Julie owns Best In Show Pet Salon in Gloucester MA and has been in the Grooming world since 1994. Since Graduating Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute's Grooming and Kennel Management program she has worked in many different venues including Schutzhund, Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Breed conformation and of course Grooming. Julie has won Multiple Best Groomed Dog and Best All Around awards over the years, was ranked in the top 10 on Groom team USA for multiple years from 2003 on, and qualified to compete in Milan Italy in 2007. Julie has always had a passion for Poodles and is very active in the Conformation ring showing many Toy, Mini and Standard Poodles to their AKC Championships.
Lynn Paolillo has been grooming both dogs and cats for over 10 years. The last 5 have been dedicated to working as an instructor and certifier with the National Cat Groomers Institute of America, Inc. teaching cat grooming students from around the globe. She also owns and operates Cat Naps Cattery, a feline-exclusive boarding and grooming business in New Jersey.
Christina is a certified master dog groomer (NDGAA), certified feline master groomers (CFMG), breeder of poodles and Brussels griffons was a professional handler for over 15 years finishing many different breeds to their championships. She has owned the pet connection in warren, Ohio since 1985. She won the first ever Barkleigh honors award for speaker of the year. She has won multiple best all-around and best groomed dog in show. Was on groomteam USA three different years. After winning the Oster international invitational tournament of champions in 1995, she retired from competitive grooming. With exception of being invited to and winning the les pooch poodle challenge 2008. She now works for Jarden consumer solutions/manufacturer of Oster professional products as their national training manager.
Jill Pipino started grooming in 2000. She bought a turnkey operation, turning it into a successful business offering her clients everything from daycare to spa services and personality trims to show styles. She began regularly attending seminars and trade shows at the beginning of her career, and started competing in 2007. She has been a regular in the competition circuit ever since. In an effort to further her understanding of pet styling, she has trained privately with top stylists and breeders. She also works with breeders and handlers at dog shows and is looking forward to showing her field spaniel, Brucie.
Adriane Pope is an award-winning Pet stylist in Breed Profile and Creative Grooming. Her specialty is extreme creative styling and creative abstract design. Adriane is owner/groomer of Adriane's Groom and Go Mobile Grooming in Conway, SC., and also the owner of Rivertown Bed and Biscuit Luxury Kennel since 2004. She has 24 years of grooming experience, and has been mobile for 22 years. She started competing in breed profile in 1997 and started the creative world in 2004.
Kathryn Primm, DVM is the owner and founder of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee. She also enjoys writing, speaking to and engaging veterinary professionals and pet lovers. She has written and contributed content to many outlets, including magazines like Woman's Day, Prevention and Health as well as Veterinary Economics, dvm360, Firstline, Vetted and dvm360.com. Her regular "Ask A Vet" column is featured on iheartdogs.com and iheartcats.com, reaching more than 3 million viewers. Dr. Primm was also the nation's first Fear Free sm Certified Professional and is the Module Chair for a second level of certification for Fear Free.
Cheryl A Purcell Nationally Certified Master Groomer: groomteam USA Member from 2002 to 2007. Cheryl retired in 2010 to become the groomteam USA Coordinator from 2011-2014, She captained the 2013 Gold World Grooming Champion Travel Team. In addition to being a five time Cardinal Crystal nominee and a Barkleigh Honors Awards nominee. Cheryl and her dog River where the 2014 Kerry Blue Terrier BOB at Westminster. Cheryl is a sought after Lecturer, Judge and Mentor. Cheryl owns and operates Pooch Paws Pet Grooming with her husband Ron, in Hanover MA.
With 26 years of experience in professional grooming and extensive experience in grooming and conformation, Victor Rosado is a National Certified Master Groomer with NDGAA, International Certified Master Groomer and is a certifier with IPG, as well as a Grooming Contest Judge and a Licensed All Breeds Conformation Judge for FCPR/FCI. As a competitive groomer, Victor Rosado is a multiple Best All Around and Best In Show winner and one of the top groomers listed in the Groom Team USA ranking for United States of America. Victor is a member of American Spaniel Club, an AKC Breeder of Merit, and an exhibitor of American Cocker Spaniels for 20 years with multiple Best In Show and Best In Specialty Shows wins. Victor is also an Oster Ambassador in Latin America and owner of Davis Puerto Rico.
Dr. Sanson studied at the University of Missouri, Columbia and obtained a doctorate in Organic Chemistry. He is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemistry and has been developing animal grooming products - from shampoos to leave-on cologne sprays - for the professional and consumer markets. As an avid animal lover, he doesn't develop any products that he would not use on his own pets.
Jay and his wife, Michelle, own Here Comes the Groom, a highly successful mobile grooming salon in Germantown, Tennessee. Jay has won multiple Best in Show and Best All-Around Groomer awards and helped Groomteam USA win the Gold medal in Calgary, Canada, in 2001. Jay was named American Groomer of the Year in 2001, Groomer of the Year Award at Westminster Dog Show in 2002, and Grooming Judge of the Year in 2004. In 2003 Jay won an International Gold and Bronze medal in Barcelona, Spain, helping groomteam USA win the silver team medal. He and Sue Zecco offer seminars nationally. Jay won a Barkleigh Honors Award at the event that he emceed.
Susan has been grooming dogs and cats for over forty years and has taught grooming for fifteen years. Her first love of dogs began very young while on the television set of Rin Tin Tin and then in her teens on the set of Hogan's Heroes. Like many groomers, Susan turned a "hobby" into her life work. Her career began with showing and grooming her own dogs, progressed to showing and grooming for others as a Certified Professional Handler and, in 1997, Susan turned in her show leash for a judge's book. She now judges breeds in five groups and has judged grooming competitions. Susan is presently an AKC Delegate for the Black Russian Terrier Club of America, where she holds the office of Recording Secretary and serves as Chairman of the Judges Education Committee.
Gina is a Certified Master Pet Stylist, Meritus, and has been grooming for 30 years. She is an ISCC educator and consultant as well as an award-winning pet grooming competitor. Gina has owned both pet salons and six mobile platforms. She trains, shows, and handles champion Black and Tan Coonhounds. Gina is a certified judge.
Patsy began her pet styling career in 1978, while showing Miniature Poodles. After finishing college, she worked in various parts of the industry, including veterinary clinics, small and large salons, including corporate. In 1995 she opened her own grooming salon, which has evolved into two salons and 2 mobile units. Patsy makes mobile grooming easy to understand for the beginner and seasoned groomers alike. Patsy is a lifetime member of ISCC and accomplished multi-award-winning pet stylist.
Colin Taylor, author of 'What Would Colin Do? 101 Situations and Solutions for Every Dog Groomer' and founder of the Colin Taylor Academy is an international multi-award winning groomer, who has been in the industry for 30 years. After more than 20 years of grooming in the US, Colin has returned to the UK to continue his career. His aim is to bring the same level of excitement and energy to the dog grooming industry worldwide. Colin is also an international judge and speaker and runs and manages Master Groom Dog Grooming Contest.
Annette Uda is the founder of PetAirapy, the animal care industry's leading manufacturer of UV surface and air sanitation equipment. Annette has a passion for animal health and educating animal care providers on reliable, non-toxic ways to create clean, healthy environments for your animal clients and your staff that are protected from airborne pathogens, infectious disease, and noxious VOCs. In 2018, PetAirapy launched FreshAirapy, its natural, non-toxic line of products for targeted, immediate odor control specifically for the animal care industry.
Bella Vasta is the dynamic personality behind Jump Consulting. After starting her pet sitting company while attending college at Arizona State University, she went full speed ahead growing her business to become nationally and locally award winning, boasting with employees. Throughout the years, Bella has been known to blaze her own trail through the pet industry, carving out a path that many have followed. She has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Huffington Post, NBC, ABC, FOX, NPR, and more. Bella sold her pet sitting business for over six figures, and now lives out her passion to inspire, motivate, and challenge business owners through her coaching, consulting, speaking, and podcast.
Melissa has over 30 years of experience in the pet grooming industry. Her mastery of grooming techniques won her a place on Groomteam USA, and later she became Groomteam coordinator and a member of the board. Melissa is an industry speaker, author, Barkleigh honors nominee, two-time cardinal crystal achievement award winner, and contest grooming judge. She operated a fleet of mobile grooming units, a grooming salon, and the Paragon School Of Pet Grooming, Inc. In Jenison, Michigan. She is the founder of White Dog Enterprises Inc., which publishes notes from the grooming table, the theory of five, and core skill method training dvds geared for the professional pet groomer.
Daniel J. Williams is the managing director of EZ-Groom Pet Products Inc. in Oak Park, Michigan, U.S.A. He holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, earned a master's degree in business administration from Baker College, and has completed the University of Chicago Advanced Leadership program. He has authored numerous articles on cosmetics, and metallurgy as it relates to pet grooming shears. Dan has designed and engineered a number of manufacturing projects at metal-making factories in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Over the past 22 years, Dan has served as president and CEO of three small closely held organizations where he managed a number of mergers and acquisitions. Dan has worked with EZ-Groom since 2002.
Coming from the accounting world, Brett now owns, operates, and manages Northwest Indiana's largest grooming operation. With 3 mobile grooming vans, a fully staffed grooming salon with a vast array of retail, a successful distribution business, and most recently the purchase of GroomSouth, Smoochie Pooch is quickly catching people's eyes. Brett joins us to share his expertise on what it takes to your grow your business into an empire.
Olga is a certified master groomer and owns two grooming salons, Elite Pet Spa & Boutique in Madison, NJ and Grooming Gallery in Morris Plains, NJ. She that has multiple BIS and best all-around groomer wins as well as two prestigious winners circle champion titles. Olga is 2009 and 2010 American groomer of the year by cardinal pet, and was awarded the Lynne Carver memorial award as best all-around stylist 2009. Olga was born in Russia where she had a master degree in engineering and finished law school. Olga is groom team USA member in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and won silver medal at the world grooming competition in Belgium, 2011 as a part of traveling groom team usa. She received the inaugural Barkleigh honors award for up-and-coming speaker. Olga co-hosts many pet fundraising events
Sue is a 2011 Barkleigh Honors Award winner. She is a Certified Master Groomer with both the National Dog Groomers Association (NDGAA) and the International Professional Groomers (IPG). She has been grooming for over 30 years. She has won multiple grooming awards, including her biggest show accomplishments: 1998 International Groomer of the Year and 1999 Oster Invitational Tournaments Grand Champion. Sue has been a member of GroomTeam USA since 1997 and broke all records in 1999, earning 113 points. She is also a Wahl Clipper Corporation spokesperson. With Jay Scruggs, she conducts a series of full-day seminars called Super Styling Sessions. Sue breeds Standard Poodles under the "Dreamcatcher" prefix.


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In a silly publicity stunt by the Comedy Channel, a small village in the UK was renamed after American Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher for one day.
All of the road signs in the village were sneakily changed overnight to say "Ashton Kutcher" rather than "Ashton-Under-Hill". Flower beds also sprung up overnight spelling his name. The stunt will bring publicity for Kutcher's appearence in the new series of the American television sit-com Two and a Half Men. The show premiered in Britain on February 27th.
The village pub was renamed the "Ashton Kutcher Arms" for the day and a bronze statue of the actor appeared in the center of the village.
One elderly lady interviewed for the stunt was not pleased by the change, She said "I've been a resident here for 35 years, never heard of Ashton Ku…Kushner, never heard of two point five men, don't know who they are."
Bill Griffin from Comedy Central said: "The stunt was genuinely meant in good humour and if any of the locals from Ashton Under-Hill were amused, bemused or in any way inconvenienced I'll stand them a drink at The Starr Inn or as we like to call it the Ashton Kutcher Arms."


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
Reviewed at the 2011 New York Film Festival
Jeffrey Schwarz's Vito does not start promisingly--the structure is staggeringly standard, opening with a sweeping pre-title montage assuring us of the importance of the subject before proceeding into a cradle-to-the-grave, A-followed-B-followed-C biographical portrait. But the story being told sweeps us in so quickly and confidently that we quickly forget the predictable way in which it's being told; when you've got a subject this compelling, they style doesn't have to blow our minds.
That subject is Vito Russo--"first and foremost," one of those pre-title talking heads announces, "an activist." Among gay activists, he is remembered for his crucial involvement in the Gay Activists Alliance and GLAAD (which he co-founded); among film fans, he is the rock star who wrote The Celluloid Closet, the invaluable 1981 mediation on homosexual representation in cinema history.
Vito's early years are dramatized via terrific archival footage that serves as a crash course in the history of the gay rights movement and how it shook mainstream culture. The familiar milestones are marked (Stonewall), along with lesser-known moments (the GAA "zap" demonstration at the office of a New York County Clerk who announced his distaste for gay marriage--a few decades before its time) and the slow fusing of Vito's two loves--activism and cinema--with his "movie nights" of rarely screened musicals, dramas, and camp classics.
Much of the footage really is astonishing, beautifully cut and smoothly incorporated (the picture moves quickly and nimbly), often to help show rather than tell--as with the incredible black and white video of a 1973 gay rights rally, which serves to illustrate the fracturing and splintering of the movement. As those drifts occurred, Russo grew more obsessed with his work at the archives of the Museum of Modern Art's film department, where he began finding forgotten images of homosexuality in classic cinema, becoming "a Sherlock Holmes, on this detective journey."
The strong middle section details how he researched and assembled The Celluloid Closet, first as a multimedia presentation, then as the bestselling book. The details of the book's impact, and his rise as are cultural commentator, are fascinating; so are the clips from the films in question, though Schawrz unwisely repeats much of the material we've already seen in the outstanding 1995 documentary adaptation of the book.
Vito's third act gets more personal, first with the story of his love affair with Jeffrey Sevcik, then with the sudden and terrifying appearance on the scene of AIDS (first known as GRID, or "the gay pneumonia," or "the gay cancer") and the subsequent panic as Russo watched his friends dropping like flies--followed by the rage over a hidebound far-right government that refused to acknowledge the epidemic, much less address it. Kramer had been a gay rights activist, and now he transitioned into an AIDS activist. "People are dying of homophobia," he fumed. "People are dying of Jesse Helms. They're dying of Ronald Reagan."
Russo, of course, had a personal stake in the matter. Sevcik succumbed to the disease in 1986, by which time Russo had tested positive as well, and he spent the last four years of his life raging against the FDA (for overpriced and/or unavailable medication), the New York Post (for fear and hate-mongering AIDS stories), and other worthwhile targets.
His is an enormously inspiring story--one that is not often told. The ACT UP demonstrations are given ample screen time (and lent the power of rousing music and razor-sharp cutting), and for good reason; these were demonstrations that got results, that changed things, that made an impression. Late in Vito, the filmmakers show Russo speaking at a big, important rally, and Scwarz goes to great pains to fill in the backstory: Russo was sick, was weak, was for all practical purposes dying. But he went to that microphone, and he rallied the troops. Watch that scene without misting up. I dare you.
Jason lives in New York. He holds an MA in Cultural Reporting and Criticism from NYU.


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Getting Back to Normal
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
My doctor says I am done treatment and can get back to normal! I don�t feel normal at all! When will I feel like my old self again?
Neal Niznan, MSW, LCSW, Social Worker in the Radiation Oncology Department at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, responds:
This is a very common feeling for many women after treatment, �When will my life get back to normal?� The breast cancer experience is a life changing event both physically and emotionally. You may not feel that you will ever be �normal� again. It might benefit you to realistically look at what has changed about your life and try to incorporate these changes into a �new� view of how you see yourself. A difficult part of this process is to see possible positive things about your life that have come as a result of breast cancer. Maybe you learned something new about yourself, a strength you never new you had. Give yourself time with this process. Talking with a counselor is always helpful in processing your thoughts and feelings.
The End of the Journey article may also be helpful to you.
This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series, Understanding Breast Cancer Supportive Care Issues View the entire transcript.


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Former Blackpool midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre joins Caykur Rizespor
Former Blackpool midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre has joined Turkish club Caykur Rizespor on a free transfer.
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo
Last Updated: 28/06/13 10:08am
Sylvestre turned down a new deal at Blackpool this summer after seeing his contract expire at the end of last season.
A number of English clubs are thought to have expressed an interest in signing Sylvestre, but the 29-year-old has opted to move to Turkey.
Sylvestre has signed a three-year deal at Rizespor after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
News of Sylvestre's departure is a blow for Blackpool boss Paul Ince as the former Barcelona man had established himself as a key player in his side.


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I have stated this before, but it deserves repeating.
I am 50. My friend and senior, Sensei Pat Nakata, has practiced Karate since I was born. Our friend and senior, Sensei Bobby Lowe, has practiced Karate since Nakata Sensei was born.
When we get together to practice or for lunch, I am always overwhelmed by this generational reality. When I was born, Nakata Sensei started learning Karate. When Nakata Sensei was born, Lowe Sensei started learning Karate.
How can I consider myself in the same breath as such seniors? Of course, I cannot! I am just happy and honored to be in the same room and restaurant! I am honored to be able to pour their tea.
Don't get me wrong. I do not worship my seniors. I respect them.
Nakata Sensei learned from Sensei Chosin Chibana. Lowe Sensei learned from Sensei Masutatsu Oyama. They have the greatest respect for their Sensei.
Through our exposure to our seniors, we learn how to be good Karate students and better people. They do not only teach us techniques and applications, they teach us how to be.
I am sure that you have your own seniors who have inspired and guided your Karate training. One day you will become the senior -- perhaps you already are.
Sometimes we are too focused on success. How is success in Karate measured? By rank, titles, awards, tournament victories, the number of students an instructor has?
As for me, I look to the maturity and wisdom of a Karate senior, to his contributions to the art, to the students he has raised and inspired, to the strength of his character, and to his ability.
Charles C. Goodin
Training Since I Was Born
I have stated this before, but it deserves repeating.
Things Not to Say
If an older Karate instructor (you can use your own value as to what is older) asks you to guess what rank he is, you should not say...
- Green belt
- Shodan-ho
- Too high
- Oh, do you practice Karate?
- Oh, were you promoted again?
- Can you be higher than 10th dan?
Karate is training, in the dojo and in daily life.
Charles C. Goodin
An Inspiration (Overcoming Cancer)
Yesterday (Thursday), I had the pleasure of meeting a woman who had come to Hawaii for surgery to remove breast cancer. Having read my posts about my wife's experiences with breast cancer and treatment, she had contacted me, and I invited her to meet my wife and me.
This woman has already undergone surgery and faces chemotherapy, radiation, additional surgery, and other treatments, very much like my wife has done. She is also a very active Karate student (I use that term generally to include students and instructors) and really wants to resume training as soon as possible. I could tell that she missed her dojo very much, even as she is still healing from surgery.
Think about it. Some of us complain about little aches and pains. There are always many reasons why we might miss class. We are so busy. There are so many family matters. We have work to do. We need to study for tests. Our knees and backs are sore. We are just tired. The weather is bad.
This woman is still healing from surgery and faces treatment that will be extremely challenging to put it very mildly. And she wants to practice Karate.
I am rarely impressed by people in Karate, and even more rarely impressed on a deep level. But yesterday I was. I still am.
To see a person who loves Karate so much is truly humbling. The students and instructors in her dojo are truly fortunate. I am sure that she would say that they have inspired her.
I, for one, am inspired by her.
Exactly when a person undergoing medical treatment should resume Karate training is up to her physician and her. I cannot say, although I would encourage people to give themselves time to heal fully. In my wife's case, I do not want her to resume Karate training until her mediport is removed. That is a device put under the skin below the collarbone area, which allows easier access for intravenous drugs, such as chemotherapy and Herceptin. I do not want my wife to practice Karate while she has the mediport (because it might be hit or twisted), but that is just our own decision.
Now I have met two Karate women who have been faced with breast cancer. I know that there are so many more in the United States and around the world. I believe that the discipline and conditioning of Karate training makes it easier for women to face the challenges of breast cancer surgery and treatment. These two woman, my wife and our visitor, are certainly much stronger than me.
The next time you feel too tired or busy to train, or your students complain about little things, please think about the people who overcome great challenges, and among all the great concerns in their life such as their own health, family, and work, still have a burning desire to practice Karate. That is a real student and an inspiration!
Charles C. Goodin
Non-Violent Attitude
We often say that Karate should be used as a "last resort." This means that if there is a way to avoid a fight, we should do so. Only when it is necessary to protect ourselves or others should we use the techniques of Karate.
Some people might think that this is overly restrictive. What if someone is trying to steal your car? What if someone is calling you names? There are many instances when a person might want to fight or fight back.
But senior Karate instructors realize that the use of Karate could easily result in serious injury or death. Would you want to cripple or kill someone over your car or being called names? Certainly not! Only when your life, or the lives of others are at stake, should Karate be used. And there is always a chance that you yourself could be seriously injured or killed. This is why Karate is thought of as a last resort.
Sometime you might find a student who will say this outwardly but is almost looking for a fight. He will not start the fight, but is more than ready for it. "If that guy touches me I am going to beat his... butt!" Such a student is a fight waiting to happen.
Students should have a non-violent attitude. They should not be looking for a fight, or for an excuse to have a fight. They should not be waiting for someone else to "start it" so that they will be entitled to use Karate.
The attitude of a Karate student should always be negative -- "don't fight, don't fight, don't fight." With such an attitude, the student will look for excuses not to fight. Only when there are no other options with the student use the techniques of Karate, and then only to the extent necessary.
With a violent student, once the lid is removed from the jar it is difficult to put it back. One punch might have worked but a dozen just "happened?"
A non-violent student will be looking for opportunities to escape, to disengage from the violent situation. He will be looking for ways to get his loved ones to safety, not to teach the attacker a lesson.
This may sound very passive and weak. Please don't get me wrong. I believe that there are times to "unleash the beast." When it really is the last resort, a person must do whatever is necessary to protect his life and the lives of others. Until that point is reached however, a person should do whatever possible to avoid the use of Karate techniques.
Actually, avoidance and escape are Karate techniques. In that regard, Karate is used all the time. However, when it comes to the destructive aspects of Karate, they should only be used as a last resort.
Students should be taught to look for ways to avoid fights, not for excuses to engage in them and claim that they only reacted when provoked. Students should be taught to have a non-violent attitude.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Wednesday, May 28, 2008
How Much For Shodan?
Shodan is a right of passage in many Karate dojo. Along with the belt and certificate (and recognition), there might also come a bill. How much should a Shodan cost?
My answer might surprise you. A Shodan should cost whatever the Sensei and student agree. As long as they agree, any price is OK. Some Sensei might charge several hundred dollars (or more) and others might charge nothing at all. The value of the Shodan is not based on its cost in dollars.
Can you imagine a student who says that he really wants to learn Karate. So the instructor says, "In that case, your Shodan will cost more!"
The value of the Shodan (belt) is not based on its cost in dollars -- it is based on the sweat and hard work that the student puts in to earn that rank! In fact, the cost in terms of effort is always much greater than the cost in terms of dollars.
But I want to repeat, as long as the Sensei and student agree on a price, it is OK. Problems result when expectations are not clear and fairly applied.
If a student complains to me about how much a belt costs, I would say, "Then why did you pay it?" The student was not forced. I assume that he knew about the cost when he was training. If the student agrees, fine. If not, then perhaps he should train somewhere else.
For me, costs are a necessary evil in Karate. Sensei have to pay expenses. Many fine Sensei I know make no money at all teaching Karate. In fact, many spend their own money to pay for the dojo expenses.
Charging for rank is common and I have no problem with it. In my own dojo, I do not do so, but we are strictly non-profit and I do not teach for a living. I make a living as an attorney and teach and practice Karate for enjoyment. So I don't need to charge for promotions in order to defray dojo expenses. I am very fortunate in this regard.
But if I did have to charge, I would make a schedule and distribute it to the students. That way they would know and there would be no surprises.
Some people think that I am very traditional because I do not charge for any ranks. But then my good friend does not give any ranks at all. I am so modern compared to him!
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
One Kata
When I work with an advanced student, I will typically concentrate on one kata, sometimes for several weeks. Knowing many kata has very little value in our dojo. It is nice to know "all" the kata, but we do not participate in tournaments and are not tested by strangers or visitors. We learn and practice kata for the information contained in the kata and the opportunities they present.
Kata, to us, are useful things. If they do not have a use, there is no need to learn or practice them.
Of course, in the beginning it is very difficult to understand what a kata means, what opportunities are presented, and the value of the kata. At first, the kata must be learned step by step.
In the beginning, the kata is like a model of something. It is like a sculpture or a wireframe. It is just a copy of a living thing. The pieces are there and they fit together in some order, but it is just an imitation.
I work with an advanced student on a certain kata because I am trying to help him to turn it on, to activate the kata. Then the kata will be a living thing for the student, and will start to show things to the student on its own. The kata will not be just a copy -- it will be the real thing.
This may sound a little crazy. For most people, a kata is just a kata. That is fine if that is what the student wants. Some students are content to just collect kata -- as soon as one is learned it is time to learn another.
But it is extremely hard to use such a shallow kata. If someone attacks you, kata will be kata the farthest thing from your mind. There will be no time for kata.
But if your kata has come alive, you body will just react, the movements will be natural and a matter of reflex.
I really enjoy the Passai kata (a Tomari version). When I practice Passai, I think, "Who could have developed such a beautiful kata?"
When I practice Passai, I begin to understand the movements of other kata. Passai infects my understanding and performance of other kata. Naihanchi does the same. Each kata influences the other.
Kata are such fine Sensei. You do not need too many!
Learn one kata well. Practice it until it becomes a real, living thing (to you).
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Being Contacted & Titles
Sometimes I am contacted by the student of a senior instructor who is making an inquiry on his instructor's behalf. Generally, I do not like to deal with students because I feel that an instructor can contact me directly. Of course, if there is a language issue I would understand.
But what gets me is that sometimes the student is so full of titles when referring to his instructor. It is almost like the instructor has taken on superhuman status. The student might refer to his "grandmaster," or "hanshi," or "soke," or "supreme grandmaster, soke, hanshi, 10th dan, great light unto the world."
It really gets me.
When I hear about Anko Itosu, I always hear him referred to as "Itosu Sensei." I have even heard of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju-Ryu, referred to as "Chojun Sensei." Have you ever heard of Sokon Matsumura referred to as "Grandmaster"?
Why is it that living people covet such titles, and why is that students take such titles so seriously? Perhaps the instructor forces to the students to use the titles, or else!
We all live, get old, get sick, have jobs, have parents, have children, etc. We are all people. Karate training should help up to become our best. Titles are unnecessary for a real instructor and not helpful for a poor or fake one.
I feel that we should not show more respect to our instructors than we show to our own parents. This does not mean that we should not show respect to our instructors, not at all. It just means that we should keep it real.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Monday, May 19, 2008
Proper Diet
I was speaking to my friend and senior Sensei Pat Nakata yesterday and he mentioned that a person cannot talk about getting in shape by exercise unless he or she also considers diet. Exercise is just one component of getting in shape.
For example, a person could practice Karate very hard and exercise regularly, but eat unhealthy food that could make him or her gain weight, have clogged arteries, have high blood pressure, have high cholesterol, etc. Exercise is good, but an unhealthy diet could negate much or even all the benefits of exercise.
Thus, if we are serious about Karate training, and want to get into the best shape possible, we also have to consider our diet.
My other friend, who is a chiropractor and former Aikido student under Yamamoto Sensei here in Hawaii, always says that people need to stand up straight, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of water. I agree! There is more to it than that, but that is a good start.
Train hard and watch what you eat. Your food is the fuel for your body!
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Monday, May 19, 2008
Funakoshi's Karate-Do Kyohan
The Hawaii Karate Museum was very fortunate to recently acquire an historic first edition, in excellent condition, of Karate-Do Kyohan (Karate-Do Master Text), by Gichin Funakoshi. Published 1935 (Showa 10). 302 pages. Japanese language. We understand this to be a first printing of the book!
Karate-Do Kyohan was on our Top 5 list of historic Karate books being sought. Now if we can only acquire Motobu Sensei's two books, and Karate-Do Gaisetsu!Do you have historic Karate books that you would like to donate to the Hawaii Karate Museum? We always list donors with the books (see our Rare Karate Book Collection), and your donation would help to preserve the history and traditions of the art!
It is only May, and we have already acquired a great book (in addition to all the other donations and acquisitions this year)!
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Saturday, May 17, 2008
Do You Think You Could Beat Me?
I asked a student, "do you think you could beat me in a fight?"
This student is much taller, faster and stronger than me. The only advantage I have is that I have much more experience in Karate.
The student did not want to answer, but I pressed him until he sort of conceded that he did think that he had a good chance. I have to agree that this student is pretty tough.
But that was not my point.
I then asked the student, "how do you think you would do if I had a razor blade?"
That really changed things! He realized that even if he hit me, he would certainly get cut, probably very badly. A little razor blade made a big difference.
"So you see," I explained, "you can never tell when an attacker might have a razor blade or other concealed weapon." "Even if you feel confident that you are stronger, faster, and a better fighter, you can never know."
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, May 15, 2008
Picking a Fight
A friend of mine visited me today and related a recent incident in which a guy tried to pick a fight with him at the airport. Fortunately, my friend was able to avoid the fight.
But I could not help but think how terrible it would have been for that guy to have picked a fight with my friend. He really is the wrong person to fight with! He has studied martial arts for well over 40 years and, in my estimation, is a really tough (and potentially dirty*) fighter. I suspect that the guy would not have had a chance!
* By "dirty", I mean brutally effective.
Here is the point. My friend does not particularly look like a martial artist. At the airport, he probably just looked like another frazzled and weary traveler. But he is a martial artist. If that guy had known about my friend's background and ability, he might have thought twice.
On the street (or wherever) we do not have the luxury of knowing who will attack us and their fighting skills. The attacker could be a weak fighter, a great fighter, a drugged up crazy person... who knows?
I mentioned in a post quite a while ago that I once escorted Sensei Morio Higaonna to his hotel during a visit to Hawaii. When we got to the front of the hotel, a man came up and looked like he might mean trouble. I stepped in front of Higaonna Sensei to speak to the man and fortunately he went on his way. But I could not help but think that he would have been absolutely crazy to attack Higaonna Sensei! I probably should have stepped aside and watched, but I had a responsibility as a host.
As martial artists, we probably think that most people would be crazy to pick a fight with us -- and that is usually right. But we should not underestimate other people. Sensei Pat Nakata once told me that one of the toughtest fighters he ever saw was a street fighter here in Honolulu -- a street fighter, not a martial artist.
We should not underestimate other people. Who knows? The attacker might be a serious martial artist or a great street fighter. Or he might be armed or have friends lurking out of sight. We should not be like that guy at the airport.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Thursday, May 15, 2008
Karate and Longevity
There is a saying that Shorin-Ryu instructors live at least to the age of 85. Of course, this is not always true, but there is a certain element of longevity assumed in Karate training. Is it true that Karate instructors live longer than the average person?
With respect to the Shorin-Ryu saying, you have to keep in mind that this is an old saying. Today, people live much longer than they did in the past. In Okinawa before World War II, a person living to the age of 85 might have been special. Today, I would think that many people surpass that age. In fact, many people live past the age of 100 in Okinawa.
In a recent Barbara Walter's special about longevity, it was mentioned that about 84,000 people in the United States are over the age of 100!
So living to 85 is not that extraordinary of an accomplishment today (it is a good thing, just not that unusual).
I can think of three reasons why Karate training might enhance longevity. The first has to do with self-defense. If a person uses Karate to save his life, his life will obviously be longer. If he did not know Karate, he might have died and had a shorter life.
I do not know of many Karate instructors who claim that Karate saved their lives in this manner. In fact, two instructors I asked about this, said that their lives were saved (or they avoided bad injuries) because of Judo. Both had fallen off ladders at work, and landed flat on their backs on hard floors. But their Judo training helped them to take a safe fall and only suffered bruises rather than broken bones.
The second reason Karate might enhance longevity is because it is a regular form of exercise. Tai Chi people often emphasize this aspect of their training. But is Karate exercise really better than other forms of exercise? If a non-Karate person were to spend as much time exercising as a Karate student, would the results be the same, worse, or better? I guess that it all depends.
I know some Karate instructors who are in excellent shape. I also know others who are in poor shape. Some of the later have suffered injuries during their Karate careers and now have weak or injured knees, backs, necks, etc. To the extent that Karate training results in long term injuries, it takes away from a good quality of life. That is why it is so important to emphasize safety in Karate training.
Lastly, Karate training keeps a person mentally active. This is especially true when a person teaches. It is intellectually stimulating, to learn, practice and teach Karate. I think that this helps to keep people mentally young and active. This has a positive effect on the person's health -- an active person is generally a healthy person.
But there are also negative mental aspects of Karate -- politics, ego, rank, titles, awards, etc. If Karate becomes negative, it can also have a negative effect on one's health.
I do not know whether Karate is the best exercise in the world. I would think that scientists could come up with some regimen that enhances longevity. But I think that Karate training is, or can be, an excellent form of exercise -- as long as it is not too severe. Some Karate instructors literally beat themselves to death by severe training. For what? If the objective is a long life and a good quality of life, these objectives must be factored into training.
I would like to suggest a new saying -- Shorin-Ryu instructors live to 110!
As a note, there is also a saying that Goju-Ryu instructors do not live long. I am not qualified to comment on this. Kanryo Higashionna lived to be quite old, while Chojun Miyagi did not. Who can say why? But if I were a Goju-Ryu student, I would want to consider how my training might increase or decease my longevity.
I do think that one key, of any form of Karate, is to learn to remain as relaxed as possible until the moment of impact (kime, kikomi, etc.). Karate students should be cool, calm and collected.
Charles C. Goodin
Posted by Charles C. Goodin on Tuesday, May 06, 2008
About Technique
When I give lectures to other dojo or classes, I often point to the smallest woman in the group and say, "if she could not use a certain technique effectively then there is something wrong with the technique."
Karate techniques should not be size and strength dependent. If only big, strong men can use the technique, then it is not really Karate.
I always add that I realize that there are many women who are taller, heavier and stronger than me. As a relatively short person (5 feet, 8 inches), I am keenly aware than many attackers will be taller, heavier and stronger than me.
For a small woman, this would be even more true.
So what is the answer? Karate techniques should be practiced for maximum effectiveness, not only for scoring points. Students need to learn where to strike and how to strike in a way that negates the attacker's size advantage. A Karate student should be like a surgeon in terms of the precision with which he or she strikes/attacks the attacker's most vulnerable areas.
I am serious. If the smallest adult in your dojo cannot use a technique (despite diligent, longterm practice), then something is wrong. Some of the greatest Karate masters were barely 5 feet tall and only 120 pounds. They had something other than sheer strength. Their Karate was not size dependent.
Charles C. Goodin
No Osae?
In the Guest Post by Sensei Pat Nakata entitled Transition, Nakata Sensei recounts a conversation I had with him and his student, Bob Inouye (Snaggy) at one of our favorite Chinese restaurants (that serves a great buffet). Knowing how important osae (press) is in their Chibana Shorin-Ryu system, I asked them how many Karateka they have observed performing osae.
As Nakata Sensei mentioned, they hardly see any osae. I think that Snaggy might have said, "None."
Quite honestly, I was surprised. I have been emphasizing osae in my dojo for a while now. It is very clear when a student does osae and even clearer when he does not! Without osae, the movement looks weak and empty.
Snaggy further explained that most people leave out osae because they are so focused on trying to execute the waza (technique) as quickly as possible. It is like they are racing! But he added, "Without osae you won't get to execute the technique."
Say you are going to execute two shuto uke (knife hand blocks), a right and then a left. After the first shuto, most students will rush to execute the second shuto. But what takes place between the two shuto is important -- perhaps more important than the next technique itself. If you are weak after the first shuto your opponent will be able to overwhelm you. He can break through your weak defense and crush you. You will not be able to deliver the second shuto!
So rushing from one technique to the other is bad Karate. Getting from point A to point B is not the point, or at least it is not the main point.
Why rush? I suppose it is because it looks good.
I will tell you something funny. My mother-in-law used to tell me that if you speak quickly people will think that you are smart. English was her second language and I was studying to be an attorney at the time. I believe that she was right -- at least some people will think that you are smart if you speak quickly.
I wonder if people think that you are good at Karate if you move quickly? I think so!
But just as a person could speak quickly but not know what he is talking about, a Karate student could move quickly but actually have poor technique. A skilled person could see this, but an untrained or lesser trained person might not.
Let us say that you have executed a chudan uke (middle block). After you block, you leave the block up for a moment and during this time, the attacker runs into it. If you have osae, you can knock him down or at least fend him off. If you have released your osae, he will be able to push your block aside.
Osae is also very important in Kendo. When the Kendo Sensei is facing you, his shinai (bamboo sword) is often aimed right at your throat. Although he appears to hold the shinai loosely, it is actually firm. He is pressing toward you.
I have experienced this firsthand when I charged in and was speared in the throat! It was like running into a brick wall (or a spear embedded in a brick wall). I almost killed myself!
But the shinai was firm because the Kendo Sensei was pressing (osae). Osae was part of his kamae (posture).
I know that I have oversimplified this, and I do not presume to know anything about Kendo (unlike my sons). But the point is that osae is emphasized in Kendo. You can see it and feel it when you run into a shinai.
Osae is also essential in Karate. Like Snaggy said, without it, you might not get to execute your next technique. This is especially true if your attacker is skilled and can read the weakness of your movement/posture.
It is amazing how much you can learn about Karate at lunch!
I want to also add that just about all of Nakata Sensei's students are senior to me in years of training and age. However, since I am their Sensei's friend, they are always very courteous to me. I never forget that they are my seniors, but recognize that they have been taught the traditional forms of courtesy. I learn a great deal about how I should be (as a student) by observing them, and try to pass this along to my own students.
Charles C. Goodin
Guest Post: Transition
This Guest Post is by my friend and senior, Sensei Pat Nakata. Nakata Sensei is the head of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate Association in Hawaii. He was a student of Chosin (Choshin) Chibana in Shorin-Ryu, and also studied Ryukyu Kobudo under Sensei Fumio Nagaishi. When he was a young man, he studied Wado-Ryu Karate under Sensei Walter Nishioka.
In the Chibana Shorin-Ryu Karate Kata curriculum, osae is taught and stressed in the Kihon Kata and the Naihanchi Kata, after which, the whole concept of osae is forgotten for the other Kata. As in Goju-Ryu, most Karate Kata have osae, but most Karateka do not know the concept of osae. For example; if one was to block and kept that block without releasing (hazusu / hazusanai) that end position and did a kick holding that block position, that block was then an osae. That being said, many Karateka do osae when practicing "fighting" techniques. Most of these Karateka question the effectiveness of Kata for real combat. Well, how can a Kata be effective, when there is no osae? In other words, there is no practicality for true combat situations, such as closing or entering the opponent(s).
Most Kata performances I witness are when the Kata performer enters one pose after the other. There is no concentration on the transition (be it osae, clearing, etc.) from one technique to the next. As soon as one technique is completed, there is an immediate transition to entering the next technique. This transition covers the "space" between the techniques. The transition is the fighting application of the techniques. So, the effectiveness of the fighting technique (within the Kata) is dependent upon the execution of the transition, other than just the technique. For an example, one can have a strong punch with good body mechanics, but will not be able to apply it without entering the opponent (osae).
This entering or osae is the transition "technique" that makes a Kata an effective fighting practice. What good is there in having strong techniques when one does not know how to effectively enter the opponent? In the teachings of Chibana Chosin Sensei, "there is osae in every move of the Kata".
I was fortunate to have been able to listen to a discussion between Ueshiba Morihei Sensei (founder of Aikido) and Otsuka Hironori Shihan (founder of Wado-Ryu Karate) on "real" fighting application. Both masters agreed that in real Bujutsu (martial arts [techniques]), one does not wait for the attacker to enter, but rather one should enter the opponent's attack. This application of osae and is the highest level of Kata application.
How does one reach this stage? Through Kata. How does one experience it? Practice Kata.
Pat Nakata
Two Fine Sensei
Last night, Sensei Angel Lemus, who now resides in Hawaii, visited our dojo. See Zentokukai.com. We practiced Yamani-Ryu Bojutsu (Sakugawa Nu Kun and Shirataru Nu Kun). It was a real pleasure. He also began to teach three yudansha and myself his elbow technique drill. Wow! I really like elbow techniques. I think that the drill as 20+ movements. I can remember the first 3!
This morning, I visited the University of Hawaii Karate class of Sensei Sean Roberts. See Minakami Karate Dojo. I spoke about early Karate in Hawaii and "oldstyle" Karate. Again, it was such a pleasure.
Roberts Sensei is spreading the art of Karate at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am reminded of the way that Gichin Funakoshi spread the art of Karate in universities in Japan. It takes a great deal to teach in the university setting. The classes are large and I would imagine that most students would not be able to stay in the class for long (several years). I admire Roberts Sensei's dedication to the art by teaching at the university.
I am very fortunate to know many fine Sensei. Lemus Sensei and Roberts Sensei are both in their 40s (Lemus Sensei is closer to my age). Most of my Karate friends are considerably older than me. Of the younger Sensei here in Hawaii, I consider Lemus Sensei and Roberts Sensei to be among the finest. I respect their techniques and abilities very much.
To be able to meet with two fine (young) Sensei in just two days is a real treat! It makes me very happy to be a Karate student and instructor.
Charles C. Goodin


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Hi lovers, i sincerely apologise for the lack of posts. I can't believe its been over a month since i last blogged! I thought long and hard about what material i would use for my 'come back' post but i found nothing that 'spoke' to me. Lazy sunday mornings are for me, the perfect lie in day to do absolutely nothing but listen to good music. 'Sophie's breasts' started playing (one of my fave K.J songs) and i was immediately inspired. I wonder why i hadn't done a post on him any sooner. Not only has this artist created his own genre of music, his style is refreshingly individual, quirky with an African twinge. You can't help but heart this guy.
Keziah Jones was born Olufemi Sanyaolu in Lagos in the late 60s. He is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist. He describes his musical style as "Blufunk", 'Blues being the basis of where everything came from and funk being a state of mind'. His sound is authentic, like none other i've ever heard, drawing inspiration from his motherland Yoruba sound and an eclectic mix of old school funk & the classic blues.
He taught himself how to play the piano at the age of 13 and picked up the guitar a few years later and the rest is history. Music, he describes was a form of release, a way to 'free your soul'. He went against his Yoruba father's wishes and took to the streets of London to pursue his dream, his talent, his life. He moved to Paris and was 'discovered' and signed to a French label 'Delabel' in 1991. His first album 'Rhythm is love' was recorded and he never looked back. I have never seen an artist, who delivers, album after album. From his album African Space ship, to Liquid Sunshine, his sound has remained distinct, authentic and real. He single handedly made BluFunk a fact, once you hear it, you know.
He reminds me of a cross betweenJimi Hendrix and Fela with a quirky Pete Doherty flare. I love his laid back funky style, the fact that he's always wearing hats and he acts like he doesn't have a care in the world. Not only does he write and sing, but he paints as well. You can see from watching him perform that music is within him, a part of him. It makes me appreciate an artist more when you can tell their creativity is coming from the soul. It makes it even more fantastic that he is a Nigerian. Loves him. Loves him. Loves him. Below is a short film made by the Blacknerds network on Keziah. Be sure to Check it.
'Nigeria is where I'm from, where I'm going is somewhere else'- Keziah Jones


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Deliciously savory and simply to prepare. This dish is perfect to use up the bounty of spring/summer basil for the pesto recipe, but storebought pesto is just dandy. If you don't typically toast your pine nuts or roast your garlic for homemade pesto, I recommend trying it once. The flavors are completely transformed. The original recipe calls for evaporated milk in the sauce, but we didn't have any on hand. Would be interested to see how the sweeter milk would fare. Next time….
Salmon Pesto Pasta, from Crumbly Cookie
Serves 2-3
8 ounces pasta
12 ounces salmon
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
5 ounces milk or cream or evaporated milk
1/2 cup pesto (recipe follows or use store-bought)
Additional vegetables (I used spinach and broccoli), optional
grated parmesan, optional for serving
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta; stir to separate pasta. Cook pasta until al dente; drain. Pour milk into empty pot and simmer over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2. Add cooked pasta to pot and stir to combine.
- Ajust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat broiler. Line a baking sheet or pan with aluminum foil. Season skinless side of salmon liberally with salt and pepper, sprinkle with zest, then rub with olive oil. Broil until salmon is no longer translucent and is firm when pressed, about 10 minutes. Remove from broiler and sprinkle with lemon juice. Use fork to flake into bite-sized pieces. Skin will stick to foil and can be discarded.
- Add salmon to pasta mixture and stir over medium heat until hot. Remove from heat and stir in basil and any vegetables, if adding. Top with parmesan, if desired.
Pesto, adapted from Cooks Illustrated
Makes ½ cup
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (or substitute almonds or walnuts)
5 medium cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, rinsed thoroughly
2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, Italian (optional)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch table salt
¼ cup (½ ounce) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Toast nuts in small heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just golden and fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the nuts to bowl of food processor fitted with steel blade.
- Add the unpeeled garlic to empty skillet and toast until, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and the color of the cloves deepens slightly, about 7 minutes. Let the garlic cool, then peel and add to food processor bowl. (Alternately, you can also roast your garlic.)
- Place basil and parsley in heavy-duty, quart-size, zipper-lock bag; pound with flat side of meat pounder until all leaves are bruised.
- Process nuts and garlic until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; process until smooth, stopping as necessary to scrape down bowl with flexible spatula.
- Transfer mixture to small bowl, stir in cheese(s) and adjust salt. (Can be covered with a sheet of plastic wrap placed directly over the surface or filmed with oil and refrigerated up to 5 days.)


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(Reuters) - Inventors based in the United States led the world in nanotechnology patent applications and grants in 2012, according to a new study by law firm McDermott Will & Emery.
Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter that's measured at the tiny "nanometer" length level. The diameter of a human hair is between 40,000 and 60,000 nanometers, said Valerie Moore, a patent agent and one of the authors of the study.
Nanotechnology patents come into play in everything from aerospace to medicine to energy, the study noted. For example, the technology can be used to incorporate antibacterial material into wound dressings, to increase the strength of car parts while decreasing their weight, and to enhance paint colors.
U.S.-based inventors accounted for 54 percent of the nanotechnology patent applications and grants reviewed in the study, followed by South Korea with 7.8 percent, Japan with 7.1 percent, Germany with 6.2 percent and China with 4.9 percent.
The study also looked at the geographic location of the owner of the nanotechnology patents and proposed patents. If an inventor works in the Silicon Valley office of South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co, for instance, the U.S. is home to the invention, but the South Korean employer might own the patent.
McDermott's intellectual property practice includes more than 200 attorneys and patent agents, and is one of the top ten law firms for nanotech patent and applications filings, according to information provided by the firm.
McDermott partner Carey Jordan noted that the percentage of patents issued to U.S.-based entities is not quite as high as the 54 percent of nanopatents with U.S.-based inventors. About 45 percent of the nanotechnology patents in the study were assigned to U.S.-based entities.
The study examined published U.S. patent applications, patents granted by the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, and published international patent applications that had the term "nano" in the claims, title, or abstract. Nanopatent applications were included to best quantify innovation occurring in nanotech, the study's authors said.
The number of nanotechnology patents has grown continuously since the early 2000s, the study said. Between 2007 and 2012 the total number of U.S. patent applications, U.S. granted patents and published international patent applications grew from about 14,250 to almost 18,900.
The United States, the European Union, as well as Japan and South Korea, have increased funding for nanotechnology education and research since 2000, the study said.
Computer and electronics companies garnered the most patents, with International Business Machines Corp and Samsung topping the list. The fields of chemistry and biological sciences, which include medicine and agriculture, were next in terms of the number of nanotechnology patents.
Other leaders in technology patent innovation include the University of California, Xerox Corp, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and 3M Co.
(Reporting By Erin Geiger Smith; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
This story was corrected to fix dateline and name of law firm in the first paragraph


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Off with his…feet?!! February 5, 2013Posted by ourfriendben in wit and wisdom.
Tags: Boswoth Field, Henry Tudor, Henry VIII, Plantagenet, Richard III, Richard III's bones found, Shakespeare, Sharon Kay Penman, The Sunne in Splendour, War of the Roses
The body of King Richard III, one of the most maligned rulers in British history, has finally been found, 527 years after he was slain in the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, a battle that ended the War of the Roses and the Plantagenet succession. The victor of Bosworth, Henry VII, spawned the Tudor dynasty that produced his son, the monster Henry VIII, and the great queen Elizabeth I. (Oddly, the victor, Henry Tudor, was a better accountant than a warrior, balancing England's budget and building its treasury, as well as maintaining peace through the rest of his reign, gains that would all be lost during the reign of his son, Henry VIII.)
The excitement all started in a parking lot in the city of Leicester (in classic British fashion, pronounced "Lester"). Archaeologists at the University of Leicester were attempting to find the site of Greyfriars Priory, where the king had supposedly been interred after his death, and pinpointed the location to the parking lot. They began the dig, and, in September 2012, unearthed both the remains of the priory and a very unique skeleton. The skeleton had suffered trauma to the skull, consistent with death in battle, and had a steel arrow embedded in its spine.
Head trauma plus an arrow in the spine would have killed any warrior; why would this one have been special? For one thing, the spine was a classic case of scoliosis, an S-shaped curvature of the spine, leading to the descriptions of Richard III (most famously by Shakespeare) as a hunchback. Instead, he was probably wracked by pain from his spinal deformity and unable to stand fully upright, but scoliosis would not have caused an actual "hunchback." And there was also the fact that the skeleton was alone, rather than in a common grave with other warriors killed in a common battle.
The injuries to the skeleton, consistent with descriptions of Richard's wounds in battle, and the curved spine, along with history's assertion that he was buried at Greyfriars' in Leicester, made the archaeologist's hearts beat faster. But it was a specialty of the University of Leicester, evolutionary genetics, that seems to have proved Richard III's identity beyond doubt. Taking DNA from the skeleton and comparing it to the DNA from two direct descendants of Richard's sister, Anne of York, produced a virtually perfect match. The king had been found at last.
Richard III has been portrayed as a deformed, murderous monster, willing to kill his own young nephews to gain access to England's crown. But this is really due to a propaganda smear on the part of William Shakespeare, whose patron was the great Elizabeth I, the scion of the House of Tudor.
It strikes our friend Ben and Silence Dogood as highly likely that a playwright of that era—who was basically viewed by the nobility as a lackey, a performing monkey, however great his talent, and treated accordingly—however celebrated, would have had a keen awareness of the respect due his patrons and have written his plays accordingly. Doing otherwise could have cost him his livelihood and patronage at least and sent him to the rack for treason at worst.
For a different view of Richard, one espoused by the many members of the various Richard III societies in Britain and America, and one incidentally also espoused by our friend Ben and Silence, one has only to turn to the historical novel by Sharon Kay Penman, The Sunne in Splendour. There Richard is portrayed as a noble and far-seeing ruler whose vision is ahead of his time.
Ms. Penman makes clear that it is only because he lost at Bosworth Field that he is not recognized as the great king and ruler he actually was, but rather vilified by his enemies as deformed (and thus, in his era, marked by the devil and unfit to rule), in an era in which any deformity or defect was marked as the sign of the devil rather than a sign of genetic flaw or inbreeding amongst the nobility. Science was light years away from Bosworth Field, and anyone who put forth the conclusions of science in Richard's day, in his defense, would have been marched forth posthate to the stake.
In the wake of the skeleton's excavation and identification, there has been much controversy as to where it should rest. The University of Leicester, which funded the excavation and has ultimate say, has announced that Richard III's final resting place will be at the Cathedral Church in Leicester. Factions who oppose this move suggest York, Richard's seat, or Westminster Abbey or Windsor Castle, traditional burial sites for British kings.
Wherever he lies, our friend Ben and Silence hope he lies in peace, finally given the reverence he deserves. He lived just 32 years and has been vilified for 527 more. Surely it's time to give the king his due, especially in light of the horrors his usurper's son, Henry VIII, perpetrated?
But one issue remains unresolved. Richard's skeleton is missing its feet. They appear to have been cleanly cut off the bone. That all the other bones are in hearty good form—shockingly so, after 500-plus years—the missing feet are astonishing. Why would anyone want to take Richard's feet, of all things? We've all heard the urban legends about modern corpses being cut down to fit in their coffins. But apparently poor Richard wasn't even given the dignity of a coffin burial; instead, he was just put in the ground. So what happened to his feet?
If anyone has a theory about this, please let us know. The excellent state of preservation of the rest of the skeleton makes this even more bizarre.
Somehow, that a king should be buried in a parking lot says more about our modern state of society than pretty much anything else we can think of.
No comments yet — be the first.


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- Empty cereal box of your choice
- Clock kit with numbers (or without that's totally your call. I got my kit from Michael's in the woodworking dept.)
- Exacto knife or box cutter
- E6000 glue
1. Find the center of your box and cut a medium size X on the front.
2. Turn your box over, find the center, and cut out a square big enough to fit you clock piece into. You can leave a little flap like I did so you can close it later or you can just cut it out completely.
3.Now, place some glue on the front side of the clock piece on the black part only.
4.Take your clock piece without any of the hands and place in the big square at the back of the box and poke it through the X you made.
5.The little hanger should be facing you and the long piece that holds the hand should go through the box. Now, hold the clock and the box together tight for a few minutes and then allow the glue to dry. (30 minutes or so. Do the dishes or vacuum. Or do what I did... clean out the fridge)
6. Now place all your hands on your clock. The clock kit usually doesn't come with directions but it doesn't take a genius to figure out how to put it together. Your clock is pretty much done! YAY! Congratulations! At this point, you can place your numbers if you have them. I used a push pin to hang up my clock. I opened the top of the box to insert the pin and then just closed it up after I had it into the wall.