Stop the Press!!..whats a press?

Too much bad news, too much shocking news. Its coming fast and its always trying to be more alarming then the day before. I had to catch myself as of late. I was feeling crappy and dismal. I wasn't sure why then I realized life has become increasingly serious in my head. I seem to have lost my sense of humour and sense of hope. Whats wrong with me...(deep sigh)?

Oh wait...could it be the constant bombardment of information that is unethically reported and announced in such a manner as to shock, anger or panic people ? Is it the smiling faces at 6pm that give you the 45 second blurr on whatever pieces of information they could put together in rapid fire succession, just long enough to raise your eyebrows, they smile and tell you tune into the late news edition "we'll keep you posted" (because we care).

So then you say enough of that, off the TV goes, only to find your favorite radio station is following suite. Forget about the Internet, thats 2 hours worth of surfing trying to get all the facts from so many different sources.

What has got me irritated today, is last weeks unfortunate line up of celebrity deaths. I won't go into detail for unless you live in a cave you know all about it. I am just fed up with the feeding frenzy, the lack of compassion, the medias obvious capitalizing on tragic events and to top it off I hear the radio shows that decide they are going to chat it up about "celebrity death pools" and Internet sites (news based) that have already mocked and joked as far and as tasteless as they could take it.

I am digressing from the main point I am trying to make, the "celebrity " frenzy was just a breaking point, the real political, economic and international events , however, I find are reported in much the same manner, is it time to turn off the garbage? but how will I stay informed.

I went looking for some genuine good news , that is hard to find, or maybe it is not reported in the same manner so it doesn't stick out as much, but it is out there.

I do find the BBC seems to report in more of a objective point of view.

I'll keep looking.

The media can manipulate, sway, influence all facets of our lives.

I guess I have a question... why does the biggest influence in our lives seem to go so unaccounted for?

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

Homeless not Soulless

There has not been a day missed at work where I have not encountered the homeless.

When I drive my car I park east of Boyle Street and walk to Canada Place. I walk right past the Salvation Army, Women's shelter and a myriad of characters.

I haven't been living under a rock, I know major cities have an inner city population of homeless and poverty stricken individuals, however, when you experience it for real everyday, I find it to be a shocking reality.

I am new to the downtown lifestyle and the fast pace busy people that surround me. I notice my seasoned coworkers do not even notice the wandering individuals begging, sitting or mumbling around them. I wonder if it is just a matter of time before I start to numb myself to the obvious as well.

Its strange, there is a regular group of homeless ( I say homeless but honestly I do not know if that in fact is true, I know its not fair to label someone like that without really knowing but I will go with it for the sake of discussion) Anyways, I see some these individuals the same I would see my co-workers , everyday, around the same time.

There is "sidewalk" guy he sits just outside the Salvation Army and uses the same line all the time "Excuse me ma'am, I'm hungry, some change, money for a cup a coffee?'...I gave him my banana once but I think he was disappointed and put it to the side. There is "pizza guy" he gets himself in trouble at the food court going from table to table(manages to get someone to buy him a piece of pizza the odd time). There is "grandma" lady, she has her cigarette outside the Salvation Army building. She doesn't say much but she always makes a big spit in the road standing from the sidewalk. Finally there is "can of coke guy" , he buys one can of coke and around 10 am everyday sits in the same place and drinks his can of coke while looking like he is deep in thought. I have to say he catches my attention the most. He looks very sad,his hair is long and gray and matches is beard and mustache. He wears a winter jean jacket and jeans. He keeps to himself and seems to be looking out past the crowd of people thinking about something.

I sit and wonder what his story is, actually I wonder what all of their stories are? What happened? Are they happy? Do they have family ?

It bothers me, alot.

These people are or were somebodies child at one time. Did things go bad that long ago. Could you imagine your child growing up and ending up a lost soul. How do these people slip through the cracks?

The irony is, I work in a government building, people come and go in such a mad rush and most times don't even notice the guy on the sidewalk.

Its just like the Christmas commercial where the people in poverty blend into the wall as shoppers hurriedly rush by.

Is it just a matter of time when I won't notice them either? Will I become complacent? The problem with complacency is it sneaks up on you.

I offer eye contact, a smile and above all respect, I don't want to loose that . I believe you cannot pass judgement until you walk a mile in someones shoes.

These people are homeless not soulless.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

Its June and almost the half way point to the end of February.
I looked over my log book of stuff and for the most part I thought I was on track, until I turned to the page of Forms.
I have not even cracked 200 reps and that spells trouble. I estimate I will need to do about 3 or 4 reps per day to meet the goal by February. I am not sure what happened, I think half the time I practice in class and forget to log what I have done.
So starting this morning I include repetitions of Kempo at the gym as part of my routine.
I get some funny stares and one older gentlemen said to me afterwards "You have some interesting moves!"
"Moves" or "Forms" its just terminology. He did continue to say that I kept his work out more interesting because he had something different to watch.
Hmmm, could I log that as an act of kindness?..Ok maybe I am stretching that one.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Cananda

Humble Guy versus Ego Guy

People have so many characteristics and different personalities and this is a good thing. We all fit together like a puzzle adding our own color to the big picture.

My favorite character trait has always been the humble personality. These are the people I am fascinated by the most. There is only a handful of people I know who are cut from this cloth and they have and still do make a lasting life time impression on me.

There is difference between acts of humility and an individual who truly possesses a humble spirit in who they are.I can't help but wonder and admire how they conduct themselves.

The six people I know who are like this all seem to have alot in common.

They are quiet yet assertive when required. They are highly skilled in the areas of their occupations and their hobby. They are not as you would say "a jack of all trades" rather specialized in a few. They completely lead by example. They are so calm they have a peace within themselves or a least that is how they appear to me. Lastly, but for me the most important is how approachable they are, maybe thats why I find myself migrating to them in the first place.

I think if a person could master their Ego ( kill it all together, for that matter) and just leave self -esteem and assertiveness in tact, could you wake up tomorrow and start living your life with clarity.

I find..., actually, I know when I have let my Ego and pride step into my conversation and conduct the outcome is biased and favoured. A humble person leaves their ego at the door and is receptive to all possibilities and is better able to judge their decisions with clarity, compassion and right thought.

There is more to the "Humble Guy" then meets the eye. Its like they have figured it out. They answer questions but only if you ask. They have an opinion but want to know yours too. They are always busy perfecting but they have time to share with you.

Who are these people?? Where did they come from??

They are Great!! ...but they will never tell you that.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada