Daniel 1:2 (NLT)

[The Lord gave him [King Nebuchadnezzar] victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah.] When Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon, [he took with him some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God and placed them in the treasure-house of his god in the land of Babylonia. [1]]

[1]

Hebrew, the land of Shinar.

DRAWING NOTES:

TIME OF DAY:

Unspecified in the Bible narrative.

LIGHTING NOTES:

Simple lighting from above left illuminates this scene.

CHARACTERS PRESENT:

Various inhabitants of Babylon (very small figures!).

RESEARCH/ADDITIONAL NOTES:

This scene started out as an ink sketch, which can be seen on the top right hand corner of the “Map of Middle East showing Babylon” (see Maps section). I have decided to produce a full size design, which shows the splendour of the city and its famous hanging gardens. There is a lot of detail in this scene, which took a number of hours to ink in, and many more to colour up. I was keen to include bright coloured ceramic tiles on the walls which adds to the sense of opulence.

The carved stone figures on the walls of the building are based on reference photographs I found on the internet. The female figure is based on a clay relief figure called “Queen of the Night (Babylon)”, found in the British Museum. The nude woman has feathery wings and bird’s feet, with 4 sets of horns in her headdress. I have also included other popular imagery on the walls of some buildings used by the Babylonian artists, including lions and oxen.

I believe Babylon had a series of man made canals. I have decide to add a richly ornamented wooden boat in the foreground, moored near some steps, that lead into the city.

The bright pink flower I the left foreground is Adenium obesum (aka Desert Rose, Mock Azalea, Adenium, Impala Lily, Kudu, Sabi Star & Dwarf Bottle Tree). Adenium is a succulent plant in the Apocynum (Dogbane) family, and is native to the Arabian Peninsula, although it can be found in lots of other countries too. Adenium can grow to 3.3–9.8 feet (1–3 metres) in height. The flowers are tubular, 0.79–1.97 inches (2–5 cm) long, with the outer portion 1.6–2.4 inches (4–6 cm) diameter with five petals. The flowers tend towards red and pink, often with a whitish blush outward of the throat.

The green plant with feathery, pink blossom (behind the Adenium) is Tamarisk (aka Saltcedar and Tamarix) which is a graceful, hardy evergreen or deciduous shrub or tree which grows to 3.3–59.1 feet (1–18 metres) in height and forms dense thickets. Native to drier areas of Eurasia and Africa, Tamarisk usually grows on saline soils, and can also tolerate alkaline conditions. Its distinct feathery pale pink flowers make this very invasive plant appear harmless, however, it is often blamed for increasing the number of wildfires in a region and negatively altering wildlife habitats.

See this & many more cartoon illustrations on my website: www.biblecartoons.co.uk

Copenhagen superdad.

The search for Malaysia's Hottest Hunks for year 2008/2009. Fashion Show by Camel Active, performances by the hunks, shirtless catwalks and more. Organised by NewIcon For Him & Newtide.

M7 / ektar 100

See him On Black

See my 365 Street Portraits gallery here

I got annoyed with Jilles' molded hair and small head, so I decided to try just sculpting one myself. I used the original Obitsu head as a base, since it had nice ears but I didn't like it. I like how he came out, even if the painting gave me fits.

I saw him standing at the information kiosk in the university Student Learning Centre building on a dark, rainy Tuesday. I was intrigued by his appearance and approached him to introduce myself and ask if I could photograph him for my Human Family project. His response was friendly interest and he agreed, even though it meant leaving the building to get sufficient light on the front steps. Meet Daisujke who is from Tokyo.

The front steps of the Student Learning Centre were filled with students seeking shelter from the rain, taking smoke breaks from study, and checking their cell phones. Taking the photos was rather straightforward once I “claimed” some space on the steps and the flow of students started diverting themselves behind me instead of between me and Daisujke. It was a busy place.

Daisujke was very polite and his English was quite good. He explained that he is 31 and just arrived in Toronto five days ago from a visit to Jamaica. I quickly gained the impression that Daisujke is a committed traveler who has seen many places. His passion is calligraphy which he practices wherever he goes. His Instagram account @hiratabi which means “Writing on the Road.” He plans to return to Tokyo briefly after seeing Canada and then heads for the Philippines where he has a job lined up at a language school that teaches Japanese. I assumed he is a teacher but he told me his job will not be teaching but managing the program at the school. After the Philippines he has his sights set on South America.

When I asked what he had been doing at the information booth inside, he said he was discussing his calligraphy. Since I had told him I would only delay him a few minutes, we exchanged contact information and I walked him back into the building where I thanked him for his time and wished him safe travels. He said he would look forward to receiving his photo.

When Daisujke had completed his business at the information booth, I approached the students at the booth who had witnessed my “recruiting” Daisujke for my project and asked for clarification of what his purpose had been with them. They smiled and said he was just leaving off information about his calligraphy services for any students who wanted to have him do a calligraphy for them. “Is it like a small business?” I asked. “No” they replied. “It seems to be a gesture of good will” and they showed me the square of paper he had left on their desk with a sample of his calligraphy and contact information on the reverse. Intrigued by this travelling calligrapher, I asked if I could borrow the paper to photograph outside in the light and then return to them. They happily agreed. I was left with the impression that Daisujke and I are doing something rather similar - using what skills we have to make a friendly connection with strangers as we go about our daily lives. He uses calligraphy, I use photography.

When I returned the paper to the desk, one of the students asked how my project was going. I explained how well it was going and she said she was asking because I had photographed two of her student friends on campus in the past and it seemed like a fantastic project. It is.

It was time to finish my coffee and venture out into the rain. The day had turned so dark that it was starting to look like night even though it was mid-day.

Thank you Daisujke for taking a few minutes to meet and tell me about your fascinating lifestyle on the road. You are a real citizen of the world and your good will makes you a perfect subject for the Human Family project.

This is my 40th submission to the Human Family group on Flickr.

You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.

Follow-up: I received the following nice email from Daisujke:

"Hi, Mr. Jeff. Thank you for your kind mail. And I am sorry, my reply was late. By the way, finally I came back to Japan.

I really glad to met you in Toronto.

My motivation of travel is having fun. I like to know and to see things that I do not know. And my motivations of calligraphy are having fun, communicate with local people and to show Japanese culture to foreign people.

Now I am trying to write familys name for Japanese people. It is also exciting for me.

I saw your page and felt very happy.

Thank you for your nice essay.

I hope your act makes a lot of people very happy !!

See you someday.

Dasuke Hirata from Japan

P.S.I send your name in Japanese for you.

Your name means YOU HAVE RICH SMILE !!"

This dog was scared of fireworks so his owners set him up with some chill dog videos t.co/Tv0iPjH2ss via @TIME

A cung cha biet' tinh cam cua anh danh cho e bat dau` tu` khi nao`...tu` bao h`...va` tu` dau nua....no den rat nhe nhang` tu` tu` nhung sau sac'...Minh hanh phuc bang` nhung dieu " don gian " va nhe nhang nhat'....Gap nhau thoy cung co the cuoi toe toet ra roi....co nhung luc a cung cha hieu a lam gi ma e cu cuoi a, cuoi nhieu` cuoi rat lau, roi cai hon nhien cua e cung lam cho a phat cuoi`....Cuoc song cua a da qua tung` trai? da co thoi gian a la` 1 thang lang nhang vo doi'....nhung ljeu co ai nghi den 1 ngay` a thay doi nhu the nay` hok....va cung ai nghi dc nguoi con gai lam a thay doi laj la` him~ hok....cuoc song ma` minh` nhu 1 ca sy~ con cuoc song xung quanh la` khan gja?....nguoi khen ke? che nguoi thich ke? get'....a hok qtam dieu day'....du ngta nhu the nao` di nua 2 vc minh cung da vuot wa de yeu nhau ....vuot wa de hieu nhau vuot wa de hp cung nhau....7 thang troi chua phaj quang thoi gian dai` nhung du? de a hieu tc cua em danh cho a !!! hyhy nhieu luc a thay rat tu hao vi` sao a laj yeu dc e, vi sao a laj thay doi? dc em....tinh' cach cua e chac chi co minh a hieu?....cach yeu nguoi yeu cua em tuy` hok phaj so' 1 nhung no la` duy nhat'....va e cung la` nguoi duy nhat' de a yeu nhu the nay` dung hok :)):)) Nhung nguoi` khac hok tinh' tien` :x

E da cho a tat ca?...niem vui noi buon` hp that vong deu co'.....tat ca moj thu' deu? la` de chung minh hieu nhau hon yeu nhau hon ma thoy....Day la` nhung dong suy nghi tuong tu cuoi cung` a viet , sau nay` se khong co nhung loi tam trang the nay nua ma` chi co hp cuoi dua thoy :x e yeu nhi?....a nghi la` viet co dai` nhu nao` di nua cung hok the noj len het tat ca moj dieu` ve em....ve nguoi` con gai a yeu nhat tren doi`....Ngta da noj la` dung bh noj yeu mai mai~....Nhung a nghi a se noj va` a se lam dc....Chung mih` da tung` di tren 1 con duong`....roi` vi` nhieu thu' sai sot' ma` e ra re~ ngang 1 duong khac' ....a that su that vong rat nhieu` ....e nhu cuoc song cua anh vay....mat e a mat tat ca? phaj khong ku*ng !!! roi den luc a tuyet vong thi` e da kip nhan ra a la nguoi` qtrong doi voi em....e da keo a o laj...chung minh` se hok bh sai pham the nua nhe'....se nam tay nhau mai mai the nay`....17/8/1995 la` ngay` 1 co^ be' de thuong da sinh ra....va` chinh' ngay` 17/8/2010 se la` ngay` a dinh' hon em....a hok de mat e them 1 lan nao` nua !!! Va` a biet e cung muon nhu vay phaj khong....cuoc song khong bang` phang? nhung hok fu. aj !!! a da tung that vong nhung roi` ong troi cung thuong a....da mang e laj ve ben anh !!! Nhung luc minh ben nhau vui dua cuoi noj'....a hon nhe nhang len moj em vay sao e laj can' luoi~ anh =))=)) a tho*m nhe vao` ma' e nhung e laj thich mut' co? a cho tha^m len de cho ngta biet la` a da co ny ah` :)):)) ham lam'....dieu nay` chang can thiet dau....a rat tu hao khi e yeu a nhu vay....nhung a da noj' doi voj a e la` tat ca?....du` co nguoi` xinh den dau di nua hon e bao nhieu di nua cung~ hok the lam a rung dong dc hieu hok a hua' day'....e hok wa' xinh nhu nhieu nguoi`, nhung em la` nguoi dang yeu xinh xan' nhat tren doi doi' voj tunglee nay ....e hok hieu doi` bang` nhieu nguoi` nhung cai ngay tho* cua em....cai diu dang nhung luc e cham soc anh....cai ma` a nghi nhieu ng` con gai' hok lam dc khi yeu ny minh` !!! E tuy` con nho? tuoi nhung tu` khi yeu a e da hieu ra rat nhieu dieu phaj khong....doi luc a tuc len a cau voj em nhung vi` a thuong e, a thay dau long lam' khi e lam gi ton thuong den chinh e... e noj e tuc e cau thi` e hay cau' anh, can anh, veo anh.... lam moj thu' doi voi a de e het gjan chu e dung lam hai ban than....hieu hok ku*ng !!! Qua bao nhieu thang tram` minh laj tro laj ben nhau....A va E nhieu thu' rat khac nhau nhung laj hp khi o ben nhau ....A la` nang' vi` anh hay cau gat' nong tinh'....cuc can` tho* kech....e la` mua vi` e diu dang`....trong sang'.... dang yeu....tai sao ngta noj' mua nang' thi` hok the chung song dc....ho deu nha`m roi` ....2 ng wa khac nhau khi ho bu` dap cho nhau thi` laj rat hp ma` nhu khi troi dang mua ma` co nang' thi` se tao ra cau vong....nhieu mau` rat dep dung hok !!! Him be bong cua anh a` .....e hay lang nghe hay cam nhan hay nhin` ve kja a....cu chi hanh` dong loi noj yeu thuong cua a deu bat nguon` tu` ty chan thanh cua a danh` cho em :x a biet rat nhieu ng` con zai yeu e thich em....nhung a nghi~ a se vuot wa het'....du` a hok phaj so 1 hok phaj hoan hao nhug anh la` duy nhat'....la` ng chong chung thuy , ong bo' hoan hao dung hok :)):)) A rat ham ham khi nghi ve sau nay` khi con zai babe lee xinh ra....no se tu hao` va` phaj hoc tap thang bo' no ve tinh yeu chan thanh` chung thuy voj con me no' :)):)) Ngay` qua ngay....thoi gian cu the troi....moj vat se thay doi theo thoi gian....con` tinh cam cua anh danh cho e van mai mai~ sau da^m....hok thay doi? ....!!! E yeu a nhieu lam' ...a hieu a cam nhan dc tat ca? cam nhan tu` nhung hanh dong cua em doi voi a....tu` anh mat' e nhin a nhung luc a ngu? , a an ,anh nhay ....Anh se lam moj thu' vi` em....thi dh xong chung ta se co 1 cuoc song day du? hon ve moj thu' :)):)) em dung` tap di xe may' lam gj` de cho a dc lam xe om suot doi` cho em :)):)) hyhy gjo` nay` chac e ngu say lam roi`....a va viet tat' 2 thang dan ong yeu vo dien dao 1 thang viet len fl....1 thang viet vao` so nhat ki'....mong khi 2v doc dc se cam thay vui va` hieu?dc tcam cua nhung nguoi` dan ong chung thuy thoy :)):))Anh yeu Em nhieu lam' :x

Noi that la` toi dien vi` nguyen ngoc anh =))=)) tunglee s2 lee.na = babe lee

yep, I hiked both lower and upper canyons in a dress and sandals (forgot to pack socks for my boots) but hey- at least I didn't end up with blisters and/or feet pain

Lomo LC-Wide

The search for Malaysia's Hottest Hunks for year 2008/2009. Fashion Show by Camel Active, performances by the hunks, shirtless catwalks and more. Organised by NewIcon For Him & Newtide.

from "THE HOUSE OF MADNESS" set

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

You're a boy and i'm a girl

But you know you can lean on me

And I don't have no fear

I'll take on any man here

Who says that's not the way it should be

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

She's a girl and you're a boy

Sometimes you look so small, look so small

You've got a baby of your own

When your baby's gone, she'll be the one

To catch you when you fall

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

You're a girl and i'm a boy

Massive Attack

Administrator Samantha Power met with Representative Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives.

yesterday, on my lunch break, i took some shots around my neighborhood and i got permission to take this shot of the little guy!!! he was sooo warm in his little coat and such a happy little fella. no wait, he may have been warm but he was ready to take my fingers off!!!! but still i was glad to be able to practice my passion on him and i thank him and his VERY NICE human for allowing me to go to town, so to speak!

Saved on Spotify "Because of Him" by Death In June ift.tt/1TD7bt2

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which he lavished upon us." Eph 1:7

Let Him lavish His love on you. Let Him sweep you away.

"For God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4:16

"For you used to be darkness; but now, united with the Lord, you are light, live as children of light." Eph 5:8

little Him, little Her #20 (more childrens here : little Him, little Her)

I ran into Ector as he sat on his bicylcle doing some people watching at the busy six corner intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee Avenues.

It was a hoppin' Friday night and Ector was just taking it all in.

When I first popped him he gave me some shit... 'what... are you with the CIA or something' he quipped.

I walked a few feet away until I felt the challenge settle in.

I turned around and showed him the picture on the back of my camera.

'Would the CIA have photographers who could take a picture like this' I asked.

'Damn... that's good' he said after checking himself out on the viewing screen.

He said he liked the picture but he thought I could do a little better.

As an expert people watcher Ector had the perfect spot on the corner picked out so I stood and talked with him for a few minutes while I popped passersby.

Ector is quite a philosopher, a poet and an all around interesting cat.

We had some great conversation on that corner.

I kept thinking his name was 'Hector' because of his accent until he told me that there was no 'H' in his name.

Shortly after that his friend 'Ennis' walked up... like 'Dennis' without the 'D'...

'What's up with you guys gettin' rid of the first letter of your names' I commented.

Then I handed them a card... the ones that say 'Viewminder' but not my name.

'What's your name' Ector asked as he looked at the card.

'iewminder' I said 'like 'Viewminder' without the 'V'.

We all laughed... then I popped Ennis and we watched the world go by for a while and talked about everything under the sun.

Faces in the street

Chicago 5.20.11

35mm 1.8 adjusted expo and contrast a bit

1. Rilakkuma (want him so bad !)

2. Sylvanian Families House (my otter family lives in a too little house, they need a bigger one !)

3. Middie Blythe Nellie Nibbles (how very very cute)

4. Tokissi Apple (greeny type)

5. Odeco Monotone (love her hair)

6. Middie Blythe Melomelomew (awwwww)

7. Nikki Rompers (I've been wanting her for so long !)

Soon it will be my birthday, and as usual my hubby asked me for a wishlist ! This year, the most wanted thing is a Rilakkuma plush bear ! I've been wanting one for a moment, I love this bear, he is soooo cute ♥

Thomas Lapeyrie had a strong performance on stage 2 which helped him finish in 8th spot today.

The reports and documents made on a child in care during the 1960s.

Page 40.

07.11.66 Report of Child Care Officer.

There is now a new Houseparent in the flat. Miss Rosemary Foale is looking after Philip since the original Sister in Charge has retired. She has told me that his mother continues to visit regularly and to have Philip home for odd weekends.

Philip, apparently is rather a strange child, and it has taken him a long time to settle into the family. This is because the other children have been there much longer than he has and partly because age-group-wise, he tends to be the odd man out.

He is still inclined to be aggressive towards other children and this may be because he is teased by them. He is inclined to bully younger children, but is slowly ceasing to do this.

There is now a bed wetting problem that has increased since his arrival, it is not know if there is something that is upsetting him, or if it is a growing up stage he is going through.

MY ANSWER. The whole flat had recently been through a major upheaval; this affected the others far more than it had me. The Sister in Charge had looked after some of the family for most of their lives had now reached retirement; she was now severing almost all links with the family group. Now the lady who we had known as a helper and relief was taking over from Sister. My knowledge of Sister had only been for a year and a half. Having lived surrounded by other adults all my life that had come and gone. That Sister was leaving meant a bit of an unknown change, but not really a major event to me. For the others, this event was decisive and very upsetting.

The Houseparent who now took over has had some experience of children, but compared to Sister’s many years of actual practice, we now experienced the newer textbook style of childcare. This we found out was a completely different way of life for us. Our flat now has two groups of four, giving either younger ones or older ones. I did not fit in; at the age of almost ten, I was neither an older one nor a younger one, but I had to be placed in one of the groups for most activities. For chores and the like, I was grouped with the older ones; for bedtimes and activities then it was the younger group as I was still at junior school. The Houseparent now told me that if I wet the bed, I would be given the slipper.

If I was a strange child as the new Houseparent thought, it was something I could live with. I simply did not want to give up and fall into the dull lives that most of those around me accepted.

I was aggressive to younger children but this was down to my short temper; I would prefer to be left alone, but as our paths had to cross, so often problems did occur. The older ones were not involved with the young group as much as myself.

When the older boys in the flat teased me, I always got angry; they just did not understand how upsetting it was. If I was different from the others in the flat, this was due to the long summer holidays I was away from the Home. During this summer break, the Sister took less control of the flat and allowed the new Houseparent to make more of the decisions ready for running the flat full time.

41. November 1966. Half-Yearly Report by Houseparent.

Age 9yrs 10months

General condition: Good

Height: 4ft 7in.

Weight 5st 0lbs.

Philip is inclined to be jealous and vocally aggressive, particularly with younger members of the group.

His relationship with all, including the staff, is very loose at present. There is a need to keep control of his behaviour.

He is slightly impertinent, yet, given the opportunity, he can be helpful and enjoys showing the younger children how to do things.

MY ANSWER. With almost two years at the Home, there were limits to the amount of teasing and other problems I could take before I started to cause trouble. To be treated as one of the younger ones now I was coming up to ten, made me start to act like one of the younger group, rather than that of the older ones, whereas in reality, if allowed to follow my own resources, I could easily have been placed in the older group.

Living with adults all my life, possibly gave me a slightly different attitude than for most. I could be polite and respectful when I wanted to, but if treated as a young child then I could rebel. If I was given respect then I was quite capable of acting in a far more grown-up manner.

The Houseparent had given me the slipper for matters other than wetting the bed. The second time she gave me it, I had twelve hits with the slipper on my rear; it was given as two sessions of six hits. I would not have received the second six hits had I not pushed the boy who said I had stolen his sweets. In the end, the Houseparent found out that I was innocent of stealing the sweets. It was too late then; I had already been punished. This was one of the reasons I was not settled in the flat.

42. 07.12.66 Letter to NCH Harpenden from Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

If you will please arrange for this lad to come along to the Accident Services here at 10am on Thursday 15th December, we will be pleased to remove the gun pellet from his left knee. As he will be given a general anaesthetic, it is important that he has nothing to eat or drink after midnight the previous day.

It would be helpful if you could complete and return the enclosed slip; I am enclosing the Consent Form for signature.

MY ANSWER. Finally the decision was made to take the pellet out of my leg. There was one benefit, outdoor games could be missed for the rest of the term.

43. 29.12.66 Report of Child Care Officer.

On 29.12.66 I learnt from his mother that Philip would be going home the following day for a week’s holiday. I was sorry to have missed him.

The mother is still nursing both her parents, who are almost entirely bedridden. She has a very trying time and constantly wonders if there is a way of leaving someone else to care for her parents.

However, at the moment there appears to be no alternative and, of course, she does not know how long their situation will continue. Her mother is twenty years younger than her father, who is ninety. The mother is pleased with Philip’s progress. She enjoys having him for weekends and is looking forward to having him for his holidays.

10 Years Old

On 02.01.67 I visited Harpenden Branch and spoke to the Houseparent, who told me that there had been a considerable improvement in Philip recently.

He is much less aggressive towards the younger children and is also more popular with his peer group, joining in their games and activities. Philip has become more interested in school and seems to enjoy it now. He is also more affectionate.

On 05.01.67 I visited Philip at his home. He chatted happily about all he has been doing and the many presents he has received for his birthday and at Christmas.

He still talks very fast and has a rather excitable manner. He seemed to be enjoying his holiday very much.

On 26.01.67 I called at Harpenden branch and saw Philip on his return from school.

When I spoke to Philip, he seemed happy and had plenty of news, which he related in a rather excited and disjointed way.

Earlier I had visited his school and managed to have a word with both the Headmaster and the class teacher. It appears that he is showing some improvement in his schoolwork. The Headmaster has not needed to deal with Philip since the start of the school year in September, over any matters of bad behaviour.

The class teacher reported to me that there have been several occasions where she has found it has been necessary to punish him, but once reprimanded he settles down to work. He appears to be slowly settling down to school life and that when firmly controlled can show improvement in the lesson period.

At the end of our meeting I spoke to the Governor of Highfield, who confirms that with the previous reports of Philip’s behaviour at school, keeping him firmly in line was suggested at the end of the last school year. Philip appears now to understand what is required of him during the school period and is settling into the routine more easily.

The uncooperative attitude Philip had to visiting the lavatory before going to bed has seen vast improvement. There are now only minor instances of bedwetting during the past few months. After agreement with the mother, the new Houseparent has brought in a strict regime, and Philip realises that, he will be punished for any bedwetting.

MY ANSWER. I seemed to have made improvement. That year at school things were better; the teacher in our class dealt with anything I did wrong; I was seldom sent to the Headmaster. Her punishments were about the same as the Headmaster, as she would give the cane on your legs or hands, but they were easier to get over with once given. Now that I was not punished in front of the rest of the class made me less worried over the events. As I am almost ten, a few older privileges are starting to come my way.

The Christmas and New Year periods over the last two years had been new to me. Until recently Christmas activities had never been anything very special. Living with my mother, with her work over Christmas, our festivities were never anything major. It was possibly around the age of six, through events of the time, that I had realised that in reality there was no Father Christmas.

In London, any Christmas activity had really been for the adults to enjoy as their holiday. I was meant to keep quiet. At the Home Christmas was new and enjoyable, but I would have preferred the quiet life with just my mother. Parties, trips to the pantomime and other group activities, possibly did get me a little excitable. With my Birthday coming so soon after Christmas treats and presents, everything seemed to roll into one event.

If I seemed to be more affectionate it was possible that I had not been involved in many scrapes or battles with the others in the household. The need to be good up to Christmas might also have helped my chances of longer visits to London over the holiday period.

The new Houseparent must have talked to my mother about me wetting the bed. I don't know if it was the Houseparent or my mother that suggested that I should receive the slipper if I wet the bed.

My mother possibly told the Houseparent that at the age of seven I was hit with the plimsoll if I wet the bed, and that once I became eight she thought the cane would be a more suitable punishment.

With the knowledge that I would be punished if I wet the bed on my vistits to London, and as I had not wet the bed on my visits. They might have thought that the threat of punishment in the Home would bring an end to my bedwetting.

The reason for not having any wet beds on my visits to London, was down to my ability to visit the lavatory at any time during the night. The Houseparent giving me the slipper in the morning, only makes me wet the bed more due to the fear of the punishment.

44. 30.03.67 Report of Child Care Officer.

Visit to Philip at his Home. Philip appeared to be enjoying his holidays, but his mother seemed rather concerned that, as usual, he never concentrates on anything for very long. Although he tackles things with great enthusiasm, he soon loses interest in them.

The mother looks very tired and is finding her parents a great strain. She had a day off on Good Friday and very much enjoyed taking Philip to Worthing for the day. As I had little opportunity to talk to his mother, I will call again soon.

I noticed that Philip has a great difficulty in writing and as he is now ten this is rather worrying. He appears bright and alert, but he cannot concentrate, he does not seem to progress.

I wonder whether there is anything worrying Philip and also how much information his mother has given him about his father. Once, when I tried to broach the subject, the mother was very defensive and I wonder whether her anxiety is transmitted to Philip.

In the original recommendation which we received from his Headmistress, it was suggested that Philip might benefit from some male influence. Unfortunately, his mother’s brother does not take any interest in Philip and I believe his other uncles visit him very rarely.

On visiting Harpenden Branch the Houseparent mentioned to me that Philip never plays games at school and she hopes to go there soon to discuss this.

MY ANSWER. If I always seemed to rush at things, it was simply down to the belief that there was never enough time to follow through every idea that I had in my mind. If other matters came to mind, then I could leave off and come back to it later.

For schoolwork, there was always the thought that there was not enough time to finish the work. For most lessons, failure to finish meant you might be asked to stay on for a few extra minutes to finish. With the requirement to be back at the Home on time, this often meant final lessons of the day would be rushed to avoid being kept in even for a few extra minutes to finish the work.

I could have proved my ability to write neatly if given the chance; in the art lessons a few were given the chance to do calligraphy. This was a lesson I could have begged for; the few chosen were those who had the neatest books.

If my written work was poor, it was down to the use of a ballpoint pen; given the occasional opportunity with pen and ink alone, I was able to work well. If the teachers had told me to take my time over my written work and that if I did not finish it did not matter, then I would have been able to attain a much higher standard of work. However, put me in a classroom environment and add the other factors of friends causing a nuisance around me and even an ink pen would prove fruitless.

Group games were never interesting to me and football was my main hate. It was not that I disliked physical activities.

One of the best lessons at school was P.E. but only if the climbing apparatus was brought fully into use.

With P.E. we generally did not have to change except for putting on a P.E. shirt, our school shorts were fine.

For games we needed to fully change, with Sister sending me to school with waterproof pants, there was the possibility of some teasing whilst changing, some of my friends knew what I had on, and did not make fun of me, but others might have. I was never the only one from the Home to wear waterproofs, most took it a something quite normal for boys from the Home to be seen in. For me avoiding games was an easy solution.

.

45. 27.04.67 Letter to Rev. Gordon. E. Barritt. NCH London from Governor of Harpenden NCH.

We should be grateful if you could arrange for Philip to be tested by the Tutor in Charge during the next few months. As mentioned in recent reports he has great difficulty in writing, and doesn’t seem to be making progress. It would be helpful to know how intelligent he is.

46. 01.05.67 Note from NCH.

Please see letter from Governor of Harpenden NCH with the suggestion, that the Tutor in Charge should test Philip. Could this be arranged please?

47. 09.05.67 Letter to the Tutor in Charge from Governor of Harpenden NCH.

Thank you for your letter of 5th May. It will be quite convenient for you to come and see Philip and the Houseparent on Monday 28th May. I will inform his school and ask for a report from there.

Note: Unable to keep appointment – unwell – another date being arranged.

48. 23.05.67 Letter to Rev. Gordon. E. Barritt. NCH London from Governor of Harpenden NCH.

We were glad to have the report on the visit to Philip’s mother. The Houseparent has visited Philip’s school and seen his teacher. She stated that Philip was aggressive, but was reasonably easy to control in class.

She told the Houseparent that his work could be better if he could concentrate more, and she had noticed that he responded well to praise, and always improved and worked better afterwards.

The Tutor in Charge was due to see Philip yesterday, but had to postpone her visit on account of illness. She will no doubt be arranging another date with us shortly.

49. May 1967. Half Yearly Branch Report by Houseparent.

Age 10 years 4 months

General condition: Good

Height: 4ft 8in.

Weight: 5st 5lbs.

Sight: Eye Clinic. To have eye exercises.

Air gun pellet removed from Left Knee.

Philip has been more aggressive and belligerent and I learn from Susan’s teacher that he has been bullying her at school. His own class teacher has dealt with him over this matter. He is apparently much worse when I am not around.

He seems to put up a barrier and does not believe he has done anything wrong, even if it can be proved. His relationship with some of the members of the family is improving.

When he is helpful or kind, and is praised for this, he glows and is a different lad for a while. He is desperate for more adult attention and will go to great lengths to get it.

Interests: Cubs, Electricity, Lego bricks and (boxes for hiding sweets only).

MY ANSWER. An eye test revealed that there might be a slight problem with my sight, which in some way might have been one of the reasons for my clumsiness. Until this moment, any eye test I took part in had revealed that I had good sight in both eyes. The ability on my part to read the small print on the eye chart with one eye at a time, proved that I did not need glasses to correct any short sight. What however was never checked was my ability to read the same small letters with both eyes open at the same time. When I was given this test, it showed that I could find things a bit of a blur. At all distances, I appeared to be affected. The diagnosis was that I suffered from slight double vision.

More time off lessons attending the local eye clinic, and free time spent reading very small print, with a device placed in front of my vision seemed slowly to correct this problem. Although to get out of the dull chore of reading small print when I could be out at play, I told the adults that things were getting better, when in reality there was only slight improvement.

My fast pace was the reason for being labelled a bully. Whilst at the Annexe of the school, two of us could set our own pace for the return journey. When the Annexe was closed down and we had to rejoin the main school, such pleasures vanished. There were no chances now of gaining any extra minutes of freedom; there were many taking the same route to the Home. As I was still at the juniors, I now had the task of escorting one of the younger girls to and from school. Although only a year younger than me, it was thought that she needed to be escorted both to and from school. Known as a daydreamer, attention to her safety now was the main issue.

Until this point, older children from the flat who attended the senior school had this privilege. Allowance of extra time due to the school hours not totally coinciding had been made. Now at the same school, I was given the task, although any extra time for my benefit was not provided. I have to admit my walking pace was fast; my mother seemed to encourage this from an early age, through being busy.

Dawdling and daydreaming were not things I had ever indulged in. My idea was to get to school at the first possible moment. Playing and other activities before the bell rang for the start of the school day was perhaps the best moment of the school day. If friends had new possessions or had swaps to make, miss this early opportunity, and you could be jealous for evermore.

The slow pace of the girl started the day badly for me. Although I never really dragged her along the road, when crossing the road, I was a little more vocal and slightly physical.

My class teacher punished me after Susan’s teacher made the complaint that I was bullying her. I was given the cane at going home time. As there was no time after I had been given the cane to get over the punishment, I was still in tears when I walked with Susan back to the Home. Three hits on each hand had really made me cry. From that point on I was not accused of bullying Susan anymore. I don’t think it was her intention to get me caned.

If I was desperate for adult attention, it was down to being fed up with most children’s games and wanted something more adult to do or learn about. If I did get praise, then I was happy.

My interests were on building and making things. Group board games were more or less unknown to me, although often receiving such items as presents there was seldom anyone to play with. Even in the Home, board games were not that much fun down to the wide age range. If you played with younger ones the rules were too complicated, if you played with older ones and appeared to be winning, they would change the rules to benefit themselves. Constructing objects and learning how things worked could be one of my pastimes. Never having acquired more than the most basic Meccano set, if I built things, Lego seemed to be the most desirable item through either presents or swaps. With electricity I was not allowed to try out experiments with the mains voltages – batteries in various stages of capacity had to meet my needs. One of my toys was a Morse code set. If there had been any interest from the older boys, I would have loved the chance to learn the system, but to all the others it was too much like a lesson and they showed no interest.

There had been one extra event that had set me at odds with the Houseparent, it was when she had shaken me over my behaviour, resulting in the back of my head going through a glass window due to her force. Then the Governor of the Home caned me. These were the main reasons why I was not very happy at the Home.

He died this night..Ok it's not easy...He has died..I will never see him anymore.

I like to think he left us for a better place..

Could you please help me giving him the last goodbye?

Just add a note of love..

Thanks

"The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart."

Amos the foodie. While his three lioness get some food indoors he always looks through the window to them, than walks back to the gate and want to go inside and get some meat too. He also scare some Kids stand on an other window and laugh about him. I make the photo when he comes back from to gate.

At this picture is the male lion Amos, he lives with three lioness (sisters) in one of the two lion enclosures of the zooparc. In the other enclosure lives his twinbrother Jantar with two lioness. Both brothers are sterilized.

Zooparc Erfurt/Germany

Detail from "Locomotive", a rare book by Julian Tuwim, drawings by Lewitt and Him, published in 1938.

Sad Love Quotes Wallpaper

Anyone who follows Sion's photostream will know that he LOVES umbrellas!

I've caught him with an umbrella once or twice before, but I couldn't help capturing him with one of those silly see-through ones!

See his version of me under one here.

Posted & Photographed by: Anton

Camera: 1st gen. iPhone

Location: Somewhere in West Village

This is John. I met him in a launderette in Southport while working on one of my documentary projects. I was floating around outside when I noticed him coming up the road and thought he looked pretty cool. When he went into the launderette I was very pleased.

I asked him for a picture, and his first reaction was to say "there are far more beautiful people in here than me", while gesturing to a young woman who was loading one of the machines. However, when I explained what the picture was for, he agreed with some amusement.

I was already pretty much set up and took a couple of shots. This was the one I liked best. I think he looks pretty relaxed, the light is natural and soft, and the context of the launderette is there in the background - which I wanted to retain to some degree.

I'm particularly pleased with the sharpness of his eyes and hair. It's something I've been consciously focusing (pun intended) on and I think it's paid off here.

Any constructive criticism and advice is welcome!

This picture is part of my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.

Nero: the Man Behind the Myth

(May - Oct 2021)

Nero is known as one of Rome's most infamous rulers, notorious for his cruelty, debauchery and madness.

The last male descendant of the emperor Augustus, Nero succeeded to the throne in AD 54 aged just 16 and died a violent death at 30. His turbulent rule saw momentous events including the Great Fire of Rome, Boudicca's rebellion in Britain, the execution of his own mother and first wife, grand projects and extravagant excesses.

Drawing on the latest research, this major exhibition questions the traditional narrative of the ruthless tyrant and eccentric performer, revealing a different Nero, a populist leader at a time of great change in Roman society.

Through some 200 spectacular objects, from the imperial palace in Rome to the streets of Pompeii, follow the young emperor’s rise and fall and make up your own mind about Nero. Was he a young, inexperienced ruler trying his best in a divided society, or the merciless, matricidal megalomaniac history has painted him to be?

Nero was the 5th emperor of Rome and the last of Rome’s first dynasty, the Julio-Claudians, founded by Augustus (the adopted son of Julius Caesar). Nero is known as one of Rome’s most infamous rulers, notorious for his cruelty and debauchery. He ascended to power in AD 54 aged just 16 and died at 30. He ruled at a time of great social and political change, overseeing momentous events such as the Great Fire of Rome and Boudica’s rebellion in Britain. He allegedly killed his mother and two of his wives, only cared about his art and had very little interest in ruling the empire.

Most of what we know about Nero comes from the surviving works of three historians – Tacitus, Suetonius and Cassius Dio. All written decades after Nero’s death, their accounts have long shaped our understanding of this emperor’s rule. However, far from being impartial narrators presenting objective accounts of past events, these authors and their sources wrote with a very clear agenda in mind. Nero’s demise brought forward a period of chaos and civil war – one that ended only when a new dynasty seized power, the Flavians. Authors writing under the Flavians all had an interest in legitimising the new ruling family by portraying the last of the Julio-Claudians in the worst possible light, turning history into propaganda. These accounts became the ‘historical’ sources used by later historians, therefore perpetuating a fabricated image of Nero, which has survived all the way to the present.

Nero was born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus on 15 December AD 37.

He was the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger. Both Gnaeus and Agrippina were the grandchildren of Augustus, making Nero Augustus’ great, great grandson with a strong claim to power.

Nero was only two years old when his mother was exiled and three when his father died. His inheritance was taken from him and he was sent to live with his aunt. However, Nero’s fate changed again when Claudius became emperor, restoring the boy’s property and recalling his mother Agrippina from exile.

In AD 49 the emperor Claudius married Agrippina, and adopted Nero the following year. It is at this point that Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus changed his name to Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus. In Roman times it was normal to change your name when adopted, abandoning your family name in favour of your adoptive father’s. Nero was a common name among members of the Claudian family, especially in Claudius’ branch.

Nero and Agrippina offered Claudius a politically useful link back to Augustus, strengthening his position.

Claudius appeared to favour Nero over his natural son, Britannicus, marking Nero as the designated heir.

When Claudius died in AD 54, Nero became emperor just two months before turning 17.

As he was supported by both the army and the senate, his rise to power was smooth. His mother Agrippina exerted a significant influence, especially at the beginning of his rule.

The Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius and Cassius Dio all claim that Nero, fed up with Agrippina’s interference, decided to kill her.

Given the lack of eyewitnesses, there is no way of knowing if or how this happened. However, this did not stop historians from fabricating dramatic stories of Agrippina’s murder, asserting that Nero tried (and failed) to kill her with a boat engineered to sink, before sending his men to do the job.

Agrippina allegedly told them to stab her in the womb that bore Nero, her last words clearly borrowed from stage plays.

It is entirely possible, as claimed by Nero himself, that Agrippina chose (or was more likely forced) to take her own life after her plot against her son was discovered.

Early in his rule, Nero had to contend with a rebellion in the newly conquered province of Britain.

In AD 60–61, Queen Boudica of the Iceni tribe led a revolt against the Romans, attacking and laying waste to important Roman settlements. The possible causes of the rebellion were numerous – the greed of the Romans exploiting the newly conquered territories, the recalling of loans made to local leaders, ongoing conflict in Wales and, above all, violence against the family of Prasutagus, Boudica’s husband and king of the Iceni.

Boudica and the rebels destroyed Colchester, London and St Albans before being heavily defeated by Roman troops. After the uprising, the governor of Britain Suetonius Paulinus introduced harsher laws against the Britons, until Nero replaced him with the more conciliatory governor Publius Petronius Turpilianus.

The marriage between Nero and Octavia, aged 15 and 13/14 at the time, was arranged by their parents in order to further legitimise Nero’s claim to the throne. Octavia was the daughter of the emperor Claudius from a previous marriage, so when Claudius married Agrippina and adopted her son Nero, Nero and Octavia became brother and sister. In order to arrange their marriage, Octavia had to be adopted into another family.

Their marriage was not a happy one. According to ancient writers, Nero had various affairs until his lover Poppaea Sabina convinced him to divorce his wife. Octavia was first exiled then executed in AD 62 on adultery charges. According to ancient writers, her banishment and death caused great unrest among the public, who sympathised with the dutiful Octavia.

No further motives were offered for Octavia’s death other than Nero’s passion for Poppaea, and we will probably never know what transpired at court. The fact that Octavia couldn’t produce an heir while Poppaea was pregnant with Nero’s daughter likely played an important role in deciding Octavia’s fate.

On 19 July AD 64, a fire started close to the Circus Maximus. The flames soon encompassed the entire city of Rome and the fire raged for nine days. Only four of the 14 districts of the capital were spared, while three were completely destroyed.

Rome had already been razed by flames – and would be again in its long history – but this event was so severe it came to be known as the Great Fire of Rome.

Later historians blamed Nero for the event, claiming that he set the capital ablaze in order to clear land for the construction of a vast new palace. According to Suetonius and Cassius Dio, Nero took in the view of the burning city from the imperial residence while playing the lyre and singing about the fall of Troy. This story, however, is fictional.

Tacitus, the only historian who was actually alive at the time of the Great Fire of Rome (although only 8 years old), wrote that Nero was not even in Rome when the fire started, but returned to the capital and led the relief efforts.

Tacitus, Suetonius and Cassius Dio all describe Nero as being blinded by passion for his wife Poppaea, yet they accuse him of killing her, allegedly by kicking her in an outburst of rage while she was pregnant.

Interestingly, pregnant women being kicked to death by enraged husbands is a recurring theme in ancient literature, used to explore the (self) destructive tendencies of autocrats. The Greek writer Herodotus tells the story of how the Persian king Cambyses kicked his pregnant wife in the stomach, causing her death. A similar episode is told of Periander, tyrant of Corinth. Nero is just one of many allegedly ‘mad’ tyrants for which this literary convention was used.

Poppaea probably died from complications connected with her pregnancy and not at Nero’s hands. She was given a lavish funeral and was deified.

Centred on greater Iran, the Parthian empire was a major political and cultural power and a long-standing enemy of Rome. The two powers had long been contending for control over the buffer state of Armenia and open conflict sparked again during Nero’s rule. The Parthian War started in AD 58 and, after initial victories and following set-backs, ended in AD 63 when a diplomatic solution was reached between Nero and the Parthian king Vologases I.

According to this settlement Tiridates, brother of the Parthian king, would rule over Armenia, but only after having travelled all the way to Rome to be crowned by Nero.

The journey lasted 9 months, Tiridates’ retinue included 3,000 Parthian horsemen and many Roman soldiers. The coronation ceremony took place in the summer of AD 66 and the day was celebrated with much pomp: all the people of Rome saw the new king of Armenia kneeling in front of Nero. This was the Golden Day of Nero’s rule

In AD 68, Vindex, the governor of Gaul (France), rebelled against Nero and declared his support for Galba, the governor of Spain. Vindex was defeated in battle by troops loyal to Nero, yet Galba started gaining more military support.

It was at this point that Nero lost the support of Rome’s people due to a grain shortage, caused by a rebellious commander who cut the crucial food supply from Egypt to the capital. Abandoned by the people and declared an enemy of the state by the senate, Nero tried to flee Rome and eventually committed suicide.

Following his death, Nero’s memory was condemned (a practice called damnatio memoriae) and the images of the emperor were destroyed, removed or reworked. However, Nero was still given an expensive funeral and for a long time people decorated his tomb with flowers, some even believing he was still alive.

After Nero’s death, civil war ensued. At the end of the so-called ‘Year of the Four Emperors’ (AD 69), Vespasian became emperor and started a new dynasty: the Flavians.

[Francesca Bologna, curator, for British Museum]

Taken in the British Museum

Handsome Yoshio wears "Tokyo Sleek Him'. Nothing like leather and fine wool to make one feel well-prepared for a night out.

Cabot, Arkansas

Cabot Martial Arts and Karate

Karate for Kids Testimonial and Review

When my eight-year-old son first asked me if I would let him take Karate for Kids, I was a little worried. Karate seems so dangerous and I was concerned that my boy would end up injured. After talking with my husband, we agreed to give the program a chance and now we are so glad that we did.

First of all, I would like to state that Master Babin is wonderful with the children. While I was apprehensive that the Karate class would be all about fighting, I was relieved to learn that the focus was more on self-defense and moral values. Now my son is healthier than ever, doing an activity that he truly loves.

I would encourage every parent out there looking for a fun exercise-based activity for his or her child to participate in their Karate for Kids program a chance. My son is constantly talking about what he learned in his past karate lessons and practicing his blocks and punches in the living room. He is even playing his video games less.

After my initial reservations, I now cannot imagine my son participating in any other karate program. Consider this my highest recommendation.

David S

Reviews on Karate for Kids

When my son started karate instruction with Karate for Kids, he was timid, had few friends and had trouble paying attention in school. I didn't agree with the doctor who tried to tell me he had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and that I should put him on medication to control it. To me, my son just needed some loving guidance, not to be medicated.

That is when I asked my good friend about her children's experiences with the local martial arts Instructor. Like my son, her children did not have a father figure in their lives and suffered greatly as the result. When they were approaching their teenage years, she decided to enroll them in karate at Karate For Kids Within a matter of weeks, I saw her pre-teen son and daughter become more confident, focused and goal-oriented and knew I wanted the same for my child.

After his very first lesson, my son, then aged nine, was already a changed child. He overflowed with enthusiasm as he explained how the karate for kids program pushed him to reach goals, but was "really nice" about it. To this mom, that means that my son finally got the caring, personal instruction that he deserves.

Thank you for such a fantastic Karate For Kids Program

Samantha W

Testimonial and Review on Martial Arts For Men

I am a forty-eight year old man and, until about four months ago, I had really let myself go. Between work-related stress and the other pressures of my day-to-day existence, I made little time for exercise and gave almost no thought to a healthy diet. In short, I was a mess.

One day, a colleague at my office took me aside and recommended that I sign up for the martial arts program offered locally. He had recently signed up for a class and loved it. After some convincing, I agreed to accompany him to his next class.

Fast-forward to today and I now love my martial arts training. Martial Arts for men workouts feels less like training and more like fun. I have been losing weight and now have a new energy when facing the daily grind. I have gone from one class a week to two, and am thinking of adding a third.

If you are looking for a fun way to get in shape, I would advise you to come on down our Martial Arts for Men Academy. You will not regret it.

Getting younger…

Lisa F

Testimonial and Review on Martial Arts For Women

I never would have thought that taking up martial arts, would change me so much as a person and in so many ways. I still use every occasion to thank my friends, for recommending me the Martial Art courses for women taught by a martial arts school that teaches quality skill sets for women

I used to be a very shy person, and had become quite fearful after having my purse stolen one evening. Now, that is no longer the case. Since participating in the martial arts courses, I have felt more empowered than ever. I enjoyed the friendly and encouraging atmosphere right from the start, and did not feel ashamed of my initial clumsiness.

Now, I can actually impress my friends with some of the moves I learned. Also, I am fully aware that martial arts represent a life style just as much as anything else. My Instructor simply amazed all of us throughout the entire program, with his dedication and willingness to teach us. In fact, we could hardly wait for the next session.

I truly recommend anyone to make the same change I made in my life. Looking back, I really cannot see my weekly schedule without my martial arts training sessions.

C McCrae

Martial Arts For Women in Cabot, Arkansas

Taking a martial arts class was not something I had given much consideration prior to turning 30. Wanting to preserve my strength and flexibility for years to come finally enticed me to take the plunge. The immediate results were stunning and I found myself feeling more energetic and confident in just a few sessions.

Not only are his martial arts skills top-notch, but I find his enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport to be infectious. Considering that this entire venture was foreign to me, I felt right at home during my very first class. In addition to training in martial arts my instructor has a great deal of patience and warmth, the other karate students in the session were just as receptive to me. They really know how to make new members feel welcome.

Learning the forms and methods involved in martial arts is a great experience, but what makes these classes truly exceptional is that we learn how to incorporate the philosophy and principals behind this art form into our everyday lives. I look forward to my sessions with my instructor, and find his classes to be a great way to invest in myself, while having some fun at the same time. It is more than just kicking and punching it’s a well rounded martial arts program.

With Great Thanks,

Jackie W

ville valo from a band called him

A woman walks past him at steady walking pace

And it seems there's a rope from her to his pace

His eyes its seems hopelessly are drawn to her derrieres

I only want to say one thing and I think it's pretty fair

Everyone knows they've been miss treated in days on by

But scenes like this show it still happens, the image doesn't lie

Tumblr | Twitter | Youtube

Beckley, West Virginia

Beckely Martial Arts and Karate

Karate for Kids Testimonial and Review

When my eight-year-old son first asked me if I would let him take Karate for Kids, I was a little worried. Karate seems so dangerous and I was concerned that my boy would end up injured. After talking with my husband, we agreed to give the program a chance and now we are so glad that we did.

First of all, I would like to state that Master Babin is wonderful with the children. While I was apprehensive that the Karate class would be all about fighting, I was relieved to learn that the focus was more on self-defense and moral values. Now my son is healthier than ever, doing an activity that he truly loves.

I would encourage every parent out there looking for a fun exercise-based activity for his or her child to participate in their Karate for Kids program a chance. My son is constantly talking about what he learned in his past karate lessons and practicing his blocks and punches in the living room. He is even playing his video games less.

After my initial reservations, I now cannot imagine my son participating in any other karate program. Consider this my highest recommendation.

David S

Reviews on Karate for Kids

When my son started karate instruction with Karate for Kids, he was timid, had few friends and had trouble paying attention in school. I didn't agree with the doctor who tried to tell me he had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and that I should put him on medication to control it. To me, my son just needed some loving guidance, not to be medicated.

That is when I asked my good friend about her children's experiences with the local martial arts Instructor. Like my son, her children did not have a father figure in their lives and suffered greatly as the result. When they were approaching their teenage years, she decided to enroll them in karate at Karate For Kids Within a matter of weeks, I saw her pre-teen son and daughter become more confident, focused and goal-oriented and knew I wanted the same for my child.

After his very first lesson, my son, then aged nine, was already a changed child. He overflowed with enthusiasm as he explained how the karate for kids program pushed him to reach goals, but was "really nice" about it. To this mom, that means that my son finally got the caring, personal instruction that he deserves.

Thank you for such a fantastic Karate For Kids Program

Samantha W

Testimonial and Review on Martial Arts For Men

I am a forty-eight year old man and, until about four months ago, I had really let myself go. Between work-related stress and the other pressures of my day-to-day existence, I made little time for exercise and gave almost no thought to a healthy diet. In short, I was a mess.

One day, a colleague at my office took me aside and recommended that I sign up for the martial arts program offered locally. He had recently signed up for a class and loved it. After some convincing, I agreed to accompany him to his next class.

Fast-forward to today and I now love my martial arts training. Martial Arts for men workouts feels less like training and more like fun. I have been losing weight and now have a new energy when facing the daily grind. I have gone from one class a week to two, and am thinking of adding a third.

If you are looking for a fun way to get in shape, I would advise you to come on down our Martial Arts for Men Academy. You will not regret it.

Getting younger…

Lisa F

Testimonial and Review on Martial Arts For Women

I never would have thought that taking up martial arts, would change me so much as a person and in so many ways. I still use every occasion to thank my friends, for recommending me the Martial Art courses for women taught by a martial arts school that teaches quality skill sets for women

I used to be a very shy person, and had become quite fearful after having my purse stolen one evening. Now, that is no longer the case. Since participating in the martial arts courses, I have felt more empowered than ever. I enjoyed the friendly and encouraging atmosphere right from the start, and did not feel ashamed of my initial clumsiness.

Now, I can actually impress my friends with some of the moves I learned. Also, I am fully aware that martial arts represent a life style just as much as anything else. My Instructor simply amazed all of us throughout the entire program, with his dedication and willingness to teach us. In fact, we could hardly wait for the next session.

I truly recommend anyone to make the same change I made in my life. Looking back, I really cannot see my weekly schedule without my martial arts training sessions.

C McCrae

Martial Arts For Women in Beckley, West Virginia

Taking a martial arts class was not something I had given much consideration prior to turning 30. Wanting to preserve my strength and flexibility for years to come finally enticed me to take the plunge. The immediate results were stunning and I found myself feeling more energetic and confident in just a few sessions.

Not only are his martial arts skills top-notch, but I find his enthusiasm and enjoyment of the sport to be infectious. Considering that this entire venture was foreign to me, I felt right at home during my very first class. In addition to training in martial arts my instructor has a great deal of patience and warmth, the other karate students in the session were just as receptive to me. They really know how to make new members feel welcome.

Learning the forms and methods involved in martial arts is a great experience, but what makes these classes truly exceptional is that we learn how to incorporate the philosophy and principals behind this art form into our everyday lives. I look forward to my sessions with my instructor, and find his classes to be a great way to invest in myself, while having some fun at the same time. It is more than just kicking and punching it’s a well rounded martial arts program.

With Great Thanks,

Jackie W