We took our little Darwin on the Humane Society’s Walk for the Animals in Fort Lauderdale.  It was a lot of fun, and there were so many adorable and unique dogs there!

My daughter, Rachel made a Didgeridoo for her friend’s birthday. It was fun, and it looks fantastic!

A homemade Didgeridoo

Materials

• 5.5 feet of wide PVC pipe
• 1 can white plastic primer spray paint
• sand paper
• 2 cans black matte spray paint
• 1 can bold blue spray paint semigloss
• assorted colors of acrylic paint
• reposition-able spray adhesive
• painter’s tape
• artist’s paint brushes
• foam brush
• matte varnish
• 1 block bee’s wax (get this at a craft store or online)
• stainless steel pot for melting wax

Directions

• Have the hardware store cut you a piece of PVC pipe anywhere between 4 and 6 feet long.
• Sand the ends so they are not rough. Use an orbit sander if you have one.
• Spray paint the pipe with the primer. Use the entire can. Shake it well and spray it in fast, short sprays so it does not drip. Practice on something else first so you get a feel for it. You don’t want it to drip down the pipe.
• After it dries, spray paint the entire pipe with the black paint, or whatever color you choose. Do 2-3 coats.
• Make a (thick) paper design as a stencil. Rachel made a lizard with a wrap around tail.
• Spray a light coast of the spray adhesive on the back of the stencil. LET IT DRY COMPLETLY or it will not come off the pipe.
• Tape off the top and bottom 18 inches of the pipe.
• Place your stencil in the center section of the pipe, making sure you press all the edges down frmly so paint does not get under it.
• Spray paint the center section blue, right over the stencil. As soon as you are sure you have good coverage immediately pick off the stencil.
• After it is dry, add more designs freehand with the acrylic paint.
• Let is dry completely. This may take a while depending on the humidity.
• Seal with matte varnish using a foam brush.
• When it is completely dry, you are ready to make the mouthpiece using bee’s wax. Use a heavy stainless steel pot. Pour hot water in it and let the wax sit for 15 minutes. Start working it with your fingers to shape it into a ring the size of the PVC pipe opening. Bee’s wax is flammable so beware! Do not spill it over onto your cooktop.
• When you have finished the ring, melt some of the leftover wax in the pot on low with no water.
• Dip the mouthpiece end of the pipe into the pot of wax, twirling it to coat about 2 inches of the pipe with wax.
• Then pop the wax ring into the microwave in a glass bowl. Nuke it for about 45 seconds to soften it. Quickly shape  it over the pipe opening that has been dipped in wax.
• Then dip the entire mouthpiece end of the pipe back into the melted beeswax to seal completely.

Melting a block of bee’s wax is messy!

Shaping the mouthpiece into a ring from the wax

Then you’re done! It’s more difficult to play the didgeridoo than you may think- here’s a brief tutorial on how to play the instrument: http://www.didgeridoostore.com/howtoplay.html

Have fun trying to play the thing!

You won’t be sitting down when you play this!

My brother, Eric Rosen, took his kids sledding at Central Park yesterday and sent me these pics. Gorgeous snow! Thanks, Eric! And by the way, there has been more snowfall this winter in NYC than since a year in the late 1800s!

Husband and wife team, Doug Tate and Patty Weir are the owners of Tiger & Dragon Boca, a Kenpo Karate Studio in Boca Raton, FL. Karate is more popular than ever before (with both adults and kids) because of its many benefits. Today I sat down with Doug and Patty to get the scoop on karate, so our readers can learn more about this special art.

How did each of you get started in karate?

(Doug) I started in karate as a kid in Ohio.  My uncle owned multiple Kenpo Karate schools throughout the area and I trained extensively, earning my first black belt at the age of sixteen.  For years I trained and taught with my Uncle until I left for college.  I regained my passion for the martial arts many years later, when my own son was old enough to train in karate.  I’ve been training in multiple styles since that time, earning 2 additional black belts, and of course, opening a school with my wife, Tiger&Dragon Boca.

(Patty) My karate training started with my son when he was 7 and I was in my late 30s.  I had always been physically fit, working out at the gym and taking various cardio classes. I had watched my son take karate for several months, and then he stopped training.  He had a few months left on his contract, so the instructors asked if I would like to train in his place. Once I started, there was no turning back.  I earned my first black belt in 2008 and have started training in traditional Kenpo with my husband.  My son, age 12, has since re-joined and is well on his way to his first black belt.

Patty and Doug with their sons Dallas (left) and Adam at the studio

How would you best describe Kenpo to someone who may be unfamiliar with it?

Kenpo Karate is not a sport, it is the ultimate in real world self defense.  Kenpo Karate, also known as Ch’uan fa or “fist law,” is both an ancient and modern method of self development and self defense.  A true blending of inner and outer strength, Kenpo helps you develop grace and coordination as well as stamina and speed. Through Kenpo instruction, you will learn proper breathing techniques and movements utilizing the natural weapons of the body – the hands and feet – by developing breath control, muscle tone, quick reflexes and agility.

In addition to self defense, what benefits does Kenpo have for the participants?

The benefits of Kenpo karate, Shootfighting and the martial arts in general are many.
From training, there will be an increase in strength and flexibility, a gain in self confidence, concentration and focus.  Students learn how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in addition to learning real-world self defense.

Students learn about their true inner strength and the art of self control, and experience improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and muscle toning through training and exercise.

After the holidays, are you seeing a lot of people who are coming into the studio to get into shape?

We definitely saw an increase in interest during and immediately after the holidays.  We all know that the holidays bring out the best in good food, celebrations and family time that often revolve around meals and delicious foods.  We often “give” ourselves permission to indulge during this time of year and have to pay the price afterwards.  New Year’s resolutions are a big part of this, but it’s our job to convince people that good health is more than a short-term project – it should be a part of everyday life all year long.

If a participant is dedicated, how many years does it take to accomplish a black belt?

The typical student (age 7+) can earn a black belt in Kenpo in 4 to 6 years, depending on the amount of time and effort spent training and practicing.  It takes approximately 3 to 5 years to earn a black belt in Shootfighting.

At what age can a child begin taking karate lessons?

We offer lessons beginning at age 3.  Even at this young age, it is important to be active, burn off that excessive energy, learn how to listen, focus and follow directions.  They are taught some martial arts basics, but the drills teach them life skills that help them through their school years and at home – discipline, respect, self-confidence, control and so much more.  Plus it’s a lot of fun!

Kenpo for kids at Tiger & Dragon Boca

What is Shootfighting?

Shootfighting® is a Japanese based, complete fighting system that combines both kickboxing with submission wrestling (ground fighting).  Shootfighting® will also enhance any other style of Martial Arts a student may already know. With its emphasis on complete transitions from stand-up to ground, it makes both the stand-up fighter or striker and the grappler or ground fighter stronger by eliminating the limitations of each.

What else do you teach at your studio?

We teach Kenpo karate and Shootfighting and also a variety of day-time general exercise/cardio classes such as Turbo Kick (cardio kickboxing), circuit training, Tai-chi, yoga and general bar-bell pump classes.  We also offer private lessons in all of the above for those who prefer not to train in group settings or want a combination of both private and group opportunities.

What is your favorite aspect of teaching?

(Doug) When someone has a desire to learn karate, I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills.  That shared passion for the martial arts is what makes me realize I’m doing something good for the art, the student, my business and for my family.

(Patty) I love building the teacher/student relationship with the kids – especially the young ones.  To have them come into the dojo excited and smiling, eager to take their class, is the greatest.  I strive to incorporate exercise, fun and education during class and get great satisfaction as I watch them improve, learn and grow as people.

What advice do you have for anyone out there who is thinking about starting a karate studio?

(Doug) Have patience with yourself, your business and enjoy the process.  If you truly love the martial arts, then success will follow.

(Patty) To be successful in this business, you have to love what you do as well as love working with people.  Everyone has a unique story or situation – a reason for training at your dojo.  It is extremely rewarding and interesting – never a boring moment!  You also need to have a strong business sense – no matter how good you are at the martial arts or even at teaching, it is still a business and needs to be properly attended to.

Thank you Patty and Doug for all this valuable information!

Tiger & Dragon Boca offers programs for the entire family in an environment that is safe, fun and fosters new friendships. Lessons are offered for children as young as 3 years old. Don’t miss their 10 lbs in 10 weeks special!

If you would like to learn more about Tiger & Dragon Boca, please contact them:

Tiger & Dragon Boca
Hampton Square
19805 Hampton Drive – Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-926-1846

www.Tiger&DragonBoca.com

Here’s mine:

• Blue skies.
• Cool breeze.
• No humidity!
• Finally!
• Working outside on patio with laptop.
• New Puppy a handful.
• Very cute though.
• Lunch with friend Tim.
• Out on patio.
• Homemade.
• Great conversation.
• Book review up.
• On Amazon.
• Linchpin.
• By Seth Godin.
• Calm.
• Happy.
• Grateful.
• Even though getting bit by mosquitos!
• Did I say puppy cute?

Well, I’ve finally updated my 2010 calendar with all the school activities, days off, holidays and birthdays, work events and even marked every Miami Heat Basketball Game through the end of the season for my husband. (What a great wife I am!) And OMG, my daughter is graduating from high school in May!

http://www.clipartheaven.com

Have you ever looked through your calendar from a previous year? It is shocking to do so, because you realize just how fast time zipped by. I feel the same way every time I take out and put away the Christmas decorations. Was that really already one year ago that I at did this? I have to say that the older I get, the faster the time goes by. How cliche, yet true.

This year I promise myself I will do a better job of checking my calendar at least twice a day! Why write it down if you never look at it?!

Now if I could only figure out how to slow time down so I can make my daughter’s time at home lat longer. Anybody got any suggestions?

If you are visiting South Florida this winter or you live here, consider spending a day at City Place in West Palm Beach. It is a lot of fun to take the the Tri-Rail train here from any spot in Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties. From my home town of Hollywood, the train takes about an hour, and it is a lot of fun. It costs $5 round trip per person, and you can walk to City Place from the West Palm Beach Train Station. It’s just a few blocks from there. If you go on a weekend, note that the train schedule is limited.

City Place is small, quaint shopping area with fabulous restaurants, an I-Max Theater, an historic theater, special events and excellent shopping.  We hit all the after-Christmas sales. My favorite restaurant here is Il Bellagio. Great soups, salads, pasta and brick oven pizza. And you can sit outside next to the fountain and people watch. You’ll find most everyone to be ultra friendly here. And people come from all over the world to visit. If you do go shopping, remember that if you are taking the train, you may not want to buy heavy items to drag around. Most of the stores will ship for you if you prefer not to carry your purchases.

Center courtyard of shops and restaurants

Awesome Christmas Tree

Dancing fountain that moves in harmony with music and sprays onlookers

My daughter, Rachel with friends Molly and Anna trying on hats at the Anthropologie Store

Friends and family posing in front of the main City Place Sign

View from the bridge over the train tracks on our way home

http://www.webweaver.nu

With the time change and winter approaching, (I have to laugh here, because I am in South Florida) I feel different. It happens to me every year. I want to eat dinner earlier, get into bed earlier and stay home more often. And what about mornings? I wake up to early, and that is why I want to go to bed earlier.  I just plain feel like I have a lot less time to get things done. But it’s really not true. I’ve got to snap out of it.

This got me thinking about the Americans who work during the night hours and sleep during the day. Just how do they do it? I would be totally depressed not seeing the sun – especially after living here! Just think about how a night job would change your life. You could not really socialize or attend daytime events. You’d be home sleeping while everyone else is living. I’ve read how many people doing this need to be treated with florescent light exposure to simulate the sun and get them out of their depression.

I don’t think we were meant to stay up all night. I’ll stick to “normal” hours.

1. Surf the web for ideas for your next vacation
2. Send a bunch of people you know emails so they can ask, “What were you doing up at that hour?!”
3. Watch a B movie on an obscure TV channel
4. Flip channels such that you try to only watch commercials on TV (like those for sleeping pills)
5. Listen to an old episode of “This American Life” on NPR on your computer
6. Make a list of all the things you need to get done that day
7. Make a list of all the things you accomplished that day
8. Write an old-fashioned letter to a friend you haven’t seen in a while
9. Write a poem for the love of your life or about how you wish you had a love of your life
10. Organize your sock or undies drawer
11. Play solitaire
12. Stare at the ceiling
13. Do yoga in bed
14. Call someone you know in a much different time zone, who would be awake at that time
15. Flip your head to where your feet normally are, and see if that helps you sleep
16. Toss your pillow on the floor and lay flat with your arms at your sides, and see if that helps you sleep
17. Drink a cup of hot decaf tea or even hot water, honey and lemon
18. Plan out what you are going to wear to work
19. Read something rather boring
20. Meditate

http://www.clker.com/

Get Ready!!!  Geography Awareness Week is coming up on November 15, 2009. Read all about it.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian, student or just a curious person, do all you can to promote your own geography literacy as well as that of the children in your life. Here are 5 ways you can get ready to take action on November 15 . . .

http://www.webweaver.nu

1. Enter a geography-related contest
2. Slap a map of the world on your wall and start studying it!
3. Pick a place in the world you are unfamiliar with and learn all you can about it.
4. Talk to the administrators in your child’s school about adding more geography curriculum.
5. Learn the history of your hometown and state. You’ll be surprised to discover what you don’t know!