Sunday, November 29, 2009
The "Buzz" and Some Insights
I'm sitting here listening to some Dishwalla, thinking about my life, my past, my new career directions and just reflecting on the day.
It's been a good day. Krav class in the morning was good. We worked on some clinching and talked about negotiation and de-escalation tactics and how it relates to Universal Values.
After class wrapped up I went to another great seminar taught by Buzz Smith. Chuck Pippin from Innovative Martial Arts brought Buzz in to teach this all day seminar.
Buzz taught with great thoughtfulness, insight, and respect. I've grown to admire those qualities in him. He always shares his unique perspective and art openly with the skill and care of a true artisan. He explains the concepts in a way that everyone can understand. By making the complex simple he doesn't just show you what he can do, he shows you what YOU can do. The mark of a good instructor. I'm sure everyone left with more than what they came in with on many levels.
I saw and trained with many others that I haven't seen since The Gathering in Spring or at one of the other seminars. It was great to see and train with everyone! Also thanks to Chuck for bringing Buzz in! Much appreciated!
One other thing happened that I want to mention: Buzz asked his childhood sweetheart Deb to marry him! She accepted...of course! :-)
Buzz told us that he chose to propose to Deb at the seminar because he considered us all his family and wanted to share that moment with us as well... people who he cared about and who cared about him. It was a touching moment for all of us. Congratulations Buzz and Deb! Thanks for sharing that with us!
Ok, now here is the educational part of the show... well sort of. For your education and entertainment I picked out some videos and pasted them below. I labeled each with a thought. You should find them rather informative, educational, but mostly just entertaining. Enjoy!!
*For those who offend easily or are upset by profanity you may want to skip this next part! :-)
When to Give Up:
How to Properly Profile a Threat (Will Smith Style):
Private Security 101... I thought you'd be bigger!
Confidence and Being a Good Host:
The 4 Big Questions:
Preparing for the Impossible Krav Style:
What a Real Car Jacking Looks Like (well...in your dreams or if you're Jeremy Wiersma):
Belt Ranking:
The True Origins of the UFC & Life Perspective:
The YOU you Want to Be:
Is This Reality?
A Life in a Dream:
One Night Stands, Melancholy & Serendipity:
Follow Your Bliss, But Ignore This Music!
Predator & Prey / Protecting & Defending:
What We'd Like to do When Someone is Trying to Screw Us in a Business Deal (Explicit):
Well, that's it. I hope you enjoyed my fun little tangent!?
Talk to you all soon.
Keep going,
~Craig
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Freedom Writers
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Dash
Hello all~
Here is a little video clip I shot at a place where I go to get perspective when I need to. This goes hand in hand with the poem called "The Dash" by Linda Ellis. I like the poem and thought you might too.
The Dash
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
© 1996 Linda Ellis
Be here NOW, don't waste a minute because we all know it goes fast. We don't know when or how our time is going to end, only that it will. As Mel Gibson so eloquently said in the movie Braveheart, "Every Man Dies, but Not Every Man Really Lives!" Sad, but often too true.
Keep going,
~Craig
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Frontlines of Freedom Military - Veteren Talk Radio

Hello all~
I was just asked by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Denny Gillem and to be the Official Personal Defense Subject Matter Expert for his Military - Veteran Talk Radio Show called Frontlines of freedom - AM 1260 - It is currently airs in Michigan and Florida and is being recommended for national syndication. In the West Michigan area it airs Saturday nights 7pm EST and is Podcast at www.frontlinesoffreedom.com.
You can hear my first segment here:
www.frontlinesoffreedom.com/podcasts.html
Click on the segment labeled - 09 Oct 29th part 3 - to listen.
I am honored to be a part of this program and to be able to contribute to a larger community through the show's reach. Thanks for the opportunity Denny. I appreciate your confidence in my perspective and experience and insights regarding Personal Defense!
Take care all. Talk to you soon!
~Craig