Tiger Mothers, Pussy Cat Moms

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A Chinese mother is talking to her child: “What grade did you make on your reading test today in school? 93? If you had studied harder you would have been able to make 94.” The child returns after the next week’s test. “You made 94. You can do better than 94,” suggests the mother. “Just spend a little more time at your studies.” Finally, after weeks of study, the child proudly reports that her grade on this week’s test was 100. “But will you be able to keep it up?” inquires the mother.  From The Learning Gap by Harold Stevenson and James W. Stigler

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The Case Against Terminal Ippon

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I have often voiced my concerns that current IJF rules are undermining participation in Judo in the U.S., and perhaps in other nations as well, although I don’t have any evidence to that effect.  I’ve also touched upon from time to time how these rules are also undermining the technical development of our players.  With that in mind, I’d like to present a case for eliminating the match-ending terminal ippon.

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On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs

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I am physically, mentally, and emotionally spent after two days of dealing with the enemy: the IRS, aka Internal Revenue Service.  Completing California and U.S. corporate tax forms has consumed me, so I had little time to prepare a new blog.  Fortunately, I came across an article I had read months ago that I wish to share with you.

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2011 Senior National Championships

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I just returned from Orlando, Florida, where USA Judo held its Senior and Masters National Championships.  Even though a Europe-based player of mine paid my way, and my daughter was competing, I was very reluctant to go.  Traveling by air is no longer fun.  After you have survived the inconveniences of travel and the stupidity of TSA, you then have to put up with the latest round of machinations from USA Judo and the referees.

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I Don’t Agree With You!

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The people to fear are not those who disagree with you, but those who disagree with you and are too cowardly to let you know. Napoleon Bonaparte

If I received $100 every time someone told me that he reads my blog, agrees with much of it, but doesn’t always agree 100 percent, I could retire my substantial house mortgage.  I’m not sure why there’s a need to tell me you disagree with me without further explanation.  I would much prefer that you engage me in intellectual discourse, and tell me why you disagree or what you disagree about.  That would be beneficial.

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