Thread: What else are you all into?

Originally Posted by Jeepinoldman

I'm also a HAM operator with an advanced class license.

Nice, my job in the Marine Corps was copying morse code.

Originally Posted by M Guthner

Nice, my job in the Marine Corps was copying morse code.

I love code I don't care what anyone says. A lot of the newer HAMs don't like it, won't use it and just learn the basic 5 wpm to get their HF privelages and then they forget about it. They never know, hey might need it some day.

I got my advanced license in 91 and was working on the extra class when my son was born in 92. Taking care of a new baby and trying to learn 20 wpm was impossible so I was happy with advanced. They don't even officially have that class anymore. Now it's novice, no-code tech, general and extra I believe.

You still do any radio work as a hobby M Guthner?

I think the FCC recently did away with the Morse requirements altogether.

Just the way technology is going. That's why kids are able to get driver's licenses without knowing what a clutch is.

It wouldn't shock me to learn that there's no longer a requirement to know code.
People can learn it if they want but like everything else today, people want the reward instantly.

I remember about ten years ago reading in a radio magazine that a man got his extra class license and he was blind and deaf! Of course the written test was in Braille and they changed the tone of the code and cranked up the volume so the man could lay his hand on the table and FEEL the code with his hands.

I guess I always liked things that take a little extra time and skill. I now prefer my longbow over my compound, always manual trans over auto... maybe that's why I eventually made the switch entirely to straight shaving from using a DE all my life.

Nope, but from time to time I'll spell stuff out just for fun. I spent 22 weeks at Ft. Devens, Ma listening to morse code 8-10 hours a day - I was ready to impale myself with a bayonet towards the end . To graduate the school one had to copy "20 groups" per min. Iirc, I was up to 24-26 when I finished. Several were into the low 30's. I'm not sure what this equates to in Ham speed, but I remember typing for several seconds after the code ended. It was impossible to keep up letter for letter. When I was in (1990-1994), the only thing I remember copying was taped maritime stuff. It was a very boring job that I got looped into during bootcamp. I was stationed in Hawaii for three years tho

Music and sport. I play a few instruments and sing. Used to be a thrower (Javelin). In fact, I'm into any throwing sport (cricket, baseball etc). Used to be into bodybuilding as well - now just work out for the fun of it.

James.

When you shave you follow a ritual as well

There is a distinct difference between a "ritual" and a practice or task of repetition. Shaving is the practice of removing facial hair and is no more a ritual than farting, though I'm sure someone will try to say how farting is a ritual in some culture somewhere. Any task or practice can be incorporated into a ritual. It doesn't make that task a ritual in and of itself. Bowing isn't a ritual, bowing to an inanimate object out of respect for the ancestors and the holiness of the room you practice in is .

I will easily bow respectfully to my friends in Tokyo. I won't prostrate myself before them and I won't bow to a room or to a flag.

Bottom line is the traditions and rituals in martial arts have religious roots and meanings but is not promoted as a religion in many areas.

If I were to bow to an idol, regardless of the logic I use to excuse it, I'm still violating my pledge to my God. Similarly, if I bow to a flag or room, regardless of the logic I use to excuse it, because of the roots from which the practice stems and is still practiced by world wide, I'm still violating my pledge to my God. Any other person who chooses to follow my God and also chooses to engage in martial arts has to work that issue out between himself/herself and God. I've already seen the answer clearly. I also have to accept that virtually all Dojos will discrimiate against me under the excuse of "discipline" . If it were simply discipline there are many alternatives that could be practiced that wouldn't violate the religious principles of the student while still allowing the student to display proper respect for the art, sensei, and fellow students.

Edit:
PS I don't shake hands with a room when I enter it. Neither do I worship nor hold sacred the religious symbols within my religion like others who claim to follow my faith.

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

I think the FCC recently did away with the Morse requirements altogether.

yea, about 10 years ago or so, though learning morse code gets you legalized access to many more channels .

Originally Posted by FUD

Any other person who chooses to follow my God and also chooses to engage in martial arts has to work that issue out between himself/herself and God. I've already seen the answer clearly.

Ultimately, this is what it comes down to. Everyone in that situation has to make out for himself how and if he wants to deal with it.
I already explained how I see this issue. You see it another way. As long as we don't try to enforce our own views on each other, we should be able to live in harmony.

Have you looked at e.g. pancrase, escrima or krav maga?
There are several martial arts comparable to japanese martial arts that do not have the religious legacy.
Perhaps that might be something for you.