A Question of Character

[Guest guest]

I awoke this morning and found Lyle Mc's bitter and venomous Mel-gram in

Rosemary's in-box. I read part of it earlier in the day before Rosemary and I

walked down to Venice's (new) Muscle Beach for a wonderful holiday

bodybuilding show, held outdoors with the beach and ocean behind us and the

wonderful carnival-like boardwalk behind the stage and outdoor gym. The show

was exceptional with many of the all-time greats from bodybuilding and fitness

in attendance. The participants (all amateurs) were remarkable, and a number

of them could easily hold themselves well against the IFBB pros. The youngest

on stage was a guest poser (and daughter of a competitor) who was a wonderful,

shy 12 year old girl. The oldest was a happy-go-lucky 75 year old man

entering his first-ever competition.

Throughout the show, which lasted most of the day (prejudging and finals), my

mind kept drifting back to the bitter, angry, incomprehensible behavior

apparent in Lyle Mc's attack on Mel. What came to mind was the pleasure

that Rosemary and I receive by being members of the Supertraining list. The

very fact that the list is monitored by Mel gives us an environment

essentially free of the far too common internet behavior and abuse exhibited

by the likes of Lyle Mc.

One of the things I thought about today was my very distant first memory of

going into a gym and experiencing the positive atmosphere and vitality that

comes with being amongst fitness-oriented athletes. I remember my older

brother taking me into what was probably a Golden Gloves gym for amateur

boxers. I must have been at most 8 years old and it was probably about

1949-1950. What sticks in my mind of that visit was the sounds of " speed

bags, " jumping ropes, homemade weights being lifted and the constant

encouragement and chatter of those working out.

During today's bodybuilding show, someone behind the grandstand was busy

working out with the steady thump-thump-thump of a speed bag. All around the

show area, young people were either playing team sports, such as basketball,

or taking part in outdoor activities and lifting weights in the outdoor gym.

Nowhere did one see someone trying to dominate or put down the athletic

efforts of others. Thinking back, I realized that I have never been tolerant

of those with a negative or bitter outlook being a part of anything to do with

fitness.

Mel Siff, more than anyone, exemplifies the vitality, curiosity, and

wide-ranging interests in everything to do with life and the desire to ever

improve one's mind and body. Thank goodness Mel is there to promote this

attitude and, with measured judgment and character, block the likes of Lyle

Mc and the utter waste that comes from accommodating his negative

bitterness. There's just not enought time in life to waste on that sort of

thing.

Jim Vernon

Venice, CA