Supermutants I know it can be hard to keep a level head, or lopsided head in these times. And your Supermutant fitness buff is not immune to the joys of the attic being mess around while you're outside smashing garden gnomes with fence posts etc.
I have never denied that I suffer from mental issues. Actually, I do find it a part of me that I can never really see myself growing up without. Yes, it is hard, and there are days like today for instance, where you have NO idea why, but you just feel like it is more than just giant rats and other nasty's messing up what little semblance of order you maintain.
At the moment, I a medication free. I generally meditate, workout and just slip into the void of disconnection to get rid of any issues that may make me irritable or want to lead down paths that are usually full of one way gradiant's, punji pits and other things to stop you from going back to point A.
For example. This week, between a shitty work schedule, and the gym being in holiday hour mode, I only get 1 workout day unless I ditch work for a day, which almost happened this morning. Now, for someone who is used to having a strict regimen to avoid mental stress and irritation, this is like taking the candy away from a child, or a Mustang from a man going through midlife crisis. Both throw tantrums, whinge and cry in public. Neither of which is pretty.
So, what do we do about it? If you have had your regimen taken away from you, add on top of that you are probably reeling from a winter cold, or a summer sickie, then you have to find another option. Now, about a year or two ago that would have involved having thoughts of doing something stupid, which almost got me hit by cars not paying attention to people walking out onto the street that were not paying attention or were paying attention, depending on the day. Now, these days, I fire up the old comp, and find something to blow up/hack&slash/set on fire etc. And this is crucial. A lot of shrinks will lead you away from your little violent fantasies, and with a few of us, that is probably a good thing, but we do have to remember, that it is better that we take it out in virtual environments, and not in real ones. My opinion: If you need to release, do it where you can cause the least harm. So, I have Skyrim.
What do you Supermutants do when you need to let off steam, and have your regimen of fitness and awesomeness taken away? And if I hear one reply of sex/massage, you might see me sitting next to the mid-life crisis guy crying in public LOL. Take care my mutated friends. And remember, not only is fitness a key to a somewhat healthy body, it is an essential part of a healthy mind.
27 December 2011
15 December 2011
SuperMutant Fitness Post #1
To Yoga, or Not To Yoga?
As a SuperMutant, I had this question run through my head for years. I had heard about all the great things it does to your body, but, then you have the doctor who has seen more of you than anyone else will have, tell you it is not a good idea. This, was also from the same doctor that told dear old me, that I was too competitive to do any form of contact sport or winter sport.
Anyways, I digress. But as I said, you have to question quite legitimately the benefits of Yoga on the SuperMutant body. Remember, depending on your level of mutation, things may or may not be there, could also be in slightly different locations, or only partially there.
Now as those of us who have beaten around the world of flatbacks and normals, we kinda know what we can and can't do, but for you aspiring and younger Mutants, what is some good advice? Firstly, gauge how long you have lived with your mutation. If you are say 20 years old, and your mutation occurred at 15, therefore you get 5 years. Now, if you can say that you have been active for those 5 years, then I would say sure, give it a shot with your doctors consent, but you MUST ask the instructor if they are willing to work with you.
For us SuperMutants, those of us who have been around a while, or have had a longer mutation cycle than the whelps, then we can do it only if we can be sure that we have that extra awesome ability that mutation teaches us, ADAPTABILITY! Yes, I know it is a tough word to use, but, if you can't adapt to your mutation, then Yoga is not your best friend, I would probably downsize to middle aged Pilates Class, Tai Chi! Actually, Tai Chi is great for Mutants of all classification!
Now personally, I love my Yoga. Also keep in mind, you will have to mix with normals. Now, if you are like me, and are able to interact with Flatbacks and other classes of Normals, then you should be good. Best thing about doing Normal and Flatback activities, is when one of them come up to you and say good on you. It does put them at ease. Now also, if you are like me, and have grown a very warped and twisted sense of humour, which is about as twisted as my back, then chuckle just loud enough for the instructor to hear when they say, "I want to see a good strong back, take the dome out of your back!". When you get to know the instructor, throw in the response "well, I was hoping Yoga would fix that! or, Well, can you tell the others to take the flat out of their backs, I am mortified at all this normal".
Overall though, and in all seriousness, Supermutants, ask your Instructor if they feel they are qualified, or at least trained long enough to handle your mutation.
Now off with you all, I need my sleep, and feel the urge to throw heavy objects at people who leave their smelly shoes in the window while the wind blows in from outside.. And Normal's think we have barbaric manners!
As a SuperMutant, I had this question run through my head for years. I had heard about all the great things it does to your body, but, then you have the doctor who has seen more of you than anyone else will have, tell you it is not a good idea. This, was also from the same doctor that told dear old me, that I was too competitive to do any form of contact sport or winter sport.
Anyways, I digress. But as I said, you have to question quite legitimately the benefits of Yoga on the SuperMutant body. Remember, depending on your level of mutation, things may or may not be there, could also be in slightly different locations, or only partially there.
Now as those of us who have beaten around the world of flatbacks and normals, we kinda know what we can and can't do, but for you aspiring and younger Mutants, what is some good advice? Firstly, gauge how long you have lived with your mutation. If you are say 20 years old, and your mutation occurred at 15, therefore you get 5 years. Now, if you can say that you have been active for those 5 years, then I would say sure, give it a shot with your doctors consent, but you MUST ask the instructor if they are willing to work with you.
For us SuperMutants, those of us who have been around a while, or have had a longer mutation cycle than the whelps, then we can do it only if we can be sure that we have that extra awesome ability that mutation teaches us, ADAPTABILITY! Yes, I know it is a tough word to use, but, if you can't adapt to your mutation, then Yoga is not your best friend, I would probably downsize to middle aged Pilates Class, Tai Chi! Actually, Tai Chi is great for Mutants of all classification!
Now personally, I love my Yoga. Also keep in mind, you will have to mix with normals. Now, if you are like me, and are able to interact with Flatbacks and other classes of Normals, then you should be good. Best thing about doing Normal and Flatback activities, is when one of them come up to you and say good on you. It does put them at ease. Now also, if you are like me, and have grown a very warped and twisted sense of humour, which is about as twisted as my back, then chuckle just loud enough for the instructor to hear when they say, "I want to see a good strong back, take the dome out of your back!". When you get to know the instructor, throw in the response "well, I was hoping Yoga would fix that! or, Well, can you tell the others to take the flat out of their backs, I am mortified at all this normal".
Overall though, and in all seriousness, Supermutants, ask your Instructor if they feel they are qualified, or at least trained long enough to handle your mutation.
Now off with you all, I need my sleep, and feel the urge to throw heavy objects at people who leave their smelly shoes in the window while the wind blows in from outside.. And Normal's think we have barbaric manners!
01 December 2011
30 November 2011
Laughs at work that would be really bad in Canada.
Ok, here is the setup.
1 black British guy, 1 Pakistani, 1 Welshman, 1 South African girl, and another mixed selection.
We were all sitting around as it was getting quiet, talking about Racist Train Lady... then we start hearing the Black British guy go to the Pakistani guy in mock racist voice...
"Get back to your own fucking country"
"What do you mean, I have a British passport"
(giggles are heard)
"Well, you also have an Orange passport, so that means you ain't no British person, so go back to your own country. You know what, at the Christmas party, I am going to start busking, chanting, Send ******** home."
Me: Hmmm if you sing it like, really well and all, you could pass it off
"Yeah, then I can start singing, Hey let's send his family home"
"Hey, there are more of my family hiding in the airport.."
Then he turns on the Welsh guy...
"Hey, you're not real British either""
"Yes I am, I'm half welsh, and quarter Irish/Scottish"
Me: You know, there hasn't been a true Brit since the Roman occupation, so.. hell, him being half welsh, shit that means he probably has more real british in him than the rest of us!
"Oh, hell he is a blueblood!"
This went on for another 30 minutes...
Yup, would not have had conversations like this at Convergys or Atco!!!
1 black British guy, 1 Pakistani, 1 Welshman, 1 South African girl, and another mixed selection.
We were all sitting around as it was getting quiet, talking about Racist Train Lady... then we start hearing the Black British guy go to the Pakistani guy in mock racist voice...
"Get back to your own fucking country"
"What do you mean, I have a British passport"
(giggles are heard)
"Well, you also have an Orange passport, so that means you ain't no British person, so go back to your own country. You know what, at the Christmas party, I am going to start busking, chanting, Send ******** home."
Me: Hmmm if you sing it like, really well and all, you could pass it off
"Yeah, then I can start singing, Hey let's send his family home"
"Hey, there are more of my family hiding in the airport.."
Then he turns on the Welsh guy...
"Hey, you're not real British either""
"Yes I am, I'm half welsh, and quarter Irish/Scottish"
Me: You know, there hasn't been a true Brit since the Roman occupation, so.. hell, him being half welsh, shit that means he probably has more real british in him than the rest of us!
"Oh, hell he is a blueblood!"
This went on for another 30 minutes...
Yup, would not have had conversations like this at Convergys or Atco!!!
21 November 2011
Right Where It Belongs....
I remember as a kid in highschool, I used to go hang at a mate's place on the weekend, and he would do a mix tape of what he felt the weekend was about. At times, I used to get a good chuckle at that, but as I have gotten older, I have found that music can really hit a deep chord in your psyche. Most people would say soul with music, but honestly, to me, it more plucks a string in the psyche, usually in a Jungian or even Nieztche kind a way.
Which brings me to this little number here. Honestly, if you haven't heard it, then go HERE . Ok, are we back yet?
Now a lot of people have been getting the existentialist view from it, the religious overtones et al, and you know what, I am glad you are getting something out of it. I would have to say it is one of the most beautiful pieces of music written, and I would have to go out on a limb, and say that in its level of description not matter what it is describing, it is up there if not equal to Lennon.
Where do I come into this? Well back around 9 years or so ago, I went to a shrink, which the clinical psychologist himself was awesome, and I found out one thing I never knew about myself. Apparently, living with a combat veteran, coupled with copious amounts of pain from bullying, surgery and other childhood experiences that would make a good case for psychotic medication, and the on top of that, learning to block out the pain and other childhood memories, can cause enough of a disconnect in the mind to give you a form of mild schizophrenia. I remember chatting with a friend from primary school a few years back, and she told me about things at school, which I have no recollection of. I even had to ask, what I was like as a kid, simply because I have very little recollection of it. I remember the painful bits, the surgeries, seeing other kids in surgery not making it, or the long hours just learning to block the pain, learning to love the moments where I was not. I still love the moments when I realize that existence is a result of someone else's perception of your own existence, and by blocking out people, you can in theory, not exist.
The thing is, this song, to me, reaches that place. It brings it up, and confronts it. It basically forces me to say "Yes, I see you. I know you are there. I acknowledge your part of who I am now, but that is all we have in common anymore." Actually, I think I always liked Nine Inch Nails, deep down inside, but never understood the connection until I got older. The lead singer, and author of much of the music, Mr Trent Reznor, has had his share of struggles in life. Were they born from his fame and stardom, or were they a symptom of something deeper down, that was enhanced by this level of means? I am more of the opinion, it was the latter.
I have formed a great respect for Trent. Having read some articles on what he has gone through, in his life, it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling that you know, the famous, the "higher ups"in society, can be just as fucked up as those of us who grease the wheels. It is comforting to know, that even though you would never meet that particular person, or the chances of it are so slight or remote, but it makes you feel that, sometimes, some of the more famous do understand.
I have been told on a frequent basis, that people are surprised I am not on drugs, anti-psychotics or locked up somewhere nice and comfy with a padded room and no view. Honestly, I am too! Believe me, seeing the looks on someone's face when they ask what your favourite Halloween decoration is, and you say heads on a post, is quite bemusing, but more funny, they don't realize you are actually thinking if theirs would make a good addition or not LOL.
There are days I have pondered going back to a psychiatrist, and I think and as part of a promise I made to my best friend on this earth, I might just do that sometime in the near future. But, until I feel the veil getting thin, I think I will use discipline and severe concentration to control it. So, if you have never met me, and are reading this, if you think I have this severe look on my face, there is a reason for it. If you ask, I will just hit play on Right Where It Belongs, and let you hear why.
Mr Reznor, thank you for giving a voice to what goes on inside, without scaring people.
Which brings me to this little number here. Honestly, if you haven't heard it, then go HERE . Ok, are we back yet?
Now a lot of people have been getting the existentialist view from it, the religious overtones et al, and you know what, I am glad you are getting something out of it. I would have to say it is one of the most beautiful pieces of music written, and I would have to go out on a limb, and say that in its level of description not matter what it is describing, it is up there if not equal to Lennon.
Where do I come into this? Well back around 9 years or so ago, I went to a shrink, which the clinical psychologist himself was awesome, and I found out one thing I never knew about myself. Apparently, living with a combat veteran, coupled with copious amounts of pain from bullying, surgery and other childhood experiences that would make a good case for psychotic medication, and the on top of that, learning to block out the pain and other childhood memories, can cause enough of a disconnect in the mind to give you a form of mild schizophrenia. I remember chatting with a friend from primary school a few years back, and she told me about things at school, which I have no recollection of. I even had to ask, what I was like as a kid, simply because I have very little recollection of it. I remember the painful bits, the surgeries, seeing other kids in surgery not making it, or the long hours just learning to block the pain, learning to love the moments where I was not. I still love the moments when I realize that existence is a result of someone else's perception of your own existence, and by blocking out people, you can in theory, not exist.
The thing is, this song, to me, reaches that place. It brings it up, and confronts it. It basically forces me to say "Yes, I see you. I know you are there. I acknowledge your part of who I am now, but that is all we have in common anymore." Actually, I think I always liked Nine Inch Nails, deep down inside, but never understood the connection until I got older. The lead singer, and author of much of the music, Mr Trent Reznor, has had his share of struggles in life. Were they born from his fame and stardom, or were they a symptom of something deeper down, that was enhanced by this level of means? I am more of the opinion, it was the latter.
I have formed a great respect for Trent. Having read some articles on what he has gone through, in his life, it gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling that you know, the famous, the "higher ups"in society, can be just as fucked up as those of us who grease the wheels. It is comforting to know, that even though you would never meet that particular person, or the chances of it are so slight or remote, but it makes you feel that, sometimes, some of the more famous do understand.
I have been told on a frequent basis, that people are surprised I am not on drugs, anti-psychotics or locked up somewhere nice and comfy with a padded room and no view. Honestly, I am too! Believe me, seeing the looks on someone's face when they ask what your favourite Halloween decoration is, and you say heads on a post, is quite bemusing, but more funny, they don't realize you are actually thinking if theirs would make a good addition or not LOL.
There are days I have pondered going back to a psychiatrist, and I think and as part of a promise I made to my best friend on this earth, I might just do that sometime in the near future. But, until I feel the veil getting thin, I think I will use discipline and severe concentration to control it. So, if you have never met me, and are reading this, if you think I have this severe look on my face, there is a reason for it. If you ask, I will just hit play on Right Where It Belongs, and let you hear why.
Mr Reznor, thank you for giving a voice to what goes on inside, without scaring people.
15 October 2011
It's Getting Better All The Time
Hey everyone!! So I thought I would carry on with my awesome Beatles singing skills.
Well, today is a much better day. In the last few days I have blogged, things are a lot better. No, unfortunately the back pain hasn't gone, nor did it magically straighten, and I am now a living Narcissus waiting for you all to bask in my glory... well, I am a mutant Narcissus allowing you to all bask in my glory. Anyway, let's continue.
Well, two days ago, I got a job! That really made things a lot less stressful. It isn't the best paycheque in the world, but it is 40 hours a week of money. And that is better than nothing and, it seems to be a not too bad a place to work. Also has a discount for gym memberships!!! woot!!!
Secondly, met these two very cool Irish girls, and probably had some of the best laughs in a long time. The pair of them were insane, and well, heck, there is just nothing like someone making you laugh until you feel like you worked your abs harder than an hour doing crunches.
Thirdly, I am starting to make friends. I haven't had the chance to hang out with any of them yet, but I am starting to talk to more people. Today I met this rather nice Irish girl and we kinda struck up a good conversation. She was kinda cute, and was very interested in hanging out. I would have to say, that whilst I had a few concerns about moving... though not as many as everyone else did, I think I am doing good.
Anyways, everyone have a great day! Will keep my blogsphere informed..
Well, today is a much better day. In the last few days I have blogged, things are a lot better. No, unfortunately the back pain hasn't gone, nor did it magically straighten, and I am now a living Narcissus waiting for you all to bask in my glory... well, I am a mutant Narcissus allowing you to all bask in my glory. Anyway, let's continue.
Well, two days ago, I got a job! That really made things a lot less stressful. It isn't the best paycheque in the world, but it is 40 hours a week of money. And that is better than nothing and, it seems to be a not too bad a place to work. Also has a discount for gym memberships!!! woot!!!
Secondly, met these two very cool Irish girls, and probably had some of the best laughs in a long time. The pair of them were insane, and well, heck, there is just nothing like someone making you laugh until you feel like you worked your abs harder than an hour doing crunches.
Thirdly, I am starting to make friends. I haven't had the chance to hang out with any of them yet, but I am starting to talk to more people. Today I met this rather nice Irish girl and we kinda struck up a good conversation. She was kinda cute, and was very interested in hanging out. I would have to say, that whilst I had a few concerns about moving... though not as many as everyone else did, I think I am doing good.
Anyways, everyone have a great day! Will keep my blogsphere informed..
10 October 2011
Yesterday....
No, I am not going to enthrall you with my rapturous voice singing the awesome Beatles hit... that would make Sir Paul cry in his soup in jealousy... no... this is about Yesterday.
Anyways, the last few months, I have noticed some cracks appearing in the awesome veneer that is Jim. Some doubts, extra tiredness, antsyness, sadness, and some just general disillusionment. Well, the last few days, exploring around this lovely city that is London, realizations that I have wasted my existence in life, and or, have not lived it to the things I want to do have really started hitting home.
The worst part, and I don't say this in a condescending way, but, yesterday, I admitted to myself that I am disabled. I think that is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is sad, as Paula said, that I have to feel bad about it, because so many people who are on disability, should not be, or are abusing the system, and therefore, you feel disgusted that you have to admit something like that.
How did this affect me? Honestly, I am still in shock, and hurt and angry. But at the same time, I know it is a starting point for something, not sure precisely what, but it is a start for something. Also, knowing that I have done so many things for others, or things that others think I should do, really has made me feel depressed and angry. Why did I get into certain jobs, when I know I should have gone back to school, why did I get into certain friendships, why did I get into certain relationships? These are all questions that I am not able to answer at the moment. I know that there was one relationship I was very happy to get into, and Paula knows this. The one in which my two kids were born, well, they were the only thing that I have done that I think I am proud of.
Right now, I just have to sift through a tonne of residual information. I have asked help from so many circles, that I have had no want to ask, but, when you realize that you feel as though you are a newling of something, and just need some help to get on your feet, and help you to stay stable, if not at least move ahead, it is not an easy thing. You know the saying, "you can never make a man until you strip him down and humiliate him to the point that the man is no longer?" , I think I am emerging from that. I am not scared, but not totally sure of what lays ahead of me, but I think I will make it what I want it to be. And if there are going to be casualties in that, be they people who don't agree with what I am doing, or are no longer willing to come along for the ride, then I have to learn to appreciate the place they held, but not let it get in the road of making me, one that I like, that I can look at in the mirror and say "hey for a cool crip that you are, you aren't too bad you know!" and that has always been the hard part, being happy with myself. Be they friends, family, others I know, please realize, I appreciate that you have been there, but I need to find me now. I have done everything I can to make people happy, and some cases that has not been enough, but, I can't sacrifice my own happiness, dreams and goals for you anymore.
So, this is my new adventure. Besides exploring this great city that I finally feel at home in, I am now going to find myself. Come along on the journey if you wish, but just remember, your advice will be welcomed, but don't expect me to act on it if it has an agenda or a price attatched to it. I can't play that game anymore.
Best Wishes... LLAP.
Anyways, the last few months, I have noticed some cracks appearing in the awesome veneer that is Jim. Some doubts, extra tiredness, antsyness, sadness, and some just general disillusionment. Well, the last few days, exploring around this lovely city that is London, realizations that I have wasted my existence in life, and or, have not lived it to the things I want to do have really started hitting home.
The worst part, and I don't say this in a condescending way, but, yesterday, I admitted to myself that I am disabled. I think that is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is sad, as Paula said, that I have to feel bad about it, because so many people who are on disability, should not be, or are abusing the system, and therefore, you feel disgusted that you have to admit something like that.
How did this affect me? Honestly, I am still in shock, and hurt and angry. But at the same time, I know it is a starting point for something, not sure precisely what, but it is a start for something. Also, knowing that I have done so many things for others, or things that others think I should do, really has made me feel depressed and angry. Why did I get into certain jobs, when I know I should have gone back to school, why did I get into certain friendships, why did I get into certain relationships? These are all questions that I am not able to answer at the moment. I know that there was one relationship I was very happy to get into, and Paula knows this. The one in which my two kids were born, well, they were the only thing that I have done that I think I am proud of.
Right now, I just have to sift through a tonne of residual information. I have asked help from so many circles, that I have had no want to ask, but, when you realize that you feel as though you are a newling of something, and just need some help to get on your feet, and help you to stay stable, if not at least move ahead, it is not an easy thing. You know the saying, "you can never make a man until you strip him down and humiliate him to the point that the man is no longer?" , I think I am emerging from that. I am not scared, but not totally sure of what lays ahead of me, but I think I will make it what I want it to be. And if there are going to be casualties in that, be they people who don't agree with what I am doing, or are no longer willing to come along for the ride, then I have to learn to appreciate the place they held, but not let it get in the road of making me, one that I like, that I can look at in the mirror and say "hey for a cool crip that you are, you aren't too bad you know!" and that has always been the hard part, being happy with myself. Be they friends, family, others I know, please realize, I appreciate that you have been there, but I need to find me now. I have done everything I can to make people happy, and some cases that has not been enough, but, I can't sacrifice my own happiness, dreams and goals for you anymore.
So, this is my new adventure. Besides exploring this great city that I finally feel at home in, I am now going to find myself. Come along on the journey if you wish, but just remember, your advice will be welcomed, but don't expect me to act on it if it has an agenda or a price attatched to it. I can't play that game anymore.
Best Wishes... LLAP.
17 August 2011
Did you ever figure you'd meet a new friend whose parent fought on the otherside of a war?
Well today I did.
Tonight, while hanging around the interwebs, I had a friend request popup in my Facebook. It was from a Vietnamese guy, around my age, that I had briefly welcomed to a group I belong to that are children of Vietnam Veterans.
So, I accept the request, and within a few minutes, I find myself talking to the son, of a Vietnamese woman, who had been imprisoned by the South Vietnamese regime, and after her release, she understandably volunteered to join the Viet Cong.
I was totally blown away. It was something that I had always wanted to do, was to talk to someone on the other side of the fence for once, and just learn about their perspective! The young man, Hien, is a pretty impressive young gentleman himself. He works for a company that helps clear land mines and other explosives from in the Quang Tri province. He also helps probably one of the best known ordinance clearing companies Norwiegen Peoples Aid. This group has been active in so many parts of the world, clearing the deadly ordinance so normal citizens can move around in peace.
If you have the option or the means, please offer your assistance to any of these companies. The work they are doing is of the utmost importance to a country that is already assaulted by the effects of Dioxin based Agent Orange.
I only met Hien today, and have found a member of an extended family. It is only through friendship, cooperation and mutual respect, can we learn to live on the big blue marble we call home. Thank you Hien for the chat. And may your mother be a source of inspiration to you for a long time to come.
Tonight, while hanging around the interwebs, I had a friend request popup in my Facebook. It was from a Vietnamese guy, around my age, that I had briefly welcomed to a group I belong to that are children of Vietnam Veterans.
So, I accept the request, and within a few minutes, I find myself talking to the son, of a Vietnamese woman, who had been imprisoned by the South Vietnamese regime, and after her release, she understandably volunteered to join the Viet Cong.
I was totally blown away. It was something that I had always wanted to do, was to talk to someone on the other side of the fence for once, and just learn about their perspective! The young man, Hien, is a pretty impressive young gentleman himself. He works for a company that helps clear land mines and other explosives from in the Quang Tri province. He also helps probably one of the best known ordinance clearing companies Norwiegen Peoples Aid. This group has been active in so many parts of the world, clearing the deadly ordinance so normal citizens can move around in peace.
If you have the option or the means, please offer your assistance to any of these companies. The work they are doing is of the utmost importance to a country that is already assaulted by the effects of Dioxin based Agent Orange.
I only met Hien today, and have found a member of an extended family. It is only through friendship, cooperation and mutual respect, can we learn to live on the big blue marble we call home. Thank you Hien for the chat. And may your mother be a source of inspiration to you for a long time to come.
16 August 2011
Is Rick Perry The Smiler from Transmetropoliton?
Okay, as most of you who watch the news, or read it on the interwebs will know, it is Republican GOP time! Yay, I can't contain my excitement to see which right wing christian fundamentalist nutjob is going to lead the world to either another war, or a rehash of the Dark Ages, where funnily enough, it was the Muslims under the Turkish and Moorish banners that kept science running.
Anyways, I am digressing. SO, as I said, it is Rep GOP time. While seeing the usual slew of white middle-aged christian men get their mugs on the webs, I saw this...
So I get to thinking, "Who does this remind me of? Has political nice guy written all over him, but underneath, you know that there is some background weirdness that makes the inquisition look innocent?" And it hits me..
And if you have ever read Transmetropoliton, other than him not having killed his female running partner, should he accept Michele Buchannan as one, there are too many similarities to go around.
And finally, the thing that creeps me out MOST about this Rick Perry nutjob, and the Buchannan lady, is their form of christianity....Dominionism
Have a great day folks! And get your agnostic/atheist/darwin fish symbols out and kiss your heretical arses into oblivion if these two get in!
Anyways, I am digressing. SO, as I said, it is Rep GOP time. While seeing the usual slew of white middle-aged christian men get their mugs on the webs, I saw this...
Rick Perry:
So I get to thinking, "Who does this remind me of? Has political nice guy written all over him, but underneath, you know that there is some background weirdness that makes the inquisition look innocent?" And it hits me..
The Smiler:
And if you have ever read Transmetropoliton, other than him not having killed his female running partner, should he accept Michele Buchannan as one, there are too many similarities to go around.
And finally, the thing that creeps me out MOST about this Rick Perry nutjob, and the Buchannan lady, is their form of christianity....Dominionism
Have a great day folks! And get your agnostic/atheist/darwin fish symbols out and kiss your heretical arses into oblivion if these two get in!
02 August 2011
Oh Yes, Flickr
Ok, apparently I am making some changes. Today I signed up for my Flickr, well actually, set it up would be the better word. If you are interested, take a look http://www.flickr.com/photos/koldaussie/
I would like to start getting back into photography. Poetry is something else I want to get back into, but find it hard to find motivation when in front of this screen. So, what I will do, is get a bunch of poems written down, then will start transcribing them over to digital. Never have been able to get the flow sat at a desk when it comes to these things.
I would like to start getting back into photography. Poetry is something else I want to get back into, but find it hard to find motivation when in front of this screen. So, what I will do, is get a bunch of poems written down, then will start transcribing them over to digital. Never have been able to get the flow sat at a desk when it comes to these things.
Summer! Which is almost done..
Ok, so I am sitting here writing this in August, and calling it summer! I know, sounds kinda backwards right?
Well, yes it is, because honestly, this whole summer thing has been backwards. A lot has happened. Thankfully, most of it for the better. Even the hard things, were for the better, so it doesn't turn out all bad in the end. Hopefully my friend will have a return date to the UK sometime in the next week. Hope so, really itching to move on here. If for some obscure reason it doesn't, I think going back to work at the end of September, and give it awhile and move to Vancouver.
But, I am pretty confident after the last few messages I have received that this is still going to go ahead, just have to be patient.
Anyways, thank you to the new person who has joined my list. I miss talking with you.
Take care everyone
Well, yes it is, because honestly, this whole summer thing has been backwards. A lot has happened. Thankfully, most of it for the better. Even the hard things, were for the better, so it doesn't turn out all bad in the end. Hopefully my friend will have a return date to the UK sometime in the next week. Hope so, really itching to move on here. If for some obscure reason it doesn't, I think going back to work at the end of September, and give it awhile and move to Vancouver.
But, I am pretty confident after the last few messages I have received that this is still going to go ahead, just have to be patient.
Anyways, thank you to the new person who has joined my list. I miss talking with you.
Take care everyone
08 June 2011
TRX... and how awesome of a kick arse it can be!
Okay folks,
Today we are going to talk about a very simple yet effective piece of fitness equipment. It is called TRX which can be found here.
It is quite a well designed piece of kit, able to carry heavy loads (afterall, the straps it is made from are designed for use on airdrop pallets and holding tanks in big planes after all), and is more importantly VERSATILE!
You can use this thing anywhere. From your hallway door, to the nearest soccer/football goal post, to a tank somewhere in the middle of Iraq. Pretty much nearly every exercise in the gym, can be adapted to the TRX. Things requiring barbells, dumbells or free weights generally don't carry over exactly, but instead of doing a bench press, you can do a horizontal pull up. Squats, curls, stretches, lunges etc all cross over nicely.
Now, for those of us with non-normal structures, the system is an excellent vessel for adaptation. It is also starting to get a good reputation from trainers who work with rehab patients. If used in the gym when the doctor gives permission, you can generally find a more rapid increase in ROM from pre to post surgery. A few accounts I have read that knee's thoroughly benefit with an almost full recovery of ROM. Hips, well from personal experience, they do well, but I think requires a bit more work.
Backs on the other hand, benefit greatly! On sore days, it can be used to crucifix stretch, squat stretch, over the head stretch, front incline stretch, shoulder pull stretch and many other forms. The nice thing about it is, because it is not technically an assisted machine (ie assisted squat machines, press machines etc) it still relies on stability during strength training, and for backs, as Stuart McGill pointed out in his opus Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance, Exercise Science and the Back: Removing the confusion page 43 "performance cannot be trained in a sitting posture". He does state the benefit of machines in that they "can regulate the magnitude of the resistance, the speed of joint motion and the motion of adjacent joints" with back stiffness or deformity, this in personal experience, is not necessarily a good thing. Machines are desgined for a straight line of motion. When you have upper kyphosis for example, you will only get half a press before your shoulders need to move around the kyphotic structure and then continue to press. This can lead to a scapula displacement, which in laymans terms means, shitloads of pain!
Scapula displacement, hyper-extension or tightening in back diseases, is usually a major cause of back pain. The spinal column itself can generally put up with a very small degree of malignment without the need of major pain medication, but when the Scapula, the AC Joint which joins the Acromion and the Clavicle together and the three tendons encapsulating the Rotator Cuff are damaged or displaced, physio and high end anti-inflammatories are required, as well as a period of rest and thinking about what stupid thing that you did caused it to be the whinging demon from hell it is being.
Now, where does the TRX fit into this you ask? Well, because it is a resistance and bodyweight training device, the chances of you overstacking and heavy things crusing your sternum to your thoracic vertebrae and making you look like a letter S or a tapeworm, are minimized. Yes, you can still injure yourself, and nastily, but under proper guidance, and COMMON SENSE, you can generally exercise in safety. Usually starting off with stretches, squats, lunges and runner starts, as well as curls, extensions and more stretches should ensure that you are on the road to good back health. Do no do more Atomic Crunches than you can handle, and also make sure you don't hyper extend your scapulae if you are doing suspended planks!
Hope you liked my first "real sounding" article. Tell me what you think.
Today we are going to talk about a very simple yet effective piece of fitness equipment. It is called TRX which can be found here.
It is quite a well designed piece of kit, able to carry heavy loads (afterall, the straps it is made from are designed for use on airdrop pallets and holding tanks in big planes after all), and is more importantly VERSATILE!
You can use this thing anywhere. From your hallway door, to the nearest soccer/football goal post, to a tank somewhere in the middle of Iraq. Pretty much nearly every exercise in the gym, can be adapted to the TRX. Things requiring barbells, dumbells or free weights generally don't carry over exactly, but instead of doing a bench press, you can do a horizontal pull up. Squats, curls, stretches, lunges etc all cross over nicely.
Now, for those of us with non-normal structures, the system is an excellent vessel for adaptation. It is also starting to get a good reputation from trainers who work with rehab patients. If used in the gym when the doctor gives permission, you can generally find a more rapid increase in ROM from pre to post surgery. A few accounts I have read that knee's thoroughly benefit with an almost full recovery of ROM. Hips, well from personal experience, they do well, but I think requires a bit more work.
Backs on the other hand, benefit greatly! On sore days, it can be used to crucifix stretch, squat stretch, over the head stretch, front incline stretch, shoulder pull stretch and many other forms. The nice thing about it is, because it is not technically an assisted machine (ie assisted squat machines, press machines etc) it still relies on stability during strength training, and for backs, as Stuart McGill pointed out in his opus Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance, Exercise Science and the Back: Removing the confusion page 43 "performance cannot be trained in a sitting posture". He does state the benefit of machines in that they "can regulate the magnitude of the resistance, the speed of joint motion and the motion of adjacent joints" with back stiffness or deformity, this in personal experience, is not necessarily a good thing. Machines are desgined for a straight line of motion. When you have upper kyphosis for example, you will only get half a press before your shoulders need to move around the kyphotic structure and then continue to press. This can lead to a scapula displacement, which in laymans terms means, shitloads of pain!
Scapula displacement, hyper-extension or tightening in back diseases, is usually a major cause of back pain. The spinal column itself can generally put up with a very small degree of malignment without the need of major pain medication, but when the Scapula, the AC Joint which joins the Acromion and the Clavicle together and the three tendons encapsulating the Rotator Cuff are damaged or displaced, physio and high end anti-inflammatories are required, as well as a period of rest and thinking about what stupid thing that you did caused it to be the whinging demon from hell it is being.
Now, where does the TRX fit into this you ask? Well, because it is a resistance and bodyweight training device, the chances of you overstacking and heavy things crusing your sternum to your thoracic vertebrae and making you look like a letter S or a tapeworm, are minimized. Yes, you can still injure yourself, and nastily, but under proper guidance, and COMMON SENSE, you can generally exercise in safety. Usually starting off with stretches, squats, lunges and runner starts, as well as curls, extensions and more stretches should ensure that you are on the road to good back health. Do no do more Atomic Crunches than you can handle, and also make sure you don't hyper extend your scapulae if you are doing suspended planks!
Hope you liked my first "real sounding" article. Tell me what you think.
24 April 2011
Obesity..
I was reading this article on obesity, and how it was talking about how pushing obese people to exercise is counter-productive. I agree, to a point yes, it is. Abusing people because of how they look, how much they weigh etc etc, is wrong. I accept that.
But, there is a point where I have to disagree. If a doctor, who has a clinically obese person in their care, and doesn't say "hey listen, if you keep this up, you are only going to live 5 more years", if that person dies in five years, the first person that gets the blame is the doctor. Lawsuits ensue and then boom, doctors are more afraid to talk to their patients.
What I can't comprehend, is that if someone is obese and is unhappy with it, they eat more, get more obese rinse and repeat. Where, or when does that little voice in the back of your head fire, and say.. Hey, I am dying here, help me, let's do this!"? I honestly, just can't fathom this. Where is the point, that you say enough is enough. If someone was hitting you, sooner or later you give in and hit back, fight, or attempt to survive long enough to get assistance. Yet, when we abuse our own bodies, we are okay with it, yet as soon as the help arrives in someone saying, you are unhappy, why are you doing this, people take it as an assault on their freedoms. Yes, I know a lot of people are not nice about it. I have been on the receiving end of it as well. I can now say, that I have taken my shirt off in public during the heat MANY times in the last few years, yes, even when I weighed 175lbs much of that being belly fat, and was good with people looking at my back, after many years of abuse from normals, but you know what, if there was an exercise I could do, or a diet I could go on to correct it, I would be all over it like a bear over salmon. I would work my arse off to achieve flatback status, just so I could go swimming without drowning, to show off my hidden eight pack... it is only a 4 and a bit pack due to scoliosis, but fuck, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Which gets me to the point. There is nothing standing in the way of someone who is obese due to poor living habits other than themselves. I sympathise with them more for not finding that inner fire to do something about it than anything else. It amazes me, the things that we will do to ourselves, and allow others to enable us to do ourselves, yet we get our pets checkups, give them the right food, make sure they have room to run around in to burn off their energy, get angry at people feeding infants unhealthy food, yet, we don't get angry at ourselves. Humanity is fucked up. We have become so used to a life of comfort, instant gratification and ease of access to just about everything going on around us, that we have become nothing more than a bloated plague of wasps devouring every source of food around us, while others starve or struggle to find clean water. That in itself is cruelty and abuse.
Yes, these are not what people want to hear, but really folks, we only have ourselves to blame for things that happen to us, when we have the ability to stop it with a concious thought or action. No-one but ourselves.
But, there is a point where I have to disagree. If a doctor, who has a clinically obese person in their care, and doesn't say "hey listen, if you keep this up, you are only going to live 5 more years", if that person dies in five years, the first person that gets the blame is the doctor. Lawsuits ensue and then boom, doctors are more afraid to talk to their patients.
What I can't comprehend, is that if someone is obese and is unhappy with it, they eat more, get more obese rinse and repeat. Where, or when does that little voice in the back of your head fire, and say.. Hey, I am dying here, help me, let's do this!"? I honestly, just can't fathom this. Where is the point, that you say enough is enough. If someone was hitting you, sooner or later you give in and hit back, fight, or attempt to survive long enough to get assistance. Yet, when we abuse our own bodies, we are okay with it, yet as soon as the help arrives in someone saying, you are unhappy, why are you doing this, people take it as an assault on their freedoms. Yes, I know a lot of people are not nice about it. I have been on the receiving end of it as well. I can now say, that I have taken my shirt off in public during the heat MANY times in the last few years, yes, even when I weighed 175lbs much of that being belly fat, and was good with people looking at my back, after many years of abuse from normals, but you know what, if there was an exercise I could do, or a diet I could go on to correct it, I would be all over it like a bear over salmon. I would work my arse off to achieve flatback status, just so I could go swimming without drowning, to show off my hidden eight pack... it is only a 4 and a bit pack due to scoliosis, but fuck, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Which gets me to the point. There is nothing standing in the way of someone who is obese due to poor living habits other than themselves. I sympathise with them more for not finding that inner fire to do something about it than anything else. It amazes me, the things that we will do to ourselves, and allow others to enable us to do ourselves, yet we get our pets checkups, give them the right food, make sure they have room to run around in to burn off their energy, get angry at people feeding infants unhealthy food, yet, we don't get angry at ourselves. Humanity is fucked up. We have become so used to a life of comfort, instant gratification and ease of access to just about everything going on around us, that we have become nothing more than a bloated plague of wasps devouring every source of food around us, while others starve or struggle to find clean water. That in itself is cruelty and abuse.
Yes, these are not what people want to hear, but really folks, we only have ourselves to blame for things that happen to us, when we have the ability to stop it with a concious thought or action. No-one but ourselves.
23 April 2011
The Internet...
Is a very strange and sometimes nasty thing.
Occasionally, it shows us some very beneficial stuff, and today that stuff is BodyRock Television. This link was posted as a conversation piece by two of my FB friends, and then Paula got her hands on the link.
Ok, I am honest, my first thought.. was daaaammmmmnn!! That is HAWT! It is pretty much how girls should look in their sports wear. (I know I am going to take hate for that, but sorry, if you have several muffin tops, Lululemon is not for you if you want to wear it as casual wear. Further in though, I actually started watching what the exercises were like, and all I could say is that she definitely has worked hard for it. I think Paula has become a fan, and is now going to most probably give up her gym membership. I unfortunately can't do much of the stuff in there, but I will be looking for the things that I can do and try and incorporate those into my work out. Go on, check it out, if not for the exercise, just the view alone is worth it.
Enjoy you day, rest, or even do some exercise.
Occasionally, it shows us some very beneficial stuff, and today that stuff is BodyRock Television. This link was posted as a conversation piece by two of my FB friends, and then Paula got her hands on the link.
Ok, I am honest, my first thought.. was daaaammmmmnn!! That is HAWT! It is pretty much how girls should look in their sports wear. (I know I am going to take hate for that, but sorry, if you have several muffin tops, Lululemon is not for you if you want to wear it as casual wear. Further in though, I actually started watching what the exercises were like, and all I could say is that she definitely has worked hard for it. I think Paula has become a fan, and is now going to most probably give up her gym membership. I unfortunately can't do much of the stuff in there, but I will be looking for the things that I can do and try and incorporate those into my work out. Go on, check it out, if not for the exercise, just the view alone is worth it.
Enjoy you day, rest, or even do some exercise.
21 April 2011
Nothing Fitnessy today!
Ok, today is going to be a bit about Nerdery, and I even promise I won't rant about the toilet issue yesterday!
Ok, just started reading a great series by Markus Heitz called The Dwarves. I have been having a fantastic read on this series. It is like reading Tolkien, but without the feeling like you are walking through brain jelly. The book is fast paced and pretty entertaining. The character dynamics are worth the read alone. I have never seen such a weird blend of characters duking it out against all odds like this one before. I have just started reading his second book The War Of The Dwarves, but unfortunately haven't gotten anywhere in it yet, as Paula banned me from reading for a few days so I could "sleep properly". I blame the author, and my boss for keeping me up until 2 in the morning two days in a row.
Ok, if any of you can find it, easy if you live in the UK, just go down to some of the big arse book chains in London, you can find a few compendiums of HP Lovecraft. The one I am reading is The Call of Cthulu and Other Weird Stories!. This series is fantastic. I do recommend that you stop reading around 9 at night. For some reason, it really messed up my sleep for a few days, when I was reading it til 11pm. It has NOTHING to do with Dogon and a town of fish people intruding unwantedly in my dreams WHATSOEVER!!
Also on the go right now is Mass Effect: Retribution. I have read a bit of a way in, and I must say it does tie the game in quite well. These books are desgined to be read with the game and the Comic series. This all culminates in the final installment of the game Mass Effect 3 which, this link points to ME2 as there is not a full site up for it yet.
Well folks, I know it wasn't filled with fitness stuff today, but you do have to embrace the inner nerd sometimes, so I did lol. Please, definitely get your hands on a copy of the Dwarves series... fantastic read. I can't wait for more!
Ok, just started reading a great series by Markus Heitz called The Dwarves. I have been having a fantastic read on this series. It is like reading Tolkien, but without the feeling like you are walking through brain jelly. The book is fast paced and pretty entertaining. The character dynamics are worth the read alone. I have never seen such a weird blend of characters duking it out against all odds like this one before. I have just started reading his second book The War Of The Dwarves, but unfortunately haven't gotten anywhere in it yet, as Paula banned me from reading for a few days so I could "sleep properly". I blame the author, and my boss for keeping me up until 2 in the morning two days in a row.
Ok, if any of you can find it, easy if you live in the UK, just go down to some of the big arse book chains in London, you can find a few compendiums of HP Lovecraft. The one I am reading is The Call of Cthulu and Other Weird Stories!. This series is fantastic. I do recommend that you stop reading around 9 at night. For some reason, it really messed up my sleep for a few days, when I was reading it til 11pm. It has NOTHING to do with Dogon and a town of fish people intruding unwantedly in my dreams WHATSOEVER!!
Also on the go right now is Mass Effect: Retribution. I have read a bit of a way in, and I must say it does tie the game in quite well. These books are desgined to be read with the game and the Comic series. This all culminates in the final installment of the game Mass Effect 3 which, this link points to ME2 as there is not a full site up for it yet.
Well folks, I know it wasn't filled with fitness stuff today, but you do have to embrace the inner nerd sometimes, so I did lol. Please, definitely get your hands on a copy of the Dwarves series... fantastic read. I can't wait for more!
15 April 2011
The Rotor Cuff, or Rotator Cuff...either way..
That freaking thing can hurt.
Having the good ol' Kyphosis thing going on, brought about a few interesting points. First thing that came to mind, was an interesting article by a good friend, and probably one of the best rehabilitation/athletic personal trainers I have met. Dean Somerset, you can find him here wrote this little gem on Scapular Stability. Now, don't hate him for the little picture of the banjo boy from Deliverance, I think he has a fetish of finding terrifying images, but the article that can be found here is awesome. Why I link this, is for several reasons:
A: With spinal injuries/deformations, it changes the position of your scapula which then changes how your muscles direct your scapula across the range of motion of a regular shoulder movement. The main problem here, is that with either the injury or a deformation, certain movements if not supported correctly can actually lead to a worse injury, then you just snowball downhill from there.
B: A lot of people these days tend to do the whole desk jockey thing. Now, I know some good desk jockey's and Paula, who is a prime example here. Before working out, I think she had around 7 visits to the chiro. It helped to a certain degree, but just wasn't helping enough. She had a few years of competitive rythmic gymnastics under her belt, or scapula to be more precise, and had a terrible weakness in it. As Dean would say, she had, if she wanted to do it, winged shoulder blades. This is where the muscle is weak enough, that your scapula move to the absolute bottom of their range of motion, and "wing". Now, when Paula started at the gym, and actually started using TRX FORCE PACK, she had a rapid gain in muscle tone over about 5 weeks or so, and started noticing a significant increase in her posture as well as her shoulder strength.
So, my theory is, that because of the scapular placement due to the scoliosis, which is the same reason I can no longer swim freestyle, that my rotator cuff is going to be the thing to watch.. my next article, I will tell you about other parts of the back and how the function/dysfunction with scoliosis/kyphosis can be assisted with a good series of workouts.
Having the good ol' Kyphosis thing going on, brought about a few interesting points. First thing that came to mind, was an interesting article by a good friend, and probably one of the best rehabilitation/athletic personal trainers I have met. Dean Somerset, you can find him here wrote this little gem on Scapular Stability. Now, don't hate him for the little picture of the banjo boy from Deliverance, I think he has a fetish of finding terrifying images, but the article that can be found here is awesome. Why I link this, is for several reasons:
A: With spinal injuries/deformations, it changes the position of your scapula which then changes how your muscles direct your scapula across the range of motion of a regular shoulder movement. The main problem here, is that with either the injury or a deformation, certain movements if not supported correctly can actually lead to a worse injury, then you just snowball downhill from there.
B: A lot of people these days tend to do the whole desk jockey thing. Now, I know some good desk jockey's and Paula, who is a prime example here. Before working out, I think she had around 7 visits to the chiro. It helped to a certain degree, but just wasn't helping enough. She had a few years of competitive rythmic gymnastics under her belt, or scapula to be more precise, and had a terrible weakness in it. As Dean would say, she had, if she wanted to do it, winged shoulder blades. This is where the muscle is weak enough, that your scapula move to the absolute bottom of their range of motion, and "wing". Now, when Paula started at the gym, and actually started using TRX FORCE PACK, she had a rapid gain in muscle tone over about 5 weeks or so, and started noticing a significant increase in her posture as well as her shoulder strength.
So, my theory is, that because of the scapular placement due to the scoliosis, which is the same reason I can no longer swim freestyle, that my rotator cuff is going to be the thing to watch.. my next article, I will tell you about other parts of the back and how the function/dysfunction with scoliosis/kyphosis can be assisted with a good series of workouts.
07 April 2011
Facebook...
Apparently, I can no longer post my blog on facebook, because someone either reported it as abusive, or apparently I have spammed it. 11 blogs is spamming, whereas a friend of mine posted a link for the last year EVERYDAY, and his blog is still there. Could the populace be jealous of the bicep, or could it be that somewhere, I hit a nerve?
A Sentence of Awesomeness, and then a rant!
Today, I topped out at 15 reps, on my 4th set of Seated Calf Raises, at an awesome 275lbs. 33 more lbs, and I am then pressing 2 of me! Isn't that cool?!?! Yeah you know it is.
Now, for my rant, I hope this picture will give you a rough idea.
Book Banning and Burning
Book banning and burning, has long been a tradition held by extreme elements of society, to stop either the progression of thought (ie the dark ages), the progression of heresy (the Spanish Inquisition had many of these), the destruction of an old ideal, to forge a new identity (Nazi Germany and the Holocaust), right wing religious nutjobs who think that books will turn their children into Satanic little wizards, running around spewing anti-capitalist, pro homosexuality little hellions that will destroy the very fabric of society (ie, the Christian Right and the Taliban).
See what I did in that last sentence? Yes, you did, didn't you? I put the Southern Baptist Tea Party supporting Republican nutjobs, and their big foe, the Taliban on the same footing. Yes, folks, you read it here first! Or maybe you didn't. But this is my rant and not someone elses, so I declared it first, on my blog!
When I was growing up, books were something to be treasured. Before I had left highschool, I think I had read nearly 75% of books, that certain zealots would have you never lay eyes on again, because they cover things like open thought, friendship, homosexuality, mistrust of governance, self reliance, and oh, heaven's forbid, Allegory and thought through subversive means of animal's acting out things that humans die over on a daily basis, Free Thought and Speech. I know, totally shocking isn't it? Well, to some people, yes it is. I think I had read all of the Richard Blade books by grade 8, I always liked how the hero would end up getting laid at lest three times a book, and often wondered if real life hero's got the same treatment. Then, I started reading the bad books. 1984 by George Orwell. Fantastic book. Scary, in the fact that I see it happening around me. Animal Farm, was another awesome Orwell novel. The brave sheep, the caniving super intelligent pigs. The loyal Clydesdale, they all had their place in the perfect socialist utopia, but found out that it all ends up in the hands of one person. If you ARE looking for the perfect Socialist Utopia, I have a few ideas, and an avid interest in a small nationstate. Feel free to apply.
But what this all really boils down to is this, there are people in the world, who get a small amount of power *cough* library and schoolboards. These are usually dominated by people who have a self-professed air of righteousness, and feel that by informing children of reading age, that they can learn to have a voice, will turn them into little wand waving Satanists, and not the good little citizens that Cold War Democratic America strived for. People, this is scary shit. Really scary. So instead of children learning morals and guidance from actual anecdotal books, like Huck Finn (he stuck up for the slave kid remember), or Animal Farm, which taught you that while there is someone who says they are looking out for you, really, you should start to work together and look out for eachother.
If there is anything that they should try and ban, is governments spending less of their GDP on blowing other people up, because you want their shit, and more on spending people how to read, learn and make the world a better place. Remember, for every dollar you take out of education, you are removing a chance that a child may learn that they want to be the one doctor that will cure cancer, or HIV. Or they may find a way to increase crop yields safely so that no kid will go to bed with an empty stomach. And logic forbid, that through reading, that they may realize, that being in control of one's emotions, and thoughts and actions, you may not need the Tea Kettle in the orbit between the Moon and Mars threatening to poor hot spicy tea on your head because you did something bad, and actually say "Hey, I did something wrong, and I appologize. What can I do to fix it?". You know, human's just might grow a little more if we read a fucking book. READ "BANNED" BOOKS people, and learn.
Now, for my rant, I hope this picture will give you a rough idea.
Book Banning and Burning
Book banning and burning, has long been a tradition held by extreme elements of society, to stop either the progression of thought (ie the dark ages), the progression of heresy (the Spanish Inquisition had many of these), the destruction of an old ideal, to forge a new identity (Nazi Germany and the Holocaust), right wing religious nutjobs who think that books will turn their children into Satanic little wizards, running around spewing anti-capitalist, pro homosexuality little hellions that will destroy the very fabric of society (ie, the Christian Right and the Taliban).
See what I did in that last sentence? Yes, you did, didn't you? I put the Southern Baptist Tea Party supporting Republican nutjobs, and their big foe, the Taliban on the same footing. Yes, folks, you read it here first! Or maybe you didn't. But this is my rant and not someone elses, so I declared it first, on my blog!
When I was growing up, books were something to be treasured. Before I had left highschool, I think I had read nearly 75% of books, that certain zealots would have you never lay eyes on again, because they cover things like open thought, friendship, homosexuality, mistrust of governance, self reliance, and oh, heaven's forbid, Allegory and thought through subversive means of animal's acting out things that humans die over on a daily basis, Free Thought and Speech. I know, totally shocking isn't it? Well, to some people, yes it is. I think I had read all of the Richard Blade books by grade 8, I always liked how the hero would end up getting laid at lest three times a book, and often wondered if real life hero's got the same treatment. Then, I started reading the bad books. 1984 by George Orwell. Fantastic book. Scary, in the fact that I see it happening around me. Animal Farm, was another awesome Orwell novel. The brave sheep, the caniving super intelligent pigs. The loyal Clydesdale, they all had their place in the perfect socialist utopia, but found out that it all ends up in the hands of one person. If you ARE looking for the perfect Socialist Utopia, I have a few ideas, and an avid interest in a small nationstate. Feel free to apply.
But what this all really boils down to is this, there are people in the world, who get a small amount of power *cough* library and schoolboards. These are usually dominated by people who have a self-professed air of righteousness, and feel that by informing children of reading age, that they can learn to have a voice, will turn them into little wand waving Satanists, and not the good little citizens that Cold War Democratic America strived for. People, this is scary shit. Really scary. So instead of children learning morals and guidance from actual anecdotal books, like Huck Finn (he stuck up for the slave kid remember), or Animal Farm, which taught you that while there is someone who says they are looking out for you, really, you should start to work together and look out for eachother.
If there is anything that they should try and ban, is governments spending less of their GDP on blowing other people up, because you want their shit, and more on spending people how to read, learn and make the world a better place. Remember, for every dollar you take out of education, you are removing a chance that a child may learn that they want to be the one doctor that will cure cancer, or HIV. Or they may find a way to increase crop yields safely so that no kid will go to bed with an empty stomach. And logic forbid, that through reading, that they may realize, that being in control of one's emotions, and thoughts and actions, you may not need the Tea Kettle in the orbit between the Moon and Mars threatening to poor hot spicy tea on your head because you did something bad, and actually say "Hey, I did something wrong, and I appologize. What can I do to fix it?". You know, human's just might grow a little more if we read a fucking book. READ "BANNED" BOOKS people, and learn.
31 March 2011
Legs
... are a very funny thing you know?!
Yesterday, I gave them the blitz. Squats, Lunge Squats, Incline Squats, Pliet Squats and Calf Raises. Yup, they got hit harder than Chuck Norris did by Bruce Lee.
Legs are very important, especially when you have back conditions. By having a stable base to support your spine, it allows you to minimize back pain. Now what happens when your legs are not as stable as they should be?
From personal experience, and not from a focused educational standpoint, I find that it can be a hard road to work. . You try to maximize your leg strength, but in doing so, you possibly can encounter hurting your lower back.
Moral of the story, FORM!
Yesterday, I gave them the blitz. Squats, Lunge Squats, Incline Squats, Pliet Squats and Calf Raises. Yup, they got hit harder than Chuck Norris did by Bruce Lee.
Legs are very important, especially when you have back conditions. By having a stable base to support your spine, it allows you to minimize back pain. Now what happens when your legs are not as stable as they should be?
From personal experience, and not from a focused educational standpoint, I find that it can be a hard road to work. . You try to maximize your leg strength, but in doing so, you possibly can encounter hurting your lower back.
Moral of the story, FORM!
Fitness..
Yesterday, it became official.. YO BITCH!! YOU ARE NOW ABOVE 150Lbs.. Who da MAN!?!?! That's right, for the first time I am celebrating a weight gain milestone! Yes!! I think about 15 more lbs, and I should be a walking mutant Charles Atlas. Maybe even 20. The reason I am posting this, is because in the last two years, a lot has changed, and the main change was a change in my gym. I went back to my old haunt, the World Health Club. Got back in touch with my first personal trainer. And went back to 5 days a week. New equipment, new focus equalled a new goal, and one that I think is what I have been thinking for a long time, but never having received encouragment for it from the right people. I needed some people in the industry to give me some input. This they did. I actually got in touch with a very prominent work out person, who is an acquintance of my personal trainer Dean Somerset, and asked him for advice after giving my background. Their response was a resounding yes. Do so, get to that market that we can't get into because we are normal. I love how the normals feel so out of whack when they deal with us cool folk. You know us, more structural issues than a derelict house. More plumbing problems than my toilet received this morning after my increase in ginger intake. You know what I mean? So after some sage advice from these two gurus of the glut, lamas of the lats and barons of the biceps, I thought sweet, this is a good thing. But, the final affirmation was from one of the hottest trainers I have ever seen in existence. Sweet Latino lady, with deadlier curves than a fully tricked out baseball pitcher. I was checking her out, I ummm... I was also checking out this particular exercise she was doing. A single arm Lat pulldown on a cable pulley. It was what I had been after in a lat exercise for ages. So I went over, after having a mental cold shower, and started chatting to her about it. We got onto the subject of why I was looking for a change of exercise, and then she asks "what is the degree of scoliosis you have?" It was like this girl is good. I replied with something around 59 degree kyphotic curvature. So she then followed up with the question that made me realize I was on the right thought of job change: "SO, as someone who has back issues, I am wondering what exercises you do to keep yourself active? My cousin has just had back surgery at the age of 17." After the initial, shit I feel for this poor kid, she was suffering moreso the worst part of back problems, the neuromuscular and neurological disorders that came with scoliosis. So, I told her my basics, and then thanked her for affirming that I was on the right path for my job change. Then had a nice cool shower...
Guilt... and why it is bad
I was reading this blog on an Agent Orange Second Generation sufferer, and came across this message by a man stating what is wrong with his child and grandchild. Then, in caps, he starts breaking down, and saying that he is responsible for the murder of thousands of people, and unborn children etc. Don't get me wrong, I had sympathy for the guy, but this was too far. Firstly, it was not this guys fault that he was following orders. He was paid to do a job, and he was told that it was tactically important. Only through hindsight has he realized what he was doing 45 years ago. Secondly, Monsanto, and not this gentleman, should be held responsible for this problem. They released a chemical for military use, without thought of consequence. They knew at the time that dioxin was carcinogenic, but they refused to advise the government and the military, what its' lethality was. Thirdly, the US and Australian military are at fault, for not providing significant chemical warfare equipment to their troops on the ground, and their ordnance personell. They knew that it was a chemical, and as such, should have taken some precautions. Fourthly, the amount of guilt that this guy was feeling, as deep seated as it was for him, is actually a byproduct of those back home, who during the war, alienated, hated and slandered those troops who were doing what they thought was right. By calling someone a babykiller, for something that 90% of them did NOT do intentionally, is going to unsettle their psyche for their entire life. Should all the antiwar protestors be held responsible also? Yes they fucking should. All wars before Vietnam, the soldiers were treated with respect, yes even in WWII, their were antiwar sentiments, even amongst the governments, but the soldiers received a welcome home. This did not happen for Vietnam Vets for 25 years AFTER the fact. As you all know, I suffer from several issues from this horrendous chemical, and the only people I truly blame are Monsanto and the US and Australian militaries for using something that they were given, and were not FULLY informed about. Rant done. As a side note, I sent this guy a reply and suggested that he seek help for his guilt. Told thim that as someone suffering from this, I did not hold him or others like him responsible for this. My advice, do something positive from it, help his family, help himself above all. I just hope he listens. Take care, and peace to all. Especially the leprechauns...
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