I am off to pig out today. Have relatives who insist on feeding me till I explode - wouldn't want to disappoint them.
Been pretty busy lately with work, new office, a bunch of side projects and of course the never ending house work. It seems no matter how much time you devote to getting things 'taken care' of, you always find more stuff to occupy your time. I remember when I was younger still living with my parents, I always wanted to be older and my weekends was filled with staying up late and playing games and watching cartoons on sat.
Not anymore :)
I was talking to a friend this past week and they had never heard the term "Breaking Night." Not sure if it is a term that my friends and I invited while growing up or if it is a real term. In any case this friend had never heard of it and I was shocked. The term refers to trying to staying up all night and not going to sleep. You "BREAK NIGHT" So I had to explain to him that when I was younger that evey so often some of my close guy friends would come over to my place and we would "Break night" by watching Benny Hill, Dr. Who, play games, etc. Usually the first guy to knock out got pranked on - like we painted their nails or messed with him by flicking his ear while he tried to sleep.
I realised as I explained my younger weekend exploits that I had not "broke night" in quite a while - I mean years. Nowadays I break night over work. No fun at all. So I made a promise that this long holiday weekend, I would make the time and enjoy all the games, movies I spent so much time buying and collecting. So to all you workaholics out there - spend some time this holiday and break night with me. :)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
300 challenge
So I am about to try and do the 300 challenge. For those of you who do not know what that is it is just a physical workout:
“300”
25x Pull-up +
50x Deadlift @ 135# +
50x Push-up +
50x Box Jump @ 24” box +
50x Floor Wiper @ 135# (one-count) +
50x KB Clean & Press @ 36# each arm (KB’s must touch floor between reps) +
25x Pull-up
(300 reps total)
The Rules
Here are the rules for this challenge:
1. Under 20 minutes, start to finish. That means you start the timer right before the first pullup, and end it after the last pull-up.
* Breaks are allowed within sets; e.g., you may do 15 straight pullups, take a breather, and then do another set of 10 pullups to reach 25 total. Just as long as you don’t go over 20 minutes for the entire workout.
2. Only reps with correct form count:
* Pullups: Some leg swinging is allowed for the pullups (as seen in the video above). Entire head must rise above the bar; active shoulder position at bottom (as opposed to full dead hang) (*no half-pullups).
* Deadlift: must be done with a barbell loaded to 135 lbs., weights must touch the floor at the bottom of every rep.
* Pushups: on your toes (not knees); chest touches the floor first, active shoulder and full extension at the top, body held as a solid plank, the hips do not move.
* Box Jumps: Box must be 24-inches (that’s 2 feet tall - be sure to measure it); must jump with both legs (no running start) and land on box with both feet simultaneously. Once established on the box the athlete must stand up completely.
* Floor wipers: see video link above;
* KB Clean and Press: kettleballs can be substituted with 35-lb dumbbells, as long as both dumbbells touch the floor at the bottom of each rep. Subject should be using two KB’s or DB’s simultaneously (not one-armed), totaling 50 reps. A good repetition is defined as—clean the KBs to the chest, and then with legs locked out, press the KBs overhead into the locked-out (elbows straight) position; bring the KB back down to the chest and then lower the KB down between the legs.
I have been working out very hard the last few months and think i can probably pull it off. I am going to do a trial run maybe at the end of next week. Wish me luck.
“300”
25x Pull-up +
50x Deadlift @ 135# +
50x Push-up +
50x Box Jump @ 24” box +
50x Floor Wiper @ 135# (one-count) +
50x KB Clean & Press @ 36# each arm (KB’s must touch floor between reps) +
25x Pull-up
(300 reps total)
The Rules
Here are the rules for this challenge:
1. Under 20 minutes, start to finish. That means you start the timer right before the first pullup, and end it after the last pull-up.
* Breaks are allowed within sets; e.g., you may do 15 straight pullups, take a breather, and then do another set of 10 pullups to reach 25 total. Just as long as you don’t go over 20 minutes for the entire workout.
2. Only reps with correct form count:
* Pullups: Some leg swinging is allowed for the pullups (as seen in the video above). Entire head must rise above the bar; active shoulder position at bottom (as opposed to full dead hang) (*no half-pullups).
* Deadlift: must be done with a barbell loaded to 135 lbs., weights must touch the floor at the bottom of every rep.
* Pushups: on your toes (not knees); chest touches the floor first, active shoulder and full extension at the top, body held as a solid plank, the hips do not move.
* Box Jumps: Box must be 24-inches (that’s 2 feet tall - be sure to measure it); must jump with both legs (no running start) and land on box with both feet simultaneously. Once established on the box the athlete must stand up completely.
* Floor wipers: see video link above;
* KB Clean and Press: kettleballs can be substituted with 35-lb dumbbells, as long as both dumbbells touch the floor at the bottom of each rep. Subject should be using two KB’s or DB’s simultaneously (not one-armed), totaling 50 reps. A good repetition is defined as—clean the KBs to the chest, and then with legs locked out, press the KBs overhead into the locked-out (elbows straight) position; bring the KB back down to the chest and then lower the KB down between the legs.
I have been working out very hard the last few months and think i can probably pull it off. I am going to do a trial run maybe at the end of next week. Wish me luck.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
NY
Just got back from my vacation in NY.
Went to The ED Sullivan Theater :) Very cool.
Went to Angelo's Pizzeria - David Letterman mentions it sometimes on his show.
Saw Times Square, Central Park - walked up and down broadway and had dinner in China Town and Little Italy.
All in all it was a great time.
I flew an airline that I never tried before - Jet Blue. If you haven't used them before - you should - excellent. your pick of 7 snacks - including animal cracks :) water, juices, sodas included. Direct TV on everyone's chair, XM radio and the seats are leather and lots of room to relax. Free wifi in the terminals - Loved it.
Now that I am back in Chicago - will update my lava site and obviously catch up with all my Ubuntu brethren :)
Went to The ED Sullivan Theater :) Very cool.
Went to Angelo's Pizzeria - David Letterman mentions it sometimes on his show.
Saw Times Square, Central Park - walked up and down broadway and had dinner in China Town and Little Italy.
All in all it was a great time.
I flew an airline that I never tried before - Jet Blue. If you haven't used them before - you should - excellent. your pick of 7 snacks - including animal cracks :) water, juices, sodas included. Direct TV on everyone's chair, XM radio and the seats are leather and lots of room to relax. Free wifi in the terminals - Loved it.
Now that I am back in Chicago - will update my lava site and obviously catch up with all my Ubuntu brethren :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Rock Band - Guitar Hero
So everyone in my family is addicted to Guitar hero and rock band.
I have lost my xbox360 because of it. It seems I can no longer get any time with my console. All weekend it has been occupied by others playing rockband or guitar hero in tandem. It's fun watching everyone play but to be honest, I enjoy a good rpg or shooter myself. Besides I can only listen to the same 25 songs or so before I find I have to leave the room. Most people just stick to the 5 songs they know anyways so I find that I am starting to hum CREEP now :)
Anyways Rockband 2 is coming out sometime in November. I hope they have alot more songs embeded in the game that more people like.
I have lost my xbox360 because of it. It seems I can no longer get any time with my console. All weekend it has been occupied by others playing rockband or guitar hero in tandem. It's fun watching everyone play but to be honest, I enjoy a good rpg or shooter myself. Besides I can only listen to the same 25 songs or so before I find I have to leave the room. Most people just stick to the 5 songs they know anyways so I find that I am starting to hum CREEP now :)
Anyways Rockband 2 is coming out sometime in November. I hope they have alot more songs embeded in the game that more people like.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Workouts
So I had a BMI test run today.
For those who do not know the BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure for how much body fat an individual has based on their height and weight. The specific device which they used to measure this sent a small jolt of electricity thru my body and then once it has passed thru all my fat, is sent back into the device. Based on this, it is able to determine your BMI.
Well although I run, bike and have been seriously weight lifting for the last several months my BMi was 24.9 which went placed in a chart of my peers places me at very poor not to say I am unhealthy just that 24.9% of my body mass is fat. Jeez!
Talk about reality check. People that see me tend to see my muscles and broad shoulders and in the past that has always been good enough but I am 33 and nowadays I want more. I want a ripped stomach and chest and this test proves I have a looooooong way to go.
Lately I have been doing massive cardio and strength training every other day. Running on an average 3 miles a day. Next week I am going to bump up that average to 4 miles a day. I have a reprieve for the next day until Thursday as I am sore and need to recoup but come thursday I'll be running at Ballys and doing some stomach exercises.
On a positive note I went from a 38 to roughly a 36 in pants and I do see a definite improvement in my endurance as well as definition. I think I am also going to start adding swimming into my routine - I love it but every time I go in Ballys - it is packed. I mean you can't do laps. There are way too many people - even at 6am. Mostly older people who live for the swim.
For those who do not know the BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure for how much body fat an individual has based on their height and weight. The specific device which they used to measure this sent a small jolt of electricity thru my body and then once it has passed thru all my fat, is sent back into the device. Based on this, it is able to determine your BMI.
Well although I run, bike and have been seriously weight lifting for the last several months my BMi was 24.9 which went placed in a chart of my peers places me at very poor not to say I am unhealthy just that 24.9% of my body mass is fat. Jeez!
Talk about reality check. People that see me tend to see my muscles and broad shoulders and in the past that has always been good enough but I am 33 and nowadays I want more. I want a ripped stomach and chest and this test proves I have a looooooong way to go.
Lately I have been doing massive cardio and strength training every other day. Running on an average 3 miles a day. Next week I am going to bump up that average to 4 miles a day. I have a reprieve for the next day until Thursday as I am sore and need to recoup but come thursday I'll be running at Ballys and doing some stomach exercises.
On a positive note I went from a 38 to roughly a 36 in pants and I do see a definite improvement in my endurance as well as definition. I think I am also going to start adding swimming into my routine - I love it but every time I go in Ballys - it is packed. I mean you can't do laps. There are way too many people - even at 6am. Mostly older people who live for the swim.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Bike Ride
So I survived the MacDonalds Late Ride 2008 - took about 3 hours to complete the 25 mile bike run. I took it slow and was pleased that at the end I could have gone more. I was able to see the lake at sunrise as I was passing by that point around 4:50 am.
It was very very beautiful. Highlights of red, orange danced on the water and navy pier never looked better.
Mcdonalds had a rather disappointing breakfast waiting for us at the finish line. No sausage, no eggs, no pancakes :) just a bagel, cream cheese, rotten apple slices, chocolate milk and a stale cookie. I kid you not, my apple slices were rotten.
Vitamin water was there - thank god - I needed some sugar in me cause the race actually started at 2:25am - at least that is when my color group was called to race. Unbelievable.
It was very very beautiful. Highlights of red, orange danced on the water and navy pier never looked better.
Mcdonalds had a rather disappointing breakfast waiting for us at the finish line. No sausage, no eggs, no pancakes :) just a bagel, cream cheese, rotten apple slices, chocolate milk and a stale cookie. I kid you not, my apple slices were rotten.
Vitamin water was there - thank god - I needed some sugar in me cause the race actually started at 2:25am - at least that is when my color group was called to race. Unbelievable.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Bike Ride
So I biked about 40 miles yesterday - I feel good - thought I would be really sore today but am actually not too bad. It was a nice day out too.
I biked to pick up my packets for the Late Ride this sat and then decided to bike from there to the Lake. and then down to Loyola and then took Devon all the way to the forest preserve at Devon and Milwaukee and biked the trail a bit before heading home. All in all, a 4 - 4 1/2 hour bike ride. I was a bit unsure of this bike ride on sat, but having done yesterday's ride, 25 miles doesn't seem that bad.
I biked to pick up my packets for the Late Ride this sat and then decided to bike from there to the Lake. and then down to Loyola and then took Devon all the way to the forest preserve at Devon and Milwaukee and biked the trail a bit before heading home. All in all, a 4 - 4 1/2 hour bike ride. I was a bit unsure of this bike ride on sat, but having done yesterday's ride, 25 miles doesn't seem that bad.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Late Ride 2008
So I am off tomorrow to pick up the tickets for my McDonald's L.A.T.E. Ride 2008. In case you are not familiar with the Bike Ride, it's a 25 Mile ride that is bring held this Saturday. It features 10,000 bicyclists and benefits Friends of the Parks. It's a 33-year-old not-for-profit parks advocacy group whose mission is to protect and improve Chicago's parks and forest preserves in Cook County. If you are not doing anything or want to come cheer me on, you can get more info here: http://www.lateride.org/
I'll be the one with the Linux penguin T-shirt reading - "I'm cheap and Fun!"
I'll be the one with the Linux penguin T-shirt reading - "I'm cheap and Fun!"
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Firefox 3.0
Just upgraded my Firefox to 3.0 and am loving the new interface, download manager. All my extensions upgraded without any problems. YES!!!!
Built a new portable of my thunderbird with all the extensions and settings I like also. Think I am going to format my Windoz PC and update all my software. Since the new Ubuntu 8.04.1 was just released - it gives me an excuse to format and re-install my ubuntu pc as well.
So alittle format, install and fireworks this weekend of the 4th. Hope everyone is having a safe fun time out there.
Built a new portable of my thunderbird with all the extensions and settings I like also. Think I am going to format my Windoz PC and update all my software. Since the new Ubuntu 8.04.1 was just released - it gives me an excuse to format and re-install my ubuntu pc as well.
So alittle format, install and fireworks this weekend of the 4th. Hope everyone is having a safe fun time out there.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
SORE!!!!
Oh I am out of shape. The last week or so I have been going to Bally's and I realize I have gotten out of shape.
It's unbelievable - you go thru life running around between work at work and then work at home. The whole time not realizing you are gaining weight until one day you really look at yourself or compare yourself to someone else and you STOP. "When did I gain all this weight?"
That happened to me. Not that I am super fat but last year I was on a roll - I lost alot fo weight, put on some muscle and was actually turning heads.
Well I am back on the saddle again. But this week of riding the Bally's fitness horse has left me feeling like I need a day or two off from it. Time to switch gears and start working at the house again. Fun, Fun, Fun. Actually I jest, it is coming along nicely. Today I think the bar and part of the living room. Wish me luck.
It's unbelievable - you go thru life running around between work at work and then work at home. The whole time not realizing you are gaining weight until one day you really look at yourself or compare yourself to someone else and you STOP. "When did I gain all this weight?"
That happened to me. Not that I am super fat but last year I was on a roll - I lost alot fo weight, put on some muscle and was actually turning heads.
Well I am back on the saddle again. But this week of riding the Bally's fitness horse has left me feeling like I need a day or two off from it. Time to switch gears and start working at the house again. Fun, Fun, Fun. Actually I jest, it is coming along nicely. Today I think the bar and part of the living room. Wish me luck.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Movies Movies Movies
Off to see the Hulk tomorrow. Looks good. I've like pretty much all the Marvel movies. What's up with DC? Why aren't they making more movies than just SUPERMAN and BATMAN. Don't get me wrong I like em, but why not expand it? I mean, I'd go see Green Latern or the Martian. I'd even see a FLASH movie although I thought the tv series they made was kinda dorky. They guy went one season and the whole time, 5 secs into bursting speed was exhausted. Kinda makes it hard to be the flash - I much prefer the smallville flash. Also what was up with that old Captain America movie - I think I was like the only one who ever saw it? It was probably the worst hero movie I ever saw. Scratch that I kinda started to watch that movie about S.H.I.E.L.D - that was the worst movie, I ALMOST SAW.
Maybe its cause they just don't know how to pick the actors and the movie fails?
Captain America was who?
How about Wonder Woman? Jessica Biel all the way!!! The girl can act - I liked her in Blade - was convincing in a fight scene and come on - the body - I'd go pay to see that in a wonder woman outfit ;) I mean Beckinsale is gorgeous - I loved her in Underworld but I think I would much rather see Jessica as Wonderwoman. Besides, in a fight, I think Jessica would be able to take her. She just seems more physical and it comes off on film. Besides I don't see wonderwoman with a british accent. Maybe I'm stereotyping her from the tv show and also the cartoons but Wonderwoman was not british.
But the movie is being done by Joss and I have nothing but admiration for him, he's done a great job with everything he has touched and I do like Kate so I'm sure it's going to be a good movie.
My point is, sorry got off track, DC has some great heroes that should see some scene time. I mean it seems like they really are focused on the cartoons and tvseries. The Justic League, smallville, The Batman. etc. I mean the cartoons are well drawn and I guess it allows them to tell more stories but there is nothing like watching a movie. It's more epic usually than a 30 minute episode of something.
How about an anti-hero movie, one with Darkseid and the GODS? or a movie based on Firestorm - I liked that character or Doctor Fate? Maybe there are not alot of DC movies cause some of the characters were kinda dumb or at least had dumb names: elongated man, Mister Miracle, Blue Beedle, or my favorite name killer, Ambush bug - I kid you not, I wikipedia it, there was a DC character called Ambush Bug. For all you non-believers : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambush_Bug
Not that I have anything against Marvel movies, I love them and you have to give it up to Stan Lee, the man is still working hard after all these years. Talk about crossover careers, went from story teller, to comic artist to movie producer, to movie consultant to being in the movies. He's like a renaissance man. We should all have such colorful lives. Anyways, if the bits that make up my blog happen upon the monitor of someone either directly looking to make a hero movie or anyone at DC, you have to make some more movies beyond superman and batman.
I hope Whedon's movie is a hit and he is asked to make more. Just Joss next time you have a woman hero role, consider Biel. How about Black Cat :)
Maybe its cause they just don't know how to pick the actors and the movie fails?
Captain America was who?
How about Wonder Woman? Jessica Biel all the way!!! The girl can act - I liked her in Blade - was convincing in a fight scene and come on - the body - I'd go pay to see that in a wonder woman outfit ;) I mean Beckinsale is gorgeous - I loved her in Underworld but I think I would much rather see Jessica as Wonderwoman. Besides, in a fight, I think Jessica would be able to take her. She just seems more physical and it comes off on film. Besides I don't see wonderwoman with a british accent. Maybe I'm stereotyping her from the tv show and also the cartoons but Wonderwoman was not british.
But the movie is being done by Joss and I have nothing but admiration for him, he's done a great job with everything he has touched and I do like Kate so I'm sure it's going to be a good movie.
My point is, sorry got off track, DC has some great heroes that should see some scene time. I mean it seems like they really are focused on the cartoons and tvseries. The Justic League, smallville, The Batman. etc. I mean the cartoons are well drawn and I guess it allows them to tell more stories but there is nothing like watching a movie. It's more epic usually than a 30 minute episode of something.
How about an anti-hero movie, one with Darkseid and the GODS? or a movie based on Firestorm - I liked that character or Doctor Fate? Maybe there are not alot of DC movies cause some of the characters were kinda dumb or at least had dumb names: elongated man, Mister Miracle, Blue Beedle, or my favorite name killer, Ambush bug - I kid you not, I wikipedia it, there was a DC character called Ambush Bug. For all you non-believers : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambush_Bug
Not that I have anything against Marvel movies, I love them and you have to give it up to Stan Lee, the man is still working hard after all these years. Talk about crossover careers, went from story teller, to comic artist to movie producer, to movie consultant to being in the movies. He's like a renaissance man. We should all have such colorful lives. Anyways, if the bits that make up my blog happen upon the monitor of someone either directly looking to make a hero movie or anyone at DC, you have to make some more movies beyond superman and batman.
I hope Whedon's movie is a hit and he is asked to make more. Just Joss next time you have a woman hero role, consider Biel. How about Black Cat :)
The Vatican and Hall of Maps
Just look at how loooooong that hall is. And full inch by inch with paintings and early maps.
I can't think of anywhere in the USA where we have anything remotely as extravagant as these types of architectural achievements and they have them everywhere from the streets of Florence all the way to Rome. I had to upload this cause it was awe inspiring to stand and walk down this room.
I can't think of anywhere in the USA where we have anything remotely as extravagant as these types of architectural achievements and they have them everywhere from the streets of Florence all the way to Rome. I had to upload this cause it was awe inspiring to stand and walk down this room.
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Roman Senate and Colloseum
Here is a high vantage view of the remains of the powerful Roman senate and the Colloseum.
YouTube and Me
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Back
Back on the saddle again.
Just came back from my Europe trip. Think I might go ahead and upload some of our photos. Went to Rome, London, Florence and Venice. It's one of those trips that you find yourself wishing didn't end. So much history. I'm a big history fan so seeing the David and visiting the Vatican, British library, etc is a real treat.
I will say you begin to realize how short lived you are. Visiting those sites and listening to the stories of the past humbles you and forces you to re-evaluate your worth. To think that some of the greatest monuments, statues, etc were created 4000 years ago with inferior tools. A statue or monument could take several lifetimes to complete. Talk about dedication.
And here I am just trying to customize different flavors of linux and build a game. :)
Just came back from my Europe trip. Think I might go ahead and upload some of our photos. Went to Rome, London, Florence and Venice. It's one of those trips that you find yourself wishing didn't end. So much history. I'm a big history fan so seeing the David and visiting the Vatican, British library, etc is a real treat.
I will say you begin to realize how short lived you are. Visiting those sites and listening to the stories of the past humbles you and forces you to re-evaluate your worth. To think that some of the greatest monuments, statues, etc were created 4000 years ago with inferior tools. A statue or monument could take several lifetimes to complete. Talk about dedication.
And here I am just trying to customize different flavors of linux and build a game. :)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I'm Back
It's been a crazy last couple months.
Fixing up my new house. AHHHHH! You really don't know what you get yourself into when you decide to do renevations. Just changing out light fixtures can be an adventure. Well we decided to do a whole floor. Let me say right now - I am not good with construction work. BUT I am getting better! Some of the things I did over the last couple months: put up new drywall. Redid the kitchen - I MEAN EVERYTHING. All new appliances, cabinets, etc. NEW living room, painted walls, changed base boards, sanded floors, Redesigned a room into an office, wiring, patch cabling, and now am almost done with my gym!!!! Next week I think it will be done.
Anyways, my IT websites have suffered, this blog along with my lava and my game site have not been updated in awhile. Well this week is catch up. Hope you like all the new content.
Fixing up my new house. AHHHHH! You really don't know what you get yourself into when you decide to do renevations. Just changing out light fixtures can be an adventure. Well we decided to do a whole floor. Let me say right now - I am not good with construction work. BUT I am getting better! Some of the things I did over the last couple months: put up new drywall. Redid the kitchen - I MEAN EVERYTHING. All new appliances, cabinets, etc. NEW living room, painted walls, changed base boards, sanded floors, Redesigned a room into an office, wiring, patch cabling, and now am almost done with my gym!!!! Next week I think it will be done.
Anyways, my IT websites have suffered, this blog along with my lava and my game site have not been updated in awhile. Well this week is catch up. Hope you like all the new content.
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