Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots
I give a holler to my sisters on welfare
Tupac cares, if don't nobody else care
And uhh, I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don't forget, girl keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain't nuttin don't believe him
And if he can't learn to love you you should leave him
Cause sista you don't need him
And I ain't tryin to gas ya up, I just call em how I see em
You know it makes me unhappy (what's that)
When brothas make babies, and leave a young mother to be a pappy
And since we all came from a woman
Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman
I wonder why we take from our women
Why we rape our women, do we hate our women?
I think it's time to kill for our women
Time to heal our women, be real to our women
And if we don't we'll have a race of babies
That will hate the ladies, that make the babies
And since a man can't make one
He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one
So will the real men get up
I know you're fed up ladies, but keep your head up
Aiyyo, I remember Marvin Gaye, used to sing ta me
He had me feelin like black was tha thing to be
And suddenly tha ghetto didn't seem so tough
And though we had it rough, we always had enough
I huffed and puffed about my curfew and broke the rules
Ran with the local crew, and had a smoke or two
And I realize momma really paid the price
She nearly gave her life, to raise me right
And all I had ta give her was my pipe dream
Of how I'd rock the mic, and make it to tha bright screen
I'm tryin to make a dollar out of fifteen cents
It's hard to be legit and still pay tha rent
And in the end it seems I'm headin for tha pen
I try and find my friends, but they're blowin in the wind
Last night my buddy lost his whole family
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
It seems tha rain'll never let up
I try to keep my head up, and still keep from gettin wet up
You know it's funny when it rains it pours
They got money for wars, but can't feed the poor
Say there ain't no hope for the youth and the truth is
it ain't no hope for tha future
And then they wonder why we crazy
I blame my mother, for turning my brother into a crack baby
We ain't meant to survive, cause it's a setup
And even though you're fed up
Huh, ya got to keep your head up
And uhh
To all the ladies havin babies on they own
I know it's kinda rough and you're feelin all alone
Daddy's long gone and he left you by ya lonesome
Thank the Lord for my kids, even if nobody else want em
Cause I think we can make it, in fact, I'm sure
And if you fall, stand tall and comeback for more
Cause ain't nuttin worse than when your son
wants to kno why his daddy don't love him no mo'
You can't complain you was dealt this
hell of a hand without a man, feelin helpless
Because there's too many things for you to deal with
Dying inside, but outside you're looking fearless
While da tears, is rollin down your cheeks
Ya steady hopin things don't fall down this week
Cause if it did, you couldn't take it, and don't blame me
I was given this world I didn't make it
And now my son's getten older and older and cold
From havin the world on his shoulders
While the rich kids is drivin Benz
I'm still tryin to hold on to my survivin friends
And it's crazy, it seems it'll never let up, but
please... you got to keep your head up
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
THE WUSSIFICATION OF AMERICA
Have I mentioned before that I have several comrades that had their testicles removed?
It’s incredibly sad, I know. Jake had his removed at birth. John lost his in a freak accident involving a plasma TV. Jason got rid of his inadvertently because he somehow misunderstood his girlfriend’s instructions. Then there is Jerry, who realized they were missing after a weekend’s drunken stupor. Evidently, the problem does not end with the guys I just mentioned. This tragedy seems to be everywhere: at work, the gym, the barbershop, our government, The NHL and (OH CHRIST ALMIGHTY) the National Football League. I have now realized that we have a nad-zapping epidemic of catastrophic proportions. Men around me are losing their dangling badges of manhood.
The epicenter of a man’s masculinity resides in is his testicles. If they were to ever be removed, his certain doom is in the direction of pink floral patterns and sparkling mimosas. Right smack dab in downtown Wussyville. It’s all over our land…From California, to the New York Island. It’s among us: Metrosexuality, whiners, indecisive men, twist top beer bottles, DETAILS magazine, American Idol as a #1 TV show and male friggin’ mascara.
Absolutely mortifying!
As men, we can no longer allow this pattern to continue. Especially since our world depends on our masculinity in order to maintain balance in nature. It is time for us to work together on upholding our rightful position. We need to rescue our brothers (or ourselves) from the deep set wussiness that has overcome our nation. For the first two hundred years of this country’s existence, men were far more masculine than they are today. Men were certainly were not wussies. I know that if George Washington, John Adams, Andrew Jackson , or Davey Crockett could see the way men are today, they would hop on the first boat out of here. Those were the type of men that put their family first and had tremendous courage – not to mention but they had balls of steel.
So, time to grow a pair buddy!
Then…
Stand up for what’s right.
Take care of, provide for, and protect our women and children.
Lead the way towards meaningful progress.
Quit talking, quit lounging, and just do.
Be strong and face the things that you are up against.
Have courage through the perilous blows that life will throw at you.
Duck the blows you can, and take the blows if they strike you.
Accept responsibility for your behavior.
Make sure your word is your bond (as in the glue that holds you together).
Avoid indecision.
Maintain self control and composure
Show people respect.
Stop whining.
…and for Pete’s sake, can we get back to being proud citizens of the greatest country on the planet; Vote, Volunteer, and communicate with the Government.
If we continue you to let everything in this country get wussified, the example set by the founding men of this country will be for nothing.
Perhaps then we can change the name to the Wussified States of America.
It’s incredibly sad, I know. Jake had his removed at birth. John lost his in a freak accident involving a plasma TV. Jason got rid of his inadvertently because he somehow misunderstood his girlfriend’s instructions. Then there is Jerry, who realized they were missing after a weekend’s drunken stupor. Evidently, the problem does not end with the guys I just mentioned. This tragedy seems to be everywhere: at work, the gym, the barbershop, our government, The NHL and (OH CHRIST ALMIGHTY) the National Football League. I have now realized that we have a nad-zapping epidemic of catastrophic proportions. Men around me are losing their dangling badges of manhood.
The epicenter of a man’s masculinity resides in is his testicles. If they were to ever be removed, his certain doom is in the direction of pink floral patterns and sparkling mimosas. Right smack dab in downtown Wussyville. It’s all over our land…From California, to the New York Island. It’s among us: Metrosexuality, whiners, indecisive men, twist top beer bottles, DETAILS magazine, American Idol as a #1 TV show and male friggin’ mascara.
Absolutely mortifying!
As men, we can no longer allow this pattern to continue. Especially since our world depends on our masculinity in order to maintain balance in nature. It is time for us to work together on upholding our rightful position. We need to rescue our brothers (or ourselves) from the deep set wussiness that has overcome our nation. For the first two hundred years of this country’s existence, men were far more masculine than they are today. Men were certainly were not wussies. I know that if George Washington, John Adams, Andrew Jackson , or Davey Crockett could see the way men are today, they would hop on the first boat out of here. Those were the type of men that put their family first and had tremendous courage – not to mention but they had balls of steel.
So, time to grow a pair buddy!
Then…
Stand up for what’s right.
Take care of, provide for, and protect our women and children.
Lead the way towards meaningful progress.
Quit talking, quit lounging, and just do.
Be strong and face the things that you are up against.
Have courage through the perilous blows that life will throw at you.
Duck the blows you can, and take the blows if they strike you.
Accept responsibility for your behavior.
Make sure your word is your bond (as in the glue that holds you together).
Avoid indecision.
Maintain self control and composure
Show people respect.
Stop whining.
…and for Pete’s sake, can we get back to being proud citizens of the greatest country on the planet; Vote, Volunteer, and communicate with the Government.
If we continue you to let everything in this country get wussified, the example set by the founding men of this country will be for nothing.
Perhaps then we can change the name to the Wussified States of America.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Supplements I Don't Like
There are thousands of supplement companies in this country. It is astounding how many exist. There are companies out here that produce crappy products that are not worth your hard earned money. Supplement ads will often refer to a “clinical study”, I assure you, there was nothing clinical about the so called study…
In this installment of my blog, I want to share with you the supplements that are garbage. I don’t use them and I don’t recommend that anyone else use them. Save your money.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Boosters
Most of these supplements are loaded with sugar and caffeine. The “perpetual pump” is not from the arginine.
Glutamine (AKG)
This supplement is not absorbed efficiently enough to be productive. Save your money.
Androstenedione
Crap…and can be toxic in the long term.
Herbal HGH
This is just too good to be true.
Carb Blockers
If you could block the body’s ability to process carbs, we wouldn’t need gastric bypass surgery.
HMB
The chemistry looks good, but studies show that its crap.
Horny Goat Weed
Funny name, worthless supplement…
CLA
A lot of hype with no results…
Weight Loss Stimulants
A well constructed diet is worth more than what you would spend on caffeine laden weight loss supplements.
In this installment of my blog, I want to share with you the supplements that are garbage. I don’t use them and I don’t recommend that anyone else use them. Save your money.
Nitric Oxide (NO) Boosters
Most of these supplements are loaded with sugar and caffeine. The “perpetual pump” is not from the arginine.
Glutamine (AKG)
This supplement is not absorbed efficiently enough to be productive. Save your money.
Androstenedione
Crap…and can be toxic in the long term.
Herbal HGH
This is just too good to be true.
Carb Blockers
If you could block the body’s ability to process carbs, we wouldn’t need gastric bypass surgery.
HMB
The chemistry looks good, but studies show that its crap.
Horny Goat Weed
Funny name, worthless supplement…
CLA
A lot of hype with no results…
Weight Loss Stimulants
A well constructed diet is worth more than what you would spend on caffeine laden weight loss supplements.
Supplements I Like
The world is chock full of all types of supplements. Some supplements, just flat out, don’t work.
Over the years, I have tried a few supplements. Today, I will share with you a list of supplements that I currently use. These supplements work and can have incred
Multivitamin
Although exercise is good for your health, it can place a toll on the body at the cellular level. Even if you eat a tremendous diet comprised of nutritious whole foods, you are likely to be lacking in vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin is a must to fill in any gaps. Not to mention, multivitamins contain antioxidants which fight free radicals.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids are found in fish, flaxseed, olive oil, and safflower (to name a few). The benefits include better circulation and inflammation reduction. In some cases, EFAs can aid in fat reduction.
Protein Powder
Muscles need protein. If you are trying to put on more muscle, then you need 1.5 grams for each pound of bodyweight. When you are dieting, it is important to keep a sufficient supply of protein in your body in order to prevent muscle breakdown.
Freeze Dried Fruit & Veggie Extract
I eat several servings of fruits and veggies per day, but I still like to add this to my supplement list. This supplement is natural and comes from all the “Superfood” groups that are powerful in fighting illness, ageing and cellular stress.
Creatine
Creatine is fairly commonplace among athletes today. It makes a difference in my strength training. It is cheap and is fairly easy to incorporate into your daily nutrition.
Beta-Alanine
This amino acid helps in keeping your muscle stamina alive when lifting heavy weights. One thing that I love about this amino acid is that I can feel it going to work.
Glucosamine /Chondroitin Sulfate
Many studies have been conducted on this supplement, all of which are very positive and compelling. This supplement helps rebuild joint cartilage. From my own experience, I notice the difference when I work out my legs.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Soy-PS, in a dose dependent manner (400 mg), has been reported to be an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress by blunting the exercise-induced increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is the enemy.
Resveratrol Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering and other beneficial cardiovascular effects of resveratrol have been reported. This is rather new to my list; it has very compelling research to back it up. Time will tell whether it stays there or not…
Over the years, I have tried a few supplements. Today, I will share with you a list of supplements that I currently use. These supplements work and can have incred
Multivitamin
Although exercise is good for your health, it can place a toll on the body at the cellular level. Even if you eat a tremendous diet comprised of nutritious whole foods, you are likely to be lacking in vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin is a must to fill in any gaps. Not to mention, multivitamins contain antioxidants which fight free radicals.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Fatty Acids are found in fish, flaxseed, olive oil, and safflower (to name a few). The benefits include better circulation and inflammation reduction. In some cases, EFAs can aid in fat reduction.
Protein Powder
Muscles need protein. If you are trying to put on more muscle, then you need 1.5 grams for each pound of bodyweight. When you are dieting, it is important to keep a sufficient supply of protein in your body in order to prevent muscle breakdown.
Freeze Dried Fruit & Veggie Extract
I eat several servings of fruits and veggies per day, but I still like to add this to my supplement list. This supplement is natural and comes from all the “Superfood” groups that are powerful in fighting illness, ageing and cellular stress.
Creatine
Creatine is fairly commonplace among athletes today. It makes a difference in my strength training. It is cheap and is fairly easy to incorporate into your daily nutrition.
Beta-Alanine
This amino acid helps in keeping your muscle stamina alive when lifting heavy weights. One thing that I love about this amino acid is that I can feel it going to work.
Glucosamine /Chondroitin Sulfate
Many studies have been conducted on this supplement, all of which are very positive and compelling. This supplement helps rebuild joint cartilage. From my own experience, I notice the difference when I work out my legs.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Soy-PS, in a dose dependent manner (400 mg), has been reported to be an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress by blunting the exercise-induced increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is the enemy.
Resveratrol Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering and other beneficial cardiovascular effects of resveratrol have been reported. This is rather new to my list; it has very compelling research to back it up. Time will tell whether it stays there or not…
Monday, October 5, 2009
ENGAGE. INVESTIGATE. CONTEMPLATE.
Did you know that it takes seven years for swallowed gum to digest? Did you also know that you can use algorithms to predict college basketball scores and make millions? Are you aware that we only use 10% of our brains? Here is a popular one, turkey makes you sleepy. Or, how about that chocolate acne.
I imagine that at some point you have heard one of these myths, maybe all of them. If you are still performing the Heimlich on children in order to ward off a colon blowpop…stop.
My advice: Engage the proclamation. Investigate its validity. Contemplate your own thoughts and conclusions.
I know, it’s easy to accept certain proclamations as fact. Hell, I once told a slow kid at my junior high school that reading backwards helped people study better. He believed me, and tried it for several weeks…also, at nine years old I told my classmates that I was the lead singer of STYXX. Later, they realized that I did not even know the lyrics to the #1 single, Babe. Back then, I thought if you were stupid enough to believe it, then you deserve to look like an idiot. Although, later on in life, I realized giving people good and factual information is very important. We all as individuals make decisions based on what we believe is FACT. When people give me information…I engage, investigate, and contemplate.
Recently, I heard a proclamation that diet sodas can increase insulin production and cause weight gain. Really? C’mon. What is sad, is that certain individuals, that hear this sort of thing, will definitely quit drinking soda. Then they will tell friends not to drink diet soda, without ever validating the claim. Yes, basic common sense tells me that diet soda is not optimum versus water. Duh!
I love learning about nutrition, there is certainly a lot to learn. However, there are so many different interests out there that some nutritional facts get pushed out into the world based on someone filling in the blanks.
Okay, let me try one:
The number one cause of male impotence, worldwide, is _________.
Now, I will fill in the blank:
The number one cause of male impotence, worldwide, is due to prolonged sun exposure.
It doesn’t sound too ridiculous if you are the person trying to get it up and you are totally willing to stay out of the sun for the rest of your life…Thusly, when I heard that someone believed that diet soda was about to send every diabetic that drinks non-caloric soda into a coma, I had to engage.
My investigation led me to that following (beware: this is a blog, so I am not going to cite references, just go look for yourself):
A study, reported by the Journal of Nutrition on Nutritional Epidemiology, found no evidence of the claims regarding insulin. The study included 2500 subjects. They tested insulin levels on three control groups. One of the groups was a “zero calorie diet drink” group. The study concluded that insulin was not affected by diet drinks.
And the weight gain from diet soda? A study was done, but it appears someone is only reporting half of the truth on this one. Among the group of surveyed diet soda drinkers, 57% were likely to eat more calories because they were drinking a diet soda. There was correlation, but no causation…And yes, when you combine diet root beer with ice cream, it’s not the root beer that is making your ass look bigger.
As I pondered these findings, I also remembered that calories are essentially energy. Insulin, in so many words, is about energy conversion. It would be doubtful that a diabetic would risk his/her health by drinking diet soda …
Studies on nutrition are being done daily. Engage. Investigate. Contemplate
Now, excuse me, I have to go rub peanut butter on my feet. Someone told me that it helps get rid of bad breathe.
I imagine that at some point you have heard one of these myths, maybe all of them. If you are still performing the Heimlich on children in order to ward off a colon blowpop…stop.
My advice: Engage the proclamation. Investigate its validity. Contemplate your own thoughts and conclusions.
I know, it’s easy to accept certain proclamations as fact. Hell, I once told a slow kid at my junior high school that reading backwards helped people study better. He believed me, and tried it for several weeks…also, at nine years old I told my classmates that I was the lead singer of STYXX. Later, they realized that I did not even know the lyrics to the #1 single, Babe. Back then, I thought if you were stupid enough to believe it, then you deserve to look like an idiot. Although, later on in life, I realized giving people good and factual information is very important. We all as individuals make decisions based on what we believe is FACT. When people give me information…I engage, investigate, and contemplate.
Recently, I heard a proclamation that diet sodas can increase insulin production and cause weight gain. Really? C’mon. What is sad, is that certain individuals, that hear this sort of thing, will definitely quit drinking soda. Then they will tell friends not to drink diet soda, without ever validating the claim. Yes, basic common sense tells me that diet soda is not optimum versus water. Duh!
I love learning about nutrition, there is certainly a lot to learn. However, there are so many different interests out there that some nutritional facts get pushed out into the world based on someone filling in the blanks.
Okay, let me try one:
The number one cause of male impotence, worldwide, is _________.
Now, I will fill in the blank:
The number one cause of male impotence, worldwide, is due to prolonged sun exposure.
It doesn’t sound too ridiculous if you are the person trying to get it up and you are totally willing to stay out of the sun for the rest of your life…Thusly, when I heard that someone believed that diet soda was about to send every diabetic that drinks non-caloric soda into a coma, I had to engage.
My investigation led me to that following (beware: this is a blog, so I am not going to cite references, just go look for yourself):
A study, reported by the Journal of Nutrition on Nutritional Epidemiology, found no evidence of the claims regarding insulin. The study included 2500 subjects. They tested insulin levels on three control groups. One of the groups was a “zero calorie diet drink” group. The study concluded that insulin was not affected by diet drinks.
And the weight gain from diet soda? A study was done, but it appears someone is only reporting half of the truth on this one. Among the group of surveyed diet soda drinkers, 57% were likely to eat more calories because they were drinking a diet soda. There was correlation, but no causation…And yes, when you combine diet root beer with ice cream, it’s not the root beer that is making your ass look bigger.
As I pondered these findings, I also remembered that calories are essentially energy. Insulin, in so many words, is about energy conversion. It would be doubtful that a diabetic would risk his/her health by drinking diet soda …
Studies on nutrition are being done daily. Engage. Investigate. Contemplate
Now, excuse me, I have to go rub peanut butter on my feet. Someone told me that it helps get rid of bad breathe.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
DEAR OVERLY CRITICAL TOUCHY FEELY WEIGHT LOSS EXPERT
Gunnery Sergeant Hartman said to the marines, “If you ladies leave my island, if you survive recruit training... you will be a weapon, you will be a minister of death, praying for war. But until that day you are pukes! You're the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even human fucking beings! You are nothing but unorganized grabasstic pieces of amphibian shit! Because I am hard, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard, but I am fair! Here you are all equally worthless! And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved Corps! Do you maggots understand that?” (From the movie Full Metal Jacket)
If you believe you are a maggot before trying to change your life around, you made need a different type of coach. But if you came to boot camp to receive something, you won’t leave, you will adapt and push through.
According to the military, you don’t need self esteem to make a revolution in thinking. These tactics have been used for decades to push men to the limits. The reason is…because they work. Can you imagine trying to make a soldier with a soft voice and hugs?
What might work better: “Oh, you didn't finish the obstacle course in less than five minutes? That’s okay sweetheart, you’ll do better next time. You gave it your best shot and that is what counts…”
The most productive might be “You fucking lazy maggot, you get your ass over that wall in 2 seconds or else I will chop your fucking dick off…” chances are, you would get it done…
This week I came across a letter that was directed to Jillian Michaels from the TV Show “Biggest Loser”. For the letter, visit the website here. I have been thinking about this letter all week.
In a nutshell, Mr. Mohr makes an argument that people need to be essentially coddled into weight loss. He condemned Jillian Michaels for yelling denigrating comments to a nearly five hundred pound contestant on the show. For that, I have many thoughts.
Drill instructors (just like Sgt. Hartman) are in charge of moving soldiers through a rigorous training process. Self Esteem is not a concern; what matters are results.
In football, coaches are predominantly made of the same cloth. They yell and scream, and even demoralize players. Drawing from my own experiences, every coach I ever had, would frequently use ‘sissy’ or ‘pussy’ to describe an athlete at some point. Personally, I reacted by getting more pissed off, and more importantly, pushed myself to improve.
At Westside Barbell (a popular, but yet underground, gym), the coaches are known for their ability to, forcefully, churn out fierce competitors, and won’t exercise restraint when trying to motivate clients. The coaches there don’t allow excuses or complaints. These same coaches will mess with you until you are about to puke. They are known for making people push themselves to overcome sticking points. They cuss and scream.
Trainers/coaches are not supposed to be your friend. Plain and simple.
When you are over 50% body fat, then you need to get your ass wooped. You have made all the wrong choices with your eating, and now you have to learn a whole new school of thought. When you go from couch potato to a healthy lifestyle, you need a complete revolution in thinking. In the military, and in the same vein, you have to learn a whole new life philosophy. You need to get your ass wooped out of thinking for yourself. Sergeant Hartman suggests that the more you despise him, the more you will learn. This method works. This can cause a major evolution in thinking. It’s not personal either…just effective.
No excuses. If you want results, go get them. The biggest reason people fail at their fitness goals are the excuses. When the contestants get to the Biggest Loser Ranch, their life has been filled with one excuse after another. So why not allow Jillian Michaels to tear it up…and if you don’t like it you can quit and go back to the touchy feely way of pursuing your fitness goals.
I think Jillian uniquely helps people realize that you can’t get what you want out of life by making countless excuses. It is evident, that the Biggest Loser contestants dislike her while they train and then during the process, somewhere, they learn. When prodded with force, people will overcome their mental obstacles. The taste of success is what keeps people in the game.
I don’t feel as if Jillian Michaels is an icon of fitness training either. That’s like claiming that professional athletes are role models (a topic for another time). She is a trainer with her own style that resembles Sgt. Hartman. Your trainer may yell at you, but it is you that pushes yourself past the thoughts that tell you “I CAN’T”. Your trainer is not a life coach…there are therapists for that sort of thing.
My charter to you is: Go find a trainer that cusses at you like Jillian, train with them, and then go train with someone that is tender and cuddly…I will bet that you choose to work with the one that cusses the most. If you’re honest about how you arrived at your current situation, you will accept the punishment.
I am drafting a letter to Jillian too…
Dear Jillian, Thanks for having bigger testicles than most guys. If you get the inclination, could you call someone a maggot on the show…I just love it when other people get called maggots.
Sincerely,
Ntensity911
If you believe you are a maggot before trying to change your life around, you made need a different type of coach. But if you came to boot camp to receive something, you won’t leave, you will adapt and push through.
According to the military, you don’t need self esteem to make a revolution in thinking. These tactics have been used for decades to push men to the limits. The reason is…because they work. Can you imagine trying to make a soldier with a soft voice and hugs?
What might work better: “Oh, you didn't finish the obstacle course in less than five minutes? That’s okay sweetheart, you’ll do better next time. You gave it your best shot and that is what counts…”
The most productive might be “You fucking lazy maggot, you get your ass over that wall in 2 seconds or else I will chop your fucking dick off…” chances are, you would get it done…
This week I came across a letter that was directed to Jillian Michaels from the TV Show “Biggest Loser”. For the letter, visit the website here. I have been thinking about this letter all week.
In a nutshell, Mr. Mohr makes an argument that people need to be essentially coddled into weight loss. He condemned Jillian Michaels for yelling denigrating comments to a nearly five hundred pound contestant on the show. For that, I have many thoughts.
Drill instructors (just like Sgt. Hartman) are in charge of moving soldiers through a rigorous training process. Self Esteem is not a concern; what matters are results.
In football, coaches are predominantly made of the same cloth. They yell and scream, and even demoralize players. Drawing from my own experiences, every coach I ever had, would frequently use ‘sissy’ or ‘pussy’ to describe an athlete at some point. Personally, I reacted by getting more pissed off, and more importantly, pushed myself to improve.
At Westside Barbell (a popular, but yet underground, gym), the coaches are known for their ability to, forcefully, churn out fierce competitors, and won’t exercise restraint when trying to motivate clients. The coaches there don’t allow excuses or complaints. These same coaches will mess with you until you are about to puke. They are known for making people push themselves to overcome sticking points. They cuss and scream.
Trainers/coaches are not supposed to be your friend. Plain and simple.
When you are over 50% body fat, then you need to get your ass wooped. You have made all the wrong choices with your eating, and now you have to learn a whole new school of thought. When you go from couch potato to a healthy lifestyle, you need a complete revolution in thinking. In the military, and in the same vein, you have to learn a whole new life philosophy. You need to get your ass wooped out of thinking for yourself. Sergeant Hartman suggests that the more you despise him, the more you will learn. This method works. This can cause a major evolution in thinking. It’s not personal either…just effective.
No excuses. If you want results, go get them. The biggest reason people fail at their fitness goals are the excuses. When the contestants get to the Biggest Loser Ranch, their life has been filled with one excuse after another. So why not allow Jillian Michaels to tear it up…and if you don’t like it you can quit and go back to the touchy feely way of pursuing your fitness goals.
I think Jillian uniquely helps people realize that you can’t get what you want out of life by making countless excuses. It is evident, that the Biggest Loser contestants dislike her while they train and then during the process, somewhere, they learn. When prodded with force, people will overcome their mental obstacles. The taste of success is what keeps people in the game.
I don’t feel as if Jillian Michaels is an icon of fitness training either. That’s like claiming that professional athletes are role models (a topic for another time). She is a trainer with her own style that resembles Sgt. Hartman. Your trainer may yell at you, but it is you that pushes yourself past the thoughts that tell you “I CAN’T”. Your trainer is not a life coach…there are therapists for that sort of thing.
My charter to you is: Go find a trainer that cusses at you like Jillian, train with them, and then go train with someone that is tender and cuddly…I will bet that you choose to work with the one that cusses the most. If you’re honest about how you arrived at your current situation, you will accept the punishment.
I am drafting a letter to Jillian too…
Dear Jillian, Thanks for having bigger testicles than most guys. If you get the inclination, could you call someone a maggot on the show…I just love it when other people get called maggots.
Sincerely,
Ntensity911
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Clint Eastwood Lesson On Manliness
“You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?”
No one on this planet could have been a more intimidating vigilante cop than Clint Eastwood.
I grew up watching many Eastwood movies I have seen nearly every single one of his feature films (One exception is “Bridges of Madison County”, but like a bad sex tape, I will just pretend that it doesn’t exist). Eastwood’s films have a timeless quality. I have continued to view Clint Eastwood as manliness, personified.
I developed some philosophies on manliness by the image that I have of Clint Eastwood. There are many guys in this nation that walk a thin line between total wuss and manly. So if you need to get it straight, then these Clint Eastwood lessons are for you.
Clint Eastwood does not…
1) …have a vagina.
2) …act like he has a vagina.
3) …dress like a woman under any circumstances.
4) …profess his undying passion, for anything, to his buddies.
5) …have his own show on HGTV.
6) …and will not, drive a minivan…EVER.
7) …eat ice cream cones.
8) …drink a Caramel Macchiato, or any dessert disguised as a coffee drink.
9) …drink fruity cocktails. Period.
10) …drink wine. It’s beer and whiskey only.
11) …cry for any reason, with exception to funerals of close relatives.
12) …share an umbrella with another man.
13) …tell another man that his fly is down.
14) …spot someone in the gym and say, “Yeah baby, push it!”
15) …watch men’s gymnastics or ice skating.
16) …wear a sports jersey as everyday casual attire.
17) …care about David Beckham or the freakin’ LA Galaxy.
18) …ever use European phrases like “Au Revoir”, “Al Vida Zein”, or “Ciao”.
19) …wear clothes that match his significant other. .
20) …think sex is boring.
21) …hug people.
22) …have entire conversations via SMS messaging.
23) …use terms like exfoliate.
24) …spend more time in the bathroom than a woman.
25) …go out to dance.
26) …fight naked.
27) …wear Speedos
28) …use every over-the-counter medication to treat the common cold.
29) …quit.
30) …read Blogs…
No one on this planet could have been a more intimidating vigilante cop than Clint Eastwood.
I grew up watching many Eastwood movies I have seen nearly every single one of his feature films (One exception is “Bridges of Madison County”, but like a bad sex tape, I will just pretend that it doesn’t exist). Eastwood’s films have a timeless quality. I have continued to view Clint Eastwood as manliness, personified.
I developed some philosophies on manliness by the image that I have of Clint Eastwood. There are many guys in this nation that walk a thin line between total wuss and manly. So if you need to get it straight, then these Clint Eastwood lessons are for you.
Clint Eastwood does not…
1) …have a vagina.
2) …act like he has a vagina.
3) …dress like a woman under any circumstances.
4) …profess his undying passion, for anything, to his buddies.
5) …have his own show on HGTV.
6) …and will not, drive a minivan…EVER.
7) …eat ice cream cones.
8) …drink a Caramel Macchiato, or any dessert disguised as a coffee drink.
9) …drink fruity cocktails. Period.
10) …drink wine. It’s beer and whiskey only.
11) …cry for any reason, with exception to funerals of close relatives.
12) …share an umbrella with another man.
13) …tell another man that his fly is down.
14) …spot someone in the gym and say, “Yeah baby, push it!”
15) …watch men’s gymnastics or ice skating.
16) …wear a sports jersey as everyday casual attire.
17) …care about David Beckham or the freakin’ LA Galaxy.
18) …ever use European phrases like “Au Revoir”, “Al Vida Zein”, or “Ciao”.
19) …wear clothes that match his significant other. .
20) …think sex is boring.
21) …hug people.
22) …have entire conversations via SMS messaging.
23) …use terms like exfoliate.
24) …spend more time in the bathroom than a woman.
25) …go out to dance.
26) …fight naked.
27) …wear Speedos
28) …use every over-the-counter medication to treat the common cold.
29) …quit.
30) …read Blogs…
Monday, September 14, 2009
The New Self
Most people that I know, in some way or another, are dissatisfied with how they look. I have been there too. At two points in my life, I had become distraught enough over my physical appearance to do something about it.
The first time I tried to get fit, I was in my early twenties, and I was supercharged to succeed. My mission was to be big and buff. I joined a city gym that was popular for spitting out more Golden Glove contenders than offspring from the Octomom. The place smelled like sweat through and through. This gym was host to some of the fittest people around town. I felt it was the best place for an up and coming bodybuilding superstar. I had ambition to see big changes. I trained threes days a week for two years. I ate massive amounts of food. I even ate raw eggs like Rocky Balboa (Yuck!). I gave myself daily pep talks. Day in and day out, I did these things to get bigger and stronger. Eventually though, I quit working out. I quit eating all the food, I quit giving myself pep talks, and I never became that superstar. The reason I quit altogether is that I felt that, inside and out, I was the same as I was two years prior. I had done all this work and spent money on food and supplements to get minimal results. I was still the same guy. I expected some type of revolutionary change. The revolution never came. For the twelve years that followed, I simply did not care to spend any time worrying about my health or physique.
A few years ago, I finally forced myself to get back to a gym and start working out. At the time, I wasn’t all that into it…I just didn’t feel like any hard work in the gym would amount to anything. However, I was paying for the membership, so I thought that I might as well get my money’s worth. I went to the gym and played with some weights, along with some cardio machines, and then I would pose/flex like a douche-bag in front of the mirror. This pattern continued for several weeks. Then one day, I went to the gym early one morning. That week had been a troubling week for me at home and at work. I decided to just take out my frustrations on the weights. So I killed it in the gym.
While I was killing it in the gym, a gym employee spotted me for several exercises. He didn’t say much, mostly nodded and observed. At the end of my workout, after I had just brought more intensity than ever before, and when I finally had nothing left, he said to me, “That’s it bro, find the new self!”
Bent over on a bench and out of breath, I thanked him for his help.
During the following days, I could not stop thinking about what he said to me. I was trying to interpret what he meant. It eluded me. And he did too, because I never saw him in the gym again.
Is there a “new self” inside me? That seems “New Age-y”, and yeah, kind of gay. I did find something; Intensity. It made me feel incredible.
Subsequently, each day, I was in pursuit of more intensity. My diet got more intense. My mental fortitude changed intensity. My workouts delivered more intensity. I even started giving myself intense pep talks before I worked out (In my head though, because if I gave myself out loud pep talks, someone might have called the cops). I wasn’t working out to be some superstar anymore. I was trying to be the best I could be in the gym. I gave all that I had to every rep. I worked out harder each time I went to gym. I even made myself puke a couple of times.
Through these years, I found the know-how. I found the passion. I found the discipline. I definitely found…The New Self.
The first time I tried to get fit, I was in my early twenties, and I was supercharged to succeed. My mission was to be big and buff. I joined a city gym that was popular for spitting out more Golden Glove contenders than offspring from the Octomom. The place smelled like sweat through and through. This gym was host to some of the fittest people around town. I felt it was the best place for an up and coming bodybuilding superstar. I had ambition to see big changes. I trained threes days a week for two years. I ate massive amounts of food. I even ate raw eggs like Rocky Balboa (Yuck!). I gave myself daily pep talks. Day in and day out, I did these things to get bigger and stronger. Eventually though, I quit working out. I quit eating all the food, I quit giving myself pep talks, and I never became that superstar. The reason I quit altogether is that I felt that, inside and out, I was the same as I was two years prior. I had done all this work and spent money on food and supplements to get minimal results. I was still the same guy. I expected some type of revolutionary change. The revolution never came. For the twelve years that followed, I simply did not care to spend any time worrying about my health or physique.
A few years ago, I finally forced myself to get back to a gym and start working out. At the time, I wasn’t all that into it…I just didn’t feel like any hard work in the gym would amount to anything. However, I was paying for the membership, so I thought that I might as well get my money’s worth. I went to the gym and played with some weights, along with some cardio machines, and then I would pose/flex like a douche-bag in front of the mirror. This pattern continued for several weeks. Then one day, I went to the gym early one morning. That week had been a troubling week for me at home and at work. I decided to just take out my frustrations on the weights. So I killed it in the gym.
While I was killing it in the gym, a gym employee spotted me for several exercises. He didn’t say much, mostly nodded and observed. At the end of my workout, after I had just brought more intensity than ever before, and when I finally had nothing left, he said to me, “That’s it bro, find the new self!”
Bent over on a bench and out of breath, I thanked him for his help.
During the following days, I could not stop thinking about what he said to me. I was trying to interpret what he meant. It eluded me. And he did too, because I never saw him in the gym again.
Is there a “new self” inside me? That seems “New Age-y”, and yeah, kind of gay. I did find something; Intensity. It made me feel incredible.
Subsequently, each day, I was in pursuit of more intensity. My diet got more intense. My mental fortitude changed intensity. My workouts delivered more intensity. I even started giving myself intense pep talks before I worked out (In my head though, because if I gave myself out loud pep talks, someone might have called the cops). I wasn’t working out to be some superstar anymore. I was trying to be the best I could be in the gym. I gave all that I had to every rep. I worked out harder each time I went to gym. I even made myself puke a couple of times.
Through these years, I found the know-how. I found the passion. I found the discipline. I definitely found…The New Self.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
