The cold, flu or whatever the heck it is, is still holding on. This particular virus just seems to... "linger". I went back to work on Thursday still feelin gwhiped out. Friady was better but I fell like doing a very little bit of nothing this weekend. The cough & nassle congestion are still hanging out.
So I thougth I'd just drop some general thoughts in there since I'm unable to do any weight training or much of anything else.
These are the basic rules of close-combat as discussed by Prof. Bradley J. Steiner.
1) Never agree to fight.
Agreeing to fight eliminates any legal defense you may have had & warns your opponent of potential action from you. Act with surprise & preemptively when at all possible.
2) Develop an Either\Or philosophy to close-combat!
Either go ALL IN!!! NOW!!! Or resign yourself to do nothing at all & except the repercussions of your inaction.
3) Attack the Attacker!
Do not wait to be attacked. Use preemptive strikes whenever possible. Do not attempt to trade blows or block attacks. Attack your attacker.
4) Always use Follow Up!
Launch a barrage of blows, strikes & attacks. Keep the assailant off balance & keep the on the defensive. Do not stop until the threat is gone
5) The Only Objective Is To Win!
Your goal must be to win at all costs! Do whatever you must to win.
6) Expect To Get Hurt!
Have the understanding & expectation of injury. When it comes you will not be surprised or shocked. Such shock will not short circuit your attack.
7) Never Fight Fairly!
Since your only goal is to win, use every dirty trick in the book. Carry objects like gravel or small change to throw in the assailants face. Hit them high & low. Spit, gouge eyes or toss a newspaper in their face.
8) The Enemy Is Not Human!
The walking pile of detritus that is assaulting you does not deserve ANY compassion. They are a feral animal.
9) Develop Good “Radar”!
Keep you level of environmental awareness activated. Be aware of individuals & activities that are around you. Do not be surprised.
10) “Defense” is a Last Ditch Option!
“Defense” is not the primary goal. It is what you will be forced to resort to if you are surprised. Such techniques are not the optimum in combat & are a last resort.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Company Flu...
Sheesh. This crud finally caught up with me & hit with a venegance last Sunday morning. Nice running fever, chills & assorted aching for 2 & 1/2 days. Then another day's worth of coughing, sneezing, more assorted aches (like someone had takes a baseball bat to my kidneys & upper back... Missed three dayys of work. I still have nassle congestion & am generally exhausted. This essentially blows the workout program for an entire week. I seriously doubt that I'll be back at it until Monday. Not even then if I cannot get rid of the head cold.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Workout Number Five
I've said before & I will say again; the workout that you want to avoid will usually turnout to be one of your best! I did NOT want to train today. This was a good workout! I'd decided to wait until Saturday again dso I could video tape the training session. (That didn't happen... again. I honestly didn't feel like hauling the camera crap down into the basement. I'll need ot do it next week though. I need to start looking at technique & form befor I get too far into this program.) Regardless, I had planned on getting into the gym around 1 PM. I ended up starting at around 4:45 PM. My brain was trying to come up with reasonable excuses. It didn't matter. I was apparently determined to train. Yeah. I'm surprised as well.
Overhead Presses: 1x5 @ 55-pounds. 1x5 @ 65-pounds & 3x5 @ 75-pounds.
These felt like work. The first two sets (the warmups) felt good & solid. By the time the first work set was up I was pretty well charged. I'd been checkingmy wrist position since I tend to flex the wrist & unevely at that. That doesn't seem to be a problem this time. I'm much more aware of the isssue & I've been taping the wrist, as much so I can feel when they're bending as to add support. I don't kow if that's good or bad. I can see the use of forcing them to hold as a strengthening agent. The work sets were WORK! I actually wasn't certain if I'd be able to complete all reps & sets. That hit me about 1/2 way through the second work set. Then on set number three I managed ot power through & wasn't straining all that much. So we're good to go again with no drop in the weight progression.
High Pulls: 2x5 @ 85-pounds @ 3x5 @ 105-pounds.
Yes, I missed the weigh tchange between the 1st & 2nd sets. I started these out trying to do the 2nd pull from the power rack. I don't think I can do these that way. I just wasn't able to generate enough power to get the bar into motion. They felt like badly performed shrugs. I wasn't doing anything but bending my arms ot try & raise the bar... which didn't work. I was worried that I'd pull my back because they were so awkward. Trying to figure this out I space & forgot to adjust the poundage for the second warmup set.
For the work sets, I just put the bar back on the floor & did them normally... with an attempt at emphasyzing the shrug & then the pull. It took a full set but I managed to get things under control. That 5-pound weigh tincrease felt like a lot more. I suspet it's because I robbed myself of the two warmup sets. They were essentially worhtless... except that I learned that for me, trying to train on the 2nd pull isn't going to work.
By the end of the second work set, I felt pretty good. by the end of thr third, I could feel the pull everywhere I would expet to. Mainly in the traps & shoulders. NOT in the wrong areas of the back. So these should come along well now. The other thing I notced was that if I estimated the height correctly,I was pulling it up to just under teh navel which would be about mid-belt level. So two or three nches & the bar height will be fine. I'd like to have it coming higher but I just started up on these thing again after four years & I'm weak.
Squats: 1x5 @ 65-pounds, 1x5 @ 75-pounds & 3x5 @ 85-pounds.
These are getting interesting. I'm almost tempted to add more than 5-pounds per session but I know what's goign to happen. My legs are finally beginning ot even out, albeit slowly. I'm starting to feel the ;eft leg working & the imbalance isn't nearly as pronounced as it was a weekago. Slow & steady. By the time we're at 135-poudnds for the first warmup things should be normal. I think I'm progressing at the proper speed for recovery & allowing the left leg to get its strength back. The hips are getting a workout. It's been a few hours since training & my legs are beginnignto feel it. :)
Bent Over Rows: 1x5 @ 65-pounds, 1x5 @ 75-pounds & 3x5 @ 85-pounds.
I'm beginning to feel the bicep & back work from these. (I mean, I'm beginning to feel it overall... & RIGHT NOW I'M FEELING IT!) These went well but I had to force myself to slow down.
Overall I feel tired. My legs, upper & mid-back & biceps are going to be sore tomorrow. The traps, shoulders & triceps not until Monday. I can tell. The cycle is going to go like it did after the first training session. First th elegs... & then everything else.
This is the first time that my biceps got a decent workout. It's due to both the rows & the high pulls. It does bother me to have my squats be so far behind. They're the same weight as my bent over rows in weight & only a few pounds above my overhead presses. The high pulls are heavier than anything else. That seems odd. I'm not sure how the weight is going to change. I may reach a point within a month or so where I keep the other lifts where they are & focus on getting the squats up there. Also, I don't know how the leg issue is affecting the high pulls. That may be why I don't have the same push power that I used to. I may do that sooner in fact. Perhaps when the big lifts reach teh 135-pound level I'll hold for the squats & work them hard in order ot get the strength surge going. I don't like them lagging behind so much when the squats are the big builder. In order fo rme toget things where they should be, the squats need to be well out in front of the other lifts, especially the overhead presses & the rows. It's also funny that I'm so strong in the rows after having the back injury. Confusing that.
Overhead Presses: 1x5 @ 55-pounds. 1x5 @ 65-pounds & 3x5 @ 75-pounds.
These felt like work. The first two sets (the warmups) felt good & solid. By the time the first work set was up I was pretty well charged. I'd been checkingmy wrist position since I tend to flex the wrist & unevely at that. That doesn't seem to be a problem this time. I'm much more aware of the isssue & I've been taping the wrist, as much so I can feel when they're bending as to add support. I don't kow if that's good or bad. I can see the use of forcing them to hold as a strengthening agent. The work sets were WORK! I actually wasn't certain if I'd be able to complete all reps & sets. That hit me about 1/2 way through the second work set. Then on set number three I managed ot power through & wasn't straining all that much. So we're good to go again with no drop in the weight progression.
High Pulls: 2x5 @ 85-pounds @ 3x5 @ 105-pounds.
Yes, I missed the weigh tchange between the 1st & 2nd sets. I started these out trying to do the 2nd pull from the power rack. I don't think I can do these that way. I just wasn't able to generate enough power to get the bar into motion. They felt like badly performed shrugs. I wasn't doing anything but bending my arms ot try & raise the bar... which didn't work. I was worried that I'd pull my back because they were so awkward. Trying to figure this out I space & forgot to adjust the poundage for the second warmup set.
For the work sets, I just put the bar back on the floor & did them normally... with an attempt at emphasyzing the shrug & then the pull. It took a full set but I managed to get things under control. That 5-pound weigh tincrease felt like a lot more. I suspet it's because I robbed myself of the two warmup sets. They were essentially worhtless... except that I learned that for me, trying to train on the 2nd pull isn't going to work.
By the end of the second work set, I felt pretty good. by the end of thr third, I could feel the pull everywhere I would expet to. Mainly in the traps & shoulders. NOT in the wrong areas of the back. So these should come along well now. The other thing I notced was that if I estimated the height correctly,I was pulling it up to just under teh navel which would be about mid-belt level. So two or three nches & the bar height will be fine. I'd like to have it coming higher but I just started up on these thing again after four years & I'm weak.
Squats: 1x5 @ 65-pounds, 1x5 @ 75-pounds & 3x5 @ 85-pounds.
These are getting interesting. I'm almost tempted to add more than 5-pounds per session but I know what's goign to happen. My legs are finally beginning ot even out, albeit slowly. I'm starting to feel the ;eft leg working & the imbalance isn't nearly as pronounced as it was a weekago. Slow & steady. By the time we're at 135-poudnds for the first warmup things should be normal. I think I'm progressing at the proper speed for recovery & allowing the left leg to get its strength back. The hips are getting a workout. It's been a few hours since training & my legs are beginnignto feel it. :)
Bent Over Rows: 1x5 @ 65-pounds, 1x5 @ 75-pounds & 3x5 @ 85-pounds.
I'm beginning to feel the bicep & back work from these. (I mean, I'm beginning to feel it overall... & RIGHT NOW I'M FEELING IT!) These went well but I had to force myself to slow down.
Overall I feel tired. My legs, upper & mid-back & biceps are going to be sore tomorrow. The traps, shoulders & triceps not until Monday. I can tell. The cycle is going to go like it did after the first training session. First th elegs... & then everything else.
This is the first time that my biceps got a decent workout. It's due to both the rows & the high pulls. It does bother me to have my squats be so far behind. They're the same weight as my bent over rows in weight & only a few pounds above my overhead presses. The high pulls are heavier than anything else. That seems odd. I'm not sure how the weight is going to change. I may reach a point within a month or so where I keep the other lifts where they are & focus on getting the squats up there. Also, I don't know how the leg issue is affecting the high pulls. That may be why I don't have the same push power that I used to. I may do that sooner in fact. Perhaps when the big lifts reach teh 135-pound level I'll hold for the squats & work them hard in order ot get the strength surge going. I don't like them lagging behind so much when the squats are the big builder. In order fo rme toget things where they should be, the squats need to be well out in front of the other lifts, especially the overhead presses & the rows. It's also funny that I'm so strong in the rows after having the back injury. Confusing that.
The Pay Cut Blog...
Microsoft announced last week that they'll be cutting the pay rates for contingency staffers. Yes, I'm one of those lucky folks. I think I actually may be making more than my counterparts in the lab, but we're all looking at around a 10% wage reduction.
Here's the original blog which has further details & some related news articles.
Most of the staffing agencies are transferring the entire cut directly to their contract employees. I'm not sure what my company is going to do. I'm scheduled to have lunch with my rep next Monday to get the news. I'm hoping that they decide to absorb at least some of the cut themelves. A 5% cut is better for me than taking the etire 10% out of my paychecks. That's around $300 per month less gross... & essentially sinks my current budget. It would really put a squeeze on my savings plans fo the year.
Even worse news is that they have decided that all new hires will have their wages cut by 15%. This effectively makes the entry level wage for an STEII a little under $15 per hour. That's pathetic & I cannot help but think that much of this decision (at least the amount being cut) was based on the current economic conditions & the fact that it's highly unlikely that most people will be in any condition to refuse work. Even if the pay rate offered is a slap in the face. Interesting response from a company that virtually depends on contingency staffers to survive thourgh product release.
Needless to say, a lot of people are... "unhappy". There've been the usual threats of quitting & sueing. Great idea that. I don't know of anyone I work with that can afford to do this. It's completely unrealistic. The people sign on to this are likely to be blacklisted. Even if they aren't, they'll be forced to take a 30-day break-in-service... & then come back at an even lower rate; that 15% cut I mentioned.
My advice?, Shut up. Swallow your pride & make the money that you can... while you can. Me?, I'm hoping to be employed for a full year. I've said before that I want to of this industry & it certainly looks like I'm not going to have a choice in the matter soon. I won't say that they're forcing my hand... but there's little point in continuing on when I hate the work, have no respect for (most) of the people & now the money isn't even all that good.
So, with a little luck... and a LOT OF WORK, I'll be doing something else soon enough.
That's what the insane budgeting & savings are for. A complete career change. Something that I've been contemplating for nearly a decade.
Here's the original blog which has further details & some related news articles.
Most of the staffing agencies are transferring the entire cut directly to their contract employees. I'm not sure what my company is going to do. I'm scheduled to have lunch with my rep next Monday to get the news. I'm hoping that they decide to absorb at least some of the cut themelves. A 5% cut is better for me than taking the etire 10% out of my paychecks. That's around $300 per month less gross... & essentially sinks my current budget. It would really put a squeeze on my savings plans fo the year.
Even worse news is that they have decided that all new hires will have their wages cut by 15%. This effectively makes the entry level wage for an STEII a little under $15 per hour. That's pathetic & I cannot help but think that much of this decision (at least the amount being cut) was based on the current economic conditions & the fact that it's highly unlikely that most people will be in any condition to refuse work. Even if the pay rate offered is a slap in the face. Interesting response from a company that virtually depends on contingency staffers to survive thourgh product release.
Needless to say, a lot of people are... "unhappy". There've been the usual threats of quitting & sueing. Great idea that. I don't know of anyone I work with that can afford to do this. It's completely unrealistic. The people sign on to this are likely to be blacklisted. Even if they aren't, they'll be forced to take a 30-day break-in-service... & then come back at an even lower rate; that 15% cut I mentioned.
My advice?, Shut up. Swallow your pride & make the money that you can... while you can. Me?, I'm hoping to be employed for a full year. I've said before that I want to of this industry & it certainly looks like I'm not going to have a choice in the matter soon. I won't say that they're forcing my hand... but there's little point in continuing on when I hate the work, have no respect for (most) of the people & now the money isn't even all that good.
So, with a little luck... and a LOT OF WORK, I'll be doing something else soon enough.
That's what the insane budgeting & savings are for. A complete career change. Something that I've been contemplating for nearly a decade.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Workout Number Four
This was one of those "I really don't feel like it" sessions. I haven't slept well the past two nights. I'll probably take Friday nigh toff & train Saturday during the day. I wanted to video tape a session anyhow so that works.
Overhead Presses: 1x5 @ 52.5 Pounds, 1x5 @ 62.5 Pounds & 3x5 @ 72.5 Pounds.
These are starting to feel like work. Now excrutiating... but "work". It has me wonderin ghow long i'll be able to keep up the 2.5 pound additions.
High Pulls: 1x5 @ 80 Pounds, 1x5 #@ 90 Pounds & 3x5 @ 100 Pounds.
These still feel awakward & I had a sensation after the last training session that I'm trying ot over analyze the movement. Tonight I just tried to focus on the shrug & the toes. They seems a bit stronger. I felt it some in the traps & a lot in the upper back. They should improve with time. I think it will also help once I can set teh bar down. Right now the plate size is forcing me to either go too far down (if I want to put the bar on the floor & reset) or hold it at a static level. That wasn't so bad when it was only 50 to 60 pounds... but with 90 to 100 pounds on the bar, I think it's what's wearing me out. They just didn't seem as hard to do a few years ago. Then again, I've lost so much muscle mass & strength that I'm basically starting from scratch here. It's really like I've never trained before.
Squats: 1x5 @ 55 Pounds, 1x5 @ 65 Pounds & 3x5 @ 75 Pounds.
These feel better every time I do them. I found mysel wanting badly to get through teh high[ulls & on to the squats. (That probably won't last much longer.) I can still notice the issue withthe strength & flexibility inthe left leg, but I think if I don't try to force the depth & just allow the legs time to even out strength wise all will be well.
Bent Over Rows: 1x5 @ 60 Pounds, 1x5 @ 70 Pounds @ 3x5 @ 80 Pounds.
Once again I really wanted to just get these overwith. I forced myself to do the warmup sets but didn't do any mental imaging. Still, I felt a good back & bicep workout during the sets.
Neck Work:
I've been doing this since the second workout. The head strap allows me one set each for the front & back & righ tnow I'm using a pair of 5-pound plates. I was thinking about adding a 2.5 pounder but decided to wait. For the sides I'm doing a plate raise with a 10-pound plates resting on a towel. That sets onteh side of my head. I lay on teh becn on my side & flex the head up & down. This also will get a weight increase in due time.
Ab Work:
Leg raqises again tonight. I added five reps for a total of 15. I'd really like some iron boots... but that's over $100 I cannot aford to part with right now. Eventually I'll start incorporating the heavy side bends along with the ab bench work. I don't know if I'll try ot cram all of that into each seesion or do a different exercie each time. Three exercises. Three workouts per week. I may do that with the grip work as well when i decide to start adding it in.
I managed to get the workout down under 2 hours tonight as well. Lord I'm tired... & so danged glad it's near the end of the week.
Overhead Presses: 1x5 @ 52.5 Pounds, 1x5 @ 62.5 Pounds & 3x5 @ 72.5 Pounds.
These are starting to feel like work. Now excrutiating... but "work". It has me wonderin ghow long i'll be able to keep up the 2.5 pound additions.
High Pulls: 1x5 @ 80 Pounds, 1x5 #@ 90 Pounds & 3x5 @ 100 Pounds.
These still feel awakward & I had a sensation after the last training session that I'm trying ot over analyze the movement. Tonight I just tried to focus on the shrug & the toes. They seems a bit stronger. I felt it some in the traps & a lot in the upper back. They should improve with time. I think it will also help once I can set teh bar down. Right now the plate size is forcing me to either go too far down (if I want to put the bar on the floor & reset) or hold it at a static level. That wasn't so bad when it was only 50 to 60 pounds... but with 90 to 100 pounds on the bar, I think it's what's wearing me out. They just didn't seem as hard to do a few years ago. Then again, I've lost so much muscle mass & strength that I'm basically starting from scratch here. It's really like I've never trained before.
Squats: 1x5 @ 55 Pounds, 1x5 @ 65 Pounds & 3x5 @ 75 Pounds.
These feel better every time I do them. I found mysel wanting badly to get through teh high[ulls & on to the squats. (That probably won't last much longer.) I can still notice the issue withthe strength & flexibility inthe left leg, but I think if I don't try to force the depth & just allow the legs time to even out strength wise all will be well.
Bent Over Rows: 1x5 @ 60 Pounds, 1x5 @ 70 Pounds @ 3x5 @ 80 Pounds.
Once again I really wanted to just get these overwith. I forced myself to do the warmup sets but didn't do any mental imaging. Still, I felt a good back & bicep workout during the sets.
Neck Work:
I've been doing this since the second workout. The head strap allows me one set each for the front & back & righ tnow I'm using a pair of 5-pound plates. I was thinking about adding a 2.5 pounder but decided to wait. For the sides I'm doing a plate raise with a 10-pound plates resting on a towel. That sets onteh side of my head. I lay on teh becn on my side & flex the head up & down. This also will get a weight increase in due time.
Ab Work:
Leg raqises again tonight. I added five reps for a total of 15. I'd really like some iron boots... but that's over $100 I cannot aford to part with right now. Eventually I'll start incorporating the heavy side bends along with the ab bench work. I don't know if I'll try ot cram all of that into each seesion or do a different exercie each time. Three exercises. Three workouts per week. I may do that with the grip work as well when i decide to start adding it in.
I managed to get the workout down under 2 hours tonight as well. Lord I'm tired... & so danged glad it's near the end of the week.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Workout Number Three
Not my best... & definitely not my worst. I was somewhat psyched for this one all day.
Overhead Press: 1x5 @ 50 pounds, 1x5 @ 60 pounds & 3x5 @ 70 pounds.
I could feel the difference in the weight today. The work sets were more challenging (not making teh mistake of doing more than 5 reps because they were so light).
High Pulls: 1x5 @ 70 pounds, 1x5 @ 80 pounds & 3x5 @ 90 pounds.
I felt these tonight... & more in my upper back, shoulders & traps. I had one twinge... knowing before I completed the pull that I was in the wrong position. I was trying to concentrate more on these during execution. Pull with the traps, shoulders back, up on the toes. Most sets hit my back fairly hard. A few of them hammer my traps. I'll get this down before the weight really starts getting up there.
Squats: 1x5 @ 55 pounds, 1x5 @ 65 pounds & 3x5 @ 75 pounds.
I felt good on these tonight. Again I felt the weight difference. I'm still noticing the different positioning (strength & flexibility) between the left & righ tleg, but it appears to be evening out. I did notice a tendency to roll the right foot up onto the ball. I think I'm trying too hard for depth. Be patient. Put enough weight on the bar & gravity will take care of the depth all by itself. I just need to allow my legs to adjust slowly because it's been too long for me to try rushing my form.
Bentover Rows: 1x5 @ 55 pounds, 1x5 @ 65 pounds & 3x5 @ 75 pounds.
I worked these pretty hard this evening. I blew through the warmup sets without taking things too seriously... but yet again I felt the weigh tdifference & decided to work them slowly & deliberately. I'll be feeling those later because I really started feeling the lats.
Overhead Press: 1x5 @ 50 pounds, 1x5 @ 60 pounds & 3x5 @ 70 pounds.
I could feel the difference in the weight today. The work sets were more challenging (not making teh mistake of doing more than 5 reps because they were so light).
High Pulls: 1x5 @ 70 pounds, 1x5 @ 80 pounds & 3x5 @ 90 pounds.
I felt these tonight... & more in my upper back, shoulders & traps. I had one twinge... knowing before I completed the pull that I was in the wrong position. I was trying to concentrate more on these during execution. Pull with the traps, shoulders back, up on the toes. Most sets hit my back fairly hard. A few of them hammer my traps. I'll get this down before the weight really starts getting up there.
Squats: 1x5 @ 55 pounds, 1x5 @ 65 pounds & 3x5 @ 75 pounds.
I felt good on these tonight. Again I felt the weight difference. I'm still noticing the different positioning (strength & flexibility) between the left & righ tleg, but it appears to be evening out. I did notice a tendency to roll the right foot up onto the ball. I think I'm trying too hard for depth. Be patient. Put enough weight on the bar & gravity will take care of the depth all by itself. I just need to allow my legs to adjust slowly because it's been too long for me to try rushing my form.
Bentover Rows: 1x5 @ 55 pounds, 1x5 @ 65 pounds & 3x5 @ 75 pounds.
I worked these pretty hard this evening. I blew through the warmup sets without taking things too seriously... but yet again I felt the weigh tdifference & decided to work them slowly & deliberately. I'll be feeling those later because I really started feeling the lats.
How's Your Personal Radar?
[Things are slow right now. No builds, all broken. So I'm writing something... a bit different. Please bear with me if I ramble...]
How is you personal radar? I won't presume to have any idea what other people are thinking as they saunter about on their daily business. They're getting on with life. It's work, it's school, it's social or family obligations... you know, it basically all appears to be w-o-r-k.
Over the past few years while working on the various corporate campuses I've noticed an interesting (and to me alarming) phenomenon. People are in a very broad & general sense... bloody oblivious! Either they're unconscious or they're aggressive to the point of begging for a violent confrontation. There are levels of narcissism & unawareness that defy explanation or justification.
At first I thought that this was a societal phenomenon. It is not that lmmited. It is a spectre that appears to cross societal & regional lines to a degree. You can be certain that most individuals who live in a war zone have developed their instincts to be aware of their surroundings. Yet the larger majority of people living in "civilized" regions are under some dangerous misimpressions.
Here are some examples that I have observed, solely in my own... back yard:
Technology can be a wonderful thing. There are so many different tools, gadgets & widgets available now to make life "easier" that people have become depenent upon many of them. We daily see people driving while attempting ot manipulate cell phones in conversation or texting. I've seen people on the freeway in rushhour traffic reading books, using their laptops & even eating breakfast.
Closer to home (and in my own opinion even more annoying) are people who become so engrossed with these "gadgets" that they are locked in their own world & seperated from the external environment by disinterest. I've seen people so immersed in thei rphone conversation or a texting duel that they've literally walked out into traffic on major arterials. This even makes its way into other mundane areas of you rlife, such as the movie theater. Been to a matinee latly? Good luck watching the feature. Dependin gon your selection, the venue may be filled with offcast juvenile deliquents who have nothing better to do than pay $12 for a motion picture & then spend 2.5 hours texting & talking on their wireless devices.
I've seen people entering a building, receive a phone call & freeze in the doorway to catch that "important" call. They're now blocking the doorway... but they don't even notice. They'll stop in the stairwell.... not on the landing mind you... but on the stairs... to engage in a conversation. Never mind the dozens of people fighting to get past them & on their way. The world must stop in order that these imbeciles can conduct their personal business. In the realm of corporate scism, this may garner a harsh look or a loud, snorting exhale. In the middle of a metropolitan city, or on a secluded trail, it may get them mugged, assaulted, raped or killed.
I belive that there are several explanations for this. I also believe that they are inter-related & intertwined. Part of the issue is that people are now much more socially segregated that we were a decade or more ago. We send more e-mails than real mail. We use dgital media & connectivity to introduce, announe, pronounce & propogate. Technology has made all of this possible. Technology also allows our previously inherent social skills to atrophy.
However technology is not to blame. Technology & it's use are only a symptom. People are essentially lazy. People like to have a comfort zone. Considering the degredation of the species, it's actually quite amazing that our ancestors were able to survive at all. What kept them alive was their animal inheritance. It is this that we lose as we "evolve" on our journey. Unfortunately for some, all of mankind does not evolve at the same pace.
Predators are not so disconected from their surroundings. They are quite capable absorbing what they need to to survive... which means picking a target & making certain that they do not become one themselves. YOU are the target.
Perhaps it would be more correct to explain that within the human species, there exist various sub-species. Nearly everyone can accept that different animals fit into similar categories. For our purposes, we will make a distinction between predators & prey. Some animals eat other animals... & some animals are eaten by other animals. Like some other species, humans fall into both of these categories, depending on their own behavior... & what comes down to critical decisions.
I've read a few times that "what seperates humans from other species is that humans prey on their own kind". This is absurd and it's incorrect. This is one of the things that connects us to the natural world. A minimal amount of research into animal behavior will bring to light a host of species that revert to cannabalism & even euthenasia for their survival or as a part of social organization.
No, the difference between humans & "animals" is that humans develop an expectation of others that is undeserved & not based on anything other than wishful thinking. Humans don't value self-preservation as highly as they should. The other difference is that humans ALLOW themselves to be be controlled and manipulated to a level unprecedented in the animal kingdom. The only animals that I have seen as readily controlled are some of those that reside in the barn yard. If you were to do a basic side-by-side you'd see that the average citizen probably has more in common behaviorally with cattle or sheep on their way to the slaughter house than we do to lower primates.
It is behavioral. It is conditioned. It is also avoidable. If I become so absorbed (and really, self-absorbed) within my own shell, occupying myself with my toys, I'm fair game for everything from the street hood to the crack in the sidewalk... or that fast moving neighborhood bus.
Though there are annually millions of tax dollars spent at universities across this nation on studies of humanity in a social context, it appears that virtually all of them lack something crucial. I suspect it's because of that human characteristic of wanting trust & comfort. Nobody is going to approve a grant to a study that endorses arming oneself & dispatching a homicidal maniac. It's the correct response... but very few "experts" want to admit it. The grants that get approved are the ones that attempt to understand the human psyche from a "scientific" & predictable (and thus controlable) perspective. Asocial violence is NOT controllable. That is to say, "understanding" violence will NOT make it go away. It is predictable... at the very least to the degree that someone like myself can make a statement that horrible attacks do happen... & not get an arguement except from a clueless idiot. Most likely hiding on a Internet forum.
One cannot hope to control their environment if they are unaware of it. Individuals who ensconce themselves in the mentality that we need to see predators from their (the predators) veiw are mistaken... & yet they are also correct. The dichotomy occurs where some attempt to understand why individuals live by violence. The practical application of such studies needs to be directed into the how. I need not see the reason for an assault against me or my loved ones. I simply need to know how to respond... & "do unto others" while I am physically able.
So what happens to the average citizen who tip-toes through their day, insensible to their surroundings even to the point of stopping in the flow of traffic to answer a phone call? They die. They're eaten. Eventually this person is going to find themselves on the dirt end of the stick. It may take years. Of course, there's always the possiblity that they may get lucky & never be faced with it. Odds are that someone close to them will make the headlines though.
I honestly don't know if there's a solution to this. I suspect that if nature has it's way, there will be a culling of the unfit. Most people not only do not think in terms of "survival" they deliberately choose no to. It's an unpleasant region. A populace which has been conditioned to trust their protection to the state has bred instinctive skills into nothingness.
I mentioned those living in regions where war, death & dismemberment is common place. So humans are capable of survival in the most dire of circumstances. These people have a solid understanding of what is required to stay alive. It comes from necessity. I'm certain that there was a conscious decision in response to a school bus bombing, an attack on a community, a roadside ambush... These unfortunate people observed & learned.
That necessity does not exist only in war zones. If I were to look at the instances where I've had "close calls" (like the auto accident last April) I could make an arguement that the potential for death is everywhere. The likelihood may be of a lesser degree, but it does exist. Ignoring it is obtuse. Pretending you can evade it is folly. Being so disengaged that one can barely navigate a parking garage or the foyer of a building? What would you call that?
Don't be so involved in "activities' that you aren't even aware of traffic on the street you're crossing (or that you ARE crossing a street!). Don't get lost in that novel you're reading while you're riding the bus. Yes, setting on Metro for 90 minutes is a mind numbing experience. Being assaulted within spitting distance of the driver is horrific... & they aren't going to rescue you.
Don't take a nap in a public venue. Sometimes it can be tough to stay awake. I've worked long hours & odd shifts. On a few occasions I was so tired that I literally fell off of the bench & onto the floor of the bus. Deal with it. Stand up if you have to.
There's no need to go "commando" to develop a healthy sense of you surroundings. Unless you're required to wear a neck brace 7x24 then you can turn your head. Do you eyes & ears work? Use them. If you're walking down the street & you see a group of strangers mobbed on the sidewalk, engagged in loud, obnoxious behavior... cross... the... street. I'm assuming that your legs work as well. If you're moving, you can vacate or divert. If you're standing still... START MOVING! Do it.
Put down the toy long enough to navigate. If the call is important, they'll leave a voice mail or call back. Get your priorities straight. Crossing the street, getting into or out of the building or getting across a lane of traffic is more important than blathering to you freind about lunch or a movie date. You have a responsibility to yourself & those around you to remove your head from wherever it may be lodged. Do it... for the children.
Perform due diligence to recognize risk situation. Avoid them it's possible to do so. When it is not possible to do so? I think I'll save most of that for another post. It behooves you to look at local newspaper articles (if your local newspaper actually dares to run anything but the headlines) of local incidents of violent attack. In addition, read up on other unfortunate occurences. It doesn't need to be strictly relegated to human-on-human assault. Bad things happen to people. A building fire, a structural collapes, a 10-vehicle pile up... aren't these all things that a sane & snensible person would want to avoid or at least be able to survive? Not so paranoid after all are we?
Lastly, you can think whatever you want about this. I'm very lucky in that the opinions of others on such subjects are less than worthless to yours truly. If you adamantly disagree... then you're likely one of the dim-wits I've been complaining about. You can feel free to click away from this blog to the puppies & kitties. They're three of four pages south of here.
If you decide to heed any of this information or advice & your family & freinds start riding you? Ignore them. I can tell you from personal experience that sooner or later your deliberate observation is going to pay off. People will be amazed because "I did not even see that dude." is going to be heard quite often. I thought it was a compliment... at first. Now it tends to disgust me. It tells me that some people who should know better aren't willing to do some very simple exercises to improve things in their favor. These people have been given resrouces, advice & recommendations. They're on their own now. It reveals the practical value that people put on themselves & on others.
How is you personal radar? I won't presume to have any idea what other people are thinking as they saunter about on their daily business. They're getting on with life. It's work, it's school, it's social or family obligations... you know, it basically all appears to be w-o-r-k.
Over the past few years while working on the various corporate campuses I've noticed an interesting (and to me alarming) phenomenon. People are in a very broad & general sense... bloody oblivious! Either they're unconscious or they're aggressive to the point of begging for a violent confrontation. There are levels of narcissism & unawareness that defy explanation or justification.
At first I thought that this was a societal phenomenon. It is not that lmmited. It is a spectre that appears to cross societal & regional lines to a degree. You can be certain that most individuals who live in a war zone have developed their instincts to be aware of their surroundings. Yet the larger majority of people living in "civilized" regions are under some dangerous misimpressions.
Here are some examples that I have observed, solely in my own... back yard:
Technology can be a wonderful thing. There are so many different tools, gadgets & widgets available now to make life "easier" that people have become depenent upon many of them. We daily see people driving while attempting ot manipulate cell phones in conversation or texting. I've seen people on the freeway in rushhour traffic reading books, using their laptops & even eating breakfast.
Closer to home (and in my own opinion even more annoying) are people who become so engrossed with these "gadgets" that they are locked in their own world & seperated from the external environment by disinterest. I've seen people so immersed in thei rphone conversation or a texting duel that they've literally walked out into traffic on major arterials. This even makes its way into other mundane areas of you rlife, such as the movie theater. Been to a matinee latly? Good luck watching the feature. Dependin gon your selection, the venue may be filled with offcast juvenile deliquents who have nothing better to do than pay $12 for a motion picture & then spend 2.5 hours texting & talking on their wireless devices.
I've seen people entering a building, receive a phone call & freeze in the doorway to catch that "important" call. They're now blocking the doorway... but they don't even notice. They'll stop in the stairwell.... not on the landing mind you... but on the stairs... to engage in a conversation. Never mind the dozens of people fighting to get past them & on their way. The world must stop in order that these imbeciles can conduct their personal business. In the realm of corporate scism, this may garner a harsh look or a loud, snorting exhale. In the middle of a metropolitan city, or on a secluded trail, it may get them mugged, assaulted, raped or killed.
I belive that there are several explanations for this. I also believe that they are inter-related & intertwined. Part of the issue is that people are now much more socially segregated that we were a decade or more ago. We send more e-mails than real mail. We use dgital media & connectivity to introduce, announe, pronounce & propogate. Technology has made all of this possible. Technology also allows our previously inherent social skills to atrophy.
However technology is not to blame. Technology & it's use are only a symptom. People are essentially lazy. People like to have a comfort zone. Considering the degredation of the species, it's actually quite amazing that our ancestors were able to survive at all. What kept them alive was their animal inheritance. It is this that we lose as we "evolve" on our journey. Unfortunately for some, all of mankind does not evolve at the same pace.
Predators are not so disconected from their surroundings. They are quite capable absorbing what they need to to survive... which means picking a target & making certain that they do not become one themselves. YOU are the target.
Perhaps it would be more correct to explain that within the human species, there exist various sub-species. Nearly everyone can accept that different animals fit into similar categories. For our purposes, we will make a distinction between predators & prey. Some animals eat other animals... & some animals are eaten by other animals. Like some other species, humans fall into both of these categories, depending on their own behavior... & what comes down to critical decisions.
I've read a few times that "what seperates humans from other species is that humans prey on their own kind". This is absurd and it's incorrect. This is one of the things that connects us to the natural world. A minimal amount of research into animal behavior will bring to light a host of species that revert to cannabalism & even euthenasia for their survival or as a part of social organization.
No, the difference between humans & "animals" is that humans develop an expectation of others that is undeserved & not based on anything other than wishful thinking. Humans don't value self-preservation as highly as they should. The other difference is that humans ALLOW themselves to be be controlled and manipulated to a level unprecedented in the animal kingdom. The only animals that I have seen as readily controlled are some of those that reside in the barn yard. If you were to do a basic side-by-side you'd see that the average citizen probably has more in common behaviorally with cattle or sheep on their way to the slaughter house than we do to lower primates.
It is behavioral. It is conditioned. It is also avoidable. If I become so absorbed (and really, self-absorbed) within my own shell, occupying myself with my toys, I'm fair game for everything from the street hood to the crack in the sidewalk... or that fast moving neighborhood bus.
Though there are annually millions of tax dollars spent at universities across this nation on studies of humanity in a social context, it appears that virtually all of them lack something crucial. I suspect it's because of that human characteristic of wanting trust & comfort. Nobody is going to approve a grant to a study that endorses arming oneself & dispatching a homicidal maniac. It's the correct response... but very few "experts" want to admit it. The grants that get approved are the ones that attempt to understand the human psyche from a "scientific" & predictable (and thus controlable) perspective. Asocial violence is NOT controllable. That is to say, "understanding" violence will NOT make it go away. It is predictable... at the very least to the degree that someone like myself can make a statement that horrible attacks do happen... & not get an arguement except from a clueless idiot. Most likely hiding on a Internet forum.
One cannot hope to control their environment if they are unaware of it. Individuals who ensconce themselves in the mentality that we need to see predators from their (the predators) veiw are mistaken... & yet they are also correct. The dichotomy occurs where some attempt to understand why individuals live by violence. The practical application of such studies needs to be directed into the how. I need not see the reason for an assault against me or my loved ones. I simply need to know how to respond... & "do unto others" while I am physically able.
So what happens to the average citizen who tip-toes through their day, insensible to their surroundings even to the point of stopping in the flow of traffic to answer a phone call? They die. They're eaten. Eventually this person is going to find themselves on the dirt end of the stick. It may take years. Of course, there's always the possiblity that they may get lucky & never be faced with it. Odds are that someone close to them will make the headlines though.
I honestly don't know if there's a solution to this. I suspect that if nature has it's way, there will be a culling of the unfit. Most people not only do not think in terms of "survival" they deliberately choose no to. It's an unpleasant region. A populace which has been conditioned to trust their protection to the state has bred instinctive skills into nothingness.
I mentioned those living in regions where war, death & dismemberment is common place. So humans are capable of survival in the most dire of circumstances. These people have a solid understanding of what is required to stay alive. It comes from necessity. I'm certain that there was a conscious decision in response to a school bus bombing, an attack on a community, a roadside ambush... These unfortunate people observed & learned.
That necessity does not exist only in war zones. If I were to look at the instances where I've had "close calls" (like the auto accident last April) I could make an arguement that the potential for death is everywhere. The likelihood may be of a lesser degree, but it does exist. Ignoring it is obtuse. Pretending you can evade it is folly. Being so disengaged that one can barely navigate a parking garage or the foyer of a building? What would you call that?
Don't be so involved in "activities' that you aren't even aware of traffic on the street you're crossing (or that you ARE crossing a street!). Don't get lost in that novel you're reading while you're riding the bus. Yes, setting on Metro for 90 minutes is a mind numbing experience. Being assaulted within spitting distance of the driver is horrific... & they aren't going to rescue you.
Don't take a nap in a public venue. Sometimes it can be tough to stay awake. I've worked long hours & odd shifts. On a few occasions I was so tired that I literally fell off of the bench & onto the floor of the bus. Deal with it. Stand up if you have to.
There's no need to go "commando" to develop a healthy sense of you surroundings. Unless you're required to wear a neck brace 7x24 then you can turn your head. Do you eyes & ears work? Use them. If you're walking down the street & you see a group of strangers mobbed on the sidewalk, engagged in loud, obnoxious behavior... cross... the... street. I'm assuming that your legs work as well. If you're moving, you can vacate or divert. If you're standing still... START MOVING! Do it.
Put down the toy long enough to navigate. If the call is important, they'll leave a voice mail or call back. Get your priorities straight. Crossing the street, getting into or out of the building or getting across a lane of traffic is more important than blathering to you freind about lunch or a movie date. You have a responsibility to yourself & those around you to remove your head from wherever it may be lodged. Do it... for the children.
Perform due diligence to recognize risk situation. Avoid them it's possible to do so. When it is not possible to do so? I think I'll save most of that for another post. It behooves you to look at local newspaper articles (if your local newspaper actually dares to run anything but the headlines) of local incidents of violent attack. In addition, read up on other unfortunate occurences. It doesn't need to be strictly relegated to human-on-human assault. Bad things happen to people. A building fire, a structural collapes, a 10-vehicle pile up... aren't these all things that a sane & snensible person would want to avoid or at least be able to survive? Not so paranoid after all are we?
Lastly, you can think whatever you want about this. I'm very lucky in that the opinions of others on such subjects are less than worthless to yours truly. If you adamantly disagree... then you're likely one of the dim-wits I've been complaining about. You can feel free to click away from this blog to the puppies & kitties. They're three of four pages south of here.
If you decide to heed any of this information or advice & your family & freinds start riding you? Ignore them. I can tell you from personal experience that sooner or later your deliberate observation is going to pay off. People will be amazed because "I did not even see that dude." is going to be heard quite often. I thought it was a compliment... at first. Now it tends to disgust me. It tells me that some people who should know better aren't willing to do some very simple exercises to improve things in their favor. These people have been given resrouces, advice & recommendations. They're on their own now. It reveals the practical value that people put on themselves & on others.
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