Libertarian Spirit

R.I.P Brittany Murphy

2009-12-21T20:22:31Z

Long Time

2009-12-17T19:03:00Z

I don't post here much as all of my friends seem to have migrated to facebook.

Nothing much has been going on. K earned her PhD and will be graduating soon. I reconnected with a good friend, known to many of you as Winter.

I wouldn't say I am in the clear with PTSD, but my sleep and cognitive abilities have been getting notably sharper. I don't know if I will ever feel as mentally sharp as I did before the war, but I have started to have daydreams again and remember some of the old concepts that I was interested in when I was on the track to becoming a Computer/Electrical Engineer. How far things have come since my planned graduation at the age of 26, functional exoskeletons are no longer just on paper...

My weight training has been steady and rewarding. I have gone back to bodybuilding training and will be taking a break from powerlifting/powerbuilding. Microtrauma and the sheer stress of moving poundages in the 300-400+ pound range (1,000 lbds on the leg press for a 1RM!) were taking their toll on my recovery and ability to train. I had a nice long layoff over Thanksgiving holiday and found to my amazement that I did not lose even an ounce of strength when I returned.

I gained a .5" on my thighs and calves, bringing them up to 26.5" and 16.5" respectively. It's going to be awkward buying pants when I shed this "winter padding" because I am going to have @ 30" waist with a leg size meant for people who have 38" waists. And friends, trust me I don't plan to quit gaining lean mass until I have hit at least 235lbds at 10% bodyfat.

Because Lemurs Rock

2009-11-16T20:01:27Z

Over the weekend I had the amazing opportunity to pet one of these lovely creatures. There isn't anything I can compare it to, I imagine its probably like petting a Chinchilla.

He also had this amazing disposition, supposedly most Lemurs are mean little ones, but this one seemed very sweet and tolerant.

My Ride Next Year

2009-11-12T21:44:52Z

I hope that Mechwarrior:Reboot/Mechwarrior 5 gets out of any legal trouble it might be in with Harmony Gold. I wonder why the game studio that will be producing this game doesn't just purchase a license to use the "unseen" mechs that FASA tried to run with, or enter into some kind of agreement that Harmony Gold will receive X amount of $ when the profits roll in?

http://www.terrania.us/journal/2009/09/harmony-gold-vs-battletech-second.html

For all of you old skool gamers out there, Mektek will be releasing Mechwarrior:4 and all of its goodies for free, the timing of this event is TBA. The graphics are dated for certain, but it does satisfy the need to get in a Mech and blow stuff up.

http://www.mektek.net/

Presenting Mary Elizabeth McGlynn

2009-10-29T19:55:13Z

Some of you would recognize her voice from various sources. My particular favorites are her vocals in a few tracks from Silent Hill 3 and Silent Hill 4.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Elizabeth_McGlynn

QFT

2009-10-27T13:29:36Z

"Man is the only animal that deals in that atrocity of atrocities, War. He is the only one that gathers his brethren about him and goes forth in cold blood and calm pulse to exterminate his kind. He is the only animal that for sordid wages will march out... and help to slaughter strangers of his own species who have done him no harm and with whom he has no quarrel.... And in the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for 'the universal brotherhood of man' - with his mouth". --Mark Twain

Travels

2009-10-12T19:15:37Z

Friday was a fight to the finish as allergies were sapping my will. I skipped the gym because there was no way I was going to be able to give it 100%, so I saw a movie at the Reitz with K. Later we went to the "Release the Bats" charity event and I worked for a bit.

My thanks to texasknight and Barry for letting me get some rest. I was walking dead until about 11pm, and was strongly contemplating just staying home. Overall the night was awesome. There were no "tourists" so the crowd was pleasant to work with. I also met some new people, which was nice.

The next day I hit the gym and recovered from a dream that spawned a mess of anxiety. Just recalling the dream set off a "fight or flight" reaction that put me in the mindset of going out on patrol in Iraq. I'd be lying if I said I have perfected the technique of turning off those instincts, but I can channel them. So I played Mechwarrior 4 and hit the weight room with a vengeance.

Sunday marked a 2 way drive to Orlando for a change of pace. I went to bed late and had another military dream that was thankfully disrupted by the alarm on my cell phone. Surprisingly, I slept really well, perhaps the return of lucid dreams means I am actually getting stage 4 sleep. I just wish it would come without the dreams that take me back to hell.

Self Defense #4

2009-10-09T18:09:39Z

One of the more strong arm tactics that some brawlers use is the bearhug. This hold can result in broken ribs and unconsciousness. Not a hold you want to stay in for long at all, so we are going to discuss breaking out of it.

1. If the hold is delivered under the armpits, one can deliver simultaneous left/right palm strikes to the assailants ears. This should be done with the hands slightly cupped. One can also leave their fists balled up and transform into dual palm strikes slightly before impact to generate more force.

Ear Pressure Point
http://www.pressurepointkarate.com/points/mimi.htm

2. If the hold is delivered around the arms, a headbutt should be delivered to the bridge of your opponents nose, or to the tip of the nose and the upper lip.

a. Start by tucking your chin to your chest as tightly as possible.

b. Roll your head back until it not possible to do so.

c. Due to circumstances, mainly lack of space, use your forehead as a strike surface and attempt to drive the strike to a point behind your assailant, while aiming for the bridge of the nose or the upper lip/tip of nose.

d. A headbutt to the nose or the upper-lip(which is a nerve center), will usually result in an escape from this hold

Upper Lip Pressure Point
http://www.pressurepointkarate.com/points/jinchu.htm

3. If the hold is delivered from behind and around the arms, stomp on your opponents instep. As you are about to stomp on your assailants instep, drag the heel of your shoe down the opponents shin.

a. If you are being held off of the ground, deliver a reverse headbutt with the back of your head.

b. Or kick your assailants kneecap as hard as possible with the heel of your foot.

Fading Light

2009-10-02T21:16:09Z

Nothing really new to report, I am back up to 300x10 on the bench for sets of ten. I was at 315x10, but I lost strength from over-training, being sick, and getting food poisoning. I also shrugged 500 lbds for 3 sets of 12. By the third set my fingers and forearms were screaming because its not an easy task to grip that amount of weight.

My goal is too slowly work my way back to 315x10 and then go on with progressive resistance.

I am just about to finish S.T.A.L.K.E.R again and move on to the sequel, "Clear Sky." I hope my machine can run it, it has some graphical improvements over its predecessor. One weird thing about the game is that it requires emotional detachment, almost all of your in game allies will bite the bullet because of the endless spawn of Bandits, Mercs, Mutants, and Hostile soldiers.

I met up with an old buddy of mine who is about to head out to Iraq. Nearly all of my comrades are going once more into the breach, I have mixed sentiments about that. These wars are something I will not and cannot go back to. All I can do is wish them well and send them my thoughts.

Self Defense #3

2009-09-28T21:11:59Z

In this scenario, we are going to break out of a standing side headlock. Occasionally an assailant will grab a victim by the head and pin them to their side. From here the victim either gets pummeled or choked. Here are a few techniques and a video to get a better visualization of a side headlock.

1. Drop down to one knee as soon as the assailants arm is wrapped around your head or throat. Kneel on the knee that is closest to the assailant.

2. Make a fist with the arm that is closest to the assailant. Place your arm so that it is behind the assailants legs and between them at the same time.

3. Bend your arm at the elbow and swing it up as hard as possible into the assailants groin. It may also be possible to throw an uppercut from this position. Strike as often and as hard as possible.

4. This should result in a release. Due to anatomical differences, this will not have the same effect on a female assailant.

Or...

1. Position yourself so that there is very little room between you and your assailant. You want to turn into the hold, rather than trying to pull away from it.

2. Make a fist and strike your opponent in the solar plexus as hard as possible. You may also strike the assailant in the groin.

3. Push the assailants torso with the hand you threw your strike with. Using an open palm and striking heel first, push the assailant away from you. Simultaneously, chop or punch as hard as possible with the opposite hand at the back of your assailants rear thigh, the one that is closest to you.

4. This should result in the assailant losing their balance and releasing their hold. From here one should escape, as retaliation could be defined as assault in some circumstances.

A Krav Maga Style Escape
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUim7mYwwrY&NR=1

RV144 Phase III HIV Vaccine Trial

2009-09-24T15:01:56Z

RV144 Phase III HIV Vaccine Trial
http://www.hivresearch.org/phase3/factsheet.html

This is great news for a potential vaccine for those of us who are not infected. This is not a cure for AIDS. It is also not an excuse to get the vaccine should it become available, and not use your brain when it comes to sexual encounters.

A world first: Vaccine helps prevent HIV infection
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090924/ap_on_he_me/med_aids_vaccine

"It gives me cautious optimism about the possibility of improving this result" and developing a more effective AIDS vaccine, Fauci said. "This is something that we can do."

In regards to the statement above, I am not sure if the editor fell asleep of if this is a direct quote from the Dr. Anthony Fauci. HIV is the virus and AIDS is the condition that arises from being infected. There could only be a vaccine for HIV, as the vaccine would have no effect on someone with full blown AIDS. Perhaps he meant AIDS and HIV synonymously?

Self Defense #2

2009-09-22T16:34:49Z

Some of my future discussions will involve utilizing strikes to vital parts of the attackers body. Before we can go into this, we need to make sure we are making a proper fist. Without proper technique, one runs the risk of breaking their hand or thumb and causing more damage to themselves than to the assailant.

With the proper technique, one can deliver maximum kinetic energy with the least amount of effort.

1. To make a fist, start with an open hand. Your fingers should be together.

2. Next, bend your fingers at the first and second knuckles until your fingertips are resting on the pads just below where your fingers connect to your palm.

3. Continue to roll your fingers inward until your knuckles form a 90 degree angle.

4. Tuck your thumb against the side of your index finger.

Disclaimer: Do NOT practice hitting anything, other than a makiwara board or a punching bag, unless you have "trained hands." It takes years of doing push ups on your knuckles, or hitting a makiwara board daily, to develop the power to break boards and pieces of concrete. The lesson here is "Develop strength, do not display it until necessary."

This is an essay about this technique, should you wish to delve into the hows and whys of this is the best way to strike with a closed fist.

Analysis of the Isshinryu Vertical Punch
http://www.oku.com/articles/analysis_isshinryu_fist.htm

Makiwara Board

How to Build
http://www.ehow.com/how_2079741_build-makiwara-board.html

How to Use
http://www.ehow.com/how_2072673_use-makiwara-board.html

Recap

2009-09-20T18:45:15Z

On Friday K and I saw "Year One" at the Reitz. The movie was surprisingly amusing. Later on we made it out to Oldschool Goth night, and managed to get through the night without incident. It was great to see the club almost filled to its full capacity (100).

I hit the gym earlier and didn't do anything outstanding, I just got a good pump and added some weight or reps to my exercises. It was shoulder/arms day, so I worked on my power clean and military press.

Saturday marked demonsthenes and aeo's birthdays. It was good to see a bunch of friends that I have not seen in awhile. I have missed your compliments, hugs, and camaraderie.

Sunday has been pretty quiet, looking forward to getting into the gym and then seeing a movie with K.

Mechwarrior 5 Runs Into Legal Trouble
http://kotaku.com/5352295/mechwarrior-5-runs-into-legal-trouble

I could probably approximate my affinity for the Atlas with love, but I also really like the Marauder which is a Macross series mech design. Curses!

An Illustration for a Delusional Moron That Some of You May Know

2009-09-15T18:16:40Z

Much like an observer watching an insect fry under a magnifying glass on a sunlit day, so to will I look down on you and watch you burn.

I am amused by amateur psychologists who attempt to inject their delusions into how I deal with them. The fact of the matter is that you have been tried, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting.

You are unworthy of my time. You are unworthy of my space. You are unworthy of my oxygen. You are unworthy and undeserving of my friendship.

So all I will do is look down on you in pity, the same emotion that I occasionally feel for things that are lesser than myself, and watch you burn.

Self Defense

2009-09-14T17:38:57Z

I remember coming into the goth scene and being impressed with the amount of hand to hand combat training that many of my friends underwent. The styles varied from fencing to Wing Chun. Although I am a reasonably trained fighter myself with the brute strength to go along with it, I felt very safe being with such a group of formidable friends.

What has got me thinking about all of this, is that I have noticed an increase of "tourists" causing trouble at the club. It's not out of hand, but it's a departure from the usually untroubled nights that I have witnessed in the past.

In response to this, I will start posting one Self-Defense tip a week. I will try to make it as practical as possible, no worries about posts on how to execute a tombstone pile driver or any of that nonsense.

A great quote, and an unfortunate reality in the world that we face today is; "The price of peace is eternal vigilance." Be aware of your surroundings, travel in packs, and back one another up in case of trouble. It doesn't mean look for random troublemakers to beat up, or practice your moves on random fratboy downtown, even if that does sound entertaining to some of you out there. ;)

1. Step Sightly to your left and as forward as you can.

2. Stick your right arm straight out with a small bend at the elbow.

3. Cup your right fist with your left palm.

4. Drive your right elbow back as hard possible, using the push from the left palm to generate more force.

Attempt to aim for the solar plexus (about .25' under the sternum), but with sufficient force the point of your elbow should create enough trauma for the attacker to let go. It is very likely that one could break an attackers ribs. While this may not disable someone with a high pain tolerance, this will most likely break the hold. At the very least, the force concentrated on a pointy object like the human elbow will cause a contusion at the point of impact. Again, this will result in an escape from this hold.

The Ashera

2009-09-11T15:26:50Z

If you could spend approximately $24,000 on a pet, would you? If I did not have two wonderful boys of my own and I was extremely well off, I probably would. The cat featured in this article is perfect, save for it being 30 pounds as a full grown adult. But if I were well off, I could afford the food and litter.

Some of the guarantees the company makes seem a bit over the top, such as it having a sweet disposition. I think that is more dependent on how it is nurtured, but if it was specifically bred from parents who were sweet kitties, then it could be possible.

Anyhow give it a look, its a unique and lovely creature. It is a mix of two wild cats and one domestic cat breed that is undisclosed. If I had to guess, I would say the domestic cat used to create this breed is the California Spangled Cat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Spangled_Cat

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-490429/A-4ft-leopard-living-room-youve-got-12-000-kitty.html

Review

2009-09-07T00:23:54Z

I finished my driver improvement course, unfortunately a four hour class spiraled into 8 hours of misery and lost sleep. But it beats having points ones insurance and has most assuredly cured me of lead foot.

I have made some pretty good gains in the gym, my squat and bench press have been steadily increasing and I gained 2 pounds. I am not cut like I was last winter, but I make better gains in the gym with a slightly higher bodyfat %.

Working the door Friday night was pretty easy, but I was constantly turning away drunken "tourists" who did not understand that the Venue and the Attic are two separate clubs. I also had to dispense a physical warning to someone who was pestering the ladies. I delivered an open hand palm strike to the sternum and the recipient was forced to observe the 2-3 foot space bubble that we are used to here in the U.S.

Seriously, if I am working the door or just at the club and someone is giving you a hard time or being pushy, just stand right next to me. Only a complete retard would continue in his attempts, much like a bear I am kind if left alone and a force to be reckoned with if crossed.

Saturday marked a visit to the Washington Oaks State Park, St. Augustine Beach, and the city proper for a night walk. It was great to get out of town and not have to put up with the game day activity.

Today, K and I had dinner with my sister, her fiancee, and their daughter. A good time was had and I think I have already hit a 3rd of my calories for the entire day. Ahhh...

Captive Cetaceans

2009-08-27T18:26:51Z

For all of those who live here in the city, I advise you to pick up the latest issue of Critter Magazine to read an essay about captive whales and dolphins. (Page 4, August 2009 Issue)

Something about seemingly small chlorinated tanks, featuring intelligent mammals has always bugged me on an instinctual level. While I found myself impressed by their antics, I often wondered, "Are these animals really happy?"

After reading the essay I am convinced that the answer is a resounding no. I understand that some places rehabilitate injured marine life for its eventual return to the ocean, and I applaud these efforts.

However...

Lolita is a 42 year old captive killer whale (orca) living at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida. Since her capture in 1970, she has been kept in a tank that is illegal by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) standards for size requirements. Lolita is approximately 21 feet long and 7,000 pounds. Her tank is a mere 20 feet deep at the deepest point and a mere 12 feet deep around the edges. The pool is only 35 feet wide. The Miami Seaquarium is considered to be one of the most dilapidated aquatic parks in the world. It is in need of major repairs, and per the Marine Mammal Inventory Report, has a substantial death rate for their animals.

To learn more about her plight, and to take action please follow the link below.

http://www.savelolita.com/

Fluorescence

2009-08-21T15:21:16Z

http://www.take-20.com/2007/06/26/gain-respect-in-relationships/

Why it finally hit me in the face as to why I have a low BS tolerance, I do not know, but I am glad that it did.

I used to wonder why I would fall out with people. I could never quite put my finger on it, just that there was something going on that was seriously irritating me on almost an instinctual level. This would cause me to sever connections for the preference of being without said persons presence in my life.

My latest revelation has caused this wonder to cease. When I get the general impression that I am not highly regarded or respected, I have the ability to walk away. While these individuals may thrive on being treated with disregard, and on some level might even enjoy it, I do not and will not sit idly by while supposed friends and lovers walk all over me.

This is a large explanation why I have jettisoned friendships and romantic involvements over the years. I respect myself too much to have people go behind my back when asked not to, continue behaviors that I have asked to cease and desist, show complete and utter disregard for my thoughts on their actions, and show little or any appreciation for the lengths that I do go to be a good friend or companion.

A reoccurring question that I will finally answer is "Why did he suddenly snap and walk away?" The answer is quite simple; Your disrespect exceeded my capacity to to deal with it effectively, and I have no further tolerance or use for the situation.

major_winters @ 2009-08-14T11:54:00

2009-08-14T16:07:58Z

http://everything2.com/title/Active+vs+Passive+Nihilism

"Active Nihilism on the other hand, is indicative of a relative increase in spiritual power. the active nihilist sees freedom where the passive nihilist sees absurdity or meaninglessness. He chooses action and creation instead of passivity and withdrawal. For him, the lack of objective standards of truth motivates self created standards and criteria. The active nihilist is not active despite the unknown but because of it. He possesses a store of creative energy and power which allows him to impose personal meaning on the world while never forgetting that hes is the source and progenitor of that meaning. He is heroic in this sense, facing the world with courage and purpose."

I strive for this in my daily life. For the most part I do feel a relative sense of relief that I can find wisdom and inspiration without organized religion or dogmas that are impossible to follow, given that I have a human nature despite my wishes.

I also agree that passive nihilism is a sign of weakness. To sit and do nothing, to stagnate, to let fate and chaos rule your life, while one sits helplessly and thinks that they have no control is the greatest self imprisonment that one can impose on ones self.

Life has been indicative as a struggle against the force of passive nihilism from my perspective. One may be temporarily down or ahead in the fight, but it is an ever-changing battlefield and one must take the initiative whenever possible to reach their objectives. Standing idly by and hoping for a reinforcement by chance is folly at best, suicide at worst.

major_winters @ 2009-08-08T21:16:00

2009-08-09T02:18:55Z

"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

I understand this well.

Pride, the Stand Before the Fall...

2009-07-29T19:42:04Z

"I am constant as the northern star, Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament."

Julius Caesar - Shakespeare

major_winters @ 2009-07-28T09:19:00

2009-07-28T13:20:54Z

"I admire its purity. A survivor... unclouded by conscience, remorse, or delusions of morality.
I can't lie to you about your chances, but... you have my sympathies."

Ashe, Alien 1979

major_winters @ 2009-07-27T15:13:00

2009-07-27T19:13:22Z

Things that matter most should never be at the mercy of things that matter least.

- Goethe

major_winters @ 2009-07-19T22:59:00

2009-07-20T03:12:57Z

I finally made it back into the gym after several mishaps. I irritated my left eye to such a degree that I had to wear sunglasses for any light exposure and use corticosteroid drops(not the anabolic kind, get real they do not prescribe Nandrolone Deconoate for eye injuries). On Thursday, I strained my back picking up what I thought was a light box. Luckily I am a speed healer and was fine on Friday.

Mall Cop was the movie flavor for Friday night, it was actually a decent movie. I am glad my hypoglycemia is not anywhere even close to the protagonists however.

Saturday marked a trip to the Museum and a trip to the gym later. I watched part of the movie It, which was one of the worst DVD's I have ever witnessed. I declared, "I want the two hours of my life back that I spent watching this," and went to bed. I also stopped by the "Laboratory" Diner, which I enjoyed thoroughly. If you haven't been, get off your behind and support Larry and his establishment.

I think I may have needed the time off because all of my lifts went up in either pure strength or reps. I was pleasantly surprised as I was dreading being off of my usual game in the gym. My deadlift is now at 465 pounds, a 35 pound increase since last month.

So far so good, here's to hoping for a less stressful week.