A couple of things are changing about the blog today.
I will no longer be posting individual workouts on this blog. I will post training updates, interesting facts, stuff I learn, and general information.
I have created a forum on forumup.org (a free forum service) for readers of my blog. My training logs (and yours, if you want) will be posted there. The forum is currently open to anyone for registration. Hopefully I won't have to change that. I do ask that you be an adult, that you follow a few simple rules, and that you post using your real name.
Hopefully a forum will allow for more interaction regarding the posts on this blog, as well as allow a group of folks who are serious about Liberty and or Lifting to talk in an uncluttered setting.
Since the forum is free, we have to deal with some advertisements on the pages. I don't have anything to do with what gets advertised, nor do I make anything off of them. They annoy me as much as they do you, but I'm not shelling out for a domain name and a forum just yet.
The forum is located here:
http://www.libertarianlifter.forumup.org
This post will stay at the top of the blog for a few weeks - please scroll down to see my latest posts.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
How cool is this?!?!
I'm an admitted techno-doofus. I can, you know, blog and stuff, but I'm not really a wiz at networking.
I was looking today to see if the price of an NAS had come down a little. I need an NAS to store FLAC music files for my Sonos system, as well as provide storage and backup for our home network, given our plan to have Mrs Stagg work out of the new house.
The Buffalo Terrastation has 1 Terrabyte (1000 Gig) of storage. I'm told that's a lot. In the configuration we would use, we will have 750 gig. Still a little pricey at around $900, but good for the piece of mind and usefulness (the print server is a big plus).
As I'm taking a gander at other products, I come across this: The Buffalo Linktheater.
It's a DVD player that will stream video, pics, and music to your home theater. Wirelessly. For $300. So we can put all of our photos on the Terrastation, then wirelessly show them on the 40-50 inch flat screen we are going to get.
Too cool.
I was looking today to see if the price of an NAS had come down a little. I need an NAS to store FLAC music files for my Sonos system, as well as provide storage and backup for our home network, given our plan to have Mrs Stagg work out of the new house.
The Buffalo Terrastation has 1 Terrabyte (1000 Gig) of storage. I'm told that's a lot. In the configuration we would use, we will have 750 gig. Still a little pricey at around $900, but good for the piece of mind and usefulness (the print server is a big plus).
As I'm taking a gander at other products, I come across this: The Buffalo Linktheater.
It's a DVD player that will stream video, pics, and music to your home theater. Wirelessly. For $300. So we can put all of our photos on the Terrastation, then wirelessly show them on the 40-50 inch flat screen we are going to get.
Too cool.
More good ideas
Boy it's nice to see some discussion start in the mainstream media on subjects that show why the market works best when it's left alone.
Nice OP-ED in the Sacramento Bee. Something I've been saying for a while now: We would all be better off with a fee for service health care system, and getting the government involved just gets us all closer to government managed everything.
Hat tip: Coyote Blog
Nice OP-ED in the Sacramento Bee. Something I've been saying for a while now: We would all be better off with a fee for service health care system, and getting the government involved just gets us all closer to government managed everything.
Hat tip: Coyote Blog
Libertarian ideas bubble up to surface
This isn't exactly how I think private roads should work, but it's a start, and is fueling open debate. Some of the worries are say a lot about the ignorance of the ordinary citizen.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A question every single person should have to answer
Which of the following choices would you prefer:
$75,000 cash at age 35 and an additional $9,500 of income every year for the rest of your working years (assuming your salary doesn't change), or
$1,386 per month starting at age 62 for the rest of your life, or
$2,015 per month starting at age 67 for the rest of your life, or
$2,500 per month starting at age 70.
For me, its a no brainer. I bet most people would take the cash now. Unfortunately, the government won't let you decide. They have decided you may pick only from the last 3 choices.
This example is based on the remarkably helpful letter I got this year from the government.
$75,000 cash at age 35 and an additional $9,500 of income every year for the rest of your working years (assuming your salary doesn't change), or
$1,386 per month starting at age 62 for the rest of your life, or
$2,015 per month starting at age 67 for the rest of your life, or
$2,500 per month starting at age 70.
For me, its a no brainer. I bet most people would take the cash now. Unfortunately, the government won't let you decide. They have decided you may pick only from the last 3 choices.
This example is based on the remarkably helpful letter I got this year from the government.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Terror Porn
As expected, the Department Of Homeland Security is working hard to keep us safe. From porn in libraries.
What exactly this has to do with Homeland Security, no one knows. Of course, I'm not sure anyone at Homeland Security quite understands what they are supposed to do, just that it is important, far more important than any individual's rights.
This same Department of Homeland Security that runs FEMA, who sent over 10,000 RV and mobile homes to an airport in Arkansas for use by Katrina victims. All of which, $300 million worth, sit unused. Oh, by the way, FEMA regs forbid the use of these temporary shelters in flood plains (you know, where they might be needed.)
By the way, Osama is still on the loose.
Via Hammer of Truth.
What exactly this has to do with Homeland Security, no one knows. Of course, I'm not sure anyone at Homeland Security quite understands what they are supposed to do, just that it is important, far more important than any individual's rights.
This same Department of Homeland Security that runs FEMA, who sent over 10,000 RV and mobile homes to an airport in Arkansas for use by Katrina victims. All of which, $300 million worth, sit unused. Oh, by the way, FEMA regs forbid the use of these temporary shelters in flood plains (you know, where they might be needed.)
By the way, Osama is still on the loose.
Via Hammer of Truth.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Training Update
If you are one of the very, very few people reading the forum, you may have noticed my training has been sporadic.
Here's the plan:
Thursday or Friday of this week, I'm going to test my Squat and Deadlift. Sunday I'll test my bench. Then it's off to train for one of two meets - an APF meet in Delaware on April 29, or a USAPL meet on May 20. The key to doing well is going to be ensuring I make every single training session. I always seem to come up with an excuse - this year it's the new house. That has to stop.
Training goals won't change all that much. I really just need to get into a meet - I will have to do some work with my equipment, I need to determine if I even fit into what I have. I also need to do a better job with nutrition.
Here's the plan:
Thursday or Friday of this week, I'm going to test my Squat and Deadlift. Sunday I'll test my bench. Then it's off to train for one of two meets - an APF meet in Delaware on April 29, or a USAPL meet on May 20. The key to doing well is going to be ensuring I make every single training session. I always seem to come up with an excuse - this year it's the new house. That has to stop.
Training goals won't change all that much. I really just need to get into a meet - I will have to do some work with my equipment, I need to determine if I even fit into what I have. I also need to do a better job with nutrition.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
This says something
I'm not sure what, but something.
American Idol's ratings were higher than the ratings for the coverage of the Olympics. I think this is interesting.
People like a good story, and the Olympics really hasn't produced one. I think it's a shame we've gotten to this point. The inspiring story about the athlete can add interest, certainly, but it's the competion I want to see. Alas, coverage over the years has turned to the inspiring story being primary, and the sport secondary. So in a year where there isn't a story, no one is watching. Go back to covering the sport, and maybe people will get more interested.
The Olympics are also an opportunity to capture peoples interest showing sports we don't get to see very often. Many of those sports don't translate to TV well, anyway. Then you bore me with the 'inspiring' story about the cross country skiier's dog or something, and I'm watching 'Idol' too.
American Idol's ratings were higher than the ratings for the coverage of the Olympics. I think this is interesting.
People like a good story, and the Olympics really hasn't produced one. I think it's a shame we've gotten to this point. The inspiring story about the athlete can add interest, certainly, but it's the competion I want to see. Alas, coverage over the years has turned to the inspiring story being primary, and the sport secondary. So in a year where there isn't a story, no one is watching. Go back to covering the sport, and maybe people will get more interested.
The Olympics are also an opportunity to capture peoples interest showing sports we don't get to see very often. Many of those sports don't translate to TV well, anyway. Then you bore me with the 'inspiring' story about the cross country skiier's dog or something, and I'm watching 'Idol' too.
Pentagon shows focus.
Unfortunately, it's not where it should be.
As I'm sure you've heard, more Abu Garib photos from 2003 have surfaced. While this isn't a suprise and isn't really 'big' news, it's still getting a lot of press.
On one hand, we have this:
But the Pentagon is focused on other stuff, like the effect the photos might have on the safety of US troops
Of course, the real issue is that the torture happened in the first place - that's the issue. These nitwits can't seem to understand there's a reason torture is a really bad idea, and there is a reason we need to hold people accountable for this. It's the torture that's pissing people off, not the photos.
True, that.
As I'm sure you've heard, more Abu Garib photos from 2003 have surfaced. While this isn't a suprise and isn't really 'big' news, it's still getting a lot of press.
On one hand, we have this:
The government also approved the "firm condemnation by the State Department and US officials" of these incidents.
But the Pentagon is focused on other stuff, like the effect the photos might have on the safety of US troops
A Pentagon spokesperson objected on Wednesday to Australian television broadcasting the pictures because they could "further inflame and possibly incite unnecessary violence in the world and would endanger our military men and women that are serving in places around the world".
The images, apparently showing dead bodies and bloodied and naked prisoners, were taken around the same time as the original Abu Ghraib abuse pictures leaked in 2004, which caused outrage around the world.
Of course, the real issue is that the torture happened in the first place - that's the issue. These nitwits can't seem to understand there's a reason torture is a really bad idea, and there is a reason we need to hold people accountable for this. It's the torture that's pissing people off, not the photos.
Outside the ministry of justice in central Baghdad, civil servant Jenan Abed Mohammed expressed her anger over the latest images.
"This is a massive insult for all Iraqis and Muslims," she said. "The occupier doesn't understand the true meaning of freedom, which is what they claim they came to Iraq for."
True, that.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Sometimes what we are told is bad news isn't bad at all.
It all depends on how much you understand. Don Boudreaux does a very nice job explaining the trade deficit in laymans terms at TCS.
Worth it?
Over the past 2.5 years, the Bush Administration has spent $1.6 Billion of your money promoting their policies and public relations.
So those of us who perhaps don't agree with some of those policies still got to foot the bill to convince ourselves.
It really is time for a change. With the recent introduction of legislation to make it even harder for third parties to participate in the process, it is time to fight back.
So those of us who perhaps don't agree with some of those policies still got to foot the bill to convince ourselves.
It really is time for a change. With the recent introduction of legislation to make it even harder for third parties to participate in the process, it is time to fight back.
Big Government gets VP
Anyone else find it amusing that Cheney was cited for not buying the proper hunting license?
Damn government gets into everything, doesn't it, Mr. VP?
His office said Monday night in a statement that Cheney had a $125 nonresident hunting license and has sent a $7 check to cover the cost of the stamp. “The staff asked for all permits needed, but was not informed of the $7 upland game bird stamp requirement,” the statement said.
Whittington also received a warning for failing to have the stamp. A department spokesman said warnings are being issued in most cases because the stamp requirement only went into effect five months ago and many hunters aren’t aware of it.
Damn government gets into everything, doesn't it, Mr. VP?
Just one day's headlines
Pulled from the front page of the WSJ today:
Just one day, just the front page, in the newspaper that LIKES this administration.
- Iran Plays Growing Role in Iraq, Complicating Bush's Strategy
- Chertoff is under fire from all sides for his Katrina performance
- A draft UN report accuses US of torture at Guantanimo
- The White house scrambled to explain why it kept mum on Saturday after it learned that Cheney had accidentally wounded a fellow hunter
- Lobbyists spent $1.16 Billion to influence Wasington in 2005's first half
- Two federal air marshals are facing charges they used their power to skirt security to smuggle narcotics
Just one day, just the front page, in the newspaper that LIKES this administration.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Training: Regular phase, Cycle 5, DE Bench
There's something to deloading - felt awesome today.
Warmup - 5 mins elliptical
shoulder and tricep stuff
Bench press
2x20 @ 45
95x10
2x3 @ 135
8x3 @ 185, less than 1 minute between sets
225x1
245x1
265x1
285x1
295x1
All done with a solid pause, all easy and fast.
Close grips
225x8,5,4,3,3
Neutral grip pullups
6,6,6,4,4,3,1
Face pull (lat machine)
3x10 @ 100
Rope pressdown (lat)
2x10 @ 70
Hammer curls
2x10 @ 50s
Db pullover
2x15 @ 15s
20 mins elliptical, cardio setting, 1.68 mi, 297 cal
Friday, February 10, 2006
I hope it's worth it.
Washington watch shows what the smaller government less spending republican controlled legislature and executive branches are spending per family.
So will anyone call them to task when they use the smaller govenrment less spending rhetoric in this year's campaign? I'm not holding my breath.
(Bu the way, MY share is 4 times higher than the average.)
So will anyone call them to task when they use the smaller govenrment less spending rhetoric in this year's campaign? I'm not holding my breath.
(Bu the way, MY share is 4 times higher than the average.)
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Training: Regular phase, Cycle 5, DE Squat/Dead
Finished a 5 cycle wave for squats, 1 more for the deadlifts. Next DE Squat will deload box squats or be lactic acid training. Really tired for this one - been running and not sleeping or eating right.
Box SquatI'm glad I got in today, even if it was sub par.
45x8
135x5
185x2
225x2
275x2
6x2 @ 305
Speed not so good
Deadlifts
135x5
225x1
8 singles @ 325, 30 seconds rest or so. Speed wasn't so good, but worked on form and found it easier to pull with a really tight arch.
Hypers
12
5x9 @ +45
Incline situps
3x12
10 mins recumbant bike, cardio setting 3.56 mi, 81 cals, sucked.
10 mins stretching
Workout time: 3:20 - 4:30
Quick Update
Between work and house stuff, things have been pretty crazy - had to go buy lights for the entire house (Foyer, 4 bathrooms, dining chandalier, kitchen pendants, surface mounts for master, second bedroom/office, exercise room, sconces for stair landings, track for hallway, cieling fan, and 5 outside lights), which took an awful lot of time. Plus a bunch of other stuff we needed for the new house and the current house.
Anyway, the ME bench day scheduled for Monday was probably going to be a deload anyway, so skipping that was no big deal. Moved DE Squat/Dead to today.
Anyway, the ME bench day scheduled for Monday was probably going to be a deload anyway, so skipping that was no big deal. Moved DE Squat/Dead to today.
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Training: Regular Phase, Cycle 5, Max Effort Squat/Dead
Went in today thinking I might deload, as I feel beat up (mostly my upper body). Decided to use the Manta Ray to keep the bar on my back and ease up on my shoudlers, ended up with a 40 pound PR!!
Manta Ray Low Box Squat (Hole 2) (325)40 pound PRs mean something is working, eh?
2x10 @ 45
95x5
135x3
185x3
225x3
245x3
275x3
315x1
335x1 (PR)
355x1 (PR)
365x1 (PR)
Leg press
2pps x 10
4pps x 5
3x5 @ 7pps
RDL
45x10
135x10
2x8 @ 225
HS Seated leg curl
3x8 @ 100
superset with
HS Shrug (seated)
2pps x 12, 2x8 @ 2p+25ps
Bench situps
+ 6lb med ball 2x15
10 mins stretching
Workout Time: 12:40 - 2:10
Friday, February 3, 2006
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Sounds like someone I know...
Rumsfeld compares Chavez to Hitler for consolidating government power.
Good thing that can't happen here, right Mr. Rumsfeld? You just keep ignoring the real comparison to Hitler - that your boss and Hitler share the same political bent - both Nationalist Socialists.
(Probably just got my name on the NSA watch list, huh?)
Good thing that can't happen here, right Mr. Rumsfeld? You just keep ignoring the real comparison to Hitler - that your boss and Hitler share the same political bent - both Nationalist Socialists.
(Probably just got my name on the NSA watch list, huh?)
Here we go...
Stumbling down the slippery slope.
Consider:
Cindy Sheehan arrested for wearing a t-shirt (and subsequently released without charges - but her right to free speech violated)
The leaders of government intelligence agencies are investigating how the illegal NSA warrantless searches were leaked to the press. Yes, they are investigating how their illegal activity was leaked, because that's a threat to National Security.
You better start paying attention... it won't be long before you are unarmed, unable to speak in a manner critical of the government, with a camera in your house, and the other side will be in charge. The only way this doesn't continue? We have to stand up and fight for Liberty, we have to support the Libertarian Party, and we have to make it known that the Republicrats can no longer continue putting power in governments' hands.
Consider:
Cindy Sheehan arrested for wearing a t-shirt (and subsequently released without charges - but her right to free speech violated)
The leaders of government intelligence agencies are investigating how the illegal NSA warrantless searches were leaked to the press. Yes, they are investigating how their illegal activity was leaked, because that's a threat to National Security.
You better start paying attention... it won't be long before you are unarmed, unable to speak in a manner critical of the government, with a camera in your house, and the other side will be in charge. The only way this doesn't continue? We have to stand up and fight for Liberty, we have to support the Libertarian Party, and we have to make it known that the Republicrats can no longer continue putting power in governments' hands.
Training: Regular Phase, Cycle 4, DE Bench
Not the best. For some reason my elbows were really bothering me.
Not a bad cycle - got some cardio in, but slacked off a little on the mobility work. ME work is going well, need to get work capacity and conditioning back up.
Warmup: 5 mins elliptical, front and side raises
Bench Press
45x20
95x8
2x3 @ 135
8x3 @ 185
225x1
245x1
265x1
close grips
135x10
235x4, 1, quit there
Neutral grip pullups
4x6, 1x5
Rear delts
20x15
25lb plates x 8 (because at 4:20, the rush hits, and there is no way to get to the dumbells.)
Hammer curls
30x15
40x10
cuff stuff
Cardio: Elliptical, 20 mins, cardio setting, 278 cal, 1.75 mi
Workout time: 3:30 - 4:55
Not a bad cycle - got some cardio in, but slacked off a little on the mobility work. ME work is going well, need to get work capacity and conditioning back up.
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