Sunday, December 12, 2010

My Apologies

Between my last bit of college, some actual shifts at work, and working on diet and fitness, I haven't had a great deal of time to provide you guys with reading material.  I'm gonna be doing an expansive post after the Holiday Season.  I've been doing all sorts of interesting research on barefoot running, different fitness philosophies, and all sorts of information I've gleaned from the internet.  Plus, I really want to show you guys how far I've gone taking my own fitness advice (hint:  I'm already down approximately 16 pounds!)

See you guys after New Years with a whole wealth of information!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Zombie Prepardness Plan

Alright, now zombie's are a pretty far and unrealistic threat, but being a nerd I love the idea of surviving in a post apocalyptic world overrun with zombies.  Well not exactly...LOVE..but you get the gist.  Seems like the biggest threat in this situation (other than the zombies) is being unprepared.  So I'm gonna give you guys a breakdown of some amazing skills that will turn you into the baddest dude in the apocalypse.

-Fencing: Sword Skills+Zombies=Silent and Efficient Killing.
-Beer Brewing:  Wanna be everyone's best friend and have everyone owe you favors?  Learn how to provide a decent tasting brew.
-Everything that involves Guns: Shouldn't have to explain that one too much
-Knowlege of Bodyweight Exercises:  Think about it, are you really gonna have access to free weights and benches?  If you master bodyweight exercises than you can work out wherever you are.
     -Parkour:  Running, Jumping, and navigating cityscapes will be a breeze.  Stuck in an alley?  Run up a wall!
-Gardening:  Grow your own food.  Nuff said.
-Automotive Knowlege-Hotwiring Cars and reparing them will save your life in a zombie apocalypse.

Have anything for list?  Hit me up with a comment and I'll add it to the list!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

A Clockwork Orange, A Review

    I finished A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess yesterday.  Great book and I enjoyed it, and unfortunately had definitely heard the story before.  I guess that's the price of popularity everyone copies you, and you hear the story before you even read the book.
    I did enjoy how he presented Alex as a character.  By incorporating his slang and speech I felt like I was really listening to Alex tell me everything.  Also, having to read that dialect made me really take my time with the book.  Something I don't get to do very often.
    Being considered a "classic" I was really waiting for the new perspective and lesson.  Guess I had my hopes up that it would be another Anthem or Brave New World (or maybe I'm already bitter enough and couldn't trust the state any less than I do).
    Next Step:  Watch the Movie

Post Some Comments and We'll have a discussion on A Clockwork Orange!


Personal Update:  Been running 3 times a week and I am making great progress!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Work Out for All you Skinflints and/or Broke Asses

ALRIGHT FOLKS IT'S TIME TO GET IN SHAPE!  ARE YOU RREEAAADDDYYY!?!?!?  You bet you are.  What we are going to do is three things:  diet, cardio, and strength training.  I've gathered all the resources to get this stuff done on less than a 100 bucks total.  No gym memberships, no stupid "get thin/fit/ripped quick schemes" and best of all?  All of the stuff we're gonna work on are simple improvements to your life.

ALRIGHT FIRST OFF LETS GET YOU EATING A PROPER AMOUNT OF CALORIES:
Myfitnesspal.com-Sign up on this website, and they'll give you a food diary, work out logs, recommended intake, and  best of all almost all foods are already in the database so you don't have to manual count calories.  It's great stuff.   Add me on there if you join up.  I'm Papa_Umad.

NUMBER TWO LETS GET YOU ON SOME KICK ASS CARDIO
The Couch to 5k Program-This is your guide to going from a couch potato to running 3 miles easily.  It starts off nice and slow and gradually you'll build up to being able to run around your neighborhood no problem.  It is a great outline for cardio instead of just running as hard as you can for five minutes at first, and then becoming super tired and burning a few calories.  It will extend your running sessions considerably and make the most out of your runs.

NUMBER THREE LETS TURN YOU INTO A STRONG, LEAN, ASS-KICKING MACHINE

Convict Conditioning-A full guide for a strength training regiment that is completely based off of calisthenics and other bodyweight exercises.  AT MOST, you will need a chin up bar (10-30 bucks).  You can of course by the book but if you're creative I'm sure you can find it for much cheaper ;).  It starts off slow (I mean very slow) and will have you building stronger tendons, joints, and serious usable strength, and you'll be on your way to becoming a BAMF.

Other Things:
-I suggest getting motivated.  maybe check out /r/getmotivated on reddit.  Hit up the courage wolf twitter for some great stuff as well.
-Also get a high energy playlist going, the faster the music the better.  Works wonders for training.  (I also suggest the pokemon theme)
-Get excited to be a healthy YOU.
-/r/fitness is another great resource (also located on reddit)

NOW GET TO IT!

Need Something to Watch/Read? I've got a Few Suggestions for All of you Fine Chaps

Here are just a few shows and such that are pretty kick ass and I suggest you take a look at!

    Panty and Stocking (with Garterbelt)-Panty and Stocking is a show rife with toilet humor, dick jokes, and complete lack of taste (and I couldn't love it more)!  The show follows two angels Panty and Stocking who fight evil ghosts in Daten City.  Panty is Stocking's older sister and turns underwear (usually her own) into a gun while Stocking turns her stockings into swords.  The show is ridiculous, over the top, completely tasteless, politically incorrect, and most important of all: it's HILARIOUS.  Totally give it a shot if you have a chance.
Panty (Left), Garterbelt (Center), and Stocking (Right)
(rumor has it the idea for this show came from a very late night of drinking)

    Bartender (Manga)-  Follows the adventures of Sasakura a world-renowned bartender working in various bars on the Ginza Strip in Japan.
    Sasakura is a pretty one dimensional character: he loves his job and makes it his life.  Now, what makes that completely awesome and clever is the fact that although the story follows Sasakura the focus is much more about the characters that come into the bar and insights into the bartending profession.  It's very refreshing to find a manga that isn't so straightforward (make "interesting" character, put him through different situations while pushing an overall goal, repeat ad nauseum) and has well thought out execution.  It's unique, engaging, and a romanticized glimpse into the real world, a must see. 


Sunday, October 31, 2010

Remember my Soc Final?

Remember that awesome post where I told you guys about my awesome soc final idea?   If you don't here's a link to the previous blog post: Here.  I'm going to be going to the rave in about 2 weeks.  I'm looking for something very specific from you guys.  I'm looking for links, book recommendations, personal experience, and things I should (or should not) do.  Anything from drug use to what clothes I should wear. I want recommendations on anything related to rave culture/going to a rave.  I'm not gonna necessarily do these things, but these suggestions are perfect for my paper. GIVE ME EVERYTHING.  Even if you've never been to a rave I want your opinions and thoughts.  Fill up that comment page! 

-You will be given credit in my paper if I do end up using what you posted.
-and if you do post you're agreeing to let me use what you say in my paper and you will be referred to in my paper as your screen name

Many Thanks
-Pappy

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Why not be More Kickass?

     We live in a fucked but pretty kick ass day and age. With a little bit of work you can learn a whole slew of skills.  Either on your own (the internet or library) or depending on what you're looking for you could probably find a teacher.
    Remember when you were little and you would look at all these different things like martial arts, instrument playing, etc? and would tell everyone "I wanna do that!"  Then life and school happened and eventually those little dreams and desires were forgotten.  Take a look at yourself.  Let me guess you’re at least 20?  If you answered yes to the last question then you’re in luck!  It’s the perfect time to get knee-deep in some new shit!  (If you didn’t this still applies to you)
 

Now before you say anything let me say something.
YES you do have the time.

YES you are a bad ass enough dude (or dude-ette) to do whatever the hell you want

YES you have the resources to start whatever the hell you want

Here’s a whole list of awesome stuff to learn, and THINK how cool it would be to people when they ask you “Oh what do you do for fun?”  “I’m a guitar playing martial artist who moonlights as a bartender that makes his own fireworks.”  Come on you would be like the suburban superman or the 20-something Supernaut.

-Martial Arts: Dojos and schools are all around the US and I’m sure other parts of the world, and I’m pretty sure Dojo has a translation somewhere around the lines of “Kickass Person Academy.”  Keep in mind kickass should be taken literally.

-Guitar Playing/Bass/Trombone/Trumpet: Learn an instrument, and know what’s great?  There are instructors and shops EVERYWHERE (plus the internet).  Get a cheap instrument and a teacher, or maybe a few youtube vids and start playing! 


-Bartending:  Bartending academies are pretty hard to find but the payoff couldn’t be better.  Impress the ladies, men, business associates, or whomever.  Plus, if you are looking for a new part time gig or something you are legally licensed and professionally trained as a bartender (and bartenders can make good money on tips).  Seems like a win-win if you ask me.

Other kick ass skills:
-Beer Brewing
-Firearms (Shooting+Gun Maintenance)
-Lockpicking
-Fencing
-Knife Fighting
-Homemade fireworks
-Mechanical Repair and Maintenance


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (will BLOW YOUR MIND)

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a very grim depiction of our not so far off future.  This book was published in 1932, and slowly but surely everything Aldous warned, depicted, and damn near predicted is coming true (in the early 1930's he predicted birth control pills, that's pretty intense).  You don't need to read this book for the story (but don't get me wrong the story is great), you read it for the setting, and the overtones, and the impossibly close future that is screaming towards us (and let me tell you it isn't pretty).   This book is one giant pulsating in your face warning of the days to come and is the closest thing to knowing the future you may ever get.  Unfortunately, if you read it you'll never be able to "unread" it.  Brave New World just might distort your entire perception of the world.  You have been warned.


-An Update on the Blog itself-
I'm currently designing a logo and gonna find someone to update the layout of the blog.  No more blogger presets for me!  Hopefully you'll like the graphic changes to come.

-I'm also dead serious when I say I want you to drop me feedback or ideas.  Give me stuff to write about and I'll put your name in the post as a contributor!  Leave me a comment or e-mail me.  Hell I'll even start an advice column if enough people send me question or something.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Sociology Final: The Proposal

Yesterday, I turned in my proposal for my Sociology 101 final project.  I will be posting updates as I work on the project.  Eventually leading up to a download link to my 10 page paper that I will be turning in at the end of the quarter. 

  For my project: I will be attending my first rave and analyzing the social aspects (Cliques, behaviors, norms, and different things from the sociological perspective).  I have primarily a metal scene background so this project should be pretty interesting.  What you guys will get to see are a lot of rough draft notes and unfiltered thoughts on the whole experience.  Everything that won't be in my paper will make it here for you all to enjoy.  Hedonism should always be a scholarly experience.  (This might also include pictures if I'm gonna be allowed to bring a camera)

Leave me some comments with your thoughts about my project.  Ideas, things to watch out for, things you want me to report on, etc. etc...and remember I love feedback (brutal, constructive, or complimetnary) so on anything you read on my blog feel free to leave a comment!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

My Two Favorite Blogs


This is my shout out and bit of starry eyed admiration for my two favorite blogs.  (In case you were wondering I am in no way associated with either of these fine bits of internet reading material.)  (I’m small time)
Number One:  The Art of Manliness
A very awesome blog devoted to bringing back the “Man’s man.”  Tutorials, short biographies, essays, and all sorts of other great stuff all related to becoming “Manly”.  I love the idea of bringing back the “Gentleman,” we should all strive to be more well-read, well traveled, and classy.  It is high time we cast away our “Mookish” behavior and become the men we are destined to be! (The term “mook” was coined in a very eye-opening documentary called the “Merchants of Cool” and the term refers to the Tom Green and Johnny Knoxville like attitudes many people seem to adopt).
                Number Two: The Rules of a Gentleman
The Rules of a Gentleman runs along the same lines as the Art of Manliness, this is just a simple collection of rules and quotes that every gentleman should follow.

I think for my next blogpost I’m going to put together a thoughtful post on becoming a gentleman, and what that means (at least for me)

I also suggest watching the “Merchant’s of Cool” it is a great documentary and definitely worth your time.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The First of My New "Series:" Really Cool Albums You Should Listen To!

Let us get right into the good stuff.  The albums that YOU need to listen to.  (Some of these blurbs are ripped from my now defunct music review blog)

Animals as Leaders-Animals as Leaders:  A one man musical eargasm production machine?  Yup, that would be Tosin Abasi the creative mind behind Animals as Leaders.  He plays every instrument on the recordings, and tears up an 8-string guitar.  I saw him live back in April (if memory serves) and he absolutely blew my mind.  Animals as Leaders is an instrumental Jazz/Metal fusion band. Absolutely great stuff, definitely worth a listen.

Saturday Morning Apocalypse-Powerglove: ...I'm gonna let this screenshot from my favorite forum sum up my thoughts on this album:

(Click the image for full size)


Monday, September 27, 2010

Minecraft: Need to Waste Time? Do I Have a Game for You!

Laser King T-Reximus
     Do you know what that is?  That is a laser arm wielding, lava barfing, king of the T-Rexes.   That epic to time wasted was made possible by Minecraft (and my 4 year old imagination).  A game that is absolutely perfect in concept and execution.
    Minecraft breaks down into two modes: (with very similar core game play mechanics) survival and creative.  Survival is simple; you build during the day and you survive during the night.  Creative (it's much simpler) gives you unlimited blocks and you can't die (for uninterrupted creativity).  The game itself breaks down into mining and crafting.  You mine and get enough stone to build a castle (or lava barfing dinosaurs).  Then you build that castle (or aforementioned dinosaur), and love every minute of it.
    With Minecraft's charming art style and easy pick up and go game play you get hooked fast and hard (you really are only limited by what you can think of).  On top of all that, this game is stupid affordable (Just about 12 bucks).  If you hit up Minecraft.net you can play "Classic" for free and get a feel for the game.  Give the free version a shot and join the rest of us!

Monday, September 20, 2010

So I was thinking....

    On my drive home from school tonight I was thinking back on my first two posts.  I came to a conclusion:  I'm pretty damn preachy.  This isn't some admission to a fault in my blog I just figured I should take note of this and in the process form a solution to kill any naysayers (Plus, jump on the opportunity to talk about myself, I love doing that.)
     What's going to happen now is I am going to (on a semi-regular basis) give you guys a progress report on certain projects and pipe-dreams I've started.  That way you guys can get a little insight on what I'm doing and have some sort of affirmation that I practice what I preach.

Weekend Vegetarian:  (I will be attempting to not eat meat during the work/school week).  I was planning on starting today but seeing is how I accidentally ate a meatball...tomorrow is when that will start.

Motorcycle:  I bought the manual for my bike (a 1974 Honda CB550/4) and until my job gets going this one's on hold.

Go Somewhere Across the Ocean:  I wanna see a bit of Europe.  First thing first..Get a Passport!


Start Going to the Gym:  Need to get money for a gym membership

Take Martial Art Classes:  Same thing.. Need Cash

Learn Some Nifty New Song on the Guitar:  I need to find a song


That will be it for now.  I have more stuff I'm doing just didn't need to list it right now.

Learning

     Learning is that thing that thing High School probably completely and totally made you lose interest in.  I ask you, please give it another chance.  It really is fun, healthy, and one of the most satisfying things you can spend your time doing.  Other than cartoons or the occasional episode of House, the only TV I watch is documentaries or some sort of non-fiction.  I'd much rather watch a show that explains the progression of 70's punk than Dexter (not to be confused with "Dexter's Lab" I would definitely watch reruns of that).
   Now you're probably saying to yourself "Huh that paragraph made just enough sense for me to consider possibly maybe ever doing this sometime (read: eventually) in my life.  But Mr. Blog-man I hate homework and how would I go about learning?"  Well Mr. or Mrs. Blog-Reader do I have news for you!  Basically, High School learning is a bunch of crap.  Its really no wonder why kids drop out and don't do their homework.  High School "learning" is contrived, monotonous, and for the most part uninteresting.  What you got to do is just find something: be it a book, an instrument, project, etc. etc.  Start working with it.    Pick up the guitar and start learning some chords.  Pick up a book and really start digesting it.  Try to find some literature and understand the message behind the story.  Buy a junker motorcycle and find out what it would take to get it back together and running.
    Now what I said might sound a bit on the simple side and probably a bit "After-School Special" but honestly I'm just pleading for people to go out and give themselves some life experience and enrich their lives.  Seriously folks, go out and find something new and exciting and jump in.  There is an absolute fuck-ton of awesome stuff in this world and we barely see enough of it.
   I'll consider it a win if all I did was separate the world "Learning" from some of its negative High School bred connotations.  If you do decide to pick up a book or an instrument, or some new project.  Drop me a comment and tell me what you did.  I'd love to hear it.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Hunter S. Thompson an American Badass

     American Bad Asses are in short supply (unlike American Fat Asses) and unfortunately as of 2005 we lost one of the greats.  Hunter S. Thompson was a writer and the pioneer of "Gonzo Journalism."  He lived up in Aspen in his home base dubbed "Owl Farm" where he entertained quite a few guests (including Conan O'Brien, John Cusack, and Johnny Depp to name a few).
     Basically, this dude did it all.  He rode with the Hell's Angels when they were around 100 members and wrote a book about it.  He followed politicians, went completely out of his head on dozens of drugs on the Las Vegas strip and wrote a best-selling book afterward, rode motorcycles as fast as he could, wrote for Rolling Stone, and misused firearms (this guy would shoot propane tanks for fun).
     As far as I'm concerned you NEED to read his work (start off with "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" the movie or book), maybe watch a documentary on him (I recommend "Gonzo"), and if you're anything like me try and live your life a little bit more "Hunter."
     It's no surprise that I'm rebuilding my motorcycle, an English major, and buying a voice recorder.  I'm serious, go out there and start digesting that man's words.

One of his best quotes:

“Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit…what a ride!’” ~Hunter S. Thompson

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Maiden Voyage of My Blog...Will Be a Bit Bland to Be Honest

An intro to this fine piece of internet reading material is in order

This blog is gonna be about anything and everything.  Anything I find interesting, captivating, and/or worth sharing is gonna hit this blog (Not limited to just “things” but I also find my own opinion and musings captivating so expect quite a bit of me in these posts).  I should also note that I would LOVE for you to e-mail me interesting things to look at.  (It’ll probably end up on these e-pages).  Music, Youtube Videos, anything really!  Send me a link and I’ll take a look.

Expect sometime tomorrow for my first real post to hit.  (I’ll give you a hint..it rhymes with Gunter S. Rhompson)