This drive is gonna be the drive
That I'm gonna throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that any Giant
Feels the way I do, about you now
Bad beat? The word is on the street
That our chances in this game are done
And sure we lost that time before
But now we've got 'em on the run
I don't believe that any Giant
Feels the way I do about you now
And all the routes you've run today are winding
And all the hits Tuck makes on me are blinding
There are many throws that I
Woulda liked to throw - doesn't matter now
Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
But after all, you're a Welker wall
Today was gonna be the day
But I'll never throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you're not to do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the angst I do, about you now
And all the throws that lead us here were money
You dropped the one that mattered most - ain't funny
There are many things that I
Would like to say to you but I'll let Gisele
[Repeat x2]
Cuz maybe, you were gonna be the one that saved me
But after all, you dropped the frickin' ball
2/07/2012
11/06/2011
Fit for a Queen
The following is a piece done for my creative writing class. The assignment was to write a scenario in which a couple is shopping for a mattress. There is something going on between them - or one or both of them have a secret. We could not reference the conflict or secret directly. I didn't want my conflict/secret to be something obvious (like cheating or debt) yet wanted it grounded in reality. I wanted the scenario to feel authentic. Hope you enjoy the read - and feel free to comment what you believe the characters' inner conflict/secret to be!
--------------
“Excuse me sir, you’re going to have to leave your soft drink outside.”
The sales clerk’s smug demeanor gave the impression he enjoyed enforcing this rule.
“Store policy: No food or drink allowed in the show room.”
Jeff looked at his wife and shrugged his shoulders. He glanced at his liter of Pepsi and shook his head as he walked out.
Joan waited for the door to close before addressing the clerk.
“He is a diabetic. If he faints, it’s on you and your stupid store policy,” she snipped.
“We’re a furniture and mattress store,” the clerk said through a wry smile. “If he faints, we’ll pull out a sofa.”
Jeff walked back into the store and straddled up to his wife.
Joan examined his body language.
“Feeling alright?” she asked.
Jeff gazed at the floor.
“I’m fine.”
“How may I be of assistance to you two today?” the clerk asked.
“We’re looking for a queen-sized mattress,” Joan said.
“Maybe a king,” Jeff chimed without looking up.
The clerk embraced the opportunity to upsell.
“A king for the king?”
Joan grew irritated.
“A queen for the king.”
Jeff looked up.
“A queen or a king? For a queen…and…”
Joan interrupted.
“We’re getting a mattress. You sell them here, don’t you?”
The clerk chuckled up a shit-eating grin and took a second to collect himself.
“We sell plenty of them. Right this way.”
With a wave, the clerk turned and headed down a laminate aisle towards the mattress section. Joan whispered to Jeff as they followed a few steps behind.
“We can’t afford a king. We don’t need one anyway.”
“Let’s just see what they’ve got. It’s gotta be just right. No more sleepless nights,” said Jeff.
“You’ll sleep fine after your surgery,” said Joan. “I’ve been sleepin’ like a baby since I had mine.”
“I wish it was that easy, Joan.” said Jeff. “I just want to make sure it’s big enough for both of us.”
“After you get your surgery, there will be room for three of us,” said Joan.
“Well, we’ll see about that,” said Jeff. “We don’t even know if the insurance is going to cover me; you know how…”
Joan stopped in her tracks.
“Jeff! Why are you always so pessimistic?! You’ll be covered same as I was; you’ll lose your weight and we’ll be healthy enough to live the life we’d always imagined!”
“I wish it was that easy, Joan,” said Jeff.
Joan grew incensed.
“How the hell are you going to accomplish anything with that attitude?! How are we ever going to accomplish anything!?”
Jeff stared at the floor.
“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said.
“Is everything alright?” the clerk asked.
Jeff looked up at Joan.
“We’re fine.”
“Excellent! Let me show you what we have available first for the queen.” the clerk replied.
Joan and Jeff proceeded to follow the clerk a few more steps as he began his schtick.
“Most important thing is getting the proper support. A man of your size is going to require something very firm.”
“He will be losing a considerable amount of weight soon. He’s having gastric bypass surgery,” Joan said.
The clerk feigned interest.
“Oh, wow! Congratulations! And good luck. I’m sure that’s a little bit scary for you. When is the operation?”
“Well, we’re still waiting on approval from the insurance company before we can actually set a date,” Jeff answered.
Joan jumped in.
“We should know any day now. I had the surgery myself a year ago. Can you believe I used to be twice this size? After the surgery, the pounds just melt right off. I feel like a brand new person.”
“Yeah. Getting the insurance coverage is probably the hardest part.” Jeff said. “I was denied once before. You have to provide a lot of documentation showing how other diet and exercise plans have failed in the past. It’s definitely not a guaranteed thing.”
The clerk laughed.
“I’ll bet! They can’t just cover every Joey Baggadonuts who wants to shed a couple pounds!”
Jeff stared at the mattress. Joan forced a smile.
“Yeah, but Jeff’ll get approved. Last time was a fluke. He’s been seeing a physician about his weight for years. They’ve tried everything. Nothing has worked for him. This is his last chance,” said Joan.
Jeff continued to stare at the mattress. Joan snapped her fingers to break his gaze. Jeff forced a smile.
“Well perhaps it’d be wise to come back after the surgery?” the clerk suggested.
“No. That’s not gonna happen,” Jeff said.
“He needs something decent to sleep on or he might not even make it to surgery,” Joan said.
“Oh, so the mattress is just for him?” the clerk asked.
Joan and Jeff blurted differing answers in unison. They looked at each other. Jeff looked down at the floor.
The clerk laughed.
“Well, it looks like the only one who can truly answer that — is the insurance company.”
--------------
“Excuse me sir, you’re going to have to leave your soft drink outside.”
The sales clerk’s smug demeanor gave the impression he enjoyed enforcing this rule.
“Store policy: No food or drink allowed in the show room.”
Jeff looked at his wife and shrugged his shoulders. He glanced at his liter of Pepsi and shook his head as he walked out.
Joan waited for the door to close before addressing the clerk.
“He is a diabetic. If he faints, it’s on you and your stupid store policy,” she snipped.
“We’re a furniture and mattress store,” the clerk said through a wry smile. “If he faints, we’ll pull out a sofa.”
Jeff walked back into the store and straddled up to his wife.
Joan examined his body language.
“Feeling alright?” she asked.
Jeff gazed at the floor.
“I’m fine.”
“How may I be of assistance to you two today?” the clerk asked.
“We’re looking for a queen-sized mattress,” Joan said.
“Maybe a king,” Jeff chimed without looking up.
The clerk embraced the opportunity to upsell.
“A king for the king?”
Joan grew irritated.
“A queen for the king.”
Jeff looked up.
“A queen or a king? For a queen…and…”
Joan interrupted.
“We’re getting a mattress. You sell them here, don’t you?”
The clerk chuckled up a shit-eating grin and took a second to collect himself.
“We sell plenty of them. Right this way.”
With a wave, the clerk turned and headed down a laminate aisle towards the mattress section. Joan whispered to Jeff as they followed a few steps behind.
“We can’t afford a king. We don’t need one anyway.”
“Let’s just see what they’ve got. It’s gotta be just right. No more sleepless nights,” said Jeff.
“You’ll sleep fine after your surgery,” said Joan. “I’ve been sleepin’ like a baby since I had mine.”
“I wish it was that easy, Joan.” said Jeff. “I just want to make sure it’s big enough for both of us.”
“After you get your surgery, there will be room for three of us,” said Joan.
“Well, we’ll see about that,” said Jeff. “We don’t even know if the insurance is going to cover me; you know how…”
Joan stopped in her tracks.
“Jeff! Why are you always so pessimistic?! You’ll be covered same as I was; you’ll lose your weight and we’ll be healthy enough to live the life we’d always imagined!”
“I wish it was that easy, Joan,” said Jeff.
Joan grew incensed.
“How the hell are you going to accomplish anything with that attitude?! How are we ever going to accomplish anything!?”
Jeff stared at the floor.
“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said.
“Is everything alright?” the clerk asked.
Jeff looked up at Joan.
“We’re fine.”
“Excellent! Let me show you what we have available first for the queen.” the clerk replied.
Joan and Jeff proceeded to follow the clerk a few more steps as he began his schtick.
“Most important thing is getting the proper support. A man of your size is going to require something very firm.”
“He will be losing a considerable amount of weight soon. He’s having gastric bypass surgery,” Joan said.
The clerk feigned interest.
“Oh, wow! Congratulations! And good luck. I’m sure that’s a little bit scary for you. When is the operation?”
“Well, we’re still waiting on approval from the insurance company before we can actually set a date,” Jeff answered.
Joan jumped in.
“We should know any day now. I had the surgery myself a year ago. Can you believe I used to be twice this size? After the surgery, the pounds just melt right off. I feel like a brand new person.”
“Yeah. Getting the insurance coverage is probably the hardest part.” Jeff said. “I was denied once before. You have to provide a lot of documentation showing how other diet and exercise plans have failed in the past. It’s definitely not a guaranteed thing.”
The clerk laughed.
“I’ll bet! They can’t just cover every Joey Baggadonuts who wants to shed a couple pounds!”
Jeff stared at the mattress. Joan forced a smile.
“Yeah, but Jeff’ll get approved. Last time was a fluke. He’s been seeing a physician about his weight for years. They’ve tried everything. Nothing has worked for him. This is his last chance,” said Joan.
Jeff continued to stare at the mattress. Joan snapped her fingers to break his gaze. Jeff forced a smile.
“Well perhaps it’d be wise to come back after the surgery?” the clerk suggested.
“No. That’s not gonna happen,” Jeff said.
“He needs something decent to sleep on or he might not even make it to surgery,” Joan said.
“Oh, so the mattress is just for him?” the clerk asked.
Joan and Jeff blurted differing answers in unison. They looked at each other. Jeff looked down at the floor.
The clerk laughed.
“Well, it looks like the only one who can truly answer that — is the insurance company.”
9/18/2011
How can a team score only one point in a game? Three things you might not know about high school football
As a four-year high school football player and lifelong football fan, I thought I knew all of the ins and outs of the game. After recently becoming a high school football official, I now know that was not entirely true. There are a few unique characteristics of the high school rules book that make the game different than the game played in the NFL. This first one might even win you a bar bet.
How a team can score only one point in a game
Diehard football fans will likely tell you this is an impossibility. Casual fans will attempt to think up ways for this situation to occur (i.e. "A touchdown was scored, the extra point was kicked, the touchdown gets called off for a penalty?"). The answer is something much more basic, but much less likely to occur: The team won by forfeit.
According to Rule 8-1, the final score of a forfeited game is "Offended Team: 1, Opponent: 0". The exception to this is if the offended team is ahead at the time of the forfeit; in which case the score at the time of forfeiture stands. Thus, the only way a team can score only one point in a game is if they win by forfeit before a game begins, or after a game in which they were tied with or losing to their opponent.
Catchability is not a factor in determining pass interference
The NFL's pass interference rule specifies a few actions that do not constitute pass interference. One of them includes this article:
(c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the pass is clearly uncatchable by the involved players.
The high school rule book has no such article. It does not include catchability as a factor in determining pass interference. While a holding call may be more appropriate on a ball that is clearly uncatchable, pass interference may be called no matter how close the ball was to the intended receiver.
There is no consideration of the "pocket" in ruling itentional grounding
The pocket area (a point two yards outside of either offensive tackle or pass protecting tight end) is used to determine intentional grounding in the NFL. A player may throw the ball away to avoid a loss if he is outside of the pocket and behind the line of scrimmage.
In high school, a player who throws a ball away to avoid a loss is penalized for intentional grounding whether he is inside or outside of the pocket area. However, it is legal for a player to throw the ball away so long as it is a backwards pass out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage.
I'm sure there are other idiosyncrasies of the high school football game that I did not note. Like I said, I'm new to this (not an expert!). I hope you found some of this interesting anyhow. At the least, you're now prepared to stump your football fiend friend and win a round of drinks. You can thank me with one next time you see me!
How a team can score only one point in a game
Diehard football fans will likely tell you this is an impossibility. Casual fans will attempt to think up ways for this situation to occur (i.e. "A touchdown was scored, the extra point was kicked, the touchdown gets called off for a penalty?"). The answer is something much more basic, but much less likely to occur: The team won by forfeit.
According to Rule 8-1, the final score of a forfeited game is "Offended Team: 1, Opponent: 0". The exception to this is if the offended team is ahead at the time of the forfeit; in which case the score at the time of forfeiture stands. Thus, the only way a team can score only one point in a game is if they win by forfeit before a game begins, or after a game in which they were tied with or losing to their opponent.
Catchability is not a factor in determining pass interference
The NFL's pass interference rule specifies a few actions that do not constitute pass interference. One of them includes this article:
(c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the pass is clearly uncatchable by the involved players.
The high school rule book has no such article. It does not include catchability as a factor in determining pass interference. While a holding call may be more appropriate on a ball that is clearly uncatchable, pass interference may be called no matter how close the ball was to the intended receiver.
There is no consideration of the "pocket" in ruling itentional grounding
The pocket area (a point two yards outside of either offensive tackle or pass protecting tight end) is used to determine intentional grounding in the NFL. A player may throw the ball away to avoid a loss if he is outside of the pocket and behind the line of scrimmage.
In high school, a player who throws a ball away to avoid a loss is penalized for intentional grounding whether he is inside or outside of the pocket area. However, it is legal for a player to throw the ball away so long as it is a backwards pass out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage.
I'm sure there are other idiosyncrasies of the high school football game that I did not note. Like I said, I'm new to this (not an expert!). I hope you found some of this interesting anyhow. At the least, you're now prepared to stump your football fiend friend and win a round of drinks. You can thank me with one next time you see me!
9/11/2011
The greatest weight loss secret: Revealed!
Have you ever noticed how every women's health and fitness magazine cover is essentially the same? Each issue sells faster, easier and "secret" ways to improve your health. Maybe I'm making a sweeping generalization here (full disclosure: I currently subscribe to zero women's health magazines) but I think I'm onto something.
Fitness magazines geared toward men have a tendency to do the same. I suppose it's only natural to be attracted to things we think will help improve our lives. On the surface, these headlines and related articles appear to be part of a solution to the obesity epidemic; that they are promoting health and wellness. You might think these magazines are a step in the right direction. I don't.
The problem with them is the perpetuation of myths like "quick fix" diets and short term workouts as healthy and reasonable ways to improve your health. Magazines like Self pander to the lazy attitudes that have caused our epidemic in the first place. Just think of how many times you've seen covers featuring a time promise (Lose 10 pounds in 25 days! 5-minute abs!) or using variations of buzz words like "quick", "easy", "fast", "simple", or "secrets". Don't think this is more perception than reality. Take a look at how often the words are used on the past seven covers.
You may note the minimal use of buzz words on April's cover and that I left September off the chart. Those two covers earn bonus points for creativity. Rather than the usual buzz words, April's cover uses the phrase "Without Even Trying"; September's cover opts for verbiage such as "erase" and "melt" to sensationalize the simplicity of weight loss. But let's be honest: If weight loss really could come easy, they wouldn't be selling so many damn magazines.
What is perhaps most troublesome about the headlines and promises of fad diets, supplements and workouts is the damage it has done to the collective American psyche. It trains us to believe easy solutions are out there; that there are shortcuts to be found. Furthermore, pairing these headlines with the incessant imagery of beautiful fitness models creates a culture that fosters insecurity, anxiety and depression in hyper-conscious young women.
I've seen the consequences first hand. A few years ago, I visited my younger sister at her university dormitory. I was surprised to find the only food she had in her apartment style dorm room was a bag of tortilla chips. I also found a container of extreme fat burning diet pills. On the mirror hanging in her bedroom hung photographs of beautiful women torn from women's fitness magazines. I asked about them. "That's what I have to look like this summer," she replied.
Tragically, she didn't look anything like those models that summer. She had a heart attack the next day. The heart attack caused a blood clot which cut off oxygen to her brain and has left her in a persistent vegetative state. While the cause of the heart attack was never determined, I suspect the extreme fat burning supplements, poor diet and anxiety she'd been treated for had something to do with it.
She was looking for a shortcut. She was looking for the secret to obtaining the idealized female body image she saw in the magazines. The truth is, if you want to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, you have to understand the greatest weight loss secret there is: There are no secrets. You will not find the answer to your weight loss struggles in a magazine, in a pill, in a book, online, or on a DVD. Sure there are plenty of tips you can use from these sources, but that inspiration should come only after you've found the interior motivation necessary for a workout plan to succeed.
If you're serious about improving your health, put down the magazine, shut off the computer and get your workout gear ready. Knowledge of fitness tips and techniques won't mean a thing until you know why you are pursuing fitness improvement and are completely convinced you really, really want it. In short, you already hold the secret to your success. And the place to find it, is on the track.
Before you lace 'em up, continue to The greatest weight loss secret: Revealed! Part 2 for ways to find and utilize motivation for serious and lasting results.
Fitness magazines geared toward men have a tendency to do the same. I suppose it's only natural to be attracted to things we think will help improve our lives. On the surface, these headlines and related articles appear to be part of a solution to the obesity epidemic; that they are promoting health and wellness. You might think these magazines are a step in the right direction. I don't.
The problem with them is the perpetuation of myths like "quick fix" diets and short term workouts as healthy and reasonable ways to improve your health. Magazines like Self pander to the lazy attitudes that have caused our epidemic in the first place. Just think of how many times you've seen covers featuring a time promise (Lose 10 pounds in 25 days! 5-minute abs!) or using variations of buzz words like "quick", "easy", "fast", "simple", or "secrets". Don't think this is more perception than reality. Take a look at how often the words are used on the past seven covers.
Maybe I am onto something.
You may note the minimal use of buzz words on April's cover and that I left September off the chart. Those two covers earn bonus points for creativity. Rather than the usual buzz words, April's cover uses the phrase "Without Even Trying"; September's cover opts for verbiage such as "erase" and "melt" to sensationalize the simplicity of weight loss. But let's be honest: If weight loss really could come easy, they wouldn't be selling so many damn magazines.
What is perhaps most troublesome about the headlines and promises of fad diets, supplements and workouts is the damage it has done to the collective American psyche. It trains us to believe easy solutions are out there; that there are shortcuts to be found. Furthermore, pairing these headlines with the incessant imagery of beautiful fitness models creates a culture that fosters insecurity, anxiety and depression in hyper-conscious young women.
I've seen the consequences first hand. A few years ago, I visited my younger sister at her university dormitory. I was surprised to find the only food she had in her apartment style dorm room was a bag of tortilla chips. I also found a container of extreme fat burning diet pills. On the mirror hanging in her bedroom hung photographs of beautiful women torn from women's fitness magazines. I asked about them. "That's what I have to look like this summer," she replied.
Tragically, she didn't look anything like those models that summer. She had a heart attack the next day. The heart attack caused a blood clot which cut off oxygen to her brain and has left her in a persistent vegetative state. While the cause of the heart attack was never determined, I suspect the extreme fat burning supplements, poor diet and anxiety she'd been treated for had something to do with it.
She was looking for a shortcut. She was looking for the secret to obtaining the idealized female body image she saw in the magazines. The truth is, if you want to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, you have to understand the greatest weight loss secret there is: There are no secrets. You will not find the answer to your weight loss struggles in a magazine, in a pill, in a book, online, or on a DVD. Sure there are plenty of tips you can use from these sources, but that inspiration should come only after you've found the interior motivation necessary for a workout plan to succeed.
If you're serious about improving your health, put down the magazine, shut off the computer and get your workout gear ready. Knowledge of fitness tips and techniques won't mean a thing until you know why you are pursuing fitness improvement and are completely convinced you really, really want it. In short, you already hold the secret to your success. And the place to find it, is on the track.
Before you lace 'em up, continue to The greatest weight loss secret: Revealed! Part 2 for ways to find and utilize motivation for serious and lasting results.
The greatest weight loss secret: Revealed! Part 2
Marketers often exploit our desire for shortcuts and quick fixes. But your physical well-being is not something that you can cheat. If you want to experience a lifestyle change (which weight loss requires), you will need to change your attitude first. Know this up front: This will not be easy. If that's tough to swallow, wash it down with this: That's exactly the point. As Andrew Carnegie said, "Anything in life worth having is worth working for."
But do not be afraid. There is no reason to dread this. The physical demands of fitness training will seem minuscule once you have the appropriate mindset.
Finding your spark of motivation
I have a personal story to share. I finished my freshman year of college tipping the scales at more than 225 pounds. I was greater than 15% body fat. I was not pursuing fitness but rather relying on the active metabolism I'd always possessed in my youth. The most troubling part was, I didn't even recognize how much I was letting my physical condition slip.
Then one day while on break at my summer job, a co-worker who I went to high school with relayed to me an exchange he had with a former friend of mine. Somehow I'd come up in their conversation and apparently she'd told him, "Eddie Rybarski got fat." Now it may not have been her place to say this, or his place to let me know she said so, but I'm sure glad they did. Those words stuck with me, and provided the spark I needed to change my lifestyle.
When I got home from work that day, I went for a run. I did the same thing the next day after work. And again after work the day after that. And again after every day of work for the rest of summer. If there was ever a day or a moment during my run I felt like giving up, I simply thought of those words that I was determined to defeat: "Eddie Rybarski got fat".
I wore a rubber band around my wrist to remind me of these words. Before long, the rubber band came to represent a number of different thoughts that motivated me. I found that by keeping my train of thought narrowed to a few key motivating ideas, the run became nothing to do with exercise or fitness. It was about proving people wrong. It was about becoming a better person.
By the end of summer, I'd lost more than 35 pounds. I'd achieved these results without paying much of any attention to my diet. I simply ran the same three mile route as well as I could every day. As the pounds came off, the exercise came easier. I just ran harder.
If you're looking for these kind of results, try doing the same. Find a spark of motivation - something that really motivates you at your core - and let it drive you. If you can't find one off-hand, search for it while you exercise. Or borrow mine. Imagine a person you greatly respect saying you "got fat" or some other derogatory comment that gets under your skin. Once you've found your spark, focus on it intently before workouts and during periods of weakness.
"This path I'm running, I must run alone"
Many people who are trying to foster a new workout regimen look to a partner or trainer for encouragement. The popular belief is that you will be more likely to stick to your plan if you have someone to keep you accountable. But this thinking is flawed. True change must come from within. The best way to adopt better fitness habits is to become fully convinced that you are doing so because you really, really want to.
One of the reasons I think my method of weight loss was so effective was the solitary approach I took to exercise. Anders Erricsson, a psychologist from Florida State University in Tallahassee, has spent the past 20 years studying geniuses, prodigies and superior performers in fields such as sports, the arts, and entertainment. His work, as cited in The New Brain, reinforces the benefits of this method.
Work OUT
Forgive the title of this section if it is a poor attempt at trying to creatively say "workout outside".
I've found running outside to be beneficial in a number of ways. Aside from being a great place for solitary exercise (which is practically impossible to find at the gym), the outdoors provide a natural terrain that our bodies were designed to scamper over. It can help you get in touch with your "animal instinct" and is an abundant source of fresh oxygen for your mind and respiratory system. Gyms can be a great way to get a workout in when the weather does not permit outdoor exercise, but workout machines tend to isolate certain body parts and can complicate basic fitness goals.
But the greatest advantage to exercising (specifically running) outdoors is that it encourages you to truly stretch your limits. It is way too easy to give up on your run on a treadmill. How easy is it to give up on a run when you are two miles from home? My advice for runners at any level of fitness is to run as far as they can before they feel they absolutely MUST turn back. Chances are, this distance will be much farther than you would have done on a treadmill or if you'd planned your distance in advance. You need to learn to listen to your body for your fitness goals to succeed. This is a great way to start doing so.
Visualize
Your primary motivator will likely invoke visual thoughts and emotions you should apply in your training as well. Start using them to enhance your focus. If it's a case of someone bad-mouthing you, imagine them doing so. If your spark is a sleight you received by a former friend, coach or employer, imagine them on the side of the road watching.
When you start thinking visually, you expand your motivational opportunities exponentially. Your spark will likely spawn other ideas from which you draw motivation. If you initially imagine an individual person who has wronged you, you can easily begin to imagine others as well. While spite or anger can serve as a great impetus for exercise, pride is what I've found helps sustain it.
When I exercise nowadays, I rarely need to think back to my primary motivator. Instead I imagine the people I love watching me. This visualization can take many forms. I can imagine crowds on the side of the path shouting my name, a stadium of friends and family cheering wildly for me, or even how individuals might react to watching me compete on television. When I can "see" and feel the pride they have for my effort, my energy and enthusiasm is boundless.
(If you find visualization is something you are struggling with using effectively, I suggest picking up The Mental Edge).
Conclusion
The greatest weight loss secret is there are no secrets! There are countless methods and programs for exercise, but none better than the one you teach yourself. You will hold yourself to it because you are using your core motivations, listening to your body and doing it because you really, really want to. Once you have that kind of self discipline, you will be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Thanks for reading. As always, please contribute any thoughts or opinions relating to this post in the comment section below.
But do not be afraid. There is no reason to dread this. The physical demands of fitness training will seem minuscule once you have the appropriate mindset.
Finding your spark of motivation
I have a personal story to share. I finished my freshman year of college tipping the scales at more than 225 pounds. I was greater than 15% body fat. I was not pursuing fitness but rather relying on the active metabolism I'd always possessed in my youth. The most troubling part was, I didn't even recognize how much I was letting my physical condition slip.
Then one day while on break at my summer job, a co-worker who I went to high school with relayed to me an exchange he had with a former friend of mine. Somehow I'd come up in their conversation and apparently she'd told him, "Eddie Rybarski got fat." Now it may not have been her place to say this, or his place to let me know she said so, but I'm sure glad they did. Those words stuck with me, and provided the spark I needed to change my lifestyle.
When I got home from work that day, I went for a run. I did the same thing the next day after work. And again after work the day after that. And again after every day of work for the rest of summer. If there was ever a day or a moment during my run I felt like giving up, I simply thought of those words that I was determined to defeat: "Eddie Rybarski got fat".
I wore a rubber band around my wrist to remind me of these words. Before long, the rubber band came to represent a number of different thoughts that motivated me. I found that by keeping my train of thought narrowed to a few key motivating ideas, the run became nothing to do with exercise or fitness. It was about proving people wrong. It was about becoming a better person.
By the end of summer, I'd lost more than 35 pounds. I'd achieved these results without paying much of any attention to my diet. I simply ran the same three mile route as well as I could every day. As the pounds came off, the exercise came easier. I just ran harder.
If you're looking for these kind of results, try doing the same. Find a spark of motivation - something that really motivates you at your core - and let it drive you. If you can't find one off-hand, search for it while you exercise. Or borrow mine. Imagine a person you greatly respect saying you "got fat" or some other derogatory comment that gets under your skin. Once you've found your spark, focus on it intently before workouts and during periods of weakness.
"This path I'm running, I must run alone"
Many people who are trying to foster a new workout regimen look to a partner or trainer for encouragement. The popular belief is that you will be more likely to stick to your plan if you have someone to keep you accountable. But this thinking is flawed. True change must come from within. The best way to adopt better fitness habits is to become fully convinced that you are doing so because you really, really want to.
One of the reasons I think my method of weight loss was so effective was the solitary approach I took to exercise. Anders Erricsson, a psychologist from Florida State University in Tallahassee, has spent the past 20 years studying geniuses, prodigies and superior performers in fields such as sports, the arts, and entertainment. His work, as cited in The New Brain, reinforces the benefits of this method.
"Ericsson is firmly convinced that there are no special inherited qualities that distinguish persons with expert abilities. The key ingredient it turns out to be the willingness to 'stretch yourself to the limit and increase your control over your performance,'...
Ericsson found a...pattern of intense solitary, deliberate practice among superior performing athletes, chess players, and mathematicians.
He concludes, 'For the superior performer the goal isn't jut repeating the same thing again and again but achieving higher levels of control over every aspect of their performance. That's why they don't find practice boring. Each practice session they are working on doing something better than they did last time.'"With a partner, it becomes essentially impossible to completely lose yourself in your motivation and improve your mind-body connection. Your potential will be limited by chatter, trying to maintain an even pace, and any number of distractions. For this reason, I also advise leaving the headphones at home. Even though you are alone, you are still flooding your mind with noise and thoughts that can interfere with the ability to properly motivate and pace yourself.
Work OUT
Forgive the title of this section if it is a poor attempt at trying to creatively say "workout outside".
I've found running outside to be beneficial in a number of ways. Aside from being a great place for solitary exercise (which is practically impossible to find at the gym), the outdoors provide a natural terrain that our bodies were designed to scamper over. It can help you get in touch with your "animal instinct" and is an abundant source of fresh oxygen for your mind and respiratory system. Gyms can be a great way to get a workout in when the weather does not permit outdoor exercise, but workout machines tend to isolate certain body parts and can complicate basic fitness goals.
But the greatest advantage to exercising (specifically running) outdoors is that it encourages you to truly stretch your limits. It is way too easy to give up on your run on a treadmill. How easy is it to give up on a run when you are two miles from home? My advice for runners at any level of fitness is to run as far as they can before they feel they absolutely MUST turn back. Chances are, this distance will be much farther than you would have done on a treadmill or if you'd planned your distance in advance. You need to learn to listen to your body for your fitness goals to succeed. This is a great way to start doing so.
Visualize
Your primary motivator will likely invoke visual thoughts and emotions you should apply in your training as well. Start using them to enhance your focus. If it's a case of someone bad-mouthing you, imagine them doing so. If your spark is a sleight you received by a former friend, coach or employer, imagine them on the side of the road watching.
When you start thinking visually, you expand your motivational opportunities exponentially. Your spark will likely spawn other ideas from which you draw motivation. If you initially imagine an individual person who has wronged you, you can easily begin to imagine others as well. While spite or anger can serve as a great impetus for exercise, pride is what I've found helps sustain it.
When I exercise nowadays, I rarely need to think back to my primary motivator. Instead I imagine the people I love watching me. This visualization can take many forms. I can imagine crowds on the side of the path shouting my name, a stadium of friends and family cheering wildly for me, or even how individuals might react to watching me compete on television. When I can "see" and feel the pride they have for my effort, my energy and enthusiasm is boundless.
(If you find visualization is something you are struggling with using effectively, I suggest picking up The Mental Edge).
Conclusion
The greatest weight loss secret is there are no secrets! There are countless methods and programs for exercise, but none better than the one you teach yourself. You will hold yourself to it because you are using your core motivations, listening to your body and doing it because you really, really want to. Once you have that kind of self discipline, you will be able to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Thanks for reading. As always, please contribute any thoughts or opinions relating to this post in the comment section below.
2/16/2011
Oregon Park District Dedicates Harry Nurmet Mural Replica
Reported by: Eddie Rybarski
Lifelong Oregon resident Jon Barnhart remembers watching local artist Harry Nurmet paint a mural in 1976 for America's bicentennial celebration. Nurmet's craftmanship left a big impression on Barnhart.
"Harry Nurmet was an incredible artist and I looked up to him," said Barnhart. "His artwork was across the board. There was no subject matter he painted that wasn't appealing."
Barnhart is now an artist himself in addition to serving as Natural Resource Manager for the Oregon Park District. Recently the park district decide to replicate the mural in cooperation with the Oregon School District to honor the now deceased Nurmet. Naturally, it was Barnhart, with the help of Oregon High School students Jeanine Sheir and Eli Murray, who took on the job.
The new mural has a few touches the old one (since faded and obstructed by modern development) didn't have.
"I was thinking as to how I could paint the mural and recreate it in a way that would make Harry proud," said Barnhart. "I've added...some historical data to explain Blackhawk (Monument) being created by Lorado Taft when it was dedicated in 1911. And of course the blue ribbon that represented the Oregon Rock River. We have the bald eagle there which we have here in Oregon quite often when the river freezes over. It's kind of a history lesson as well as a dedication to Harry Nurmet."
In addition to the modifications in the work itself, Barnhart believes a new location - on the south wall of Max Media facing Route 64 - will enhance the viewing experience.
"When people stop here at the stop (light), a lot of times they have nothing to do but wait for the light to change. (Now) they can simply look to the right and see the billboard."
Barnhart says he hopes residents get the same feeling Nurmet had about the Oregon area.
"A love of community. Maybe it will bestow a sense of pride to where people will want to contribute to the community."
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Originally posted on MyStateline.com
Lifelong Oregon resident Jon Barnhart remembers watching local artist Harry Nurmet paint a mural in 1976 for America's bicentennial celebration. Nurmet's craftmanship left a big impression on Barnhart.
"Harry Nurmet was an incredible artist and I looked up to him," said Barnhart. "His artwork was across the board. There was no subject matter he painted that wasn't appealing."
Barnhart is now an artist himself in addition to serving as Natural Resource Manager for the Oregon Park District. Recently the park district decide to replicate the mural in cooperation with the Oregon School District to honor the now deceased Nurmet. Naturally, it was Barnhart, with the help of Oregon High School students Jeanine Sheir and Eli Murray, who took on the job.
The new mural has a few touches the old one (since faded and obstructed by modern development) didn't have.
"I was thinking as to how I could paint the mural and recreate it in a way that would make Harry proud," said Barnhart. "I've added...some historical data to explain Blackhawk (Monument) being created by Lorado Taft when it was dedicated in 1911. And of course the blue ribbon that represented the Oregon Rock River. We have the bald eagle there which we have here in Oregon quite often when the river freezes over. It's kind of a history lesson as well as a dedication to Harry Nurmet."
In addition to the modifications in the work itself, Barnhart believes a new location - on the south wall of Max Media facing Route 64 - will enhance the viewing experience.
"When people stop here at the stop (light), a lot of times they have nothing to do but wait for the light to change. (Now) they can simply look to the right and see the billboard."
Barnhart says he hopes residents get the same feeling Nurmet had about the Oregon area.
"A love of community. Maybe it will bestow a sense of pride to where people will want to contribute to the community."
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Originally posted on MyStateline.com
2/15/2011
Winnebago Farmer Donates $2,500 Prize to Fire Protection District
Reported by: Eddie Rybarski
Mary Cross' husband Bill served on the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District's Board of Trustees for more than 27 years. So when she found out she had been chosen the winner of a $2,500 prize to be donated to her favorite local non-profit, her decision was a no-brainer.
"The fire department is one of the most vital things we can belong to," said Cross. "They're kind of like a family to us, so I'm just grateful that I won."
The prize was part of the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, offered through the Monsanto Fund. The program covers 1,205 counties across 38 states. Cross, who has been farming in Winnebago for about 50 years, became involved in the program after Monsanto called her suggesting she sign up.
"I don't usually participate in anything over the phone but I knew Monsanto and I thought they'd be fine to do it," said Cross. "So I went ahead and I happened to be chosen. I was very elated."
Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District Fire Chief Robert Martin says the donation will help secure the safety of area farmers.
"Since it came from the ag field, we're going to put it right back into ag-related rescue equipment and training," said Martin.
Some examples Martin cited include a farm medic program dealing with treatment of patients injured in farm-related accidents and specialized extrication equipment for rollovers.
"Extrication equipment on farm vehicles is completely different than automobiles. Steel is a lot thicker, more difficult to do," said Martin. "We're really excited this money will go a long way to get us trained and buy some new equipment to help with extrications if we need to."
------------
Originally posted on MyStateline.com
Mary Cross' husband Bill served on the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District's Board of Trustees for more than 27 years. So when she found out she had been chosen the winner of a $2,500 prize to be donated to her favorite local non-profit, her decision was a no-brainer.
"The fire department is one of the most vital things we can belong to," said Cross. "They're kind of like a family to us, so I'm just grateful that I won."
The prize was part of the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, offered through the Monsanto Fund. The program covers 1,205 counties across 38 states. Cross, who has been farming in Winnebago for about 50 years, became involved in the program after Monsanto called her suggesting she sign up.
"I don't usually participate in anything over the phone but I knew Monsanto and I thought they'd be fine to do it," said Cross. "So I went ahead and I happened to be chosen. I was very elated."
Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District Fire Chief Robert Martin says the donation will help secure the safety of area farmers.
"Since it came from the ag field, we're going to put it right back into ag-related rescue equipment and training," said Martin.
Some examples Martin cited include a farm medic program dealing with treatment of patients injured in farm-related accidents and specialized extrication equipment for rollovers.
"Extrication equipment on farm vehicles is completely different than automobiles. Steel is a lot thicker, more difficult to do," said Martin. "We're really excited this money will go a long way to get us trained and buy some new equipment to help with extrications if we need to."
------------
Originally posted on MyStateline.com
11/22/2010
Does the media sell negativity?
“The news” (as a whole) is widely perceived to feast on negativity and "sell" tragedy. It's a big part of the reason so many people don’t regularly read or watch the news. But is this perception a reality? If not; why does it seem so patently true? I have a few reasons.
1. Negative stories are generally most newsworthy
There are a few criteria used to determine a story's newsworthiness: timing, significance, proximity, prominence and human interest. Mostly due to significance and prominence, negative stories generally best fit the criteria. That doesn't mean positive stories aren't sought after, reported and published. Countless positive or "neutral" news stories are reported and published every day. In fact, many news operations make deliberate efforts to highlight them. Most of the time, they just aren’t newsworthy enough for the front page of the newspaper or lead story of the nightly newscast.
2. Negative stories captivate and have the greatest impact
Most people hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see (Don't like it? Change the channel/turn the page/ignore it). When it comes to news, people want news that is relevant...meaningful...impactful to their lives. Most positive news stories just don't have as great of an impact on an audience.
For example, if you’re watching or reading the news and see these three stories:
a) Area synagogue receives $2 million donation for major renovation
b) Local non-profit donates $10,000 to combat Muscular Dystrophy
c) Drunk driver kills father and son in early morning accident
Which story are you going to remember? Which story will you gossip with your friends about? Which story would you click on and/or share with your friends on the internet? Most often, it's the tragic one. The positive ones are forgotten. The media doesn’t sell tragedy as much as the public feeds on it.
So why do we do that? Why do we feed on negative stories even when we say we want positive stories? Part of it has to do with wanting to be relevant and wanting to discuss the most "newsworthy" issues ourselves; but there might be a largely under acknowledged reason as well.
3. Good news can feel like bad news/Bad news can feel like good news
When you hear or read a positive story, how does it make you feel? Think about that…and let’s go back to the above examples. Unless you are Jewish or have a family member suffering with Muscular Dystrophy, you probably don’t care much about the kind-hearted donations. Moreover, it can even make people feel bitter or resentful. When you hear the news you’ll probably think “That’s nice. There are still good people in the world.” But after you might think “I wish I was as fortunate.”
Bad news has the opposite effect. When you first hear of the father and son, you immediately sympathize. Your heart goes out to the unfortunate victims. How do you feel after the story digests? You probably feel grateful to be alive and appreciative of your relatively positive situation in life – no matter how good or bad your situation really is. The stressors that ate at you before are temporarily relieved; the negative story (however tragic) gave you a fresh, new perspective on life.
There may be much more to this discussion that I haven’t considered. This is just my current response to the blame the media receives for spreading negativity. The truth is, positive stories are rarely significant enough to impact a mass audience - but they are everywhere. If you really want to see or hear them, just look for them. If you're like most people, you’ll see what you want to see and hear what you want to hear.
As always, feel free to leave your comments publicly or anonymously below.
1. Negative stories are generally most newsworthy
There are a few criteria used to determine a story's newsworthiness: timing, significance, proximity, prominence and human interest. Mostly due to significance and prominence, negative stories generally best fit the criteria. That doesn't mean positive stories aren't sought after, reported and published. Countless positive or "neutral" news stories are reported and published every day. In fact, many news operations make deliberate efforts to highlight them. Most of the time, they just aren’t newsworthy enough for the front page of the newspaper or lead story of the nightly newscast.
2. Negative stories captivate and have the greatest impact
Most people hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see (Don't like it? Change the channel/turn the page/ignore it). When it comes to news, people want news that is relevant...meaningful...impactful to their lives. Most positive news stories just don't have as great of an impact on an audience.
For example, if you’re watching or reading the news and see these three stories:
a) Area synagogue receives $2 million donation for major renovation
b) Local non-profit donates $10,000 to combat Muscular Dystrophy
c) Drunk driver kills father and son in early morning accident
Which story are you going to remember? Which story will you gossip with your friends about? Which story would you click on and/or share with your friends on the internet? Most often, it's the tragic one. The positive ones are forgotten. The media doesn’t sell tragedy as much as the public feeds on it.
So why do we do that? Why do we feed on negative stories even when we say we want positive stories? Part of it has to do with wanting to be relevant and wanting to discuss the most "newsworthy" issues ourselves; but there might be a largely under acknowledged reason as well.
3. Good news can feel like bad news/Bad news can feel like good news
When you hear or read a positive story, how does it make you feel? Think about that…and let’s go back to the above examples. Unless you are Jewish or have a family member suffering with Muscular Dystrophy, you probably don’t care much about the kind-hearted donations. Moreover, it can even make people feel bitter or resentful. When you hear the news you’ll probably think “That’s nice. There are still good people in the world.” But after you might think “I wish I was as fortunate.”
Bad news has the opposite effect. When you first hear of the father and son, you immediately sympathize. Your heart goes out to the unfortunate victims. How do you feel after the story digests? You probably feel grateful to be alive and appreciative of your relatively positive situation in life – no matter how good or bad your situation really is. The stressors that ate at you before are temporarily relieved; the negative story (however tragic) gave you a fresh, new perspective on life.
There may be much more to this discussion that I haven’t considered. This is just my current response to the blame the media receives for spreading negativity. The truth is, positive stories are rarely significant enough to impact a mass audience - but they are everywhere. If you really want to see or hear them, just look for them. If you're like most people, you’ll see what you want to see and hear what you want to hear.
As always, feel free to leave your comments publicly or anonymously below.
8/01/2010
Transcontinental trek to fight Multiple Sclerosis
By Eddie Rybarski
MENDOTA, IL (WREX) -- Ashley Kumlien's mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 28 years ago -- two years before the 26-year-old Brookfield, WI woman was born. Watching her mother deal with the debilitating disease has motivated Ashley to use her own talents to the best of their ability."Even though she has some handicaps and disabilities from the disease, she really wakes up everyday and is thankful for the things she can still do, and she's very perseverant about her life. So I wanted to use my love of running...to do something big to raise money and awareness for M.S.," said Kumlien.
So Ashley hatched a big idea. She would run the length of the continental United States -- from San Francisco to New York City -- while securing sponsorships and receiving donations along the way. Ashley says at first, even her parents were wary.
"My parents were a little silent when I told them about what I wanted to do, but it only took a day for the idea to set in. They asked me later on, the next day basically, 'How do you plan on accomplishing this?' and 'What do you plan on doing?' Once I told them my plans and I had basically an answer to every question they gave me, they realized I was serious about it."
With the support of her parents and fiance Andrew Dale, Ashley hit the ground running. Last year, she founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization named "MS Run the US" and worked to obtain several major sponsorships. A family from Chicago donated an R.V. and a family in San Francisco donated a used car. Then, on March 22, Ashley embarked on her 3,230 mile transcontinental trek across the United States. She runs 20-30 miles a day, six days a week. As remarkable as that is, Ashley says the running hasn't been the most challenging part.
"The running in the first two weeks was stressful but it wasn't the hardest thing I've ever experienced. Since then my body and endurance have just grown so the running isn't as hard as you would think it'd be," said Kumlien. "I would say the biggest challenges came to me before I even started running -- obtaining...the things we would need in order to make this run possible. It was more of just convincing people that it was something I was capable of doing without having any evidence besides my running ability."
More than four months into the run, Ashley has turned her skeptics into believers.
"Now that people can see that I'm capable of running this, it's gone from 'You're crazy' to 'You're inspiring," so that's nice to know that people have changed their opinions a little bit about how much the human body can endure in a short amount of time," Kumlien said. "My mom's just elated about it and she's just really proud and probably equally as proud as I am of her and the way she lives her life."
It was the thought of her mother's pride and courage that has helped Ashley get to this point in her journey.
"Anytime I hit a wall or reached an obstacle, felt stressed out or anything you can imagine feeling with doing something like this, I would think of my mom and how she approaches every day. She doesn't get a break from living with this disease and I really want to do something about it so I don't want to take a break from this. So those obstacles were really overcome with her in mind and using her examples to lead my life."
Passing through Mendota yesterday and onward to Sandwich today, Ashley has run more than 2,250 miles and raised more than $24,000. While she's already traveled roughly 7/10 of her journey, she says she is still a long way from her much larger goal.
"My sense of accomplishment will be when we reach our $500,000 goal. Once we reach that, then I can say me, my fiance and everyone who's supported 'MS Run the US' has really accomplished something big," said Kumlien. "With the fundraisers and pledges I've seen on TV and throughout America, I know we can raise thousands and thousands of dollars in just a couple minutes. So I fully believe that people that hear this story look into it and they see the profile that I put up of my mom and the way she lives her life; they'll look into M.S. a little bit more and realize this is a big act for a really good cause."
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To learn more about "MS Run the US" and Ashley's mission, you can visit the MS Run the US website. You can also follow it on Facebook and Twitter.
7/08/2010
Six reasons why I believe LeBron will become a Bull
1. Pieces already in place: Of the six teams bidding for LeBron, the Bulls have the second best roster for LeBron to join (short of the stacked combo of Wade-Bosh on the Heat). LeBron loves Derrick Rose (what's not to love?) and would fit in extraordinarily well in a starting five of Rose, Luol Deng, (former teammate) Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. Combine that with the addition of head coach Tom Thibodeau (who is represented by the same agency as LeBron), and you have a young core group of men who could very well dominate the NBA East for the next decade.
2. It would be LeBron's team: You may have the impression that LeBron is an egomaniacal narcissist. You may not be incorrect in that notion. Either way, LeBron has become accustomed to being the star of the show (referring to his teammates as "the supporting cast" often in the past). Many criticize that joining the Heat would be taking the easy way to glory, as they would surely win championships -- but it would still be Dwyane Wade's team. By joining the Bulls instead of a star-studded Heat team, LeBron is still the star. While Derrick Rose has superstar potential, he is very humble and unselfish. Carlos Boozer may be an all-star but has shared the stage with LeBron in the past, and lets his game do the talking.
3. Big market marketing: The greatest determining factor in LeBron's decision is how it is tied to marketing dollars. Many people would argue winning should be (or is) the greatest factor -- and they are correct, because winning championships is the greatest way to generate marketing revenue. Chicago isn't on the scale of New York or Los Angeles when it comes to market size; but it tops Miami and Cleveland. It's market size, combined with his opportunity to win several championships makes Chicago a better option than any of the other cities.
4. Bulls legacy: LeBron was a Bulls fan in his youth and idolized Michael Jordan. I think this may be one of the most underrated aspects of LeBron's decision. Think about your childhood and what you aspired to be. If you grew up wanting to be a Chicago Bull -- you'd probably become a Chicago Bull if given the opportunity (and combined with all other factors). LeBron has spoken favorably about Bulls fans, saying what an honor it is to play in front of them and earn their respect. Bulls fans have seen greatness, he reasons, and are best at deciding who possesses it.
5. Jordan legacy: Since Michael Jordan passed his prime, the NBA and basketball fans have been eager to annoint an heir to "His Airness". It wasn't Jerry Stackhouse. It probably could be Kobe Bryant. But the only player with a chance of surpassing Jordan's greatness is "The Chosen One" -- King James. The thing that first gave me the idea that LeBron was considering the Bulls was when he announced he will change his jersey number to "6" next season out of respect for M.J. It dawned on me that he may be thinking forward to joining the Bulls, where he wouldn't be able to wear #23 anyways.
6. The city itself: Chicago is...LeBron's kind of town. Chicago is...the perfect fit for LeBron. LeBron spent time here playing basketball growing up and it probably had a significant impact on him. Many people LeBron's (and my) age can relate. It's people, charm, architecture and activities provide everything you'd want in a place to call home. It's not oversized (like New York) and it's people are incredibly loyal and passionate about their sports teams (not like Los Angeles or Miami). LeBron is a Midwesterner and probably feels most comfortable in the Midwest. Next to Cleveland, Chicago is the destination LeBron would most likely want to call home.
Amidst all the clutter and noise people are spewing over this free agent fracas, I think these reasons will be why LeBron will join the Chicago Bulls. I hope I'm right, and can't wait to find out tonight during "The Decision" at 8:00 CST on ESPN. If you're one of those who can't stand the hype surrounding LBJ's announcement, well? In the words of Rasheed Wallace -- "This ain't basketball. This is entertainment." Enjoy the show.
5/06/2010
Lifelong Belvidere family recipient of new home
By Eddie Rybarski
The recipient of the new home is the Jones family, who are lifelong Belvidere residents.
The Jones' were selected after a process that included a review of application, initial interview, home visits by a committee, and a final review and decision by the Habitat for Humanity of Boone County Board. "What we're looking for is the person who normally wouldn't qualify at the bank," said Karl Otto, who serves on the board. "Mr. Jones has a regular job and has been employed for a while. And the sense that they've lived in the community and have been involved--it's someone we're helping out."
Actual construction will begin May 22, and will continue every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the home is finished.
"I was very thankful for the community and all these churches that give a helping hand to the people in need," said Rob Jones.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Boone County for this project. The volunteer-based organization has finished two homes in the past couple years; one on Fifth St. and one on Menomonie St.
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Original post found here
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Original post found here
3/24/2010
Political decorum should be a "big f***in' deal"
Whether you believe curse words are offensive or just a silly taboo, I think we can all agree there is a time and place to use them. That said, how is the Vice President of the United States uncognizant enough to drop "the f-bomb" within range of a microphone he just spoke into?
I personally am not offended by the VP's choice of words; in fact, I'd say they are a pretty accurate assessment of the health care bill's impact. The point is - there are people offended by foul language. Thus public figures need to have the decency to not use such language in situations where those people may hear or see it.
But who am I to give etiquette lessons to the country's second-in-command? While it appears to be an unintentional faux pas, it's possible he knew gosh/golly dang/darn well what he was doing. Was he not thinking, or just not caring? Either way, it amounts to a celebration of the legislation's triumph; emphasizing its importance in what could be its lasting legacy. "That health care bill? That was a big f***in' deal."
Sadly, Biden's blasphemy may be revered by many of his supporters. We've seen the political realm support those who use impetuous declarations as a means to "make a statement." When Rep. Joe Wilson famously shouted "You lie!" during President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress, the South Carolina Republican reportedly raked in over $1 million in donations following the incident. The House voted to rebuke Rep. Wilson, but the publicity and support he received far outweighed the House's slap on the wrist.
Last Sunday, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Tex., appeared to imitate Rep. Wilson's strategy by blurting out "it's a baby killer!" from the House floor as Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., defended his his change of position on health care legislation. Rep. Neugebauer has not been admonished for his breach of decorum (there were bigger issues at stake), yet he is immediately capitalizing on the publicity. Today he released a new campaign ad vowing to "continue to speak with the same passion that I spoke last night" on behalf of the unborn.
This approach was strikingly similar to Rep. Wilson's campaign strategy that worked so well: Use the new publicity to poise yourself as a strong voice who will never quit speaking out. Make sure to announce this in a campaign ad featuring your wife (I'm sorry, but I hate the Neugebauers' posturing. It doesn't relate to his message - she's just standing there with wandering eyes).
As long as the positive benefits of these public utterances exceed the negative reaction, politicians will continue to use them to champion their causes. Formal sanctions such as rebukes, censures, reprimands and fines should be issued in every lapse of decorum, but voting on such issues is a waste of time. It's up to politicians to maintain their decency out of respect for themselves and the people they represent. It's up to voters and donors to not support those who boorishly do not.
I personally am not offended by the VP's choice of words; in fact, I'd say they are a pretty accurate assessment of the health care bill's impact. The point is - there are people offended by foul language. Thus public figures need to have the decency to not use such language in situations where those people may hear or see it.
But who am I to give etiquette lessons to the country's second-in-command? While it appears to be an unintentional faux pas, it's possible he knew gosh/golly dang/darn well what he was doing. Was he not thinking, or just not caring? Either way, it amounts to a celebration of the legislation's triumph; emphasizing its importance in what could be its lasting legacy. "That health care bill? That was a big f***in' deal."
Sadly, Biden's blasphemy may be revered by many of his supporters. We've seen the political realm support those who use impetuous declarations as a means to "make a statement." When Rep. Joe Wilson famously shouted "You lie!" during President Obama's address to a joint session of Congress, the South Carolina Republican reportedly raked in over $1 million in donations following the incident. The House voted to rebuke Rep. Wilson, but the publicity and support he received far outweighed the House's slap on the wrist.
Last Sunday, Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Tex., appeared to imitate Rep. Wilson's strategy by blurting out "it's a baby killer!" from the House floor as Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., defended his his change of position on health care legislation. Rep. Neugebauer has not been admonished for his breach of decorum (there were bigger issues at stake), yet he is immediately capitalizing on the publicity. Today he released a new campaign ad vowing to "continue to speak with the same passion that I spoke last night" on behalf of the unborn.
This approach was strikingly similar to Rep. Wilson's campaign strategy that worked so well: Use the new publicity to poise yourself as a strong voice who will never quit speaking out. Make sure to announce this in a campaign ad featuring your wife (I'm sorry, but I hate the Neugebauers' posturing. It doesn't relate to his message - she's just standing there with wandering eyes).
As long as the positive benefits of these public utterances exceed the negative reaction, politicians will continue to use them to champion their causes. Formal sanctions such as rebukes, censures, reprimands and fines should be issued in every lapse of decorum, but voting on such issues is a waste of time. It's up to politicians to maintain their decency out of respect for themselves and the people they represent. It's up to voters and donors to not support those who boorishly do not.
3/16/2010
Have fun with your March Madness bracket
It's that time of year again, when everyone and their grandmother fills out a March Madness bracket and watches college basketball games they otherwise would have no interest in. The majority of people use the same rules of thumb to predict the winners, but is that the best way to do it?
The casual fan doesn't want to fill out their bracket randomly, but they won't spend all day on it either. Therefore they rely on a recognition heuristic to choose the winners. Teams like Duke, Kansas and Kentucky are elite basketball programs that most people are familiar with - and for good reason. This can be a very safe way to pick winners. Others use seeding as a key indicator; reasoning the higher seed should probably win. These methods are the quickest and easiest way to accurately determine winners.
So while everyone else picks based on what they believe is the most relevant information, other methods may stand the best chance at winning. Because the majority of people in your pool used a nearly identical strategy, most of their brackets will be busted if one of the favorites is upset. So why not be creative?
Let a different kind of one-reason decision making guide your selections. It doesn't have to be the most relevant information; but it will be so much more enjoyable if it works in your favor. One of my brackets is based on teams which are better at offensive rebounding. You could do it on anything; say, free throw shooting, the schools you'd most like to visit, or whichever team comes first in alphabetical order (if Baylor and Brigham Young meet in the Championship Game, you'll probably be the only one who picked it, and you'll be glad you did!).
Another simple strategy is choosing the Championship Game match-up first then working your way out. Since the last rounds of the tournament are where bracket pools are won and lost, worry less about picking long shots and work on nailing down the final two teams. The four #1 seeds have the best odds at winning the championship, so why not put them in your Final Four right away and work your way out?
As a cheat sheet, you can go ahead and fill in those teams you feel most strongly about, then sprinkle in some upsets like these on the fringes.
Midwest Region
The casual fan doesn't want to fill out their bracket randomly, but they won't spend all day on it either. Therefore they rely on a recognition heuristic to choose the winners. Teams like Duke, Kansas and Kentucky are elite basketball programs that most people are familiar with - and for good reason. This can be a very safe way to pick winners. Others use seeding as a key indicator; reasoning the higher seed should probably win. These methods are the quickest and easiest way to accurately determine winners.
So while everyone else picks based on what they believe is the most relevant information, other methods may stand the best chance at winning. Because the majority of people in your pool used a nearly identical strategy, most of their brackets will be busted if one of the favorites is upset. So why not be creative?
Let a different kind of one-reason decision making guide your selections. It doesn't have to be the most relevant information; but it will be so much more enjoyable if it works in your favor. One of my brackets is based on teams which are better at offensive rebounding. You could do it on anything; say, free throw shooting, the schools you'd most like to visit, or whichever team comes first in alphabetical order (if Baylor and Brigham Young meet in the Championship Game, you'll probably be the only one who picked it, and you'll be glad you did!).
Another simple strategy is choosing the Championship Game match-up first then working your way out. Since the last rounds of the tournament are where bracket pools are won and lost, worry less about picking long shots and work on nailing down the final two teams. The four #1 seeds have the best odds at winning the championship, so why not put them in your Final Four right away and work your way out?
As a cheat sheet, you can go ahead and fill in those teams you feel most strongly about, then sprinkle in some upsets like these on the fringes.
Midwest Region
- #11 San Diego St. over #6 Tennessee
- Either #10 Georgia Tech or #7 Oklahoma State over #2 Ohio State: I've taken GT and OK St. equally as many times in my 10 brackets (translation: 5 GT, 5 OK St.) and have taken either over OSU half the time before losing to Georgetown
- #13 Murray State over #4 Vanderbilt in the first round, then past #5 Butler to advance to the Sweet 16
- #10 Florida over #7 BYU
- #3 Pittsburgh over #2 Kansas St. (in 40% of my brackets) and over Syracuse (30%)
- #5 Temple over #4 Wisconsin (in 50% of my brackets)
- #11 Washington (30% of my brackets) over #6 Marquette, either beating #3 New Mexico (80%). The disparity in these picks are fine because any of them should lose to West Virginia in the Sweet 16
- #10 Missouri over #7 Clemson (70% of my brackets)
- #2 West Virginia over #1 Kentucky (50%)
- #9 Louisville over #8 California
- #13 Siena over #4 Purdue
- #10 St. Mary's over #7 Richmond (40% of my brackets)
- #3 Baylor over #2 Villanova in the Sweet 16 (60%)
- #3 Baylor over #1 Duke (40%)
2/25/2010
"Free Tili?" Not on My Watch (Satire)
A killer whale kills a trainer at SeaWorld and people want it freed back into the wild? Able to roam the great seas as he pleases; free to kill again if he so chooses? What kind of example does this set for the other whales? Kill a human and get liberated from captivity? I don't think so.
I understand the marine park pool is not the natural habit of "Tilikum" and his kind, so it may only be natural for an ornery orca to lash out every now and again. But by now all marine animals should understand: This world was designed specifically for humans; and if you live in our world, you play by our rules.
When we say "Jump through the hoop!" you ask "How high?" (answer: "Just high enough to get through the hoop will do"). When we say "Splash the audience!" you ask "How much?" (answer: "Just enough to make them giggle and consider buying a SeaWorld t-shirt"). Then you may be fed.
So a murder of this barbaric nature (with hundreds of eye witnesses) is way out of line and deserves justice. Rather than releasing Tilikum, I say we throw him in an even smaller tank. Instead of three buckets of herring a day, he gets one. No direct interaction with humans or other whales. Place his tank in the corner of the larger whale tank so the other whales can see: "This is what happens when you mess with the humans. Anyone else wanna show off your brute strength?" Didn't think so.
And I would probably show leniency if this were a natural occurence ("after all, killer whales will be killer whales," some may say), but we're dealing with a repeat offender here. This recent death at SeaWorld Orlando was the third human death Tilikum was involved in. Certainly the track record of a maliciously murderous mammal.
We need not only continue our containment of these marine animals, but clamp down even tighter. We need more marine parks, more shows and expansion into other industries (casinos, restaurants, sporting events, etc.). Eventually these beasts will realize their primary purpose on this planet: entertain humans so we may swim in a sea of money.
I understand the marine park pool is not the natural habit of "Tilikum" and his kind, so it may only be natural for an ornery orca to lash out every now and again. But by now all marine animals should understand: This world was designed specifically for humans; and if you live in our world, you play by our rules.
When we say "Jump through the hoop!" you ask "How high?" (answer: "Just high enough to get through the hoop will do"). When we say "Splash the audience!" you ask "How much?" (answer: "Just enough to make them giggle and consider buying a SeaWorld t-shirt"). Then you may be fed.
And I would probably show leniency if this were a natural occurence ("after all, killer whales will be killer whales," some may say), but we're dealing with a repeat offender here. This recent death at SeaWorld Orlando was the third human death Tilikum was involved in. Certainly the track record of a maliciously murderous mammal.
We need not only continue our containment of these marine animals, but clamp down even tighter. We need more marine parks, more shows and expansion into other industries (casinos, restaurants, sporting events, etc.). Eventually these beasts will realize their primary purpose on this planet: entertain humans so we may swim in a sea of money.
2/23/2010
Hayman's Olympic Men's Hockey Update
The week of preliminary rounds has finally passed and the excitement and energy predicted was second to none this week. The preliminary rounds provided everything needed to get a kick start to the men’s hockey this year in Vancouver. We saw upsets, great goals, big hits and goalies standing on their heads. My last post emphasized goaltending in this tournament and that’s really what a lot of games came down to. In a tournament like this where every game matters and the rounds are short, your goalie needs to bring his "A-game". That's what we saw out of players like USA’s Ryan Miller and Switzerland’s Jonas Hiller. 1. U.S.A.: I have played and coach at competitive levels in the USA hockey system and it’s about time we get recognized for being just as good as anyone else. The greatest reason Team USA is in the number one spot is goalie Ryan Miller. Miller has single-handedly put the team on his back and carried it through a tough game against Canada as well as a tough couple periods against Switzerland. I would look for Ryan Miller to only get better during this tournament. Aside from goaltending, I agree with USA’s GM Brian Burke; I am disappointed with their subpar play in the neutral zone. Also, I keep hearing about Team USA's high-octane offense, but we have seen very little of it thus far.
2. Sweden: I have been extremely impressed with Sweden. This team that has it all: experience, youth and speed. The Swedes went undefeated through the preliminary round and shut out rival Finland to announce their presence in the tournament. I would look for Nicklas Lidstrom to keep playing his shut-down style of defense along with Sedin twins for high-powered offense in the games to come.
3. Russia: I was impressed with the Russians this week and yesterday’s game that convinced me that the Red Machine will be tough to beat in this year's Games. Despite a disappointing loss to Slovakia, the Russians really laid down the hammer on the Czechs on Sunday. The Russian’s first line, centered by Evgeni Malkin and led by Alex Ovechkin, rocked the entire world. Despite Malkin ringing up two goals, it was Ovechkin’s hit on Jaromir Jagar that had the entire world seeing Red.
4. Finland: Despite being shut out by rival Sweden, the Finns were able to clinch a bye in the fourth position. The Finns have so many explosive players on their roster, but I would like to see more productivity out of Saku Koivu and Kimo Timonen. As much as I would love to see Finland explode onto the Olympic scene, I just think the U.S.A. will want it more if they square off in the Semifinal round.
5. Czech Republic: The hit Jaromir Jagr took against the Russians demonstrated that it’s no longer his time. The Czechs put up a good fight against the Russians, but the depth is just not there to get past Finland.
6. Canada: The only word to describe Canada’s performance right now is disappointing. There is no doubt they have the best roster in the tournament. Too bad when you hit the ice, nothing on paper matters. Sidney Crosby has really shown up and done well so far - but where is everyone else? The list goes on and on with stars on this team, but I am not impressed with what I have seen. Canada will really have to come together against Germany if they want to contend with Russia in the Quarterfinals.
7. Slovakia: Slovakia has really turned a lot of heads this tournament by beating Russia. The truth is, Slovakia doesn’t have the guns or the goaltending, but Marian Hossa is proving why he is one of the elite players in the NHL.
Outlook: The U.S. earned quite an advantage by drawing the #1 seed. Their path to the gold medal game will be much easier than that of Russia, Canada or Sweden. Canada will have a very difficult time getting past Russia in the quarterfinals, especially coming off a qualifying game the day before. Slovakia will challenge Sweden, but the experienced Swedes will pull through. Russia's talent will get them to the gold medal game, but they'll be gassed after taking on Canada and Sweden. The U.S. goaltending will get the job done, and the U.S.A. will win gold on the 30th year anniversary of the Miracle on Ice.
Bracket Projection:
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