September 10, 2009
Run 2mi @ pace better than last 4 mile run
"Manny"
5 Hang Cleans +
5 Thrusters +
5 Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls
5 rounds (stop at failure)
Overhead Press ("OHP") to failure (one set)
Row 500M
20 minutes of aerobic work
2 miles - 14:28
3 rounds of Manny completed at 120#
OHP @ 95# X 7
500M: 1:43.8 (drag factor 187)
5 miles - 17:08 (Bike)
I'm still not comfortable running with Vibrams, especially at the top end. However, the better your top end is the easier the intermediate level workouts. A sub 14:00 2 miles should be good next week. For the Manny workout I'm definitely not moving the weight up for a couple of weeks, till 5+ sets get done.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 9, 2009
September 9, 2009
DL x 10 @ 150% X BW +
Bench Press ("BP") X 6 - 10 @ 100% X BW (minimum)
5 Rounds (maximum 1 minute rest between rounds)
500M row
20+ minutes of aerobic exercise
DL 280# 10, 8, 8, 8, 7
BP 250# X 2, 230# X 4, 225# X 4, 205# X 6, 6
500M - 1:48.9 (the DLs take the fire out of the legs, guaranteed).
20 minutes of eliptical and bike.
After a few days of workouts of getting my ass handed to me it was nice to go back to a movement where there has been some success/progress. Over the next few weeks I'm going to try to focus on increasing shoulder and hip flexibility. My lack of depth on the OHS indicates that this is an area requiring more attention. So be it.
DL x 10 @ 150% X BW +
Bench Press ("BP") X 6 - 10 @ 100% X BW (minimum)
5 Rounds (maximum 1 minute rest between rounds)
500M row
20+ minutes of aerobic exercise
DL 280# 10, 8, 8, 8, 7
BP 250# X 2, 230# X 4, 225# X 4, 205# X 6, 6
500M - 1:48.9 (the DLs take the fire out of the legs, guaranteed).
20 minutes of eliptical and bike.
After a few days of workouts of getting my ass handed to me it was nice to go back to a movement where there has been some success/progress. Over the next few weeks I'm going to try to focus on increasing shoulder and hip flexibility. My lack of depth on the OHS indicates that this is an area requiring more attention. So be it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 8, 2009
September 8, 2009
Power Circuit + Interval + Aerobic
Piston Press (on BOSU ball round side up) X 5 +
OHS X 5 +
Pull-Ups X 5 +
Hang Cleans X 5 +
Barbell Curls X 5
5 Rounds
1 minute row 1 minute rest
5 Rounds
30 minutes of miscellaneous aerobic work
Piston Press (50# DB on each arm)
OHS 115, 115, 115, 95, 95
Pull-Ups, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3 (w 7.5# weight)
Hang Cleans: 115, 115, 115, 95, 95
Barbell Curls: 115, 75, 75, 75, 75
Row (m): 283, 271, 276, 263, 298 (averaging a 1:47 split, ugh, that's slow)
30 mins - stairclimber
Overhead Squats ("OHS") and Hang-Cleans are primarily about technique. The OHS is particularly demanding. You can really embarrass yourself on it (I did a couple of times today); so proceed with caution. This is not a movement conducive to rapid gains. If you can watch someone with excellent technique or have someone instruct this is best. Devour as much as you can with respect to technique. A strong OHS is indicative of a painstaking attention to detail and work ethic. Some movements (bench presses and deadlifts come to mind) reward quantity. The OHS rewards a commitment to technique.
Power Circuit + Interval + Aerobic
Piston Press (on BOSU ball round side up) X 5 +
OHS X 5 +
Pull-Ups X 5 +
Hang Cleans X 5 +
Barbell Curls X 5
5 Rounds
1 minute row 1 minute rest
5 Rounds
30 minutes of miscellaneous aerobic work
Piston Press (50# DB on each arm)
OHS 115, 115, 115, 95, 95
Pull-Ups, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3 (w 7.5# weight)
Hang Cleans: 115, 115, 115, 95, 95
Barbell Curls: 115, 75, 75, 75, 75
Row (m): 283, 271, 276, 263, 298 (averaging a 1:47 split, ugh, that's slow)
30 mins - stairclimber
Overhead Squats ("OHS") and Hang-Cleans are primarily about technique. The OHS is particularly demanding. You can really embarrass yourself on it (I did a couple of times today); so proceed with caution. This is not a movement conducive to rapid gains. If you can watch someone with excellent technique or have someone instruct this is best. Devour as much as you can with respect to technique. A strong OHS is indicative of a painstaking attention to detail and work ethic. Some movements (bench presses and deadlifts come to mind) reward quantity. The OHS rewards a commitment to technique.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 7, 2009
September 7, 2009
(Power Circuit)
1000M Row
Back Squat or Front Squat (225#/135#) X 6 +
Pull-Ups X 6 +
Bench Press @ 135# X 6
Push-Press @ 45DB or Dips @ 30# X 6
6 Rounds
1000M = 3:31
Back Squat 225# X 5, 4, 4, 4, FS 135# X 6 X 2
Pull-Ups 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 3
Bench Press 135
Push-Press @ 45DB X 6 X 2/Weighted Dips w/ 30# DB 6 X 4
20 minutes of easy stairclimber.
Squats, deadlifts and overhead presses are movements that nobody likes. The olympic and olympic style movements are even more reviled. Why? They are hard to do; they require tremendous amounts of concentration, you can't talk to someone while doing them. You need to focus on oxygenation, they require attention to detail and technique.
Go to a random gym. I've been a member of NYSC for 12 years and have never seen anyone do an overheard press. NEVER. I have actually seen some people do deadlifts. I see guys do partial squats frequently but rarely have I seen an individual do squats with the thighs going parallel with let alone "ass to grass." And believe me these guys don't recognize they're doing partial squats. Those are squats to them. More ranting on this; but I'll rant on this more once my three lifts get to respectable levels.
(Power Circuit)
1000M Row
Back Squat or Front Squat (225#/135#) X 6 +
Pull-Ups X 6 +
Bench Press @ 135# X 6
Push-Press @ 45DB or Dips @ 30# X 6
6 Rounds
1000M = 3:31
Back Squat 225# X 5, 4, 4, 4, FS 135# X 6 X 2
Pull-Ups 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 3
Bench Press 135
Push-Press @ 45DB X 6 X 2/Weighted Dips w/ 30# DB 6 X 4
20 minutes of easy stairclimber.
Squats, deadlifts and overhead presses are movements that nobody likes. The olympic and olympic style movements are even more reviled. Why? They are hard to do; they require tremendous amounts of concentration, you can't talk to someone while doing them. You need to focus on oxygenation, they require attention to detail and technique.
Go to a random gym. I've been a member of NYSC for 12 years and have never seen anyone do an overheard press. NEVER. I have actually seen some people do deadlifts. I see guys do partial squats frequently but rarely have I seen an individual do squats with the thighs going parallel with let alone "ass to grass." And believe me these guys don't recognize they're doing partial squats. Those are squats to them. More ranting on this; but I'll rant on this more once my three lifts get to respectable levels.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 6, 2009
September 6, 2009
60+ minutes of aerobic work
6 miles 46:47 (run)
5 miles 17:07 (bike)
500M (row): 1:48
As usual, running with Vibram Five Finger shoes is a challenge but "it's getting better all the time" and I'm hoping in the next month or so I can get back down to a sub 45 minute time for 6 miles. The 500M row is nice cherry on top of the oxidation workout cake. Surely a time trial for the 500M is in order the next few weeks. Dare I dream of a 1:30 time? I'll be happy with a 1:35.
60+ minutes of aerobic work
6 miles 46:47 (run)
5 miles 17:07 (bike)
500M (row): 1:48
As usual, running with Vibram Five Finger shoes is a challenge but "it's getting better all the time" and I'm hoping in the next month or so I can get back down to a sub 45 minute time for 6 miles. The 500M row is nice cherry on top of the oxidation workout cake. Surely a time trial for the 500M is in order the next few weeks. Dare I dream of a 1:30 time? I'll be happy with a 1:35.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 5, 2009
September 5, 2009
The last two days haven't allowed for workouts, so this morning I tried to "get the lead out."
Hang Cleans X 5 +
Thrusters X 5 +
Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls X 5
All at 115#
7 Rounds or failure
1000M row
20 minutes of aerobic exercise
500M row
FINIS
Made it through 4 rounds @ 115#
1000M = 3:38
20 minutes cycling, touch under 6 miles
500M = 1:48
if you can hit 7 rounds, you need to go up a significant increment (15#+). The body acclimates to static loads very quickly. Continually increasing weight, even by minute increments, battles the body's naturally complacency/resilience.
“Continuous” refers to actions which are uninterrupted: “My upstairs neighbor played his stereo continuously from 6:00 PM to 3:30 AM.” Continual actions, however, need not be uninterrupted, only repeated: “My father continually urges me to get a job.”
The last two days haven't allowed for workouts, so this morning I tried to "get the lead out."
Hang Cleans X 5 +
Thrusters X 5 +
Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls X 5
All at 115#
7 Rounds or failure
1000M row
20 minutes of aerobic exercise
500M row
FINIS
Made it through 4 rounds @ 115#
1000M = 3:38
20 minutes cycling, touch under 6 miles
500M = 1:48
if you can hit 7 rounds, you need to go up a significant increment (15#+). The body acclimates to static loads very quickly. Continually increasing weight, even by minute increments, battles the body's naturally complacency/resilience.
“Continuous” refers to actions which are uninterrupted: “My upstairs neighbor played his stereo continuously from 6:00 PM to 3:30 AM.” Continual actions, however, need not be uninterrupted, only repeated: “My father continually urges me to get a job.”
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Quotidian Workout September 2, 2009
September 2, 2009
(183.2#)
150% of BW DL X 10+
Incline Bench Press ("IBP")(Declining Balance) X 6
(Alternate between DLs and IBPs)
DL: 275# X 10, 8, 8, 8, 6
IBP: 195# X 5, 185# X 5, 175# X 5, 165 X 5, 155# X 5
This workout started at for the first time a few months ago, and I was unable to get through 185# on DLs. The improvement has been dramatic, but the continued emphasis on the DL resulted in some fatigue today. The IBPs were strong though. A full week till the next DL workout is probably in order. Continued "clean" and shoulder work can't hurt.
(183.2#)
150% of BW DL X 10+
Incline Bench Press ("IBP")(Declining Balance) X 6
(Alternate between DLs and IBPs)
DL: 275# X 10, 8, 8, 8, 6
IBP: 195# X 5, 185# X 5, 175# X 5, 165 X 5, 155# X 5
This workout started at for the first time a few months ago, and I was unable to get through 185# on DLs. The improvement has been dramatic, but the continued emphasis on the DL resulted in some fatigue today. The IBPs were strong though. A full week till the next DL workout is probably in order. Continued "clean" and shoulder work can't hurt.
Quotidian Workout September 1, 2009
September 1, 2009
Hang Clean X 5 +
Thruster X 5 +
Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls X 5
All at 95#
5 Rounds
500M Row + 20 mins Aerobic
2 Rounds
500M = 1:56
20 mins stairmaster
500M = 1:45
5 miles: 17:30
Warming up with progressively higher hang cleans (start at the regular olympic bar) works pretty well for any workout. The hang cleans open up the hips, activate the lower back, traps, even the shoulders. Your mileage may vary.
Hang Clean X 5 +
Thruster X 5 +
Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls X 5
All at 95#
5 Rounds
500M Row + 20 mins Aerobic
2 Rounds
500M = 1:56
20 mins stairmaster
500M = 1:45
5 miles: 17:30
Warming up with progressively higher hang cleans (start at the regular olympic bar) works pretty well for any workout. The hang cleans open up the hips, activate the lower back, traps, even the shoulders. Your mileage may vary.
Quotidian Workout August 31, 2009
August 31, 2009
Run 4+ mi
Row 1000M
Back Squat X 10
Front Squat X 10
OHS X 10
4.5 mi: 36 mins
1000M - 3:56
Back Squat: 225# X 6
Front Squat: 135# X 8
OHS: 95# X 8
An uninspired day. The run is always tough as I'm adjusting to the Vibram Five Finger shoes. These shoes create a lot of stress on my calves as I have a tendency to overpronate. With Vibrams overpronation will result in all sorts of heel pain. I managed a 7:45mins/per mile pace for 4 miles and then jogged/walked to finish out. With conventional shoes 4 mi have been done sub 28 minutes.
Run 4+ mi
Row 1000M
Back Squat X 10
Front Squat X 10
OHS X 10
4.5 mi: 36 mins
1000M - 3:56
Back Squat: 225# X 6
Front Squat: 135# X 8
OHS: 95# X 8
An uninspired day. The run is always tough as I'm adjusting to the Vibram Five Finger shoes. These shoes create a lot of stress on my calves as I have a tendency to overpronate. With Vibrams overpronation will result in all sorts of heel pain. I managed a 7:45mins/per mile pace for 4 miles and then jogged/walked to finish out. With conventional shoes 4 mi have been done sub 28 minutes.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Quotidian Workout 8-30-2009
August 30, 2009
Yesterday was a rest day.
Warm-up with ascending Hang Cleans (65# X 2, 85# X 2, 105# X 2, 135# X 2)
5 X DL @ 150% or better of BW alternate with 10 Dips
Row 1000M + 10 minutes of easy aerobic work.
DL = 315#
1000M = 3:46
10 minutes stairclimber
The rest day must have helped a bunch; was not gassed from the DLs, the 1000M set was bearable, next time should have tried for 2000M at 8:00. The ascending hang cleans get the body ready and "activated" for the heavy DLs. By that logic might be more productive to warm up with ascending power cleans in the future (longer ROM). However, I find that with the hang cleans I focus much more on galvanizing the hips and fuller extension by the traps since I can't depend on my, relatively, stronger lower back.
Yesterday was a rest day.
Warm-up with ascending Hang Cleans (65# X 2, 85# X 2, 105# X 2, 135# X 2)
5 X DL @ 150% or better of BW alternate with 10 Dips
Row 1000M + 10 minutes of easy aerobic work.
DL = 315#
1000M = 3:46
10 minutes stairclimber
The rest day must have helped a bunch; was not gassed from the DLs, the 1000M set was bearable, next time should have tried for 2000M at 8:00. The ascending hang cleans get the body ready and "activated" for the heavy DLs. By that logic might be more productive to warm up with ascending power cleans in the future (longer ROM). However, I find that with the hang cleans I focus much more on galvanizing the hips and fuller extension by the traps since I can't depend on my, relatively, stronger lower back.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Quotidian Workout August 28, 2009
August 28, 2009 (183.6#)
"Manny"
75# Front Squat + Push Press ("Thruster") +
75# Hang Clean +
75# Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls
10 Rounds or 15 minutes
Then
Row 1000M then 15 minutes of miscellaneous "aerobic" work.
The first round of "Manny" was at 95#, and then I downshifted. The thrusters require a little modification for the grip so you can transition into the push-press portion of the exercise. The Hang Cleans are especially taxing and you have to really move the hips and shrug the traps. Warming up with just a regular barbell before the Mannys (just hang cleans) helps a lot.
Not many (as a %age) really work their traps through a full Range Of Motion ("ROM") and it's very beneficial during Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls to go lower in weight but make sure that the bar always touches your nose or comes parallel to your mouth. Full ROM's incremental benefit to any muscle group are tremendous over standard ROMs that are coached/taught. For a rarely used muscle like the trapezius this is especially true.
Partial movements should be used to develop a weakness in a complex movement ("Rack Pulls" are often used to ameliorate weakness on the lockout portion of a deadlift) but otherwise, to this enthusiast they are a waste of time.
1000M = 4:12
11:20, 2000 strides - random eliptical machine (there must be some benefit to this, right?)
"Manny"
75# Front Squat + Push Press ("Thruster") +
75# Hang Clean +
75# Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls
10 Rounds or 15 minutes
Then
Row 1000M then 15 minutes of miscellaneous "aerobic" work.
The first round of "Manny" was at 95#, and then I downshifted. The thrusters require a little modification for the grip so you can transition into the push-press portion of the exercise. The Hang Cleans are especially taxing and you have to really move the hips and shrug the traps. Warming up with just a regular barbell before the Mannys (just hang cleans) helps a lot.
Not many (as a %age) really work their traps through a full Range Of Motion ("ROM") and it's very beneficial during Sumo Deadlift Hi-Pulls to go lower in weight but make sure that the bar always touches your nose or comes parallel to your mouth. Full ROM's incremental benefit to any muscle group are tremendous over standard ROMs that are coached/taught. For a rarely used muscle like the trapezius this is especially true.
Partial movements should be used to develop a weakness in a complex movement ("Rack Pulls" are often used to ameliorate weakness on the lockout portion of a deadlift) but otherwise, to this enthusiast they are a waste of time.
1000M = 4:12
11:20, 2000 strides - random eliptical machine (there must be some benefit to this, right?)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Quotidian Workout Aug 27, 2009
August 27, 2009 (187#)
Ran 6 miles 47:20
Eliptical 11:20 (2000 steps, with a Tabata set from minute 4 – 7)
There has not been a dedicated aerobic day for awhile and it shows. A few weeks ago, I ran 6mi in 45:21. Yesterday’s DL-centric workout resulted in lingering soreness in the lower back which made an extended run somewhat uncomfortable; but the work got done. Plans for a post-run 2000M row were scrapped when reality set in.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Quotidian Workout 8-26-2009
August 26, 2009 (186.2#)
Row 500M @ 2:00 split (Splits are always time per 500M; 500M is a “piece”)
50/50 workout
500M = 1:43
265# DL X 10, 10, 9, 9, 8
Barbell Bench Press (“BBP”) 245# X 3, 225# X 5, 205# X 7, 185# X 6, 5
The purpose of the row is to galvanize the body since I go straight into DLs >133% X BW. I came out way too fast (first 250M at 1:35 pace) and tamping down on the back half doesn’t really take the sting out of the legs. The lack of snap in the legs caught up with me in the 3rd set of DLs.
Row 500M @ 2:00 split (Splits are always time per 500M; 500M is a “piece”)
50/50 workout
500M = 1:43
265# DL X 10, 10, 9, 9, 8
Barbell Bench Press (“BBP”) 245# X 3, 225# X 5, 205# X 7, 185# X 6, 5
The purpose of the row is to galvanize the body since I go straight into DLs >133% X BW. I came out way too fast (first 250M at 1:35 pace) and tamping down on the back half doesn’t really take the sting out of the legs. The lack of snap in the legs caught up with me in the 3rd set of DLs.
Quotidian Workout 8-25-2009
August 25, 2009
Row 2000M, rest 4 minutes, Row 1000M, rest 3 minutes, Row 500M
2000M = 7:38
1000M = 4:06
500M = 1:46
Overhead Squats (“OHS”) 45# X 7, 65# X 7, 95# X 7
Front Squat: 95# X 10, Pull-Ups: 5
I am pleasantly surprised by the 2K rowing piece. I suspect that the deadlifts have strengthened the lower back to a point where it is very efficient transferor of leg drive power to the upper body. My pull-ups still reek.
Row 2000M, rest 4 minutes, Row 1000M, rest 3 minutes, Row 500M
2000M = 7:38
1000M = 4:06
500M = 1:46
Overhead Squats (“OHS”) 45# X 7, 65# X 7, 95# X 7
Front Squat: 95# X 10, Pull-Ups: 5
I am pleasantly surprised by the 2K rowing piece. I suspect that the deadlifts have strengthened the lower back to a point where it is very efficient transferor of leg drive power to the upper body. My pull-ups still reek.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wonder Woman is part of DC's Trinity. Sure thing, right? Obvious? Doesn't fee like it to me.
Let's go to the videotape, shall we?
Feature movies - Superman (at least 5), Batman (7), Wonder Woman ( NONE)
Animated series- Superman (2, at least), Batman (4), not counting Superfriends, Wonder Woman (0)
Animated features - Superman (2), Batman (at least 4), Wonder Woman (1 that has yet to be released)
Live action TV series - Superman (3 at least), Batman (1), Wonder Woman (1)
Comics - Superman and Batman have supported 2 series that have never ceased publishing since the GOLDEN AGE. They've had multiple others. In the 90s I recall Bruce and Clark supporting 4 titles. The only other character to do that ever is Spider-Man. Wonder Woman doesn't have a single series that has seen continuous publication. She has never been able to support 2 series at the same time. DC has never even put that to the test. Except for a brief hiatus in the 50s. Oh, I think Wolverine is probably the next character who might be able to support 4 series. I think he's effectively supporting three since Marvel seems to release a Wolverine one shot every 3 weeks along with "Wolverine" and "Wolverine: Origins."
Great stories that everybody knows:
Superman - Man Who Has Everything, Red Son, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, Man for All Seasons,
Batman - DKR, Killing Joke, Death In The Family, Long Halloween, Hush really too many to name. No character's catalogue of amazing stories is in the same ballpark. DKR, KJ have been constantly in print and get special absolute editions as did Hush and LH.
Wonder Woman - There are great Wonder Woman stories out there - but it's telling that i don't see any of her definitive stories in HC, Absolute, Authoritative or Omnibus type editions. Why? The market won't support it.
HC collecting many of the great Superman covers? Check.
HC collecting many of the great Batman covers? Check.
HC collecting many of the great Wonder Woman covers? Try again.
HC collecting many of the great covers featuring DC's heroines? Check.
What does this all mean? We're told that Wonder Woman is part of DC's Trinity. Methinks the emperor has no clothes. In most cases just because you keep saying it doesn't make it so; the proof is in the pudding.
This isn't a rant about Wonder Woman not being a great character; she is. It means something that she's survived for 70 years; though I think Black Canary can claim the same thing and appeared first.
Let's go to the videotape, shall we?
Feature movies - Superman (at least 5), Batman (7), Wonder Woman ( NONE)
Animated series- Superman (2, at least), Batman (4), not counting Superfriends, Wonder Woman (0)
Animated features - Superman (2), Batman (at least 4), Wonder Woman (1 that has yet to be released)
Live action TV series - Superman (3 at least), Batman (1), Wonder Woman (1)
Comics - Superman and Batman have supported 2 series that have never ceased publishing since the GOLDEN AGE. They've had multiple others. In the 90s I recall Bruce and Clark supporting 4 titles. The only other character to do that ever is Spider-Man. Wonder Woman doesn't have a single series that has seen continuous publication. She has never been able to support 2 series at the same time. DC has never even put that to the test. Except for a brief hiatus in the 50s. Oh, I think Wolverine is probably the next character who might be able to support 4 series. I think he's effectively supporting three since Marvel seems to release a Wolverine one shot every 3 weeks along with "Wolverine" and "Wolverine: Origins."
Great stories that everybody knows:
Superman - Man Who Has Everything, Red Son, Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?, Man for All Seasons,
Batman - DKR, Killing Joke, Death In The Family, Long Halloween, Hush really too many to name. No character's catalogue of amazing stories is in the same ballpark. DKR, KJ have been constantly in print and get special absolute editions as did Hush and LH.
Wonder Woman - There are great Wonder Woman stories out there - but it's telling that i don't see any of her definitive stories in HC, Absolute, Authoritative or Omnibus type editions. Why? The market won't support it.
HC collecting many of the great Superman covers? Check.
HC collecting many of the great Batman covers? Check.
HC collecting many of the great Wonder Woman covers? Try again.
HC collecting many of the great covers featuring DC's heroines? Check.
What does this all mean? We're told that Wonder Woman is part of DC's Trinity. Methinks the emperor has no clothes. In most cases just because you keep saying it doesn't make it so; the proof is in the pudding.
This isn't a rant about Wonder Woman not being a great character; she is. It means something that she's survived for 70 years; though I think Black Canary can claim the same thing and appeared first.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Of Litotes and Apophasis
I mentioned to someone that there's a rhetorical tool which is where you bring up something by not bringing it up, e.g. "Your Honor, The People do not have any interest in speaking about the defendant's past record of alleged sex abuse."
The fundamental word for "mentioning by not mentioning" is apophasis. There are many types of apophasis and wiki has, to me, a fascinating article. I am most fond of praeterito and I get all proslepsitic on people's a$$es about Batman!
Praeterito: Drawing attention to something while pretending to pass it over - The more common name for praeterito is paralipsis.
Proslepsis: An extreme form of paralipsis in which the speaker provides great detail while feigning to pass over a topic.
Litotes: Emphasizing the magnitude of a statement by denying its opposite, e.g. "she's not an unattractive girl."
Having read all this, I wish I was smarter. Not in a wistful way, but in a wouldn't it be cool if I was as strong as Captain America way? Wouldn't it be cool if I was 10th level intelletc? Of course this leads to another ramble:
21st century Earth's entirety of knowledge constitutes a 6th level intellect (DC Universe). Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Super-Heroes has a 12th level intellect. 31st century Earth is supposed to have a 9th level intellect.
There's a great two lines in the series finale of JLU where Metron says to Luthor "only a 12th level intellect can survive crossing into the Source Wall.""well in that case, I'm overqualified!'OH SNAP. No he didn't INTERROBANG Yes, I think he did. Damn.
The fundamental word for "mentioning by not mentioning" is apophasis. There are many types of apophasis and wiki has, to me, a fascinating article. I am most fond of praeterito and I get all proslepsitic on people's a$$es about Batman!
Praeterito: Drawing attention to something while pretending to pass it over - The more common name for praeterito is paralipsis.
Proslepsis: An extreme form of paralipsis in which the speaker provides great detail while feigning to pass over a topic.
Litotes: Emphasizing the magnitude of a statement by denying its opposite, e.g. "she's not an unattractive girl."
Having read all this, I wish I was smarter. Not in a wistful way, but in a wouldn't it be cool if I was as strong as Captain America way? Wouldn't it be cool if I was 10th level intelletc? Of course this leads to another ramble:
21st century Earth's entirety of knowledge constitutes a 6th level intellect (DC Universe). Brainiac 5 of the Legion of Super-Heroes has a 12th level intellect. 31st century Earth is supposed to have a 9th level intellect.
There's a great two lines in the series finale of JLU where Metron says to Luthor "only a 12th level intellect can survive crossing into the Source Wall.""well in that case, I'm overqualified!'OH SNAP. No he didn't INTERROBANG Yes, I think he did. Damn.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A Shot At The Title
"You want at shot at the title? You ain't even a contender" - Killer Croc
Sandwiches - their invention is credited to a John Montagu the fourth Earl of Sandwich. Whether this is true or not is of minimal interest to me. For your edification I leave a link for a slightly more complete synopsis of the origin of the sandwich: http://www.wordsources.info/words-mod-sandwich.html
So what are the great sandwiches of the day? What are the sandwiches that rise above the myriad combinations of materials shoved in between two slices of starch? Here is a list in ascending order, which I submit has a thoroughly New York City bias. The bias, it should be explained, is for sandwiches that frequently get eaten in NYC, though almost certainly not sandwiches that were invented in NYC.
Although technically sandwiches, I'm comfortable saying that the hot dog and cheeseburger have transcended mere sandwich status.
Roast Beef sandwich - the original sandwich as legend would have us believe the 4th of Earl of Sandwich had improvised during one of his many gaming (gambling sessions). With the deservedly bad rap beef gets for health purposes, this sandwich is in [relative] disfavor, but might rank as the only sandwich to be made in ever century since the concept of sandwich became known.
BLT - simple, classic, tasty and almost heathy - also spawned an imitator that ultimately failed (McDLT anyone?)
Grilled Chicken - the default, healthy sandwich, everyone has a version, it's ubiquitous and varied in approach; conducive to myriad combinations.
Pastrami on rye with mustard - does it get more Manhattan than this sandwich, it should actually be called the Manhattan, or the "Upper West [Side]" - i gave up beef a long time ago; i don't miss steak, rarely miss burgers, but how I miss pastrami.
Cuban Sandwich - not classic and as revered as some of its running mates on this list but so good: sliced pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard on garlic bread. No lettuces, no tomatoes, nothing cold; just meat, cheese and "sharpeners" to deliver lots of taste.
Chicken Parm - this is it, #1 - the sandwich that is a true meal unto itself; the sandwich that makes you say, "I give up"; an uncompromising sandwich: cheese, breaded meat, hero roll, tomato sauce; is there anything remotely healthy about this sandwich, no. You might as well have a cigarette after eating it, i know I do.
Which of course brings me to a question for which I do not have the answer but will be blogging about - who makes one of the best chicken parm sandwiches in NYC? What defines a great chicken parm from a good one and a bad one? Hmmm. More on the chicken parm later.
Sandwiches - their invention is credited to a John Montagu the fourth Earl of Sandwich. Whether this is true or not is of minimal interest to me. For your edification I leave a link for a slightly more complete synopsis of the origin of the sandwich: http://www.wordsources.info/words-mod-sandwich.html
So what are the great sandwiches of the day? What are the sandwiches that rise above the myriad combinations of materials shoved in between two slices of starch? Here is a list in ascending order, which I submit has a thoroughly New York City bias. The bias, it should be explained, is for sandwiches that frequently get eaten in NYC, though almost certainly not sandwiches that were invented in NYC.
Although technically sandwiches, I'm comfortable saying that the hot dog and cheeseburger have transcended mere sandwich status.
Roast Beef sandwich - the original sandwich as legend would have us believe the 4th of Earl of Sandwich had improvised during one of his many gaming (gambling sessions). With the deservedly bad rap beef gets for health purposes, this sandwich is in [relative] disfavor, but might rank as the only sandwich to be made in ever century since the concept of sandwich became known.
BLT - simple, classic, tasty and almost heathy - also spawned an imitator that ultimately failed (McDLT anyone?)
Grilled Chicken - the default, healthy sandwich, everyone has a version, it's ubiquitous and varied in approach; conducive to myriad combinations.
Pastrami on rye with mustard - does it get more Manhattan than this sandwich, it should actually be called the Manhattan, or the "Upper West [Side]" - i gave up beef a long time ago; i don't miss steak, rarely miss burgers, but how I miss pastrami.
Cuban Sandwich - not classic and as revered as some of its running mates on this list but so good: sliced pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard on garlic bread. No lettuces, no tomatoes, nothing cold; just meat, cheese and "sharpeners" to deliver lots of taste.
Chicken Parm - this is it, #1 - the sandwich that is a true meal unto itself; the sandwich that makes you say, "I give up"; an uncompromising sandwich: cheese, breaded meat, hero roll, tomato sauce; is there anything remotely healthy about this sandwich, no. You might as well have a cigarette after eating it, i know I do.
Which of course brings me to a question for which I do not have the answer but will be blogging about - who makes one of the best chicken parm sandwiches in NYC? What defines a great chicken parm from a good one and a bad one? Hmmm. More on the chicken parm later.
What's Moving The Needle? April 30, 2008
So what's the moving the needle this week? Let's take a look:
San Antonio Spurs - Steve Jones wrote an excellent article where he compared these Spurs to the Bill Russell era Celtics. Tim Duncan ~ Bill Russell, Tony Parker ~ Sam Jones, John Havliceck ~ Manu Ginobli. It's an apt comparison, highlighting very real parallels. It is increasingly apparent that Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all time and with four championships and two MVP awards his resume is gaudier than any player of his era (including Shaquille O'Neal); yet for all that Russell had five MVPs and eleven championships; edge - Russell. Sam Jones was a wonderful player, reputed to be a big time clutch performer but not really one enthused to play with that same intensity throughout the season. This was certainly a choice. Tony Parker has become an increasingly integral part of the Spurs dynasty every year and does not lack for intensity. In this current series vs the Suns, he shone; edge - Tony Parker. Manu Ginobli is a player who needs to be watched to appreciated. He does all the little things, fills the gaps and when the moment is right seizes the game. A tireless competitor and gritty player who is a direct descendant of the man they called Hondo. Everything good quality ascribed to Ginobli has been applied to Havliceck. In addition Havlichek won championships in a supporting role (the late 60s) and as the sharing the lead with David Cowens (in the 70s). Havlicheck was everything Ginobli is today . . . at a Hall of Fame level; edge: Havlicek. If you invite legitimate comparison to those Celtics, it's been a great career.
Dinosaur Comics - Sometimes excellence is defined by flashes of brilliance. Sometimes excellence is defined by the consistent output of great work. The two are not mutually exclusive. Most webcomics have a couple of central themes and conceits. Dinosaur Comics has the same panels everyday, which relieves the creator of various design woes and worries and allows his mind to have free rein as to content. What's been produced is a comic that is truly far ranging, eccentric, perspicacious and quixotic. It doesn't hurt that as a creator he, you know, produces consistently. (www.qwantz.com)
That's it for now. . .
San Antonio Spurs - Steve Jones wrote an excellent article where he compared these Spurs to the Bill Russell era Celtics. Tim Duncan ~ Bill Russell, Tony Parker ~ Sam Jones, John Havliceck ~ Manu Ginobli. It's an apt comparison, highlighting very real parallels. It is increasingly apparent that Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all time and with four championships and two MVP awards his resume is gaudier than any player of his era (including Shaquille O'Neal); yet for all that Russell had five MVPs and eleven championships; edge - Russell. Sam Jones was a wonderful player, reputed to be a big time clutch performer but not really one enthused to play with that same intensity throughout the season. This was certainly a choice. Tony Parker has become an increasingly integral part of the Spurs dynasty every year and does not lack for intensity. In this current series vs the Suns, he shone; edge - Tony Parker. Manu Ginobli is a player who needs to be watched to appreciated. He does all the little things, fills the gaps and when the moment is right seizes the game. A tireless competitor and gritty player who is a direct descendant of the man they called Hondo. Everything good quality ascribed to Ginobli has been applied to Havliceck. In addition Havlichek won championships in a supporting role (the late 60s) and as the sharing the lead with David Cowens (in the 70s). Havlicheck was everything Ginobli is today . . . at a Hall of Fame level; edge: Havlicek. If you invite legitimate comparison to those Celtics, it's been a great career.
Dinosaur Comics - Sometimes excellence is defined by flashes of brilliance. Sometimes excellence is defined by the consistent output of great work. The two are not mutually exclusive. Most webcomics have a couple of central themes and conceits. Dinosaur Comics has the same panels everyday, which relieves the creator of various design woes and worries and allows his mind to have free rein as to content. What's been produced is a comic that is truly far ranging, eccentric, perspicacious and quixotic. It doesn't hurt that as a creator he, you know, produces consistently. (www.qwantz.com)
That's it for now. . .
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What's Moving The Needle? April 24, 2008
What's moving the needle this week? What's resonating with me from last week or just bears watching? Without further adieu:
Chris Paul - The Hornets might be one of the few #2 seeds to be less favored to win at the outset of a playoff series in NBA history. That's my guess. People cited "lack of experience" as one reason for the prediction of an upset (i.e. a lower seeding beating a higher seed). Two games later and the Mavericks have no answer for the Hornets. Not only that they don't really understand the problem of CP3. He is far too good for anybody on Dallas. One way to neutralize a great offensive player is to work them over on defense but Dallas doesn't have the horses. This series is over and CP3 is going be climbing up the Mt. Rushmore of point guards very quickly. Only Magic and Oscar are safe.
The Patriots - Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh has reached an agreement with the NFL to turn over any materials related to "Spygate" and it's fallout. Look for the Patriots dynasty to be slowly discredited over the next few decades as more seeps out. The NFL is doing its absolute best to control the fallout, but history has a way of subverting these goals.
The Yankees - They are 11th in the AL for pitching (as measured by ERA) and running 4th in SLG with respect to hitting. They are 2 games over .500 at this, admittedly early, point in the season. The pitching is terrible; the hitting is excellent and not even firing on all cylinders. To say that Yankee managment has done an execrable job with respect to acquiring/developing pitching is an understatement. When you factor in the lack of any degree of difficulty as they have no real payroll restrictions the failure to assemble a serviceable staff is all the more glaring. Of course, overall, Yankee management hasn't done badly. They've gone deep into the playoffs in multiple years, went to the World Series in 2003, went to the ALCS in 2004 and have won the division nine out of the last ten years. Pretty good. You can't buy a world series, you just can't, but you can buy a playoff berth. The Yankees have done that. It's too early to tell, but this might be a year where they miss the playoffs brought down by their pitching.
Iron Man - The previews make the movie seem unbelievably good. The effects and production values are stellar. For all the hype surrounding the move, Iron Man is, at best, a 2nd tier character. Don't get me wrong, I really want to see this movie. If this elevates Iron Man to the level of the X-Men it's a credit to the movie, not the "iconic" status of Iron Man. "Demon In A Bottle" is a terrible story but like a virus won't go away. An often cited story about the emotional "complexity" of Tony Stark it is often cited by those who haven't read it. If you read it, you realize it's actually a terrible story and alcoholism is foisted on Stark; it is at it's best a shoe-horned "issue" episode that hits all the wrong notes. Tony Stark was a challenge to Stan Lee. How can I make a rich, arrogant guy into a hero? He succeeded. Making him an alcoholic later on made him more sympathetic or cliched, but it didn't make him better. Ugh.
Till the next time . . .
Chris Paul - The Hornets might be one of the few #2 seeds to be less favored to win at the outset of a playoff series in NBA history. That's my guess. People cited "lack of experience" as one reason for the prediction of an upset (i.e. a lower seeding beating a higher seed). Two games later and the Mavericks have no answer for the Hornets. Not only that they don't really understand the problem of CP3. He is far too good for anybody on Dallas. One way to neutralize a great offensive player is to work them over on defense but Dallas doesn't have the horses. This series is over and CP3 is going be climbing up the Mt. Rushmore of point guards very quickly. Only Magic and Oscar are safe.
The Patriots - Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh has reached an agreement with the NFL to turn over any materials related to "Spygate" and it's fallout. Look for the Patriots dynasty to be slowly discredited over the next few decades as more seeps out. The NFL is doing its absolute best to control the fallout, but history has a way of subverting these goals.
The Yankees - They are 11th in the AL for pitching (as measured by ERA) and running 4th in SLG with respect to hitting. They are 2 games over .500 at this, admittedly early, point in the season. The pitching is terrible; the hitting is excellent and not even firing on all cylinders. To say that Yankee managment has done an execrable job with respect to acquiring/developing pitching is an understatement. When you factor in the lack of any degree of difficulty as they have no real payroll restrictions the failure to assemble a serviceable staff is all the more glaring. Of course, overall, Yankee management hasn't done badly. They've gone deep into the playoffs in multiple years, went to the World Series in 2003, went to the ALCS in 2004 and have won the division nine out of the last ten years. Pretty good. You can't buy a world series, you just can't, but you can buy a playoff berth. The Yankees have done that. It's too early to tell, but this might be a year where they miss the playoffs brought down by their pitching.
Iron Man - The previews make the movie seem unbelievably good. The effects and production values are stellar. For all the hype surrounding the move, Iron Man is, at best, a 2nd tier character. Don't get me wrong, I really want to see this movie. If this elevates Iron Man to the level of the X-Men it's a credit to the movie, not the "iconic" status of Iron Man. "Demon In A Bottle" is a terrible story but like a virus won't go away. An often cited story about the emotional "complexity" of Tony Stark it is often cited by those who haven't read it. If you read it, you realize it's actually a terrible story and alcoholism is foisted on Stark; it is at it's best a shoe-horned "issue" episode that hits all the wrong notes. Tony Stark was a challenge to Stan Lee. How can I make a rich, arrogant guy into a hero? He succeeded. Making him an alcoholic later on made him more sympathetic or cliched, but it didn't make him better. Ugh.
Till the next time . . .
Blogging Is Hard/ Jack Kirby & Bob Dylan
So, for the three of you who read this blog; i apologize for not posting for five months. My bad. Here's some thoughts that I stole from myself; in that I uttered them during an long chat session with one of my frequent chat collaborators. However, it's content and I'm throwing it in here.
So i'm on a 4th world kick right now. been reading some of the stuff and I have 3 of the 4 omnibuses. I'm talking Jack kirby: new gods, apokolips, new genesis, orion, highfather, you know them well. Here's the thing; Kirby's 4th world stories are very uneven, yet he created something so spectacular, so truly mythical in their nature that it's no wonder that generations of DC writers loved his toybox. These writers were so aware of how epic and archetypal these characters were that in deference to Kirby and future writers they never were able to or were unwilling to advance the storyline unless it was an Elseword type of deal (Kingdom Come: Orion overthrowing Darkseid and replacing him as Lord of Apokolips). Of course that has now changed with Jim Starlin killing pretty much every New God in "Death of The New Gods" mini-series. If any writer should do this, it's Starlin. Starlin created Thanos who is very much the Darkseid of the Marvel Universe, but arguably far more successful in his universe.
Kirby created these timeless characters that were extraordinary even though the stories they were featured in were so forgettable. Kirby was like Dylan. Dylan wrote songs that sounded better when others performed them. This particular dylan-kirby metaphor only applies to his New Gods stuff, of course. Also, not to push the metaphor too hard, there are plenty of Dylan songs where his voice is quite appealing; I can't really say the same for Kirby's writing to that extent.
So i'm on a 4th world kick right now. been reading some of the stuff and I have 3 of the 4 omnibuses. I'm talking Jack kirby: new gods, apokolips, new genesis, orion, highfather, you know them well. Here's the thing; Kirby's 4th world stories are very uneven, yet he created something so spectacular, so truly mythical in their nature that it's no wonder that generations of DC writers loved his toybox. These writers were so aware of how epic and archetypal these characters were that in deference to Kirby and future writers they never were able to or were unwilling to advance the storyline unless it was an Elseword type of deal (Kingdom Come: Orion overthrowing Darkseid and replacing him as Lord of Apokolips). Of course that has now changed with Jim Starlin killing pretty much every New God in "Death of The New Gods" mini-series. If any writer should do this, it's Starlin. Starlin created Thanos who is very much the Darkseid of the Marvel Universe, but arguably far more successful in his universe.
Kirby created these timeless characters that were extraordinary even though the stories they were featured in were so forgettable. Kirby was like Dylan. Dylan wrote songs that sounded better when others performed them. This particular dylan-kirby metaphor only applies to his New Gods stuff, of course. Also, not to push the metaphor too hard, there are plenty of Dylan songs where his voice is quite appealing; I can't really say the same for Kirby's writing to that extent.
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