Rest Day

wt tng 3 by 15

Cable Xover 60 ea side
Seated Row 160

Wted Dips 25
Pull up 15 ea set x 4

Flat DB press 40
BB T-bar row 60

Standing DB curl 40
Behind the neck Triceps press 50

1 hr 20 min 1251 Cal

1482 Cal post w.o.

KANYR: Kill All New Years Resolutionists

Support you local KANYR movement!

Crossfit!!

Run 2 miles
50 Kettlebell swings
Run 2 miles
50 Air Squats
Run 2 miles
50 Jump Rope
Run 2 miles
50 Air Squats
Run 2 miles
50 Kettlebell swings
Run 2 miles

Total time: 1 hr 10 min
Cal 1250

Total Cal post-w.o.: 1401

I feel I am getting back into condition since my sinus infection.

The Crossfit focused leg training

BB squat 185
Lying leg curl 110

BWDKY Calf raises
Standing calf raises 120

95 lb BB clean
Bulgarian split squat(no wt.)

Straight Leg raises
Weighted overhead lunges 30 lb each arm

Total time 55 min
Cal 784

Total Cal post w.o. 1015

Flat press 165
Straight arm pull down 140

Incline DB press 60
BB row 145

Decline BB press 135
Deadlift 135

E-Z bar Skull crushers 70
E-Z bar Curl 70

Total time: 1hr 30 min
Total burn: 1470

Post w.o. ttl: 1638

3 sets of 15 50 and 75% wm ups

Incline leg press 180lb
RDL 60

DB Squat 70
Standing leg curl 50

Seated calf press 60
Standing wt'd calf raises (focus on balance) 50

180 sec straight leg raises
50-40-30-20-20 Walking Lunge

I have often wondered why my lower abs don't look like my upper abs. After the leg raises, I know why. And I thought it was my diet!

Total time: 1hr 5 min
Total Cal: 1042

Post w.o. burn: 1321

"Badger"

Complete three rounds for time of:
95 pound Squat clean, 30 reps
30 Pull-ups
Run 800 meters

Yeeeeouchhh!!!

1hr 20 min
1427 Cal

1719 Cal ttl post w.o.

Wt. tng

Cable Xover 90 ea side
Seated Row 200

Dips w/wt 45
Straight arm pull-down 160

Flat DB press 60(started with 80 and then I realized that losing 5 lbs from being sick hurts)
BB T-bar row 100 plus bar

Alt'ing DB curl 40
DB Triceps ext. 60

Total time: 55 min Total Cal: 868

Post w.o. burn: 1212

Not such a painful wo as Mon.
Crossfit tomorrow, should be xtra painful

Sick Day

Rest Day

Crossfit

Ivan the Terrible

90 Seconds of Jump Rope
50 Squats
50 Push-Ups
50 Sit-ups
90 Seconds of Jump Rope
40 Squats
40 Push-Ups
40 Sit-Ups
90 Seconds of Jump Rope
30 Squats
30 Push-Ups
30 Sit-Ups
90 Seconds of Jump Rope
20 Squats
20 Push Ups
20 Sit-Ups
90 Seconds of Jump Rope
10 Squats
10 Push-Ups
10 Sit-Ups

1 Hr 964 Cal

1113 Cal H.R. RTN

It's amazing what you can do if you stay active. Too bad I didn't, and the w.o. sucked ass.

1hr 10 min. Forgot the H.R. mon at home.

50 and 75% wm ups. 3 sets of 15

Flat Press 135
Straight arm pull down 110

Incline DB press 40
BB row 125

Deadlift 90
Decline press 135

Sucked

Alright. Let's try it again this week. I feel better, much better, thanks to some antibiotics and good ol' Sudafed. Good thing that shit isn't banned yet. I have lost about 5lbs of muscle mass and my weight, which usually floats around 200, is down to around 192. I have 3 weeks until OKC and training with some real Crossfit athletes. We'll see how fast I can pack on those extra pounds.

Sick sick sick

Okay, just kidding. Sick and work.

Still fairly sick but PT will begin again tomorrow.

Sick. Sick. Sick. Sick.

Sick. Sick. Sick. Sick.

Just got back from HUF. Still sick and unpacking.

50/75% wm ups then 3 sets of 15

Flat press 135
Straight arm pull down 110

Incline DB fly 45
BB row 135

Decline BB press 135
Deadlift 90

Pushups MAX
Back ext 3/15

Total time: 1:00
Cal 960

Total Cal post w.o.: 1090

Circuit trained it-Brutal. Hafta head to Terre Haute so I had to cut the Xfit short.

Sick Day

5 minutes of Jump Rope
5 minutes of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk
3 minutes of Jump Rope
3 minutes of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk
1 minute of Jump Rope
1 minute of 95 lb Clean and Push jerk

30 min 540 Cal

810 Cal post w.o.

3/6
Squats 135
Shrugs 65

3/8
BWDK Raise
Standing Calf raise 80

3/10
Standing Leg Curl
Shrugs 60

3/14
Lunges w/25lb wt
Deadlift 100lb

Time: 35 min Cal 526

Total Cal post wo: 686

Shitty day had to work over so I did the bare min

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Push-ups
Pull-ups
Back ext
Crunches

20 min 346 Cal

527 Cal Post w.o.

Rest Day

Crossfit only woo hoo!

50-40-30-20-10

Stretch

Jump Rope 100 times for wm up

Jump Rope 50 times btwn sets.

Jump Rope 100 times for cool dwn

Lunges
Turkish Get-ups
12" Box jumps
Alternating Kettlebell Swings

Total time: 1 hr 5 min 1211 Cal

1639 Cal Post w.o. (HR RTN)

Good w.o.

Tomorrow upper bod

Wt tng

3/6
Bulgarian split squat 135 lb although I recommend no wt and won't use wt again!
RDL 110 lb

3/10
Lateral Barbel squat 95
Hip ext with bent knee

3/14
Lying Leg curl 80
Barbell shrug 95


Standing calf raises max reps 20@60 then 13 @60

Total time:35 min 560 Cal

This w.o. sucked and I'm gonna change it.
Also, Newburgh Elite is jut too busy so I had to modify the w.o.

Crossfit

50 Air Squats
50 Push ups
50 Knees to elbows
50 Alternating 20lb kettlebell swings

980 Cal 25 min

Total burn post-w.o. 1156

There are just too many damned people in this gym. I had to cut my Crossfit short cause I had to wait on too many pieces of equipment. Shoulda gone to Evansville Elite. Tomorrow will be a better day.

No PT for the last 2 days. Got called into work today so it ruined the day as far as PT.

11/23/07

Good 2 days off.

Wt tng

3/6
Cable Xover 80
Seated Cable row 200


3/10
Weighted Dips 45
Straight arm pull down 90

3/14
Flat press 135
Barbell t-bar row 75

1 set max reps
Decline fly 20@30lb
Pull ups 4

40 min 608 Cal

Crossfit

Run 2 miles
Overhead Squat w/45lb bar 50 times
100 sit ups

Time not recorded

1475 Cal ttl Post w.o.

Rest Day

11/20/07

Crossfit only day!

50-Box Jump 12" Box
50-Jumping Pull ups
50-20lb Kettlebell swings
50-Walking lunge
50-Turkish Get ups
50-Push press 45 lb
50-Jumping Jacks
50-Air Squats
50-Burpee
50-Jump rope

45 min 786 Cal

Total Cal post w.o.: 1061

11/19/07

New wt tng plan chest and back for 8 weeks

wt tng

50 and 75% wm ups

3 of 6
Flat barbell press 190lb
Straight arm pull down 150lb

3 of 10
Incline db press 60
Barbell row 135

3 of 14
Decline fly 35
Deadlift 115 (Fixes ALL back pains)

1 set Max reps

Floor push up-22 so far
Back ext-20 so far

50 min 666 Cal burned

Xfit

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

Manmakers 20 lb
Flutter kick
DB swing 30 lb


What can I say? I love the ass beating these hand me and people in the gym think I'm nuts!

45 min total cal including wt tng: 1614

Total Cal post wo(HR RTN): 1940

Cal burned rockin out on drive home: 55

Diablo Crossfit

11/17/07

Manmakers 20lb dumbbells
Flutter kicks
1/8 mile run between sets

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

45 min 843 Cal

Total Cal post w.o.(HR RTN): 989

This is definitely a w.o. I will do again!

11/16/07

Fridays are great days for some mmmm good P.T. Why? Cause everyone else is skipping out!

Wt tng: 40 min and lift it like you are running with it!! aka: ckt tng

50 and 75% wm ups then 3 sets for 15 reps. Superset pairs.

Incline Leg Press 45lb x 2 ea side max
Romanian Dead Lift 60lb max

Dumbbell squat 70 lb max
Standing leg curl 40 lb ea leg max

Body wt donkey calf raises
Calf press-seated 70 lb max

Crossfit 40 min

50-40-30-20-10

Jump rope
Knees to elbows
Air Squats

1346 Cal ttl 1:20 time

Total burn post w.o. (HR rtn to nml) 1543 Cal


Tomorrow will be intense. I will try out some new stuff I found in the Crossfit website. One is here if anyone else really cares to watch the video: Manmakers

Add some sprints and some kettlebells, youse gotta a winner.

Shit

Not much today. Cold. Nasty. Busted my ass all day and stuck band-aids all over our nation's premiere aviation service equipment. After work, I needed to pick up some dumbbells or be forced to work Crossfit around the people in the gym. So I spent the $$ on a few wts and should be setup for a little until I outgrow the weights I got. Since I spent the time and money on weights, no PT. Well, you have to take the time to get set up. I figure I have plenty of days to use them, just had to sacrifice a day to get them.
Honestly, I might take a pay cut at this point just to PT. The job is great, but I have a lot of shit to fix, and not even enough time to do my regular checks on the shit that works. Sometimes I wonder if less pay, but more time to exercise would be worth it. Then they would just hire someone that didn't give a shit and nothing would work. Such is life when doing a job influenced by politicians.

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Only Wt Tng

Only did weighttraining today as there were too many jack-asses in the gym and it was raining outside. Same as before. 50 and 75% warm ups then 3 sets of 7 max weight. Superset two at a time.

Barbell T-bar row 100 lbs max weight
Incline barbell press 185lbs

Seated row 200lbs
Decline dumbell press 80 lbs each

Cable side deltoid raise 60 lbs
Lat pulldown 180 lbs

Decline skull crushers 90lb
Biceps curl-EZ bar 90lb

Total time: 1:10

Total Cal during wo: 1080
Total including post wo: 1466

Not a bad burn for no Crossfit. Who said weight training doesn't burn Cal like cardio?

Rest Day

Had to go into work at 00:30 to finish some stuff before I can't work on it due to the Holiday. Slept all day. No PT.

11/12/07

Gave it a few days off due to the intensity of 11/9/07. I'm afraid of burning muscle mass if I hit it too hard too often.

Weight training:
50 and 75% warmups then 3 sets of 11 in supersets.

Leg Press(Incline) 45lbs x 3 ea side
Romanian Dead Lift 90 lbs

Dumbell Squats 110lb
Standing Leg curls 65 lbs

Body-wt Donkey Calf Raises
Sitting Calf Press 30 lb ea side

Crossfit

12-9-5

Thrusters 20 lb
Pull-ups

5 full sets.

Wt tng: 45 min 714 Cal
Xfit: 1:00 1074 Cal

Post WO ttl: 1938 Cal

11/9/07

50-40-30-20-10

Turkish Get-up
12 inch Box jumps
Knees to elbows
Squats

Warm up: 100 jump ropes
Cool down: 100 jump ropes

Between sets: 50 jump ropes

No rests, Stretch well before beginning.

Results:

1738 Cal burned
1 hour, 45 min
Changed "knees to elbows" to MAX due to sheer exhaustion
Total Cal burned(HR returned to normal): 1943
Was very sore but knew the end result would be worth it.

Crossfit

Many people already know that I have discovered Crossfit. So, since this blog doesn't get much use as is, I will try to post my daily crossfit workouts along with weight training that I do to "wear down" the body before the Crossfit P.T. Keep in mind that I have had to improvise, since there is not an active Crossfit gym anywhere near Evansville. I can't wait to go to OKC so I can try my hand in a real Crossfit gym.
I have modified my diet, which was based on The Abs Diet, to fit more closely to the Crossfit diet which is very similar, but geared more toward what we have naturally evolved to eat.
Hopefully, this will inspire some other PT addict out there to try Crossfit.

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Any questions to what the exercises are can be found on the Crossfit website.

PT

Air Force Puke

I never thought that I would call an Air Force pukie a close friend, but I am afraid that I must. Call it circumstance or fate, whatever. Maybe I just enjoy listening to my friend talk with his New Englander accent. Or maybe because we both enjoy good beer and chow. J.L., a 43 year old Chair Farce (ret.) Tech Sgt is a wise and intelligent friend. At 43 years old with a severely injured back and chronic kidney stones, Johnny, you can sure take an ass beating in the gym. What a great example you are of someone that can overcome such physical ailments and PT like you are in your 20's. My PT will not be anywhere near as good or fulfilling when I am back in Indiana. Neither will my conversations. Of course, his wife, retired Senior Master Sergeant, USAF, works for the Coast Guard now, which might be all that the fuss is about. That makes them family.

Honor. Respect. Devotion to Duty.

AVT3

Ass beating

This site has some real rockin PT routines: http://www.crossfit.com
Kicked my ass. I understand the "Spartans" from 300 trained very similar to this. It rocks.

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Flying Dog In Heat Wheat

So I received the six-pack of Flying dog today. It also came with a nice glass with their logo on it. I will do as promised and retract my previous comments. The beer is an excellent wheat. Has a good lingering aftertaste and goes down smooth. Thanks, Flying Dog-I will buy your beer again. If you really enjoy a good wheat, I must say this is definitely worth a try. I believe the spoiled 6-pack I got at first was more the fault of the distributor rather than the brewer. But, it does say alot about Flying Dog to go to such lengths. Thanks again, especially Rob. I can't wait to try the other types.

TK

Flying Dog In-Heat Wheat

Well, my rant about Flying Dog evidently got the attention of the brewery. They explained to me that the beer I had was very outdated and old. So they are mailing me a fresh 6 pack. That says alot about the brewer to make that kinda effort. In return, I will remove my previous comments and perhaps find a very good beer. I just hope it gets here before I haul ass back outta town.

HM

Rest in peace, Hotel Mike. I still see your returns in my grass. I only hope that I am half the friend you were to yours and half the technician you were to your job.

Bars and Chinese

There are times you realize that some you meet at the bars are not destined for much.

I had the best Chinese food in my life today. The Golden Palace on Meridian street is a real authentic Chinese restaurant, not like so many others across the country. It's cooks are Chinese which I am sure makes the difference. Most Chinese restaurants have Chinese wait staff but Mexicans doing the cooking. I honestly don't know if I could ever eat at one of those again.

That's about it over here in the land of good tunes, schoolwork, and beer.

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The Close-Minded Atheist

So a coworker recently suggested to me that atheism is simply close-minded. This is due to the idea that we cannot prove there is no god, no matter how far science may progress. Since science has nothing to do with the realm of spirits, we cannot test what we cannot prove. Great point! Man, I totally agree. Gosh, I'm fuckin' relieved. Now, I can believe in Bob(aka god) and continue on in life in blissful harmony that my soul is saved and I am immortal, my sins forgiven. Now, I can do what I want-no holds barred since all I have to ask for is forgiveness. Bam! Heaven, here I come! Wait for it...pause...pause...pause again..NOT! Methinks some might take this literally(ie:VT).

You are going to have to do more than that to convince a skeptic. What? That's your silly argument? Science and History can disprove the bible, quran, jesus, and mohammed. I won't go into the quran. Okay, so the bible puts the age of the earth at about 6-14 thousand years old(Carbon-14 dating and a whole buncha other science stuff would disagree). Some xtians say we don't interpret the bible literally. Pick and choose and I guarantee you can take a penthouse mag and follow it religously. So...if the old testament is only to be taken as a story and not true, then 'Original Sin' never occured? So then why did Jesus die on the cross for us? (For you xtians out there, 'Original Sin' is when Adam and Eve took of the forbidden fruit-didn't think I knew that, huh?) Nevermind why Bob had to become a mortal man and get hung on a cross to suffer for that. Bob must be a real moron, no one else would hang on a cross for their fellow human's stealing a bite of fruit. Research, research-get the facts.

NEway, back to the unoriginal remark. The close-minded atheist. I was a xtian once. Even graduated from a xtian school. I thought that was the only way. Even tried to listen to the preachers and what they said. Then, in the military, I learned physics. Turns out, you have to get the facts to apply physics. So then, what if I got the facts for other things??? I did, of course. And here I am. And life is beautiful. No magic, no supestition, and no forgiveness for my sins except time and acceptance-just the facts. Gotta get it right the first time. Grounds for morality and character? Perhaps another time.

Close-minded? Because I consider every aspect? Make my decisions on the truth and only the truth? No, not close-minded. I simply looked into things. Informed because I have to be. Most atheists started out as religious, they just blossomed cause they used reason.

Open-mindeness is considering all things and then coming to a decision. Atheists apply that to their whole lives.

Good quote for anyone who uses reason:

"Embrace the freedom, if you can stand it, of being completely in charge of your life."

You'd get it if you thought about it.

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Dawkins

"The GOD Delusion" is a wonderfully written masterpiece that everyone, christian or otherwise, should read. All of the research on religions that I and others have done is beautifully put together in this one book. I am convinced that you need no other. If you truly want an openmind about evolution, Islam, Christianity, Atheism, and their associated debates-this is the read for you.

"If this book doesn't change the world -- we're all screwed."

-Penn (Penn & Teller)

Penn makes a good point on this article from npr: Click

This is how I live my life along with many other atheists. I enjoy every minute of it. Why ask for more? Life is good.

Bitter Effing End

Well, this part of school comes to an end. I am burned out, unmotivated, and left humbled. Turns out I have bitten off quite a bit and still not finished. I am convinced that I could spend a lifetime learning this radar and still not know it all. I fought this course to the bitter end and I must say that the exams were brutal. Yes, I did fine, but only with a whole lot of effing studying. Every bit and more of the certifications and licenses, independent study, and college courses I took were used in this course. If I hadn't had them, I would have been back in Indiana much sooner explaining to my boss why I failed this course. But I know that I have exactly 4 weeks to work with the system before shipping off to another course on an entirely different system. I think I'm gonna be busy.

Lucky for me, I enjoy the math of this next course so I should be able to get the concept easily enough. After that? Another course, more equipment. I just hope that my notes are good enough to get me by when I have a problem with this radar years down the road.

I know I mentioned it before, but I really do enjoy the diversity of America. I guess my time in the military really made me appreciate people from different parts of the country. If only I had time to live in all of those parts for just a few years, I bet I would have some adventures. Of course that still is an option.

Good thing they make good beer here, cause I don't know if I would have made it otherwise. Good nite!

Three Weeks

Let's see, where to start...been awhile... Gotta pretty good group of guys in my class. I love the diversity of it. We have people from all over the U.S. I'm telling ya, if you want an eye opener, work for the federal government and you quickly realize your little town is not the world. Most of us have military service in common. I'm a bit biased here, military service should be a prerequisite for this responsibility. Of course, we do have Air Force pukes who always seem to have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. But I guess even some of those guys are alright.

One irritating bit, as always, there are a few who rub you the wrong way. We have two far right christians in our group that are constantly voicing their distorted viewpoints. I really wish these people would go out and get the facts regarding the founding of this country(amongst other things). There is no mention of god or jesus or even the bible in the Constitution, so why do they persist in saying church and state should be together? The founders didn't want it, why change the law of the land? They don't know this. But, not all is lost. I brought this to their attention and they so far have shut their silly mouths. Hopefully they are pondering this and the other truths we have brought up. I doubt it, but one can only try.

I went out drinking with a couple of fellas from the New England area. I really like to listen to them talk. I wouldn't mind living in Massachusetts or Maine. I like the history of the place and the people.

I'm busy as hell in this course, you really have to pay attention. I'm glad for this, as there should be a standard we are all measured by. I usually have to take my work home with me. So far, my average in the course is 96.67%. I'm trying to keep it that way cause there is an instructor position opening up that sounds interesting enough. It all depends on how ambitious I am. It would include a promotion and a pay raise to almost a six figure income. Tempting as it is, I would have to move to Oklahoma and be bound here for 3 years. Of course, I would have to finish my work in Evansville first, but the selection process would give me enough time. This would provide a way to finish an engineering degree and then go somewhere else. Something to think about either way. Right now, I'm trying to keep up and just entertaining the idea.

The Wild Turkey

Two years ago I worked with some of the best people the United States has to offer. It doesn't feel like it. So for you guys and gals still pullin' hovers on and off the ice, wherever you are, I salute you with this bottle of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. You are greater people than I will ever be. I'm still working for you, just more behind the scenes. May your landings never exceed the speed of gravity, your autos always kick ass, and your beer always stay cold. Smooth tailwinds. I miss you guys. In the words of LZ, "Keep your head on a swivel".

AVT3

Fat, Dumb, and Gassy

I always hate the first few days of traveling. Seems like wherever I go, the first night I don't sleep well, the rest of the week I am adjusting to the local bacterial flora (i.e. gassy and nausea) and weather. I really like to travel and see new places, but this sux. Yes, yes, I know. Getting paid extra plus gettin paid on Uncle Sam's dime to sit in a class room or screw up a RADAR and let some instructor tell me how and why I screwed it up in the first place.
Of course, I have a little extra time on my hands, so the last few days I gave my body the extra punishment that I always wish i could. Well, for what? I have barely eaten anything all weekend and for anyone that has ever lifted weights you know that you have to eat like a fat man. If you don't, you get so effing hungry you start behaving like a crack whore who hasn't had it for a bit.
So I'm stuck in this nice apartment somewhere in OKC starving to death and having hallucinations about eating but not too much cause then I go and dry heave for a bit and try to keep some fluids down. It'll get better, I just have to fight through the first week. Anyone else got any bitches?
Other than that, it turns out I am not as smart as I thought I was when it comes to digital electronics. So I'm gonna take my fat, dumb, and gassy self and hit these books tonite anyway and hope I can focus enough to get through them.
The best part of this last week was getting a very nice pay raise courtesy of Uncle Sam for selling my soul to the government by accepting more workload.
I really enjoy what I do. I think that by travelling it makes me appreciate the real world. I love the diversity of people and mentality of those I get to interact with. It's something you don't get when stuck in southern Indiana for months on end. There's a wide world out there and I encourage everyone to see and live in it.

Cold

Alright people from southern Indiana and surrounding areas, if you have not lived north of Detroit, you cannot bitch at me for wearing shorts in this weather. So waah.

Radar School

Evidently 82% is a hundred. This is derived from the square root of the actual decimal equivalent divided by the tangent of 30 degrees azimuth minus the Doppler shift of an aircraft at a ground speed of 100 nm/hr (radar frequency is 2770 MHz) divided by k= -5.95 times the 3^rd harmonic of 350 Hz divided by 12,547,905.27 Kelvin times the radial velocity 86.60nmi/hr of said aircraft equals 1.00000001 or 100%. Thus, as a government employee, I am authorized to attend ASR-8 and then Mode S school in lovely OKC.

Yes, I am a nerd. Sometimes.

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2007

Thank-you, Resolutionists! Your breaking of your 2007 resolution to get back in shape from last years many trips to the donut shop or Wackdonalds is much appreciated. Now, I can almost work out in complete privacy without your dim-witted asses getting in my way. Perhaps next year you should spend all that money on a piece of exercise equipment for your home-only to sell it the following year in your annual garage sale!

XOXO,

The ugly guy in the bandanna and tanktop.

Driving

Evidently Louisville drivers don't appreciate it when you get in front of them to pass a slower semi-truck. They also don't seem to appreciate when you play an imaginary violin with an imaginary sad-sad song while they are hurling insults at you.

Long Time, No Post

Greetings my readers of 3(including myself). Not much going on here at home, but a bit at work. Gearing up for all you happy holiday travelers to ensure you get there and back safely. Don't thank me, your government thanks me every two weeks.
Here is a great link if you are not a hypersensitive religious puke with nothing to do but ponder your effing creation. Oh, and you might need a sense of humor.
In other news, I passed my 16 hour exam in just under 8 hours. Watch out DFB, you're on my 22/04 approach now, bitch. No whining either, you are being recorded.
I'd type more, but I have to go make a pilot.

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Sun Music

Have you ever heard the sun?

Veteran's Day

I start this Veteran's Day tomorrow with a heavy heart. Veteran's Day began after WWII to remember our fallen soldiers and veterans from the war. Now, it's about all vets, and some say not just those in the U.S.

One of our most recent soldier’s deaths made the news at CNN: Army Sergeant Willsun Mock, a 23 year old man from Kansas. I didn’t know this man, but he was obviously a patriot and a true American. Many might not agree with the Iraq war. Nevertheless, I will never quit supporting these brave men and women. Their value to this country is greater than anything many others including myself have ever given. Following are some quotes from this great warrior. The full article can be read here.

"I think not only me has changed, I think that everybody that was there, enemy, friendly, everybody walked away changed."

"Nobody wants to die out here even though the soldiers would for our country. Any of them would -- that's not a question."

"’It would break my heart to see one of my brothers in the military serving in a place like this,’ he said when asked why he would stay in the military. ‘I would much rather myself suffer than one of them, and they have kids to think about, and I'm a little young for that right now. And it's good serving with the men; it's good serving for this great nation.’”

"Every time we lose soldiers and we have our ceremonies here for the fallen comrades and they play the taps for those men -- that's probably the moments that will stay in my mind more than ever."

I stand in the shadow of them all. SGT Mock, and all of them over here and abroad, is a giant to the rest of us. There is nothing greater, and I am humbled everyday by their deeds and sacrifice. I can’t complain about my life, not ever, in the 28 years that I have been so lucky to have. Many of those from World War I to our current situation in Iraq, never got that much.

Remember our vets tomorrow. From the iron men, wooden ships, and cloth airplanes of World War II and before, to the rock-solid men and women now serving our great nation. Never forget them.

Semper Paratus,

A humbled sailor from the United States Coast Guard

Space Needle Pix

Some came out a little blurry cause I had to tweak the camera a bit to get anything good.

Jet-lag again

Made it home. Had some delay at O'Hare, but what can you expect. If things worked out the way you planned it, well, this wouldn't be life.

Travel tip of the year:

Sit down to pee while in flight.

AVT3

Space Needle

Well, I was going to upload some pix that I took while on top of the Space Needle, but I forgot the cable so this won't be as exciting. Did manage to celebrate Halloween-naked. Ok, j/k. Really, I am driving a pumpkin-mobile. I asked for a Sebring, was told I was getting one, then I got an orange chevy compact HHR. I think someone thought I was a pygmy. But, it's all good cause I'm too ugly to pick up chix and it was the week of Halloween.
I just completed a bit of PT on some poor excuse for exercise equipment. What can you expect? Most people are at the hotel happy hour sucking down free drinks. Oh well, make it a light week and I don't miss the eating all day long to catch up on protein loads. Sometimes you just have to be a fat, outta shape American.
It's absolutely beautiful out here and the weather ain't too bad either. Mt. Rainier is just over the horizon and although I don't have alot of time, It's still a great view. That's about it. School makes me realize I'm not as smart as I thought I am. I can keep up with the course, but I have a lot of work ahead of me. A lot. Such is life. Catch ya'll later.

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Jet-lag

Made it to Seattle. Got upgraded to first-class cause they didn't have any more seats. *sigh* It was horrible, lemme tell you. We flew over the Rockies which was pretty cool. Long flight, though. I'll post some pix as I get 'em.

My layover was in O'Hare. Luckily, J.P. went there too, so I got him to buy me some chow (He gets to see Unca Dubya over in D.C.). I like airports just cause of the diverse people you get to see. We definitely aren't all the typical Tri-Stater we sometimes think we are. I'm glad I travel like I do. I think if I didn't, I wouldn't appreciate all the different people and different backgrounds. I fear getting the tunnel vision that some other folks get cause they just don't realize who and what else is out there.

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Seattle

Woo hoo! A break from work. I get to go to Seattle this coming week. Ok, not necessarily a vacation, but at least they can't call me in!

Guardian

Well, Hollywood did their best to portray the CG. Not a bad film. I give it a B+.

T-minus 5 days

Who wants to dress in full flight gear to go see this??

View from the Top

Well, there it is, ladies and gents. All this just to change a light bulb. Only 250 feet in the air and not a bad view. Actually, this tower was more stable than the usual 100 footers.

Jarheads

So I met a Marine who served on a Coast Guard cutter. He even bought me some beers. He even knew Coast Guard history so I spat out some Jarhead Hx. I guess some Marines have their shit together. Semper Fi.

TK

Papa Charlie

So my friend and co-worker Papa-Charlie is gonna start his own blog. You might think that is not a big deal, but for an 84 year old World War II vet, getting online and telling the world about his great experiences is a deal indeed. What a great honor it is to serve with such a person. So, I guess I will help him get aquainted with the blog and turn him loose.
As for the Ohio River, it seems that the boaters are still willing to have a good time. Lotsa beer and lotsa rednecks. Timmy stayed Sat night and lost his shoes and digital cam. So all we heard all day was him bitching about how miserable he was cause of life and his hangover. Not to mention the rain early Sun morning. Guess I should have been easier on him, but I told the girl he was spittin' game to he had herpes. Well, he doesn't need to reproduce anymore.
As for me, I wanted to take tomorrow off, but its crunch time for this job and the public won't wait. I did manage to drink a number of beers, quantity I can't remember, and forget about this coming week.
Might get to climb 210 feet this week or next to change a few light bulbs. Should be fun, I might try to get some rappelling gear and go up and down a few times.
Everyone else, have a good week and DFB, keep it out of your ass.

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A Great Airstation

CGAS Airsta N'awlins.

Chicken

Funny.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Coast Guard. I had many beers and a shot of Crown for the CG's 216th birthday. I know many coasties here and abroad did the same.
In other news, Nitric Oxide really does work, and it kicks ass.
Check out a rockin' band here.
Automotive maintenance tip of the week: change your transmission fluid for a much smoother ride.
DFB is secretly gay!!

Tango Kilo

Jackass

This is some funny shit.

Ducks

Guess they are gonna make a movie about some ducks. www.guardianmovie.com


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St. Louis

Well, another vacation over with, another weekend to drink beer. Back to normal for awhile. Maybe I'll stop off in a few towns or something. Scott AFB is pretty nice. Makes a sailor miss the military. I did manage to pick up a case of Military Special if anyone wants to try some. I used to hang from helos, now I hang from towers. I might look into some climbing equipment. Just something to keep me up to par. Think I might go down to the hottub for a bit before knocking off.

AVT3

Heaven

I think that I just experienced pure fucking heaven. I was test driving my cars after making some repairs(get to that in a minute), so I stopped by the Rivertown Butcher shop and picked up a prime thin cut. Grade-fucking-A. Then, since the two shops are connected, I picked up some home-grown white potatoes and a home-grown white onion at Englebrecht's. Okay, you have to try this: get the butcher's homemade rub and a bottle of olive oil. Pour about a tsp of the oil on the cut and then apply liberally the rub(rub it in good) to each side. Let it sit in the fridge for about an hour. Grill to your preference. Fry the potatoes the way Mom does, but get a shaker of Sea Salt and coarse ground pepper. Salt and pepper normally, enough to cover the potatoes. Put as much of the onion in as you prefer(Heather and I like a whole one.) I prefer canola oil, but you can use whatever. Pure fucking heaven. I don't even need to use A1 sauce. It's really unnecessary.
Do not drink too much beer as you will lose some of your senses and you need all of them to enjoy this!

Okay, onto vehicle maintenance. Bosch Platinum four-prong plugs. They will make your vehicle "purr" like a kitten. I will never buy Champion plugs again, as one was blown apart in Heather's Toyota. I can hardly hear the engine cranking. I bet they added 40 hp. Get 'em next time your horse needs a tune-up.

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Okay, I guess it only goes to level 30. Time to download it.

TK

Mormons

So I had the chance to talk with some mormons that came by the house yesterday. Turns out they aren't as close-minded as most xtians but still need to back up what they believe. They don't put much faith in the accuracy of the bible, but more-so in the book of mormon. They gave me a "Book of Mormon" to read which I probably will since I don't know much about it. Yeah, I know, they are polygamist or something like that. I need to read it before I start attacking them. I did manage to fluster one of them(I guess he needs to figure out what he believes), but the other seems to have adapted his beliefs to agree partially with modern science. I guess they don't prepare their "messengers" to argue with atheists. Nice fellas, though. I tried to get some work out of them, but neither knew how to weld. Still stuck at level 23

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Crazy Cube

This game is kicking my ass at level 19. Might have to break out the Wild Turkey to solve this one...Okay, 23 now.

Uncle Sam

Tornados

I hate them.

Bud Light

Damn the Bud Light!!!!

Starriors

Remember Deadeye and Cricket? Looks like someone else does too.

Bored and boooring...

I'm fucking bored. Who would've thought becoming a civvie would be so booooring. Now I know why there are lifers. Can't blame my Pet-rat or the Stiffler for staying in. Yeah, the money is good, but now I just spend more to stop the boredom. Okay, okay. So I bitched about being AD and now I'm bitching about being civvie. You don't know what youse got 'til its gone. Sinner and Yucko were right.

I must argue, however, that the more expensive Wild Turkey Rare Breed is much better than the cheaper 80 or 101 proof.

Here are some pics for old times sake:



Why I ever got out of that job, I don't know why. Feels like forever.












I know I owe alot of you bastards out there
a whole lotta beer.

Radiator Bearings

Don't you think its funny to ask for a radiator bearing at the local hardware store?

I thought it was, but this kid, who thought I was serious, didn't think so. I had to let him in when he asked his manager if they had any, to which his manager asked, "Are you serious?" He he. Dumb ass.

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Warcats and pissing...

This is an alarm I set up to stop my cats from peeing on the floor. I just received a letter from SGT Nugent which had his solution: put the cat outside. Smart-ass.

Sorry bout the size, but blogger won't shrink the damn thing.

Jarheads

Just saw Jarhead. You should watch it if you have ever served in the military. If you haven't, disregard, candy-canes.

Bubbles

"I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic. I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure—that is all that agnosticism means."
-Clarence Darrow, Scopes trial, 1925

Army Death

An Army Soldier died today. Many have, but this one was a friend's son's best friend. He was a SGT(E-5). More valuable than five civilians, including the veteran civilian typing this blog, he was a brother to many high and low. He did his job better than anyone, and died among family. From what I hear, this warrior's family-relationships forged on blood and sweat, was closer and more valuable than his own blood family. There isn't a better place or way to die, protecting your family from some foe. I didn't know him personally, but I and a few other MilPers know his character and will remember such sacrifice. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Two shots of Military Special for such a man, such a man that many can only aspire to be.

AVT3

Wild Turkey

Here's one for CGAS Detroit...

Here's To Them

A year ago, I worked with some of the best people the U.S. has to offer. I'll make sure to drink a few shots of wild turkey for a few of 'em and then a few Miller Lite's for Shortstuff and the gang. If any of you are reading this, I still got your back. Fair winds and following seas...

In other news, TGD has a new hog. I just thought I would let everyone know how gay he is. He's gay. If DFB has tendencies, then TGD is Richard Simmons gay. He's so gay, Clay Aiken won't date him. If he were any gayer, we would have a new species of homo. He would be a homo-asexual, cause he wouldn't be getting any sex. Hee hee, hee hee yah yah...

Ok, so I passed my test and now I get to take another test so I can go to another school. When I get back? I get to take a test on how much I learned. But it's ok, cause I get to eat good, get paid, and drink beer. Mmmmm beer.

Oh, and for you guys out there still interested, my wife is still for sale.

16 bit interface

Okay, I have a 16 bit program that runs on windows 2000 thru DOS. The program was originally written for a Tandy. Used for logging maintenance over a network. Here's the problem: I am unable to print out the data through a network connection mapped using UNC. The laser printer is connected to a central "server" computer via LPT1. I mapped to it through a router connection. The printer will print from Word, Excel, etc. It even prints from the 16 bit program, but the printout is garbled with various characters. One laptop, which was previously setup for this, successfully tells the printer to print out the correct characters. I can't find a difference. Both use Win 2k. I suspect it somehow converts the 16 bit data to work on a 32 bit printer. All other computers garble the data. Could this be a port issue? I can't seem to tweak any computer and can't find a difference in port settings. Is there a background program? I didn't check task manager. Does anyone remember what DOS is? I tried to print from DOS, but 2k is being a bitch. I wish we would upgrade our equipment! I'll buy a sixpack of your choice for the successful answer.

Don't have to work tomorrow, bitches!!!

DAMN THE BOMBAY!!! and the pretty mouth bitch named Timmy....

Things and more...

Thanks to whoever signed me as their referral for PASS. Will make sure to buy the beer next adventure! To all my new friends, congrats on your first certification. Kieth-If ever up in Terre Haute, I'll get the first round of Bass. Congratulations to my friend(a.k.a. "Spook") on your first assignment. Hope this one is better than the two hour commute to Washington! I always wanted to be an operator, just didn't have the guts or brains. Let me know about the slugs.

J.R.-keep your chin up and will write soon.

For everyone else, smooth tailwinds...

Shit-for-brains

No, I'm not talking about DFB. My brain has turned to shit. Eight and a half hours of practical exam can do that. No, Tommie had it worse-fifteen hours. We both passed-all that matters. I guess I'll try to get one more exam done before taking off. I know I'll be back here again and again for more training. At least for the first two years. Then, who knows. Might go to a few other states and see how they are after a few more. Sorry folks, Indiana just isn't as exciting. Guess I miss all that traveling in the military. Should give me enough time to finish up on the house and sell it. Heather should be done with school and ready for another adventure by then.

This is funny.

I guess J.R. did okay during these elections. I hope his work is not done in vain.

Well, I'm gonna try to get my brain to recover a bit.

For you guys still pullin' hovers on and off the ice, I won't forget where I came from. Check me out on military.com or fred's place. You can add me to your network easy enough. Might be a few good spots for you on this side of the house.

Looks like some new boats. Cyclone class, bought em from the squids.

-Tony

Joe Satch Rules

Had to go out and buy an iPod shuffle so I could listen to Joe Satriani while I impersonate a body builder. Got his 2000 cd Engines of Creation. Good tunes. Satriani hasn't let his fans down over the years and his older stuff is still good.
I guess I will put off reading about comms circuits tonite as I can always study better while getting paid. I just got another couple of books even though I passed both comms exams already. One is about RADAR principles which involves a fair amount of Trig and first semester Calculus. The other is about electrical. Yes, the FAA is going to pay me to learn to be an Electrician. Woo-hoo, gonna be a handyman. Okay, the second one also has some good info on HVAC. No, Mikey, I am still NOT a knuckledragger. But if they want me to learn what a caveman does, I will understand and comply:).
I'm a book nerd so I just can't pass up more technical books. As long as they don't expect me to spend all of my day working with Windows, I won't bitch. Pleeeeeze don't make me a Windows bitch.
Hmmmm. What else. Oh, I have a christian friend I often eat lunch with. Ex-Air Farce, go figure. I'm not talking about a typical christian. I mean a bible-beating extreme literal-interpretive christian. However, he is open-minded enough to discuss his beliefs versus scientific reason. You can't argue with him much though. For example, his mind is set on the age of the earth at about 15,000 years and dinosaurs never existed. Yes, he believes that God just "planted" dinosaur bones in the ground for a good laugh. Evidently, his god is a comedian. Oh, and Adam and Eve were okay to populate the earth by inbreeding with their children. Incest became against the law later on. Interesting person to study, as he seems to represent the majority of the views of the extreme religious right. Even if you aren't a humanist or atheist, you would find our conversations interesting. If the extremists could just not impose their views on us, -sigh- what a wonderful world it would be.
I write J.R. about my adventures although his recent adventures top mine. I'm going to try to get him on with the FAA if he so desires. I figure it is a good time to bring him up to date on Coast Guard history. At least, I am sending him some on our greatest hero, SM1 Douglas Munro.
Well, that's all for this week folks. Here is a great alternative to Victoria's Secret for your wives' and girlfriends' xmas gifts: hehe.
Oh, and if you are much for politics, here's a great site for the moderate side of the house.
Go, Congressman Murtha!
Have a good week! Heather is coming down Tue, so I gotta pick up the house.

Sir, always learning, Sir.

I have been in OKC for 4 weeks now. It's been boring at times and educational at other times. I have declined to go to the bars and even out for a long time. I did get over to Tinker AFB this veteran's day weekend and picked up a few things including a good tax-free bottle of the Wild Turkey. I declined the Military Special (5 bucks a gallon), but will make sure to pick up a couple gallons before heading back east to remember those honorable vets.
I eat and drink with mostly older guys who have been in the FAA for years. One guy, Gary, was in Air Traffic Control before Congress contracted his job out to Lockheed Martin thus screwing with his retirement. Gary is a born and raised Minn-ee-so-tan with the accent to match it. At 47 years old, this ex-marine can lift out in the gym with the best of the young guys. I try to keep up with him, although my back injury restrains me from lifting what this guy can. Gary has several ruptured vertebrae and still keeps going. I teach Gary Algebra and electronics theory in exchange for some good New Mexican chow(he's from Minnesota but lives in Albuquerqe). Martin, a hispanic/native american guy is here for his second school learning Unix, courtesy of the FAA. He has a home built from adobe, a wife and kids. Martin is also a former ATC controller.
They seem from different worlds. In the Coast Guard, you meet mostly people from the coasts. Its a refreshing note to see how others in different parts of this country live and think.
Well, I'm out. Gotta get up and read more tomorrow about radio comms.

Get some.

Calling all technicians, mechanics, and computer gurus: the FAA has not met their quota for ATSS/ET's. If you haven't applied yet, and you have military experience or some other training, you need to. Click here. The PASS union is demanding more technicians, as the replacement rate is only meeting those who are retiring. Even if active duty, consider applying. Your time in service is transferable. You will not get this opportunity much longer. Mikey-tell all airedales that are planning on separating in the next two years. You WILL NOT get better benefits and pay raises in any civilian job as a technician. Imagine getting paid very well for going to school and getting the experience usually only obtained in the military. Pass it on.