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Monday, November 29, 2010

The Lifestraw



Ang tubig ay buhay, ulit!

I always approve of devices or methods that enable us to drink safe, potable water. It's a great bonus if they're simple to operate, compact and portable.

This device which looks like a musical recorder came about to answer a worthy cause. The inventor of the device was a Danish man who worked in Nigeria. Along with experiencing the difficulties and the great need of the people there, he tried to find a simple way for people in developing countries to get clean, potable water in real-time. The product has even won an award from a leading ad company. 

The design is basically a big straw tube. One straw is reported to be capable of purifying at least 700 liters (182 gallons) of water, removing an estimated 99.9% of bacteria and 99% of waterborne viruses. Click on the diagram below to show its inner-workings -





To date, the Lifestraw has been used and distributed by many humanitarian and aide groups in their efforts. There's another model for family or common use as well.

Click HERE for the Swiss manufacturer's site for more info.

The promo video below is the local distributor -




Their website below -

http://www.veepo.net/

Insights on Airport Security



A busy scene at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv


As the basis of good security is preparation for eventualities beforehand, we Pinoys could probably learn from two interesting reads concerning the aviation sector.

First is an American situationer, specifically the highlighted section "Look for the Bomber, Not Just the Bomb"-

Aviation Security: Threats and Realities

Second, a revealing piece from an Israeli consultant on procedures and public perception. When it comes to coping with the reality of terrorism, I think everyone would agree that the Israelis know a thing or two about that. It's a closer look at the layered security approach and not just the use of machines and gadgets from a Canadian newspaper article. Remember the previous entry on "The Killer T's?" 

Abraham Maslow: Humanistic Psychology




A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.


If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail


A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.


What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.


We fear to know the fearsome and unsavory aspects of ourselves, but we fear even more to know the godlike in ourselves.


The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.


The human being is simultaneously that which he is and that which he yearns to be.


The loss of illusions and the discovery of identity, though painful at first, can be ultimately exhilarating and strengthening.


The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.


Victory depends on whether or not a duelist has the courage to fight until the bitter end.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Actor/Comedian Leslie Nielsen Dies





I laughed a lot watching his movies. Though he's well known for his Naked Gun films, he was also in the comedy classic Airplane! and did his share of TV and drama as well. The sad news below -

RIP

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The "Pacquiao Effect" on Pinoys?



Who doesn't know of Manny Pacquiao? Really. He's also now known as Hon. Congressman Pacquiao representing a district of Sarangani province.

Here's an article on a psychologist studying the "impact" of his world-standing on us Filipinos. I can sum it up nicely in an old saying: "Victory has many fathers while defeat is always an orphan." 


IMHO, I try to be realistic. I do think he's indeed a rare phenomenon in the history of sports and should rightly be acknowledged. Beyond that though, I think its just a matter wishful thinking for recognition for us and our country. "Pinoy pride" is what we make of it and not solely reliant on the shoulders of a single athlete.


Great Concept Aide-Delivery Vehicle


There's plenty of WOW factor with this design: its all-terrain, hauling capabilities and multi-mission role, including turning into a temporary shelter or a command and control base to deploy aide and recovery. This  was what it was envisioned to do (a possible role in the UN as it's depicted). If it does eventually become a reality, I believe it would accomplish a lot of good.   





More pics and info HERE


Friday, November 26, 2010

"The Killer T's"





As I alluded to in a previous entry (PDP: Do You Have One?) I’ve held the belief that the core principle of functional self-defense (FSD) is its being holistic. And just so I’d be annoyingly redundant about it: 


FUNCTIONAL SELF-DEFENSE IS HOLISTIC 


Makulit ba? What am I trying to drive at? By way of analogy, let’s consider the mechanics of a simple but amazing structure: the tripod. Yes, the three-legged kind that holds-up cameras, cooking pots, and the simple wooden stools we all sit on. Moreover, the next time you go to a restaurant, notice how many fingers the waiter is using to balance the tray with the food on? Do you see a common three-prong/legs theme in all of those? 

Going with how Goldilocks succinctly put it, three (3) legs was “juuust right” since anything less definitely isn’t enough while adding anything more might just complicate the equation. More to the point though, these were three distinct points working as an integrated whole to support a greater structure. The principle is how distinct elements by themselves might not work as successfully, yet when functioning together as a whole (holistic), the desired outcome becomes significantly more achievable. 

This is where the concept of the “Killer T’s” comes in. They are regarded as killers because we get into harm's way when we fixate on any one of them singly, turning our awareness and abilities to be applied in a disparate way. This can lower our "PDP quotient" considerably.  They are Tool, Technique and Tasks.


Tool – I’ve often come across questions from well-meaning individuals wanting information who ask a variation of: “What kind (gun/knife/weapon/gadget) is good for self-defense?” While it certainly is true that being empty-handed can be a disadvantage, you also can not simply rely on said tool thinking that it will solve all your problems defensive-wise. This is like saying there’s only one magical solution for every difficulty you come across. BTW, just how reliable is that tool? Specifically under stressful or adverse conditions? Do the bad guys out there have one (maybe several already [!]) as well? 


Technique – This is an extension of the above idea but in terms of individual skill and personal attributes. Just like with tools above, the bad guys out there also have their own techniques which are constantly refined by surviving the mean streets and living a harsh existence. Think you're tough enough? This is also where we unexpectedly get into fanatic debates about “Which martial art is the best (for self-defense)?” then is being zealously defended by its students or practitioners. Frankly, that’s all academic and can quickly devolve into a "pataasan ng ihi" (pissing contest) match. 

For those with little or no empty-hand training to speak of, merely “picking up” random techniques can adversely turn them into mere self-defense “tricks.” These are usually the quick moves you learned from your dad/uncle/brother/friend. This is probably worse since merely picking-up techniques becomes no different from fruit picking. What you end up with is just an accumulation or mishmash of moves that you have not really included into your core abilities. It might come as a rude awakening or tragic shock then to realize too late that you can’t really pull off such “techniques” without the benefit of practice, dedication and mindset when trouble actually finds you.

Tasks – Lastly, this might be the most successful killer among the three. They are the minor, routine or occupational “tasks” that capture our attention and which our lifestyle patterns revolve around. Because of our gross preoccupation with what we are currently doing, say trying to dig inside your handbag for your keys in the middle of the street or busy marketplace for instance, we become oblivious to our surroundings. These tasks can also be predictable because of their consistent nature; consider for example a fairly regular schedule comprised of the daily grind of leaving for our jobs in the morning, fetching our loved-ones or children from school, then buying groceries from our suki supermarket in the early evening. Herein lies the danger since predators know when to exploit certain precise vulnerable moments (POV's) when our guard is down. It is when our attention is engrossed too much on said tasks that our defensive readiness lowers. Many pickpocket victims became a “mark” in the first place because of either being engrossed or distracted by something else, a common dynamic exploited by thieves. 

Being holistic in FSD can’t be stressed enough as we have to harness our awareness, attributes and resources in building up our overall defensive readiness. On the whole this is also why in FSD, tactics supersede techniques . . . but that’s for another entry. 


Thursday, November 25, 2010

THE Worst Job in the World

This one's a bit dated, but still a good one. Manong massagista, sub kita? 


3 Teens Rescued After 50 Days Adrift




I'm simply beyond words! They were already presumed dead. Just click below -

Miraculous Survival

Cool Water Platform Design


This is one cool design.

It was a concept by a Brazilian firm (Baita Designs) as a way to collect, purify, store and transport water especially in depressed or remote areas. The "capture basin's" diameter could even  be expanded  to collect rain water with just wide leaves. Click below to see the entire set-up.

IARA System

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Alamid Martial Arts

The Philippine native alamid a.k.a. musang

A long while back, probably in the late 90's, as I was browsing the MA section at a National Bookstore somewhere, I chanced upon an interesting book. It appeared to be a new form of martial art. While I was intrigued, I wasn't impressed with the book itself: it was poorly edited and even looked self-published. But as the old saying of not judging a book by its cover (or its entire contents actually) goes, one shouldn't be too quick to dismiss it outright without having even just a peek into what it's all about.

The Alamid Martial Arts style is one of the more recently-developed FMA's and founded here in the Philippines. If I recall correctly some of the contents of the book, the founder of the style developed and incorporated what he described as "twitching" strikes. The inspiration for these movements are said to come from the mongoose which is the weasel-like quick and agile creature with a reputation as a fearless snake killer. To be accurate though, the animal known as "alamid" is the Asian palm civet (family Viverridae) and since both creatures are lean, slender and do have somewhat of a passing similarity, I suppose it served as the closest equivalent.

That was quite a while ago and I just found out that they have come out with some vids on Youtube.

This is the promo vid. The man demoing I believe is the founder.

This one shows some techniques.

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Then some form and application.


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Tigers Possibly Facing Extinction








Pictures of the magnificent amur (Siberian) tiger

These are the biggest and most-awesome looking of the feline family. The irony is that they are steadily dwindling from the face of the earth. Some researchers have even projected a timeline for when they'll totally disappear based on their imminent decline. CLICK HERE

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Maguindanao: Remembering the Massacre

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The greatest punishment we can inflict upon ourselves sometimes is shame and regret.

Tomorrow, the 23rd of November, exactly a year ago during the morning hours in a town tucked-away in a province of Southern Philippines, a convoy of vehicles making their way along the rural highway was ambushed by a group of heavily-armed men. The convoy party was supposed to be heading for the the local election office to file for their man's candidacy as part of the local election mandate.

On that day fateful day, 57 innocent men and women were killed in blatant disregard for the rule of law. This came to be known as one of the most brutal political killings in our nation's recent history. All fingers point to the most obvious villians here; the ruling, rival clan of the province. They even attempted to cover-up and dispose of the bodies and vehicles by burying them.

What empowers such blatant disrespect for law and life? Where do they get their evil sense of supremacy and control? How did such fiends become part of the institution? Because they were simply allowed to. Even Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party were allowed to flourish and even acknowledged by other world leaders at the height of their power. What they did afterwards made the whole world only hang their heads in shame and regret for allowing such men to prosper. Shame and regret can surpass physical pain, and sometimes such an introspective ordeal is necessary.

Until now, the wheels of justice turn ever so slowly for the victims as well as the guilty.








Red Cross and WWF Launch Training Resource





Here's a great step in developing stronger, safer and creating more sustainable-living conditions in communities.

As institutional partners for a worthy endeavor, the World Wildlife Fund and the American Red Cross have jointly launched the Green Recovery and Reconstruction Toolkit as a training program to help its workers administer humanitarian aide programs that are also environmentaly sustainable. This is especially focused on communities that are trying to recover after a major calamity. Click THIS for the news.

On the WWF website, an overview of the program's 10 modules are outlined and briefly described. Click THIS.

On Handling Fear



The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero uses his fear, projects it onto his opponent, while the coward runs. It's the same thing, fear, but it's what you do with it that matters.


- Constantine "Cus" D'Amato
Boxing Coach/Manager
Trainer of Champions


Saturday, November 20, 2010

An Island of (and Nothing but) Garbage

Remember that government ad that went "Ang basurang itinapon mo, babalik din sa 'yo?" (The garbage you throw away will come back to you).

What do you think happens to all that plastic that nations---especially "first world countries" that consume vast amounts of these products---dump into the water? They float aimlessly and get tossed and turned into the ocean's currents and recurring tidal patterns. One well-known is the geophysical pattern called the North Pacific Gyre.

Believe it or not, that's exactly what's been happening to a VERY large mound of garbage that's been accumulating to the size of the US state of Texas. Practically a floating island of non-degrading plastics and other kinds of trash really. It's a not too subtle reminder of the harmful impact we've been doing with our environment.

As plastic doesn't degrade but does break down into smaller and smaller bits over time, how can all that floating micro-bits of plastic impact the ecosystem? Well what do you think the fish will eat? I imagine eating toxic fish isn't very healthy.

Read here for more info.

What's this humongous pile going to cost humanity later on?

100% Pure Awesome!

I saw this posted somewhere. Acrobatic skill, balletic precision and steel nerves all rolled into one. Of course I need to update my insurance if I were to do this. . .





Friday, November 19, 2010

Seagal Training MMA Fighters


Wow! 'Tang Ina! This vid is one of those things that is genuinely short but sweet!

Beyond Hollywood, TV and the occasional controversy, Steven Seagal is an accomplished, high level martial artist who spent 20-years in Japan learning both the culture and the fighting arts. He even became one of the first foreigners to open an dojo (traditional MA school) for aikido there. He's quite the marksman and musician as well.

Here he is apparently training a top MMA fighter; Lyoto Machida. All I can say is I like what I'm seeing from his demo and explanations namely:

- The entering move towards an opponent's shikaku (dead angle or blindspot).
- The hip-driven low kick. This kick is strong, can penetrate and preserves one's stability.
- The forward-driving kick + straight blast punching combo and how he compares it to how kids fight (a natural hominid gross-motor reaction of overhead strikes and swings)

ADDED:

He's also apparently "tutored" another MMA guy, Anderson Silva below -


Out of all the things shown, it's again the irimi ("entering" the dead angle or blindspot) move I find valuable from this vid. As the saying goes, the "simplest things are often the hardest to accomplish."

Thursday, November 18, 2010

PDP: Do You Have One?

We all make some kind of plan to deal with life’s various challenges. Whether it’s the short term for minor or routine tasks like preparing the next meal or the grand, long term goals like those for your field of work or career. This should clearly should also apply in our pursuit of personal security and well-being.

To elaborate, I once heard someone reduce Sun Tzu’s thesis on strategy, the “Art of War” into three kinds of “knowing.” These would be know yourself, know the enemy and know the terrain.I tend to agree with him even though it may sound too simplistic. The aim of this article is to help define and establish the basis for your Personal Defense Protocol (PDP) which is your personalblue print of your overall defensive readiness. Anticipation creates planning and planning enables favorable outcomes. In this case, it’s for your own survival.

To know yourself or taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses is obviously the first step. It should be an unbiased assessment recognizing what you are capable of and what you are not, to reveal areas you could improve on. If for example you realize that while you may know a couple of “self-defense techniques”, you find yourself gasping for breath though when training. This reveals a need to build-up your cardio-resistance. If you feel you are unaware or unsure of what to do during an emergency, taking-up a First Aid or related course is worthwhile. Furthermore, preparing yourself goes down to deeper and personal levels, like in the often overlooked aspect of mentally preparing beforehand to deal with the onset of emotions you will go thru when a likely threat or incident actually happens (“psyching yourself up”). Likewise, checking one’s attitude or behavior may also prove useful. If you find yourself getting into a lot of unwanted conflicts, a long hard look at yourself to find out how and why you attract trouble or tend to be hazard-prone could save you from further harm.

To know the “enemy” is next which is appraising the potential threats or hazards that lay ahead, both from human wrongdoing or from calamities. This again requires a realistic look of not only at what danger/s there are but also how likely it would be, its capability or intensity, and the possible outcome or effects. If it’s foreseeable, it boils down to not allowing yourself to be exposed or vulnerable. Naturally, the higher the likelihood of injury or even death, the more thorough the preparation. An incoming severe storm can be your enemy so to speak, so monitoring how strong it is and the likely path it will take allows you to plan if you can weather it in your home or need to evacuate to safer ground.

Finally, to know the “terrain” takes into consideration the environment or setting you find yourself in. We may operate in several sub-environments daily in addition to our main one, which is usually the home. These include:

Domestic (usually the main one)

Transient (vehicle or mode of transport)

Occupational

School

Communal/Social (mall, church, theater)

Leisure (gym, bar, restaurant)

Marginal/peripheral (both soft and hard copies of documents, files, records, receipts, even PC or internet activities or other "traceables/trackables")

Note that while we don't really occupy our files and documents, they are technically considered as sub-environments since our relevant data could be stored in them and thus can be identified as POV’s which could be targeted or tracked. If you are a traveling salesman, you will likely find yourself in a transient environment a lot more rather than in an actual structure. It’s therefore wise to regularly maintain your service vehicle and make sure it’s road-worthy and have an emergency kit stocked. A teenage boy could be known to divide his time between school and leisure sites, with the domestic scene only minimally. If he goes missing, searching for him will be less tedious by focusing on these said locations that he frequents.

The terrain also refers to more than the location’s physical features or structural lay-out. It also includes the time and conditions which could either aid or hinder your survival and the resources you could possibly exploit. Familiarizing ourselves with these locations as much as we can enhances our chances of surviving. When was the last time you looked at the trunk of your car for instance? This relates to the case of certain abductions when the victims were forcibly put inside the trunk of the car. What could you possibly do in the dark, hot and unfamiliar confined space? Could there possibly be a tool or any implement there you could use to open the trunk lid? Another is when going to a suburban-to-rural area where the housing and their arrangement (i.e. – away from the main roads) are markedly different from the urban, linear, glass-and-concrete setting you’ve been used to. What would be your reference points if you needed to hide or escape from such an area?

The knowledge you gain from these three “knowings” makes it possible for you to adequately equip yourself with the right gear or resources that also fit into your lifestyle patterns. As most ordinary civilians can not carry firearms for instance, one must adopt other appropriate and legal tools or devices to defend themselves like pepper spray. This also extends when assembling the right kind or purpose-built family emergency kits for your area. As logistics dictates, having the right gear and resources makes surviving a lot easier.

Developing your PDP requires taking on a larger holistic and realistic view of your public and private life and its periphery. This assessment takes into account the sum total of your personal attributes, the potential threat/s or incidences that will realistically occur, how best to address or manage them, and the factors or working conditions affecting or impacting your plan within your immediate environment.

In summary, these are things to consider for your PDP:

  1. It should be based on a realistic (i.e. - scenarios you are likely to encounter) assessment of your needs and circumstances.
  2. It should be fairly simple so it can be executed readily and quickly when trouble or emergencies do arise.
  3. It should be "doable" and concrete enough to train, practice or at the very least simulate. Consider them as your “life preservation drills.”
  4. Most of all, it should as much as possible be a holistic approach. By this I mean that it should integrate mechanical, psychological, logistical and environmental elements into your overall defensive readiness. If this can be accomplished, it creates a lot more options rather than just merely reacting physically (This would be further explored in another article on “The Killer T’s”).

Observing our PDP regularly and functionally integrate it to the best that you can in your daily living is the closest thing to having 360-degree, full-spectrum, 24/7 protection.


Exercise and the Brain


Of the very few Latin proverbs I remember, one stands out: mens sano in corpore sano or "a sound mind in a sound body." I think it's very apt with an article I found written by two neurological researchers who mention how exercising regularly can keep the old gray matter running and stave-off dementia and debilitating Alzheimer's disease in our later years.


Neat Little Key Chain Opener/Accessory

Wow! There are certainly times when removing a key from its "ring" can be tricky and make your fingertips smart a bit. This little gadget helps you do it more efficiently.

IMHO, an invention has to fulfill three criteria in addressing a need: it needs to be simple, innovative and functional. From what I see, I believe this thing does all of that!


The one on the vid above is the original model. Click on their website below for the other variants -



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Rotary International's Shelter Box Project


(Click on the pic to see full view of the contents)

I just recently heard about this worthy project of this well-known civic service organization from my bayaw who's an active member. It was even mobilized during the recent disaster in Haiti. I believe the project is currently underway here now. It was a concept by a British member for a more "dignified" method to aid in the recovery of victims after a major catastrophe. The vids below for more info -








I just hope to God that it truly gets to its intended recipients and not some self-serving idiots!

Hollywood Comedy Director's Turnaround

Tom Shadyac on the set of Evan Almighty taken from http://www.thecinemasource.com/

We all have our own ways of "returning" to the great source so to speak. Just got this bit of NEWS and rather than post in TV/Movies I think it's more appropriate here. What he said about competition and how we've somehow taken it too far leading to egotism and selfishness was something I found insightful.

He was the director of Jim Carrey's hits like Ace Ventura, Bruce Almighty, Eddie Murphy's Nutty Professor and Robin William's inspiring Patch Adams.


Monday, November 15, 2010

An Axe (the Deodorant) Ad

There's some statistics on gender and relationships thrown in randomly. The trouble is I can't seem to focus on them!



Sunday, November 14, 2010

Programmable Matter

The stuff of sci-fi! Imagine the applications of a material you can physically mold and instantly shape to your specs.


On Enduring Designs












Simple is elegant . . .
Simple is timeless. . .
Simple works!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Myanmar Democracy Icon Freed


All the world has probably heard of Aung San Suu Kyi who's been the face of dignified struggle against the oppressive ruling military junta of Myanmar (Burma) for all these years. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate (conferred 1991) appeared in her trademark flower hair braid when she was finally freed from her many years of being under house arrest.

The good news HERE

Crazy Monkey Boxing


Whatever physical combat platform one engages in, whether it's a TMA (traditional martial arts) practitioner polishing his art's techniques to eventually get his "black belt", a SWAT operative or soldier drilling CQB explosive entry or just some ordinary guy focusing on simple gross motor skill moves to better prepare him for the street, the common glue that holds them all together is good grounding on the principles of biomechanics. After all, mastery of these techniques demands a good understanding of how the body moves and how to functionally and efficiently apply it, in this particular context though, for combat or fighting (sports and the performance arts however follow along the same lines).

Unfortunately, there are only a very few instructors who can effectively convey these concepts. The student is often left there floundering on how to do it on his own which effectively slows down his learning curve. HOW the art/style/system is taught can be as important, if not more so, than WHAT it actually is. I suppose this goes universally for all areas and fields as well.

South African Rodney "Chico" King is one of those few exceptions though. He's a boxer who's developed a style he calls Crazy Monkey Boxing. Basically, he taken the so-called "sweet science" and given it a keener edge; it's boxing meant for self-defense and mixed martial arts rather than the conventional form done on the ring.

An efficient style + good teacher = sweetness! Idol talaga! See for yourself -

Jab, Cross and Shovel Hook. Why "shovel" hook? As when shoveling, the power comes from the torquing action of the body. This aids the power of the punch. Brilliant execution below -



My favorite, the Elevation Drive -



Another good one, the Clinch/Hook combo -



UPDATE: More CMB goodness showing concepts on stance and structure



Friday, November 12, 2010

November 13 - World Kindness Day


I admit I wasn't too nice in my previous entry (sorry, just another human being venting therapeutic anger), I'll try to make-up for it by announcing something that might sound naively "cute" or profound depending on how it strikes you. It is what you make of it.

Tomorrow, the 13th of November is "World Kindness Day."

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

It's interesting to note that the movement that launched it is based in Singapore which is a melting pot of cultures and traditions (Chinese, Malay and Indian). Kindness is the minor version of tolerance and respect for one another, to be able to live harmoniously, no matter how different we are from one another.

Let's be extra-thoughtful, extra-grateful, extra-attentive to one another. Let's also be kind to Mama Earth herself. Try not to litter and conserve energy. Let's generate some random acts of kindness.


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Clinton (Idiot) Aide Shouts at VP Binay, Apologizes


I just saw this today. So apparently all is Ok now!? Click on the links below for the news -



Kailangan magpalabas ng masamang saloobin. Ano ba 'to?
A power-tripping, wanna-be "alpha female?" Or something worse. . .

Let's see if I can sort this out; you're a female aide of a former head of state (president) who will be giving a speech in another country where you and your group will obviously be considered as foreign GUESTS with the irony of it all being that this particular forum's theme was: "Embracing Our Common Humanity(!?!!)" but not checking yourself with any amount of decency and respect for its citizens? You hit the jackpot though when you vented at our VP. I bet your boss is mighty proud of you!

And your defense of it all was. . .

"The Clinton Foundation staff member who shouted at the Vice-President said she was not informed by the US Secret Service about the arrangements made for Binay."

So fucking what!? Even if VP Binay "gatecrashed" the event, how big of a deal is it really? If there's an issue, you address it with diplomacy. If there's a real problem, ask the big, tough Secret Service boys to take care of it. I think they would've handled it waaay better than you did. The long and short of it: would you like it if someone rudely shouted at you?


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

10 Potent Thoughts from Bruce Lee


Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.


I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.


Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.


Simplicity is the key to brilliance.


A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.


As you think, so shall you become.


Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.


If there is a God, he is within. You don't ask God to give you things, you depend on God for your inner theme.


Obey the principles without being bound by them.


Real living is living for others.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

More UN-Designated Travel Hot Spots

Nice? Click on the link after the description.
(Photo from Xinhua/Xinhua Press/Corbis)

These places are some of the lesser-known travel "go to's" that have earned this year's designation as World Heritage Sites.

Now if I can only win the lotto. . .

Push Ups: Dands (Hindu) and Dive-Bombers

Legendary Indian wrestler "The Great Gama" was said to do thousands of dands for his daily workout!

This is a great demo vid of a favorite routine of mine to add variety to your regular and and often monotonous push-ups. It engages and stretches the whole body too. As it mentions, the dands have been around for a very long time originating from the physical and wellness traditions of India.



Monday, November 8, 2010

Chuck Norris Hillarity!

'Tang ina! Who said action superstar and semi-mythological being Chuck Norris can't be funny?

You remember Steven Seagal in that stupid "I found gold in the Philippines" ad for a local liquor company years ago? We all know some actors in Hollywood do commercials and product endorsements abroad for a number of reasons. Of course primarily for preserving their image and all that money they're being paid.

Señor Norris is here doing several for a telecom provider that seems to be for the Czech Republic. I posted the two that I liked best -







Well, it just about ruined what's been written here - Chuck Norris Facts