Now: Superorganism “self titled”
Then: Robert Miles- “Dreamland”
Author: sickmanvc
Workout Log 3/1/18
Home Warmup (20 min)
- Inversion table
- lacrosse ball feet
- shadow box
- versa climber circuit
Gym (arrived 9:50 PM)
- Cardio Interval circuit treadmill, cycle (10 min)
- stretch cage
- Roman chair
- Cycle Interval circuit (10 min)
- TRX circuit (all major muscle groups)
- Swiss ball freestyle and plyometric pushup circuit
- yoga stretches and calisthenics
- kettle bell tosses (single handed)
- Cycle Interval circuit (10 min)
(Ended 11:10 PM)
Late Discovery, “The Eels”
I listened to the entirety of one of my favorite albums in recent memory while working out this evening, “The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett ” by the Eels. I must be excused for my often and absurdly late discovery of brilliant acts and classic albums in music genres outside of hip hop. However, I find this a tremendous advantage since I am able to listen unbiased and unaware of any of the hype and opinions that were circulating at the height of the artist’s career or during the release of the particular work in question. That said, this album by the Eels really hits home with its minimalist production, haunting vocals, and self reflective and introspective subject matter. This opinion of the album still holds true and this work still stands out even after serving as a catalyst to familiarize myself with this band and their entire catalog.
UFC On Fox Orlando Review
- Jeremy Stephens continues his surge at featherweight. Despite the controversial finish involving accusations of an illegal knee and elbows to the back of the head that call MMA refereeing and rules into question, Stephens shows all the signs of a long time veteran hitting his stride and putting it all together late into his career, ala Robbie Lawler, ironically a fellow Midwest MMA vet with ties to Milletich Fighting Systems. Not to mention Dominique Cruz and team Alliance get one more up on Fabor and Team Alpha Male with Stephens victory.
- Great to see Latifi pull off a scintillating upset no one saw coming considering his getting slept by former UFC and now Bellator fighter Ryan Bader as well as being an underdog vs a red hot OSP.
- A couple comments on the ladies of the night: Despite her impressive athleticism and Olympic pedigree, Sarah Mcmahan just can”t seem to win the big one. Is it the mental difference of her being a silver medalist and not reaching gold? It was a major setback for Mcmahan but Renau is just damn inspiring as a 41 year old high school teacher. Andrade vs the Tiny Tornado was apt considering Torres was all heart but tiny compared to Andrade.
- Final thoughts: was Platinum Perry exposed as limited but exciting fighter? Is a late career surge ala the main event victor Jeremy Stephens possible for Platinum? 10th on 10th crime with Jouban vs Saunders was a helluva start to the Fox prelims although the initial broadcast omitted it to show a basketball reality show, so I had to catch it on the rebroadcast. This fight was violence personified and they both threw out any regard for being teammates. Then again the Killer Bee Saunders never disappoints in the action department, win or lose.
Workout Log 2/27/18
Home Warmup (30 min total)
- inversion table 3 sets
- Versa climber circuit
- plyometric circuit
- lacrosse ball foot therapy
Gym (arrived 10:15 PM)
- cycle (20 min total, 2 interval sets total at beginning and midway through workout)
- cable fly station (compound sets all major muscle groups)
- body weight exercises throughout workout and end workout circuit
- Yoga stretches
(End 11:15 PM)
Thoughts on Dave Chappelle’s New Netflix Special, “The Age of Spin: Live at the Hollywood Palladium”
Chappelle rises from the shadows of obscurity and proves his mastery. He brings a relaxed rhythm and control usually only seen in someone who has been practicing their craft regularly. The word is, during his long hiatus from the spotlight, and just prior to resurfacing, he was regularly practicing his craft at a very grassroots level, and it shows. His timing and sharp wit can’t be denied and he still has the aura of a living legend performing in peak form. You just get the feeling that this guy can do this in his sleep and can decide at any time to dust off the microphone and come in and school the rest of his contemporaries. His bit about Kevin Hart, though both a subtle jab and a gesture of respect and friendship, sums it up best.
Workout Log 2/23/18
Gym (arrived at 10:20 PM)
- Cardio warmup and H.I.I.T circuits (treadmill and cycle)
- stretch and static holds on stretch bar cage
- H.I.I.T circuit (glider)
- compound dumbbell circuit (total body)
- H.I.I.T circuit (battle rope)
- static stretching
- plyometric circuit
(End 11:40 PM)
“Tribes”
I recently had the pleasure of reading Sebastian Junger’s newest book “Tribes”, and the profound points he makes about the necessity and therapeutic aspects of tribal and smaller community living in a modern world of isolation and indifference resulting from technology can’t be understated.
Watching and Reading
Currently watching the X Files new season, and the Justice League Movie, and reading Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos”.
UFC Fight Night Austin Review
These are my takeaways from UFC Fight Night Austin TX which took place on Feb 18, 2018.
Undercard:
- Burkman vs Moreno – I don’t like to make accusations but Burkman does not look like the explosive fighter in the post USADA UFC as he was in WSOF. Look for him to have punched his ticket out of the UFC after multiple losses. To lose by your own patented move is very disconcerting and a sign of where he is at at this point in his career.
- Podilova vs Morris – Sloppy technique but a barn burner of a fight. Morris takes an L but her toughness can’t be denied.
Main Card:
- Northcutt vs Gouti – The expectation of Super Sage will always be high or at least the pundits who want to see him fall hard will be there, based on the UFC hype machine’s blind loyalty to promote him. You can see his improvements in being a more strategic, disciplined fighter from his work with Team Alpha Male, but the same staples that served the transformation of a similar athlete in GSP don’t seem to be there, as far as an ability to wrestle. Many felt he lost this fight to Gouti, and it is apparent that he is still a work in progress, especially in the wrestling department. The question begs, are we removing the tools of a dynamic, explosive, and athletic fighter and molding him into a conservative, average fighter that is just trying to stay afloat since he was thrust into the spotlight so soon?
- Alves vs Millander – I can remember when I watched a young frightening Alves, “flying knee” an aging legend in Matt Hughes, into oblivion. Oh my, have the tables turned. Another post USADA victim it seems in Alves. This was a changing of the guard, with Alves as the role of Hughes and Millander a young Alves. It was made more ironic seeing Alves get finished by the young lion’s knee. The Bones Jones comparisons with Millander will be there but let’s accept the fact that the UFC has evolved and this level of athlete will be par for the course soon.
- Vick vs Trinaldo – Vick is a sleeper at 155 but if he wants to tangle with the elite he needs some noticeable finishes. He does deserve a top 10 opponent next.
- Lewis vs Tybura – Watching Lewis go into Black Beast Mode and pull of a power up video game finish in the third was a true delite.
- Cerrone vs Medeiros – I expect nothing less from these two. Enjoyable but Cowboy still starts slow and stiff which will always mean trouble against the elite.
My Loyal Companion
I had a conversation today that reminded me about how much my beloved companion, Boodha, my 14 year old English Bulldog, means to me. I know he is getting up there in years, especially for this breed, and although he shows know signs that should have me worried, I am leaving out of town soon for a prolonged period so I was asked about my plans if something were to happen to him while I was gone. This is a sad and sobering reality I will have to face soon, but I would rather spend my time thinking about how he has been the best pet and companion a man could ask for and remember all the good times we had together, as well as the ones to come. (BTW you know we had to spruce up the old man in this photo, the mosaic treatment compliments of my wife!)
Heavy Rotation Right Now
Heavy rotation right now, MGMT “Little Dark Age” album. Review coming soon.
SICKMAN VC 