Random randomness

[greatbear]

For the progheads out there in LJ-Land, an article and video of Robert Fripp in the studio recording sounds for Windows Vista (Windows Media video, natch)

Brokeback Mountain has finally opened in local theaters here. I hope to get out and see it soon.

I found a pic of me from about 20 years ago, when I bought the piece of land my house is currently sitting on. The plot of land originally had a house on it many moons ago, but it had been abandoned for some time and was eventually burned down. The land when I purchased it had been totally overgrown, but had remnants of the past owners still in place; a stable-like building that was falling down, some fences (also falling down) and several old-fashioned apple trees. The trees were quite productive and until I built the house, left in place and harvested from for a few years. Sadly, most of the trees had to go since they were in the area where the house was to go. I managed to leave a couple intact, which still produce some of the best 'cooking' apples. A huge maple tree here was overgrown with poison ivy. I had a friend come around with a big A-C wheel loader to help me clean things up. Here is the pic, with me hoisted up in the loader bucket. The green you see is just a portion of the poison ivy. And yes, I am shirtless and handling the stuff without gloves. By now you can tell that I dont get poison ivy:


And yes, it's the days before the beard, I think at the time I had my meathead fu'chu stache. And almost a mullet. And a lot less belly.

EDIT: Due to requests (and my own curiosity), I rescanned the picture to a much higher resolution, cropped and adjusted the levels to see exactly what I looked like back then. I believe the pic was taken in '86. The cheesey stache came later in the year, it's fairly 'normal' here. Bleah.

Comments

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Thanks. You've given me inspiration that there is still hope for me as I get older. Even at my best I could not benchpress what you are doing now (365 vs, what, 425?).

Well I am a stubborn old mule....

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

that got a very late start at this. I've recently gotten a bit of competition from a certain tall Brit back east that thinks he is going to best me! I can't have that now, can I? -G- It is a good competition though and we will both benefit from it. My next goal is 495# by easter. It will be a stretch to make it safely, but I didn't think I would get to 425# either.

Re: Well I am a stubborn old mule....

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

You gotta fill me in on some of your tricks (as well as stuffing Louk into a box and mailing him over here for some serious trainer action!). I think the competition is good. You and the other fellow should keep score. lol

495# by easter? Yeow!

Re: Well I am a stubborn old mule....

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Louk is a pocket bear, and I would like to capture him into a dark place someday, but his partner would object after a bit. He is very good though and pretty as a new penny.

Well theoctothorpe, my competitor, whoops my butt on arms (the boy has 20" guns), but I have him on chest and legs. He is hell bent to catch me on chest though and is screaming through the plates. His only problem so far is that he forgets to eat. Not sure how we match up on back and shoulders, but I expect I'll find that out next weekend when I visit NY. He is young though and probably will pass me on everything but chest, that is my strong point.

I've had to stay out of the gym for 3 weeks so when I get back next weekend, I'll probably find that I have lost quite a bit of ground. But, I just ignore the urge to short cut and dig my way back up. I think I will make 495# by easter, but if I miss, it won't be by much. I've finally learned how to isolate my pecs from my triceps on the bench and it actually makes the job easier.

What I need to concentrate more on is hamstrings and quads. (glutes, of course) My legs are skinny from the knees up, or at least that is how they look to me.

Re: Well I am a stubborn old mule....

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Yikes. How I wish I could train with you guys.

Re: Well I am a stubborn old mule....

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Now that would be fun. I am loooooong overdue for a visit to the DC area, many friends that I have not seen in 6 years. One of my best buds lives in Balto and I miss him a lot. I hope that one of my trips back home (90 miles north) I can get down there for an overnight, if so I'll let you know and maybe we can have a go at it in the gym. I can't say if theoctothorpe could make it down as New York is a bit far to come for an overnight and he does have someone at home to consider. Of course, the workout this weekend has been nixed and theoctothorpe has let me know that he will not let me go against my doctor's orders even if I should try. :( We've gone to the gym together about 4 times, but have yet to actually work out together and I'm looking forward to that opportunity.