Laughing Wolf
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good News or…
Found out that I don’t have to attend a zoning meeting/hearing tonight about the waivers and such desired by a neighbor. Nope, not at all. The hearing will be next month, as they want to add more waivers and such for consideration. Sigh.
LW
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Fan-Frelling-Tastic: JihadGene is Blogging!
Right when I thought that yet more professional-and-moral cowardice by school officials would spike my blood pressure fully up into stroke range, good news came my way: JihadGene is blogging! This is great news to anyone with a sense of humor, and who appreciates humor being wielded like a razor-edged sword at very worthwhile targets. Spread the word far and wide on this one, because it is one you truly need to read. That said, I hope he will remain a great reader and frequent contributor here and elsewhere.
LW
Monday, March 24, 2008
Anyone Familiar With SecondLIfe?
I’ve been requested by a client to “evaluate” SecondLife (said request eliciting a “Isn’t one enough for him” comment from a co-worker). I am checking it out, but if anyone has done both personal or professional work there, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
LW
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Into The Light: Sharon Dooling
Sharon Dooling, a Navy veteran, lover of wolves, and wife of friend and mentor Dave Dooling passed into the light today, Easter Sunday. She asked that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Indian College Fund. It was a pleasure to know her, even not being able to mention “Auburn” in her presence, and I know that the light has welcomed her home. May it shine down and warm, protect, and guide those she has left behind.
LW
Happy (Hoppy) Easter
To those of my readers who are Christian, a Happy Easter to you!
The import of the day is lost upon Jenny, who is sore disappointed this morning in that the Easter Bunny apparently managed to avoid the two traps and multiples alarms laid in to aid with the hunt. Then again, she also manages to miss the regular bunnies who come up into the yard, so I’m not surprised. I really should have made her a rabbit made of cheese (chocolate being a poison to puppies), but my artistic abilities were not up to that, so I merely gave her some string cheese this morning.
Spring approaches and life returns to the world. Life and growth: things worth celebrating this day (and everyday) indeed.
LW
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Time Of Cost
Recently, a “youth” of my acquaintance informed me that they were quitting work they were doing to sell high-end vacuum cleaners door-to-door. They then asked if they could give me their pitch and get some feedback. Initially, I was willing to do this, until I found out they wanted me for two hours, maybe a bit more.
I wish I had known when they were first thinking about this, as there would have been a few things I would have suggested they do and/or think about. First up, I know that for this type of job the emphasis is always on potential earnings, which can be quite high. Experienced or smart sales people know that you need to look at this number, and then get solid data on base earnings, forecasts, and actual current sales. Potential income doesn’t pay the rent, you are going to be dependent upon that base for several months given the need to build clients, get things through the bookkeeping system, etc. Forecasts can be pie in the sky, so what are the base estimates for it? What are comparable sales people in the area/region doing? Not the top, the new people who compare to you? What are the drop rates for the area?
Second, you need to do some homework. What are the public filings for the company? Trends? Wall Street Ratings? How does the BBB and other organizations rate them? What are the various consumer satisfaction ratings for them? What are their return rates? Note, not what the company says and gives you in their recruitment pitch, but independent data with full context.
Third, two hours? Back in the day, thirty minutes was a LONG pitch and a good working estimate was that you had to make the pitch worth about $40.00—which is what their time was worth. If you are selling a high-end product, you aren’t selling to minimum wage earners. In this area, given the number of science-types around, you better figure on a much higher per-hour investment on their part. For example, my consulting rate is $125.00 an hour plus expenses. You figure your science types are much more likely to be pulling in $250.00 per hour minimum. If you targeting the spouse, you have to give them roughly the same for planning purposes. So, you had better plan on your pitch being worth up to $500.00. Is it?
Fourth, while we are not in a recession (though we have plenty of pundits and MSM-types trying their damndest to talk us into one), the economy is slow. Parts of it are not good (and parts are). Take a look at the state you are in, the region of that state, and the local area economic statistics. How is it? Who is it? As in, what population segments in the area are going to be able to afford your product? The number who will buy product X, no matter what, figure at 1 in 100. Pessimistic in some respects, but it gives a fair off-the-cuff assessment. Do you have enough people in the area to make sales worthwhile?
This all adds up to the time of your cost. It’s not the cost of the target’s time, but rather the time (and target population) you will need to meet your costs, goals, and projections. Can you afford that time? Will you be given that time?
As for me, I wish my young friend well. While their friendship is valuable, that which they are selling is not worth my investment of $250.00.
LW
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Parentage Acknowledged, Slowly
I think it is about time I started acknowledging my blog children. After all, Tammi just celebrated her 4th year. Of course, I’m still not sure that her birth was within regulations since both Lex and I are her fathers…
Soldiers Angels Wounded Warrior Support is just starting, and if her son starts blogging as threatened, then Baldilocks and I can claim parentage of him.
Hmmmm. Seems I am a lot less straight laced and careful in blog propagation than I am with normal propagation. Somehow am not sure that safe blogging will ever catch on. Or, at least let’s hope not as in this case, the more the better.
LW
who asks any children he forgot or doesn’t know about let him know which in comments or via e-mail…
It Comes In Threes? Breitling Problems
Well, they say interesting things happen in threes, and this morning I woke up to find that my Breitling pilots chronograph was dead as a doornail. I did not see the signs that are supposed to indicate a battery is getting low, but I do admit I presume that is what is going on. Or I hope so. Not what I needed or wanted right now. I’ve contacted via e-mail a Breitling dealer in Indy (rather deal with Indy traffic than Chicago) to see about service, but seem to remember that the last time I had it changed it was about $90.00. Meantime, think I am just going to use the watch that goes with the Polar exercise monitor. More soon.
LW
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Hate To Tell You LiveScience.Com:
You’re wrong. Wolves, be it in the wild or in captivity, are just as monogamous as humans. Some general citations are here and here. There are some good papers out there as well, but don’t have the right citations readily available.
LW
Grumpier Than Usual
If I come across today grumpier than usual in print or on the phone, please be patient. Last night, a tooth that was repaired a couple of years ago decided it didn’t like the repair as I was eating some hummous. Nope, no lumps in the bean dip, nothing sticky, etc. So, right now I am waiting on the dentist to get in and call (they open late on Wednesdays) and to figure out how I’m going to cover this. You see, I’ve already had my emergency of the month when the de-humidifier in the basement broke (and so far I’m not thrilled with the replacement unit). The dentist does cash. This could get interesting…
LW
Mini-Boycott?
Well, if this is true then it is a start. Problem is, the story InstaPundit references is from the AP, which means that multiple verifications of the content are needed.
As for me, I think it is better than the nothing that has been the case. China is a problem, a large problem on many fronts, and I don’t like supporting it. It is hard to avoid, but I do what I can. Part of me thinks this mini-boycott is a good start because it does make a point and one that will be hard for China to keep from its people or spin as anything other than what it is. At the same time, I would like to see more of a hit to their pocketbook as well as their prestige in a way that they can’t block their people from learning.
LW
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Into The Light: Arthur C. Clarke
His work ranged from wry short stories to massive tomes pondering the imponderable, and his science writing was some of the best around for many years. Personally, while my pre-teen/early teen self was quite intrigued with his descriptions of post-mission orgies (Rendezvous with Rama is a good example), his short story collection Tales From the White Hart remains my favorite tome of his. I did not agree with all his positions or ideas, but his writings, science and fiction, helped shape my early work and writings, and opened many new doors of thought for me. His influence will continue on for as long as his works exist. May the light have welcomed him home.
LW
Monday Was Good, Today…
Yesterday was a good day. I went to the doctor for yet another immunization and I think by the end of April I will be good for Hep A, Hep B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meninngoccoal (sp?), Yellow Fever, Polio (had an update), Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies. Dengue fever is being discussed as an add on… The gym then beckoned, and I spent about an hour and a half working out. Shower, then hit Lafayette Brewing for a late lunch, a special Irish ale, and some down time.
I then went to St. Patrick’s central for the area, Nine Irish Brothers. There was already a crowd, but a nice one overall. Corned Beef and Cabbage, a couple of pints of Guiness (one of which was raised to brother Grim, he being unable to raise one himself being in the sandbox), and some good conversations made for a delightful afternoon. I left before the rush truly began (and the amateurs arrived), meandered through a coffee shop and a bookstore, then made my way home.
No offense to LBC, but I go there on St. Patrick’s Day simply because of the special glass they do. I’ve gotten one about every year I’ve been here, and like to keep the tradition alive. Other than brewing up their Irish stout, they just don’t do much for St. Patrick’s Day, and don’t even do special food for it, just pretty much their normal stuff. Nine Irish, on the other hand, pulls out all the stops and is THE place in this part of Indiana for Day. They do a variety of food including corned beef and cabbage, good Irish coffee, ales, shots, and more. It is one of my favorite places anyway, but on this day…
Well, today has been interesting, and I just lied to the boss. When asked how I was doing, I did my usual great-bright-eyed-bushy-tailed-ready-for-whatever-you-need-sir. Actually, the vaccination yesterday has given me that wonderful beaten-all-over-with-baseball-bats feeling and flu symptoms. Beats spasms and convulsions that some people get from that one, but really didn’t expect it after last Monday going so well. Bleh. Think the six inoculations cancelled each other out. Would prefer to be hungover than the faux flu… Well, except that in my younger days I never did get hungover no matter what I did. Don’t care to test if that still holds, either, thank-you-very-much.
LW
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Current Work Out
I’m still surprised by the interest people have in my workouts. So, below the fold I am going to go into details for those who are interested, and the rest of you can skip it if you like. I have run into my personal trainer, and I hope to be working out with him again in a month or so at least one day a week. Before I can do that, however, I need to build back my base.
Your base is your base level of muscular and cardiac conditioning. Of the two, the cardiac is the most important, IMO, as it controls what you get out of the workouts, and how soon you get it. Simply put, the first few weeks of working out really amounts to getting your heart in shape to do more. The heart is a muscle, and it responds to exercise. The better shape it is in not only means good cardiac shape, but also sets the stage for serious fat burning. At risk of gross oversimplification, you have two cardiac workout zones. The low end tends to burn fat more than anything else, while the high end makes your heart stronger. A stronger heart most often (but not always) equals lower pulse rate, more efficient operation, and lower blood pressure. It also means your pulse doesn’t shoot up into the higher zone as quickly. Think of it as the heart looking after itself first, and then looking out after others/other things.
Right now, I am re-building my base and have just completed my second full week of same. I am looking to get my heart rate back to where it was when I went to Iraq the first time, so that I can then work on serious fat burning and strength building. As a side issue, I am working to get my basic muscle groups close to the same level I had before the first embed. Doing that means a routine of:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Stretch and limber. Leg lifts. 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer on a cross-country program, max “height” at the max elevation of the machine, the lows at the lowest the program will allow, and a moderate level of resistance. Machine leg press, machine back extension, machine crunch forward and to each side.
Thursday, Friday: Stretch and limber. Crunches. Upper body workout consisting of Free Motion machine Row (overhand, underhand, cross body, alternating), Free Motion lat pull downs, Free Motion pec fly, Free Motion up and down axe chops, barbell work, incline lifts, bench press, misc. physical therapy work.
The Free Motion are a brand of machine, and I rate them highly, in the same way I rate Precor brand ellipticals and treadmills as about the best out there. The FM machines don’t have all the guides and limits (hence, free motion) so you do need to be trained in how to do the exercise as well as how to use the machine.
Since I am trying to keep to exactly one hour, I may have to start breaking up the upper body work, but that is okay (though I admit I don’t like it). The goal is not massive strength training, but more toning and getting the body back to the point where it can get the most out of real strength training.
The good news is that the cardiac portion is coming along well. I am showing a drop in peak pulse rate and a very good improvement in recovery rate. Yes, I am tending to use the upper training zone and not the “normal” training zone most charts show. The advantage of using a personal trainer who does the necessary tests is that you can get customized normal and upper training zones worked out for you.
To see where I am, I use a heart measurement system from Polar. This way, I can monitor things and tune my workout so that I am using pulse rates to determine when I do rather than just time between sets. I’ve just done the yearly battery change as I had starting getting erroneous readings of zero pulse (I’m not dead yet!) and up around 220 beats per minute—it was only off by about 100 beats per minute. Having learned my lesson several years ago, I do periodically run manual checks of the pulse rate to verify the accuracy of my readings.
On the elliptical trainer, I am trying to maintain at least 140 strides per minute no matter the elevation without breaking my upper limit. Not quite there yet, but getting there: at which point I will try for 150 strides per minute. Doing it this way not only helps the cardiac, but also my overall endurance. When I get where I can do the 140-150 comfortably, I will probably up the resistance a bit and am also checking to see if I can move into using a weighted pack and then move into full kit. That’s still a few months away, not to mention getting permission to violate the dress code and such…
Once the base is back, I will probably switch the endurance portion to two days a week, strength training to two days a week, and make the odd day the one with the personal trainer.
LW
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Attention On Net: Er, Nevermind, That Was Quick
Angela Madsen is a veteran of the United States Marines and has rowed across the Atlantic—as a paraplegic. She became ”differently abled,” as she puts it, following failed back surgery in 1993. Like any Marine, she has adapted and overcome and works hard to help others—including those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as children—do so as well.
Yesterday morning, this started as a very different post. My friend Val Prieto at Babalu Blog contacted me with the story of some low-life scum stealing the trailer from her van as it was parked overnight at a motel. The result is that she has had to cancel all planned events. This was something that neither Val nor I were going to let stand. What this did to my blood pressure I leave to your imagination.
That was yesterday morning. By just a bit after lunchtime, the situation had changed completely. The trailer company stepped forward and was building a custom trailer for materials costs. Another group had stepped forward and taken care of the materials half, and a new trailer was being made. Angela was in touch with a number of other groups, including Soldier’s Angels. A lot of good has come and is coming out of this despicable act, and not only is my blood pressure down, it reminds me (and you) of the good people out there.
Angela will soon be travelling from Florida to California with her boat on a new trailer. She is interested in the possibility of meeting up with groups and people as she travels. You can reach her via her blog and be sure to check out her and Frank’s site.
To all who stepped forward, our thanks.
Val Prieto
Laughing Wolf
Angela Madsen
See also Val’s post and Blackfive.
Content copyright C. Blake Powers and the individual authors. Comments become the property of C. Blake Powers and may be altered, edited, deleted, and used by C. Blake Powers or the individual authors without restriction or recompense.
