To keep it interesting…

Posted in Lifestyle on February 4, 2011 by SweetEnlow

I have been thinking a lot lately about my blog. Recently, I realized that I want to incorporate as many people in to this blog as I possibly can. I really enjoy writing and expressing my ideas. However, I enjoy even more discussing my proposed ideas with friends, colleagues, and the like.

Fortunately, I have a diverse set of friends who are very intelligent – and biased. Clearly, my conservative, military friends are going to provide a different outlook on Afghanistan than one of my friends in graduate school. So, that being said, I want people to – instead of voicing their opinion to me verbally, or through Facebook, or something like that – write me an email or facebook message with an idea they have and then formulate an argument. Considering I am very particular about my company, I know most posts will be interesting and will strike a chord with more people then I can alone. If they are not, I won’t let it be posted – I guess like an editor. Moreover, it doesn’t have to be an argument – recommendations for books, music, movies – anything you think is interesting…

I started this blog more than a year ago with this idea, but I never stressed it. When you begin a blog, it really is about you personally – don’t believe me? Just take a look at some of the blogs going around. I know people have a lot to say, but don’t want to go through the hassle to build a website with a caricature of their face as the slogan ;) . Allow my website to be that forum where you can argue how you feel – maybe about just one thing, or maybe about many others.

In addition to increasing the popularity of my blog (which I have always wanted), it will fill my sometimes weeks void of writing good material. I have a full time job, want to fight professionally in MMA, and constantly trying to attain more knowledge. Sometimes, writing a blog takes a backseat – but it won’t if people contribute.

So, please, let me have it.

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The Economist: War’s overlooked victims

Posted in Lifestyle, Military on January 19, 2011 by SweetEnlow

If you subscribe to the Economist, please check out the fascinating, yet sad article on rape in war.  If not, here is a link.

http://www.economist.com/node/17900482

I particularly thought this quote was of interest in, among other things, a evolutionary psychology sort-of-away, “The Anarchy and impunity of war goes some way to explaining the violence (of rape). The conditions of war are often conducive to rape. Young, ill-trained men, fighting far from home, are freed by social and religious constraints. The cost of rape are lower, the potential rewards higher. And for ill-fed, underpaid combatants, rape can be a kind of a payment.” (remembering that rape was once a payment to the victorious side in battle)

There is a lot of interesting points of discussion revolving around that simple quote – military discipline, simple economics, rewards of serving to name just a few. Just wanted to put it out there.

 

 

 

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Crash of Air France 447

Posted in Movies, Travel on January 12, 2011 by SweetEnlow

Almost a year ago, I traveled to Italy. Great trip. But as we were sitting on the runway getting ready to take off from JFK, my friends and I began discussing the mystery plane crash that happened in June 2009 – I was terrified after our discussion.

Concerning this particular crash, to this day, the investigation gives no clear answer. However, I watched this 52 minute documentary entitled “Crash of Flight 447″ on the whole situation last night (its on instant play on NetFlix). I highly, highly recommend it if you have some free time. If you are interested/terrified of aeronautical engineering and principles, then you can learn a ton from this.

If you forgot this disaster, here is a refresher.

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Guns

Posted in Lifestyle, Military on January 11, 2011 by SweetEnlow

As most know, we as America had another fatal, unprovoked shooting in Arizona only a few days ago. As I recall, 6 dead – including one Federal judge, 13 wounded, and one congresswoman in critical condition. What a shame.

This situation undoubtedly brings up the question of America and its gun policy. Of course, this topic has been brought to forefront many times – namely, Michael Moore’s film, “Bowling for Columbine.” But coming from a profession where I literally carry around an Assault Rifle as the foundation of my job, I feel I can provide some unexpected, unique feed back. Most gun haters I think tend to be extremely left-leaning, if not unrealistic. Thus, my following commentary.

To begin, I think the whole modern American culture surrounding guns is more than ridiculous. Yes, people have a rite to bear arms under the second amendment. This I am fully aware of. However, is that really necessary today? Notice I how inserted the word “modern” in front the “American culture” above. Yes, as westward expansion took place, life was probably somewhat Hobbesian – as in, short, nasty, and brutish. People needed to often hunt for food, as well as protect themselves from others. But, NEWSFLASH, those environmental settings no longer exist. We live in the safest era in human history. The only thing that keeps America from being extremely safe is, well, guns themselves. Understand that many things have been legal/illegal in this country that are now considered more than absurd. No one goes around stating that we should still maintain slave labor or that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote.

Now, think about most of the shootings that have occurred over the years. Many have been from some punk teenage kid(s). This latest shooting came from an deranged young man in his early twenties. If I recall correctly, the Nebraska mall shooing only a few years ago was a teenager. And surely no one can forget the atrocities of Columbine (as a prior jock and lover of my high school, few things make me as mad as watching those lunatic trench coat mafia kids killing other people, particular the popular kids). Among everything that is wrong with these situations, it seems odd that many forget to mention one of the most important aspects – that is, how in the hell did these people even have the right to attain semi-automatic weapons? Clearly, a stricter gun policy should be invoked, but is that really enough?

Surely no one can argue that guns do not do more harm than good. Murders in this country are almost always completed with gun, as are robberies and many rapes. Gun proponents always like to argue that “guns stopped (insert number) robberies last year.” Maybe so, but that only stems from the fact that guns are so readily available. Ironically, gun usage only propagates more gun usage. This is in direct contrast to their supposed purpose – security. Unlike something like drugs – which only affect the individual (which some know I am favor of complete legalization), guns sole design is to hurt other people – that is the very nature of the weapon (excluding hunting obviously which I think is ridiculous also). I am usually never in favor of massive government involvement, but when it comes to regulating something whose sole design is the injury or murder of another human, then I really don’ have a problem with bureaucratic oversight. What is wrong with making someone wait an extra six months, or even a year, to attain an assault rifle? But then again, why would someone even need an assault rifle?

In addition, the whole gun culture I think represents a powerful example of what is wrong with much of American politics – that is, lobby power. Any type of gun regulation is immensely difficult because the NRA organization yields the influence it does. The video is a little off topic in that it doesn’t flow that well with my post, but Michael Mooore, as much I don’t like him, asks some poignant questions; questions well worth answering in full. It’s a shame the leader of the NRA is so pathetic in his response.

In a further side-note, Moore would have been much more powerful, in my opinion, if he didn’t have that cheesy ending with asking Heston to look at the picture of the murdered girl.

To conclude, I mentioned earlier that the nature of my profession – a soldier – is simply the management of violence (fortunately I haven’t had to actually experience that yet). Ironically, once I leave the military, I would prefer to never have to see a gun again. Not because I don’t like guns. On the contrary, many are fascinating pieces of machinery and history. But because I know that if I am looking at one, it will likely be at the helm of law enforcement agent – meaning I fucked up royally, or at the hands of a bad person. Both of which I prefer not to happen.

The saddest thing is that, though I am not in favor of personal gun possession, I will have a weapon in my house. How could you not in this country?

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The idea of being “Spiritual”

Posted in Lifestyle on January 9, 2011 by SweetEnlow

I am an Atheist. Moreover, I am an ardent opponent of religion, both organized and “other.” Being an officer in the Army, I surround myself (usually) with highly intelligent people who also (usually) tend to be Christian. Needless to say, my personality typical stirs up quite a bit of discussion or just straight argument. Excuse me, but I just can’t sit back and listen to absurdities.

I have recently been coming across a reoccurring theme among my Comrades. That is, they are no longer religious (how could you be?? they say), but simply “spiritual.”

I first heard this concept from my Dad when I was maybe 8 or 9. My Dad is an interesting character – highly rational, but loyal to his roots. He is so loyal to his Southern identity (Mississippi and East Texas) that he can not bring himself to admit he is not religious. It’s almost a feeling of “If Robert E. Lee was Christian, so shall I.” Yet, sometimes, he will boost that he is much more akin to Indian (Native American) spirituality than to any since of Western Religion. I think it helps him reconcile the fact that since he knows I am not religious it can somehow reassure him that I will not burn in hell. He thinks, “well an organized belief is not necessary, but respect for a higher power I know my son has.” I don’t

But what does it mean to “be spiritual?.”

Surely, most are not speaking in terms of the Sam Harris concept of spirituality – that is, an out of body experience created by the vast intricacies and power of the brain. Rather, it seems being “spiritual” allows one to go through life living rationally, addressing issues with reason rather than religion, yet still giving one the comfort that, IF they are a good person AND there is a god, they can still make it through the so-called Pearly Gates. Clearly, a spiritual person has given up on the absurd notion of Christianity (or Islam etc…) – or else they would be Christian. Yet, they haven’t given up entirely on a romantic notion of “god.” It is much like Pascal’s wager – you don’t know if you believe anything, but – just in case – you will believe something so you can make it into heaven. (Side-point – I find it ironic that spiritual people or even agnostic ones always reference an after life in a Christian sense – Heaven, Pearl Gates, Masculine God…)

Moreover, I have noticed that spiritual people often tend to lead decadent lifestyles. If one is devoutly religious, it is difficult to snort Coke, buy hookers, and cheat on your wife. Yet, spirituality gives many the loop hole to behave in such a way. How often have you seen the gold-chain, cross wearing Rappers simultaneously rap about “fuckin hoez and gettin paid?” Ideas clearly in opposition to the greater christian values of abstinence and poverty. In addition, consider these ridiculus so-called Christian business men who make millions of dollars through corporate pay. Somehow these men rationalize what they do with Christianity because they practice more in the “spiritual” sense of the word… as in never going to church, cheating on their wives, and stealing money from their share holders. There are few things more in contrast to christianity than Capitalism, yet somehow the proponents of capitalism always vote Christian.

Lastly, I feel some people think being spiritual romanticizes an otherwise taboo subject allowing them to reconcile their obvious cognitive dissonance. That’s right, (at least among my more intelligent friends) being religious is Taboo. Fortunately for me, and whether you like it or not, as the world becomes more and more intelligent – which it undoubtedly will, being religious will soon become among progressive societies what is today Atheist – that is, a minority and an outcast. It already is in my beloved Germany. In fact, my German friends have a perfect word for these types of people, Behinderte – simply meaning “disabled.”

If you are spiritual, you kind of get the best of both worlds. You can thawrt off the atheists who criticize lack of reason, yet you can still manipulate your way into the world of “believers” – unfortunately something important in modern America. You possess the intellect of what is expected in this modern culture, yet still maintain the comfort of knowing your life is worth living and that you will be taken care of once you are dead. An interesting way to cop out of how you really feel I think. You are a non-believer. Have the gaul to say it

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My thoughts on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Posted in Military on December 21, 2010 by SweetEnlow

I have kept this blog – at the most – only abstractly political. However, I feel I can provide a decent contribution to the ongoing discussion concerning “Gays” serving openly in the military.

To begin, my thoughts on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has shifted. Initially, I felt allowing for Gays to serve openly  could be conducive to a less effective fighting force. I felt that, from a realistic point of view, most soldiers – particularly of the “hard core” type – could not function appropriately, nor would their likely inappropriate treatment allow the gay soldier to operate efficiently either. That is how I used to feel. After some time and many reports and discussions, I disregarded my prior assumptions because thats all they were, assumptions. I instead began to look at the facts. The facts and reports I have read state (and one of the reports I saw came directly from the Army Newspaper, “The Army Times”) that a large majority of the service does not really care. Moreover, it has also been brought to my attention many times that similar arguments were made against the integration of blacks and females into the service i.e. effectiveness. All of which have been shown to be entirely wrong.

My opinion and forecast concerning the military- and this is strictly my personal thought – is that even after the repeal of the law, the military environment will stay essentially the same. The most important thing to remember considering the US Military is that it preaches (and my experience undoubtedly confirms this) “professionalism” and “integrity” at all times. I am not even supposed to enter post on a Sunday without a clean shave. So, that being said, an unnecessary, boisterous declaration of ones sexual orientation, gay or straight, will not tolerated. More importantly, I think that it simply won’t happen in general. Just like a soldier wouldn’t broadcast that he went to a swinger party to his senior or subordinate, I feel too that the gay soldier will remain silent in matters concerning his/her “love life.” However, if asked now, they can legally share their orientation…as they should be. Concerning “integrity,” I think  Lt Col. Anthony Schaffer  states best when he says, “how can we ask them to serve with integrity, if we are forcing them to start their military careers by lying?”

Next, I think that the topic of the “combat arms” (for those who don’t quite understand this, think of your classic GI Joe type figure) losing effectiveness doesn’t even need to be addressed. First, I imagine a lot of homosexuals, by preference, will not sign up for the infantry (females are not allowed regardless). And if they do, I imagine they wouldn’t even make it anyone’s business. If they did, I feel most of the unit will probably not care at all. From my 5 years in the military, I have noticed that most combat veterans, particularly officers, have some of the best perspectives on life that one can have. I think this undoubtedly comes with being blown up, shot or shot at, and just generally concerned for your life and limb for years at a time. One’s sexual orientation doesn’t matter when people are trying to kill you. Honestly, a lot of the most badass officers I have met could easily pass for a Hawaiian surfer in their approach towards life.

That concludes my thoughts on the general Army and its possible effects – albeit some logistical issues (like showers) which I am still contemplating. Personally, I could give a shit what sexual orientation someone is. Do your job and I will leave your private life to you. And yes, I would shower openly with a homosexual male. It does not bother me.

Now, most people that do have a problem with it always have some absurd religious rationale (well, they say they “disagree with their lifestyle”).  Please… How many times does religious rationale really turn out for the best? Off the top of my head, religion was a major component of why slavery was not only “okay” but “right,” why many women are still not allowed to go to school around the world, and why the Trade Towers no longer stand. There is nothing scary about homosexuals (especially ones that would join the Military). The Army is not going to become a San Francisco nightclub. And, contrary to many Evangelical’s statements, Homosexuality is becoming to be known through our genetic make-up (which should make sense considering it exists in nature). But hey, they often deny evolution so what can you really say. (If you don’t believe me, feel free to google it.) Lastly, I am always shocked by the number of homophobic people who always have this idea that every homosexual wants to sleep with them! Aside from straight vanity, isn’t that a little absurd? I think so…

Clausewitz states that a successful military is comprised directly from the society that produces it. I see this as no different.

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The Ice Shower

Posted in Health on December 17, 2010 by SweetEnlow

As I sit here shivering, I can’t help but recall a line from one of my favorite movies, “The Whole Ten Yards.” After a fight with his wife, Oz (Matthew Perry) states that if he doesn’t change his behavior, he will be taking “cold showers for the rest of his life.”

Oddly enough, that might not be so bad…

Only a few a days ago, I purchased a book that I have been looking forward to coming out  for months, The 4-Hour Body, by Tim Ferris. Ferris, like myself, takes a great interest in a number of things, including physical health. Moreover, he is just an interesting guy. You should check out his blog at www.fourhourworkweek.com. This book chronicles his last ten years of unconventional experiments he has conducted on himself (after his bestseller “The 4-hour workweek cashed in, he has the luxury of some pretty expensive methods, but his results are just the same). He is a literal human guinea pig. His book has a number of highly fascinating sections – How to give a woman a 15 minute orgasm, how to drop 20 pounds in 30 days (by eating paleo…what a shocker), how to run 50 km in only 4 weeks, how to triple your testosterone etc… One chapter that particularly caught my eye was his discussion of the effects of Ice baths/showers. His studies’ state:

1.  (The evidence is rather scientific, but a scientific explanation is not needed for the overall point) Ice Showers recruit necessary cell components (namely, GLUT-4) to the surface of the cell increasing lean muscle gain

2. Even at short durations, cold exposure could increase adiponectin levels and glucose uptake by muscle tissue.

3. In the absence of shivering (short term exposure), there is still a substantial increase in “thermogenesis” increasing fat-burning for heat.

4. Cold Water exposure increases immunity.. He states specifically, “acute cold water exposure has immunostimualting effects, and preheating with physical exercise or a warm shower can enhance this response.”

5. Cold Showers are effective treatment of depression.

In thinking about this from an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense. There were undoubtedly times when humans had to endure some harsh winters without much food yet required energy – thus, the fat-burning evidence. So, by placing ourselves in a similar situation – albeit less intense – logically should benefit our health.

That being said, I have tinkered around with cold showers for about a year and I thought there was something to it, but I never stuck with the practice – until this week. Simply put, it has been an amazing experience. Thus far, after 5 days, I have gone from a 32.5 waist to 31.75, have a bookoo amount of energy (seriously. its biggest effect I have noticed), and I am sleeping better (and faster) than I have in a long time.

Moreover, Ferris conducted personally experiments where, though only anecdotal, he personally attributes a massive increase in testosterone to ice baths (in his testosterone section). This I have noticed as well ;) Lastly, Japanese studies have shown that due to the increase in heat, Ice Showers actually make one fall asleep faster at night – even after the shocking experience. Again, I am literally falling asleep 5 minutes after my body becomes re-acclimated.

Ferris recommends that one take a 5-10 minutes shower twice a day, preferrable upon waking and right before bed. I have personally been doing twice a day at 5 -7 minutes.  Yet, I will test tonight or tomorrow his more extreme method of taking a literal ice bath where you dump a bunch of conveinent store bags of ice into a tub and fill it with water and “soak” for about 20 minutes. Should be interesting…..

I highly, highly recommend trying this unconventional approach. I know it is painful at first and the “shrinkage” is laughable if not embarrassing, but the after effects are incredible!

If the leaning out continues, I promise to post pictures of progress.

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