Sunday, November 9, 2008

Here we go again...


so yeah, its WET season, most people like it when it rains, some does not, i do most of the times, but now i don't. why? well it depends on the enthusiasm, and the age of my ride. it's to new to ride under the rain i don't like it getting all rusted out. I hate this phuckin weather, i'm loosing momentum on trying to loose weight. and i hate indoor cycling, whats the point of pedling if you're not travelling...

Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 09 November 2008
Synopsis : At 2:00 am today, Tropical Depression "ROLLY" was estimated based on sattelite and surface data at 90 kms South of Coron, Palawan (11. 2°N, 120.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 20 KPH.

Friday, November 7, 2008

I just felt i needed to...

I just felt i needed to post something...

I got up early missing my promise to my fiance, shit-balls she is so mad at me right now. Anyway, i have to come up with a plan to seduce / make up with her hehe. Have to think fast...

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Haro FlightLine Sport '08


After a having a hard time choosing what MTB to get and that will fit my size, I got it, the Haro FlightLine Sport, great bike, very light and the response is just excellent for a motocross style of riding.

The Flightline Sport is a great starting point for riders looking to go beyond simple cycling fitness on mostly paved, level, mild terrain and explore the sport of mountain biking. Trail-worthy parts like an SR Suntour 100mm fork, 8-speed drivetrain, and mechanical disc brakes combined with its upgraded double butted down tube frame make the Flightline Sport more than capable of handling fire roads as well as singletrack trails. With an affordable MSRP of less than $450, it’s perfect for riders wanting to try a new sport but don’t want to break their bank account.

Well here is basically what I got...

Frame Flightline 6061 T6 Oversize Alum. w/ Dbl Butted DT
Fork SR Suntour XCM-MLO; 100mm Travel w/ Preload Adjust & Lockout
Headset Cane Creek


Drivetrain Components
Crank Set SR Suntour CW-XCC 22/32/44
Bottom Bracket Sealed Cartridge
Derailleur Front Shimano C050
Derailleur Rear Shimano Alivio
Freewheel Shimano HG40 8-Speed 11-32
Chain Shimano HG50
Pedals Nylon Body/ Steel Cage

Control Center Component
Handlebar Pivit Alloy Riser 30mm
Stem Pivit Alloy 15 Degree
Grips Dual Density
Derailleur Shifter Shimano EF50 8-Speed
Saddle Pivit
Seat Post Pivit Micro Adjust 30.9
Seat Post Clamp Pivit Alloy QR

Wheelset Components

Hubset Pivit Disc Alloy 9-Speed Cassette; 32h QR
Rim Weinmann ZAC 19 32h Double Wall
Spokes Stainless Steel 14g
Tires Kenda Klaw 2.1”

Brake Components
Brakes Tektro IO Mechanical Disc w/ 6” Rotors
Brake Lever Shimano


Here are some more pictures, im looking forward to a more adventurous and healthy life with this ride...



Friday, October 10, 2008

For a Theft-Proof motorcycle


Here in the Philippines, motorcycle theft is very rumpant specially in depressed areas where some people tend to "scavenge" instead of working for it. MC theft have always been the same ever since because bikes require very minimal force to steal. Common bike locks require only a wire cutter or a hammer even a strong arm, and I have to telll this that I own a dual sport bike and might I say, this is like the easiest to get. Even Big Bikes and Choppers are not safe anymore, all you need is a big enough van, a couple of dudes and off you go with the bike of your choice, or off to the chop shop for parts. How do we really prevent this from happening, or if it cannot be prevented, how do we give the crooks "hard time" before our bikes get stolen...

The tips below was provided by MSF from my earlier article.

QUICK TIPS: Preventing Motorcycle Theft

Follow these basic tips to help avoid becoming a victim of motorcycle theft:

• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.
• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.
• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.
• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole.
• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.
• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.
• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about.
• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.
• Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.
• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.
• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.
• Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.

Here are some useful articles to check on:

Chain locks by Bike In The Fast Lane
Anti Theft by Why Bike
The Exalto from TwoWheel Blog

If you use a trailer to transport your motorcycle, follow these safety tips:
• Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.
• Lock the trailer doors and hitch.
• Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there is not enough room for doors to be opened.
• Know your trailer identification and license plate registration numbers.
• When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.


Guard against theft when selling your bike:

Using fake identities has become common in bike thefts. Don’t turn over the title until you can verify the check or money order is valid and has cleared the bank. Mail the title to the new owner.

• Ask the buyer for his or her name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number. Then ask to see the driver’s license and check that the information given matches the license.
• Be especially cautious of anyone who presents out-of-state identification.
• Make sure the potential buyer wasn’t dropped off by another party and is planning to take a one-way test ride with your bike. Verify that the buyer owns the vehicle he or she arrived with, and that the vehicle is of equal or greater value than your bike.
• Check that the buyer's driver’s license carries a valid motorcycle endorsement.
• It isn’t necessary that you provide a buyer with the title right away. A written document signed by the seller and buyer indicating price and method of payment can serve as proof of purchase. You can forward the title to the buyer once the check has cleared the bank.
• If you decide to sell your motorcycle on consignment, do not provide the signed title to the dealership until you have received your money in full. Make sure the dealership is a reputable business before you trust them as an agent.

It is payday...




It is payday...

It's Payday and I'm 3 thousand pesos short, courtesy of the "Zero Discrepancy" programs of the Accounting Department". Who ever thought about that "said" prgram should think again. I mean it is like praying for peace while holding a gun... that's just nuts!!! Or being the president of PETA with a closet full of fur coats.

Work have not been the same since september came in, and I kinnda miss my old place, but you won't grow if you don't get out of your comfort zone. my dad and I went to the grocery store earlier to get some diapers and supplies, the prices aint right, its scary. What will happen after 5 years, when it is my turn to have my own family. Well anyway, thats too far from now, I just want to make some short temr goals done and inch on my long term goals.

Work is great so far, I've been getting good feedbacks from my superiors local and state-side, plus customer feedbacks are looking good, i sure hope I'll get a Perimeter shirt later, you know, a token to brag about for some interested parties :)

Tomorrow will be a little challenging, we have a game to play on the office basketball tournament and then I get to go to the office after the game, stickin' schedule but it can be rewarding too. It has been a year since I last played basketball and told myself that I will play again after a year when I had an accident. That's October 17 well, it is almost a year, plus i gained at least 10 pounds after the accident, so I have to shred them through basketball again. I brought some food for lunch but then it wont be all mine.

Talking about that lunch, I was googling my a$$ off and found a way to to reduce "lunch theft" in the office or at school. This was posted by Bibas from BibassBlog, Anti Theft Lunch Bag wahehehe, nothing but cool...

Alcohol And Motorcycles





QUICK TIPS: The Importance of Riding Unimpaired by Alcohol or Other Drugs

Theory: Alcohol And Motorcycles Are Incompatible
• At a Blood - Alchohol Concentration of 0.01 to 0.04%, judgment begins to lessen, the drinker is less critical of their own actions, reaction time is slowed, and indications of mental relaxation may appear.
• At a Blood - Alchohol Concentration of 0.05 to 0.07%, judgment is not sound, thinking and reasoning powers are not clear, and the ability to perform complex skills is lessened.
• At a Blood - Alchohol Concentration of 0.08% or above, judgment and reasoning powers are severely hampered, and the individual cannot complete common simple tasks without error.

Proof: Statistics From Recent Studies (by NHTSA, Florida, Kentucky, and Australia)
• Having any alcohol in one’s body increases the chance of crashing by five times.
• Having a Blood - Alchohol Concentration greater than 0.05% increases the risk of crashing about forty-fold.
• 46 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were using alcohol.
• One fourth of all fatal alcohol-related motorcycle crashes involve motorcyclists running off the road, overturning, or falling from the motorcycle rather than striking another object.

Explanation: Alcohol Affects Your Ability To “SEE”

SEEsm is the acronym for MSF’s strategy to help motorcycle riders maintain a safety margin as well as remain ready and able to respond properly to traffic situations. SEE stands for:
• Search for hazards that might lead to trouble.
• Evaluate how the hazards might interact to create risk; prioritize multiple hazards to deal with one at a time.
• Execute an action to maintain a margin of safety.

Alcohol affects these three human elements of safe motorcycle operation by impairing your vision (Search), judgment/decision-making ability (Evaluate), and coordination/reaction time (Execute).

Recommendation: Plan Ahead
• Riders should never mix alcohol with riding. Even low, legal limits of Blood - Alchohol Concentration increase your risk while riding a motorcycle.
• Riders who are away from home and decide to drink should either (1) wait until their BAC has returned to zero before riding, even if it means staying overnight, or (2) leave the motorcycle in a secure location and find alternate transportation home.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Work-Load

What is work-load?... well lets check out what Wiki has to say.


"The term workload can refer to a number of different yet related entities.

An amount of labor

While a precise definition of a workload is elusive, a commonly accepted definition is the hypothetical relationship between a group or individual human operator and task demands.

The assessment of operator workload has a vital impact on the design of new human-machine systems. By evaluating operator workload during the design of a new system, or iteration of an existing system, problems such as workload bottlenecks and overload can be identified. As the human operator is a central part of a human-machine system, the correction of these problems is necessary for the operation of safe and efficient systems.

An operating budget may include estimates of the expected workload for a specific activity.

Quantified effort

Workload can also refer to the total energy output of a system, particularly of a person or animal performing a strenuous task over time. One particular application of this is weight lifting/weights training, where both anecotal evidence and scientific research has shown that it is the total "workload" that is important to muscle growth, as opposed to just the load, just the volume, or "time under tension". In these and related uses of the word, "workload" can be broken up into "work+load", referring to the work done with a given load. In terms of weights training, the "load" refers to the heaviness of the weight being lifted (20 kg is a greater load than 10 kg), and "work" refers to the volume, or total number of reps and sets done with that weight (20 reps is more work than 10 reps, but 2 sets of 10 reps is the same work as 1 set of 20 reps, its just that the human body cannot do 20reps of a heavy weight without a rest, so its best to think of 2x10 as being 20 reps, with a rest in the middle).

This theory was also used to determine horse power (hp), which was defined as the amount of work a horse could do with a given load over time. The wheel that the horse turned in Watt's original experiment put a certain load on the horse's muscles, and the horse could do a certain amount of work with this load in a minute. Provided the horse was a perfect machine, it would be capable of a constant maximum workload, so increasing the load by a given percentage would result in the possible work done decreasing by the same percentage, so that it would still equal "1 hp". However, horses are not perfect machines and over short time periods are capable of as much as 14 hp, and over long periods of exertion output an average of less than 1 hp.

The theory can also be applied to automobiles or other machines, which are slightly more "perfect" than animals, making a car heavier for instance, increases the load that the engine must pull, likewise making it more aerodynamic decreases drag, which acts as a load on the car as well. Torque can be thought of as the ability to move load, and the revs are how much work it can do with that load in a given amount of time. Therefore torque and revs together create kilowatts, or total power output, which can be related to the "workload" of the engine/car, or how much work it can do with a given amount of load. As engines are more mechanically perfect than animals' muscles, and do not fatigue in the same way, they will confirm much more closely to the formula that if you apply more load, they will do less work, and visa versa."


we all know that sometimes workload is considered as "$hit-load"but hey, if you want to get through everyday expences, you have to have more on your $hit-load / $hit-list. I mean c'mon, not all of us are born rich at a no-need-to-work kind of life. For almost a year, I did not get to do much but once I got a spot on doing something, shoot!!! this is not rain anymore, this is avalanche. I get to earn enough and get to do more that what i should be earning, but thats life, just like one of my mentors said, "you ain't gonna learn to walk if you can't learn how to crawl" (with that sympathetic facial expression...)

The great part on working the hell out of yourself is working with someone you are comfortable with, back-office like QA1 QA2 / training / manong guards; managers like operations manager / shift supervisors , and team mates and some twist... well they all make this war-zone-like pace some what of a home for me.

I was supposed to put up something bad for my work place, but after putting what I had on top, i forgot about it, honestly... It makes me wanna it a rice meal... well we'll see what it will be.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Kimbo Slice, Knocked Out...


Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson made his way as a YouTube sensation, beating other street fighters to the guts or coma hehe (for more informationa about Kimbo, just check out this blog right here, "Brutons' " Its the lighter side...). Kimbo was one of the most anticipated participant in MMA because many have said that is ruthless and uncontrolled style of brawling may not work with MMA specially against a composed opponent. He was unbeaten in four fights from his debut to MMA until Oct 4, 2008. The tauting, trash-talking skull breaker turned into a laughingstock as an MMA fighter in just a matter of seconds knocked him out. He was bound to fight an MMA legend, Ken Shamrock, but had to withdraw due to injuries at a warm up sparring.

"Seth Petruzelli, a fill-in for Ken Shamrock, pummels Slice for a first-round knockout in their EliteXC bout." - AOL headline.

- That says it all, 14 seconds in the first round, a punch, a follow up and a stopage. For Seth Petruzelli, this is like a cinderella story, from Ultimate Fighter to EliteXC star, like what he said, "I'm not used to this much attention" - from MMAJunkie.

The next thing you may want to look out for is if Kimbo decides to train more and have a rematch and the have more determination to trail to fight rather than to brawl, he's training with Bas Rutten, that's Bas Rutten, it is impossible for Kimbo not to learn.

Oh yeah, here is the video of the fight from MMARoot.

Why Mondays suck...


Well there are tons of reasons when you collect all the reasons every brain has for the "Why Mondays Suck?", but I do have a few of my own.

Just by the sound of the name, "Monday" ... ewwww yuck, why can't it be like another name, like lazyboyday, or lazyday, or after sunday-day whew.

It's hard to get off from the bed and go to work or school, usually, when it is Monday, you feel feverish and the bed has some hypnotic power or a magnet that does not allow you to get away from it. When this happens, it is either you make a call that you are sick, or just keep everything wingin' until you get something right.

Traffic, yeah traffic, heavy and irritating. For some reasons when it is Monday, specially raining Mondays, some people gets stupid, causing all cost of troubles on the road and making everybody behind them late for work.

Monday Mentality, yeah, this is usually the start of a work week, so you really have to suck it in for another 4 days doing the same sheeeet on a different day.

Negativity, even though you have to be optimist, you cannot.

Work Load, just from how it was called, LOAD, well because not going to the office for 2 days, you will get twice as much load on Monday, plus you get to finish them same amount of time on regular days.

The only thing good in this Monday is that I get to see my wife later and then come Friday, payday, BUT FRIDAY IS TOO CLOSE TO MONDAY... I may get to hate it too.

I tried Googling this thought out and I found another blogger that has the same thought on Monday like I do. Justin's Blog.

Going further in the day... and my coccyx starting to hurt again, then thought about getting an ink right there, to commemorate my tailbone being broken at one point, but then the idea can make my wife nuts but she had a tongue stud that I agreed on :) These links right here helped me today by killing at least 10-15 minutes, great work I may say... "Can we see your tongue stud" and the ever alluring "The HoteWife confessions".

So yeah, I sure hope to get everything running today and looking forward to a good, WET Tuesday...


Sunday, October 5, 2008

Switch...



There are may surprising things going on in life, like SURPRISE I'M pregnant kinda thing. But not that. Maybe it's all because things that happen may really have a purpose why it does happen...

Imagine, from blue to yellow and from green to blue...

Chad Reed of Yamaha (he just won last Supercross season with Yamaha) will now ride for Team Suzuki Rockstar: while James Stewart Jr. of Team Monster Kawasaki (he just won last Motocross season with Kasawaki) will now ride for Yamaha. Well Ricky Carmichael is not retired and gone four wheels, but c'mon, what's next... will Bob Hannah Ride for the Yellow Suzuki this time or Yellow Yamaha, whew.

WORD

Work On Rest Day

The title says it all, rest + work = twice the pay for the day :)

I needed the money for one good reason, still trying to earn more to keep up with life and all its challenges, plus I get to spend a whole shift doing things aside from taking in calls. Money can go to be for different reasons like the ff:

Family - I needed this because I am the current bread winner, don't ask, it's a Filipino Custom.

My family - Well this will be for me and my fiance, and its not called fiance if it is not family right.

My niece - I'm a first-time uncle, so she is like my own kid, plus I get to make sure I'm physically clean every time.

Myself - I'm still planning to get a Mt. Bike after getting a road bike for my dad. I came across some resources online and spent at least 1 hour on each site because I still have nothing to do.

Kent's Bike from BlogSpot


and

Bike Blog
- They featured a Yeti with the signature loop that may be most useful for me.

...and some minutes on the ones below.

Cycler's Life


Rural Pinoy
- A fresh Filipino bike blog from Pinoy MT Bikers.

And a cool article on a Trek Bike Vending Machine...

As off today, one of my former team mate Essa a.k.a Kaikai will be quitting work and may be off to a better, greener... you know. Anyway, good luck where ever you will be. Some dose of creativity from our QA peeps Sherlie and Ruthie, well for some reason their names should rhyme, maybe because they both needed for the same reason, so having a name that sounds a like may be appropriate for the job... and not to forget the blog that has my picture on it, Curlie's; he's not a QA but we just got used to calling him that way, but he now has a straight hair.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Lance Armstrong '09


Legend, History, Speed; well there are millions of other ways to describe Lance Armstrong, the 7-time and soon to be 8-time Tour de France champion; Diagnosed with testicle cancer in 1996, came back to ride in 1999 and set record breaking championships till 2005.

"The cancer had already spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. The standard chemotherapeutic regimen for Armstrong's type of cancer is known as BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin (or Platinol)). Armstrong, however, chose to undergo an alternative regimen, VIP (vinblastine, ifosfamide and Cisplatin), in order to avoid the lung toxicity associated with the drug Bleomycin.[4] Armstrong underwent surgery on his brain tumors, which were found to be necrotic, and an orchiectomy to remove his diseased testicle."

I have started using 2 wheels since 1996, so Armstrong was like a symbol to me, both in life and the sports. His next series will mean a lot to beneficiaries of Livestrong and many other foundations sphere-headed by the great cyclist / cancer survivor. The ASTANA Team on TREK Bikes will be a power house, imagine having 1 2 time chamo, and another 7 time champ to lead the way on the same uniform, I only wish to see a good uphill battle with Ulrich once again...

Getting a tattoo?




A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

In the 21st century, tattoos are considered more of a rebellious act or something expressive but either way they are cool. Like the picture above, the name is Kat Von D of L.A Ink, if you don't like tattoos, then you may not know her. She is one of the greatest tattoo artist in this generation, well that will depends on how gnarly some tattoo artist may get. Like the every crazy EYE-BALL tattoo, talk about crazy... this is beyond cool nor stupid, I kinda admire the courage of whoever will do this next, I mean c'mon, face tattoos are good enough, why go to a precious part of the body.

Planning to get a tattoo may be very time consuming, but I found 2 sites that helped me out. Tattoo Blog and Knuckle Tattoos are sites that shows varieties of tattoos, from exce-phuckin-llent to bull-dung looking tattoos. I may be going for a Devil with an angel's wings or the other way around. Well for the knuckles, I may go for my wife's or parents initials.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

WOO-SAAH

WOO-SAAH

So that’s how it works, you get phucked up, you get phucked on, then you get phucked up even more, then on the verge of blowing up, bursting into a green monster…. You then take a deep breath, and another one, and on the third you say WOO-SAAH, you’ll actually feel better. Through this may not work for everybody, but it sure worked for me right now.


BREATHING TECHNIQUES from CoEdu

During stressful situations we rarely stop to think about what is happening within our bodies. Indeed, the pressures of the moment keep our minds occupied on almost everything but our physiological functions. Consequently those functions often become irregular, leaving us in an unhealthy state of being. When we are in this state we have fewer chances to succeed in whatever we try to accomplish.

Among the many physiological functions adversely affected by stress is our breathing. Even when stress is minimal few people retain a habit of natural, full breathing which is required for maintaining a good mental and physical state. Proper breathing is essential for sustaining life and cleansing inner body systems. By learning proper breathing techniques stressful situations may be handled better and overall mental and physical health will be improved.

BREATHING: THE IMPORTANCE OF OXYGEN

Oxygen plays a vital role in the circulatory and respiratory systems. As we breathe, oxygen that is inhaled purifies our blood by removing poisonous waste products circulating throughout our blood systems. Irregular breathing will hamper this purification process and cause waste products to remain in circulation. Digestion will then become irregular, leaving tissues and organs undernourished. Improper oxygen consumption will thus ultimately lead to fatigue and heightened anxiety states. The irregular breathing elicited during stressful situations not only make them hard to cope with but also contribute to a general deterioration of health. By the careful control of our breathing pattern, we may not only rejuvenate our systems but counter the unhealthy effects of stress.

BREATHING METHODS

Breathing methods are useful to settle the body and mind and induce a heightened sense of awareness. Breathing exercises have been practiced for thousands of years in the East. The West began studying the effectiveness and importance of them several years ago. By this time, sufficient research has taken place in the West to verify the usefulness of these techniques.

The following breathing methods can be helpful for reducing anger, anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability, muscular tension and stress.

PROPER BREATHING.

While breathing is a function most people take for granted, rarely is it practiced in a proper fashion. Before beginning any technique it is essential that you learn how to breath properly and fully:

Lie down on a rug or blanket on the floor with your legs straight and slightly apart, your toes pointed comfortably outwards, arms at your sides not touching your body, your palms up, and your eyes closed. This is called a "relaxed body" position. Take time to relax your body and breathe freely.

It is best to breathe through your nose, as the tiny hairs and mucous membranes filter out dust and toxins from the inhaled air. Keep your mouth closed as you breathe.

As you breathe, your chest and abdomen should move together. If only the chest seems to rise and fall, your breathing is shallow and you are not making good use of the lower part of your lungs. As you inhale you should feel your abdomen rising; it is as if your stomach is filling with air. As you exhale, the abdomen comes back in, like a balloon releasing all of its air. This inhale and exhale process should continue comfortably and smoothly. The chest and abdomen should rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale. The chest should move only slightly.

DEEP, RELAXED BREATHING.

Although this exercise can be practiced in a variety of poses, the following is recommended for beginners:

Lie down on a blanket or rug on the floor. Bend your knees and move your feet about eight inches apart, with your toes turned outward slightly. Make sure your spine is straight.

Place one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest.

Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose into your abdomen to push up your hand as much as feels comfortable. Your chest should move only a little and only with your abdomen.

Continue step three until it becomes rhythmic and comfortable. Now smile slightly, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, making a quiet, breezy sound as you gently blow out. Your mouth, tongue and jaw will be relaxed. Take long, slow, deep breaths raising and lowering your abdomen. Hear the sound and feel the texture of breathing as you become more and more relaxed.

When you first begin this technique, do it for five minutes. When you become more comfortable with it, you may extend it up to 20 minutes.

Upon ending a session, stay still for a few minutes and try to keep the entire body relaxed.

The purpose of this technique is to develop a good, relaxing breathing method. It may be practiced anytime, especially during stressful situations.

THE RELAXING SIGH.

Sighing and yawning during the day are signs that you are not getting enough oxygen. A sigh releases a bit of tension and can be practiced at will as a means of relaxing.

Sit or stand up straight.

Sigh deeply, letting out a sound of deep relief as the air rushes out of your lungs.

Let new air come in naturally.

Repeat this procedure eight to twelve times whenever you feel the need for it, and experience the feeling of relaxation.

THE CLENCHED FIST.

This exercise will stimulate your breathing, circulation and nervous system.

Stand up straight, hands at your sides.

Inhale and hold a complete natural breath as described above.

Raise your arms out in front of you, keeping them up and relaxed.

Gradually bring your hands to your shoulders. As you do, slowly contract your hands into fists so that when they reach your shoulders they are clenched as tight as possible.

Keep the fists tense as you push your arms out straight again very slowly.

Pull your arms back to your shoulders and straighten them out, fists tense, as fast as you can, several times.

IMAGINATIVE BREATHING.

This exercise combines the relaxing benefits of deep, relaxed breathing with the curative value of positive auto-suggestions.

Lie down on a rug or blanket on the floor in a "relaxed body" pose.

Place your hands gently on your solar plexus (that point where your ribs start to separate above your abdomen) and practice deep, relaxed breathing for a few minutes.

Imagine that, with each incoming breath of air, energy is rushing into your lungs and being immediately stored in your solar plexus. Imagine that as you exhale, this energy is flowing out to all parts of your body. Form a mental picture of this energizing process.

Continue on a daily basis for at least five to ten minutes a day.

THE ROLLING BREATH.

The following exercise requires a partner and is effective in relaxing and energizing you.

Lie on your back. Have your partner put one hand on your abdomen and one hand on your chest.

Inhale and exhale as in deep, relaxed breathing, but each inhale is taken in two stages abdomen, then chest. Imagine that you are breathing into your partner's hand as you fill your belly with air. When your abdomen feels full, continue breathing into your chest. Watch your partner's hands as it rises.

Exhale fully through the chest and belly simultaneously.

Repeat. It is important to keep a rhythmic rolling effect between abdomen and chest. Breathe at your natural pace, however.

Any of the above techniques can and should be practiced everyday. Being a natural preventive measure for stress, there are very few side effects. It will take some time before you observe any profound changes within your body and mind taking place, but practice diligently and patiently. You will eventually realize that you have more energy and are much more relaxed.

Trapped…

Trapped…

It all started like a regular day but then I dreamt about my niece being born and growing up, what a dream eh, we all were anticipating her “coming-out” as all were excited to become, uncle’s grandma, grandpa and all. Why trapped? Well again, for me going to the office is an everyday adventure where you cannot have the same experience twice, puzzling how traffic works in the Philippines right?

I walk up on the right side of the bed with full throttled sleep and a nice hot goto to prep up the day, had some chat with the family and worked my way out to the bathroom then dressed up for the ride to the office. Imagine I had to do all that to go for a 16 kilometer ride to office and back home. It was like motocross mayhem out there, I had to fight time then other drivers that are not fighting time and just when I thought I made it right… I got trapped.

In the middle of an 8-lane highway, maybe 2 kilometers from my exit, it rained so hard I cannot even see the tail light of the car right in front of me. I cannot even park somewhere to wear my poncho and everything was so wet it’s like I jumped to a swimming pool. But then, I had to wait for my exit and right on my exit to the access road to the office, guess what, it stopped raining. All day it was great, but in that 3-4 minutes of rain, I wished I obeyed my mom when she said, “it was gonna opur anyway, why not wear your poncho before you go out and ride”. Then I said, “nehhh”.

The brighter side, I got my side-line payment and got some extra for me at least, ill have to get my fiancé a Nike Free Mary Jane for my b-day gift, I mean her b-day gift.

So yeah, trapped, wearing wet pants wet underpants and I will wait for at least 9.5 hours to get it changed…

Product Review: Bell Balistic and Bell


Product Review: Bell Balistic and Bell

Bell Drop - Whether you're into pointing that front wheel down hill or more likely to push it against a starting gate, the new Bell Drop is what you're going to want on your head. BMX, freeride, slalom, four-cross, or downhill Ñ this lid was made to do it all. The hand-laminated Drop was designed from the ground up by the same team that created Bell's now legendary Moto-8 motocross helmet, so you know it's gonna rip. Certification to both the CPSC bicycle standard and the new ASTM downhill standard is a nice plus as well.

Bell Bellistic - Made of a tough, multi-layered fiberglass shell with EPS foam liner, the Bellistic features full-face coverage, an adjustable retention harness, adjustable visor and large eye port to accommodate goggles, and 15 built-in vents.

For more information and reviews about the Bellistic and the Drop please click on the MTBR Bellistic and MTBR Drop link.