Thursday, August 31, 2006

8/31/06 News

News on Nicotine

Health Care Spending Doesn't Provide Better Health

Does Anyone Smell a Campaigning Politician?

The Big Lie for Today

Women Even With Men on Tattoos y Esteban Jordan!

Women Getting Tattoos

and Esteban Jordan playing "Mi Cascabel" and "El Rey" on YouTube.



I'm testing to see how this works, give some feedback! Esteban aka Steve Jordan rocks!

I'm working out tomorrow... maybe I'll figure out the money so I can buy that exercise bike!

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

8/30/06 News

Chicano Moritorium on LA IndyMedia

Report Finds New Mexico Has 39th Highest Rate of Adult Obesity in U.S.

Devaluing Labor
According to a report by Goldman Sachs economists, "the most important contributor to higher profit margins over the past five years has been a decline in labor's share of national income."
(Don't be fooled by the "Labor Day" holiday - it was intended to distract people from May Day!)

Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Opposes Quality of Life Initiative

Living Wage Doesn't Hurt Job Growth Contrary to the crap you hear on some news outlets!

"NO WAR BUT CLASS WAR..." anonymous

August 30

No workout this morning. Leg workout yesterday was good. I'm feeling it! I also went yesterday and priced exercise bikes and punching bags. For $250 I can get both... Now just coming up with $250!

* * *
Here's a picture since I'm not posting much today. You can see more on "The Wild Bunch Band" myspace, and my myspace.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

August 29th y Mas

Today is August 29th, aka Chicano Liberation Day or Raza Memorial Day. In 1970 in East LA the Brown Berets, MEChA and other organizations gathered thousands of Chicanas and Chicanos for a Moritorium Against the VietNam war. At that time Chicanos were counted as 5% of the population, but 10% of the casualties in Nam.

The LA County Sherrif's Dept. attacked the demonstration and turned East LA into a war zone for several days. Reporter Ruben Salazar was assassinated by Sherrif T Wilson. Two Brown Berets were also killed that day.

It is commemorated annualy since 1980 by La Raza Unida, Chicano Moritorium Committee, and many other community based, progressive, and revolutionary organizations.

* * *
I'll do my leg worktout after work today. Definately feeling yesterday's chest and back workout!

* * *
Still trying to encourage the kids to play music. They want it, unless they feel like I'm "pushing" it. Go figure. They won't take lessons from other people either!

* * *
There's some interesting stuff on this Tattoo Blog.

Amor y Rebeldia!!!

Monday, August 28, 2006

8/28/06

Had a good bench workout. I'm going to a day long meeting, lots of stuff going on. I'll have to post more tomorrow!

Oh, I'm on myspace if you want to see more of me.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Max Bench Y Mas!

OK, I had the nephews and my son at the house yesterday so just for fun I thought I'd see what my max bench is. Having three spotters and all.

Since I'm concerned about getting a six-pack by November I figured I needed something positive. The other part of my 40th birthday challenge is to bench 200 pounds by 11/22.

So I warmed up with 115, then did 135 for 1, and then 155 for one, then 165 for one. I had to then change the plates out and did 175 for one, then 185, then 195. I said, what the hell and put 200 on the bar. And what the hell - I got it up! So I've met that part of my challenge! I'm happy and now will figure out how to keep that max bench while I lose weight. I think it's doable. Guess I have to focus on the gut now!

* * *
Also went and protested Mayor Marty's cancellation of the Rock Out With Your Cause Out Event. It was a good turnout. Even the APD anti-terrorism team showed up! How absurd this idiot politician is!

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!

Friday, August 25, 2006

8/25/06 Body Fat Check

OK, got the body fat check - and besides the Alibi screw up I'm still a guy - and it went well.

My arms are sore from yesterday's workout. Oh, the results huh? OK, bodyfat is 22.3, up 0.2 from last time, but I also gained 8.02 pounds of muscle! So the new numbers are - Body Weight 176.7 (up 10 pounds), Fat weight 39.36 (almost 3 pounds up), Fat-Free Weight 137.34 (the 8.02 increase mentioned earlier).

So I'm happy. I still need to lose 2 pounds a week from here to November. But I'll figure that out. I'll just have to kick butt! And I'll probably have to get the exercise bike.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Alibi Reporter Screws Up

Just thought I'd let you know the "good and bad" news. The good news is that the Alibi did a story about blogs, and mentioned the CuerpoAztlan blog! The bad is that they call it a "diary" of a woman!

Here's the Alibi Srew Up. Send 'em some comments! =)

More on Mayor Marty

More from the SWOP Blog on Mayor Marty

8/24/06

It's close to August 29th. I'll post something on that later or tomorrow.

Tomorrow is my bodyfat check and having been out of it the last few days probably ain't gonna help, but oh well. I'll just have to push harder for the next couple of months. Like really hard, like I need the exercise bike big time, because my legs and lower back just get hammered by running hard. So I think I just need to lose some weight and keep trying to run, but supplement with something that doesn't jar my body as much.

I did get to my arm workout today and it went well. I'm at the edge of what I can do without pulling on my shoulder too much, I'll just have to keep going up slowly and coming back down and be persistent.

* * *
My son's working so we didn't get to work on anything yesterday, and my nephew goes to another school now so I don't get to work on stuff with him. I did get my daughter to work on the A blues scale for about 20 choruses. I'll get some more in this week. I'll hit this key for about a month. I'll get her on the E blues scale next week and have her working on two scales to stretch her thinking. She says she hates "jamming" but I think as she gets used to it, she'll like it more. She does much better than she thinks so I'll just keep reinforcing it.

As for me, I'm wiped out, I come home and need a nap. I'll have to figure out ways to relax and recuperate better.

My wife read the blog and bought "good" chocolate yesterday, it is better - no sugar rush.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

8/24/06

It's close to August 29th. I'll post something on that later or tomorrow.

Tomorrow is my bodyfat check and having been out of it the last few days probably ain't gonna help, but oh well. I'll just have to push harder for the next couple of months. Like really hard, like I need the exercise bike big time, because my legs and lower back just get hammered by running hard. So I think I just need to lose some weight and keep trying to run, but supplement with something that doesn't jar my body as much.

I did get to my arm workout today and it went well. I'm at the edge of what I can do without pulling on my shoulder too much, I'll just have to keep going up slowly and coming back down and be persistant.

* * *
My son's working so we didn't get to work on anything yesterday, and my nephew goes to another school now so I don't get to work on stuff with him. I did get my daughter to work on the A blues scale for about 20 choruses. I'll get some more in this week. I'll hit this key for about a month. I'll get her on the E blues scale next week and have her working on two scales to stretch her thinking. She says she hates "jamming" but I think as she gets used to it, she'll like it more. She does much better than she thinks so I'll just keep reinforcing it.

As for me, I'm wiped out, I come home and need a nap. I'll have to figure out ways to relax and recuperate better.

My wife read the blog and bought "good" chocolate yesterday, it is better - no sugar rush.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

8/23/06

Recuperating from a cold. So no working out this week yet, and Friday is my bodyfat check!

Oh well, I guess I'll deal with the news. As soon as I have the cash, I'm gonna get me a bike.

Things are pretty good over all. The "Rock Out with Your Cause Out" event was cancelled because the City of Albuquerque wouldn't grant a permit. There should be more at http://www.swop.net/blog.htm. But I haven't checked it myself, just got an email.

What that means is that my weekend is much freer.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Getting Behind

I spent lots of time in a grief and loss workshop this weekend, plus a gig on Saturday night, rehearsal and studio time on Friday night, and studio time on Sunday with the Hip Hop group! Needless to say, I'm behind on my workouts.

I'm broke, but thinking about putting an exercise bike on credit. I'll sleep on it. Tomorrow, or after work tonight, I'll do my chest and back workout. And the following day get back on my leg workout. Then later in the week will be arms. I got sore from the last arm workout so that's good!

OK, I gotta do a school meeting to help my son get his school stuff together!

If you get a chance go to SkinnyGirl's blog and check out her commercial. She did an awesome job.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Friday, August 18, 2006

8/18/06

Did an arm workout yesterday. I ended up staying up too late last night to get up early enough to do legs. This weekend is crazy busy, so hopefully I'll lose weight from that!

I do feel some of my arm workout. I'm also feeling the uncomfortable twinge in my shoulder and I don't know if its from working out or from the stress of work and family. Unfortunately I told my family about the blog, so they read it. And I don't want to vent where they could see and take it personally.

Even people trying to help are interrupting my flow right now. So I know it's not good. I took a mental health day yesterday and of course that just put me way behind for today!

The tattoos are doing well. I'll post pictures of them all healed up when they get there!

* * *
Under the "Told You So" Category
Make Friends With Your Body

Name one thing that would definitely make you like your body better.

No, it's not liposuction. It's weight work -- and that boost to your body image happens no matter what size or shape you're in. Strength training doesn't just make you feel stronger, it also makes you feel good about yourself. Even better, you only have to do it a few times a week to get the bod-loving -- and RealAge -- benefits.

Good-Mood Food
Which food can make you happier: an apple or some chocolate?

If you immediately said "Chocolate!" you're right, but (there's always a but) only if you really enjoy it. If a wave of fat-and-calorie guilt washes over you after the last bite, it negates the mood boost that chocolate provides. Sweet solution: Buy chocolate that has at least 70 percent cocoa. It's high in cholesterol-fighting antioxidants, and the flavor is so intense that a little goes a long way.

KEEP RUNNING, KEEP LIFTING!!!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Aug. 15, 06

Thanks for all the great comments! They were either totally supportive or in the "ouch that looks painful" category! LOL!!! Thanks for the comments on how it came out and the design. The design and rough draft were mine. Mark Wills of Custom Tattoo Company did the final interpretation onto my chest. He's a great guy!

* * *
Yesterday was back and chest day. I have to say, I tended to be much more careful on my bench press with a fresh tattoo than I ever have been before! You definitely don't bounce the bar on days like that!!!

I was going to do legs today, but my stomach was doing it's own workout. Maybe tomorrow or Thursday. I'll still do an arms workout this week.

* * *
For those STILL considering a tattoo after the picture of the freshly swollen chest skin picture, I'm more than happy to help you come up with a design. I figure if you're gonna permanently color your skin, it should be original, or fairly close to.

A co-worker was giving tours of the office to new people. When they got to my office, he kept telling these people, "If you want a drawing for a tattoo come to this guy. No, I'm dead serious."

I asked about the apprenticeship at the shop on Saturday, but Mark didn't mention too much about it, other than it was two years of free labor and it was worth it.

I'll see if I get this job offer before spending too much energy on it. Right now, I have two drawings done on me. A co-worker, the guy in the paragraph above is going to get a 4 leaf clover with a double trinity symbol inside each leaf. (We searched the internet for two weeks and didn't find another tattoo with the same symbol so we felt confident it was pretty original - for you Celtic types.) There are four sisters, two of which have worked with me, who want something that includes a nautical star, flowers, and tribal - without being "too big." If they get that, I'm definitely getting pictures. Another co-worker wants something done. I'm going to work on a sleeve of the Mexica Sun Stone on his arm, but with a couple of twists. And a sister-in-law asked me to draw up something for her back. If all, or any, of these people follow through, I'll post these up as soon as I get pictures. Either fresh, or healed depending on when I get the pictures from them.

I may scan my drawings and post them just for fun. It's a little easier than posting music. Which of course you can listen to at the Mezcla Experience myspace.

* * *
Tonight its back to the studio for some touch up work. I can't get the kids to do everything I want, but they do more than lots of kids would. They kicked ass Sunday and Monday nights on the radio as well!

OK, back to work!

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Saturday, August 12, 2006

8/12/06 NEW TAT!!!




OK, for those wanting to see the new tat, here it is! That's fresh - 1 hour after. Got it from Mark at Custom Tattoo Company in Albuquerque, NM. It's my son's, wife's, and daughter's names on the cards.

Go 'head, send the feedback!

Friday, August 11, 2006

Mezcla Experience on KUNM

Musical group, and MiDoJo Studios recording artists, Mezcla Experience will be on KUNM this Sunday (Aug 13) and Monday (Aug 14).

On Sunday, Mezcla Experience will be on the Youth Radio at 7pm. Make sure to catch young people at their best on Youth Radio!

On Monday, the group will be Espejos de Aztlan at 8pm. Listen in on a discussion about music and community!

If you are outside of the KUNM listening area, you can listen online at http://www.kunm.org

Juan, Aurea, Jaime, "Cece" and Enrique will be talking about their music, their upcoming CD release with MiDoJo Studios, Out ch'Yonda performance space, and upcoming gigs on the 19th and 26th of August.

Please visit http://www.myspace.com/mezclaexperience or http://www.midojo.com

Dia De Los Muertos Planning Meeting - Albuquerque

Message from Rusita - THE COORDINATOR!!!

Hi everyone,

We are organizing for this years parade. The theme this year is: "Ya Basta--Stop the violence and build a bridge to peace". Save the date--This year's event will be on Sunday, November 5th at the West Side community center 5-8 pm, parade will start at 4 pm. This year we will be having a grief and loss group for teenagers and one for adults. The adult group will be held on August 19-20. Stay tooned for workshop dates in September and October. We are looking for volunteers to help with the event and monetary contributions are still needed. Anyone interested in volunteering or for more information, contact 244-0120.

Our next meeting will be at 5102 Pastura Place NW on Wednesday August 16th at 7pm. For your convenience, the directions from downtown are: north on 12th Street, turn east on Palo Duro (the first right after Griegos), then left on Pastura - two blocks east of 12th St. From the east side: take Fourth Street, turn west on Delamar (about three blocks south of Montano), then left on Pastura. Bring snacks to share.

Rusita

8/11/06

A little bit of sorenessin my arms, that's good as I'm trying to pound them hard.

I hope to go jogging on Saturday and Sunday to catch up on my cardio.

The scale says I'm back up to 180 even. We'll see what the bodyfat is when we get to the 25th! Wish me luck and lots of energy to workout!

* * *
My son is already hating school, its his second day. And of course as worried parents we don't let up enough. I caught myself and stopped and then tried to talk with my wife about it. She's just too worried to let it go. I don't think I was necessarily gentle with her, but we had talked about it already, and she just started up as soon as he sat down for breakfast. Of course, I fall right into it once they start.

I tried reminding him of his value and intelligence on the way to school, and that I got his back. I hope that helps some, but he went to "check out" this school with an extra dose of feeling crappy.

* * *
The bank balance is at $0, which likely means we went over... Crap! As the kids get older and gas keeps going up, I don't see much changing financially which of course is stress which of course doesn't help me lose weight much! CRAP!

I realized this morning that I haven't had my 6 meals a day for about a week and a half because I've been trying to save money. I just kinda did it on auto-pilot, didn't think much about it.

Well at least I think I'll be interviewing next week for a new job. Hopefully that goes well and they don't take TOO long in getting back with me. I know it will be at minimum a week as the person making the decision will be out all of next week.

* * *
REALAGE TIPS!

EAT UP TO SLIM DOWN

If you're trying to lose weight, for heaven's sake don't starve.

Instead, change what -- not how much -- you eat, so you walk away from a meal feeling full, not frustrated. Instead of a big bowl of spicy chili, have an equally big bowl of zesty gazpacho; instead of a wedge of berry pie, have a whole pint of juicy strawberries. In other words, cut calories and fat, not portions. It works, say scientists.

WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU GET
Not thrilled with what you see in the mirror? Have a little chat with your reflection.

If you tend to beat yourself up about your perceived physical flaws, try something called "mirror-exposure therapy." Here's how: Look at your reflection and describe your body in objective, nonjudgmental terms. For example, instead of saying "I have fat thighs," say, "My thighs are fuller than my calves." Changing the words can gradually change the negative feelings behind them.

* * *
Chicano Tattoo Artist of the Stars "Mister Cartoon"


KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Thursday, August 10, 2006

8/10/06

Had a good arm workout today. I was really feeling sore yesterday from the Tuesday leg workout. Hopefully, I'm on the right track. The scale says I'm still gaining weight. I'm gaining like 0.2 pounds every day or two. I went walking today. I think I'm going to work on getting to the community center once a week. I can ride the bike a lot harder than I can run.

I'm going to get my bodyfat checked on the 25th. We'll see then how I'm doing. The spot on my lower back where my left glute and lower back connect gets really tender after squats or running, so I'll need a lower impact cardio, so the bike when I can will be helpful.

Hopefully I'm gaining SOME muscle mass. Wish me luck!

* * *
My son started school today and I can tell that he's going to hate it. He's already decided to dislike it. It sucks, but he's gotta make some decisions on his own. I'm going to encourage him to stay in school, but I've decided not to fight with him.

* * *
My tattoo guy had said the kids could come in for a few minutes last time I saw him, but in my last email with him he said they couldn't come in. I'm gonna take them anyway to meet him and see what happens from there.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

8/9/06

First of all, I thought I had a poor workout yesterday, but I'm sore today!!!

It was low energy, but also focused. So I guess it was good enough. The scale says I'm gaining weight, but my clothes seem to fit the same...

I went walking today even though it was my "day off." I haven't done much cardio so figured that would help out. They are filming a movie, it looks like, at Highland High School, so people registering for school are having to go to the Performing Arts Center across the street - wow, and kids get suspended for "disrupting" the normal school process!

* * *
I have to send a great big shout out to my homie Mauricio! He went to the studio with me last night and did some harmony tracks for the kids. We'll be working on those this Sunday.

Also, on Monday, we'll be on KUNM to do an interview about our gigs and upcoming CD! If there's a direct link to the interview afterward I'll post it!

* * *
My son starts school tomorrow, and he's hating that because his sister starts on Monday. Hopefully he sticks it out. He's a junior and is super smart, just not motivated for school. Then again, he's a good guitar player until I ask him to play something.

Overall I have to recognize that my children are awesome, but occaisionally make some poor choices. They are good overall, respectful, thoughtful at times, good musicians, and supportive of their family. This goes for all my kids (nieces and nephews included).

My daughter is still having a hard time accepting how wonderful she is. Actually most of the kids do. But that could just be that teen confidence issue that seemed so common to me. Then there's the overconfident kids. But I don't have too many of those around - they sometimes try to act that way, but I see through it.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Monday, August 07, 2006

Show Announcement 8/7/06

M.E. Productions & Out ch’Yonda present!

MiDoJo Recording Artists

Mezcla Experience - (Rock & Rancheras)

With Silents, M.C. Void & Master Tragik (Tri Rap Elite)

Saturday, August 19, 2006 @ 8pm
Donation $1-$100.

CDs will be available!

ALL AGES - ALCOHOL FREE EVENT!!!

Refreshments will be sold.

Out ch’Yonda is at 929 4th St. SW, Albuquerque
For More information call 255-9312, 463-1608 or online at
http://www.myspace.com/mezclaexperience

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Both Groups will be Performing at the "Rock Out With Your Cause Out" event at Civic Plaza on the 26th. The event is from Noon to 6pm. More info to be announced.

8/7/06

Worked out at 3:45 this morning. I woke up thinking about money issues, work issues, and thinking about this job I applied for that I haven't heard anything about. It was nice to workout and get it done - I was inspired by the cyco tunes of "Infectious Grooves."

I didn't do much cardio over the weekend. I spent most of the last two weekends in the studio. With Mezcla Experience - they put up a couple of the rough cuts for people to listen to, and with Tri-Rap-Elite (my nephew's crew).

Hopefully they'll have something ready to market by the 19th, and have a complete covers album mastered and ready to go by September. Then we'll begin writing originals. It will be a combination of Rancheras, Cumbias, Blues Rock (bilingual), Hip Hop and some Funk - all with accordion. It should be fun and interesting.

While at the studio last night with the rappers, I drew out two tattoo ideas for people. If people follow through and get them, I'll post them here. I don't want to post the images until people actually have them.

Thanks for all the comments and feedback, it's been helpful!

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Friday, August 04, 2006

Aug 4, 06

Not too sore from yesterday. I'll up the weight until it's a good tough challenge. I didn't do any cardio this morning because the volume was turned all the way down on the alarm clock... Oh, not by me by the way.

I'm gaining weight again but don't know what to attribute it to, other than beer and a shortage of cardio.

* * *
I'm waiting for a call to interview for a job. It feels like forever, but it really hasn't been that long.

My thought is that if I don't get this job, I'm gonna give up the pretentiousness of government and non-profit work to apprentice as a tattoo artist... Who knows. It's just a thought. Maybe I just need to take some time off.

Any thoughts?

* * *
REALAGE Tips

What To Eat Before You Exercise
For a long, lean, dream-machine body, reach for the right protein bar.

Just ask Ahnold. Getting a little extra protein can improve the results of crunching, curling, and lunging. Protein bars are the quick solution. But what kind? Soy and whey (milk) protein both increase lean muscle mass, but soy has an antioxidant edge. So when you're eyeballing the protein bars, pick one that does double duty.

Remember No To Forget
Where did you put the remote? A bad memory may not be the problem.

Instead of remembering too little, you may be remembering too much. All that information -- especially the useless kind -- can clutter up your brain. The real key to a good memory is being selective: retaining the relevant and discarding the unimportant. Whether you can actually retrain your brain is unknown, but don't forget to give it a try!


KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

8/3/06

Did an arm workout today. It was light, but I'll keep adding weight. I did manage to get a little bit of pump.

I'll see how this goes.

* * *
A coworker had a minor heart attack yesterday. Hopefully I'll find out today how she's doing.

* * *
I've been working on my artwork for the tattoo on my other arm. I'll be getting the one on my chest on the 12th.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

8/2/06

Today is the day off. Tattoo is healing up some. Minor soreness in my legs. Tomorrow I'll try arm day again.

* * *
The adult band has a new guitar player. It changed the dynamics a lot. Also got a nice check from the last gig. More than I expected!

* * *
Maybe I'll become a guy who develops tattoo "flash" - those tattoo posters in the shops. We'll see if I really invest the time into developing the skill of tattooing - There's already lots on my plate.

But - maybe this is a sign to check out a graphics art program at CNM or something like that. I'll probably check out a book by MikeGiant

Stuff to ponder.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

8/1/06

Did a leg workout today. Felt like I was dragging, but after that and walking for 30 minutes I felt better. Still feel sleepy, kinda like I'm over relaxed.

* * *
The tattoo looks like it was starting to get infected. I don't think it was the artist, I just think all the humidity, and my not knowing how much ointment to put on, etc. took it's toll. I'll know in a couple of weeks when the touch up heals completely. Hopefully I didn't lose much of the touch up. For those wanting to see the original tattoo click here

Next Tat is scheduled for August 12th!

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING

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