Big Healthy Stud

Follow Me!

2011-05-17T20:53:00.003-05:00

If you enjoy this blog, please consider "following" it using the Follow feature on the right. Thanks! - BHS

Deadmau5 4x4=12 is Hot

2011-05-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

Fans of Prog House should check the newest studio album from Canadian dance performer Deadmau5. I was looking for some new tracks to energize some off-season workouts and ordered this along with several others. This is the one I've listened to most so far. This album is hard and fast electronic house, well produced, and mostly continuously mixed.

Check it out here 4x4=12
If you like it you can order direct from Amazon either in MP3 or CD format.

Ben Cohen Acceptance Tour

2011-05-10T19:28:00.001-05:00

Meet Ben Cohen. Most recently Ben played wing for the Sale Sharks. For years he's been an outspoken straight ally of GLBT equality, especially on behalf of young people. Now that he's retired from rugby, he's working full time on fighting bullying. Good on you, Ben. With you!

God Is Great

2011-05-10T19:16:00.002-05:00

It is fascinating and scary that the US media dosen't seem to have picked up the full story here. However, other outlets in the UK and Canada have found it. It's chilling that our own press doesn't even fully cover an attempted terrorist attack.

More Details About The Rough Mother’s Day Emerge - HUMAN EVENTS

Future Career

2011-05-09T18:00:00.000-05:00

More and more I find myself daydreaming about leaving corporate life and doing something else. For starters I need some time off to recharge and de-stress. After 16 years as a corporate professional and mid-manager, I see things constantly changing for the worse. While my profession used to be about helping people solve problems and make improvements, it seems today it's mostly about spreadsheets, correcting mistakes made by less and less competent people, and being the complaint desk. This is why I got that Masters degree?

Like a lot of people, I think what holds me back is fear. What would I do? How would I find another job in a different profession? What I need is a plan..that will help me to feel better about making a change. Some ideas I've had have included starting a business, buying a franchise, or maybe going to work in a different industry. How would you approach stepping away from the only career you've ever had?

Tolerance, or Something Else

2011-04-24T22:07:00.002-05:00

I think I've heard one too many snarky cracks about "zombie Jesus" this past week, because it's really started to irritate me that anyone thinks it's okay to make such remarks about the religious traditions or holidays of others. A variation on this meanness is to take a set of religious views, marry it up somehow with some political vitriol, and throw it back to illustrate some so-called hypocrisy. I have to also observe that this is consistently done by people I know who are on the left side of the political spectrum, however, I am sure that there are many examples on the other side. I don't pay much attention to the media so I'm not really interested in having that debate here.

To Christians, Easter is the most sacred celebration of the year. For those who celebrate Easter, it marks the fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life in communion with Him. Heavy stuff for sure. Even if one doesn't share those beliefs, some respect would go a long way. I hardly think it's in vogue for people to make fun of the Islamic Hajj, Judaism's Passover, or any number of revered traditions around the world.

We hardly need more religious intolerance or ignorance in this world, do we?

So then why is it now in vogue among the college educated, urban elite to make a mockery of the faith held by others? I can predict this response to my challenge: "Well, it's just like what the people on the right do when they attack anyone who doesn't share their views." Even if that were true, two wrongs still don't make a right. This is exactly the kind of scorched-earth, eye-for-an-eye mentality that is tearing this country apart from within. Maybe actually learning a thing or two about the teachings of Christianity, including turning the other cheek to one's enemies, would be instructive. But you see that's not what these people do from inside their highly educated, elite, mostly white enclaves. For many, if it's not on NPR or a Twitter feed, well, it's not relevant anymore.

For me, I resolve to take the high road and not participate in these kinds of jokes. I honestly don't think I have, but from now on I will mindfully not participate.

We're Not Immune

2011-02-01T11:14:00.000-06:00

So much of the country has been having a winter for the record books this year! Here in North Texas we do get a reminder of winter here and there, though nothing like what I remember growing up in the northeast or going to school around the great lakes. After Monday night rugby practice last night, rain began around 10pm. Overnight the wind picked up dramatically and the driving rain turned to ice pellets snapping and crackling against the bedroom windows. By 6am we were in the midst of a full blown ice storm followed by blowing snow. The powers that be at work made a good decision and closed the office for the day. So it's a snow day in Texas! I'm doing a little work today but am hoping to take it easy for the most part.

Sleet, chills and icy roads arrive in North Texas | Weather | News from Fort Worth, Dall...

Government and Violence

2011-01-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

Government and Violence

Read and think.

Read history, especially about how scapegoats were used in fascist countries (1930s Germany is a very good example) to divide the people and eliminate liberty. Sorry to get so heavy, but we're in a heavy time. THINK.

Incitements to Violence?

2011-01-10T16:09:00.002-06:00

2010 will be primary season reported the remarkably insightful Daily Kos back in 2008. References were made in the article to putting a "bulls eye" on "target" Democrats who were disloyal to the Party Line. As anyone who pays token attention to politics knows, Kos is a left wing site.

Candidate Obama famously said in Philadelphia that when Republicans "bring a knife, we bring a gun".

A movie was made during the Bush years depicting the assassination of a sitting President of the United States.

So, I guess it's totally okay and fair for public incitement to violence, as long as the attacks come from the left perspective, right? Or, am I missing something in the incredibly poorly researched discourse about this issue in the mainstream media?

The attack in Arizona is a horrible tragedy caused by person who apparently was not sane. It was not caused by his gun, not by Sarah Palin (seriously, what is UP with the misogynistic attacks on this woman who holds no elected office?), not by Democrats or Republicans. One man did it and the responsibility is his. People do horrible things. To politicize such a thing, as was started by the Left establishment, is beyond reprehensible. It's disgusting and it exemplifies the elitism that caused their crushing defeat on election day.

New Year's Resolution?

2011-01-02T20:02:00.004-06:00

So many of you are making New Year's resolutions to get in shape and lose weight...why not try THIS approach?

I'm seriously wondering how this never caught on. The only possible explanation is that back in the 70s, everyone was so jacked up on Quaaludes and leaded gasoline fumes that they didn't have the energy. Kudos to some chaise lounge manufacturer who wanted to expand their business!

(Check out the source blog, too: TimeWarpTV )

Chilling

2010-12-23T20:07:00.003-06:00

Don't make the mistake of speaking out against TSA in Janet Napolitano's America. You might be visited by federal agents. Seriously, wouldn't they WANT this kind of input??!?!!

Does anyone else see this nation rapidly headed toward becoming a police state? Full body scans in order to use the only viable form of long distance transport suckled by the Federal Teat...Random bag searches starting on the D.C. metro...FCC giving itself permission to regulate the internet (what would Al Gore say??)...and yet these same politicians won't adequately deal with our southern border. I guess we know who the Feds see as a threat. It's us.

Sacramento-area pilot punished for YouTube video | News10.net | Sacramento, California | News

These are the Things I Can Do Without

2010-12-20T17:38:00.000-06:00

The word is "jewelry", not "joolery". I heard this today in a so-called expert sound bite on the radio news.

"Epic" is being seriously (Epically?) overused at the moment. It's often paired with the word "fail" which really means "failure"....on and on.

"I call bullshit". Really? I call you a coarse, uneducated hick.

Lastly, deleting your bitchy, mean Facebook posts doesn't erase the fact of your bitterness. It only demonstrates your cowardice in addition to your decrepit intellect.

Assorted WTF

2010-12-07T22:15:00.000-06:00

In no particular order.

When we have some of the best highways in the country, why can't people drive the speed limit on wide open roads, and why can't they get the hell out of the left lane?

Why are liberals so vitriolic and bitter toward a woman who holds no elected office? Oh, that's right, because you think she's a stupid little hick woman. Sure. That doesn't sound misogynistic at all.

How does anyone in this company have time to stand around talking and wasting time like I see them doing every day, and then leave at 5pm?

Today's Oddness

2010-12-06T22:14:00.002-06:00

It's no secret that playing rugby takes a toll on one's body and I'm no exception. As I am now midway through my third season as a forward (and about to turn 40) it's become evident that I need to go to a sports medicine Doc to get my right shoulder looked at. The pain has been escalating all season and is now bad enough that it's affecting my sleep. MRI here I come. So I finally made an appointment!

As further evidence of today's excitement, a new garage door opener was installed at my home today. After 2 months of a totally non-functional opener, it made an immediate difference! I actually highly recommend it. For a grand total of about $400, it's like night and day...quieter, smoother and just better. It's nice when something actually works right on the first try.

I've been struggling with bad dreams for the past several weeks. Although I've attributed it to the stress of Thanksgiving visits and a hell of a lot of pressure at work, the dreams continue. They're not night terrors where I awaken screaming, but they are generally very unsettling. One recent example involved me returning to a home (mine, but not the same house as my current home) to find all of the windows smashed out and my cats missing. Last night I dreamt that I got into a terrible screaming match with my mother (a recurring theme for many years in my dreams) involving disagreements over many family issues, criticism of me, etc. Sweet Dreams!

Your Daily Dose of Escapism

2010-11-22T21:54:00.000-06:00

I seriously think this is what would happen if Tom Jones showed up in "The Village" as in The Prisoner....

Your Daily Dose of Escapism

2010-11-15T22:41:00.000-06:00

Avoid Climbing on Electrical Substations

2010-11-05T23:09:00.000-05:00

Jimmy!!!!

Hellfest 2010

2010-11-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, our rugby team hosted a tournament for several gay teams from all over the country. Although the day started off cold and FROSTY (this is Texas on October 30!??) it ended up a great day for our team as we took the championship cup! It was a great weekend both on and off the pitch. The photo is from the Dallas Voice...that's me jumping in a line out.

Our Contemptible Congress :: The Atlasphere

2010-10-26T21:06:00.002-05:00

A sobering look at politicians on both sides of the aisle who have no grasp on the Constitution they are elected and sworn to defend. Of course, it's easy to control the ignorant, right?

Our Contemptible Congress :: The Atlasphere

UK Central Office Of Information - Dont Play in the Water

2010-10-23T10:54:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure which is more ominous here...the fact that this is a PSA from the "UK Central Office of Information" or the terrifying notion that death lurks around every corner! Swimmers beware!

DYNASTY: Even Witches Take Planes

2010-10-04T22:29:00.002-05:00

A very funny encounter between Krystle and Alexis... no one vamps it up like Joan Collins!

This Is Stellar

2010-09-30T21:06:00.001-05:00

Have You Ever Wondered?

2010-09-25T12:42:00.002-05:00

I loved this commercial back in my college days. It was all over late night TV in the late '80s...

Labor Day

2010-09-07T00:45:00.000-05:00

I've been away this weekend visiting family. It's been a nice break and a refreshing change of scenery. Texas is great but the long hot summer just wears you down. On top of this I've been going through an intense period at work so a break really has been welcome.

More and more I am asking myself what I'd like to do with my career and life going forward. I guess this a natural part of (almost) being 40 and having a good amount of life experience under my belt now. Corporate life for the most part has been lucrative and interesting but I'm starting to think more regularly about doing something different like starting a franchise or maybe even college teaching. I'll explore these in more detail as things develop but it's the beginning of a process that hopefully leads to something fulfilling. Right now I have a lot more questions than answers.

I've also made a conscious choice to begin asserting myself more. Confrontation and standing up for myself have never been strong suits for me. In the past when I've done what I consider to be standing up for myself, it has led to negative consequences for the most part and this has made me a little scared to do it. What I've started to realize is that I have needs, a valid point of view, and the right to expect to be treated with respect. To expect loyalty in return from those who I give my loyalty. To expect that my needs are met, and if they are not, to change the situation to one where my interests match those of the other person(s) involved. I'm too old for second best at this point. I've also worked too hard to get where I am to tolerate being mistreated by people who are flat out not my equals, or to settle for less than what I need in a variety of aspects. Maybe it sounds selfish and maybe it is.. after all, I have no kids and really very little family other than some close relatives and my partner. Who else is going to look out for me? Seems like I have to look out for #1. What do you think?

Unfriending

2010-09-06T21:06:00.000-05:00

From time to time I've thought of "unfriending" certain people on Facebook and other similar sites. I'm sort of concerned about backlash, but I'm also tired of wasting time and energy reading posts from people who are consistently negative, bitter, judgmental, and so on. Also, I frankly have Facebook friends that I don't care about and who have nothing to offer me. So why bother? I think some selective unfriending is about to start. Has anyone else tried this and is so, how did it go? Discuss.