I thought I'd mix it up by writing about my chest/triceps workout which I had today. I don't think I even half-recall any time I've ever discussed my routine whatsoever. Well, that's where blogs come in!
1. 5 min Elliptical warmup (MAX resistance)
2. Flat Bench - 4 sets, 10-failure
Dips w/assistance - 4 sets, 10-failure
Chest cable crossovers - 4 sets, 10-failure
Triceps pulldown - 4 sets, 10-failure
Skullcrushers - 4 sets, 10-failure
rest period btwn. sets - 1 min 30 sec
music used - a mix of Dethklok, Black Label Society,
Alter Bridge, Coheed & Cambria and In Flames.
3. Punching bag - 8 3-minute rounds (mix of boxing and muay thai
and some grappling on the bag)
rest prd. btwn. rounds - 1 minute
music used - Alter Bridge's AB III album
4. Cardio - 10 mins cycling bike, resistance 40%
10 mins elliptical, resistance 50%
Blogs by Ron Gunz
11.29.2010
11.26.2010
The Social Network aka The Facebook Movie REVIEW!
Happy thanksgiving to all, hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Unlike past Thanksgiving Days, this year was quite different. It was one that simply consisted of my family, my cousins and their boyfriends having a good time. I also got to catch up with old friends from Lirio de los Valles. It had been almost six years since I had spent time with any of them and to be in a room with them was indeed golden. I also bumped into Detective Rodriguez, God bless him.
With all of that said, I finally sat down and watched The Social Network. Indeed an interesting watch as this has been the closest thing to an insightful documentary I've seen all year. This movie was clearly for people that are social network junkies as this movie is dedicated to how the facebook phenom came to be -- as well as all the entanglements of legal, emotional and philosophical processes. I found it rather crazy for me as far as how the phenom itself won't be what will take your attention but rather the maddening complexities that relationships of people that incepted the idea, stole the idea and even betrayed one another in the process. Thank God I'm not a business major!
The movie, in terms of length was quite short compared to what we're used to these days. Almost every movie out now is a good two hours strong whereas this movie was an hour and a half. It made me wonder if some movies would be better if most of them got trimmed down. Some movies could use the extra time for more development but most movies in theaters deserve a chopping.
With all of that said, I finally sat down and watched The Social Network. Indeed an interesting watch as this has been the closest thing to an insightful documentary I've seen all year. This movie was clearly for people that are social network junkies as this movie is dedicated to how the facebook phenom came to be -- as well as all the entanglements of legal, emotional and philosophical processes. I found it rather crazy for me as far as how the phenom itself won't be what will take your attention but rather the maddening complexities that relationships of people that incepted the idea, stole the idea and even betrayed one another in the process. Thank God I'm not a business major!
The movie, in terms of length was quite short compared to what we're used to these days. Almost every movie out now is a good two hours strong whereas this movie was an hour and a half. It made me wonder if some movies would be better if most of them got trimmed down. Some movies could use the extra time for more development but most movies in theaters deserve a chopping.
11.15.2010
In search of genuine change (for my fellow Christians)
Lately, I've been halfway through both Radical and The Christian Atheist and let me tell ya, it's expanded my thoughts about the state of faith in some believers and churches.I can't help but feel that in this century, it's time for our fellow brethren to step it up. When I say this, I'm making reference of proclaiming and living what you proclaim. I'm talking about being willing to go as far as Jesus teaches us to go in our callings in life.
As I read The Christian Atheist, I couldn't help but notice that the C.A. attitude is an attitude I've observed in the Church, as do people who aren't Christians. I'm talking about people saying they believe in a Savior yet they live their lives as though they never heard of one. Saying they love God yet never loving their neighbor. Claiming God's strength yet they go on as though He does nothing. Talking about loving your brother yet cannot forgive them in any measure nor seeking God's help in learning to forgive when it seems least possible. Claiming about an answering God yet living a prayer-less life. I'm not saying I'm an angel with wings but dear God people, it's time we sit down and really analyze and recognize that some of us don't trust God or really live out our belief in His existence the way we front to everyone we do.
While reading Radical, can't help but notice how strong the core message is. That message is that Jesus and the American Dream do not stand together. The American Dream is all about the self, fulfilling through your own strength and effort, creating the life you want and being soaked in a sea of humanism. Notice how it's very self-based and all about being rich and super prosperous. The Bible emphasizes on God fulfilling your needs. While there is no wrong in having material possessions per se but it becomes idolatry and downright indulgence when we focus so much on being luxurious and having more than what is necessary, which stands pretty close to pride, lust, greed and gluttony. Paul said he counted all gain as loss. God, throughout the Old and New Testament, would talk about tending to the fatherless, the widow, the poor and needy. It's a bit nutty to know that a church thinks it needs a $23M temple to worship (at best, looks more like a concert hall or amphitheater designed for concerts) yet too dang cheap and only donate $5,000 to charity. If you can get a multi-million dollar temple, you can afford at least several hundred thousand or at least a few million to really help the poor.
If there's something I love about the grunge movement, it's this -- they didn't need special props, high tech lighting or theater or circus-like bells and whistles to their show and presentation. Just a few simple lights, a standard stage for the band to fit in and lots of space for a crowd to gang up and enjoy the band and each other.
If we get down to it, most church buildings don't need to be so "professional" or the excesses. All the Church has ever needed was God moving in the midst. The disciples didn't need to get all technical, flashy or extravagant. All they had (and needed) was God. We ought to use the abundance of resources to further do what we ought to instead of using our resources to glorify ourselves.
As I read The Christian Atheist, I couldn't help but notice that the C.A. attitude is an attitude I've observed in the Church, as do people who aren't Christians. I'm talking about people saying they believe in a Savior yet they live their lives as though they never heard of one. Saying they love God yet never loving their neighbor. Claiming God's strength yet they go on as though He does nothing. Talking about loving your brother yet cannot forgive them in any measure nor seeking God's help in learning to forgive when it seems least possible. Claiming about an answering God yet living a prayer-less life. I'm not saying I'm an angel with wings but dear God people, it's time we sit down and really analyze and recognize that some of us don't trust God or really live out our belief in His existence the way we front to everyone we do.
While reading Radical, can't help but notice how strong the core message is. That message is that Jesus and the American Dream do not stand together. The American Dream is all about the self, fulfilling through your own strength and effort, creating the life you want and being soaked in a sea of humanism. Notice how it's very self-based and all about being rich and super prosperous. The Bible emphasizes on God fulfilling your needs. While there is no wrong in having material possessions per se but it becomes idolatry and downright indulgence when we focus so much on being luxurious and having more than what is necessary, which stands pretty close to pride, lust, greed and gluttony. Paul said he counted all gain as loss. God, throughout the Old and New Testament, would talk about tending to the fatherless, the widow, the poor and needy. It's a bit nutty to know that a church thinks it needs a $23M temple to worship (at best, looks more like a concert hall or amphitheater designed for concerts) yet too dang cheap and only donate $5,000 to charity. If you can get a multi-million dollar temple, you can afford at least several hundred thousand or at least a few million to really help the poor.
If there's something I love about the grunge movement, it's this -- they didn't need special props, high tech lighting or theater or circus-like bells and whistles to their show and presentation. Just a few simple lights, a standard stage for the band to fit in and lots of space for a crowd to gang up and enjoy the band and each other.
If we get down to it, most church buildings don't need to be so "professional" or the excesses. All the Church has ever needed was God moving in the midst. The disciples didn't need to get all technical, flashy or extravagant. All they had (and needed) was God. We ought to use the abundance of resources to further do what we ought to instead of using our resources to glorify ourselves.
11.07.2010
The World doesn't really matter! Change of tune part 2!
This past Friday was a turning point for me. To those who were too oblivious, I was going through a spiritual/emotional/psychological breakdown in the past few years. Believe me when I say this, I've had my doubts, concerns, big fears and insecurities and while some of them may still linger, the vibe of it all is cut off at this point.
While my blog is usually geared towards a general audience, this one is geared towards my fellow Christians. If you're not a Christian yet you would like to read this, you're welcome to read and take with you what you feel you can take with you.
I recall heading to Promise Christian Church this past Friday with the intent of wanting a difference, a change, just anything that can prove to me that I am not abandoned and not a forgotten and very neglected sheep. Everything that went down was everything short of expected and predictable.
I've had experiences, visions, dreams and encounters of which no one can always understand but I'll say this -- I have no excuse whatsoever to deny the existence of God. There is no excuse to doubt how at an instant, God can grab you by the heart with no effort. You can't always agree with His framework, his rules or why He permits one thing yet forbids the other -- and that's okay. The Bible never said you had to agree completely with God, it only says to follow Him. Humans are finite and to try and wrap our minds around a Divine one is impossible. I can live with that, I'm fine with that.
The biggest thing for me was how God just gripped onto my heart. These past few years, I've felt very hollow inside and void of any love. In other words, I was feeling heartless and searching everywhere and even doubting God when it comes to love. I'll tell you this -- God sure got my attention in a way that my description is limited. I've never felt His presence at such an intensity in years. I had been so used to Him just being here and there that I grew numb. Yet to feel God totally just embrace your heart in totality -- it was piercing. I could never outwardly verbalize it but inside, in the midst of the tears running down my face and barely able to stand, I was screaming at how powerful and captivating He felt inside my heart.
If there was anything I walked out with that night aside from that, it's this -- there aren't many that have passion in the church. These days, people just want a handout, a Fedex Heaven and no feeling of the weight of glory. God is seeking from His people a true sense of weight for showing Him to this world. When we separate ourselves from our addiction to the Prosperity Gospel, the American Dream and the self-centered bond of our culture, then we'll see God's goodness.
I haven't read Radical...yet. I have to pick it up Monday after work but I'll say this -- Christians ought to quit fixating on blessing and fixate on He whom the blessings originate. We've become so fixated on top line equipment, top line cars, top line everything (similar to all-black everything, like Jay-Z). Nothing's wrong with getting the best on everything --until you've made having the best your idol. Like our culture, we get go fixated on top-line on material things that we've lost sight of God.
I'll also be reading The Christian Atheist. I read a little of the synopsis and like Radical, it was a must-buy for me. I told my friend Larry that I couldn't help but notice that I seem to always stumble upon the books that inspire thoughts about running against the grain of mainstream Christianity with the intent of returning to the organic and pure form the Church is meant to be in. About eleven years since personally choosing to be a Christian, apparently I wasn't going crazy after all.
I refuse to be considered a right-wing, homophobic, self-righteous neo-con. I refuse to consider myself an extremist or an excessive fanatic. What I do consider myself, for better or worse, is merely a man after God's heart.
While my blog is usually geared towards a general audience, this one is geared towards my fellow Christians. If you're not a Christian yet you would like to read this, you're welcome to read and take with you what you feel you can take with you.
I recall heading to Promise Christian Church this past Friday with the intent of wanting a difference, a change, just anything that can prove to me that I am not abandoned and not a forgotten and very neglected sheep. Everything that went down was everything short of expected and predictable.
I've had experiences, visions, dreams and encounters of which no one can always understand but I'll say this -- I have no excuse whatsoever to deny the existence of God. There is no excuse to doubt how at an instant, God can grab you by the heart with no effort. You can't always agree with His framework, his rules or why He permits one thing yet forbids the other -- and that's okay. The Bible never said you had to agree completely with God, it only says to follow Him. Humans are finite and to try and wrap our minds around a Divine one is impossible. I can live with that, I'm fine with that.
The biggest thing for me was how God just gripped onto my heart. These past few years, I've felt very hollow inside and void of any love. In other words, I was feeling heartless and searching everywhere and even doubting God when it comes to love. I'll tell you this -- God sure got my attention in a way that my description is limited. I've never felt His presence at such an intensity in years. I had been so used to Him just being here and there that I grew numb. Yet to feel God totally just embrace your heart in totality -- it was piercing. I could never outwardly verbalize it but inside, in the midst of the tears running down my face and barely able to stand, I was screaming at how powerful and captivating He felt inside my heart.
If there was anything I walked out with that night aside from that, it's this -- there aren't many that have passion in the church. These days, people just want a handout, a Fedex Heaven and no feeling of the weight of glory. God is seeking from His people a true sense of weight for showing Him to this world. When we separate ourselves from our addiction to the Prosperity Gospel, the American Dream and the self-centered bond of our culture, then we'll see God's goodness.
I haven't read Radical...yet. I have to pick it up Monday after work but I'll say this -- Christians ought to quit fixating on blessing and fixate on He whom the blessings originate. We've become so fixated on top line equipment, top line cars, top line everything (similar to all-black everything, like Jay-Z). Nothing's wrong with getting the best on everything --until you've made having the best your idol. Like our culture, we get go fixated on top-line on material things that we've lost sight of God.
I'll also be reading The Christian Atheist. I read a little of the synopsis and like Radical, it was a must-buy for me. I told my friend Larry that I couldn't help but notice that I seem to always stumble upon the books that inspire thoughts about running against the grain of mainstream Christianity with the intent of returning to the organic and pure form the Church is meant to be in. About eleven years since personally choosing to be a Christian, apparently I wasn't going crazy after all.
I refuse to be considered a right-wing, homophobic, self-righteous neo-con. I refuse to consider myself an extremist or an excessive fanatic. What I do consider myself, for better or worse, is merely a man after God's heart.
Inception! part 1-- Movie Review!
Hey fans, this is my first two-part blog! Due to so much that I've written, one big blog would've been clearly too excessive. One part is geared towards entertainment and a general audience, the other is geared towards the Christian audience as a whole.
I've recently gotten my hands on Inception. Before I yap on the psychological action beast that this movie is, let's look at the word itself. By definition, it is, "the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity". Its synonyms are, "beginning, commencement, start, birth, dawn, genesis, origin, outset; establishment, institution, foundation, founding, formation, initiation, setting up, origination, constitution, inauguration, opening, debut, day one; informal kickoff".
You would think at first that all this was about was a mission to prevent a corporation from stealing and manipulating ideas from a corporate heir in order to being a corrupt superpower. We are sorely mistaken. It isn't so much even about a man who's doing this one assignment in order to see his kids again after his wife died and he was pinned with blame.
This film dealt with the issue of identity, guilt and fixation. Mr. Fisher has a fixation with trying to be worthy of succeeding his dad and measuring up. He discovers that his dad's disappointment was that he tried being him instead of being his own man and his own way of leading. This reminds me a lot of Iron Man 2. Dominic Cobb, on the other hand, feels responsible for having delved so deep in dreaming that he got his wife lost in the mix and in turn, she committed suicide, thinking they were in the dream world when in fact they were back in reality.
After very close analysis and even some researching other perspectives, it is safe to say that the ending is, in fact, a cliffhanger. Recall that Dominic usually spins his totem so that he can be sure that he's in reality or dream. He was too distracted by reuniting with his children and seeing their faces that, while it is spinning, we never saw him determine for sure. This brings to question whether or not he's been so involved in this kind of work that he's lost touch of reality.
I also noticed a lot of Illuminati/Freemason allusions here and there. For instance, the elevator -- a symbolism of a person's mind and fragments of personality. Constant checkered or uniformal black and white. Even the As Above, So Below reference in a scene where Cobb is training someone. Mind manipulation is, in fact, part of the greater plot of the film too.
Ah yes, and I got Scott Pilgrim vs The World. By far, one of the more creative teen movies this year. If you're looking for a good story, good luck with that. Plain and simple, a dude in a crappy indie/rock band dates a high schooler until he sees and falls in love with another girl. To permanently keep her, he's gotta kill all 7 evil ex-boyfriends.
I love this movie for its creativity. Its action was fun and so were all the crazy references to video games form the 80's and 90's. Ramona's hair reflects the vg sounds in the movie (red/purple hair = Mario sounds, blue = Sonic and green = Zelda/rpgs).
I found it interesting how the director decided to tame the film a little. How so? To those who've never read the graphic novel, Sex Bob-Omb's singer comes out of the closet and at one point, Knives and Kim have a little fling. That would've added to some of the minor homosexual undertone that's already present with Scott's gay best friend, Wallace.
I also noticed that there were references to Illuminati/Freemasonry. The black & white checkerboard floors, the pyramid in the Chaos Theater, the flash of the Eye of Horus by Ramona's first evil ex-boyfriend and even mind control by Gideon on Ramona.
Finally, The Warriors came out to playyyyayy on my XBOX 360. It felt awesome to finally see a cult classic I've never seen. It's a movie that goes by so fast you won't see it coming. Gang wars is all you need to know about it, plus seeing the MTA subway system in 1979 in stark contrast to our current system.
I've recently gotten my hands on Inception. Before I yap on the psychological action beast that this movie is, let's look at the word itself. By definition, it is, "the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity". Its synonyms are, "beginning, commencement, start, birth, dawn, genesis, origin, outset; establishment, institution, foundation, founding, formation, initiation, setting up, origination, constitution, inauguration, opening, debut, day one; informal kickoff".
You would think at first that all this was about was a mission to prevent a corporation from stealing and manipulating ideas from a corporate heir in order to being a corrupt superpower. We are sorely mistaken. It isn't so much even about a man who's doing this one assignment in order to see his kids again after his wife died and he was pinned with blame.
This film dealt with the issue of identity, guilt and fixation. Mr. Fisher has a fixation with trying to be worthy of succeeding his dad and measuring up. He discovers that his dad's disappointment was that he tried being him instead of being his own man and his own way of leading. This reminds me a lot of Iron Man 2. Dominic Cobb, on the other hand, feels responsible for having delved so deep in dreaming that he got his wife lost in the mix and in turn, she committed suicide, thinking they were in the dream world when in fact they were back in reality.
After very close analysis and even some researching other perspectives, it is safe to say that the ending is, in fact, a cliffhanger. Recall that Dominic usually spins his totem so that he can be sure that he's in reality or dream. He was too distracted by reuniting with his children and seeing their faces that, while it is spinning, we never saw him determine for sure. This brings to question whether or not he's been so involved in this kind of work that he's lost touch of reality.
I also noticed a lot of Illuminati/Freemason allusions here and there. For instance, the elevator -- a symbolism of a person's mind and fragments of personality. Constant checkered or uniformal black and white. Even the As Above, So Below reference in a scene where Cobb is training someone. Mind manipulation is, in fact, part of the greater plot of the film too.
Ah yes, and I got Scott Pilgrim vs The World. By far, one of the more creative teen movies this year. If you're looking for a good story, good luck with that. Plain and simple, a dude in a crappy indie/rock band dates a high schooler until he sees and falls in love with another girl. To permanently keep her, he's gotta kill all 7 evil ex-boyfriends.
I love this movie for its creativity. Its action was fun and so were all the crazy references to video games form the 80's and 90's. Ramona's hair reflects the vg sounds in the movie (red/purple hair = Mario sounds, blue = Sonic and green = Zelda/rpgs).
I found it interesting how the director decided to tame the film a little. How so? To those who've never read the graphic novel, Sex Bob-Omb's singer comes out of the closet and at one point, Knives and Kim have a little fling. That would've added to some of the minor homosexual undertone that's already present with Scott's gay best friend, Wallace.
I also noticed that there were references to Illuminati/Freemasonry. The black & white checkerboard floors, the pyramid in the Chaos Theater, the flash of the Eye of Horus by Ramona's first evil ex-boyfriend and even mind control by Gideon on Ramona.
Finally, The Warriors came out to playyyyayy on my XBOX 360. It felt awesome to finally see a cult classic I've never seen. It's a movie that goes by so fast you won't see it coming. Gang wars is all you need to know about it, plus seeing the MTA subway system in 1979 in stark contrast to our current system.
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