Brian's Blog

Goals

2005-09-25T14:25:00.000-04:00

I recently set some goals for myself. They were divided into 2 catagories, things I would like to accomplish this year (before 12/31/05) and things I would like to accomplish within the next 5 years (before 12/31/10). Since I want to hold myself accountable, I am going to post them here.

Things I Want to Accomplish:

For the rest of this year (To be completed before 12/31/2005):
1.Take the GMAT
a)Score Above a 600
2.Get down to 175lbs
3.Deposit $5,000 into ING Direct Account
4.Play in Doms Alumni Basketball Game
a)Practice so I don't look like a fool
5.Visit Cullen, Steve, et. al. in Baltimore
6.Join a Gym
7.Apply to Hofstra and Fordham MBA Programs
a)No Later than March 1, 2006
8.Meet/Talk to Single Women
9.Read 2 non-MBA, non-Work books
10.Achieve all goals set in Fittobemen.com's Finally Fit Challenge

Within 5 Years (To be completed before 12/31/2010):
1.Start and complete my MBA
2.Train for and complete a triathlon
3.Keep the weight off :-)
4.Get into a serious romantic relationship with a woman
5.Learn to skate, play roller (or ice) hockey
a)Join a roller or ice hockey league
6.Earn $75,000+ per year in salary
7.Learn a foreign language
a)Spanish, Italian, or Latin (as initial ideas)
8.Author a web blog (of my own design) on my own web server (also of my own design)
9.Move into a place of my own
10. Throw out the first pitch at a baseball game

I welcome all comments on the goals I have set for myself.

-Brian

Wow...I haven't posted in a while

2005-09-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

Its been a while, but here I am. I've worked a ton of hours through the summer, but I've made it through without too much harm. I'll provide a more detailed update later. However, here are some progress pictures of how I'm doing physically (try not to drool too much...lol):

Until next time...

Brian

7 days till Baltimore

2005-07-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

So we are down to the final week before my trip to Baltimore to see the Chilean, the Lt, the Scientist, and everyone else. I'm pumped to be going down. Hopefully we'll eat, drink, and have fun.

I had set an ambitious goal of 192lbs for my weight when I went ot Baltimore. I weighed in this morning at 195lbs, so I can still get there (although it will be a little bit of a long shot). In a realted note, a couple of people at work told me they thought I've lost weight. Those type of comments are an ego boost and make it worth the effort to work out and diet. :-)

I've been getting outside to ride my bike and run. I'm enjoying the outdoor cardio and will keep it up until it gets too cold outside (or too dark). My one complaint is the shitty weather. What do I need to do to get some nice weather outside?

I've started reading the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series of books. The first book was interesting and I might have to see the movie at some point.

On the work front, I've managed to fit an entire work week (42.25 hours) into a 4 day span. If I would have had to work on MOnday, I would have logged my 4th consecutive 50 hour week. I like the OT, but these hours are beginning to wear on me a little bit.

I'm going to begin my GMAT efforts in earnest this weekend. I plan to spend the next 8 weeks preparing for the GMAT, then take the test in the beginning of September. THen I will start applying for an MBA in the fall (hopefully going back in the Fall of 2006).

I think thats all for now. I'll try and post again before I go to Baltimore.

B.

Long time no post

2005-07-02T20:49:00.000-04:00

Wow...its been a while since I've posted to my blog. I would have posted sooner, but I've been increadibly busy (mostly with work...I've been working 50 hour weeks since the beginning of June).

But life goes on...I have been keeping up with working out. I'm down to 196 lbs!!!!! And I've passed the 1 year mark (I was 270lbs on 7/1/2004, when I decided to get up off my fat ass and drop the extra poundage). I'm hoping to drop down to 185-ish before I decide whether to continue or go into maintanence mode (this decision will be based upon whether I can see my abs or not...vein I know, but its a goal).

We have some special homecomings upcoming. The Chilean returns to Baltimore on 7/10 and The Lt. comes home from Korea on 7/11. I'll be down to Baltimore on 7/15 to visit. I'm sure we'll have some good times.

In other news...I got a membership to the Nassau County Aquatic Center. For those of you that don't know, Nassau County (on Long Island) built a world class fitness and aquatic center for the 1998 Goodwill Games. The center has an olympic sized swimming pool, weight room, and cardio equipment. The membership wasn't expensive either ($225 for 6 months). Plus, this place is literally down the block from where I work.

My next 3 goals are:
1. Prepare for the GMATs (Hopefully taking them in September)
2. Build a better "athletic base" by biking, running, and swimming. (If you can't tell, I would like to compete in a triathlon at some point...probably next summer. If all goes well, I'd probably try to get into a 5k sometime around thanksgiving).
3. Go out and put myself in a position to meet girls...preferably single.

As always, my fitness goals remain unchanged (lift 3 to 4 times a week, eat clean). Of my 3 new goals, the hardest will be #3. This is because I'm not as outgoing as I should be when it comes to the ladies. I've worked to overcome my fat issue (as I said before, I made myself fat...I've worked hard (and will continue to work hard) to overcome that). Now I've got to get myself in a position to do some good. Although if someone would help me out, I'd be appreciative.

Thats all for now. I'll try to post again soon.

Brian

Summer

2005-05-30T21:16:00.000-04:00

Happy memorial day.

A quick update for tonight. I'm glad to see some nice weather (better than the cold rain we've seen before this).

I changed my desktop OS from Windows XP to Fedora Core 3. I'm hoping for the best with the change. I'm already noticing the increased stability and functionability with the new OS.

I'm weighing in at 203lbs. That means I've lost 6 lbs in May and 67 lbs since 7/1/04. I'm aiming for 192 lbs by the time I visit Baltimore in July (although I think I'll probably finish closer to 195lbs). I've also decided on my next workout. I will finish Book of Muscle in July. After I finish, I will use the Testosterone Advantage plan's advanced workout. This workout is a 9 week workout with 4 lifting sessions per week. However, I will need to join a gym before I can start this (seeing as I do not have all of the necessary equipment to do the exercises). I'll probably call Dolphin FItness in Westbury and NYSC in East Meadow this week to arrange trial visits (both are close to home and work). Right now, I think NYSC probably has the advantage, because they have a pool and I could go to one of their other locations for spin classes.

Anyway, I'll wrap up now. I'll try to post an update tommorow or Wednesday.

Peace,

Brian

Got Tiger?

2005-05-19T20:10:00.001-04:00

I post to you today from my new Powerbook. This computer kicks ass! I am very pleased with my purchase, and this may be one of the best computers I have ever used. I guess the old saying is true: "Once you go Apple, you don't go back."

So I've been continuing to work hard at the bank. I've put in many hours and am learning much. Hopefully I will see a raise since my 3 month review went well. But HR gets to decide my fate on that.

I've been doing some reflecting lately. Specifically, I have been pondering if I will ever meet anyone of the female gender whom would go out with me. It seems that every girl I meet is either married, engaged, or has a boyfriend of a long time. I realize I probably need to do more to get myself out there, but I'm not quite sure what I need to do. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know (I appreciate any and all advice).

Anyway, enough of my bitching. I'm looking forward to having a weekend off.

In other news, I'm probably going to join a gym in the near future. For the past 11 months, I have been working out in my basement. While I have had tremendous success with the current arrangement, I am looking for access to better equipment and meeting some good looking girls might be nice too.

Thats all for now. I'll post more soon.

Brian

Weight loss stats:
Current Weight: 204 lbs
Weight loss since 7/1/04: -66lbs
Next goal: 202 lbs on or before 5/31

Got Tiger?

2005-05-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

Review

2005-05-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

So I recieved my 3 month review at work today. This review marks the end of my probation period at the bank. (Every new employee is subject to a 3 month probation period, which ends with a review of your performance over those 3 months). So, my review went well. My boss had good things to say about me and my performance. Next step is to see if I get a raise. I'll keep everyone posted.

In other news, I finally purchased a new computer!!! I bought the 15" Apple G4 Powerbook. See here for details about the computer: http://www.apple.com/powerbook/

This computer has 1.5Ghz, 1GB of RAM, a Combo drive (DVD-Rom/CD-RW), and a backlight keyboard. I also purchased the Applecare protection plan. I am soooooo pumped. I can't wait for my new baby!

Thats all for now. I'll post again soon.

Brian

P.S. I think this makes it 2 posts in a row where I haven't bitched about not having a girlfriend. :-)

Dum Spiro, Spero

2005-05-05T20:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo (thats the fifth ofMay for those of us who do not speak spanish).

I've started reading The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Its not my normal fare of reading, but I picked it up at the suggestion of a co-worker. So far its interesting, in a philosophical sort of way. I think I'll have to reread it to get its full meaning (its 13 chapters...not too long). The basis for the book is defeating your enemy without having to fight. I think it will have some positive effects on my approach to my job.

I think I'm finally going to get my new computer this weekend (hopefully). Despite a last minute suggestion of a G5 powermac, I think I'm still going to get the Powerbook, probably a 12" w/ superdrive or 15" with combodrive.

After I take care of the computer, I probably should start to prep for the GMAT. If I start soon, I'll probably take the test in September and plan on MBA (at night) in 2006. Of course, that timetable is subject to modification or change :-)

I'm also going to join a local gym soon. Since I started working out last July, I've worked out in my basement. And I've had great success (down 62lbs in 10 Months). But I'm doing the gym thing for 2 reasons: (1)Greater access to equipment/specitality classes (i.e. spinning) and (2) Better chance of meeting a good looking, athletic, smart, single woman (around my own age). I'm usually pathetic around the ladies, but I'm gonna put that aside and work on finding someone special (if anyone reading this is interested, let me know :-D ).

One thing that has surprised me was a comment by a friend whom I was talking to the other night. He said that he thought I was more mature since I've graduated college (and he read my blog...but that is another story). I find it interesting that others see changes that I do not notice in myself. By the way, If this friend reads this post, I hope Smallix ended up working.

I think thats all for now. If I think of anything more, I'll be sure to post it.

Brian

Weight Loss Stats:
Weight: 208lbs
Weight Lost: -62lbs
Next Goal: 203 by Memorial Day
192 by 7/15/05 (Brian's return to Baltimore to visit the Lt. and the Chilean...and possibly the APG Scientist and Mr. Smallix, if they are around)

P.S.: The APG Scientist needs to update his blog. The same I-Pod post has been up since 4/5. :-)

Testosterone

2005-04-26T21:10:00.000-04:00

So I'm updating my blog on a Tuesday. What a novel idea.

Life goes on. I get up in the morning and work out (lift or cardio in the form of HIIT). Then I eat while reading Newsday (Long Island's very own tabloid). After I shower, get dressed and go to work. After work, I come home, eat and watch some TV before bed. Its an ordinary existance. But I'm getting some much needed banking expeirnce while making some $$. So I really shouldn't complain.

I've been considering buying a new computer (my current computer was bought in 2000 and currently runs Windows XP). I've pretty much decided to venture into the world of Mac. I've been divided on which direction to go in. On the one hand, the mini would meet my needs without costing an arm and a leg. On the other hand, I am tempted by the 15" powerbook. The powerbook is a notebook, and the 15" comes with 512 MB ram, 60GB hard drive, backlight keyboard, OS X.3/Panther (X.4/Tiger after Friday), and the i-life suite. Not a bad deal. I'll let my audience know once I decide on something.

Anyway, back to the Yankees game. A-rod is 4-4 with 3 HR (2 run, 3 run, and a Grand Slam) and 10 RBI.

Peace,

Brian

Weight Loss Stats:
Current Weight: 210
Weight Lost since 7/1/04: 60 lbs
Goal: 200 lbs by 7/1/2005

Sunday Update

2005-04-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday...I know, I know...tommorow is Monday :-(

I'm watching "Behind the DaVinci Code" on the history channel. All of the theories they are discussing are interesting. But I wonder if they are full of shit, so to speak?

So, I think I have decided upon a course of action in my computer dilema (background: I have been trying to decide what to do about my computer...which is 5 years old and running windows XP). I am going to buy a Mac Mini, once the Tiger OS comes out. And it just so happens that I have a tax refund check coming my way, so I have a way to pay for it.

I think I'll keep my current computer around, by way of a KVM switch. I'll probably make it a dual boot linux/windows. Yes, I am a little bit of a computer nerd.

In fitness news, I've reached my next weight loss goal. I weighed in at 212lbs on Friday morning. In total, I have dropped 58lbs since 7/1/04. My next goal is 200lbs by 7/1/05. I'm still lifting each morning (I'm currently in Stage 2 of Ian King and Lou Schuler's Book of Muscle), and I do HIIT on non-lifting mornings. If you want to see pics, let me know.

I'll probably end up joining a gym sometime in May (I've been lifting in my basement since the start of my efforts to see a 6 pack not labled Budweiser or Coors). I've been thinking about NY Sports Club (either in East Meadow or Syosset) or Sportstime (in Syosset). If anyone has experiece with either facility, let me know your experience.

On a closing note, does anyone read this blog? If so, I'll gladly update it more often. If not, then I guess I update this thing for no reason.

Peace,

Brian

Quickie Update

2005-04-03T21:43:00.000-04:00

First off, thanks to everyone who sent a happy birthday my way.

I've continued to work long hours, but the job continues to be interesting and is allowing me to grow, both intellectually and personally. I'm relativly happy (now if I could only meet a single, smart, attractive girl who is around my age).

I'll end my post with a quote by the late Pope John Paul 2:
“Even though you are young, the time for action is now! It is time to let your light shine!"

-Brian

Happy Easter

2005-03-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone!

A quickie update for tonight.

I've been putting in some long hours at the bank. But I've been getting OT for those long hours, so its all good.

We had family over for Easter dinner tonight. My Mom cooked up a delicious storm, as always. I'll have to be extra good now to make up for my over indulgence tonight. Now I try to have a clean week, with birthday #23 coming up on Saturday (another cheat meal). If anyone is interested in chilling next weekend, drop me a e-mail or phone call.

Anyway, did anyone see the Barry Bonds show on Sportscenter? Apparently Barry is "tired" of the media and is threating to retire. My message to the steriod abusing slugger: "Don't let the door hit you on the way out." If I were making millions of dollars each year, dealing with reporters at the ballpark is a small price to pay. If Barry cheated and lied about it in front of a grand jury, he should be expelled from baseball and face all legal consequences (Barry is potentially facing perjury and tax evasion charges based upon the testimony of a former girlfriend).

I hope all is well with everyone reading this blog.

I'll post another update during the week (e-mail me if I don't :-) ).

Brian

Lenny Briscoe

2005-03-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

I'll start tonights post with Law And Order Character Lenny Briscoe (played by Jerry Orbach). Last night, Law and Order: Trial By Jury premiered on NBC, with the first of Orbach's swan song episodes (he filmed 3 before he died). Lenny Briscoe symbolized New York and he will be missed (although TNT plays L&O episodes multiple times per day).

Onto the news of the week. For some good news, I've managed to drop below the 220lb plateau today (weighing in at 219lbs). I've come so far in less than a year. Hopefully, when I post a year from now, I will be a lean muscilar stud whom the girls druel for (although I'd settle for lean and having a girlfriend).

I'm continuing my initiation into the banking industry. So far so good. I think when I'm posed with the question "What do you do?", I'll respond "I'm part of the COO's special forces."

I think I'm eventually going to join a gym. It will be cheaper than consistantly upgrading equipment to meet the needs of the workout dujor. I'll keep everyone posted as I decide which gym might best.

As Loyola begins spring break, and my sister continues through midterms, I can't help by think about college. I don't really miss it. Don't get me wrong, I miss my friends terribly. But I don't miss the workload, long nights in the mathlab, or being fat (a result of my college lifestyle). I suppose my only regret is that I did not get the opportunity to study abroad. Perhaps I'll get the opportunity at some point in the future.

Thats all for now. If your interested in talking, drop me a line (e-mail, phone or grilled chooter on a fishing rod will do fine).

B.Lee

P.S.: Chooter = Chicken Breast

So I've finally gotten around to posting an update

2005-02-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

A lot has happened since my last post. I've started my new job at New York Community Bank. So far, I'm really liking my job. I'm finally getting to use some of the skills that I learned in college (espically my critical thinking and analytical skills). My coworkers are cool, and supportive. Things are fast paced (and things have been slow this week). I can't go into detail about some of the things I do (sorry), but "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." My typical work day starts before 9AM. This week I've gotten out between 6 and 7, although that will probably go later as things progress.

In other news, Valentines day sucks! I suppose I say that because once again, I don't have a girlfriend. But I won't sit here and bitch about that.

I'm down to 222 lbs. That means I've lost 48lbs since last July. Before you know it, I'll be slim and trim :-) (and hopefully a chick magnet).

I hope all is well with everyone out in the world.

Peace,

Brian

I Got It!

2005-01-26T19:14:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie tonight...

In my previous post, I mentioned I interviewed for a position with NYCB. Yesterday, I recieved a telephone call from their HR guy. He offered me a position in their Executive Oversight Group. I accepted the position. I gave notice to Bruckner. My last day at BSC is Feb 4th. I start at NYCB on Feb. 7th.

Now I get to drop $$ on a few new suits.

THats all for now.

I'll do a more detailed update on the weekend.

Brian

My Interview Experience

2005-01-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

For some time, I have been looking for a job. I was hoping to find something that would help me better apply my degree and abilities. Something that will help me in my eventual persuit of an MBA degree.

So, on Thursday I had an interview with a reigonal bank. I was interviewing for a position in their Executive Oversight Group (the Executive Oversight Group has many responsiblities and reports to the COO). So I figured I would meet with the HR guy and that would be it. I now admit I was wrong.

I arrive at 7:50AM, for an 8AM interview. After waiting at the receptionists desk for a few minues, I get called into the HR offices. After filling out some forms, the HR guy brings me into his office. He asks me the usual interview questions (if you have ever been on an interview, you know what I mean). After about 35 minutes, we finish up (its about 9AM now). The HR guy tells me that the head of EOG wants to meet with me, but is stuck in traffic. He asks me if I want to wait or come back later. I elect to stay and wait (it was easier to hang around than to go home and have to go back). After almost an hour, the head of EOG arrives (its now a little after 10AM). She asks me more of the interviewing greatest hits (including the worst question ever...What is your greatest weakness?...don't you know I don't have any weaknesses :-) ). I knew I was in luck when I found out the head of EOG's son went to Loyola and majored in Math/CS. (Yay for math majors!). So we finish at approx 10:40AM and the HR guy comes back in. He says the head of EOG was impressed with me and that they're going to take my fingerprints (apparently its a Securties and Exchange thing). Then he gives me a drug test form (after allowing me to clean my hands). If everything comes back clean, I will, hopefully, hear from the bank early next week. I've been on cloud 9 since. I hope it all works out :-)

On another topic, something my friend Andy said has been bothering me. I mentioned something about Verizon wanting my first born if I called Korea on my cell phone (aside: My friend and former Loyola roommate Steve is stationed in Korea. He 's a 2LT and works with Patroit Missles). Anyway, Andy said it was good to be optimistic about that. Perhaps I read his statement wrong, but I'm eventually going to get married and have kids (well...I won't have them, but I'll get to knock up my wife, who will have them :-D ). I know I'm not exactly the ladies man (I haven't had much success on that front), but I'm confident I'll meet someone special. If I can drop 44lbs (from 270 to 226 as of this morning) and potentially find a great job, I can meet (and have the courage to ask out) any girl.

Thats all for now. I'll catch everyone later.

Brian

nunc est bibendum

2005-01-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to detest this time of year. For most of the last month, New York has suffered from a spell of cold rain or cold sleet/ice/freezing rain. This weather has done enough to make me ponder why I didn't move to someplace warm and sunny. But alas, I guess all I can do is wait on spring to come and liberate us from this depresing weather pattern.

The first week of Anno Domini 2005 has treated me decently. Work has been decent. Nothing really different or interesting. I'm still keeping my eyes open for something that will give me the ability to persue an MBA degree (either by a tuition assistance program or paying me enough to afford it). Hopefully something will open up within the next few weeks.

I think I've decided upon my next project. I'm going to reformat my desktop and install duel operating systems. I've decided upon Windows 2000 and Fedora Core (a linux distribution). The only thing stopping me is the lack of a high speed internet connection. I hope to allievate this problem in the near future (I'm leaning toward Verizon DSL, after much consideration). This is my first step toward becoming independant of Microsoft.

Since I decided to lose some weight (I started in July, 2004), I've frequented some of the fitness message boards on the web (the best are www.fittobemen.com/forums, www.jpfitness.com, and www.t-nation.com). The one thing I have noticed since New Years, many newbies have visited. While I welcome all newbies looking to lose weight (I was a newbie not so long ago), I do have a couple of issues:

First, diet is 85% of weight loss. If you eat shit, you will be fat. (No, you cannot binge drink and expect to lose weight).
Second, weight lifting is good. Building muscule is good. In order to build muscle, you need to stimulate your muscles (by lifting weights) and consume enough protein to aid in muscle development. Muscles burn more calories than fat does. So, if you have more muscle, you body will burn more calories. When your body needs these calories, it will turn to your fat stores. It is amazing how such a simple concept is lost on the masses.
Third, there is no miracle pills. No pill is going to help you lose 40, 50 or 60lbs in 1 week or less. Any promise of a pill helping you to lose weight is probably bullshit.
Fourth, You cannot lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks. For most of us, losing more than 2 lbs per week is unhealthy. And if your losing more than 2 lbs per week, it is probably coming at a high muscle price. (Note: If your really heavy, you might lose more than 2 lbs per week during the first month. This is your sheding of water weight).
Lastly, If you work hard, eat clean and stick to a exercise plan that combines lifting and HIIT (high intensity interval training), then you will achieve your goals. Just give it time :-)

Thats all for now. I'll update again soon.

Brian

Happy New Year

2004-12-31T21:02:00.000-05:00

Howdy all,

Happy 2005 everyone.

Christmas 2004 was good for me. I got almost all of what I wanted (no ipod tho). I had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends (and show off my slimmer self). The only thing I could ask for is a gf to spend quanity time with (I know...this is something I complain about on a regualr basis).

So now we are off to 2005. This will be the first calander year with no school involved since 1984 (when I was 2...I started my education with nursery school at age 3). If all goes to plan, I will resume my education in 2006. I'm looking to start on a MBA, probably focusing on Computer Information Systems. (All I need is a new job that will pay for me to embark on a graduate degree).

My workouts are going well. I had to replace my exercise bike this past week, after the one I was using fell apart (it was an older bike of suspect quality). I droped $270 on one from sports authority. It seems like I've made a good investment. As for my lifting schedule, I'm still working on TAP. I started phase 3 on 12/26, and will finish on 1/20. At that point, I will take a week off from lifting. Then I will start Book of Muscle, by Ian King and Lou Schuler (Ian King is an Australian Strength and conditioning coach who as trained olympians. He is well respected , and his workouts are killer. I hope this workout will lead to bigger muscles and less fat.

I am proceeding well on the path to 195lbs and a 6-pack (abs, not beer). I'm down to 229.5lbs, down from 270lbs on 7/1/04. Not a bad change in 6 months.

I'm in the middle of reading the book "The Godfather Returns." It has been pretty good so far. As the book suggests, this is another installment in the Godfather series (Godfather 1 and 2 both won the OSCAR for best picture). Before that, I read James Patterson's Along Came a Spider. At some point, I'd like to learn another language. Perhaps Latin?

Some goals for January 2005:
Fitness goal: Get down to 225lbs (I'm at 229.5 now). Also lose 1/2 - 1" off belly.

Reading goal: Read 1 non-fitness book

Romantic Goal: Talk to 3 girls that I do not know (and hope I can find one who is single and interested in me)

Professional Goal: Apply for 8 jobs

Thats all for now. I'll post another update at somepoint soon.

Brian

Looks Like Santa was paying attention

2004-12-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1947995

Guess who's getting their pinstripes?

(if you don't follow baseball, future hall of famer Randy "Big Unit" Johnson is on his way to NY. He is a left handed pitcher who is 6'10" tall)

I'll post more come Saturday.

Something Quick for tonight

2004-12-09T21:40:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie for tonight.

Work: The job is alright. Although there may be something new on the horizon. I sent my resume to a friend of my Dad's, who is a headhunter. His company (Market Resolve) might be able to find me a job in the financial sector. Lets hope something good comes out of it.

Women: Nothing new. Where do all of the single girls hang out? IF you have any thoughts...please comment.

Exercise: TAP (Testosterone Advantage Plan), Phase 2 is going well. I just finished the upper body workout, and I am sore. Phase 2 runs from 12/5 to 12/23. I'll start Phase 3 on 12/26.

Thats all for now. I'll do a more detailed update during the week.

Brian

Do Americans believe everything they see on TV?

2004-12-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

I was in the grocery store this afternoon, when I overheard a conservation. Two women, both middle age, were standing in the dairy section. One woman sounded angry as she levied charges against George W. Bush. She was quoting Michael Moore, chapter and verse. In this case, she citied Moore's views on President Bush's response to 9/11 (sitting in the classroom while planes fell onto New York) and on the military action in Iraq (specifically the military recruiting lower class people). (Note: for those that are not familiar, I live in a typical Long Island middle class neighborhood).

While I do not agree with many of the President's policies (specifically Iraq and distribution of homeland security funds, where New York has lower funding levels, per capita, than such terrorism hotbeds as Alaska and Wyoming), I began to consider something profound. Are Americans so dumb, that they will believe anything they read/see on television or in the movies?

In the instance I described above, the women were believing everything that Michael Moore said, seemingly without disregarding the propaganda and bullshit that ensconced all of the points in the movie. More and more, I have noticed that Americans are not analyzing things they read. They believe anything and everything, without turning a critical eye to the material in question. A perfect example is the President's arguments about Iraq. Something like 3/4 of Americans think Iraq had something to do with 9/11. If they would read the 9/11 commission report, they would see that a bipartisan commission, after looking at all the facts, said that Iraq had NOTHING to do with the 9/11 attacks. Another myth that a majority of Americans have adopted as fact is that Saddam Hussein had WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction). The UN, David Kay (American chief weapon inspector), Hans Blix (UN chief weapon inspector) and most of the EU would say that there were no WMD's in Iraq since 1991. There are a million examples of this. (Note: I am not intentionally bashing republicans...in fact I share many "republican" views (i.e. abortion = wrong). These are just 2 examples that come out and slap you in the face).

So what can we do about this growing epidemic? Well...urge our family, friends, college's, etc to look at both sides of an issue before passing judgment (especially political "hot button" issues). Secondly, if you watch political TV, watch shows that allow both sides of an issue to be examined (i.e. CNN's crossfire). And most importantly, THINK FOR YOURSELF. Do not let someone think for you. Look at all issues critically and come up with your own conclusions.

This is my rant for today.

2 Posts in a week...wow!

2004-12-03T23:45:00.000-05:00

You should feel honored...I'm posting my second entry this week :-)

This week has been a long week. I'm not sure why, but I'm sure the combination of having a short week last week (for Thanksgiving) and going to the Giant game on Sunday probably tired me out. And this is before I worked a minute this week.

In other news, I'm almost done Christmas shopping. Its not like I have that many people on my list (I just have Mom, Dad, Kristen (sister) and Dad's birthday (12/19)). Although I wish I had a girlfriend to buy for...but I don't have one :-(

I put up Christmas lights tonight. Tommorow, the tree goes up. I'll post pictures at some point.

Thats all for now.

Brian

New Update

2004-12-02T00:25:00.000-05:00

Per Andy's request...I'm updating my blog.

Yes, I know its been a while, but I've been busy. I'm continuing to work 8-5 at Bruckner. But, I'm starting up the job search again. I like Bruckner and the people that work there, but I need something that will allow me to grow professionally. I also want something that will pay for me to persue a MBA degree (I'm hoping to go back sometime in 2006).

I'm also continuing to eat right and work out. I'm currently using the workout plan in TAP (Testosterone Advantage Plan, by Lou Schuler, et al). I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a good ass kicking. In total, I'm down to 234 lbs now (from a high of 270 lbs after graduation). I hope to drop to approx 200lbs.

I also signed up for Thefacebook | Welcome to Thefacebook! Apparently, this thing is all the rage at Loyola. The interesting thing is that my sister, Kristen, has an account via Hofstra's facebook. I've poked her (there is a "poke" feature, the function should be pretty obvious).

I went to the Giant game with JT (an old friend from HS), Gwen (JT's girlfriend), John (another friend from HS) and Dave (a friend of John's). I had fun, even though the Giants got killed. THe weather sucked before the game, but it subsided and we got a nice day.

Finally, are there any good looking single girls out there? Seriously, every girl I meet and am interested in seems to have a boyfriend or is married. It is frustrating. If any girls read my blog, please weigh in on this subject.

Peace,

Brian

New Update

2004-10-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

Hi all...

I figured it is time for an update. The job has been going well. Everyone has been nice so far, and the job isn't that borning. There are even some good looking girls working there (although I probably don't have much of a shot with them).

In other news, I continue my efforts to shed fat and build muscle. I've been following the dumbbell workouts in The Men's Health Home Workout Bible. This has been an excellent workout that I'm enjoying. I've also been doing high intensity interval training. My lifting days are Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. My cardio hiit days are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. I rest on Friday.

Thats all for now. I'll try and keep this site better updated.

Brian

New Job

2004-10-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

I started my job at Bruckner Supply Co. on Monday. So far, it has been pretty good. The people have been really cool so far. There are even some really hot girls :-)

As for the work, it has been fairly routine. I have been researching orders (calling/faxing vendors), placing orders and helping customers deal with problems. All in all, it is not bad.

Anyway, thats all for now.

Peace

Welcome

2004-09-24T03:38:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog.

I set up this blog so that I can post my thoughts from time to time.

A little more about me (in case you don't already know): My name is Brian. I am 22 and a native of New York's Long Island. I graduated from Loyola College in Maryland in May 2004 (my degree was a B.S. in Math/Bio). I was hired by the Bruckner Supply Company (a division of WESCO that is based in Port Washington, NY). I am a purchasing trainee and I will have responsiblities that include interacting with customers, researching purchasing orders, placing orders, and dealing with shipping issues. In case you are asking yourself "how does this relate to your degree"...there is a section of math called Operations Research (it is called Management Science in business schools). This division of math deals with this sort of stuff. I start working on Monday (9/27).

In other news, I am going to get a cell phone. I think I have decided to get the Nextel National Value 500 Plan (500 anytime minutes, free nights and weekends, free nationwide long distance, no roaming for $39.99). Here is more info: http://nextelonline.nextel.com/NASApp/onlinestore/Action/RatePlanLanding#I2493&topPick=true

Thats all for now...I'll try and update again soon.

-Brian