Exercise, Domination, and History, another Wednesday.

Yesterday work was physically demanding, lifting, carrying, moving stuff around, it was taxing.  But, it was a gym day, and since I had my clothes with me, and it normally makes me feel better, I went.  Intending to take it easy, and just work off a little workday stiffness, the treadmill seemed like a great place to start.

Starting slowly, and picking up the pace quickly, it soon became obvious that the workout would be a good one.  I pushed myself, driving my heart rate up, and maintaining it for quite a while.  Repeating this several times, I was sweaty, warm and euphoric.  

My weights on the resistance machines were the highest they have ever been, and I pushed myself to the last possible repetition.   It was exhilarating, and I felt great.  Today, I am a little sore, and stiff.  But, it is rejuvenating, I feel so good about my efforts.  If you are thinking about starting to work out, you should jump in, slowly, steadily, and knowing you will not regret it.

Last nights podcast was a repeat, "Prophet's of Doom" from Hardcore History, by Dan Carlin.  This was the podcast that kicked off my whole, unhealthy obsession with history.  Mr. Carlin is so enthusiastic about the past, it is unshakable.  This podcast is about the city of Munster, in Germany, and the events that led to the execution of several people for heresy, and sedition.  It was a pretty hideous execution.   But, the events that led to the occupation, eventual siege and capture of the city were, to me, as compelling as the events in Munster. 

This podcast explains in some detail the reasons for, and results of, the Protestant Reformation.  Dan Carlin is an expert at building tension, and a fantastic story teller who seems to love his craft.  I have listened to his entire catalog.

Looking back, the Protestant Reformation kicked over an apple cart filled with momentous events, and radical change.  Luther set off a firestorm of change that had effects that are impossible to measure, even today.  And, there are very few podcasts on the subject.  

That is the problem with history, there is so much of it.  So many things happened, and all of them probably affected the world in ways that are still felt today.  Even if you disregard the influence events had on our world there is still a lot of terribly interesting,l terrible,  things that happened in the past.  

Assyrians did not negotiate much.

That is the problem with podcasts, there aren't enough of them explaining things that happened so long ago.  Yes, there are some very good series, but there they barely scratch the surface of times past.

Take, for example, the Assyrians.  A fascinating story of a state gone from merchantry to militancy, learning the best ways to reduce resistance and encourage compliance along the way.  There are just not many good podcasts about them.  So, I have to resort to reading books, printed on paper, like an animal.  This is crazy.  What's next, cave paintings?

The Newest Thing in Transportation.

News, fast, furious, and non-stop that is the number 1 responsibility of the internet.  Finding out what is happening, why it is happening, and to whom it is happening, why else would you spend time screwing around in front of a computer, when you could be reading a book, cleaning the basement, or garage, washing the car, or eating pizza and watching TV.  But, the unquenchable desire to understand, to learn, to gather information in an effort to amass more knowledge than your neighbor, thereby affirming who is actually better, that is what keeps you glued to your monitor, or screen, or whatever you are glued to.  That is why, when Life Explained heard rumors of an exciting new technology developing in the field of transportation we had to break the news.

It seems in Germany, long known as a country that will get things done, they have developed an exciting new form of transportation.  A vehicle that requires no fossil fuel, no electrical recharge, no cells, batteries, engine of any kind.  In fact, it seems to be completely carbon neutral.  We had to find out more, so we sent our ace German reporter to test the abilities of this new device. 

Apparently, this is powered by a person, who, even though seated, uses a motion similar to walking.  For those who don't remember walking is what you do when nobody else is around to get your Cheese Doodles and beer.  Somehow, through an amazing feat of that magical German engineering, this motion is transferred to the wheels.  It seems there is a chain and some foot "pedals" involved.  According to our sources (not too mention that guy in the white coat that keeps going on and on about our blood pressure, weight and cholesterol level, I think his name is Doctor) this movement is supposed to be healthy, as well.  

Meet the new "car."

But, as with all new technology, there are some bugs to work out, here is our reporters initial filing.

"I went for a 'bike ride,' which was sort of scary at first, but little by little I got more comfortable. I was riding on 'bike' paths, but the problem is people also walk in the 'bike' paths, so you have to get good at dodging them. It always makes me nervous and my 'bike' gets a bit wobbly as a result."

If you need to travel a great distance this method would not make much sense, but, and here, according to our reporter, is another bit of German ingenuity, you ride the "bike" to a "station" where a big car, a really big car (called either a bus, or a train, we are not sure, there is some confusion in the report, and we are working to clarify), which holds a lot of people will take you and your bike, to a spot much closer to your destination, and your "bike" will do the rest.  Amazing, huh?

Anyway, it seems this new technology will improve health, reduce greenhouse gases, and dependency on fossil fuels, as well as traffic jams, and the hypertension those cause.  It cost so little there is no need to borrow, and make payments.  Maintenance is fairly simple, and can be done in apartment.  Who wouldn't be in favor of something with such promise and potential, something that makes so much sense.  Besides oil and pharmaceutical companies and car manufacturers, but they probably don't have much say in American politics.

A small favor, please.

In what can only be viewed as a very pleasant surprise, many people who have looked at this important and historically significant blog are from the wonderfully progressive and delightfully joyful Country of Germany.  By what can only be viewed as one of the most fortuitous coincidences of all time 2 very good friends of mine are traveling to your scenic, beautiful, historically significant, and fiscally responsible Nation.  I would be very grateful if you could meet them at the airport, and buy them a nice meal.  Maybe bring them a cake, here is one idea, feel free to use your own.

 

 

Since one of my friends is from Ohio she may, at random times, shout the letter O, and then quickly follow that by shouting the letter H.  It is considered good manners to respond by shouting the letter I and then the letter O.  This will make her feel right at home, it is very similar to the way wildlife uses unique sounds to signal safety.  My other friend is from Scotland, and may be playing Angry Birds on her iPad, so feel free to move around her if you are waiting in line, people from the UK are used to long lines, so she may not even notice, particularly if you say something nice about her Angry Bird tossing ability, or her shoes.

Thank you, in advance for the kindness, if I can ever do anything for you please let me know.