A Tree In The Schaumburg Winter.

My Workout For Sunday January 05

I earned 706 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Running (treadmill) +88 pts

0:20:00 || 1.5 mi || 1 % (+88 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +83 pts

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 12 reps (+42 pts)

Bent Over Barbell Row +49 pts

55 lb x 10 reps (+25 pts)

55 lb x 8 reps (+24 pts)

Barbell Squat +177 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+43 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+45 pts)

55 lb x 8 reps (+43 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +195 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

35 lb x 10 reps (+51 pts)

35 lb x 8 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 8 reps (+49 pts)

Upright Barbell Row +43 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+21 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)

Romanian Deadlift +69 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+34 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+35 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

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The endeavor continues...

As of last night, I've begun writing my critique of Star Wars. It'll be some time before it's ready, but be prepared for amazing news...

My Workout For Thursday January 30

I earned 794 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Barbell Deadlift +210 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 10 reps (+55 pts)

85 lb x 8 reps (+53 pts)

85 lb x 8 reps (+53 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +10 pts

1 reps (+2 pts)

12 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

7 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 100 lb (+2 pts)

Standing Dumbbell Shoulder Press +175 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+44 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+47 pts)

25 lb x 7 reps (+46 pts)

25 lb x 4 reps (+38 pts)

Standing Calf Raises +18 pts

12 reps || weighted || 65 lb (+4 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 85 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 95 lb (+5 pts)

10 reps || weighted || 105 lb (+4 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +155 pts

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

40 lb x 12 reps (+56 pts)

45 lb x 5 reps (+50 pts)

Tried to do a fourth set, but my body couldn't push through. Next time...

Barbell Squat +224 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 12 reps (+57 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

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My Workout For Sunday January 12

I earned 877 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Cycling (stationary) +70 pts

0:10:00 || 2.7 mi || 7 % (+70 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

7 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

Chin-Up +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

5 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +169 pts

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 12 reps (+42 pts)

30 lb x 10 reps (+43 pts)

30 lb x 10 reps (+43 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +199 pts

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 12 reps (+52 pts)

35 lb x 9 reps (+50 pts)

35 lb x 7 reps (+48 pts)

Barbell Squat +185 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+43 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+48 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+48 pts)

Romanian Deadlift +149 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+34 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+36 pts)

65 lb x 12 reps (+39 pts)

75 lb x 10 reps (+40 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Upright Barbell Row +87 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+21 pts)

45 lb x 12 reps (+21 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+23 pts)

55 lb x 10 reps (+22 pts)

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My Workout For Wednesday February 05

I earned 1157 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Dips - Triceps Version +18 pts

3 reps (+10 pts)

12 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

5 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

3 reps || assisted || 100 lb (+2 pts)

Standing Barbell Shoulder Press (OHP) +255 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+59 pts)

55 lb x 12 reps (+64 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+66 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+66 pts)

Barbell Squat +224 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 12 reps (+57 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

Barbell Incline Bench Press +197 pts

55 lb x 12 reps (+47 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

75 lb x 6 reps (+48 pts)

Barbell Deadlift +211 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

85 lb x 9 reps (+54 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +231 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

40 lb x 8 reps (+53 pts)

40 lb x 5 reps (+46 pts)

40 lb x 3 reps (+37 pts)

Don't know why the bench press is beating me lately. Just need to keep at it...

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Standing Calf Raises +19 pts

12 reps || weighted || 85 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 95 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 105 lb (+5 pts)

10 reps || weighted || 115 lb (+4 pts)

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A Schaumburg February.

My Workout For Sunday February 09

I earned 1190 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Standing Calf Raises +18 pts

12 reps || weighted || 85 lb (+5 pts)

12 reps || weighted || 105 lb (+5 pts)

10 reps || weighted || 115 lb (+4 pts)

10 reps || weighted || 115 lb (+4 pts)

Barbell Deadlift +214 pts

65 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

85 lb x 10 reps (+55 pts)

85 lb x 10 reps (+55 pts)

85 lb x 10 reps (+55 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

Barbell Squat +230 pts

75 lb x 12 reps (+53 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

95 lb x 10 reps (+59 pts)

Standing Barbell Shoulder Press (OHP) +249 pts

45 lb x 12 reps (+59 pts)

65 lb x 10 reps (+66 pts)

65 lb x 8 reps (+64 pts)

65 lb x 6 reps (+60 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +199 pts

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 12 reps (+52 pts)

40 lb x 6 reps (+49 pts)

40 lb x 6 reps (+49 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +50 pts

4 reps (+14 pts)

3 reps (+10 pts)

3 reps (+10 pts)

3 reps (+10 pts)

2 reps (+6 pts)

Pull-Up +26 pts

1 reps (+13 pts)

1 reps (+13 pts)

Just to see if I could do it today...the answer is YES!!!

Barbell Incline Bench Press +202 pts

55 lb x 12 reps (+47 pts)

75 lb x 10 reps (+53 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

75 lb x 8 reps (+51 pts)

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My Workout For Tuesday January 07

I earned 614 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Reverse Crunch +53 pts

15 reps (+19 pts)

15 reps (+19 pts)

12 reps (+15 pts)

Plank +30 pts

30 sec (+10 pts)

30 sec (+10 pts)

30 sec (+10 pts)

Side Plank +42 pts

20 sec (+14 pts)

20 sec (+14 pts)

20 sec (+14 pts)

Chin-Up +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

5 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +165 pts

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

30 lb x 10 reps (+43 pts)

30 lb x 8 reps (+41 pts)

30 lb x 7 reps (+40 pts)

Dumbbell Bench Press +208 pts

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

40 lb x 10 reps (+55 pts)

40 lb x 8 reps (+53 pts)

40 lb x 7 reps (+51 pts)

Dumbbell Bicep Curl +98 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

20 lb x 7 reps (+25 pts)

20 lb x 5 reps (+22 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

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Now available for free on both iPhone and Android!

My Menace: a Star Wars: Episode I Review

In honor of the Blu-Ray releases of the Star Wars saga, I am reviewing each film in the series from Episode I to Episode VI. 

In 1999 George Lucas threw his hat back in the ring and released a brand new Star Wars film set before the hallowed Original Trilogy. The idea was a dream come true for die-hard fans that were born too late to enjoy the Original Trilogy on the silver screen. Now, they would have that experience, one that they would talk about for years to come. Even the casual fans anticipated this moment. In the months coming up to the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, it was hard to find anyone that wasn't a fan. The fever had spread, and everyone wanted to get caught up in it.

On May 19, 1999, The Phantom Menace was released. What should have been a triumphant moment in cinema became a wash of disappointment and frustration. Some of the responses of the time were a bit too harsh, but the general consensus was that this wasn't the Star Wars film that was expected. Although a visual and aural marvel to behold, The Phantom Menace made too many cinematic missteps to be memorable, and the time between its initial release and its Blu-Ray debut has not been kind to it either.

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi become caught in a web of political turmoil between the Trade Federation and the Galactic Republic-controlled planet of Naboo. After witnessing signs of invasion, the two Jedis, after literally running into a native called Jar Jar Binks, race to save the planet's monarch, Queen Amidala, and her aides. Upon escaping, the group make an emergency landing on the desert planet of Tatooine to make repairs. There they meet a young slave named Anakin Skywalker who has a certain peculiarity the Jedis pick up from him – an unrivaled strength in the Force. From here, the group strive to find some way to stop the Trade Federation's occupation of Naboo, first through politics by going to the center of the Republic – the planet of Coruscant – and then by insurrection on Naboo.

The Phantom Menace has everything you'd expect from a sci-fi action movie – an independent damsel in distress, battle-hardened warriors, unique creatures, a boy destined for greatness, gun fights, starship battles, and swordfighting. In fact, it tries to parallel the original Star Wars in its story and structure. However, the results are a mess.

Lucas decides right away that the film is to be child-friendly. A lot of the humor plays more to the childlike sensibilities, especially with Anakin Skywalker being a nine-year-old and with the Gungans and Jar Jar Binks devolving into racial stereotypes. However, the plot plays more like a Star Trek episode filled with politics and exposition, things that don't keep a child's attention. Add to that action sequences that try too hard to be child-friendly, and throw in a classic over-choreographed lightsaber duel that ends too graphically for a child, and what's on the screen is a hodgepodge of things that aim to please everyone but only please Lucas himself. This inconsistency in tone is the umbrella of all of the faults of the film.

The cinematography by David Tattersall is very basic, never playing with lighting and randomly using zoom-in and zoom-out to no effect. Not once does the camera capture the souls of the characters, with the closest moments being anytime Queen Amidala is in full make-up and costuming as her emotions must be conveyed with her eyes. Colors are used to establish settings but remain an afterthought of the design. The music by legendary film composer John Williams has flashes of brilliance, particularly during the lightsaber duel at the end, but ends up being basic as well.

From its release onward, the acting and performances in The Phantom Menace were legendary in their wooden nature. This is even more surprising considering the caliber of some of the actors. Liam Neeson portrayed one of screen's greatest heroes in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece Schindler's List, Natalie Portman had a shocking debut as a young girl falling for a hitman in Léon and eventually winning an Academy Award in the future for Black Swan, and Ewan MacGregor stunned worldwide audiences as a on-and-off heroin addict in the cult black comedy Trainspotting. Yet all three were diminished to standard line-reading with only Neeson rising above the din. Jake Lloyd was given the unenviable task of portraying the childhood beginnings of arguably cinema's most memorable villain, but he was too young to fully portray Darth Vader's beginnings.

However, the actors are only partly to blame. The most significant flaws of the film, and what would probably be considered the stem of the aforementioned umbrella, is the script and direction. George Lucas wrote the script himself, trying desperately to plant the seeds and begin the connections to the Original Trilogy. However, he neglects to tell a good story, filling all of the gaps with superfluous details. Too many times are actors describing what's going on before their eyes while the audience clearly sees it, something all screenwriters are taught to avoid. Worse, many humorous moments linger to emphasize that a specific moment is supposed to be humorous, another rookie mistake. The actors never elevate the material due to Lucas never making them elevate the material. What makes this more sad is that there are moments in the story worth exploring such as Qui-Gon's defiance of the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan's conflict between his expectations from the Council and his devotion to his master, and Anakin's separation from his mother planting the seeds of his eventual turn.

The visual effects circa 1999 are fantastic for its time but represent a period when computers had not reached the level of processing needed to make Lucas' vision a success. Many of the characters and settings are computer generated, and while the Gungans' expressions are wonderfully done, everything comes off as too clean and too artificial especially when juxtaposed with live actors. This is especially true during the final battles – space, ground, and lightsaber – of the film. The space and ground battles are largely animated and lifeless, and one location of the lightsaber duel is too sterile and obvious to be real. However, the podracing sequence on Tatooine is a technical marvel, an update to the chariot race of Ben-Hur that is thrilling when taken on its own. This sequence alone is the apex of visual and aural editing and mixing of the film, the one time when all of the elements join and become what Lucas envisioned.

But that's the problem – it's only a moment. In fact, the film is a series of moments that happen solely because Lucas wrote them to happen instead of feeling necessary. The Trade Federation is introduced as the antagonist because the film needed an antagonist. Darth Maul has a double-bladed lightsaber because Lucas feels that will fill the Vader-sized hole. All of the Galactic Senate scenes occur to establish why Senator Palpatine becomes the Emperor. Anakin wins the podrace because it's the only reason he leaves Tatooine. Nothing in the film ever feels earned. Sure, the podrace is wonderful, and the final lightsaber duel is a feast for the eyes, but there never is a reason for their existence except to fill the spaces in the runtime.

During the time that has passed between the initial release and it's Blu-Ray debut, films such as the canon of Pixar, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Dark Knight, and the Harry Potter series have defined what people expect with their entertainment – great storytelling, great action, great characters, and a sense of real danger. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace partially succeeds at action but fails at everything else, and while it may not be a piece of cinematic travesty, it can be considered nothing more than a disappointment, especially compared to the Original Trilogy of Star Wars it desperately tries to match.

Blu-Ray Observations

Of all the films in the set, The Phantom Menace is the worst-looking one. This is due to the film being shot on film and then being post-processed digitally in its earlier days. None of the colors pop, and the image looks too smoothed and equaled out. It does fix the edge enhancement issues apparent in the DVD, but the overall look is too dull to make any impact. Worse, the effects look dated. The best example of this is the entire Battle of Naboo sequence. Granted, all of the shield effects still amaze, but the characters look too artificial compared to the rest of what's on the screen. The audio is as amazing as it was in the theater, but the new Blu-Ray transfer emphasizes all of the flaws and few of the strengths that The Phantom Menace had.

Movie Rating: 4/10 Moments of excitement are surrounded by scenes of pure exposition and sterile effects. It feels like you're being pushed rather than pulled into the movie, and that is not a good feeling.

Film Rating: 3/10 It's a textbook example of what not to do to reinforce a mythology, but there are a couple underdeveloped items that could have been interesting.

Star Wars Film Rating: 3/10 It almost sunk the entire series into self-parody, and beyond the introduction of Qui-Gon Jinn and the art of lightsaber dueling, it should be a forgotten chapter in the series.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4/10 The audio is fantastic.  The video, due to how it was processed, is the worst-looking one of the box set.  Even the original Star Wars looks pristine compared to it.

My Workout For Thursday January 09

I earned 711 points for my workout on Fitocracy!

Dumbbell Bench Press +196 pts

25 lb x 12 reps (+46 pts)

30 lb x 12 reps (+49 pts)

35 lb x 12 reps (+52 pts)

40 lb x 6 reps (+49 pts)

Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row +163 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+40 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+41 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+41 pts)

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row +103 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

Dumbbell Bicep Curl +102 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 10 reps (+26 pts)

20 lb x 8 reps (+25 pts)

20 lb x 7 reps (+25 pts)

Dumbbell Shrug +71 pts

15 lb x 12 reps (+17 pts)

20 lb x 12 reps (+18 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+18 pts)

25 lb x 10 reps (+18 pts)

Reverse Crunch +52 pts

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

10 reps (+13 pts)

Cycling (stationary) +14 pts

0:05:30 || 1.0 mi || 5 % (+14 pts)

Dips - Triceps Version +8 pts

12 reps || assisted || 145 lb (+2 pts)

8 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

6 reps || assisted || 130 lb (+2 pts)

4 reps || assisted || 115 lb (+2 pts)

Stretching +2 pts

0:10:00 (+2 pts)

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