August 17, 2009 by: Brendan
closeAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2133/]
I was eliminated from the Summer Slimdown contest last week. Although I have one of the lowest overall body fat change totals, I posted my biggest one-week weight and body fat loss of the contest thus far.
Being eliminated isn’t stopping me from keeping up with my diet and workout routine, though. I haven’t felt this good in a long time (maybe high school?), and want to see it completely through the nine weeks.
We’re halfway through the contest, but I’m more than halfway to my weight-loss goal. I’m feeling really healthy these days, and have more energy to keep up with my kids.
My back feels great so I’m trying to give it my all with my workouts, especially the group classes. I’m still having trouble with the kettle-bell weights, but I’ll get there.
It’s really great to see so many of us making progress. Best of luck to everyone in the second half!
You can vote to save me by registering at The Signal, and voting for me on the contest page. I’m the one on the couch with the baby. 
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August 10, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2095/]
This is a fantastic post and a reminder to all of us as to how we should be viewing this adventure: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2092
It was really cool to see so many of the Summer Slimdown contestants at Results Fitness this morning… I think I counted 6 of us.
My trainer, Mike, asked me last week what my plan was after the nine weeks are over. My first, gut reaction was that I won’t be quitting. I haven’t figured out what that exactly means just yet, but I hope to have that figured out over the next four to five weeks.
I’ve learned so much from this process already. I want to take my knowledge, and newly found appreciation for healthy eating, and make a serious attempt to changing my diet and exercise habits beyond these nine weeks.
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August 7, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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[Originally posted on the-signal.com: http://community.the-signal.com/blogs/detail/2084/]
I was pretty bummed out this week after injuring my back on Saturday morning, and then coming down with a 102.6 fever for a couple of days in the middle of the week. I missed two sessions at Results Fitness, and one day in the pool. I knew that all I could do was stick to my diet as much as possible, and try and keep my spirits up.
I finally had a breakthrough on Thursday: no pain in my back, and my fever under control. I was excited to get back to the gym for a training session with Mike, but apprehensive about the weigh-in and measurement. To my surprise, I had lost a little bit of weight and body fat!
This really helped my confidence. I know that I don’t have to let exercise consume my life and workout four times a day (which is what I thought it would take to finally shed these 15-20 pounds I’m always carrying around). Paying attention and eating the right kind of healthy foods, along with drinking lots of water, is more than half the battle.
When I do exercise, I need to be more focused; honing in on the activity and isolating the muscles being used. If I need to use lighter weights, that’s OK, just as long as I’m performing the workout properly so as not to injure myself again.
Good luck to everyone this week! We should all be proud of ourselves for trying our best, no matter what the circumstances.
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August 4, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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On July 18th, I signed up for “Summer Slimdown,” a summer-long fitness and weight-loss contest for charity. The contest (administrated by The Signal) runs for nine weeks, ending on Saturday, September 19th. I’ve committed myself to changing my eating and exercise habits for the contest, but hopefully for good.
Why I’m Doing This
I not only want to be healthy, but I want to feel healthy. I want this for myself, and for my family. As a father, I have to lead by example. If I’m feeling tired, sluggish, or lazy, my boys are going to see it. I want them to look up to me in a positive light, and see me exercising, eating the right foods, and feeling good about myself.
I often tell my oldest son how important it is to eat a good meal. “It will give you lots of energy and help you get through the day,” This is what I explain to him as I take another bite of my orange chicken from Panda Express. I want to be able to give him this advice, but also show him by eating more fruits, vegetables, and the right kinds of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The Contest Rules
Here’s how the contest works: every week, all of the contestants have their weight taken and their body fat measured. The two contestants with the fewest amount of “fat pounds” lost up until that point are then nominated for elimination from the contest. Then, voting will take place online to determine which of the two contestants are allowed to remain in the contest. All of the participants are allowed to keep up with fitness and nutrition aspects of the contest, but are not eligible for any prizes.
For Charity
All of the contestants were asked to select a local charity to represent. I chose the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club. I am fortunate enough to have a loving, and supportive family, and the SCV Boys & Girls club does a wonderful job of providing for children without that kind of support circle. My grandfather-in-law, George Pederson, was on the board of founding members for the organization, and I’m proud to be representing them as a contestant.
My Diet
I’ve completely bought into the plan that the gym, Results Fitness, has put together. They have a 90% diet weekly compliance rule, which means I can only cheat, splurge, miss a meal, or miss a protein/workout shake four times per week. Basically, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, something I know all about, but didn’t actually do until now.
I’ve rediscovered some foods already, including bananas, carrots, grapefruits, and nectarines. I’ve also learned about some new foods that are now an every day part of my diet, especially breads. I’ve started eating rye and Ezekiel breads, replacing white and wheat.
Exercise Plan
I attend two “group classes,” which are forty-five minute cardio workout classes. I also go to the gym on two other days for my strength and resistance training. For two other days, I’m on my own, which has consisted of swimming, stretching, and doing a light workout at home.
Challenges Thus Far
So far, the biggest challenge has been making time for all of this. The diet is what it is, but missing dinner once a week and cutting down on (or even skipping) my son’s bath time has been tough. I’ve had lots of support and encouragement from my wife and family so far, so I’ll just take everyone’s word and believe that I’m doing the right thing.
How You can Support and Follow Me
You can track everything that’s going on here:
Summer Slimdown Contest
http://the-signal.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=7839
My Health Blog Posts at The Signal
http://community.the-signal.com/accounts/view/3183
The Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club
http://www.scvboysandgirlsclub.org
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March 25, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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“Is that for me?” the son asked his father. “Is what for you?” the father wondered. “The ‘N’ on your shirt,” explained the son. The father looked down at his shirt, full of letters that spelled out the name of a company he used to work at. Sure enough, there was the small, gray letter “N.”
The father quickly told the son, “Why yes, it is for you. In fact, every time I see the letter ‘N,’ I think of you because it’s the first letter of your name.” The son smiled, but the father was forced to ponder again when the son asked, “Is that me on your shirt?” The father hesitated and replied, “I don’t think so.” “But if you say the magic word, then I will be on your shirt,” said the son. Even though the father had a pretty good guess, he asked the son anyway, “What is the magic word?” “Abracadabra!” the son said with excitement.
The father was confused, but willing to play along as any parent with a young child would. The father wanted further clarification and asked, “So, if I say ‘Abracadabra,’ you’ll appear on my shirt?” “Yes,” answered the son.” The son went on to explain what would happen next. “If you say the magic word, I won’t be here anymore because I’ll be on your shirt.” “Oh, so your picture will appear on my shirt?” asked the father. “No, I will be on your shirt. I won’t be your boy anymore.”
Sadness fell over the father, as he wondered if the son was feeling left out with all the recent talk about the upcoming arrival of the son’s little brother. Realizing this as a possibility, the father did not want to take the story any further. “I won’t say the magic word then,” the father stubbornly stated. “But you have to say the magic word so I can be on your shirt,” the son pleaded with disappointment. “I don’t want to say the magic word because you told me that you wouldn’t be here anymore,” said the father. “If you’re not going to be here, who would be my boy?” “The baby can be your boy,” the son quickly answered.
The father knew that he needed to firmly explain to his son what was about to happen in the coming days. “I think that when the baby arrives, both you and the baby can be my boys,” said the father. The son looked at his father with relief and said, “Oh.” The father continued to reassure his son telling him, “I’ll say the magic word so your picture will appear on my shirt, but only if you’ll be here and be my boy.” The son replied, “Okay,” and then asked, “And the baby too?” “Yes, the baby too.” Hopeful that the son understood how the father felt, the father gave the son a reassuring hug and told him, “No matter what, you will always be my boy.”
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March 10, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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Just because I don’t have enough to do in World of Warcraft, I’ve decided to start a new level 19 Horde twink. I’m kidding about not having enough to do, of course. I miss playing Battlegrounds and I figured it would be faster to get a character from 1-10 than play my Shaman, Warlock, or second Paladin to eighty. I’ve converted my banker, a Tauren Hunter, to my PvP twink and am currently level seven. As my banker is firmly planted in Thunder Bluff, she — yes, I said “she” — can easily queue up for Warsong Gulch and watch the auction house for twink gear that non-twink players put up for sale.
My shopping list currently includes all of the following: Sentry Cloak, Forest Leather Bracers, Gloves of the Fang, Scouting Trousers of the Monkey, and Twisted Chanter’s Staff. My Leatherworking Rogue will craft a Deviate Scale Belt, rounding out my bind-on-equip gear.
My current goal is to level her to ten and head to Trisfal Glades outside of Undercity. There, I will tame a Vicious Night Web Spider for their Web ability which “encases the target in sticky webs, preventing movement for 4 seconds.” I predict hijinks ensuing very soon!
Posted in 200 Words, Twinking, World of Warcraft 3 Comments »
March 9, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
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“Watchmen” was entertaining and did not disappoint. I was very nervous when the opening credits began and even became sad at one point when I realized that I was about to view someone else’s vision of what I had become very attached to. The opening scenes rolled in with Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” playing in the background. This was one of my favorite parts of the movie and really set the tone for what we were about to witness: a changing of the guard for the Watchmen and society.
I became immersed in the movie right away, but was disrupted several times. The soundtrack was annoying when mainstream songs were forced into the story, attempting to recreate a 1980s feel. Malin Akerman’s acting was awful, and the makeup for President Nixon and Sally Jupiter looked really fake. The action sequences didn’t seem to fit either, but were well done.
I think that someone not familiar with the graphic novel would be confused. Scene transitions seemed hurried at times. This did keep the story moving forward, though, and it didn’t seem as abrupt since I knew what was coming next.
I give it three-and-a-half stars out of five.
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March 6, 2009 by: Rodspar
closeAuthor: Rodspar
Name: Rod
Email: wargame@stormnet.com
Site: http://
About: 43yo SWM seeks hawt chik who loves kung-fu movies, Python, Adams, MST3K, gamin' and wrastlin'. Must be (mostly) sane and like exciting underwear. Missing not more than one limb and have more teeth than tatoos. Outer clothing optional. Legendary Viva Pinata Gardener status a plus. Kinky's good but creepy's right out. I have my own kegerator & multiple gaming platforms. Qualified parties inquire within.See Authors Posts (4)
BC seems to be having a good time with his well written and entertaining “200 Words” blog. It’s got me flashing back to our days with the OPK and how we used to post a write-up on the SoW/PAG/OPK forums the next day to much /loling. As anyone who got to participate can attest, we had a lot of fun even though we were chronic wipers (see what I did there BC?). Most of the wiping was my fault for sure, but what’s because I was afk a lot to refill my drink. Who plays WoW sober anyway?
While BC is off having new glory days running Naxx, me and the local boys on Ursin are having our own brand of fun. We started by /gkicking anybody who had a problem with failure. That left us with a 6 member guild and one ready alternate who refuses to have a guild tag but who is happy to run with us whenever. We have other local friends on Ursin, but they don’t much like chain wiping so we had to let them go. 
When I started playing on Ursin again and noticed that we had just enough folks to start running instances, I talked everyone into trying some. Noone in our little group had yet to set foot in a single WoTLK instance so everyone was excited to have an opportunity to give it a shot. We started with regular UK since everyone (including our one level 80) had the quest for it, and off we went. We blew through it like 18 year old bullies picking fights with 3rd graders. I read up on the tricks of each boss fight and let everyone know what to do, but it didn’t matter. With 3 DK’s all pulling aggro off each other, me on heals and an enhancement shammy on “more dps”, we were an inelegant hammer crushing any content Blizzard could throw our way. Occassionally someone died, but that was because they didn’t realize they were standing in one of the many “circles o’ doom” Blizzard has implemented to keep people from going afk during boss fights.
We continued in this manner for three weeks (we just started last month), and saw almost all of WoTLK’s dungeons on regular mode, experiencing the same thing time again: 1) See boss; 2) Beat him down; 3) Loot! I think we felt pretty invincible.
Last night we stepped into our first heroic. We went back to were we started, UK, thinking we had better do something we are familiar with and low on the totem pole as a warm up to heroics. I told everyone what to look out for, to be careful with aggro now and watch positioning.
Nobody listened.
We blew through the first room as we always did, with everyone going willy-nilly and aggro jumping around between the DK’s. I was starting to notice that when our one blood DK got aggro, it was all I could do to keep him alive on trash. He would start at 28K health, but would drop to around 3k in a matter of 2-3 seconds if he pulled aggro. This wasn’t a problem on our MT who was wearing his tank gear. He had 24k health but 540 defense and he was a piece of cake to keep healed. I warned everyone to try not to pull aggro from the MT, and they said they would.
In the second room – the one with the protodragons, our blood DK grabbed aggro again and BAM! He was on his face kissing the floor. We recovered, I rezed him, and we moved on. On the last pull in the room it happened again and he went down, followed quickly by everyone else – our first wipe. Oh noes! 
He died on a couple of more pulls as we worked on our pulling strategy (our “run in and kill stuff” strategy having failed so far). We ended up getting to the Prince with only one more near wipe which ended with our Unholy DK main tank being able to re-establish aggro after everyone else but me and he had died, and I just kept him up until he killed everything. We talked about what to do on the prince, and I reminded everyone to watch out for the frost tombs and the adds.
Now, on regular difficulty, we never paid attention to the frost tombs. I would just put a hot on the tombed person and he would get an 8 second break to get a new beer.
Here’s Steakum’s Tip O’ The Day: This does not work on heroics.
You have to (at least at our gear level) deal with the frost tombs as there is too much healing needed on the MT to also try and keep the entombed alive at the same time. Plus it hurts dps and add-management too much. We wiped twice before we got the hang of it, but it was a good lessoned learned. Everyone was much more on the ball after that.
We proceeded to own the instance after that. No fight was as difficult as the Prince fight and it was all free loot and badges afterwards, although we proceeded with much more caution and our dps-crazy blood DK did die on each boss fight in spite of my very best efforts to keep him up.
When it was over we were all happy and a little proud to have overcome our first heroic. We learned something very important: Don’t be suckered into thinking that owning the super-easy regular content means you’re any good. On heroics you have to use all the same tried and true skills we learned coming up in vanilla and BC. Our blood DK (who is a really great guy by the way and not a bad player at all – I hope I didn’t make him sound like one) said he would work on getting his defense up to help for the next time… and to keep from having a 20g repair bill – ouch!
Oh, and I did get a purple feral belt off the last boss, which is awesome considering I’m specced resto.
Next up: WTF is up with WG anyway?
Posted in World of Warcraft 1 Comment »
March 5, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
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I was tasked with main-tanking the Loatheb fight in Naxxramas with our second tank – a feral Druid – watching the spores and contributing DPS. I put my recently-upgraded gear to the test, and fine-tuned my spell and attack rotation on the fight. Things got dicey towards the end of the fight when Loatheb’s casts of Inevitable Doom became more frequent. During one of the last Necrotic Aura phases, my health got dangerously low. Our aforementioned feral Druid taunted the boss off me. I panicked, thinking that a spore had struck me, or I somehow wasn’t holding threat. I popped Avenging Wrath and taunted Loatheb. I received two big heals returning me to full health, but half the raid was lost at this point. Those that were left burned all available cooldowns and finished him off.
We then ventured into the Military Quarter and worked our way down to Instructor Razuvious. The other tank and I spent about six attempts learning how to control the Death Knight Understudies. With some macros, a tweak to my Bartender settings, and communication over Ventrilo, we had the fight down pat. Our challenge for next week is to try and clear both quarters in one night.
Posted in 200 Words, World of Warcraft 2 Comments »
March 4, 2009 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: brendan.conrad@gmail.com
Site: http://
About: See Authors Posts (53)
Great video games give you a sense of accomplishment. When you can accomplish something with a group of people, though, it’s even more satisfying. Our Naxxramas group started over with the Arachnid Quarter after the weekly reset. We cleared more in one night that we did in two nights last week! The group of people I play with are motivated, quick-learning individuals who like to have fun, but take what they’re doing seriously.
Before the raid began, I spent fifteen Emblems of Heroism on the Libram of Obstruction. This was an excellent upgrade for me since it increases my shield block value on every successful Judgment. I could definitely tell a difference working it in with my 96969 rotation.
We had a few issues starting out with Anub’Rekhan. I was silenced on two attempts because I was too close to him when he cast Plague Swarm. This ended up wiping the raid because I couldn’t control the Crypt Guard. Everything finally came together, though, and we got him down. We went on to one-shot the next four bosses and I picked up two new pieces of tanking gear: Gauntlets of the Master and Cloak of Armed Strife. Now for Loatheb!
Posted in 200 Words, World of Warcraft 2 Comments »
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