Wake Up Call

I am in the middle of composing a blog about 'Fabricating A Prosthesis'. It has become quite a project. It looks like it is going to take me another week or so to finish it. I wanted to do a nice detailed post with some pictures attached and so fourth.

In the mean time I decided to drop in something this week...to try and let go of the disdain I held from my last writing. I ran across a great video project about 4 months ago. Wake Up Call is a series of videos put together from clips of ' The Joe Rogan Experience'. Yes that Joe Rogan, the host of Fear Factor. Apparently Rogan is quite an ambitious individual. In addition to Fear Factor Rogan  runs a radio/podcast program, is himself a mixed martial arts champion, has toured as a stand up comedian, is a common UFC commentator and delves in many other things. I had no ideal he was as positive, spiritual and thought provoking as he is. I just assumed he was another roided out meat head. I guess that just goes to show you not to make assumptions. 

The videos are put together by Dominoes Falling Production. One of Dominoes declared mission statements is, "We make films from a collaboration of many different types of media ". That is exactly how these Rogan videos are comprised. There are clips from his show, movies, music, pictures and lots of other media forms eclectically strung together to weave a common theme. 

I enjoy the message these videos try to spread. In addition to that, I think the videos tap into the future of what global media is about. Cable TV is about to die. The internet is where it all will all be soon. Seriously why move your schedule around programming when you can stream whatever content you want, when you want, at a fraction of the price? What is even more amazing is the producers of much of this programming will be us! Think about how many news stories have come about from the common person blogging about it or that have surfaced from cell phone videos? Power to the people!

I am not saying that big networks are going to die (at least not without fighting - hence the mass of copyright and downloading laws), there will always be big network programming and news. What we will no longer have to accept is what the big media tell us is good.  Now we have a lot more say and intimate choice in what we decide to place our eyes on. We don't have to settle for recycled remakes or reality TV if we don't want it. 

Some of you won't get this. That is fine go ahead watch the bachelor, syndicated reruns, and reality train wrecks so you can gab about it with your co-workers or be in the know when they discuss it on morning radio.  I do not think you are a bad or dumb person if this is your choice. I am sure others would consider my viewing preferences and weird or eccentric. I just think there is so much more out there. How about something that makes a difference and spreads a positive message?

You can Google any subject you want, anything you have ever been interested about and find video or other forms of media about it. Even better you can add to that information and maybe help others learn more about your common interest. It is a big world out there.

As mentioned, I think these 'Wake Up Call' videos are wonderful. The main thing they tap into is finding happiness within yourself. This is always one of my big themes. For if you can't be happy with you...How can you make another happy? You deserve to be happy! Life is too short, you should enjoy your moment here. You have ability to help others find joy in their journey as well.

One word of caution. Some of the subjects and language in these works are a little uncomfortable, even for me at times. I do not agree 100% with everything that is said. What I do agree with is their right to say it. I also know that the people whom put this series together definitely have a message to spread. A message of  being good, believing in yourself and thinking for yourself . Proceed with caution and please try to keep an open mind. You never know where expanding your views may take you. 

Wake up call is a 7 video series. I highly encourage you to give them a chance and explore them. If you don't feel you can sit through a bunch of videos I get it. I would encourage you to at least check out the 
Wake Up Call Chapter 2 - It Starts With A Question  video. As I feel it really touches on the main themes being expelled here.    

Thanks Ty

Me, You & The Universe

Can you define happiness? I am sure we can all come up with an ideal of what it is. If you could find total happiness what would it be worth to you? I'd like to think it would be worth a lot to any of us. The simplest definition I can come up with for happiness is: Living a care free life.  As a thought that actually sounds pretty easy doesn't it? Think of it. A life where you get up each day and never get upset or bothered about anything.

We all know it isn't easy. Think of all the successful people in this world. People that seem to have it all and still can not find peace in their lives. I could name names.  I am sure you can envision people (many celebrities come to mind) that you would think should be happy, but obviously are not.

The realization is that we trick ourselves. We say if we only had this or that we wouldn't have any problems. This is short sighted. New problems, and opportunities, come and go everyday. Money and fame does not make us immune from problems. I don't know how many times I have thought, 'Man if I didn't have this commitment' or 'If only I had more money' I would be happy.

The evidence shows a different story though. You see rich people, poor people, healthy people, sick people that all seem to have varying levels of happiness.

So what is the key? I wish I knew for certain. That question is right up there with the meaning of life. I am sure the answer to both questions are probably related. Actually, I think I have a good ideal of how to be happy. I believe we all do. It is just so easy to get caught up in meaningless  distractions that have no relationship to true happiness or well being. There are many events and circumstances that if we let them, will drag us down.

There are really only a small set of  rules that need to be followed for true joy to be reached in our lives.This list is not the end all, but I do think that if most of us honestly followed these rules we would be quite blissful.

1. Be grateful for what you have.
2. Remember that life is a gift.
3. Refrain from dwelling on the past.
4. Do not worry about the future.
5. Actively follow your dreams.
6. Be happy with who YOU are.
7, Do not get distracted or upset by negative forces. 

Of course, all of these rules can really be broken down into one big rule. 

                                        LIVE IN THE MOMENT

The past is gone. The future is uncertain. All you really can do is make the most out of what you have right before you, right now, this place, and this time.

All of this is easier said than done. As mentioned I know we all can think of those we thought had it all whom led terrible, unhappy lives. There's the bills, unfriendly people, bad drivers, bad news, pressure from work, feeling inadequate, wishing things were different, envy, feeling sorry for yourself, and a zillion other distraction to get you off track.

My advice is when things seem bad or when you get upset you stop...breath, think, and remember to  LIVE IN THE MOMENT. 

I don't know if you have heard that we all have star dust as part of our DNA? The theory is that the universe was formed from exploding stars. Everything in our universe was formed from the material of these exploding bodies. Everything including you and me. we are made of the chemicals that shine bright up in the sky and give us immense beauty. We are formed from the same elements that make up some of the most adorned objects in the universe, including the sun. You are part of that greatness!

A star is not most beautiful when I gazed upon it yesterday. I am not certain I or it will be there tomorrow. A star is most beautiful as I watch it's glow 'RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT'.

Shine On!

Soar Like An Eagle

It's been a while since I wrote a post. I just moved into a new place and have been unpacking and doing work around the house. I really like the place I have settled into here in Sarasota, FL. I am hoping to stick around here for a while.

I wanted to talk a little bit about character, integrity and being true to yourself. From what I observe in the world being true to yourself and your values is paramount to anything else.

There seems to be a lot of people that have money and so called success, but are miserable. I just don't think the 'win at all cost' mentality is always healthy in a normal setting. What I do think is important is "keep your integrity at all cost".

This is not to say that monetary success is a bad thing. There are many who have done wonderful things for our society and have been wildly financially successful. I just want to emphasize that that money or fame alone do not make you a success. Looking in the mirror, knowing you have been true, honest, done your best and done the right thing is what I would define as a successful life.

There is something amazing and admirable about believing in your dreams even in the face of naysayers and doubters. I say if you feel it and you want it...You should go for it!

History is loaded with people that were mocked or doubted by people. Some such as Edgar Allen Poe never did see real success during their own lifetimes. None the less certain individuals continue to chase after their dreams, because they must. It is in their DNA to do so. It is my belief they live far richer lives than most.

I wanted to post an example of a person that chose to follow a dream, that became successful in an unconventional way.

1988 Olympic Ski Jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.


Eddie was sarcastically nicknamed  'The Eagle' due to his poor ski jumping abilities. Edwards was working as a construction worker when he got the call he qualified for the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. Edwards was built more like a construction worker, weighing in 20bls heavier than the next heaviest competitor in the event. Edwards was known for wearing 5 pairs of socks under his too large boots. Eddie was also known for donning extremely thick glasses that would fog up during his jumps.

Despite coming in dead last Eddie became an instant celebrity. Edward's fish out of water performance, lack of skill, breath taking 'Will he make it?' jumps, and goofy looks turned him into one of the most popular athletes of the 88' Winter Games. Edwards appeared on several popular talk shows, gained numerous sponsorship deals, wrote a book and returned to school to gain his law degree. 

So, even though he was mocked and thought by many to have no business competing Eddie Edwards chased his dreams. Even though Eddie did not win in his event he became a huge success. More importantly, he has lived a very rich and content life following his dreams and aspirations.

You just never know where life may take you. Do you have the courage to Soar like an eagle?

The Brilliance Of Obstacles

Sorry for the brief post this time out.
I do have some serious things in the works. Definitely some more instructional videos coming soon.

I wanted to touch base a little bit about facing obstacles. Once in a while hard times can come your way. It is what you do with the challenges you encounter that can make all the difference. You have to face things head on and keep a positive attitude.
In this case I think art can express more than any words I could ever type. So I will let the video below do the talking.
A great music tune, Jóga by Bjork. A beautiful song I had not heard in a while that I was recently re-reminded of. The whining but uplifting strings, the desperate yet hopeful vocals, the fear, and the excitement.

What will you do with your "State Of Emergency"?

FlowRider Surfing With Action Sports Foundation

We went out a couple of weeks ago to Surf Style in Clearwater, FL. Surf Style was gracious enough to donate time so our group of disabled athletes could have fun on the FlowRider surfing machine.

Included is a video showing some of the fun.

Very special thanks to Action Sports Foundation and Kiteboarding Tampa Bay for donating their effort, time, funds, and video equipment into putting together such a wonderful event. It was truly a blast. Outings like this add invaluable experiences to the participants. I am highly looking forward to working with and participating in future events with these organizations. I saw a lot of ear to smiles...which is one of best things in the world.

Paul Falk

Hey All.

Included is a video by a friend I met at The Sarasota Amputee Support Group.

Paul Falk. He is an incredible guy that has been through a lot. Paul has dealt with diabetes, was once on dialysis, has had heart surgery, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant, and lost the vision in his left eye. On top of all that he is also a bi-latera BK amputee.

When Paul told me he hits the gym on a regular basis, I just had to go and check him out. Included are some video clips he was nice enough to let me shoot. Paul showed me some of the typical exercises he goes through during a workout.

Special thank to the Lakewood Ranch YMCA

Amputee Workout Routines - Ampucise

I finally got around to documenting a workout routine. I have been doing short, burst movement circuit training lately.
I documented part of a routine I did this afternoon at my apartment. As I have always stated you don't need a lot of time or expensive equipment to get in a good workout.
The featured video shows 6 exercises that I feel most prosthetic wearing leg amputees should be able to do. You may have to modify some of the exercises or even add different ones depending on your situation. I definitely think that 'if there is a will...there is a way'. REMEMBER NOT TO PUSH YOURSELF TOO HARD. Make sure your prosthesis fits well. If you feel something weird going on take the time to check things out and readjust if needed. The goal is to have fun and stay injury free.
I recommend you seek advise from your prosthetist and doctor before beginning any type of exercise.
Baby steps! As you can see in the video, my form is not so great on some of these movements...but I am glad to be able to do them.
The exciting thing is I have hit up some of my fellow amputee friends. I have made arrangement to shoot a little video of them doing some of their respective workouts. This project has been a long time coming and I am glad to get the ball rolling on it.


Ampucise Workout Routine I