11.18.08
Posted in Book Reviews at 6:15 pm by BartonG
The year of living biblically is a memoir of AJ’s attempt to live the Bible as literally as possible. It starts off quirky, warm and light when it comes to the Bible stuff. Like another another book by AJ Jacobs, Know it all, you get to know his sense of humor and mild neuroticism - plus he get’s all factoidal with Bible trivia. What’s not to like about an easy read like this?
One of my favorite anecdotes is AJ’s dealings with shatnez tester, Mr Berkowitz. A shatnez tester by the way, is an orthodox Jewish man who inspects clothing to make sure you aren’t breaking a bible commandment by wearing clothing made from mixed fibers.
AJ further meets with Christian creationists, the Amish, and Samaritans. It’s a fun, popcorn travel of Bible believing religions.
My only gripes is that for a man who tries to live as Bible literally for an entire year, he remains remarkable unaffected by the whole ordeal. On the volume knob of conversion, he ends up one and a half degrees past agnostic. Maybe this just reflect his tepid New York spirituality, but it’s kind of depressing that he just became a marginally better person. It just goes to show - AJ was out to make an entertaining book (which he did) and not true religious adventure. It’s like the slow moving teacup ride at Disneyland vs Space Mountain.
Again, not really a soul searching book, but an enjoyable read if you like the subject matter.
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11.10.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:44 pm by BartonG
I was looking for a photo to embody a post over at SLCMMA called Play Aroung To Become A Better Fighter , and I found a bunch of pictures of animals wrestling that were INSANELY cute. Normally I’m not much of a cute person, but combine it with jujitsu and you’ve got me.
Mount
Open Guard
Passing Guard
Preparing for a double leg take down
Take down defense / Sprawl
Attacking the turtle position
Muay Thai clinch
Back control
Arm drag to gain back mount
Mata Leo / Rear Naked Choke (ten finger variation)
Side control
Choke from side mount
Performing side control escape / cradle side mount
North South
Attacking a downed opponent
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11.04.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:10 pm by BartonG
Here’s the deal. If you own a cell tower, or a really tall building, cellphone companies may want to lease out space on said tower to add an antennae. Cell companies pay about $20,000 a year for antennae rent. Totally sweet money, right?
My brother and I discussed what, if any, opportunity exists for the enterprising to make money from cell towers. After some research, my opinion is that there is very little opportunity - in terms of buying/building a cell tower.
Here’s why. Cell companies already know where they need have a cell site. You don’t. If that’s lands open to buy, they can buy without you. If you happen to own it, they’ll contact you to work something out. IF you’ve already been contacted (or own a cell tower and your cell tenants are seeking a re-negotiation) you need professional advice. I’d suggest www.steelintheair.com.
If you own a cell tower, maybe you can go to cell carriers and try to get them to put up an antennae. This is not a walk in the park.
Becoming a cell tower owner is also not so easy. People who have towers up with leases may sell out of the leases early for a lump sum, if you’ve got the capital you could go that route. Still, you’ve got to find someone who wants out. Not that likely. Due to the prohibitive cost of building a cell tower ($100,000 - $150,000), it’s not an easy “investment” to try on faith and hopes. The “if you build it, they will come” maxim doesn’t work here. The demand has to be there.
However - here’s an angle you can try. If you are in charge of university buildings, construction of high rises, etc … you may have a potential cell cite. Contact corporate cell provider’s unit that is in charge of that sort of thing and see.
Just thought you should know.
Resources:
http://www.privateline.com/Cellbasics/leasinginfo.htm
http://www.privateline.com/Cellbasics/cellsiteleaseprocess.htm
http://www.squidoo.com/build-a-cell-tower
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