Thamks to the Crossfit Community...This stuff is cool!

Does "coach" crossfit and eat in the zone??

Muhammed Cartoons.. Screw 'em if they can't take a joke.

Thanks so much for giving us this great community!

I'm looking forward to a rest weekend, my girlfriend would beat me worse than a 3 minute "Fran" if I didn't help her get ready for Easter!

Got my back squat up to 205.

I'm getting stronger and stronger :)

I dig the name Sleeveless in Seattle. Very cute. It made me smile the last few times I saw it.

Going to have to make up yesterdays...oh the agony!

Very excited for this day of rest...maybe Ill get a massage to prepare for the horror of tomorrow's WOD! Oh and I'm also very excited to hear that Bill Richardson endorsed Obama as the Democrat Elect! It proves that whatever some idiot pastor says doesn't mean you have the same views! God Bless eveyone and happy rest day.

Any Crossfitters out there living in Brampton, Bolton (or Caledon)???

Email me.

Great job Allison-I am not going to be happy though when your squat total is higher than mine and I outweigh you by a hundred pounds.

FYI, there is a new NYT article about CF by the same author as the blog post earlier in the week:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/magazine/23wwln-medium-t.html (wfs)

Terrorists and terrorist wannabes can take death, but they can’t take ridicule. It’s time for the Press to join in the defense of Western Civilization.

USAF-ATC:

Please, please do not tell me you support Obama and you're a member of the military? I'm leaving for basic soon and I for one am HORRIFIED at the thought of an Obama presidency. My first term of service would coincide with his would-be first term in office. Furthermore, he cannot explain away calling his own grandmother "a typical white person" in that she has kneejerk racial prejudice. That should have been the last straw, but there is too much self-hate amongst the American left to count him out.

And btw that "idiot pastor" married him, baptized his children, and gave years of sermons to Obama - if Wright is an idiot, then Obama should not have associated with him, and if he didn't realize what a bigot Wright is, then Obama's the idiot.

Phew need the day off, might take two. Taking a break too Allison? Good for you.

We can't live together if we can't accept other people live their lives differently. If depictions of Muhammed are offensive, don't look at them! Don't draw your sword over a pencil sketch. How utterly ridiculous!

How can you have peace with an ideology who seeks to impose it's own will upon you (or kill you) no matter where you live, what your religion is, what you do with your life? These radicals DO hate the freedom people have to express their own opinions and live their lives.

I hate most of the crap that comes from pop culture, but I'm not going to kill anyone over it. Most of those paptarts are going to self-destruct long before they have any effect on my life. So go on, idiots, life your life, I'll live mine. And I will stand with my brothers and sisters to keep the wolves at bay...even though many of your think those wolves are cuddly, misunderstood teddy bears who just need a hug.

Phew need the day off, might take two. Taking a break too Allison? Good for you.

We can't live together if we can't accept other people live their lives differently. If depictions of Muhammed are offensive, don't look at them! Don't draw your sword over a pencil sketch. How utterly ridiculous!

How can you have peace with an ideology who seeks to impose it's own will upon you (or kill you) no matter where you live, what your religion is, what you do with your life? These radicals DO hate the freedom people have to express their own opinions and live their lives.

I hate most of the crap that comes from pop culture, but I'm not going to kill anyone over it. Most of those paptarts are going to self-destruct long before they have any effect on my life. So go on, idiots, life your life, I'll live mine. And I will stand with my brothers and sisters to keep the wolves at bay...even though many of your think those wolves are cuddly, misunderstood teddy bears who just need a hug.

I don't post as much as I used to, but what ever happened to J Rock?

I just looked at the crossfit santa cruz central site and saw that the Glassmans donated all the HQ equipment, and even the stall mats to Camp Pendelton. Hope it treats you guys as well as it did me!
Denver

Well...this article should make for an interesting rest-day...
First off let me say that I neither condemn nor condone the 'cartoons'...to be honest they weren't funny, and the cartoon about there being no virgins left in heaven for the martyrs (the only one that would be considered funny) is old.
Second, to say that so called radical Islam said "ouch", and that we should poke 'em where it hurts is like going to a bar and calling someone's mother a whore till they fight with you "hurting them."
Although the cartoons seem benign to the non-Muslim, the act was meant and was understood to offend 21.01% of the world’s population (that 1.38 billion people, if you're counting). So, even if there are a million people that you're trying to 'poke', doing so in this manner isn't opening anyone's eyes, you're just pissing off the other 1379 million...
I think that re-publishing the cartoons is rather tasteless and bully-like. Like making fun of a kid at school because he doesn't have a mother. It's mean. A joke isn't really funny when it's in bad taste and offensive.
Just to be the devil's advocate, if you were to publish a cartoon of Jesus doing something offensive (say something like a priest and alter-boy joke), you'd be getting death threats. 80 people died that last time said offensive-cartoons were printed...not to mention the millions of dollars in damage to structures.
I respect one's right to freedom of speech...and one's right to be offended and form an opinion.
To clarify, being offended by a piece of paper with a picture on it to the point that you're willing to take another human being's life, be it the cartoonist/editor responsible or an innocent life is absolutely absurd!
So, long story short:
Think it's a joke = be more respectful
Offended = lighten up...

Is that blood on the door? Alright ...

is there a grenade in the vomit?

#17, Alex,

Do you really believe that 1.38 billion people were offended by those cartoons (that had been previously published in the Arab press)?

In your opinion is the all or most of the Muslim population incapable of understanding that the cartoons mocked terrorist fanatics and not the religion itself?

Is there a reason that Muslims and only Muslims should be free from offense?

Coach,
It was fantastic having dinner with you, Tony B & Jamie last night. Susan said it was a real treat getting to know you, and she's looking forward to meeting Lauren. I hope you made it back safely to Prescott today, and Tony B & Jamie back to Santa Cruz. Wow, what a historic and memorable week this has been! Road trip with 9 of my Marines to Santa Cruz on Tuesday from Camp Pendleton, dinner at the Cruz Cafe, socializing, doing Fran Wednesday AM as the last workout in your original CrossFit gym, loading up the tractor trailer, Johnny's 10 stitches, my embarrassing fall, the road trip back to Camp Pendleton on Wednesday, unloading the tractor trailer Thursday, the ceremonial laying of the CFHQ plank at CF Camp Pendleton, moving everything into “The Warehouse”, Helen as our inaugural workout, dozens of Marines joining in, presentation of our gifts of appreciation, and dinner at Ichibiri's! A flurry of activity this week to move your very generous donation of equipment & gear to CF Camp Pendleton! I promise you that everything will be kept intact and put to good use training Marine Warriors! You honored us, Coach, and we are forever grateful! We will be good stewards/care-takers of your equipment. Have a Happy Easter weekend with your family, Coach!

Gonna use the rest day to introduce myself to free running.

Hey USAF ATC, should I presume from the Bill Richardson comment that you are stationed in NM? and if so, which base? I'm TDY to Kirtland for the next few months.

Wouldn't that be ironic if we could flush Osama out of hiding by running constant Mohamad cartoons around the world! Why didn't the M.I. guys think up that one 5 years ago? This is an idealogical fight to the death that we dare not lose. As history has proven again and again, evil can not be negotiated with, it must be erradicated.

LTC Bill Cattley

#10

good fine on that article. thank you

#19 (Pat),
You are correct - that is a grenade. One of my Marines, SSgt Ben Dawson (AKA: Awesome), painted Pukie on our CrossFit Camp Pendleton hatches Wednesday, while we were loading up and transporting the Coach's gear back to SOI from CFHQ in Santa Cruz. Awesome Dawson personalized "Pukie" for Marines with the grenade and USMC on his shorts.

I want to give a big THANK YOU to Jenn Pietragallo owner of crossfit pittsburgh. Her husband has been serving overseas for the past few months and she has done and incredable job of running crossfit on her own! Not only has she been training some of the top athleats of Pittsburgh she is also a mother of 3. She is an incredable mother, trainer, and crossfitter!!! Thanks so very much for working SO hard everyday!!! We truly appriciate ALl you do!! THANK YOU!!

I want to give Jenn Pietragallo owner of Crossfit Pittsburgh a big THANK YOU for all she has done!! Jenns husband has been serving overseas for the past few months and she has run crossfit 100% all on her own! Not only is she an incredible mother, trainer,and crossfiter she works way to hard everyday! Pittsburgh thanks you for all you do!!!

#20, Hari:
Re: 1.38 billion offended: Well, no…obviously there are those that simply go through the motions…they are of every ‘faith’.
Re: cartoons mocked terrorists: Well…from what I have seen of the cartoons, only a few of them were obviously directed at the fanatics. Some were vague depictions of the prophet that could be directed to either the fanatics or the general faithful.
Re: offence if and only if (iff) Muslim: not sure what you’re asking. I think that everyone is here/there to be offended…it’s just about being respectful to our Muslim brothers and sisters that follow the Koran and it’s directions to not kill/steal/lie…Like I said in #17, the cartoon of the smoking-suicide bombers being told by the Prophet that they were no any more virgins in heaven was (old, but) funny. It still would be offensive to a faithful Muslims due to the depiction of the Prophet, not the content of the joke. I’m just saying that you’re offending more that just the fanatics with tasteless and rather un-funny/witty cartoons.

#20, Hari:
Re: 1.38 billion offended: Well, no…obviously there are those that simply go through the motions…they are of every ‘faith’.
Re: cartoons mocked terrorists: Well…from what I have seen of the cartoons, only a few of them were obviously directed at the fanatics. Some were vague depictions of the prophet that could be directed to either the fanatics or the general faithful.
Re: offence if and only if (iff) Muslim: not sure what you’re asking. I think that everyone is here/there to be offended…it’s just about being respectful to our Muslim brothers and sisters that follow the Koran and it’s directions to not kill/steal/lie…Like I said in #17, the cartoon of the smoking-suicide bombers being told by the Prophet that they were not any more virgins in heaven was (old, but) funny. It still would be offensive to a faithful Muslims due to the depiction of the Prophet, not the content of the joke. I’m just saying that you’re offending more that just the fanatics with tasteless and rather un-funny/witty cartoons.

Interesting article. While I understand why Osama is pissed, he can go to hell for what he's done. And if you don't believe in hell, then hellfire (as in blowing his ass up) works for me as well.

Honestly, as a member of the military, I don't give a rats ass what Osama thinks - he's going to die regardless, and won't win. You can't kill ideas and he knows his is a losing battle. So he needs to posture every once in awhile to seem like he's doing something. Great, good for him.

I don't think he's saying "ouch" at all. He's trying to get attention because thats what he needs to even be on the radar. You know, what happened to destroy Israel? Still hasn't happened, has it. Does your average American in Nebraska even care about Osama? Not really, it doesn't effect their way of life at all.

For the ATC controller - get a grip. Obama is full of crap. He's a mantra without substance. Glad to see he has the balls to call out his grandmother as a "typical white person". Well, I don't want him as my president or CINC if I'm just a typical white person. F him. Is it alright for me to call him a typical black person now? Of course not, because then I'm a racist, aren't I?

Ok, enough of that crap, looking forward to the start of the Cert tomorrow here in Union City.

LtCol Dan- Cool post!

Freddy,
when I read your post it was in the Forest Gump voice.
Too funny!

#3
CCTJOEY
& joke em if they can't take a screw!

#31 & #32,
You can call me LtCol Dan, DannO, Danbo, Danny, Daniel, Uncle Dan - just don't call me late for my CrossFit WOD!!!

#10, Thanks for that link. It reads much like the handful of other articles out there that present hastily researched and expectedly superficial views of CrossFit. There are a few curious lines, though:

"This is exercise not for vanity or for longevity but for an imagined moment of heroism that may never come."

What the heck does that even mean?

"The last time I checked the site, I noticed something new and disturbing posted...Valentine’s death seemed to strike many in the group as something to be suitably honored in their own training."

Yeah. How 'bout that.

Alex,
You haven’t addressed the central tenant of the paper that by mocking Mohammad we have negated the authority of the terrorist & his ability to be the oracle of the will of Allah. You’ve blathered on about your feelings and not about how to effectively deal with a dangerous foe.

I think it’s a great idea we trivialize there religion. Go away or I will taunt you a second time. If Saturday Night Live could do a TV Funland Cartoon with the X presidents and Mohammed leading a gay rights parade to save the whales & stop global warming that would be fantastic.

The cartoons weren’t suppose to be funny. They were supposed to stir up controversy & offend. They were successful. They showed the intolerance of a religion that won converts through the point of a sword rather than persuasion.

Nope he did say ouch. & your analogy sucks. A better analogy would be The US is throwing the biggest party in town & and everyone is laughing and having a great time & Osama & company crash the party because all this having fun is irritating them & start poking guests in the eye. When the host says that is enough, I challenge you to a fight per the Marquis of Queensbury rules the terrorist goes STREET. GAME ON! US is fighting per rules Terrorist are not. About half way through the fight Terrorist start to get heckled by the crowd with things like, “That’s all you got? I have a little sister that hits harder than you. I don’t think you could bust an egg. YOU SUCK!” The terrorist then cry that this is uncalled for and how dare you. And the entire time they are complaining about our uncouth behavior they are fighting dirty.

“It's mean. A joke isn't really funny when it's in bad taste and offensive.”

Well as we say down south it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt and then it’s hilarious. Also as I’ve asked my wife if you could wait until I catch my breath and wipe the tears from my eyes before you tell me it isn’t funny I’d appreciate it. They can rot with their feelings. Until Muslims as a group stop celebrating and start to protest the actions of the terrorist I have no sympathy for their feelings. I’m more concerned with keeping people alive.

“Just to be the devil's advocate, if you were to publish a cartoon of Jesus doing something offensive (say something like a priest and alter-boy joke), you'd be getting death threats.”
Lets just say it was a piece of art depicting the crucifix immersed in piss. What would the reaction be? Would the New York times and NPR cover the story extensively with & repeatedly show the images with little fear of reprisal other than a few tut-tuts and some loud condemnations from the usual suspects? Would a contract be put out on any ones life? You cannot with a straight keyboard claim that Christianity and Muslim are treated the same by the main stream media.

“80 people died that last time said offensive-cartoons were printed”
How many people die when we give them what they want? & weren’t most of those people that died Muslim because they rioted? Don’t they have riots every year in Mecca that kill a couple of hundred people? Is a trip to Mecca like seeing the Dead Prez live where a riot and death has to be involved?

“it’s just about being respectful to our Muslim brothers and sisters that follow the Koran and it’s directions to not kill/steal/lie”
What about the parts that say kill the infidel? I owe them no more respect than I owe any other person with crack pot ideas about killing me because I disagree with their ideology.

One of comments today was that you can’t kill ideas. This is false. You kill enough of the people that hold those ideas and the idea will die as well. Widow immolation in India comes to mind. The British didn’t have to shoot as many people as you would think for the populace to think that maybe setting the widow on fire at the funeral wasn’t such a good idea and maybe they would like to give it up. If you laugh and mock a suicide bomber it might just take enough of the blush off the idea for them to give it up. It beats hunting their family down and bulldozing their house.

In short is it a better idea to make jokes/disrespect their religion and prophet or hunt them down and kill them?

It seemed rather absurd that after all this time, all Osama cares about is his ideologies. It's all he has, really.

As far as who the president will be, I will have no problem with any of them as my commander-in-chief. I made an oath -twice- and I will stick to it.

Brilliant, insightful article. When viral ridicule of radical islam is as rampant as "viral terrorism" and viral ridicule of America, this will be an entirely different fight.

If you're going to look at things so black and white, so as to say that 1.38 billion people were offended to the point of taking arms, then that leaves about 5 billion sane ones to oppose them. Personally I'm more than happy to be in the strong majority.

Great article ... let's just hope the momentum doesn't stop here. To cease offending your foe, simply because ... you've offended him, is cowardice and surrender. There is no room for political correctness in this war, and short of true discrimination and violence, I wish there were no place for it in modern society at all.

"Comment #10, Jim"
Great article, thanks again for that.

As far as politicians go, they all end up being pretty bad. I say whoever we get, just helo us here at home and stay out of foreign affairs as much as we can.

#36, Jakers:
You’re clearly not reading what I’m saying. Obviously there are those that need to be ‘disposed’ of because they don’t play nice.
The only point I’m trying to make is that one needs to be careful and not confuse a reasonable person’s faith, and those who are fanatical to the point of being homicidal/suicidal.
Confuse the above, add your statement “You kill enough of the people that hold those ideas and the idea will die as well” and you’ve got a pretty solid case of genocide (or the will to undertake genocide).
"Is it a better idea to make jokes/disrespect their religion and prophet or hunt them down and kill them?" Are these options somehow equivalent?

Xpaz: “To cease offending your foe, simply because ... you've offended him, is cowardice and surrender.”
Again…one needs to see the line between ‘foe’ and Muslim. Mr Bin Ladin’s organization only accounts for a tiny fraction of the violence against US forces in Iraq. Just because the ‘enemy’ says that they are Muslim does not imply that someone who is Muslim is now the enemy. I’m all for making fun of suicide-bombers absurd beliefs, but not when you’re offending an exponentially higher number of faithful Muslims.

When did this turn into a political sound board? Or is this what we do when it's a rest day? Just wondering, not criticizing.
Thanks for the suggestions yesterday on a hard cardio/leg workout today. 400m lunges...oh yeah!

I think both Alex and Jakers make good points.
Alex- not confusing average Muslime w/ the enemy
Jakers- the viral potential of heckling serves the purpose of marginalising bad bad ideas. Theres a middle ground there.

I really didnt get the surprise and drama all around when they tried to kill the guy and the papers tried to retool their obnoxious cartoon policy. Ive been an ass for years- people hitting you and trying to shut you up just comes with the territory- at 40 Ive only been hospitalized twice- Its not such a bad average.
If the purpose of the paper is to be a source of news and not controversy- then of course you moderate material that is on the edgy side- no threat to freedom of speech- just knowing your audience and doing what the market dictates. They did a quick cost/benifet analysis and said nix on the Islam baiting- I dont think the ramification went beyond that- no matter which side is posturing over the issue.
If Islam baiting sells papers theyll get to it again- without respect to journalistic principles or the idea of freedom of speech- its all about the real god which is money. At any rate, Ive never ever understood the oft held human position that God needed a mortal to defend it. As Jesus said- its not people you fight- it's principlalities.

As will surprise no one, I am not congenitally disposed to see any problems at all in the Danish cartoons. In fact, for some time I had a Danish pipe as an avatar, because I admired their truculence and subversiveness.

At the same time, we need to be careful--and when I say we, self evidently this is by no means a united effort--to remember that substantially everyone in Iraq is Muslim. We want peace with the Islamic community.

It is of course quite easy to make the case that Islam is the "Religion of the Sword", which it was, historically. At the same time, they have been in many periods of their history tolerant, and reasonably enlightened. Jews in Muslim Spain were tolerated better than they were in Christian Europe, for quite a long time.

I found the following link some time ago, and now seems as good a time to post it as any:

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658507779&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

"True Muslims are people of safety and trust, so much so that other Muslims can turn their backs on them without doubt or suspicion. They can entrust a family member to such people without fear, for that person will be absolutely safe from the Muslims' hand or tongue. If they attend a gathering together, the person can leave in full confidence that no one will gossip about him or her, and neither will he or she have to listen to gossip about others. Such Muslims are as sensitive to the dignity and honor of other people as they are to their own. "

Who can object to that?

In many respects, the War on Terror--more specifically the strategy we need to generate to prevail--asks us to decide what we want the world to look like 20 or 30 years from now. Are we a culture in decay--here I mean our Western European ancesters in particular--or a people with a vision of some sort?

I have submitted the definition of liberalism as the creation of the freedom to pursue your own form of virtue. In this link, we have an Islamic definition of virtue which is wholly unobjectionable. In Muslim nations, widespread implementation of this would lead rapidly, if coupled with progressive, liberal political ideas, to wealth, and more generally distributed felicity. In Western Europe, it could lead to submission to Enlightenment era models of political governance, which are amenable to private moralities and pieties. A balance could be reached, which did not lead to the implementation of Sharia.

Consider the following quote:

"Let's look at these points deriving from the spirit of salam: True Muslims are the most trustworthy representatives of universal peace. They travel everywhere with this sublime feeling, which is nourished deep in their spirits. Contrary to giving torment and suffering, they are remembered everywhere as symbols of safety and security. In their eyes, there is no difference between a physical (direct) or a verbal (indirect) violation of someone's rights. In fact, in some cases the latter is considered to be a greater crime than the former."

Our soldiers are playing with Muslim kids. They are meeting with Muslim elders over tea and trying to help them rebuild communities, ideally in ways that vastly exceed anything they have known before.

Islam is not the enemy, nor is Muhammad. Stupidity, as always, is the enemy, and He is very clever.

Just a couple of quick things from me:

1. If, you are looking for a lot of "Yay Obama!" type people, this probably isn't the best place to find them.

2. War will continue until the end. There will never be peace on earth. It sounds nice to say that stupidity is the real enemy here, and the reason for all of the problems in the world is just people's ignorance, but that is not the case. The conflict between Islam and Christianity/Judaism has been around as long as the religions themselves (actually, longer).

The kindness and goodness of mankind will never prevail. There will always be conflict, and there will always be those willing to bring harm to the innocent for their own personal gain. Thank God for those who realize this fact, and are willing to get their hands dirty to protect the ones they love.

Sorry for being so serious. I love that picture! I should really get a t-shirt with Pukey on it. I think it would make people laugh to see me throwing up after a workout just to have me stand up and have a picture of a puking clown on my chest!

And God bless the USMC.

Going to try yesterday's WOD. I had a rest day on Wed.

I am a fairly robust person. This may take some time.

If you look at the comments section of the article "We've got him now" there are several other links. If you think that the original cartoon image was offensive, do not check on the following link.

http://www.zipperfish.com/toons/yaafm/yaafm-12-muslims/

To all that are against Barack Obama, his speech earlier this week, in my opinion, was that of a statesman trying to reach out to all of us.

Then, he went on a Philly radio station, and stated that his grandmother was a typical white person who is afraid of black people.

Don't believe me - check out this link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/20/obama-grandmother-was-a-_n_92587.html

Look it up on your own if you like...With this, Obama is shooting himself in the foot the more that he tries to explain himself...

You can look at the fact that Obama is attending the same church for over twenty years (to quote an associate) in one of three ways:

1) He is an idiot for thinking that Rev. Wright's words were not that strong or against normal morality.

2) He is a liar.

3) He was putting on a show for twenty years by going to the same black church so that no one could claim that he was not "black enough" in the eyes of the black population.

The Democrats are in a real bind for this one. Either they nominate him and the Republicans thrash his reputation and do not let up on this issue. Or, they nominate Hillary and really piss off the black vote - a vote that they will not have come the November election.

Just putting in a couple of words to stir up the pot some more...Enjoy your rest day.

#41 Christin,

Rest day=rest, read article, comment as desired on said article or comment on video if appropriate.

Those lunges can get a bit spiritual, huh? Wait until Monday when they catch up with you.

#40, Alex, writes,

"The only point I’m trying to make is that one needs to be careful and not confuse a reasonable person’s faith, and those who are fanatical to the point of being homicidal/suicidal."

We do not need to be careful. We do not need to worry about confusing the reasonable and the unreasonable. The reasonable are by definition capable of controlling themselves. The unreasonable are precisely the ones intended to be mocked.

The West has been too careful. The self-appointed thugs who have heretofore based their existence on pointing out each and every minor affront will be out of business if and when the West stops being so damn careful.

How to survive a ambush ? Let me guess.. flinch ?

I was so looking forward to tackling "fight gone bad" (with a few modifications) and BAM, there was a power outage. Gym's closed. In fact, its pissing down rain and pitch black. OK, 150 burpies for time it is...

This link is not work, family, or pretty much anything safe:

http://www.zipperfish.com/toons/yaafm/yaafm-12-muslims/

There is a point in there though.

A reasonable person's faith should be able to see a caricature for what it is and read the message underneath it. Would it be equally offensive if in the cartoons, there was no visible "picture" of Mohamed and just text indicating a voice from the sky? I'm sure they'd get fired up about that, too.

Political cartoons are always offensive to someone, regardless of the content. When people do stupid things in the name of something else, they drag that ideal into the public arena for scrutiny. Our country, as well as the majority in the world, say it's OK to do that. It's called freedom of the press and it keeps people informed of potential buffoonery that threatens the populace. Threatening countries for exercising freedom of the press is a terrorist tactic and if we bow down to that, the extremists get a small victory. No one said they have to print it in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq or where ever. If you haven't noticed, there is a plan afoot to bring extremist Islamic ideals to the entire world through force. Kowtowing and giving up freedom of speech helps advance that cause. For those of you that say we are doing the same thing with democracy, it's not exactly the same. We are defending/advancing what the reasonable world calls the basic human rights of individuals to choose how to live their lives without oppression.

The Danish newspaper did what was it was suppose to do by republishing the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammed. They showed that they are not scared of the fanatics and radicals and that free thinking people are stronger then a bunch of ignorant jihadists. Who cares about insulting the massess if the massess aren't smart enough to figure out who the cartoons were aimed at. And please don't feed me that crap that Islam is a religion of peace, it is a religion built on revenge, murder, ingnorance and oppression. I work with these so called peacefull people day in and day out, so I speak from experience.

#17 Alex

You worry about "offending" people...

Many of us were "offended" on September 11, 2001 when Islamic extremists flew airplanes (plural) occupied by innocent civilians into the Twin Towers, murdering countless innocent people.

Your equating the cartoons with walking into a bar and calling someone's mother a whore is too simplistic... a more accurate analogy would be to insult a bar patron who had blown up your house, murdering your mother, or sister, or wife, or daughter,or grandmother, or your aunt.

In Western civilization, we have been brought up to avoid even discussing religion in polite conversation, let alone criticizing another's religion. However, if any religion, in this instance, Islam, is used by terrorists as justification for their evil acts, then it is fair game for satire, even if some are offended.

Thank God we live in a free, very tolerant country, or else your post could be responsible for inciting mayhem. Instead of blaming the cartoonist, or publisher(s), why not place accountability where it belongs... with Islamic fundamentalists?

I'll bet that Salmon Rushdie enjoys the cartoons; and if Osama is offended by them, well tough. It's about time that someone told the emperor about his new clothes....

Alex, If you have seen the cartoons...they are pretty benign. Me, I find flying planes into buildings, killing children and teachers in Belsen, chopping heads off, playing cartoons which encourage kids to become martyrs, blowing up trains, busses, embassies, etc., etc. a tad more offensive then cartoons.

Not supporting freedom of speech is the first step to submitting to shira law. Being intimidated just encourages the bully; it's also the first step to being subjugated.

When a photograph of a crucifix in urine was exhibited by American photographer Andres Serrano, there was outrage, controversy, and a discussion about artistic freedom, religious censorship, and concern regarding Serrano receiving $15,000 from the taxpayer-funded National Endowment for the Arts for the work. Nary a building was burned and no one died. This picture was entitled "Piss Christ" slightly more offensive than a cartoon of Mohammed with a stick of TNT in his turban.

I'm kind of offended that "moderate Muslims" could get worked up about cartoons, but are strangely quiet when the weekly atrocity by Muslim extremists occurs.

They are blowing kids apart and chopping off journalists heads while yelling "God is great" and your defending their right to not be offended by a drawing...nice work.

Aggravate the boil, and bring it to a head.

Every time we capitulate we lose our freedoms. Universities all over the North America and Europe are putting prayer rooms and foot-baths in places previously deemed secular ground. Why? The undertone of VIOLENCE. The Muslim Student Unions, point blank to the administrations to doit or they can not be held responsible for the violence. This same tactic is being uses in parliaments across Europe and Canada.

Everywhere you look is Muslim Grievance Theater. They are offended, so the rest of us must alter our lives. Cultural Diversity and Political Correctness has come home to roost.

There is a another phenomenon that is interesting here and that is the more "left" one tends to be, the more one speaks out on all things Christian. However, the more they shut the hell up about Muslim intimidation. This is not surprising after watching them fawn over dictators and terrorists, but then call our own President Nazi, murderer, terrorist etc. A good would be the "Reverend" Wright.

Examples will be provided upon request.

Why be scared of these people?

My Father , along with a buddy, coined the Phrase "Better Dead, than Red" years ago and got national attention in TIME and other publications when they printed and distributed thousands of bumper-stickers. The State Department got involved when he sent a bumper stick stating such to Khrushchev.

Now it seems fitting, to reply with "Better Dead, Than Muhammed" .

Rgearding the latest article on CF appearing in this Sunday's NY Times Magazine (link is posted by #10, JM):

The author is conflicted. My guess is that she generally holds the belief that all cultures (including exercise "cultures") are equal and that the beliefs of one should be considered to be of no greater or lesser value than those of another.

Her problem is that CF believes (and Coach preaches) the opposite: that not all exercise programs are equal and in fact all others are wrong to varying degrees.

She seems to suspect that there may actually be an absolute truth, as it applies to fitness, and CrossFit may be it. This idea is an extremely troubling one for her. It is the type of thinking she apparently assumes occurs only among the religious, hence her gratuitous insults at religion.

#56 Hari-

The NY Times article had a "sour grapes" resonance to it.... I'll bet that the author can't do a single burpee.

#36 Jakers: you are welcome to sit at my table any time. For once, all I have to say is: what he said.

A business proposition: "Mock the Mohammed, Inc." featuring the following fine products:

mohammed nesting dolls, with each layer revealing more and more terrorists hiding under the big mohammed doll. 9-11 hijackers, mujahadeen, al-qaeda, hamas, hezbollah, and so forth on down to the itsy bitsy little iranian pasdaran thugs.

mohammed concubine dolls: collect the whole set. even the pre-teen ones (eeewww)

peace be upon him room freshener

mohammed diapers

sacred jihad tampons and mohammed scented panty liners

and, CCTCJoey, it's not in the least bit surprising that you're the son (of a son of a son) of a USA defending patriot.

Coach, bless you for setting up Camp Pendleton. You are wonderful.

Thank the gods for a rest day...

What Spider Chick said!

Don't forget the ever fashionable burka bedroom wardrobe for those hot Arabian nights!

It is interesting to see the contrast in how politically correct people are when you compare a political issue to a religious issue. There is often very little to no restraint when I discuss a political issue with someone. Most of the time, when I talk to a flaming lefty, he/she does not care about hurting my feelings. It is not so in the topic of religion. 90 percent of the time, people will tread very lightly when presenting opposing views or criticism. Why?

No matter what the religion is based off of, or where its roots are, or who founded it, it is right now a human institution. This is not to say that it is inherently bad, just inherently flawed. It does not matter what the intentions were/are of the founder of the religion. The simple fact is that you will not find a single person representing that belief system that is not flawed. Why, then, is it so politically incorrect to criticize a group of people who’s common thread is Islam?

I doubt anyone I know would be afraid to stand up and say that Communists are bad. I don’t know anyone who would be terribly offended by the phrase “Better dead than Red”. What is the difference? There is no difference, but not everyone realizes it. Humans are not perfect, and will therefore make mistakes. When people group themselves together under a religion, that human congregation or institution becomes imperfect. This means that everyone is accountable for their actions. There is not a single religion in the world today that has perfect people. Therefore, every person and every teaching in every religion is under scrutiny. We will find out which religion is actually right when we are all dead. Until then, just suck it up if someone judges you for what you believe.

#57, Mike B,

I think it is interesting to note the shift in tone from the original blog post by the author (link on Wednesday main site) to the final article. My guess is that the NY Times editors require this sort of cynical mockery in order for them and their readers to feel good about themselves, and the author is just giving them what they want.

And after all, it's not like the NY Times is brave enough to mock fanatical terrorists by showing the cartoons and allowing their readers to decide for themselves.

At the NY Times, offending terrorists is bad. Offending people who kill terrorists and people who support those who kill terrorists is good. The author writes:

"The last time I checked the site, I noticed something new and disturbing posted under the W.O.D. It was a picture of a broad-shouldered, bearded man, captioned by this epitaph: 'Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas J. Valentine, 37, of Ham Lake, Minn., died in a training accident in Arizona on Feb. 13.'"

This is "disturbing" to the author because:

"Valentine’s death seemed to strike many in the group as something to be suitably honored in their own training."

The Crazy CrossFit people actually honor and respect people who are willing to die defending us. Go figure. It's not like anyone at the NY Times would be willing to defend freedom by standing up for free speech.

A previous NY Times article from December 2005 on CF was similarly dismissive:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/22/fashion/thursdaystyles/22Fitness.html?ei=5088&en=60e8cc2df444a18f&ex=1292907600&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=print

Interestingly, it was this article that sent me to CrossFit. My sense was that if the NY Times hated it that was a pretty good sign.

Sunny and 64 degrees...in the living room.

2K row in 8:10. Not my best time, but it's keeping me away from the Krispie Kremes.

Enjoy the weekend.

Barry, Bob and James: Good posts.
There are evil men in this world that need to be 'removed'...this is not limited by geography. I appreciate that there is a war going on, but that does not include a policy of religious intolorance.
This war on 'terrorists' is making people a little Islamaphobic...and Christophobic...
Well...more than usual.
The people that attacked on 911 aren't down the street at the mosque (ok...for SOME of you they are).

Pukie?

DURESS!

#40
"Confuse the above, add your statement “You kill enough of the people that hold those ideas and the idea will die as well” and you’ve got a pretty solid case of genocide (or the will to undertake genocide)."

It could have the potential for genocide if you believe that people will not make a reasonable change for self preservation. You & My wife have this in common. She doesn't want to put our son in the corner for misbehaving because he will spend the rest of his life in the corner. He will not. He will spend a great deal of time in the corner the first day and less every preceding day because he is rational he will change his behavior to avoid the negative consequences.
My view of Islam isn't nearly as charitable as Barry's my vies is they inherently don't believe in reason only the will of Allah, but they will be reasonable about preserving themselves as a group (excepting fanatics).

"Is it a better idea to make jokes/disrespect their religion and prophet or hunt them down and kill them?" Are these options somehow equivalent?

No they aren't. Mocking them is a much better option. Making fun of people is good business. Killing people is hard business. The USA view of minimizing collateral damage is unparalleled in history. As a societal unit we have decided that we think it is better that a few more of our soldiers die rather than accidentally kill civilians.

The sacrifices our soldiers make are enormous & as a red blooded, knuckle dragging, mouth open breathing man it's tough to tell them how much I love them but I do.

Rest?? NEVERRRR lol did the "300" routine out of pure boardom

# 66 jakers-

Well said, my friend, well said.

Your closing sentiment was particularly eloquent. But be careful, lest "Alex the Lefty" label you as "homophobic."

No Rest Day! 2143 shovels in 2 Hours 26 minutes. I hate snow!

Hari: Thanks for the link to the older article. It is hard to understand what keeps people from understanding CrossFit. Who in the world would think we don't care about form, or that beginners aren't coached?? Clearly, they've never been to a WOD at their local affiliate!

Well, I have to agree with the article. Just about every point that was brought up I found myself saying "yeah, thats right, I've seen that". Especially the part about the comments on the message board-"ooh, or this is going to hurt" haha I would have to strongly agree with the author. But hey ya'll do what you gotta do, I didn't create this site nor do I plan to dictate it, I'm just here for the workouts and stuff.

We're traveling next week, so we decided to do a CFT today.

Amy 37/63"/124
BS 150 170 180 (PR, but could have done more)
SP 85 (started to run out of time, didn't feel I could do anymore)
DL 155 185 205F 195 (PR by 5)
460, PR by 25

Neil 40/70"/178
BS 230 240F 240F
SP 115F 110
DL 262 272F 272F
602

We put our almost 15 year old labweiler down yesterday ... sad time. Our house feels empty, even with 2 little girls and 3 cats. Genghis was a fabulous dog!

I missed the 4 x 400m two days ago, so while I had access to a rowing machine I took advantage of it -

34m5'10"200#
3 x 1000m = 3:34, 3:30, 3:37
with exactly 2:00 rest between each.

Then, my 1st attempt at 1rm deadlift: 360 pounds

According to the vids on CrossFit Oakland on rowing, and the CFJ article on feet in rowing, my form SUCKS. I don't know what to think. I'm a complete newbie, but I'm not stupid. I take off with the legs, transition into extending my body, transition into pulling with my arms, so the whole fluid motion ends with my body extended and my hands at my chest. Then I snap back to the catch and repeat. It feels right, and strong, and fast; I've rowed a 1:26 500m and a 3:24 1000m, which seem to be good times.

If I follow the form points -- my back should be straight all the time; I shouldn't use my feet; I should begin my arm pull after I finish my leg extension --- all 3 of these points seem like absolute hogwash to me. What the hell am I to think? If I follow the form advice, my times would suck. If you measure my on time, I'll do it my way and it seems I'm doing pretty well, especially as a complete beginner.

Hmmm. I hope a month from now I'll be wiser and look back on this moment of ignorance with some embarassment and mirth. But...

Will I be faster?

Oh yeah, my deadlift sucks too. I ordered SS exactly 21 days ago, waiting impatiently.

There isn't a day goes by I don't want to throw down everything: mohammed cartoons, wear an Israeli-flag t-shirt, wear an Infidel shirt, tell my arab students and contacts -- who love and respect me -- just how absurd their culture is. I want to buy an "I love mohammed.com" domain name and put flash videos of him lecturing, praying, walking, squatting in the desert, illiterate, sword-wielding, telling his followers to kill the infidels, getting buggered next to his camel and looking wide-eyed... just speed up and step through the chronology of the middle east, endless warfare and subsistence: the western world with individual rights, government as the servant, flourishing technology and markets, exporting to the world the idea that the individual matters, has a right to happiness and may strive for greatness in the pursuits of his choice... vs. the third-world's fatalism, dependence on and subjection to ignorant authority, and misery --- the only progress they've achieved since Al Ghazali has been given to them by the west, by freedom, by capitalism. They suck it up, and just like radicals and fundamentalists in the west --- like western socialists and collectivists --- crave to steal and expropriate the results and rewards, while denying the causes, the source: individual freedom, individual rights, the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

These slow, fat, lazy, ignorant, religious, inbred collectivists and socialists and authoritarians and religious zealots, the Arabs, would not even be noticed except for a historic, technological accident: the value of oil, and its historic location. As long as petroleum is the most efficient fuel, I say: use it. But for godssakes, look at the world we created trying to treat 3rd worlders -- especially the arabs -- as if they were equal to the ethical standards of global capitalism! They weren't, they aren't. Let's develop ANWAR while we have this oil dependence. But for godssakes, let's get past the oil dependence and move on. Nuclear, hydrogen, waves, solar --- our own house is not in order and we have ignorant activists, eco-nazis and gullible layment holding us back from better technological solutions which would let us evolve past oil dependence. Let's get past oil and let the arabs sink back into the sand and their tribal warfare and, yes, their oh-so-appropriate religious fundamentalism.

Geez, after I read the article, I wanted to draw a mohammed cartoon; then I read the posts and decided to just stay out of the fray and enjoy the rest day.

Happy Easter to all!

For the Sen. OBAMA supporters out there.. Turns out His Passport Records Breach, that he blamed on the current administration was done by some one who is tied to his campaign. Looks like the guy breached Sen McCain's as well.

You should have kept political comments out of this Sen. Obama, until the investigation was complete. How does that egg taste?

From the Washing Times..
The State Department investigation of improper computer access to passport records of three presidential candidates is focusing on one remaining employee — a contract worker with a company headed by an adviser to the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama.

The probe by State’s inspector general will include polygraph tests for supervisors in the passport section to find out whether the three contract employees who accessed the records had a political motive or were part of a political operation to obtain personal data on Mr. Obama, Sen. John McCain or Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Two of the three contract employees had been fired before The Washington Times first reported Thursday on security breaches involving Mr. Obama’s passport records. The furor expanded yesterday to incidents involving the passport records of Mr. McCain and Mrs. Clinton.

The third employee, who has not been fired, worked for The Analysis Corporation (TAC), which is headed by John O. Brennan, a former CIA agent who is an adviser to Mr. Obama’s presidential campaign on intelligence and foreign policy.

The TAC employee is the only individual to have accessed both Mr. Obama’s and Mr. McCain’s passport information without proper authorization, a State Department spokesman said. That employee, who was not named, triggered an electronic alarm system, officials familiar with the probe said.

Age=28
BW=185

Did yesterday's workout, day behind:

23:26 mins.

Tactically?

Honestly, I wish the US government WAS NOT behind the war.

I'd rather have the US gov't able to step back and say, "Hey, we have a constitution. We provide for a definition of what rights our citizens enjoy. Private courts, private police comply with the constitution and very efficiently -- funded voluntarily by their own operations -- uphold the rights of US citizens in their business and interpersonal exchanges."

Meanwhile -- private non-profit militia organizations, representing everyone who willingly funds them from whatever nation, can take up the contract to wage war against the terrorists. IMHO -- and nobody is qualified to say what intelligence and tactical solutions would evolve from this arrangement --- military force would have been justified ranging from Jordan east through Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan --- leave the Indians to deal with their own internal conflicts.

No one could rightly say the US or the US government was behind it, or for that matter, that all US / American citizens can be held as targets. Wrong. Only those of us who believed in it and put our money behind it. We are not at war against, strictly, nations. Nor should we let these nation-state artifices stop us from taking the war exactly where it needs to be. Nor should we let our own state dictate that ALL of us stood behind this war: half of us were stupid cowards who didn't. Don't let them be targeted along with us who made war. Yeah, they get the free ride of being Americans, of being upheld and enabled and free, by the greatest country on earth. But let them be stupid standers-by to the conflict. We can do without all the bureaucratic noise and sloth, and ignore the media circus.

Enh.

I almost deleted this, but if you're open to trying on different ideas, at least grant it has merits and introduces a host of considerations. This may be valuable to some of you. The war is not going away. The financing of the war was monumentally irresponsible, stupid, harmful. I know the US gov't is not good enough to do that properly. But we're not near done. We need to continue.

Are we prepared and able to continue bringing this war where it needs to be? Will President Hillary Clinton, in the process of f&#@ing our medical system down the drain, enable us to continue bringing this war as it needs to be brought?

#75 CCT Joey-

You're just saying that about Obama 'cuz he's black... right?

This article a day after we learn about conjecture:

awesome

I can appreciate the author’s desire to attack Bin Ladin where it hurts, but like AlexR I have to question the collateral damage. (Let me state though that I found the cartoons quite humorous, and as a westerner found it incomprehensible at the gut level why they were so inflammatory to Muslims.)

To Muslims, depictions of the prophet and of Allah are blasphemous. We can argue back and forth forever about whether or not this is “reasonable” or if we should bow down to Muslim sensibilities over our own in normal life. People holding views on either sides of those arguments are very unlikely to be swayed, so I’d rather focus on the article’s thesis that we should use this sort of deliberately insulting media as a form of psyops to attack Bin Ladin.

So far all publications of the Muhammad cartoons have been done in the private sector, and therefore are protected by freedom of speech. Muslim governments have requested Western governments to take action and have been rebuffed as that would impinge in their citizens’ right to free speech. That is right and proper and I have to agree with CCTJOEY that if they [Muslims] can’t take a joke, screw’em. If people truly object to these cartoons there are a number of legitimate, non-violent ways to protest and get them off the street. Suing the publishers being the most obvious.

Once government organizations get involved in producing such works, things change a lot. This would then become an official policy of the X government to knowingly produce material that incites anger in the populace of another nation. Look at how riled China gets anytime someone officially meets the Daila Lama (sp?)! Now not only would we have the Muslim governments officially unhappy, the citizens would be as well, and quite legitimately so as government X would be attacking them and their way of life as much as we would be attacking Bin Ladin.

There are a number of Muslim nations who provide support to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, some more overtly than others. If it became official policy of any western nation to publish media such as the Muhammad cartoons I can see that support declining as popular unrest grew. Considering that any change of government in many of these nations would probably produce another Iran I cannot see why we would shoot ourselves in the foot by deliberately and overtly pissing off the Muslim world, just to take down one individual.

gorillasoph,

try recording yourself and posting a video link to the forums for others to critique you. nitpicking form is annoying until you get it "right." but just a few quick things, your back shouldn't be stiff and straight, as this impairs your reach at the catch, but it shouldn't be overly arched either. somewhere between the two would be ideal. also, pushing off with your feet is perfectly fine. there are certain things you can do to improve efficiency and thus your times. use it to your advantage!

Enjoy this on the rest day. Came to me via old climbing buddy who works hard for a living like the rest of us.

'Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay
my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to
get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I
have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my
taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to
pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn

it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get

back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping

someone sitting on their ASS, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you

imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine

test to get a public assistance check ? Pass this along if you agree or simply

delete if you don't. Hope you all will pass it along, though . . ..Something

has to change in this country -- and soon!

Food for thought.

I listened to Eva T about resting and had a day of PRs

HSPU + L sit as RX'd under 19 minutes I didn't have a stop watch just my phone.

I did 11 consecutive HSPUs in the first round. My previous best was 7.
then:
400 meter run + 2 min rest 4 times
1:10
1:11 pose style
1:18
1:15 pose
all running times were prs

#75 CCT Joey

"For the Sen. OBAMA supporters out there.. Turns out His Passport Records Breach, that he blamed on the current administration was done by some one who is tied to his campaign. Looks like the guy breached Sen McCain's as well."

I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion. What in the article states that he was tied to his campaign. The fact that he worked for someone who is an advisor to him? Additionally, the article I read states that at least 4 people were involved at different times.

To use your logic I guess we could also make the following leap, that Dick Cheney should be in jail with "Scooter" Libby for the Valerie Plame incident. Oops, I forgot Scooter was pardoned.

I think I'll wait for the investigation to be complete before I come to conclusions.

We've got him now? We're coming for you in all our tragedy and glory?

You guys sound like petty children.

Any glory derived from violent conflict is a delusion of the male ego and its sociopathic aspect.

Re: #30 and others...
Anyone else appreciate the irony of calling out islamic fundamentalism while condemning Obama to Hell? Good workouts, questionable rhetoric.

No rest day for me today-I'll be resting tomorrow & Monday, so I went & got my workout in.

I went with Linday today. Figured to do a good strength day with 2 days off coming up. WOW--that was a heck of a workout.

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 of:
Deadlift @ 270 lbs
Bench @ 180 lbs
Clean @ 135 lbs

Handled the bench & cleans pretty well, but the deadlift wore me down. I struggle do complete 2-3 good deadlifts in a row.

My total time...65:02...

Over an hour!! That was a beast of a workout & glad it is over.

43M/5'8"/179

"NBC Angie"

100 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 air squats...

... with a gas mask on the entire time.

It's really amazing how much mucous can build in one mask.

Did a lax Heavy Fran 19 min.

Barry Cooper-excellent, excellent post. While I generally feel that free speech should be sacrosanct, no matter how offensive the speech, I had mixed feelings about the Danish cartoons. A part of me loved the way they would make radical islam feel. But at the same time, it seems a mistake to alienate more moderate adherents, who could end up being the United States' great ally in the war on terror.

So on the whole, I'm not a huge fan of the linked article. I think that there are certainly actions we can take that undercut the rhetoric of islamic terrorists without offending the (far more numerous) moderate muslims who abhor terrorist actions as much as we do. In all likehilood, the hunt for Bin Laden et al will take place on the soil of a foreign (probably muslim) country. I think we should do our best to ensure the goodwill of whatever nation that search takes place in; we will almost certainly require their help and permission to bring terrorists to justice.

Greg

Tried a new variation today. 51,35,19 of:
95 lbs. Thrusters
Pushups
Pullups
V-ups with 95 lbs.
Total time: 24:19

Have you heard of the Muhammed skin care line for men? Sales are explosive.

There you go, Karen!

Given the level of vitriol in muslim media, mosque materials and school books, directed against christians, jews and the west in general, I find the supposed muslim outrage over a few cartoons both hypocritical and laughable. Do any of these people have jobs, or do they get degrees in "outrage" at their local university, and spend their time in "screaming 101" and "death threats 102".

The "moderates", unfortunately, have yielded the public face of their faith to the people who do horrific things in the name of islam and it's "prophet". The cartoons just express the current reality of the world's perception of this movement. If your prophet and your God's honor are so easily offended, maybe you need new ones. Maybe what the muslim community should be asking itself is ,"why does the world perceive us so?"

Physician heal thyself.

Apparently the writer isn't the first one to catch on to this idea.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23757212

"The government could really do something. That's in the interest of the country — stop him, just stop him," said Hassan Iaeti, who traveled hours from the far south of the country to attend.

He said he believed Wilders is abusing the right of freedom of speech, which he said has limits.

"You can criticize Muslims themselves, but not their religion and not our prophet — that's our belief."

Been thinking about this all day and getting madder and madder.

That Mohammed-told-me-its-a-swell-idea-to-blow-people-up-in-his-name thing really has me pissed off. It has cost me dearly of everything I ever loved. Come to think of it: it's really done a big number on my Iraqi pals, and frankly every one of my Muslim friends in general. Can't think of a one who hasn't suffered.

In the name of all that does not worship the death cult of mohammed, I'm calling him out. If he's so fine & mighty, then have him send out a two hump camel to trample me to death. NO OTHER EMISSARY OF DEATH WILL DO. If the dude's so powerful we can't poke fun at him, then he's mighty powerful enough to send a dromedary that's fast enough to run me down.

I'll be at the Mexican Embassy. The blonde in the bronze colored "300" queen type gown.

If I am not squished to death by a camel, then he's powerless to compel people to commit murder, and moe's fair game for mockery and jackassery.

I'll post again when I get home, sans camel hoofprints. The only thing on me that's going to be worse for wear is my feet for dancing in high heels.

Mo: it's U & me. U bring the camel.

Andrew Meador

Congratulations on your decision to serve your country. My question to you is why does it matter that I am in the military and I support Obama? Would it be different if I were a civilian? As far what he said about his grandmother whether it was right or wrong he said it...get over it! It is 2008 and racism and prejudice is still very real, and It's most certainly not one sided. But Obama is right for us as a country to "DO It Right" we must all work together, put race aside and love eachother as men and women not black and white.

I wish you luck in your military future, if you ever want to be an AirTrafficController let me know we need more recruits, that is if you think you can handle it!

Spider Chick 94

I love you're posts and you're attitude in general, you rock. By the way, isn't a dromedary a one humped camel :>)

Have Fun, Train Hard,

Billy

Kevin-

Dude I'm stationed at Kunsan AB, Korea, but i met Bill richardson a few times and find him to be an amazing leader and person. What branch are you in? Well enjoy your TDY thats what TDY's are for...to be enjoyed!

If your faith cannot bear insult, it sure ain't working for you. Radicals and zealots are very fearful, angry and violent people who can bear no question that their view of the world is the one right way for all people. They are more dangerous than any person with courage because they will strike with the aim of doing maximal damage (when your back is turned or when they're in overwhelming numbers) for fear of reprisal if you should survive their attack. They are cowards, sheep who are unable to think for themselves, fearing the dark corners of the room and the monster under the bed. I have no respect for them and there are far too many of them in the world.

USAF Air Traffic Controller, since you are the mood to be condescending.. USAF CCT is hiring, we need more recruits, let me know, that is if you think you can handle it!

Timing is everything.

Obama-Messiah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UhXaE_XL_8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xtNr5-up0U&

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OLn4dte3nk

WFS

Joey
USAF CCT

Power clean instruction:

Hey folks, I was reading through the affiliate blog and I found this gem of a video by Jon Gilson at crossfit Boston. It is a really good tutorial on the power clean. Great instruction Jon.

http://media.crossfit.com/cf-video/CrossFitAgainFaster_CJTechnique.wmv

Have Fun, Train Hard,

Billy

46YOM/5'10"/190

GHR KB Press
12kg KB 5+5 7+7 9+9 11+11 13+13
Followed with 1 minute on Airdyne- Calories 24,24,22,24,27

PC from floor
95/5 135/5 185/3 205/3x3

WOD from yesterday HSPU's and L-sit pullups-
14:07

Lost it on the final rounds with the L-pulls. HSPU's are actually getting better...Wider hand placement and further away from wall to better keep balance..always learning...hmmm, as a kid I had no trouble with these...what happened?

CCT Joey.

Very funny. I think that i like no love being a traditional controller so I'll pass on your offer to join CCT. You boys do a great job and it takes a special individual to do it, ATC is no different.

wow has anyone seen the march issue of fitness RX....it has an article about crossFIT! good article glad to see cross fit is getting some pub, however the overhead squat maybe the worst overhead squat I have EVER SEEN.

Osama needs to get over his bad self.

I am Roman Catholic and I have heard and seen enough jokes made about pedophilic priests to last a lifetime. Do I like them? Of course, not. Do I realize that there is a basis for them? Of course, unfortunately. Am I going to go out and kill someone because of them? I think not. The basis of the jokes were sad, but true. I have to swallow that fact. I have enough sense to know that comics are not saying that all Catholic priests are pedophiles. I don't let my knickers get too much in a knot about it.

Much of the humor in jokes and cartoons come from pointing out irony, illogic and/or inconsistency - don't we usually laugh when we think something is ridiculous? If there is nothing on which to base a joke, there will be no humor. The joke will die. Are the Danish cartoons hilarious? Not really. However, the Islamic world's reaction to them is ridiculous. It would be funny if it weren't so deadly.

I don't go out of my way to make fun of people or piss them off. However, I have seen someone be so sensitive about a joke at his expense that he got seriously pissed off. I may not have laughed at the joke, it wasn't even that funny, but I couldn't help myself from laughing at the person's reaction. (and, I admit it, I thought the person had to be a wimp!) If that person had started to fight the person who made the joke and got beat up, I would have figured he had it coming.

I wasn't originally that supportive of the Danish cartoons because I am not a fan of offensive humor for its own sake. However, after all of the violence that resulted from their printing and after UBL's latest, greatest, I think the cartoon needs to be published. Being offended by the cartoons is understandable, threatening to kill people because of the offense is ridiculous and laughable.

BTW - anyone else see that Pope Benedict baptized one of Italy's most prominent Muslim (now formerly) commentators this evening? I've been wondering why there has all of a sudden been a lot of rhetoric spewed by UBL at the Pope. This must be at least one of the reasons. I knew there had to be more than the Regensburg address of a while back.

Here is the link: w/f/s
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080322/ap_on_re_eu/pope_muslim_convert

CCTJoey - I hadn't seen the latest about the breach on Obama's passport. Those facts change everything, don't they? Now the question is why would someone want to look into the documents of his own candidate? Hmmmmmm.... you said he used to work for TAC? If he wasn't looking for something to leak, he was... nah... probably just a bonehead.

AlexR, I can't say that I agree with much of what you have said. Publishing the cartoons has nothing to do with religious intolerance - it is about equal treatment. Jews, Baptists, Catholics, Hindus, etc., have all had offensive cartoons. Gorillasoph - what would be the purpose of being a "united" confederation of states if we didn't have a combined military? The military is the primary thing that my taxes fund that I don't resent.

Buen viaje, SpiderChick. I hope you don't get sick!

USAF-AirTraffic Controller- Fair enough. I have my Control Tower Operator Certificate, Honestly, I would rather dig out my spleen with a frozen wooden spoon than do ATC as a career at this point. Got me hooked on coffee.

Spider Chick- Thanks!

Mike B. #78- Not because he is black, but because he is PINK (if you know what I am saying)

USAF ATC, I'm a Huey pilot going through the qual course at Kirtland before I PCS to Fairchild AFB to fly survival school support.

I'm off cycle, so I just did yesterday's WOD.
14:36-cheated big time on the HSPU. Toes against a tree at about 80 degree incline. I'm getting there though, soon I think I'll be able to bust out more than one with my heels resting on something.

Then I felt like doing a Tabata. Did a Tabata with a jump rope, single rope jumps. Then my dumba** decided to tabata wall ball shots. That was awful. Next time I think I'll also Tabata heavy bag work. A sort of Tabata FGB?

And I have to give my respect to ATC. I would definitely jump out in front of a moving bus if I was forced to crosstrain into that job (of course, staying in my current desk job would probably elicit the same course of action).

42yom / 145

Back from vacation and made up HSPU / L-Pullups workout. Details posted on that WOD day. Great to be back but also nice to get some great skiing in.

M/35/140/5'-5"

"Fran" @ Ranier Crossfit Level 1 Cert.
as rx'd : 8:03 (pr by :47 seconds)

Thanx to all the instructors and Kurtis & Laurie for hosting!

Another Brand X twist on a benchmark workout:

Partner Barbara - with a twist

Big Dogs
20 pull ups
30 push ups
40 sit ups
50 squats

With timed rounds of 3.5 minutes. First partner completes their round then counts for the second partner during their 3.5 minutes of rest. (Normal Barbara has 3 minutes of rest between rounds)

If you do not complete the prescribed reps in the 3.5, on your next turn, pick up where you left off in the last round. For example if you got through 30 squats when time is called you pick up at the 31st squat then go on to start your next rounds reps.

At the end, report how many complete rounds you got done, work-wise. for example 4 rounds, plus the pull ups on the 5th round.

I did a scaled version knowing it would take all my allotted time just to do the push ups.

complete 4 rounds + pull ups, push ups and squats of 10,20,30,40

What I eat for tomorrow depends on the WOD for tomorrow. If it is running I guess I cant pig out!

#105 CCT Joey-

Roger that, bro.
Be safe, train hard.

After many years in the military and many deployments I have left the service. I have read through all of the comments left so far today and I hear the usual rheortic. In essence we don't understand us and we don't understand them. When I was deployed I sat with some of the families and talked with them, I learned to speak some of their language, I tried to abide by their culture beliefs because I was in their country. We cannot understand the anger over the cartoons because in America we are not raised in a religious society where honor, life, devotion, is as important as breathing. We don't understand and when I was deployed many of us didn't want to understand. The names that we called them to their faces was the equal of calling people here nig*ers and we wonder why their pissed. I agree that Hussein was a bad guy and that there is religious fanaticism there as well as here. We talk of violent arabs and yet there were Christian zealots that blew up a mosque hoping to hasten a second coming. When we believe that violence will bring peace it is the most absurd thing...but then what is the answer...a bigger issue and discussion than just kill them all, kill the idealogy etc...you must change the very essence of belief. Man, I could go on and on. This is not a simple issue. It is not Muslims or Christians, you suck...no you suck. It does take dialogue and possibly force as well. Petreaus is trying to create that and lo and behold it is starting to work though it may be to late. I love my brothers and sisters in arms, I love my country, I was willing to leave my family and possibly die for it but we are short sighted and sometimes close minded in our pursuits. I wish everyone in here the best and I love Crossfit and all that it brings to the table.

As for Senator Obama, he is the first in my opinion in a long time that has spoke with honor about where the country can move to. I love our freedoms but it could be better. I watched a show the other day where Clinton and Obama sat down with vets from the where in an open ended forum. It was and for me this is a big thing inspirational and I can't say the last time I have felt that from our president. How this all turns out only time will tell. The rest in here is opinion. And I love the fact that we can talk like this and still live another day.

ran 5k today, no PR, took me 27 something, my forerunner was acting goofy, and I actually ran further than I ever have before running with the forerunner, because it wasn't tracking my distance very well. I'm not putting alot of stock in today's time and my GPS's performance. Have quite a few workouts to make up: Tommy V., Snatches, Nicole, Nate, Super Sixteen (HSPU/L PU's), and now Clean and Jerks. So tomorrow I'll shoot for Tommy V.

I want to go to Camp Pendelton!

NO CAMEL sightings tonight..

Moe ain't got nuthin! Everyone feel free to mock him at will. Fire for effect.

Did Friday's workout, rested Friday
38:57 and as I was dragging my sorry arms out of the gym, I noticed my gym has a Gravitron machine! I have to work on my arms to compete with the rest of clan crossfit.

100mx10 208lbs 32y/o male 73'
1.) :15/08
2.) :14/69
3.) :15/07
4.) :14/89
5.) :14/64
6.) :14/94
7.) :14/95
8.) :14/69
9.) :15/01
10.):15/01

I ran this because the 400's gassed me. I wanted to see my short distance. I felt way better than October when I last did it, averaging 16o r17 seconds a sprint.

Don't have time to read all the comments, but wanted to make a quick point, since I spent some time standing, singing, and kneeling today.

Here is one way of looking at it. In one version of morality, you reject the necessity that you ever be told no. This leads inexorably to the need for power, since if you can't coexist, and you want what you want, you have to have power. This is perhaps at root the dynamic of autocracies of all forms.

In the other form of morality (I am talking here structurally), you accept the necessity of what we might term the No "operator", which functions systemically to define the limits of that system.

Given human diversity, you have essentially infinite permutations of the No Operator. You have a moral world in constant motion. This necessitates a means for reconciling all the different versions of self restraint. Muslims believe that you have to pray five times a day. Catholics believe you have to give up meat for Lent. Jews won't eat pork.

This method is political liberalism. It is a system by which we offer to Muslims the right to practice their beliefs, but not to impose their beliefs. This system necessitates a separation in principle--if not invariably in practice--between systems of private morality, and the State, which works to safeguard each group and individuals from the others.

If Muslims want their own private religious facilities in public buildings, they are perhaps in the wrong country. We don't do it like that. They have the right to run their own countries however they like, but they have neither more nor less rights than anyone here.

I was reading through my notes today, and found an idea from some time ago, which is that the opposite of one extreme is not the other extreme, but moderation. You do not get a Hegelian synthesis--a moderate position--through agonistic conflict between intrinsically opposed forces. You get it through moderation, negotiation, and gradualism.

For all of these reasons, we need to remember that we are not opposed to Islam, per se. This does not mean, however, that we need to be soft, or delude ourselves at the very real efforts at subverting our liberal political institutions.

Another bon mot that occurred to me this morning: Peace is best achieved by preparing for war; however in the preparation for war, never forget that peace is the goal.

Anybody got any recommendations on where to stay in San Diego for the cert in may-cheap would be nice!
thanks
miles

Comment #21 - Posted by: LtCol Dan

Dan, thanks for posting that; I could almost see it happening as you described it. What an awesome event. Paul

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=29366_Network_Solutions_Suspends_Wilders_Site&only

a world intimidated by islam

Sabin, Watch yourself. Don't be suckered. Follow connections to the FARC and other Latin American "Revolutionaries" (Communists). Also, pay attention to the connections to Communist and Terrorist sympathizers and sponsors at Universities in Chicago and New York. Watch it unravel before your eyes.

If that is to conspiratorial for you just go back and look at his voting record in both the U.S Senate and in the Illinois State House pertaining to military affairs.

Made up yesterday:

17:40

only made it through 12/16 sets, missed last 2 sets of hspu (3,1) and LPU (13, 15). Had purple band assist on LPU, and footrest on hspu.

Obama's grandmother is still alive. I wonder where she lives, and why no one has made an effort to speak to the only living link to his past. I read somewhere the Obama campaign chose not to make her "available", which I found an interesting turn of phrase.

When I went to the University of Chicago Divinity School--where the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright got his M.Div, or whatever the doctoral equivalent was--we had an avowed Marxist on the faculty. He was brilliant, and I doubt at the time I could have held my own with him in a debate.

In fact, when I asked him how one would go about understanding the process of remaining a Marxist in the face of so much abject and horrific failure, he recommended to me the work of Graumsci (I think his first name is Antonio).

When I started digging into the Rev. Wright, and this notion of the "rejection of Middle-Classness", I read up a bit on Graumsci (I had never made the effort, since Marxism is a stupid doctrine requiring a high IQ to stoop low enough to embrace it, and I was either too smart or too stupid), and it turns out he had this doctrine of "cultural hegemony".

This is the idea that what is considered moral in a group is intended to keep one group in power, and other groups out of power. This is the logic of recommending to poor people that they not try to become middle class. If they do that, they are now part of the white man's world, and the rules are stacked against them.

Wright is a Marxist. I have no doubt of that in my mind.

I will add that Cornell West gave the Commencement, which I missed as I had moved. Cornell is behind Obama now, although he had his doubts early on that Barack was radical enough. He apparently allayed his fears.

Comment #123 - Posted by: Apolloswabbie

Paul, it really was amazing to be part of the final workout at Coach's original CrossFit gym in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, load everything up, carefully place it in The Warehouse at Camp Pendleton on Thursday and be part of CF Camp Pendleton's inaugural workout. Coach is a very generous man and I promise that we will be good stewards of his gear. Come on out and join us when you get a chance!

Off schedule. Had a couple guys over to workout Sat. morning.

Fran
all three of us subbed jumping pull ups

Neal = 4:44 (45 # bar on thrusters, his first cf workout)
Rhett = 7:05
Me = 4:03

Great way to start the day.

Jim D., sorry to inform you Scooter was not PARDONED, his sentence was commuted. Also, he was not convicted for anything related to Valerie Plame. turns out that was someone else, that the investigator (independent prosecutor) knew days into the probe, but kept fishing

Get your facts straight.

Late response.

Joey