Maybe the best defense is a good offense

This marks the one month mark of unemployment for me, and I think I'm going to try the opposite of the current trend.  In this economy's downtime, people are downsizing and holding back.  It's the "safest" thing to do.  However, maybe that isn't the best thing to do right now.  Maybe the best is to expand while others contract.  Take advantage of the market's state and invest the time, effort, and capital.

I have been fortunate in that I have to opportunity, the networks, and the resources to even make this venture - and I think I'm going to take it.

Let's see where it goes.

Recommended Reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a book that teaches exactly what it says - how to be effective.  Some may consider this a "self-help" book, but if you notice its following or how many companies put this on their required reading list, its more than just that.  It teaches on a personal, professional, and human level to be more effective.  The book has a structured diagram and explains each of them in chapters, with each of the chapters being perquisites to the other chapters.

What are some of the advantages to the book?  One of the biggest advantages is it teaches about yourself and things that might be holding you back - and then gives solutions and reasons for them as well.  Each chapter has multiple examples of a solution, and why it worked.

On a personal level, it helps you either achieve what you want, or help you understand your situation.  On a professional level, it helps you work well with other people regardless of your position, from subordinate to supervisor.

I'm on my second read through right now, and so far its just as good a second time.

IT band injurty: Update

After months of work, I have finally removed the majority of the issues and pain surrounding my knee.  Several slow bike rides, lots of work at the gym, and LOTS of Trigger Point products to help get me back to the road again.  Hopefully I'll be back to 100% in a few months!

It's a weird time in October

My Internship at the Engineering company has ended - now looking for a new gig!

Entering a whole new way to race: Autocross

For the months that I've had an injured leg, I've had to rearrange my priorities.  One of them was transportation to work.  Whereas before I could ride a bike, my injury has taken that option away for right now.  The need for a car has moved up the list.

Dealing with an IT Band Injury

The iliotibial band is a piece of muscle tissue that connects from over the pelvis to the knee.  One of the most infrequently taken care of places on athletes because of its difficulty to stretch, and now I have to deal with this injury. 

This injury hurts on nearly all points of rotation of the knee on the bike, and it isn't something you can just "push" through.  The type of inflammation and piercing pain that it induces is something I've never experienced before, and it will cause you to get off your bike.  Of those that have gotten it, no one can go on - not even pro cyclists.  The more you aggrivate it the longer you will have to wait until it heals. 

Foam Rollers and strengthening exercises are the only things you can do to help allieveiate the issues, as well as rest, ice, compression, and elevation.  From my coaches and doctors, they estimate 8-10 weeks before I can get on the bike and start practicing again.  Not being able to do what I enjoy in cycling is very difficult for me, especially having come off a severe crash at the beginning of the summer.  But I'll keep on waiting and working until I can get back on the bike. 

Thoughts on Apple's iPad and its impact on the industry

        Apple is notorious for releasing new products that really shake the market up, and the iPad is no exception.  People asked for a netbook, a tablet, and a macbook equivalent tablet - and Apple gave them none of it.  Instead, they were given the iPad.  The iPad is an interesting product, in the fact that it has the iPhone's base software with some scaled up hardware; the touchscreen and processor recieved a boost.  It is locked into iTunes, and can't multitask.  So... what exactly is it supposed to do?

The 2010 Winter NAMM show Wrap-up

          This year's NAMM show held great significance to the music industry. It was proof of good numbers despite the economy, and how music can survive any economic situation. As an annual show in Anaheim, CA, NAMM typically showcases the newest products and technologies, as well as upcoming artists. More info after the jump..

Lactic threshold Performance testing at PURE AUSTIN

Training with power is starting to become mainstream practice in cycling; although the bandwagon may be "trendy", it does have its uses and reasons.  Obviously, the first thing is to have a power meter, but what comes after you purchase one? How do you interpret and apply the data?

Review of iStrobosoft

Peterson has been well known for making the industry standard tuners for decades. Their technology for strobe tuning has been unmatched, and their continuous improvement and innovation keep them on top. As a guitar tech and as a guitar player, being in tune and set-up correct has been something that I’ve strived for all the time - and their latest product for the iPhone and iPod touch, iStrobosoft, delivers.