Random Thoughts

1. Political Viewpoints This morning I was thinking about my political viewpoints and I couldn’t name/label them, thus I searched for the online test with my friend Cem Kantarci and I found this interesting and easy test that put you into a certain political viewpoint group based on your answers. Please note that this is only for fun, and it is really hard to answer on some questions with ‘agree/disagree’. Actually, I would say I both agree and disagree (agree~disagree) with further description of the questions. Anyway, give it try.

It is not quite surprising that me and Cem have very close results. Here are mine:

The description of the test results is really complementary, basically stating that each position has pros and cons and that there is no right answer. Again, context dependent.

For example, on the economic axis, a highly permissive system, like the American system of the early 1900s, might mean things like low taxes and increased scientific innovation. It might also result, as it did back then, in unrestricted child labor and millions of poor people with black lung. At the other end of the economic spectrum, a highly regulated system might conserve the environment, establish national health care, and eliminate poverty. But as we’ve learned from the Soviet system, extreme regulation can also lead to stagnation, sameness, and unhappiness.

All of this made me think more about things I truly believe into and how the context modifies/changes your beliefs. I would again said “…it depends!” I guess it is not either/or, and I guess it should be both/and. It should not be conservative or liberal, it should be both/and conservative~liberal based on the certain context (social/economical question) in mind. Rigid~flexible.

I am wondering are there any Truths that are not context dependent. This reminds me about the ‘fight’ between Socrates and Sophists. Universalism~Relativism. That’s why I am saying that there is nothing new under the Sun that was not discussed by ancient Greeks. Except maybe I-Pad. So, I guess we should spend more time reading history, and history of sport training, along with philosophy. At least I openly admit it. Currently, I am looking for more info about philosophy of politics and economics. Anyway, this is interesting test, so give it a shot.

2. Complementarity song

Another nice find by Cem (who could be considered a historian of YouTube and internet in general and a master of sales and free stuff) is the following complementary song. Pay attention to the complementary lyrics.
 

 

3. New book by Ultimate Athlete Concepts There is never too much books on sport psychology, since in my opinion coaches don’t get too much practical info on this topic, which is really important along with developing sound coaching philosophy and understanding team culture. Although, still unavailable, I hope this book will bring some food for thought.

4. Lyle McDonald

I basically read and love everything Lyle writes. Ok, I admit it. I have some man love for this guy. I think he is brilliant and his books and articles are brilliant too. You won’t hear me say this to anyone, but I truly trust this guy since he thinks complementary (and uses “..It depends!” a lot) and tries to teach people how to fish instead of trying to sell you some dogmatic info or gimmick.

Here are some good reads by Lyle about over-training and depression from personal experience. Good read for the weekend.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/training/overtraining-and-overreaching-results-part-1.html

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/training/overtraining-and-overreaching-results-part-2.html

One should probably ask the following questions after reading this ‘case study’:

1. Can the over-training be considered a form of ‘protective mechanism’ that puts you into a hole so you are unable to induce more harm to yourself by training? Is body that smart?

2. Is over-training causing depression or vice versa? We need to acquire more knowledge on fatigue/strain/over-training effects on conscious volitional-emotional-motivational aspects, as I have pointed out at the end of this short article.

Enjoy your weekend!