Comments on: My Favorite Unusual Workout And a Contest For Readers (ladies too!)

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:53:31 +0000

Thanks! Yes, it was mid April that I published the blog. As to the cards–I go over to the dollar store a couple of times each week and get two decks for $1.00. Unfortunately, this is considered lame in the tearing world because there is a hierarchy of cards, Bicycles and Casino cards being much more difficult to tear than cheapo dollar store fare. But they’ve been good enough for me to practice with, and when they get too easy, you can always add cards. Try tearing 70 cheap cards when 52 feels easy. And it will be a while for anyone new before 52 cheap cards feel easy.

So you’re a librarian at heart–what else do you do? Who pays you?

By: Ilaria/Swimturtle

Ilaria/Swimturtle — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:49:38 +0000

Hi Josh,

love your blog. Did you just begin this in April of this year? If so, I can already tell you’re destined for greatness. I’m an unemployed librarian (that is not employed “as” a librarian) but am still a librarian in my heart.
So, my question for today, where do you get the decks to tear? It seems a great pity to buy brand new decks of cards only to break them in half and throw them away… enlighten me, please!

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:23:43 +0000

That’s intriguing. Have you ever heard the term “monkey mind?” Sounds similar. It’s the Eastern concept of the mind that just can’t focus–basically, you have monkey mind when everything is reaction, a fire drill.

Thanks for the concern–it was the back of my arm that got cut, not my hand. I’m not sure how I escaped, but I don’t even think there will be any visible damage two days from now.

By: Mark Powell

Mark Powell — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:51:42 +0000

There’s a guy named Dr. George Pransky who’s like the big cheese in this cool psychology system called Health Realization (kind of Easterny). Anyway, he said something I’ve always found cool about boredom.

He said that boredom is actually a symptom of the “busy mind.” It’s that your head is too full of your own, repetitive thinking, so the ever-new NOW of life can’t “get in” and touch you. Cuz’ we’re “carrying the world around in our heads.” He contrasts the busy mind with the mind of children, who find endless fascination with so many simple things.

This notion has helped me. When I can really quiet and clear my mind, and slow down inside, I find that whatever’s happening in the moment comes to life, gets all technicolor and interesting. Including KB workouts.

Dunno about tearing cards. I think I’d have to start with one or two. Cards, not decks. Might have to soak them in water overnight, too. Boiling water.

Anyway, how frickin’ verbose of me! Time to hit the KBs. Thanks for the cool post. Glad your hand is okay!

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:45:22 +0000

Don’t tell those guys I told you, Jeff, but I have it on good authority that they are terrified of your might and majesty. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard them both say you taught them everything they know.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:44:34 +0000

Absolutely! You win already! Where should I send your prizes?

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:18:10 +0000

Do I get bonus points for attempting to tear _American Psycho_?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:53:23 +0000

Sounds like fun Josh, I haven’t torn a deck in a little while because of focusing on other things, but this may get me back at it. I just hope that I won’t be competeing against Adam and Jedd : )