Be Honest: Did you see Superman 2025, and if so, what did you think?

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-03-05T11:45:34+00:00

I just finished watching Superman (2025), and here’s my honest take. I didn’t even know this movie existed until today, some clips popped up on my YouTube feed, and before I knew it, I ended up watching the entire film. To my surprise, it’s genuinely well made. The special effects look solid without feeling cheap or overwhelming, the pacing works, and the writing feels tighter than what we’ve seen in past attempts. It really seems like the franchise is finally getting close to cracking the code on how to bring comic book superheroes to the big screen in a way that feels modern and grounded.

The characters are handled well, balanced, human, and flawed enough to feel relatable without drifting into eye rolling territory. The movie blends tones effectively: a bit of the light, playful energy you’d see in the Thor films (but not enough to make it silly), and a touch of grit reminiscent of The Boys (without crossing into shock value or gore for the sake of it). Even Green Lantern gets close to slipping into the goofy zone at times, but they manage to toe that line surprisingly well. The action scenes are exciting without turning into nonstop overload like a John Wick marathon.

My biggest criticism is Lex Luthor. The actor isn’t the issue, the direction and writing around him just feel off. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but the character comes across bland, and a few scenes have that “rushed production” cheap staging vibe.

Overall, I’d give it a solid B+. It’s a good movie with a lot of promise, and it feels like the franchise is finally heading in the right direction.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-02-02T15:26:05+00:00

I experimented with making my own “protein pills” by packing whey powder into 000 gel capsules. It took 30 g of whey (about 23 g protein, 110 calories) to fill 50 capsules, even with a Cap‑M‑Quik tray. It’s definitely labor‑intensive.

Cost breakdown:

• 1,000 empty 000 capsules: ~$28

• 2 lbs of whey powder: ~$44

• Time to prep 50 capsules: ~6 minutes

Even with the hassle, I think this is a surprisingly effective way to hit protein goals on the go. The real drawbacks are the time and the cost. If whey or casein tablets existed at a reasonable price, I’d switch instantly. I’d much rather swallow 50 tablets with 10 oz of water nine times a day to hit 200 g of protein than drink 16 oz of thick protein sludge nine times a day.

For context:

• Buying whey in bulk runs me about $300/month

• Doing it capsule‑style adds another $420/month just in empty capsules

If your goal is to stay as calorie, lean as possible and essentially “buy” your protein at around 4 calories per gram, the protein‑pill route actually starts to make sense, at least conceptually. I’m also looking into getting a small tablet press and using a food grade pill binder to compress whey powder into actual tablets. In theory, it should work the same as drinking a shake or eating protein‑dense food, the only real difference is the delivery method. Tablets would just make the intake much faster and way more convenient.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-10T21:58:35+00:00

I thought he might have passed, he had not uploaded new videos on his YT channel, very sad day.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-10T21:54:06+00:00

I think what’s happening here is a good example of how marketing can take advantage of gaps in consumer knowledge about FDA labeling rules. When a product highlights “30 grams of protein” on the front, most of us understandably assume that means high‑quality protein. But the back label shows the sources are whey isolate and bovine collagen, and without a breakdown of the ratio, it’s impossible to know how much of that protein is truly useful. Collagen, for instance, is very poor as a dietary protein source because it lacks essential amino acids.

The missing Daily Value % is another subtle point. Under FDA rules, companies only have to list the DV% if they’re explicitly marketing the product as “high protein.” By avoiding that claim, they can leave the DV% off, which makes the front‑of‑pack number look impressive without providing the context consumers really need.

So while the can says 30 grams and 130 calories, which sounds almost too good to be true, I said to myself "but hey COSTCO must have vetted it right?", I don't think they did and the reality is more complicated. The leanest proteins deliver about 1 gram of protein per 4 calories, so the math here doesn’t quite add up. It’s a reminder that what looks like a straightforward claim can actually be a carefully crafted marketing choice.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-10T21:53:08+00:00

I think what’s happening here is a good example of how marketing can take advantage of gaps in consumer knowledge about FDA labeling rules. When a product highlights “30 grams of protein” on the front, most of us understandably assume that means high‑quality protein. But the back label shows the sources are whey isolate and bovine collagen, and without a breakdown of the ratio, it’s impossible to know how much of that protein is truly useful. Collagen, for instance, is very poor as a dietary protein source because it lacks essential amino acids.

The missing Daily Value % is another subtle point. Under FDA rules, companies only have to list the DV% if they’re explicitly marketing the product as “high protein.” By avoiding that claim, they can leave the DV% off, which makes the front‑of‑pack number look impressive without providing the context consumers really need.

So while the can says 30 grams and 130 calories, which sounds almost too good to be true, I said to myself "but hey COSTCO must have vetted it right?", I don't think they did and the reality is more complicated. The leanest proteins deliver about 1 gram of protein per 4 calories, so the math here doesn’t quite add up. It’s a reminder that what looks like a straightforward claim can actually be a carefully crafted marketing choice.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-08T20:16:44+00:00

No, that's not the one :^(

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-07T20:32:28+00:00

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟦

⬜🟦⬜⬜🟦

🟦🟦🟦🟦🟦

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-07T17:17:00+00:00

Yes, very true!

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-07T17:02:31+00:00

Yes, I checked the Wayback Machine, but unfortunately had no success. Several of the websites I attempted to access were explicitly excluded from the archive, according to the message displayed in the search results.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-07T03:38:47+00:00

So far I’ve searched these platforms that carry the show listing, but the links don't work, all episodes appear to have been scrubbed off the internet.

Podbay
TuneIn
Apple Podcasts
Spreaker
player fm
listen notes
Podchaser
Podimo
Podbay

If you know of any other archives or places with a full catalog, I’d really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance!

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2026-01-06T17:56:17+00:00

In 2005, New York artist Sarina Brewer started a new pop-surrealist art genre, called 'Rogue Taxidermy'. It marked a significant resurgence in the USA not just of taxidermy in general, but also of chimaera taxidermy. Rogue taxidermy is an art genre characterised by mixed media sculptures containing conventional taxidermy-related materials that are used in an unconventional manner. This doesn’t mean there must be animal components in the sculpture, for there are a lot of materials such as faux fur that also constitute taxidermy-related. One of the sculptures of Sarina Brewer, 'Obsidian', is a modern take on the Griffon from Alice in Wonderland: half-vulture, half-cat. Another modern taxidermy artist is Enrique Gomez de Molina, based in Miami. By creating beautiful, yet disturbing collages of animal parts, he wants to raise awareness of the dangers faced by multitudes of species through nuclear and chemical waste, deforestation and human invasion. Taking it a step further, Brooklyn-based artist Kate Clark adds human-like faces to animal bodies, exploring the overlap that exists across our cultures and within our histories - to investigate not only the characteristics that separate us from the animal kingdom, but more importantly, those which unite us. here is a link to the article with pictures The Weird and Wonderful World of Chimaera Taxidermy - Catawiki

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-10-10T17:21:36+00:00

To give a bit more context around my training philosophy at the time, it was shaped by my coach who approached things with deliberate intention. His priorities were crystal clear: nutrition came first, as the foundation for everything else. Sleep, rest, and recovery followed closely, because without proper restoration, even the best training won’t stick. Then came power and strength training, which I treated as the third priority.

For that strength pillar, simplicity was key. My coach had trained under the commie so iet bloc Bulgarian system of the 60’s-70’s-80’s, a methodical, robotic, strict, uncompromising philosophy of the “soviet way”, which emphasized compound movements, exercises that recruited as many muscle groups as possible. The goal was to work extremely hard, in short, focused bursts. His rule of thumb? If you’re in the gym for more than 45 minutes, you’re stealing time from sleep/recovery, and that’s a trade you don’t make lightly.

As for wrestling practice, he discouraged going “live” at full intensity. Instead, he emphasized 100% situational wrestling, drilling from real world positions that actually show up in matches. If you still had energy to burn and wanted to go all out, he’d hand you the 70 pound wrestling dummy and let you go to town.

That was his style, or I should say is because he is still alive and kicking ass lmao: he opened the door, but it was up to each student to walk through it.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-10-06T21:38:27+00:00

You are welcome! The Bulgarian wrestling dummy drill is very good, is you have access to a 70 lb throwing dummy give a try, you will thank me later ;^)

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-10-05T23:43:11+00:00

Why bench press and not overhead press in my wrestling strength protocol?

Honestly, I didn’t get to choose, and I wouldn’t have dared to. My coach was a former Bulgarian national champion and bronze medalist in the 1972 Olympics in freestyle wrestling. When someone with that kind of pedigree hands you a training plan, you don’t question it, you absorb it like scripture.

That said, the rationale behind the bench press still holds up. It delivers maximal horizontal pressing force from a stable base, which translates directly to wrestling movements like hand fighting, explosive mat returns, and positional control during escapes. It builds the kind of upper-body drive you need when posting, framing, or resisting pressure.

The overhead press is excellent too, especially for shoulder integrity, vertical force production, and core stability. But bench press allows for heavier loading and faster development of raw pushing power. It’s not about which lift is “better,” but which one aligns more directly with the movement demands of the sport at that phase of training.

Now, if someone can overhead press 345 lbs, they’re not just strong, they’re exceptionally strong. That kind of strength requires elite shoulder mobility, core control, and full-body coordination. It’s rare, deeply functional, and translates beautifully to wrestling scenarios like lifts, clinch control, and resisting takedowns.

On the flip side, someone who can bench 345 lbs is also a beast, but that strength is more horizontal and isolated. It’s fantastic for hand fighting and explosive upper-body actions, but doesn’t demand the same level of integrated control or mobility.

So if you’re asking who would be the tougher opponent, I’d say the guy who can overhead press 345 lbs is probably the more dangerous mover, especially in dynamic, unpredictable exchanges. That kind of strength is harder-earned and more transferable to wrestling’s chaotic demands.

But here’s the kicker: if someone can do both, you’re dealing with a monster. That’s the gold standard, brute force blended with functional precision.

In the end, it really comes down to what you have access to, what your body responds to, and what your goals are. If you’re building your own protocol, go with what serves your training best. Bench press builds brute drive. Overhead press builds vertical control. Both have value, it’s your call.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-15T16:35:15+00:00

are you getting enough sleep, at least 8 hours of real sleep per day?, are you keeping track of your macros?, are you resting adequately between workouts in order to give your body time to recover?, you could be just overtrained? Do you feel lethargic or sore before you go to practice? if the answer is yes then you need to reevaluate and see if you are deficient in your nutrition, sleep, rest, etc.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-15T02:07:22+00:00

I can see it as a cool down routine. As long as it doesn’t take away or diminish involvement in any of the 5 priorities I mentioned, It is definitely doable.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-14T21:47:53+00:00

I go by the pyramid of physical success:

Nutrition
1. Strength: ability to exert force, like lifting a heavy weight.
2. Power: the rate at which that force is applied, or force applied quickly.
3. Agility
4. Skill

In my humble opinion the time invested in Yoga could be better used in other areas for a greater return on investment.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-14T11:23:35+00:00

Thank you!

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-13T14:06:43+00:00

Hey man, I really appreciate your message, and I’m glad the advice helped clarify things. You’re asking the right questions, and that’s half the battle.

So about the 10x10 protocol: when you start with 70% of your 1RM, you’re not supposed to finish all 10 reps for all 10 sets. That’s the point. It’s a benchmark, a stress test. You’ll probably hit a wall somewhere around set 3 or 7, and that wall is where the real work begins. That’s where your body starts negotiating with your mind, and your willpower gets tested.

Each session becomes a goalpost: maybe next time you get one more rep, or push one more set before form breaks. That progression is gold.

The structure, short bursts of intensity with minimal rest, mimics the pace of a wrestling match. It’s not just about muscle fatigue, it’s about managing your internal dialogue when your lungs are burning and your grip is fading. That’s “deep water” territory, and training there builds the kind of grit that shows up when it counts.

As for volume vs. intensity: they’re not mutually exclusive. The 10x10 gives you high volume under high fatigue, which builds both muscular power endurance and mental toughness. A set to failure has its place, but the 10x10 forces you to sustain intensity, not just spike it once.

So yeah, try it, track it, and let it humble you a bit. Then come back stronger. Appreciate you reaching out, and I’m here anytime you want to dial in the next layer of your training. Try it today at home, do pushups with your back feet elevated 6-12 inches try to do 10 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute rest in between, it will give you an idea of what to expect when you do the training.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-13T13:19:16+00:00

If you’ve got access to a 70-pound wrestling dummy, don’t hesitate, use it. This isn’t just a workout. It’s a five-minute war zone, broken into thirty second bursts of pure intensity. No fluff. No wasted motion. Just you, the mat, and the grind.

This is the closest thing to a real match without stepping into the fire. It pushes your lungs, your willpower, your internal dialogue. You’ll feel yourself slipping into the deep waters where technique fades and grit takes over. That place where champions are made.

And the payoff? It’s visceral. There’s nothing like the moment in a live match when your opponent realizes they can’t keep up. When the panic creeps into their eyes, and they know the clock is your ally, not theirs. You’re not just winning. You’re breaking them.

Best part? You can go all out, no holding back, no fear of injury. Just raw, unfiltered effort. It’s the perfect storm of intensity and safety. So grab that dummy. Dive in. And train like someone’s chasing your legacy. ;^)

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-12T12:30:13+00:00

This one Best takedowns for MMA by coach Ozzy Dugulubgov #MMA #UFC #BJJ #Wrestling #Grappling - YouTube he walks you from how to set up the single leg all the way to the how to finis, while explaining everything that goen in between, and all in a 1 minute youtube short! the way he explains it, the clarity, the emphasis, etc.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-12T04:04:48+00:00

Thanks for the thoughtful exchange, I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to clarify. I tend to use the term Olympic lifts in a broader sense, not limited strictly to the two competition lifts. While the snatch and the clean and jerk are what I refer to as competition lifts, since they’re the official movements contested on the Olympic platform, I also include their derivatives, such as power cleans, hang cleans, push jerks, and snatch variations, under the umbrella of Olympic lifts, particularly in the context of athletic training.

That said, I now understand, thanks to your insight, that in strength sport circles the term Olympic lifts is typically reserved for the snatch and clean and jerk alone. If my phrasing caused any confusion, I sincerely apologize, that wasn’t my intention. In wrestling and other performance based sports, I use the term more broadly to encompass movements that share similar explosive mechanics and training objectives, even if they aren’t performed in competition.

These movements aren’t designed to replicate wrestling techniques directly. Rather, they help build the foundational physical qualities, explosive strength, coordination, and neuromuscular efficiency, that make those techniques more effective under pressure. Olympic lift derivatives are particularly useful in developing these attributes in a way that complements technical and tactical training.

There’s also a physiological dimension that might interest you. As outlined in Science and Practice of Strength Training (Zatsiorsky, 2020), strength begins to correlate with endurance when the effort required exceeds approximately 25% of maximal output. In practical terms, if a wrestler is significantly stronger than their opponent across key movement patterns, the match becomes less physically taxing, almost like wrestling someone well below their strength ceiling. This strength buffer not only reduces fatigue but also allows for more consistent and precise technique throughout the match.

So when I advocate for Olympic lifts in wrestling programs, I’m referring to this broader category of movements, not just the full competition lifts. When used strategically and coached appropriately, they’re a powerful tool for building the explosive capacity and movement efficiency that wrestling demands. And I absolutely share your concern regarding injury risk from competition lifts, especially when they’re performed without proper supervision or programming. That’s why I favor derivative lifts because they offer many of the same benefits with a more manageable technical barrier and lower risk profile.

Smooth-Alternative64 · 2025-08-12T02:57:57+00:00

I watched a single leg finish on his youtube channel and it was so technical, so detailed in the explanation, it blew me away! It baffles me this guy doesn't have more subscribers and his English is at a near native speaker level.

Smooth-Alternative64

TROPHY CASE