Testosterone Writing Contest!

Off Topic
41

So some crazy bastard named TC came up with this idea about trying to define what T-Nation is. What a challenge since it can mean so many different things to so many different people. My Oprah is different from everyone else?s Oprah. But the one thing that unites the people of T-Nation is that we all hunger for the same thing. To push the envelope of what society has labeled as the limit of the human body. To further our endeavors no matter the difference between them. To question the unquestionable. To go against the grain and love every minute of it. To sweat, push, grunt, and even bleed through things that make no rational fucking sense at all.

All in the pursuit to reach an excellence attained by very few. This hunger and desire are so intense that we can lay down our differences that others have gone to war over, and share in the glory of victory over that last rep, or new PR in a lift, or pound of muscle gained or fat lost. It is the unity we share that sets us apart from the rest.

This place called T-Nation is making the statement to those out there who question the what and why of what we do. This statement is simply, ?We are worth your time because we have lasted the test of time.? With the constant pursuit of more knowledge by reflecting on the past, trial and error of the present, and hope of the future.

42

I need to get myself a new username… meh. And probably writing lessons too.

"Man isn’t “born equal”.

We may all have challenges but there are two different classes of people on this pretty little rock of ours; those that “accept their fate” and those that grab destiny by its balls and demand something better or else nasty things will start to happen… and since destiny really, really doesn’t want to lose its seventeen testicles it always pays up in a timely manner.

Humans are equal only one sense… in that we all have an ability. The ability to overcome challenges and take steps towards becoming who we want to be. The equal chance to forge an existence from nothing but sheer willpower… the ability to “become”.

Some of us are born into bodies with crap parts that simply don’t work and never will. Others of us are holding the monopoly on bodies that will never get sick and can do the most incredible feats. A lucky few have brains that are so naturally refined that we can pull the universe to pieces and put it back together again… without leaving any screws on the side when we’re finished tinkering.

That isn’t being equal. Each set of circumstances brings unique challenges that nobody else will ever have, and since we’ve all got them I think that makes life reasonably fair… but it doesn’t make things equal.

Those of us that grab destiny by its nackers and threaten to tear 'em off if we don’t get our own way… we are the few that use that ability to become. We want more out of life than a career, retirement and death with only the raising of children or the spouse screaming at you to change the TV channel to break the monotony of it all… we want more…

We will get it, all.

The unbreakable body, the hot babe, the fantastic kids, the job most people can only dream of, the best holidays, the fast cars… everything we want.

It will take some of us more time and effort than others but eventually we will all get there… or die trying.

Testosterone Nation was created as a means of allowing men and women that share that passion for life to come together and give advice, ask questions, entertain and educate themselves. And with a few thousand exclusive articles from many of the worlds best exercise, physique and sports coaches alive… and a few nutritional gurus thrown in too… all available free of charge to help anyone and everyone on their own journey.

Yes, it’s a “bodybuilding thinktank”. Yes, it does sell nutritional suppliments. Yes, it does sound a little cheesy. Yes, inflated egos exist here. Yes, there is alot of stuff that wont be of use to you… there is one hell of alot of information at the Testosterone Nation.

It’s also much more than just a website… it’s something far more sinister… something far more valuble… it’s one way to start that personal quest of becoming yourself… becoming that person you really are, deep down.

As all journeys start at home… building yourself a better body is a pretty good place to start, isn’t it? :-)"

43

Testosterone; “a potent androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes; responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics.” This is the definition of our beloved hormone that the majority of the world might believe. Testoterone is that which gives us facial hair and a deep voice.

But to those of T-Nation this hormone has become a symbol of everything that was and is great about men. We come to this place for strength and solitude against a world that increasingly see’s “manly behaviour” as wrong, archaic and something to be stopped. Those of us who still believe in the virtues such as strength, courage, conviction, passion and confidence find it more difficult everyday to discover a place in society where we can be these things. We are just not excepted. At some point the world decided that these types of men were not needed, and further, not wanted. Those of us who feel that wonderful hormone corsing through our veins and can’t just turn it off, now find the world a less comfortable place.

There is a place however, where these men can gather. To express their opinions, actions and beliefs, with others who are like minded. Others who believe that a man should be a man. That there are times where someone needs to take charge, to be brave and to stand up for others. This place that we come to allows has shown us that WE are not the ones that are wrong, or that need to change. It is others, it is society that is wrong, that needs to change. Being surrounded by like-minded men, this place gives us even more resolve not to supress our natural feelings and tendencies. And for that I am grateful!

LZ

44

So, let’s see, some person googles up “I want muscles” and clicks on T-Nation…

T-Nation

A lot of people visit. Some of us live here.

On the surface, T-Nation is a web site packed full with great articles and information. Interested in physical performance, nutrition, supplementation, or health? Looking for information? You want T-Nation.

Slightly below the surface, once you register, you can participate in helpful, informative and humorous conversations. Anyone can ask a question. Everyone can provide an opinion. Need advice to suit your personal situation? You want T-Nation.

If you stay here for a while, delving deeper into T-Nation, the noise and random looking conversations start to coalesce. You will notice that we are a microcosm, a society, a tribe, or perhaps a family. Looking for motivation? You want T-Nation.

Permanent residents find that they have mentors, coaches, tutors, advisors, trainers, lifting partners and perhaps most importantly, honest and brutal truth when it is needed. If you are here all the time you will have both friendly and heated discussions with other residents. Looking for significant interaction? You want T-Nation.

The heart of T-Nation can be found at these deepest levels. Members share innane banter, personal experiences, lessons of life, successes, tragedies and failures. During arguments people will both reveal and perhaps learn about their own character. Would life be smoother if you had thousands of brothers in your family to guide your navigation? You want T-Nation.

The essence of T-Nation is about living life like a man. While we all seem to focus on different qualities, everyone seems to agree that men have important traits. Perhaps the least contentious of these is strength. Men should be strong both physically and in character. T-Nation is about developing oursevles, both inside and out. T-Nation is about countering societies erosion of masculinity.

Is this a goal you would like to make your destination? You want T-Nation.

45

I won’t win any contests with this one. BUT this is easy to define. Passion. Plain and simple. Its what is missing from most people. I see it in children. Then slowly its sucked out of most people. Be this way, don’t do that, that way is not NORMAL…

Like I said most people don’t have it. Its what all of us thrive on. Its the only real tie I can see that binds us all. A determination to have a not so usual life. To be better, and continuely define what better is. To argue what is better. To not waste our years or our time with a vanilla life.

46

I’m no writer and I hate all of you that have chimed in. How am I gonna get the cash now?

I fart in your general direction…

47

[quote]Tank53 wrote:
I’m no writer and I hate all of you that have chimed in. How am I gonna get the cash now?

I fart in your general direction…[/quote]

Hahaha great reference.

48

A battle ground soaked in blood and sweat?where strong people and strong personalities, share explosive ideas and concepts with one goal in mind?. the relentlessly hunt for the pinnacle of physical heath and strength. The Nation provides a path for those who possess intestinal fortitude and a desire for personal accomplishment.
Where the culture pushes emasculation, demanding that you conform we say hang on to your balls! You are going to need them.

If you?re a newbie find some needed guidance. Feel free to learn from others mistakes. If you?ve been around spread your wealth of knowledge, but be prepared for your ideas to be challenged. If you dare, you can even ask for opinions. Open the arsenal and find information to improve your workout, diet and supplement choices. Take advantage of specific information that can assist you where you are. Get some encouragement. Don?t be forced into the mold of the modern man. Become a T-Man. Break the mold. Strive! Risks! Achieve! The only one holding you back is you.

49

What is T-Nation to me?

An absolute refusal to accept mediocraty through a relentless struggle for continual improvement and an endless search for knowledge.

That’s it in a nutshell.

T-Nation for me has been a place to gather with like minded individuals to watch the stream of bullsh!t that gets fed to the herd of masses and rather than choke it down, use it as fuel for the fire that burns in us all to rise above. To reject conventional wisdom and seek truth. To use intelligence and experience as a guide. To gain by inches, seconds, and pounds. To improve mentally and physically. A place to find the tools to become an alpha member of society. Enlightened. To help others attain that enlightenment so that they can improve on what I have done.

50

Webster’s dictionary defines testosterone as a hormone responsible for secondary male sexual characteristics. Here at Testosterone.com or T-Nation.com, we do not believe that any truly male characteristics are secondary. they are primary, and in a way, primal. We stand for strength. Strength in body, mind, and will…something some would call spirit. We stand for doing what is necessary to develop our strength in all of these areas. We do this by work. Working out to strengthen our body. Working out to test ourselves, and push the limits, to test our will, our fortitude.

We are the defenders of our own unique morals. We believe in muscle. We believe in sex. We believe in honor. We reject anything that leads to weakness. Weakness, in body, mind or will. A weak nation would be the antithesis of our strong nation, our T-Nation. We are all, in varying degrees of strengthening all of these areas…but we are all working hard to get where we want to be. Some of us want to be physically the strongest we can be. Some of us want be mentally strong enough to never back down. All of us want to be stronger and all of us are willing to work hard to get there.

At T-Nation, we realize that working out means work. We realize to test ourselves we have to go beyond our fears, and beyond levels of pain that some may not be willing to go beyond. This pain, is different for each of us, whether it be mental, physical, or spiritual…it’s there. The difference between our nation and everyone else is that we push through it, we keep going when others stop.

We are all individuals trying to be better, but at this site, we share common trials and efforts, and we come together as a nation. Some people ask themselves if they are man enough, we test it everyday.

51

[quote]AG1 wrote:
I won’t win any contests with this one. BUT this is easy to define. Passion. Plain and simple. Its what is missing from most people. I see it in children. Then slowly its sucked out of most people. Be this way, don’t do that, that way is not NORMAL…

Like I said most people don’t have it. Its what all of us thrive on. Its the only real tie I can see that binds us all. A determination to have a not so usual life. To be better, and continuely define what better is. To argue what is better. To not waste our years or our time with a vanilla life.

[/quote]

AG1 that was a great post.

52

We live not in war but unending conflict; our body, mind, and soul in stark opposition to the all consuming void of inaction or the unspoken. Through every obstacle, every seemingly insurmountable task, we clash with that part in ourselves which would accept atrophy over the pain of persistence. Our glory is spiritual, our victories private; sounded not by the roar of the outside world but by the inner determination that ?I will? or ?I can.? Ours is not simply a quest for physical might, but rather inner strength through personal discipline; a pervasive Tao by which every action becomes a means of self-expression. Whether on the court, in the gym, in an executive boardroom or in the deserts of Iraq, how we fulfill this call to arms is unique to each individual.

In the perpetual struggle of existence there can be no difference between pen and sword, for each is merely an instrument through which our will becomes manifest. In this way are we warriors, not of violence but of compassion, of progress. While each of us pursues a different calling, we are but brothers seeking our way with the noble purpose of bettering the world for each other, here united by common interest and the hunger to succeed. Our dress, language, and culture have undergone several iterations of change and development; yet our very fundamental selves? remains identical to the hunter gatherer from which we spawned. This is our tribe.

There are no barriers to you but for those you construct from dust and shadow. We can show you the light; you have but to open your eyes. It seems such a simple matter, but one which applies to all aspects of life; you are who you choose to be. If your will shall not fail you, neither too can you fail. This is our strength, our creed, our battle cry. If you can find yourself within our number, you will have more than your body transformed.

53

Testosterone is TC. I don’t know the great man personally, but judging by his website I know that he loves surrounding himself with talent. He is not intimidated by it, for he knows it will make hiim and his site better. He loves thinking and the pursuit of truth and the adventure of discovery. He is generous and humble, sometimes. He has a great sense of humor. (I laugh out loud at his jokes often). I just read his tip on reading. That is great advice that is not given enough in our a-literate society. No, this site is special because TC is special. He is a great man.

(TC, did you say that you were judging this contest?)

54

TC,

Good idea. I think that later down the road it would also be a cool idea to host a contest where a reader could turn into a contributer. It could be a contest called “Become an Author”, except much more catchy. Everyone could submit an article and you guys could “discover” a new talent, developed here at T-Nation.

55

[quote]dude-dilly squat wrote:
Testosterone is TC. I don’t know the great man personally, but judging by his website I know that he loves surrounding himself with talent. He is not intimidated by it, for he knows it will make hiim and his site better. He loves thinking and the pursuit of truth and the adventure of discovery. He is generous and humble, sometimes. He has a great sense of humor. (I laugh out loud at his jokes often). I just read his tip on reading. That is great advice that is not given enough in our a-literate society. No, this site is special because TC is special. He is a great man.

(TC, did you say that you were judging this contest?)

   [/quote]

Ha! You get 10 TC Funny points (and special consideration when I decide the winner, you smooth-talker, you).

56

[quote]Kaz wrote:
TC,

Good idea. I think that later down the road it would also be a cool idea to host a contest where a reader could turn into a contributer. It could be a contest called “Become an Author”, except much more catchy. Everyone could submit an article and you guys could “discover” a new talent, developed here at T-Nation.
[/quote]

Hey, that’s how I found Chris Shugart.

Boy was digging graves and eating road kill when I found him.

He still eats road kill, though, but it’s only top-quality stuff.

57

i am sorry, but i have to say this. i love this forum. no sarcasm.

58

i’m not one for long-winded answers, so here it goes

T-Nation: a website your grandfather could be proud of

or

T-Nation: superheroes only

one more

T-Nation: where it’s still ok to be a man

59

[quote]invictaWW wrote:

T-Nation: where it’s still ok to be a man[/quote]

This is excellent!

60

T-Nation: Gods Personal Record

… and yes, I do feel cheap for only delurking in threads with a prize attached :stuck_out_tongue: