LOL, once you read over all the stuff in those links I think a lot of your questions will be answered or at least you'll have different questions. What I've given you will carry you well past the beginner stage. If your were to follow the Rippletoe with the single factor 5x5 you'd still be progressing and have a lot more information to go on. You realize that many people happily progress for years without even considering the word periodization.
HOPEFULLY, someone will add something to this or help point you in the right direction, even if they disagree with me, cuz I'm no expert and I'm beginning to feel lonely around here

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