Tuesday, August 10, 2010

If you see me laughing

I remember laughing with you about Alexis and Bill and how they are going to demand to be healthy this weekend. Like it's such a big deal to eat 'normal food' for a weekend. Even though every other weekend we go out and eat like shit. When there's the expectation to eat normally everyone has to make a big stink about it.

If you see me laughing this weekend you'll know why.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Choose Life

I like black and white.

I want Snape to be evil. I need Luke to be good. I'm always the hero protagonist while fighting the flood. I like that trainspotting has one alternative.

I live in grey.
There's always a 2 for 1 discount. You will take less if I pay you cash. When you tell me this is the way it is don't expect me to believe you. I will question everything that i'm told, and I will find something better.

Have you ever pretended your life was a video game. Only there was no save button? Don't BS me, don't tell me you're risk adverse. You have 1 thing to lose, just 1.

You live in black and white.

You listen when they tell you their computer can't do it like you want it. You give in when they screw up and don't want to admit it because it's too difficult. When they tell you to do it this way at work you rationalize why. You stop thinking because nothing makes sense. Choose LIFE.

Who Wins?

You read the paper, I gave them something to write. You pay your mortgage down in 15 years instead of 20. I have the time of my life every week for 20 years. No one will ever say that you made a bad choice. Everyone will say I've taken chances. You'll count your pennies, I'll count my memories.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Democracy

Wouldn't it be fun to walk down the street and be arbitrarily questioned and subsequently arrested. It happened to about 900 people this weekend.

What's the big deal after all. It's a special event that happens once every 10 or 20 years. You should have known better anyway, it was all over the news.

What about the next special event? What about the next protest? What about the next walk around your block? Where does it begin and end? How do we determine when it's appropriate to take away peoples rights and when not?

Personally I don't feel safer living in country that has the power to arbitrarily arresting you for no reason except the place that you're walking.

Here is what happened to 2 different people:
Wearing dark jeans, a dark t-shirt and no shoes, Mr. MacDonald said he was arrested for obstruction of police, but that he was released without charge. He said he suspects he was arrested for wearing a bandana, but said it was on his head, not his face.


“They surrounded us and told us to leave,” he said, “but how was I supposed to read the situation?” He said police never once told them how to leave or when the last warning would be before arresting him. He was initially arrested for obstructing the police, he said, but released without being charged.

The arrest figure of more than 900 people includes only those who were taken to the detention centre, not those who were temporarily detained by police, Const. Murphy said. Most people were released without being charged.


Thursday, June 10, 2010

RePost Grass Fed cows better than grain!

Jennifer Sygo, National Post · Thursday, Jun. 10, 2010

Do cows get enough respect? In our increasingly eco-and health-conscious world, beef and dairy products make an easy target. After all, raising cattle requires a great deal of energy and water inputs, and yields a heavy output of methane, a greenhouse gas that is thought to contribute to climate change. Couple that with clinical evidence that shows a diet rich in red meat could increase our risk of developing heart disease and cancer, and you've got a recipe that calls for the avoidance of bovine-based products at the dinner table.

But maybe there is more to the health benefits in beef and milk than meets the eye. A new study, published in the May edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has drawn enough attention to warrant a second look. In the study, slightly more than 1,800 heart attack sufferers in Costa Rica were matched with an equal number of individuals with similar demographics and health profiles, but who had not suffered a heart attack. In analyzing the subjects' adipose (fat) tissue, researchers from Harvard and the University of Michigan found higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, a compound previously touted for its potential heart-health and cancer-fighting benefits, in the tissue of those who had not had heart attacks.

The twist, however, is that higher levels of CLA were associated with consumption of beef products from grass-fed cows. While raising cows on grass is still common in Costa Rica, it has become a relative rarity in North America, as the majority of cattle are raised on grain. This raises the question: Are there other potential benefits to raising cows on a diet of greens?

COWS ON GRASS

What happens when you feed a cow grass, instead of a more typical (at least in recent decades) corn-and grain-based diet? Put simply, you get a different kind of cow. According to a small but growing body of research, grass-fed cows produce meat and milk with a more favourable fatty acid (read: fat) profile than grain-or corn-raised cattle.

Not only do grass-fed cows produce a higher level of CLA, but according to a review published in the March edition of the Journal of Nutrition, they also have higher levels of a precursor to CLA, known as trans vaccenic acid, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (yes, those are the same fats that you usually have to eat fish to get -- cows can produce them naturally when they graze on grass). Beyond the beef, the milk of cows raised on grass seems to be healthier, with higher levels of CLA than grain-fed beef.

Even more interesting, it seems that, while grass-fed beef does contain a similar amount of saturated fat as grain-fed beef, the profile of the saturated fats can actually be less harmful to humans vs. grain-fed meats. (There are several types of saturated fats in food, each of which can characterized by their length, which in turn affects their potential for raising your risk of heart disease.) Translation: Grass-fed beef not only contains more of the stuff that seems to help your heart, it has fewer of the compounds that could harm it.

GRASS-FED TASTE?

Health benefits aside, there is some debate as to whether or not consumers prefer the taste of grass versus grain-fed beef. Since the majority of us were raised on beef from feedlots, research from the U.S. suggests we tend to prefer the taste of grain-fed beef. That doesn't mean grass-fed beef is unpalatable; it just has a slightly different taste that might require some getting used to.

SO, WHERE'S THE GRASS?

In the '80s, we were asked "where's the beef?" Now, the question might be "where's the grass?" If grass-fed cows are indeed healthier for us (and there is evidence to indicate that it's healthier for the cow, too), then why aren't more of our cows fed grass vs. grain? The answer is complex, but cost is a big factor: It simply takes longer to raise a cow exclusively on grass than on a mixed or grain-based diet. Higher production costs then translate to more expensive product for the consumer.

So why devote oneself to pasture-raising cattle when the process is more painstaking and less profitable? For some, it's simply a way of life, passed down through generations. For others, it's about sustainability, with farming practices that could range from better conditions for the cattle, to protecting habitat of local animals and birds. But since there is no governing body to oversee standards of practice when it comes to producing grass-fed beef and milk, it's up to the individual to learn about the practices at each farm. While that might seem like a nuisance to some, it's a great way to connect with those who produce our food first-hand.

If you're interested in trying grass-fed beef or dairy products, your best place to start is your local farmer's market. Look for products from cows that graze on grass through the summer, and hay in the winter, and try a few different products to see how you like the taste. You can also check your local health-food supermarket for grass-fed products. Either way, while you might pay a premium, the payoff in terms of your health might well be worth it.

- Jennifer Sygo is a dietitian in private practice at Cleveland Clinic Canada ( clevelandclinic.ca),which offers executive physicals, prevention and wellness counselling and personal health care management in Toronto.

jsygo@rogers.com


Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/toronto/beefs+about+feed+cows/3134565/story.html#ixzz0qUNJWi5O
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

'The kid's playing like he's sniffing glue.' - Mike Milbury talking about Eric Brewer

As the hockey season wines down I can't help but remember the good old days of Mike Milbury. There was never a trade too controversial for Mike. Looking back i'm curious to see if he really was as bad as we all thought.

The General Manager of the New York Islanders. He was in control from 95-06. And went through the penny pinching years of the the Island's ownership group in the late 90's to the 'max the cap' days of new owner Charles Wang.

Some highlights in my mind.

1998 - The Island gets Trevor Linden from the canucks for Bryan McCabe and Todd Bertuzzi

Both guys were rough and tough at the time, but hadn't put up big numbers. Can we fault Milbury for not have a crystal ball to read into the future? Linden was a veteran leader and the island had few of those. The really weird thing about this is both McCabe and Bertuzzi wern't far off their rookie season. Do you trade away your future when you're not even in the playoffs?

Jan 1999 - Felix Potvin from the leafs for Byron Berard.

This is just one of those trades you have to shake you head and wonder what did I ever to do to deserve being a fan of a team with such a crappy GM. Berard was in his 3rd season, wearing the 'C', having come off year one and year two with 48 points, the calder trophy and 46 points respectively. This would put him in the top 15 of scoring for defense men. Even worse, the Islanders had Tommy Salo who was holding things together on a losing team. Potvin was passed his prime and discarded for Curtis Joseph by the leafs. Trades for top young defencemen happen, but they don't happen without a good reason and a very good return.

1999- Josh Green, Olli Jokinen, Mathieu Biron and round 1 pick in the 1999 draft (Taylor Pyatt) for Ziggy Pallfy, Marcel Cousineau, Bryan Smolinski and round 4 pick in the 1999 draft (Daniel Johansson)

This was a huge trade. Initially it looks decent. The Islanders were desperate to dump salary and they pick up 3 recent 1st round picks and a 1st round pick in the upcoming draft, for one of the best players in the NHL. The problem is either they traded these prospects away shortly after or they never developed to their full potential, i'm not sure if we can blame Milbury, but it sure is suspicious.... Is it possible someone could be paid to lose??


2000 -The Island gets Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha for Olli Jokinen and Roberto Luongo.

This weirdest trade in recent memory. The island picks up a big time prospect from LA Olli Jokinen (taken 3rd overall in 1997) in a package deal for Ziggy Pallfy in 1998. They also draft future big time star Roberto Luongo 4th overall in 1997. They don't have any money at the time, but it's not like these rookies are making the big dollars. Goalies notoriously take years to develop as do power forwards. End result, the islanders lose a point per game power forward and one of the best goalies in the nhl for a 2nd and 3rd liner. Nice job!

2001- No one could ever forget - Alexei Yashin was sent to the New York Islanders for defenceman Zdeno Chára, forward Bill Muckalt and the second overall draft selection, which the Senators used to draft highly-touted centerman Jason Spezza. Islanders' GM Mike Milbury promptly re-signed Yashin to an enormous 10-year, $87.5 million USD contract.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. You have to start wondering if Milbury was intentionally trying to make an ass of himself and lose. Yashin had NEVER performed in the playoffs, held out twice in his career and only had career point years when his contract was on the line. Chara the biggest player in nhl history goes on to bring playoff success to the sens and later bruins, captain the bruins, winning the norris trophey, going to all star games, and racking up multiple 40 and 50 point seasons. Spezza, mr. point per game for the sens, muckalt was a bust. The only semblance of logic that I can find is Milbury was trying to get a superstar, Chara hadn't put up big numbers, spezza hadn't been drafted. Maybe he thought he was getting a steal....

Other blunders you can research, Darius Kasparatis, Rick Dipietro, Wade Redden, Eric Brewer, and Tim Connolly.

My conclusions on Mr. Milbury.

Can, somehow, draft players with TONS AND TONS of potential. But, has no concept of developing players. Cannot see into the future, he only can look in the present and recent past to make trade and team decisions. He has no clue what will make a team win.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Seeing Results Behind Weight Loss

From Jan 1 2010 to today I've been exercising regularly. My goal is to get to 15% body fat by the end of the year. Which is where your abs begin showing. I did a body fat analysis at the start and I did another one yesterday, I was very surprised by my initial results. I only lost 3.5 pounds.

Which is pretty discouraging, but when I look a little deeper. I see i've actually lost 9 pounds of fat and put on 5 pounds of muscle! Strangely I've put on 4 pounds of water weight. I certainly feel better than at the beginning of the year. I have more energy, feel stronger and look more fit.

Stats:
Exercise 2-4 times a week.
January was spent doing only cardio.
Feb-May I've combined cardio with weight training.
May 2nd I stopped eat anything that has sugar in the ingredient label, that includes gluctose fructose.


Exceptions:
February and March I was sick for 3 weeks
April I went to Cuba for 1 week.

So in 4 months i've worked out regularly for 3.

Results for first 4 months:
Weight Change: 217.6lb to 214lb
Fat Mass: 66.61lbs to 57.81lbs
Fat free Mass: 151.01 to 156.21
-Since my skeletel structure didn't grow, i'm assuming this is muscle mass.
Total Body Water: 110.61 to 114.41.
-This concerned me, why would I be putting on water weight. Am I eating more salt and hence retaining more water?
Body Fat %: 30.6% to 27%

My research: Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight. Blood contains almost 70% water, body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. Skin also contains much water. The human body is about 60% water in adult males and 55% in adult females.

5.2 pounds of muscle x .75(% of water in muscle) = 3.9
The increase in water weight is due to muscle growth



My Goal:
If I continue to decrease my body fat at this rate I would be at 19.8% body fat by the end of the year, which is a little short of my goal. But if I don't get sick again my routine should get me there. I'll have to reassess my progress in a couple months to see if there is any acceleration in my body fat % loss. I really want to see ABS!!!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Myths surrounding what Canadians do.



GDP represents what Canada produces in one full year. Why is this important to know? So you can make informed decisions about your career future, your companies future or just so you can make informed political decisions. Politicians don't care about GDP they care about votes.

Some common myths:


Agriculture is very important to our economy.
- In 2009 agriculture accounted for .02% of our economy. So why are farmers always a hot topic in political decision making? In 2001 1 rural vote is worth 34% more than 1 urban vote. Who lives in rural areas? Read here to find more

Our natural resources are the main engine driving our economy.
- Mining and oil and gas extraction was worth twice as much as agriculture. A huge .04% of our economy.

We manufacture goods that other people around the world buy.
- True, but it's not as much as you might think. Manufacturing is about 10% of our economy.

So what kind of economy do we have?
- We have a service based economy. 80% of our economic activity is classified as Services-producing industries. Services the man you called to fix your toilet, the bank you used to finance your mortgage, or the teacher that taught you how to read.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

So Shoppers says they'll have to close down.

What does it mean when pharmacies say they're going to have close down stores and layoff employees because of a reduction in government subsidies.

What they're really saying is that taxpayers are paying to keep pharmacies, people and profits in place.

Personally I'm ok with government staying out of shoppers profit margins.

Article

Thursday, April 1, 2010

How gaming might just make our world a better place to live in.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The ant and the grasshopper.

Do we know how to save anymore? Maybe this fable can teach us.

http://www.dltk-teach.com/fables/grasshopper/mstory.htm