Hey all,
Kettlebells are actually a Soviet invention created to train soldiers quickly during World War II (or so I've been told), but they are also a great workout. Using only one or two, you can do an entire body workout with them. Finding a weightliting program for kettlebells is fairly easy. There are many websites that outline workout plans, and you can find them by googling kettlebells. Still, the best part of kettlebells is that you have a two in one weight workout that includes cardiovascular and weight training which also results in quick muscle creation (or toning) while burning a lot of fat; however, this effect may wear off eventually after habituation.
There are some recommendations for anyone who wishes to try this workout. For men, I would recommend either a 35 or 53 pound kettlebell. For women, I would recommend probably a 20 or 25 pounds kettlebell (lighter if needed). As a caveat, I also recommend that you use a light weight immediately to keep from injuring yourself, and websites contain video and instructions for the lifts which you probably want to watch closely. If you are still unsure, I would ask a personal trainer for help or someone who appears to be experienced with them. However, they are an excellent work out and a nice change of pace. Have fun with them. I know I do.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
There are a lot of secrets in District 9
Hey all,
District 9 just came out yesterday, and I went to see it last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. For those who don't know, the story revolves around a group of aliens who have been on Earth for over 25 years, but they live in slum conditions. There's a group that oversees these slums and is beginning an evacuation to a "better" location. This group is known as MNU or Multi-National United, and the man who is responsible for operating this move is named Wikus Van De Merwe.
At the beginning of this movie, he is less than compassionate toward the aliens who are derogatorily called prawns. The group enters the slums where the aliens are notified of their eviction, but they don't take it well. Whenever an alien acts out againt an MNU agent, the being is immediately shot and killed. At this point, the story switches to two aliens who looking for a specific fluid. They find it and head back to their home where they use a chemistry set to alter the fluid into something else. This fluid is then added to a cylinder which is of the utmost importance. However, MNU agents knock on the door to notify the residents of their eviction. They quickly hide the cylinder, but MNU searches the house and discovers it. Wikus finds it and, after playing with it for a second, is sprayed with some fluid. It's at this point where the story really takes off, and I won't spoil it for you. It's a fun wild ride, but it also is making a point about something. I'm really impressed with a film that makes a point while being well written and action packed. I can't recommend this film enough.
District 9 just came out yesterday, and I went to see it last night. I thoroughly enjoyed it. For those who don't know, the story revolves around a group of aliens who have been on Earth for over 25 years, but they live in slum conditions. There's a group that oversees these slums and is beginning an evacuation to a "better" location. This group is known as MNU or Multi-National United, and the man who is responsible for operating this move is named Wikus Van De Merwe.
At the beginning of this movie, he is less than compassionate toward the aliens who are derogatorily called prawns. The group enters the slums where the aliens are notified of their eviction, but they don't take it well. Whenever an alien acts out againt an MNU agent, the being is immediately shot and killed. At this point, the story switches to two aliens who looking for a specific fluid. They find it and head back to their home where they use a chemistry set to alter the fluid into something else. This fluid is then added to a cylinder which is of the utmost importance. However, MNU agents knock on the door to notify the residents of their eviction. They quickly hide the cylinder, but MNU searches the house and discovers it. Wikus finds it and, after playing with it for a second, is sprayed with some fluid. It's at this point where the story really takes off, and I won't spoil it for you. It's a fun wild ride, but it also is making a point about something. I'm really impressed with a film that makes a point while being well written and action packed. I can't recommend this film enough.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Insurance companies....friend or foe
Hey all,
While few people have actually discussed the role of insurance companies in these town hall meetings, I have a difficult time believing that they are playing no role in these proceedings.
People show up in throngs to rant and rave about healthcare reform. However, instead of engaging in an open discussion, they yell and disrupt the discussion. I can understand that people don't wish to pay for healthcare reform, but I don't understand the logic of this behavior. It seems so counter productive which is probably the purpose. Likewise, I don't think people would act this way unless they informed or even paid to do so.
The fact of the matter is that another insurance company (our government) would bring down the price of insurance for everyone. Those who are insured are already paying for the uninsured who have to be treated in the case of an emergency. This runs at about 75 billion dollars per year, and hospitals absorb this cost increasing the price of other care. However, another aspect that isn't mentioned is the cost of chronic care that is also included in this. People who have long stays in the hospital are only covered for a period of time. After this period is over, the hospital again absorbs this cost while maintaining care for this patient. These costs can be
While few people have actually discussed the role of insurance companies in these town hall meetings, I have a difficult time believing that they are playing no role in these proceedings.
People show up in throngs to rant and rave about healthcare reform. However, instead of engaging in an open discussion, they yell and disrupt the discussion. I can understand that people don't wish to pay for healthcare reform, but I don't understand the logic of this behavior. It seems so counter productive which is probably the purpose. Likewise, I don't think people would act this way unless they informed or even paid to do so.
The fact of the matter is that another insurance company (our government) would bring down the price of insurance for everyone. Those who are insured are already paying for the uninsured who have to be treated in the case of an emergency. This runs at about 75 billion dollars per year, and hospitals absorb this cost increasing the price of other care. However, another aspect that isn't mentioned is the cost of chronic care that is also included in this. People who have long stays in the hospital are only covered for a period of time. After this period is over, the hospital again absorbs this cost while maintaining care for this patient. These costs can be
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Scary
Hey all,
I had a slightly troubling experience today. I was getting some gas, and, when I went in to pay for it, I heard some lady mention that someone should take a shot at President Obama after saying that he was going to take away guns or ammo (it wasn't clearly stated). Now, I'm kicking myself for not saying something to women who was with her children. What's more disturbing is that this woman said this at all in public. It bothers me, but it also bewilders me. What do people hate so much about President Obama? Is it simply because he's black? Does it have to do with the fact that this country is changing? Honestly, I didn't want George W. Bush as president, but I didn't want someone to kill him. It just seems so irrational, and I hope that this feeling is not a common one.
However, people do seem to think that liberals are going to take away guns from people, but what predecent is there for this line of thought? Guns will never be fully removed from the hands of United States citizens. Personally, I enjoy hunting and shooting. It's enjoyable in my opinion. In the same light, why is it such a big deal to place some restrictions on who can buy guns? Having stringent standards should help to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who may harm others someday. The amount of gun deaths in this country every year including homicide and suicide is staggering, and I think we can still do something about this while maintaining the abilility to own and operate firearms. These are my thoughts for now. I may discuss this in a later post.
I had a slightly troubling experience today. I was getting some gas, and, when I went in to pay for it, I heard some lady mention that someone should take a shot at President Obama after saying that he was going to take away guns or ammo (it wasn't clearly stated). Now, I'm kicking myself for not saying something to women who was with her children. What's more disturbing is that this woman said this at all in public. It bothers me, but it also bewilders me. What do people hate so much about President Obama? Is it simply because he's black? Does it have to do with the fact that this country is changing? Honestly, I didn't want George W. Bush as president, but I didn't want someone to kill him. It just seems so irrational, and I hope that this feeling is not a common one.
However, people do seem to think that liberals are going to take away guns from people, but what predecent is there for this line of thought? Guns will never be fully removed from the hands of United States citizens. Personally, I enjoy hunting and shooting. It's enjoyable in my opinion. In the same light, why is it such a big deal to place some restrictions on who can buy guns? Having stringent standards should help to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who may harm others someday. The amount of gun deaths in this country every year including homicide and suicide is staggering, and I think we can still do something about this while maintaining the abilility to own and operate firearms. These are my thoughts for now. I may discuss this in a later post.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
3 cans a day
Hey all,
As I stated in a previous post, I consume an insane amount of pop (soda) everyday. It's a serious problem that is beginning to take a serious toll on my body. My plan is simple. I will wean off of pop slowly. By using a step-wise process, I will hopefully be able to reduce my consumption until I do not drink it at all. The first step is an easy which will cut my consumption in half. I will drink 3 cans of pop a day. This includes everything from eating out to eating with regular meals or just random pop drinking. So, I also love this Mongolian grill in Fargo (yes, the one mentioned in the movie) where I usually drink pop. If I still want to drink pop there, I can't drink any pop earlier in the day. I'll keep you posted on how this works, and I'll lay out the other plans for weight loss I plan on employing.
As I stated in a previous post, I consume an insane amount of pop (soda) everyday. It's a serious problem that is beginning to take a serious toll on my body. My plan is simple. I will wean off of pop slowly. By using a step-wise process, I will hopefully be able to reduce my consumption until I do not drink it at all. The first step is an easy which will cut my consumption in half. I will drink 3 cans of pop a day. This includes everything from eating out to eating with regular meals or just random pop drinking. So, I also love this Mongolian grill in Fargo (yes, the one mentioned in the movie) where I usually drink pop. If I still want to drink pop there, I can't drink any pop earlier in the day. I'll keep you posted on how this works, and I'll lay out the other plans for weight loss I plan on employing.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Watchmen
Hey all,
Many consider this to be the greatest graphic novel of all time. I don't know if I would call it the greatest ever, but it is very high on my list. The movie did not quite live up to its expectations. I've read it 8 times because it's complex and fun. I'll recap it quickly for anyone who's wondering what it's about.
The story revolves around a group of heroes who have been outlawed. The setting is 1985, and the world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Some of the heroes remain in hiding. One has continued to work as a vigilante, and the others work for the government. The heroes are largely like batman with no superhuman abilities. However, one does have superpowers, and he is also the only deterrent to nuclear war.
The trouble begins when a hero is murdered. This hero is the Comedian, and he has been working for the government. Another hero named Rorschach investigates and begins to suspect a plot to kill heroes. After contacting possible targets, another is exiled. The plot gains support, and the world may be at stake if the culprit isn't discovered soon enough. Back stories follow which provide plenty of character development. This is one graphic novel that does not disappoint, and I don't wish to spoil anything. Read it!
Many consider this to be the greatest graphic novel of all time. I don't know if I would call it the greatest ever, but it is very high on my list. The movie did not quite live up to its expectations. I've read it 8 times because it's complex and fun. I'll recap it quickly for anyone who's wondering what it's about.
The story revolves around a group of heroes who have been outlawed. The setting is 1985, and the world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Some of the heroes remain in hiding. One has continued to work as a vigilante, and the others work for the government. The heroes are largely like batman with no superhuman abilities. However, one does have superpowers, and he is also the only deterrent to nuclear war.
The trouble begins when a hero is murdered. This hero is the Comedian, and he has been working for the government. Another hero named Rorschach investigates and begins to suspect a plot to kill heroes. After contacting possible targets, another is exiled. The plot gains support, and the world may be at stake if the culprit isn't discovered soon enough. Back stories follow which provide plenty of character development. This is one graphic novel that does not disappoint, and I don't wish to spoil anything. Read it!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
I make a mistake. It's freedieting.com
Hey all,
I'm sorry. The correct site is freedieting.com. The other site is a diet site, but it's a lot of lose weight quick schemes that don't work. To lose one pound of fat, 3500 more calories have to be burned than consumed. To lose 25 pounds in a month, you would have to burn 87,500 calories more than you consume. That's just under 3000 calories burned a day. You could not eat and exercise heavily, and you may not burn off that many calories a day. Unless you are consuming 5000 calories or so, this isn't realistic, and it definitely isn't healthy.
I'm sorry. The correct site is freedieting.com. The other site is a diet site, but it's a lot of lose weight quick schemes that don't work. To lose one pound of fat, 3500 more calories have to be burned than consumed. To lose 25 pounds in a month, you would have to burn 87,500 calories more than you consume. That's just under 3000 calories burned a day. You could not eat and exercise heavily, and you may not burn off that many calories a day. Unless you are consuming 5000 calories or so, this isn't realistic, and it definitely isn't healthy.
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