Ten Seconds

Last night I was informed that a friend of mine, a fellow bowler, died in a fatal head-on collision this past Friday. His name was Mark and, amongst his many traits, he was known for being impatient. As I understand it, he tried to pass in a non-passing stretch of a local road. Sadly, I was told that if he had waited ten more seconds he would have reached the part of that highway where it turns to four lanes. Ten seconds between life and death.

Mark was 35 and had four children, the youngest is only six years old. I got to meet this little boy two weeks ago when Mark brought him to the bowling center. Mark was an avid bowler, passionate about every frame, always seeking to be a better player. He was a great conversationalist and it was always a pleasure to talk with him; he would usually challenge you to think in different ways. Mark was tall and strong and had a quick, warm smile. He will be dearly missed.

This has reminded me that we need to slow down, to spend a few extra seconds on the road so that we can spend many more years with family and friends. And it also highlighted the fact that we need to be aware of everything and everyone around us as we drive -- we cannot be too cautious on the roads we travel.

Oneness

The county where I live is now engaged in a Think Tank effort to encourage "open communications" as an initiative to improve conditions in the area. One of the main issues mentioned is honesty in communications between people of different races. There has been a huge level of fear in communicating problems because of the risk of offending others that are different from us. Our county is predominantly black (or African-American if you prefer the political correct term). White folks have been under the impression that they cannot speak openly because they may be perceived as racist if they disagree with someone that is not white. This whole discussion is a subject that Tracey and I have reviewed many times, especially since she and I grew in a multi-cultural environment (she in Toronto, me in Mexico City) that did not include discrimination based on one's skin color. Of all the talks we had as a result of this Think Tank, one concept became clear: our society needs to work towards a state of "oneness" where everyone can work together for the good of the community while at the same time retaining our heritage and values. Oneness differs from "sameness", which is an effort to make everyone the same (and in which minorities are forced to abandon their roots). Sameness causes resentment amongst minorities and fear amongst the majority; oneness promotes progress culturally, economically, and socially. Here's to being one with all of you!

Lady Liberty Cries

I often think of Benjamin Franklin's wise words, "Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one." In the last week there were several news concerning evidence of our country's trading of freedom for security. Don't pay off your credit card -- Homeland Security will be checking on you (see article below); your kids can be suspended from school for visiting websites while using your home computer in your home -- see the story below. Why do Nazi SS keeps coming up in my mind over and over again? Will future generations have enough courage and strength to reverse the damage caused by the post-9/11 laws? I certainly hope so. We are currently too scared, too comfortable, too detached to fight a government determined to dominate our society much like the SS ruled Germany and the occupied countries -- Congress just reinstated the Patriot Act provisions that began our dangerous loss of liberty. The "Lady" in New York is crying.

Thoughts on SuperBowl XL

SuperBowl XL happened two weeks ago. I have meant to blog my thoughts on that game since then.

The game was neither won nor lost by the teams on the field. This is another contest decided by the officials. I am particularly focusing on two plays: a touchdown denied to Seattle and one given to Pittsburgh. In neither case was the player's ability really a major factor. The officials broke one valid TD and made one happen.

Let me say that I am more a Steelers fan than a Seahawks fan -- I spent lots of time in Pittsburgh and love that city. I also have many friends from Pittsburgh that are life-long fans of the Steelers. But I completely disagree with the official calls that tipped the balance of the game so far in favor of one team. I may be wrong on this (I have been told I am) but that is the way it looked to me.

This SuperBowl reminded me of a question that popped into my head several years ago: are these games "fixed"? Sometimes it just seems that way. I hate thinking that this could be true. But then I look at professional wrestling and I realize that it is very possible indeed! Several people had mentioned to me in the last few days that the Olympics seem to favor some teams or athletes. Are these competitions fixed? Are other professional sports rigged to guarantee an outcome? I am certainly a cynic and skeptic of the authenticity of things I watch on TV.

A Win-Win Situation

We bought a new car today. I mention this because the experience was one of the most non-pressure car buying events my wife and I have ever been a part of. I think the car industry is finally getting it: high pressure sales not only hurt the individual business or sales person, they hurt the whole industry. The "no-pressure" approach is not new; I remember experiencing it as far back as 1983 when I bought my first new car. Every time I am faced with buying and I feel pressured into something I usually do not complete the transaction -- it just feels wrong. Today's transaction simply felt right from the very beginning. The salesman was objective, honest, and did not try to feed us any crap. The "behind the scenes" staff (General Manager, financing, etc.) were there to support the transaction, not to pressure us into getting more than what we wanted. What a great experience. We will definitely go back to that dealer for our next purchase and we will recommend them without hesitation. That is a win-win situation.

The Five Keys Of Defensive Driving

The company I work for uses the The Smith System™ to promote defensive driving. The Smith System includes five keys that have proven to lessen the likelihood of vehicle collisions:

• Aim high in steering — Ths means you need to see beyond the bumper of the vehicle in the lane in front of you. Traffic farther head in the same lane, traffic from parallel lanes and traffic from other directions can all create a change in the safety of your intended travel path.

• Get the big picture — It’s necessary to look around as you drive. Pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers merging onto the road from parking lots and driveways and other hazards must be part of your decision making process as you drive.

• Keep your eyes moving — Make a continuous and repetitive cycle of your eyes to see both sides, in front and behind your vehicle. If you don’t know whether or not there is another driver in the lane on your right, or one approaching to pass you on the left, you’re not using your side view mirrors effectively.

• Leave yourself an out - When driving in heavy traffic, there should be space you can use to stop and avoid hitting the vehicle ahead of you. This space is most likely in front of you, because Smith System advises a four second following distance. Think also about changing lanes into an opening on your right or left or using the median or shoulder to avoid collisions.

• Make sure they see you — Use your headlights and horn appropriately. Signals are used when turning, as well as when changing lanes. Remember to use your flashers when stopping in a high traffic area.

The only person’s behavior you can change is your own. Make sure you and the riders in the vehicles you drive are safe by driving defensively.

Valentine's Day

Next Tuesday marks yet another Valentine's Day in many countries around the world. Looking at the celebration's history and roots, compared to its current customs, makes me wonder about the loss of the simpler traditions of life. Valentine's Day once brought a simple exchange of meaningful messages amongst people that love each other. There were no diamonds, chocolates, expensive flowers, or any of the other commercialized "stuff" we are bombarded with every year. In 2006 I will buy none of that for those I love. I will find a small poem, transcribe it by hand to a folded sheet of nice paper, and add a message of what that person means to me, not only on February 14, but everyday of the year. I will give one of these notes to my wife, my children, my mother, and to some of my dearest friends. I better get busy, then, so that I can have these messages done on time.

Selling Freedom Out

This week I saw clear evidence that many Internet companies believe freedom is up for sale. Google has decided to filter search results from China to comply with censorship laws imposed by that communist regime. Yahoo turn over emails from a Chinese user's account that caused that person to receive a 10-year prison sentence. Microsoft also vowed to Beijing and filters search results on MSN. All this censorship is being justified in the name of commerce. China has a large population and everyone is trying to get a piece of that market pie. But at what price? Are Google and Yahoo and others selling their souls in the process? It is ironic that one communist country is still able to suppress freedom and push their immoral mandates into the international winds. It is sad that large companies like Google lack the backbone to stand against this atrocity, acting like a Judas that justifies a hideous crime and receives a few coins. Benjamin Franklin said that "The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either." The same holds true of the entities that trade freedom for money.

Turkey Bacon

Last shopping day, Tracey and I bought some turkey bacon. This morning I had the opportunity to use it for the first time. The package claims that it has 55% less fat than regular bacon. I found that claim to be a bit inaccurate. I believe the amount of fat I saw was about 80% less than what I am used to seeing. WOW! What a great surprise! I use a special microwave bacon cooker designed to minimize the consumption of bacon fat. One hangs the bacon from these special racks and the fat drips down to the holding tray as the bacon cooks. I usually can see a substantial amount of fat on the tray after cooking regular bacon. With turkey bacon there was almost no fat on the tray.

Another thing I noticed is that cooking time was half of regular bacon. I was fortunate to read the package before microwaving the product. No only is this bacon healthier, it saves energy in cooking!

Of course, one will ask about taste and flavor. In all honesty, it was OK -- but it did not taste like bacon. It has a very acceptable "smokey" flavor that is just fine for me.

By the way, I am still holding around the 236 mark. However, my clothes fit better on me and I feel better overall.

Here's to your good health! :-)

Gentle Waking

I have developed a "wake up" technique with my kids that really works wonders and I wanted to share it with everyone. It is a method derived from something I read on the Net. It goes something like this:

- I turn a light outside their room to bring dim illumination
- I begin by whispering a "wake up" song that the kids and I invented. In essence, it has their names in it and lots of happy words to start the day.
- I raise my voice a little bit at a time until they begin to wake up. Sometimes I walk out and come back five minutes later to give them a chance to come out of deep sleep.
- If they resist waking up, we play "tickle monster" and "earthquake monster" games. That usually gets them giggling and laughing.

Most of the times we end up in a big "wake-up hug" that fills my heart with incredible joy. I cannot think of a better way to start a day than with hugs and laughter with the kids!

237-239

My weight in the last few days has been fluctuating between 237 and 239. That is a significant reduction from the 257.5 of late November. This whole holiday season has been sugar-free for me; the sense of control over my eating habits has been a reward on its own.

I attribute the weight fluctuation to drinking less water than I had been and also drinking more coffee than I normally would, especially since at home I only have regular coffee while at my office I almost always drink decaf. Now that I am back to my regular routine more of the weight should come off.

I am also determined to begin a daily exercise routine, even if it is a 30 minute walk.

A Loose Tooth and A Philosophy

When Tracey and I got home yesterday after spending time with a very dear friend, Noah met us at the door and announce he had his first loose tooth. Our boy is growing up so quickly! He is so excited because Tracey had told him that loosing teeth is a sure sign of getting to be a big boy. Needless to say, he was looking forward to this moment!

Later on that evening he shared with us his 5-year-old philosophy on life, a take-off from something I had explained to him a few days earlier. Noah's statement was very simple: "You live, you loose your teeth, you die." Of course, my original statement was "You are born, you live, you die." This was an explanation to a question concerning why people die. Neither Noah nor MacKenzie have hit us (yet) with the more difficult question of what happens when you die. I am sure that will come. For now, their concept of death is tied to what happens to Mario (and other characters) on the video games. I love their innocence.

244.5

That's correct: 13 pounds gone in the days since Thanksgiving. And I am thankful for the loss, too. My pants are beginning to fit again, not quite as comfortably as they should, but at least they are OK to wear.

How hard has it been? Not as hard as the first time I began on the Atkins road. The most difficult part this time is that I am in a new office and there are far more parties and snacks brought in for the holidays than where I used to work before. However, it feels great to say: "No thanks, I am on a diet and cannot eat that." It gives me a great sense of control over my health and life.

I have begun an interesting exercise program. Every two hours I climb three flights of stairs and then come back to my office. I will increase the number of floors climbed as my endurance increases.

I am feeling better, looking a little slimmer, and enjoying the sense of added control.

190 -- I am still looking at you and I am a lot closer now!

251.5

As you can see, the weight is coming off! Six pounds in one week is a very considerable weight loss, especially since my physical activity has not gone up all that much.

The secret is fairly simple: no sweets (cookies, chocolates, etc.), no starches (potatoes, etc.), almost no coffee, and drink lots of water ... and I do mean lots! I have been drinking in excess of 100 oz of water each day. To a suspicious mind it may appear that I am up to no good with all the trips to the bathroom! But I am certainly getting rid of a lot of toxins by drinking this much water.

Some people dislike the taste of water by itself -- I rather have some flavor with mine. So we buy the Wal-Mart brand of the small flavor crystals. In our area they are $1.76 for a box of 10. If you buy the Wal-Mart bottled water at $3.60 for 24 (20 oz), that adds up to a healthy soft drink for about 33 cents. Not bad, especially if you consider that there are no sugars, no calories, no sodium (for the most part) -- nothing but flavored water!

Aldi's has the Fit & Active drink bottles (33.8 oz) for 59 cents -- the drinks are pretty good, and the bottle can be reused a few times with the Wal-Mart flavor powders and plain water. Nothing wrong with saving money, getting even more for your buck from each envelope of flavoring, and still enjoying the benefits of lots of water.

I hope this helps anyone that also trying to lose some weight.

257.5

I hope everyone had a very safe Thanksgiving!

Experts say that the best way to achieve a difficult goal is to share it with family and friends that will support you. So I am sharing my number one goal with all of you: I am going to lose weight. The title of this blog is my current weight. My target goal is 200 pounds; my ideal goal is 180 pounds.

Two years ago, the day after Thanksgiving marked the first day of our adoption of the Atkins diet. Within days I had lost 20 pounds without exercising much; after a few weeks I had lost almost 50 pounds. I was also exercising regularly and liked what I saw in the mirror.

So what happened to reverse that great progress? I can summarize it as weakness and temptation: I started eating high-carb foods here and there, and my weight did not go up -- so I got over confident. Then I stopped exercising but kept eating the high-carb foods. Needless to say, here I am, at my heaviest ever.

Today I am restarting my Atkins plan. It is very difficult at times, especially during the induction period (first two to four weeks), but the results are worth the sacrifices. Coach Lou Holtz always reminds us that anything that is worthy of our efforts will require some sacrifice.

190 -- I am still coming!

Dieting and loosing weight

I looked in the mirror a few days ago and I did not like what I saw. My mid section is growing -- and that is bad! For weeks I have known that my clothes were getting tighter; pants no longer fit (even the bigger sizes left over from when I was at my heaviest two years ago). I had to go to the store and buy five XL shirts because all my L are now too tight.

So I decided that on November 1 I would begin changing my eating habits and do something about exercising. We all know that in order to lose weight we have to control our diet and also increase our exercise. The plan will take time to implement -- I have successfully lost this much weight before, so I know I can do it.

Yesterday was bad for dieiting -- I was not as strong as I should be with candy brought in after Halloween. I have done a lot better so far although the amount of candy available was increased ten-fold (someone brought a ton of it in the office).

I am fortunate that I will be off from work for the next few days because that will give me a chance to put together an exercise plan and begin working out.

190 -- her I come!

Disaster averted

Last night, after the kids went to bed, Tracey wanted to look at the pictures we had taken at the zoo. When she connected the camera to her computer she received an error message indicating that the drive was not accessible. I tried it on my computer with the same result. I replaced the batteries - same error.

So, being the geek that I am, I searched the Net for a recovery utility. I quickly landed on one of my favorite freeware/shareware sites: SnapFiles. The program that saved the day is called Zero Assumption Digital Image Recovery; not only is it free, but it recovered all the important pictures on the disk. The publisher is Zero Assumption Recovery Software. We cannot thank them enough for offering this free product that helped us so much last night!

And that is why I believe in free software — it is about helping others and making life better for another person.

Fun at the Zoo

We took the kids to the zoo for Halloween. This is the second year we have done this (last year I was not able to be with them because I was working afternoon shifts). We had a great time and the kids enjoyed the experience a lot. It is a safe way to spend Halloween. The most remarkable part of the experience, however, was seeing Noah dance. The zoo had set a kids disco area with a live DJ, disco ball, etc. Kids were having an absolute blast. Noah quickly joined in and did the Cha Cha with the group and he could have gone on dancing for a long time! I am so proud of him!

For some reason, MacK shyed (sp?) away from dancing — probably because it was getting late and she was tired.

When we got home and the kids went to bed, we got some bad news from our camera — more on that in my next post.

Tour of USC

Today was a great, fun day! It started a bit rushed, but it is ending like a great day. I took the kids bowling this morning and, because of Halloween, it ended being a nice "party" with cosmic bowling (with the dark lights on) and the adults bowling free. I got some house shoes and a house ball and joined in — it was a lot of fun! I was fortunate that I helped the grandfather of one of the other kids get some confidence in his game (he had not bowled in over 20 years).

After lunch, Kayla and I headed to the University of South Carolina (USC) for an open house. Although we arrived there a little late, we actually received a lot of useful information. USC did a great job of putting this open house together! I was thoroughly impressed by the whole organization of the event, the way everyone treated you, and the absolutely wonderful performance by all students involved in running the event. Great job everyone!

We started by getting an orientation package and signing up for a campus tour. We then headed to get information on Kayla's target school. The staff member was extremely accurate and honest, almost sounding as if she was discouraging Kayla from attending USC, but actually being thorough and up front concerning Kayla's choices. I liked that type of attitude.

From there we attended an orientation session on admission requirements, followed by the tour of campus. Our guides were very knowledgable and helpful and did a fantastic job. The campus is beautiful, it has great technological advantages, and it is very safe. The various programs offered will blow your mind. I was particularly impressed by the main library (one of many) — it is huge! It has two floors above ground and five below ground! Compared to the library at my Alma Matter (the Rochester Institute of Technology) when I was there (back in 1982), the USC facility is fantastic! Mind you, I have not visited RIT since 1985, so I am sure things have changed a lot there. Nevertheless, being in the USC library made me want to go back to college! Maybe after the kids go through college and I retire I will go back and get a new degree — just for the heck of it!

After the tour we briefly visited the bookstore (the majority of which was consumed by souvenirs and not books) and headed back home.

I am thoroughly excited by the possibility of Kayla attending USC — I think I now know how my Dad felt as he and I walked through RIT in 1979. It is also very scary to think that somehow we will need to pay for this college experience. It has arrived so very quickly and yet it has been years in the making. I am sure we will find a solution to this situation as we do for anything else we face.

While we are trying to figure Kayla's college education, I guess we better begin saving for Noah's and MacKenzie's! :-)

Exercise recommendations

Here is a great page with fabulous recommendations on exercises we can do while we sit at the computer! Even a little is better than nothing!