June 06, 2008

Okay, maybe it is time to stop eating like an 8yr old

I have had many friends and family members diagnosed with various maladies and never really gave it much thought. I was always able to justify things by saying "he's much older than me," or "he's carrying a lot more weight than I am." The list of rationalizations for not working to improve my health was long.

When my brother recently had a blood pressure scare, something changed. It could be that I am heavier than him. It may be that he is too close in age for comfort. It could be that I couldn't even write it off as different genetics. The bottom line is we are very close in terms of everything that matter.

To that end, I headed over to the grocery story to stick my arm in the pressure cuff and get the bad news - OUCH! Looks like it is time to change some habits or sign up for blood pressure medicine. First, I stocked up on some healthier food choices. I am writing this after just finishing off a great meal of baked salmon - who knew eating healthy could taste so good?

In addition to some fish, I picked up some of my favorite fruit - apples and oranges - as snacks, and one of the few vegetables I find palatable - celery.

I know that a 'cold turkey' approach to lifestyle change is tough, if not impossible, but I think that if I can make gradual modifications to both diet and exercise, I can be successful.

Wish me luck.

Posted by CDogg at 08:24 PM | Comments (1)

February 29, 2008

Not all bees are the same

Close friends know that I am huge fan of Burt's Bees lip balm, and have been since Laura (Dave's wife) first let me borrow her's years ago. Since that time I have extolled the virtues to whoever would listen and actually found one or two "comrades in arms (lips?)" that also rave about the stuff.

Last night I saw a new flavor (okay, it may be old - but it's new to me) called Burt's Bees HONEY Lip Balm. Ooooh, this has to be good - right? UGGGH!!

Not only is the honey variety not good... it is disgusting! It smells like flowers - not honey. It almost made me ill because it was so sweet. It just felt like I was eating daisies or something. If you haven't tried the original - it is the best. If you are tempted to try the honey - it is the worst.

Hey, good or bad - I just call 'em like I see 'em.

Posted by CDogg at 07:54 AM | Comments (0)

February 26, 2008

Stye-eye

Geez, for someone that never gets ill, this morning came as quite a surprise. I woke up with not only a sore and scratchy throat, but a stye in my left eye. The throat thing I don't really mind, it doesn't really feel bad - it just gives me a cool bass sound to my voice. The eye however, is bothersome.

A stye is really nothing more than a pimple at the base of an eyelash and treatment is pretty simple - keep it clean, use a warm compress, and wait. You can pop the thing, but it isn't recommended. Because of the swelling of the lower eyelid, it looks like I got popped in a fight. That's okay too - if I notice someone looking at the swollen eye, I am going to say, "The other guy is dead!"

Posted by CDogg at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2007

Only the essentials

When the fire alarm at your hotel goes off at 3AM - what do YOU grab? Here's what made my list

shoes
stylin' shades
fat wallet
keys to my ride
voice recorder *
cell phone
contact solution
room key
lonestargridiron.com cap (for the game we're covering)
lonestargridiron.com shirt (for the game)
the camera a took the shot with *

* Being a good citizen journalist, I couldn't leave without the tools to tell the story. Look for photos on Flickr when I get some time - the audio is hard to listen to because the alarm is such a piercing sound.

It's also interesting to see what I chose to leave. While making time to get a specific selection of clothing needed for my gig tonight, I left behind the laptop, the iPod, my iPod boombox, the rest of my clothes, and all the various cables/connectors/etc. Bleary-eyed and tired, I think I chose well - just the stuff I needed to a) tell this story and b) do the podcast tonight. The rest is just "stuff."

Oh yeah, and my apologies to my brother, Tim who was "ass called" when I shoved everything in my pockets on the way out. He didn't need to wake up at 3AM too... my bad!

Posted by CDogg at 04:06 AM | Comments (0)

July 09, 2007

The hair comes off today!

With the beginning of the Tour de France, I have once again started riding my bike. There is something about watching my favorite sporting event that gets the cycling juices going. It brings up the joy, pain, and personal triumph created by nearly 19,000 miles on two wheels.

When riding last night in the still oppressive heat, I was reminded of why I have kept my hair short since I was in about 7th grade... all that hair is a pain on the bike. It flies around, it gets matted with sweat and funnels the stinging liquid into your eyes, and it's just downright hot. Your head is one of the biggest heat exchange sites in your body (with the exception of the skin in general) and all that hair feels like a thermal blanket on a hot bike ride.

While riding last night, it returned - that feeling that I only get while on a bike. There is a feeling of clarity when you are alone with your thoughts. It is a time (I assume as the endorphins kick in) that everything seems possible... the doubts are removed... the doors all appear open. It is a very "in the now" time, when the most important thing in the world is that very moment - connecting with the sound of the tires on the road, the twitch of muscle as it pushes the drivetrain, the wind enveloping you with a gentle hug, your past - present - and future all tied together in one moment.

Hey, I know it sound new-agey and Zen, but it really is how cycling has always made me feel. Whether turning the crank the first quarter turn to begin a ride or 175 miles into a 200 mile MS 150.

Yeah.... that's why I'm cutting my hair. :)

Posted by CDogg at 10:10 AM | Comments (3)

June 22, 2007

Hazy morning

Wow... normally I am a jump-up-ready-to-go kind of person when I wake. I never understood people who were groggy in the morning... I just couldn't relate. This morning however, I understand.

I still can't figure out what made this morning different than any other... I've stayed up until 3AM working more nights than I can count. It was never followed by a hazy head the next day even when I had to get up at 5AM. This morning, at 8:30 the phone woke me from a zombie sleep. Which is odd because I never sleep this late and have always been a super-light sleeper. I have woke up before when a bird walked on my window sill... not chirped, not fluttered, not raised a ruckus... just walked.

It was Dave's call that woke me and the weird thing was how incomprehensible it all was. Sure, I got all the words... I just couldn't put my finger on what the heck he was asking me to do. Okay, some of it was probably Dave's style of talking around what he's asking... but he really was pretty direct this morning. It could have been that I assumed he was getting at something else just from experience... or it could have been that I was still part AM-Zombie. (I just coined that phrase... feel free to use with attribution.)

It was probably a combination of everything and I am making a mountain out of a molehill (not my phrase - haha.) It just struck me as odd because this absolutely NEVER happens to me. Normally, I can pop out of bed and be fully capable of doing algebra the second my feet hit the floor. (Well, as capable as I am at any other time of the day.)

How is your head in the mornings? Are you instant-alert? Are you an AM-Zombie? Has it changed as you've aged? Are you stoned right now and haven't caught any of this?

(Apologies to President Bush, but I searched Google for "confused" and dozens of this image came up... too funny.)

Posted by CDogg at 09:22 AM | Comments (1)

June 20, 2007

Monster of the Midsection Update

It's that time again... time to update the weight chart. As you can see, the weight gain after the initial loss has stopped and I have reached a steady weight.

Now that I have stopped the gain, it is time to kick it back into gear and start losing again. Geez, isn't fatblogging stimulating reading? haha.

Posted by CDogg at 09:36 AM | Comments (0)

June 05, 2007

Who needs terrorists?

Our food supply seems to be its own "weapon of mass destruction." Today, there was a large beef recall that is suspected of being contaminated with E-coli bacteria. First it was peanut butter, then pet food, and of course, toothpaste - now ground beef. This is getting ridiculous.

If you never thought about growing your own, or at the very least shifting your purchasing habits to consuming local, these kinds of mass poisonings should give you reason.

Bon appetit!

Posted by CDogg at 08:08 AM | Comments (0)

June 04, 2007

Midsection Update

Well a little more backsliding. I only made it to the gym once last week because once again, I've had a lot going on and just don't feel like heading for a workout once I take a break. I also did a real poor job of eating well - opting for restaurants instead of home cooking all week.

Don't fear though... I will get this ship turned back in the right direction, just a minor bump. :) Or should I say bulge?

Posted by CDogg at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)

June 01, 2007

Welcome to the conversation FDA

Wow... just two days after I reported on the tainted stuff coming out of China, (and I wasn't the first,) the FDA decided to start checking some of our imports. Turns out that they are notifying the public to NOT use several brands of toothpaste that contain an antifreeze-like substance.

I don't know about you, but I sure feel safe knowing that the FDA is on the job. For a list of the affected brands - go here.

Posted by CDogg at 02:22 PM | Comments (0)

May 30, 2007

Maybe we should hold our officials this accountable?

The news out of Asia is "China Sentences Former Drug Regulator to Death." Apparently, this dude took bribes to approve both food and drugs that caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. In addition to the 100,000+ that died in the Panama from tainted cough syrup and poisonous toothpaste, China is also the home to the factories that manufactured the poisonous pet food that killed countless dogs and cats and prompted the largest pet food recall in history.

The death penalty may sound a bit harsh, but come on... these bad products slid through under his approval (and profit.) Some estimates put the amount killed from China's rampant quality control problems at a half a million or more!

There are two takeaways from this story. 1 - I would skip Chinese products that are taken internally by yourself or pets. 2 - Maybe we wouldn't have all our drug recalls if some of our drug officials/company heads were held a little more accountable.

Posted by CDogg at 07:45 PM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2007

Monster update

I am not sure why I even still call this segment a "Monsters of the Midsection" update... I mean, none of the others are turning in any weight info and several have admitted to me that they are heavier now than when they started. Maybe I am just holding out hope that they will jump back in.

Despite a total lack of support from my support system, things are heading back in the right direction again.

Posted by CDogg at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2007

Seriously good produce

My first harvest is complete! I picked fresh green beans just a few minutes ago from my backyard garden.

Just one bite of the fresh bean is enough to blow you away. Everything I have grown is 100% organic - no pesticides - no chemicals - just Mother Nature. The flavor is so much better than the bland stuff you buy at the supermarket, and the yield is crazy big. I can see already that I will be giving away a bunch as it is much more than I could eat.

The tomatoes are about the size of a golf balls right now and growing, the canteloup has flowered and is just starting to create fruit, and the peppers are also showing the beginnings of tiny buds. I am looking forward to a huge bounty over the new few months... all for a couple hours of work and less than a $5 investment.

When you add that to the numerous grocery store trips avoided, as well as the greenhouse gasses not burned delivering my food from thousands of miles away... the benefits of "growing your own" are multiplied.

Posted by CDogg at 03:25 PM | Comments (1)

Mmmm.... that's a good cracka

I have never been a big fan of plain old crackers, but I sure do like the new Club Multi-Grain ones. (At least I think they're new... I've never seen them before.) And while it's not exactly health food, sardines on a Club cracker sure beats the hell out of chili and cheese on french fries.

In that vein, I have been to the gym each of the past three days. That combined with some minor adjustments in my diet has allowed me to drop two of the pounds I recently regained. It feels like it is going to stick this time.

Half of the joy in eating my new crackers is the disgust on friends' faces as I happily munch on sardines. It seems that you either love sardines and kipper snacks or you detest them. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground. What can I say? I digs me some fishies. As my brother is fond of saying, "That's good groceries."

Posted by CDogg at 02:38 PM | Comments (1)

May 21, 2007

Nip it in the bud

You have read about my recent success in weight loss a few weeks back, but I haven't really reported anything in awhile. I think it may be because I keep waiting for this bout of backsliding to end and things to start heading in the right direction again. It probably also has a lot to do with the fact that I have been very busy the past few weeks. Regardless of the reason, I am here to set the record straight and pay the piper.

Not only has my weight loss stopped, but after graphing it, I am shocked to see a steady climb.

For that reason, I am once again going to buckle down and get serious. I have already gained back half of my initial weight loss and despite my fellow Monsters of the Midsection mostly falling by the wayside... I will continue on.

Posted by CDogg at 04:44 PM | Comments (3)

April 20, 2007

Bleccchhhhhhh

I remember trying Propel Fitness Water a while back and deciding there was something I didn't like about it. I couldn't put my finger on it - but now I have. When a friend went on and on about how great it was the other day, I said, "Fine, I'll buy one and see." I couldn't really remember what I didn't like - one sip brought it all back.

I was instantly struck by the flavor of a diet drink. A quick scan of the label revealed that second only to water in the ingredients is sucrose syrup (sugar.) A little further down though, was sucralose - yeah... the chemically created sugar substitute known by the name-brand Splenda. Why would I want to drink water (even 'fitness' water) that tastes like a diet drink? I HATE diet drinks. The aftertaste is akin to eating oil-soaked dirt for me... not very pleasant. I prefer my water to taste like water and I prefer my soft drinks to taste like carbonated sugar.

Now, I am not going to get into the whole debate about Splenda being "fake sugar" or the whole health issue or why companies like Whole Foods refuse to carry any products containing sucralose, I just hate the freakin' taste.

Posted by CDogg at 08:52 AM | Comments (0)

April 11, 2007

Are they known for strong joints?

Am I the only one that heard this commercial and found it a bit odd? If you haven't seen it, the Indian (I assume he is really Lakota) comes on and tells the audience how using the Lakota Joint Care Formula will ease arthritis and joint pain. I guess I am okay with that.

The thing that confuses me is the whole Lakota Indian angle. Their website mentions that it is a "legendary Native American formula." Huh? I've never heard of the legend of "Walks With No Pain" or his sister,"Squats With Ease." Hey, I'm not saying it doesn't work - just saying it strikes me as odd.

Posted by CDogg at 07:04 AM | Comments (0)

April 10, 2007

Monster of the Midsection Update

Here is the most recent update. Once again, there are some guys that haven't turned in information recently but it as as up-to-date as possible.

You'll also notice that the Dark Diver appears to have quit. Apparently, his feelings were hurt when I decided to moderate his comments to the group. Diver, when you are ready to come back and play nice, you are welcome back.

Congratulations to The Mescan for losing the highest percentage so far!

Posted by CDogg at 10:14 PM | Comments (0)

March 30, 2007

Monster of the Midsection Update

Its update time once again. As usual, some people are making progress and some people are pretty much either doing nothing or just not reporting.

Start - nickname - current
--------------------------------
240lbs - The C-Dogg - 231 (-9)
203lbs - Mighty Mike - 203 (*)
210lbs - The Dark Diver - 210 (*)
305lbs - The Anti-Host - 303 (-2)
295lbs - The Gimp - 298 (+3)
198lbs - The Mescan - 195 (-3)

Combined weight loss: 11 lbs
% of group goal (396 lbs)achieved: 2.78%

* has not turned in an updated weight If we do not get some participation soon from these guys, we will be replacing them with someone who is interested in their health.

NOTE: Actually, a new member Podcast Mike will be joining the group shortly. Welcome aboard!

Posted by CDogg at 08:19 AM | Comments (0)

March 29, 2007

Cut me Mick... do it!

I love it when I get an injury... theres just something cool and manly about warm blood running down your arm or leg. Don't get me wrong, I am not particularly into pain... actually, I am usually more injured than I realize because I have a pretty high pain threshold. But when you are out sweating in the sun, as I was today, and you look down and see your arm bleeding, it feels good to realize that you never noticed yourself getting cut at all.

How did I do it? I'm not sure. I was working on the fence gate to the back yard and certainly could have done it there between the broken slats, hauling off the gate, and all the rusty nails. Or, I could have done it while planting my tomatoes, peppers, or canteloup although I am not sure how. It was just cool looking down through strands of sweat-soaked hair and seeing the rivulets of blood running through caked-on potting soil and compost. I should have snapped the photo before I cleaned it up... it looked cooler.

Posted by CDogg at 02:17 PM | Comments (6)

March 26, 2007

First Rule of Fat Club

While futzing around this weekend, I came up with a new logo for our "Monsters of the Midsection" group.

Posted by CDogg at 01:31 PM | Comments (0)

March 25, 2007

Monster of the Midsection Update

Okay, we have been officially going for about ten days... where do things stand?

Start - nickname - current
--------------------------------
240lbs - The C-Dogg - 232 (-8)
203lbs - Mighty Mike - 203 (*)
210lbs - The Dark Diver - 210 (*)
305lbs - The Anti-Host - 305 (*)
295lbs - The Gimp - 295 (*)
198lbs - The Mescan - 196 (-2)

Combined weight loss: 10 lbs
% of group goal (396 lbs)achieved: 2.53%

* has not turned in an updated weight

Posted by CDogg at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2007

A new look to go with a new direction

Yes, the group is officially formed and named, The Monsters of the Midsection. It consists of:

240lbs The C-Dogg (goal 70lbs)
203lbs Mighty Mike
210lbs The Dark Diver (goal 70lbs)
305lbs The Anti-Host
295lbs The Gimp
198lbs The Mescan

Over the next couple of days we will be working to determine our weight loss goals for those that haven't decided yet. We are setting out to lose the weight and maintain the weight loss through St. Patrick's Day 2008.

To kick things off, I of course needed a new look. For the first time since I was in high school, the moustache is gone - as is Grizzly Adams beard. That combined with my ever-lengthening hair will make it seem like I am watching some other fat man in the mirror as he drops the pounds.

I really believe this is going to be a lasting effort because unlike my previous attempts where I had no real support system, we will use peer pressure to keep everyone honest and motivated.

Posted by CDogg at 01:56 PM | Comments (2)

March 15, 2007

The gauntlet has been thrown down

We have the makings of a "fat off." So far, Manny (the Dark Diver,) (Mighty) Mike, Tony (the Meskin,) Dave (the Anti-Host,) and myself have agreed to come up with a competition to lose weight. I have another person that I plan on talking with to see if we can make it an even half-dozen and I think if we are all involved, it could have some pretty good results.

The weight loss goals are going to be pretty darn lofty, and we haven't yet come up with any reward/penalty systems, but I think we can do some real good and lose a lot of combined flab.

By sometime next week, each of us will be weighed in, and the rules will be locked down. The best part is that we are going to put it all out here as further incentive to work hard.

I know the popular term now is "fatblogging" and I guess we are doing that, but I really think that being a competition will make it more successful for all involved. I know I have started and blown off my publicly blogged weight loss plans six or seven times in the last three years and think I may have finally found a winner.

Look for more information in the coming days and look for the weight to start falling off as we get rolling. Please send in your encouragement via voicemail (281-394-4952) and email as it will be mentioned periodically in the podcast as well. Who knows, maybe we can find a sponsor to put something up as a prize to give us more incentive.

UPDATE: Tony D. (the Gimp) has joined the group.

Posted by CDogg at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)

March 05, 2007

Whew... am I glad Kraft was here to help

I was having lunch with my mom and her friend Colleen Sunday and we found this incredibly funny. She had prepared a very nice spread of sandwich meats, cheeses, and all the fixin's when the label on the Kraft Miracle Whip caught her eye. Take a look at that recipe...

The funny part isn't so much that they list the ingredients for a turkey sandwich - I guess its possible that someone could forget the lettuce or something - but that they give step-by-step directions covering how to assemble. Nice stuff.

A side note: I always thought Miracle Whip was pretty much the equivalent of mayonnaise. I discovered when trying them side-by-side that I prefer the mayo much more. The Miracle Whip is a bit too tangy.

Posted by CDogg at 05:22 PM | Comments (0)

February 21, 2007

Salmonella be damned!

I am nearing the point of risking the salmonella. I love peanut butter and have a couple sandwiches a week, but this whole food poisoning thing has really screwed me over. My brand of choice is Peter Pan Extra Chunky and sure enough - the jar and a half I had at the house were from the tainted batch. Darn it, I ate half a jar without any ill effects - I'm still "strong like bull." Now, I'm going on a week without my beloved peanut butter.

I went to the store looking for the new batch of Peter Pan, but the shelves were cleared out with only a note that said they were out because of the salmonella thing. I was jonesin' for a PBJ so bought some JIF Crunchy - ugggh. This stuff tastes like a tub of margarine with peanut flavoring... its downright icky. If "choosy mothers choose JIF"... then well, I don't know what that means... other than choosy mothers choose crud.

Only 80% of the people that got sick ate peanut butter... yet, they all drank water. How is it that Peter Pan is the culprit when ConAgro has found no traces of salmonella anywhere? I think they are being overly cautious... surely, my remaining Peter Pan is good - right?

What's worse, a little salmonella or crappy peanut butter? I am going to have to give this one some thought.

Posted by CDogg at 03:13 PM | Comments (2)

February 03, 2007

The cervical cancer pandemic is over!!!

Governor Rick Perry signed into a law an executive order that all girls entering the sixth grade must be vaccinated for the sexually transmitted virus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer... what's wrong with this picture?

Well, it could be that cervical cancer is NOT running rampant in Texas. Or it could be that Merck (the maker of the vaccine) has recently doubled its lobbying budget in Texas and has been paying for efforts to pass similar legislations in several other states. Or maybe, it was the $6,000 that Merck 'donated' directly to Governor Perry's re-election campaign. Then again, it could just be a last ditch effort by Merck to counter the string of failures suffered when similar legislation failed in other states.

I, for one, think the law is wrong and the way in which Governor Perry went about passing it (through executive order) it underhanded. By issuing an executive order, Perry has bypassed political opposition, and more importantly - the input of the citizens that elected him.

PAY attention to the man behind the curtain!

Posted by CDogg at 08:15 AM | Comments (1)

January 12, 2007

Enough already

I am really getting sick of (pun intended) this persistent cough. Tomorrow will be ten days since it struck. After the first day, I was feeling pretty good, but the cough has moved a little lower in my respiratory system and just seems to linger. Everyone keeps telling me to go to the doctor, but I have had this stuff before. (Hopefully, those won't be famous last words.)

It’s odd that with the exception of the cough anytime I breath too deeply, I feel pretty good for most of the day. Too much coughing gives me a headache, but like I said, overall I am pretty good. At nighttime, after I have been asleep for a couple hours, I will wake with my throat hurting more than at any time during the day. I think it may be because I keep it so cold in my room at night.

Regardless of what the heck has a hold of me, I am ready for it to leave.

Posted by CDogg at 08:18 AM | Comments (1)

January 10, 2007

What is the point of American cheese?

I am a huge fan of cheese... I literally could put it on anything I eat... and I have. I have tried it on some of the strangest things and of course all the old standbys. Cheese has never failed to add a bit of kick and flavor to my meals... so I ask you ... why have cheese that doesn't have zing? Isn't American Cheese the most bland stuff ever?

Nothing beats extra sharp cheddar in my book, but I will take it all. Pepperjack adds a great zip to a turkey sandwhich, swiss gives ham new meaning, not to mention what mozzarella has done for Italian dishes the world over. But what about American? Don't even start with the grilled cheese sandwhich. That little wonder takes on entirely new culinary meaning when made with a flavorful cheese.

Give it a try. The next time you are tempted to break out the Kraft American slices and add to your hot dog, burger, or (gasp) draped across french fries... reach for swiss, colby, pepperjack, or yes... extra sharp cheddar and see what a difference it makes.

Posted by CDogg at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)

Resolutions starting decline

Every morning, Lou and I walk down a paved trail that runs in the greenbelt between the rows and rows of houses in my neighborhood. During the year, we see a couple of regulars: a Korean man with his walking stick, a hispanic lady with her baby stroller, and one or two infrequent walkers/joggers. The new year changed that.

Now there are droves of well-meaning walkers working off that latest ten pounds. To me, its all just another reason to dislike New Year's Resolutions... it crowds my walking trail. Normally, I wouldn't care because I truly enjoy meeting new people. The problem is that many of them are also walking their dogs.

The dogs themselves are not the problems either... often it is uneducated owners that make Lou's walk stressful. Attention Dog Owners!!! Dogs are very social animals and sniffing each other is a very important part of that socialization. Pulling your dog away and not letting them sniff each other tells each dog that the other does not want to be social and then the barking starts. You are teaching your dog to distrust and dislike other dogs.

Good dog owners will always be a welcome sight on "my" trail as it is an added treat to our walks. I will be happy when all my new pathmates inevitably break their resolutions, go back inside to watch Ellen, and leave us our peaceful morning walks.

Posted by CDogg at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2007

Worst of Both Worlds?

At first blush, Californians might be overjoyed to hear about Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed healthcare plan... after hearing some of the details, I am not so sure it is all that great.

He is quick to spout off that under the plan everyone would be covered. In the richest country in the world, fully 40% of our citizens have no health insurance. The devil is in the details. The plan does not take the tax dollars in the system being spent on frivolous pork projects and redirect them to caring for the taxpayers... instead it mandates that everyone MUST have coverage. Making it law that you must have coverage is a far cry from providing coverage. This is nothing but a not-so-thinly veiled boon to the insurance industry.

For a large portion of my life I chose not to have health coverage because I was a healthy young man. Had I lived in California under the proposed law, that choice would not have been mine. Now after decades of television ads pounding into my head that I could have every disease known to man, I have been convinced I need coverage. I still don't go to the doctor, but now I get to hand over hundreds of dollars each month to ally my fears.

Now what of the person who cannot afford to make the choice at all? If I didn't choose such a Spartan lifestyle, I wouldn't be able to afford that choice. Not because I am a sponge on society... not because I am an illegal alien... because real income in this country has been dropping steadily for years and exponentially each time another "free trade" agreement is signed.

Our elected officials take our tax dollars and use it to fund programs such as the proposal in California. The preamble to the Constitution clearly states that the government's roles is to "provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty." I don't read anything about "promote the welfare of big business."

Universal healthcare IS coming... the citizens of the country will eventually be heard. I predict that across the board, Republicans will appear to be doing an "about face" on universal healthcare, but what they will really be promoting is mandated coverage and the citizen will be the one responsible.

Remember, WE hired them! Demand that your tax dollars promote the welfare of the citizens and NOT big business.

Posted by CDogg at 06:09 PM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2007

In praise of humidity

I just can't say enough good things about the humidity in Texas. Sure, everyone loves to complain about how oppressive it feels during August when the temperature is 100 and the humidity is 95%... but I have sure come to appreciate it.

I have found over the past few years that any time I travel north of Dallas my skin becomes so dry and flaky that it is almost painful at times. This past week in Vegas was torture for the ol' epidermis. My skin feels like it is 20 years younger since I returned to the water-soaked air of the Lone Star State.

Posted by CDogg at 06:53 PM | Comments (0)

January 04, 2007

Just great

Geez... I spend a week with a couple of hypochondriacs that are afraid of their shadow because it may have germs. They mix cocktails of the most horrible looking stuff to ward off "bugs", they wipe down the toilet seat with cleanser and towels before every use, they wash their hands every ten minutes, and STILL they spend the whole week coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and medicating. After all that - I wake up this morning with a sore throat!

Now, I rarely get sick, but I do tend to get one of these "lose-your-voice" sore throats every other year or so. I tend to believe it is because I am not germophobic and welcome the opportunities to build my immune system. I am not sure anyone could spend a week with two of these Typhoid Marys and not catch something - but the good news is that I will kick this thing in a couple days and they will go on weakening their defenses, fearing dirty spoons, and generally feeling bad all the time.

Posted by CDogg at 09:49 AM | Comments (1)

December 14, 2006

I'm so weak

I have unofficially sworn off soft drinks. I never really sat down and said, "I am no longer drinking..." but just quit buying sodas to bring home. As phase one of the "change" I decided it was okay to get an occasional Coke or Dr. Pepper when eating at a restaurant, but just wasn't going to sit around drinking them all day at work or in the evenings at the house.

After a few nights of craving my carbonated sugar water, I gave in tonight. Nope, I didn't go out and buy a twelve-pack and then slam 8 in one sitting. I drank a generic grape soda that has been in my fridge for about six months. I am not a big fan of grape soda (the purple fuzz just sorta freaks me out) but I had them leftover from some outing or another and figured that some guest would eventually drink them.

Well they didn't and I have begun. Hey, I'm not proud... it didn't even taste that good. In fact, I only took a couple of drinks... you know - just enough to get the sugar rush and stop my jonesin'. It wasn't even good grape soda... we're not talking Nehi or Welch's here... we're talking uber-cruddy Wal-Mart Stars & Stripes brand...uggh.

Posted by CDogg at 05:48 PM | Comments (2)

August 15, 2006

Boo ya!!! The C-Dogg wins!

I entered a contest a while back with Bicycling magazine for a promotion called BikeTown USA.

The rules were simple... submit an essay about how you would use a free bike to change your life. I entered and then promptly forgot about it. That was until yesterday.

I got an email from Bicycling magazine stating that I was one of the winners from Houston and I will be awarded the above bicycle next Wednesday at Memorial Park in Houston. It is the kind of bike I have been wanting for quite some time, but never got motivated enough to buy.

My goal in getting the bike is to use it as a touring/errand bike. I plan on getting saddle bags for carrying things. I'll use it to take care of those niggling little trips that by car are a total waste. Runs to the bank and post office as well as grocery store etc... will now be done on the bike. Save the environment, trim the waistline, what could be better?

This couldn't have come at a better time as it coincides perfectly with my new XBox 360 Diet. Lookout - the pounds are going to melt away now, baby!

Posted by CDogg at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)

August 08, 2006

I think this will work

Well, after one day of the "Xbox 360 Diet," I think it is going to work out well. After walking Lou, water jogging at the gym, and some cycling, I had quite a few extra calories I could eat for the day, but wasn't real hungry. Most of my eating is because I am bored and when you have the task of tracking your calories, you notice that you aren't hungry - just bored. Instead of eating, I did other things so I had a net loss of 983 calories for the day. That comes out to a third of a pound, and roughly two pounds a week, which is a healthy rate.

Posted by CDogg at 08:44 AM | Comments (1)

August 07, 2006

The XBox 360 Diet

Okay, so I have an XBox 360 and I am way over my target weight.... how can I use the XBox to correct the weight? Why the "XBox 360 Diet" of course!

That's right, I have created a diet based on a reward/punishment system... pretty simple stuff - but it always seems to work for me when I need to do something like lose weight. The diet has several aspects:

1 - a clear system of measuring success
2 - rewards for meeting or beating expectations
3 - consequences for falling short of expections
4 - accountability

The clear measurement of success is accomplished by counting calories ingested and expended and trusting in the simple fact that if on balance I take in less calories than my BMR (basal metabolic rate,) I will in fact, lose weight.

I will use one of my current vices (television) and a soon-to-be vice (playing XBox) as the rewards. I will also use both of them as consequences. If I reach the goals for the previous day, I get to partake in those activities... if I miss... I am shut off for a day.

Accountability will be handled on the blog. I will post my successes and failures for the world to see.

The daily post will be a short note about how things went and the following information:

Calories ingest: #,###
minus
Calories expended: ###
---------------------------
Net calories #,###
minus
BMR* 2,165
---------------------------
Balance #,###

If the balance is a positive number - NO televison and NO XBox
If the balance is between 0 and -390 - NO XBox - television is okay
If the balance is <-390 television AND XBox are okay

It sounds much more complicated than it really is... I mean, I DO have a degree in Exercise Physiology... it should be easy.

*BMR - the amount of calories required to maintain my current weight

Posted by CDogg at 10:04 AM | Comments (1)

June 19, 2006

Another vice - just what I needed.

Just when I had almost weened myself completely off soft drinks... the evil PepsiCo tempted me yet again. A longtime fan of Mountain Dew, I had to give their new flavor a try... "Mountain Dew LiveWire." It has that same great "do the dew" zing with a blast of orange flavor... very nice.

I also heard that is a "summer only" release. That's right, they are testing the market with the drink to see the public reaction. That means that if I want this stuff to stick around, I have to talk everyone I can into drinking it. Hmmm.... or maybe if I want to break free from its evil clutches, I need to keep it to myself and hope it does. Aaaarrghhh... its tough being a pawn of big business.

Posted by CDogg at 05:17 PM | Comments (1)

April 22, 2006

Earth Day Challenge

Most of the information here was lifted from the CyFair Freecycle group. It is a recycling group in my area - search the web for Freecycle to find a group in your area.

Earth Day Challenge - Dont buy anything this weeked... what do you win? A less cluttered home, and the satisfaction of knowing that you did a small part for Earth Day 2006

In honor of the 36th annual Earth Day and what it is all about, let's use this weekend for the following!

* Post as many offers as you can rather than tossing things in the trash that would then overload the landfills.

* NO WANTED WEEKEND! Let's not add to our collections this weekend, only take away!

* Conserve energy! Knock your A/C thermostats up a few degrees. Feeling hot? Go outside and pick up neighborhood trash for 30 minutes at a time, then come back in! Your home will feel cool!

* Conserve water! Try not watering the grass this weekend, and go without washing clothes! Start a trend to use water one less day each week!

* Reduce Air Pollution! It's inevitable. Our vehicles are sometimes our backbone in society, needed for our day to day activities, AND, it's just part of how Freecycle works! I challenge you to ONLY drive where you have to this weekend, and don't go any further than 5 miles one way to pick up an item!!

* RECYCLE!!! Almost everything these days is recyclable!!! Put them in a bag or box and recycle! Coke bottles, pizza boxes, plastic bags, milk jugs, etc.

The first Earth Day, in 1970, aimed to help develop earth-friendly habits like recycling household trash, properly disposing of pesticides and other household toxins, and resisting the temptation to toss litter out the car window or over the shoulder. Of course, this is not where it stops, but doing even a little bit this weekend could be a good start.

We should all remember to conserve energy, conserve water, reduce air pollution, and take the time to recycle for an overall waste reduction.

Posted by CDogg at 08:24 AM | Comments (0)

March 01, 2006

I go once a decade whether I need it or not

I went to the doctor yesterday for the first time since... well, I don't remember my last visit. I went in because my shoulder has been hurting for about four weeks now. I was shooting hoops with the neighbor kids when I tweaked it pretty bad. Normally, I ice things down and after a few days everything is fine... this time it just seemed to linger. I figured I better see if there was something involved that time wouldn't heal.

One of things I dislike about our medical system (and trust me, there are MANY more) is that they talk down to you. I mean, I do have a degree in Exercise Physiology... I know what is going on in my body. Despite the fact that I pointed out exactly what I believe to be wrong, they insisted on going through the x-ray process. I felt that an MRI would be much more revealing and the x-ray would be a waste of time (and insurance money.)

I snapped this just before getting irradiated. I kept the tech in stitches as I questioned her about the machine ruining my iPod, my credit cards, my phone etc. and then donned a real serious face - pointed to my "junk" and said, "My boys are gonna be okay - right?" She busted up and managed to say... "yeah, you're equipment will be fine."

After reviewing the x-rays, guess what? The doc said there was nothing to be learned from them and that I should probably get a MRI. DOH!! Oh well... I still have to schedule that part, but at least we are on the right track now.

Posted by CDogg at 07:54 AM | Comments (1)

January 19, 2006

Health update

Update on my numbers

Starting weight 230lbs
Current weight 222lbs
Rank for the entire facility 67
Rank among men at the facility 33
Rank among men in my age group at the facility 12
Total pounds lifted 26,570

I moved up quite a bit in the overall standings, but among the men I only gained two positions (and those both appeared to be in my age range.) I am going again tonight so maybe I will be able to crack the list of top 10 men in my age range.

The initial 8 pounds dropped off pretty quickly and things have pretty well stopped there... it could be because while I am attempting to eat better - it just doesn't come that easy when you really hate plant life.

Posted by CDogg at 03:47 PM | Comments (2)

January 13, 2006

Health update

Inspired by Christiana Ellis' 50 pounds, 6 months videocast - I am doing something similar (not doing a videocast, but am attempting to lose weight publicly.)

My goal is 45 pounds in six months as I recently weighed in at the heaviest of my life - 230lbs.

As you have seen in previous posts, I am using the Fitlinxx system at the YMCA to track "fitness points." My excuse for not doing so well in December was that I started midway through the month... so how am I doing with a fresh month?

Starting weight 230lbs
Current weight 222lbs
Rank for the entire facility 80
Rank among men at the facility 35
Rank among men in my age group at the facility 14
Total pounds lifted 9,065

Posted by CDogg at 08:46 AM | Comments (1)

December 19, 2005

Humor me

I'll try not to give you too many updates because this sort of thing can become boring to read pretty fast. (What's that? Its already boring? Tough. haha)

Rank for the entire facility 317
Rank among men at the facility 122
Rank among men in my age group at the facility 42
Total pounds lifted 20,530

Again, I started well into the month so I don't expect great results for December... but come January - it is SO on!

Posted by CDogg at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

December 18, 2005

Obsessing once again - but this time over a good thing

Well, I started working out at the YMCA last week and they have this system called Fitlinxx. It is installed on all the weight and cardio machines and it tracks how much weight you lift, how long you ride etc. Back when I worked at the Y, they were just installing the system and I was bummed because they didn't have an internet aspect. I even bugged the head office and told them that it really needed the ability to check your progress on the internet - graphs, charts - the whole deal. They told me "most clients wouldn't ever use that." Haha

As it turns out, Fitlinxx has come a long way... they now have an internet front end and while it doesn't have all the customizable graphs I would like, it is very addictive.

I have just been going for a couple days now so I got a very late start to the month, but here is how I stand so far in December.

Rank for the entire facility 420
Rank among men at the facility 149
Rank among men in my age group at the facility 55
Total pounds lifted 11,180

I will do my best to continue to improve the rankings throughout the month, but January should be much better as I won't be starting halfway through the month.

Posted by CDogg at 09:59 AM | Comments (0)

October 25, 2005

Yet another bachelor invention

I have come up with some strange concoctions in my day - just read back through the blog to find some... but I think I have topped them all. Everyone loves Kraft Macaroni and Cheese - but I found a way to improve it! I have often imbued this dish with additional flavor - from adding meats as mundane as hamburger and chicken to the more exotic - tuna, etc. I have even added barbeque sauce to it in an ill-fated attempt to spice things up. They were all just stepping stones to the greatness of my latest creation.

Sour Cream and Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese. That's right, I added about two cups of Ruffle's Sour Cream and Onion potato chips - crushed to a fine blend to the completed Mac&Cheese to get a great tasting side dish. No difficult recipe to remember, nothing too dramatic - but darn tasty. Give it a try - if you crush up the chips fine enough, your guests won't have a clue - but will be asking for the recipe.

Posted by CDogg at 09:00 PM | Comments (1)

September 28, 2005

Save the environment by eating!

The BBC reported recently about a study showing that eating locally does far more for the environment than nearly anything else. The environmental impact of trucking food across the nation and the globe is devastating and all in the name of convenience.

So how can you eat locally? Well, forget about things like bananas as they have to travel thousands of miles to reach your grocer - but most fresh food items are available close by nearly everyone... at their local farmer's markets.

The options at the farmer's market varies with the seasons, but just take a look at the wide variety available currently at Houston's Farmer's Market:

frozen shrimp (Tue only)
tomatoes
black-eyed peas
micro greens
Asian pears
fresh herbs
free range eggs
pickles
peppers
okra
cucumbers
figs
onions
local honey
pepper jellies
handmade soaps
goat cheese
flowers
AND MORE!

Want to stay in touch with what is going at Houston's Farmer's Market? Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

Posted by CDogg at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)

September 14, 2005

Water Bottle Reuse Safety...

I am sure that by now everyone has heard that water bottles are not safe for reuse. I have heard every reason from carcinogens breaking down in the plastic to buildup of bacteria. So what is true? Why the rumours?

Well, the study was originally done by a 2001 University of Idaho student as a Masters thesis without peer review and chock full of contaminating elements in the study process. No further tests have been able to substantiate these claims. This study which was jumped all over by the "here is the latest thing that can kill you" media has been widely reported.

In addition, the International Bottled Water Association reported that reuse is unsafe based on people not cleaning and drying the bottles sufficiently to kill bacteria. If you run your bottles through a dishwasher, this fear is also eliminated.

So what is the bottom line? Well, if the plastic causes cancer, it is going to cause cancer from the start - not just after you refill it for free. I am thinking that all of the fearmongering is probably just marketing... I mean, if we are afraid to reuse bottles, we will likely go buy more. Sure, its cynical, but then hasn't big business given us plenty of reason to be cynical?

Posted by CDogg at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2005

Wayback - January 2, 1989

First entry of the new year! Well, I've been to see Dawn every night for the past five days. Don't freak out - theres nothing romantic going on... she is happy with her friend Brad - in fact, she's in Corpus Christi visiting him which probably explains why I found the time to write.

My foot injury flared up - it developed an abcess and just as I thought it was getting better, it swelled up and started hurting. This morning I went in to see Dr. Ted and get it fixed. It was his day off and he saw me anyway. (He is a good friend of my dad.) He cut it open and squeezed all the puss and blood out. It hurt like #@*!! Right now its 9:30PM and it hurts like hell. I haven't been able to bicycle or play basketball in several days.

I also lost my voice yesterday. I don't feel bad, but I can't talk very good.

In the sports world - #1 Notre Dame deated #3 West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl total to capture the National Championship. UCLA defeated Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. UCLA's quarterback Troy Aikman is likely to be the number one draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys - but I think if Steve Walsh decided to quit college ball early, he would be a good choice.

Well, I guess that's all for now and until next time, may all your jumpers hit nothing but the bottom of the net.

PS. In reading back, I realized that I didn't explain the foot injury - back on the 20th, I stepped on a toothpick which went into my foot about an inch. It was right on the ball of the foot making walking impossible. It got better and a couple of days ago, it started to swell so I had to get it cut open today.

Another interesting post... I spent an awful lot of time that Christmas break writing about Dawn even though we had been broken up for a very long time at that point. Reading the post also caused me to reflect on the fact that my dad, his friend Dr. Ted and Notre Dame's football program are now dead. The post also points to conclusive evidence of what I call my greatest sports prognostication flub ever... I was in the Steve Walsh camp and thought that Aikman would not develop into a long-term pro QB. Oh well.

Posted by CDogg at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)

August 28, 2005

036 - Logan stops by and we talk about the hole in his head, lightning storms, Florida's weirdness and more!

A long-time friend drops by for the show, he chooses a new name for security reasons and we rap about all manner of strange things.

(Time: 23:57)

Sound Scientist by bill

Intro and outtro music is I'm on Board by The Ride Theory.

Posted by CDogg at 05:43 PM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2005

Morgan Freeman heading for space

Hollywood star Morgan Freeman has signed up as a passenger on the world's first commercial space shuttle voyage.

The Shawshank Redemption actor has paid $216,000 to be among the eight passengers on the Virgin Galactic spaceship when it launches in 2008.

A Virgin Galactic spokesperson says, "We're delighted Morgan is coming onboard. He will be joining a host of stars keen to come on the ultimate thrill ride with permission to fly around the Earth on the first ever space package trip."

The 68-year-old will be joined by Sigourney Weaver, Paris Hilton, William Shatner and Victoria Principal and 30,000 other wannabe astronauts on the tourism program.

We know who would be President - we know who would be Captain - we know who would kill the aliens. I am guessing that one of this crew is responsible for artificial gravity...(gravity sucks.)

Posted by CDogg at 09:01 AM | Comments (0)

August 03, 2005

It is time to get in shape - I think I want to live.

I know, I have said it before and I know I have "fallen off the wagon" before - but its time. Its really time to fix some fundamental things.

Starting with this morning's breakfast club meeting - an outing which normally sees me consume eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatos - I am going to start eating healthier. I know you have heard that before. I have said that numerous times over the years here and yet, I am saying it once again.

I think the problem is that my body responds too quickly when I attempt to "get healthy." I drop 20lbs without really working that hard and my cholesterol drops 80+ points when I hit it hard in the "eat right" department. I get all happy with my progress and quit before I make it past that "life changing" plateau. I think that is seems to come so easy that I decide it is okay to backslide a bit. Well - no more.

I won't go into the thought process that woke me at 3am and got me researching variou health conditions online, but suffice it to say that I decided it is time to make a major change.

To that end, I am going to start by attacking the double-whammy of weight and cholesterol. I found these steps on the National Cholesterol Education website:

----------------------------------
Lowering Cholesterol With Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)
TLC is a set of things you can do to help lower your LDL cholesterol. The main parts of TLC are:

The TLC Diet. This is a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol eating plan that calls for less than 7percent of calories from saturated fat and less than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. The TLC diet recommends only enough calories to maintain a desirable weight and avoid weight gain. If your LDL is not lowered enough by reducing your saturated fat and cholesterol intakes, the amount of soluble fiber in your diet can be increased. Certain food products that contain plant stanols or plant sterols (for example, cholesterol-lowering margarines) can also be added to the TLC diet to boost its LDL-lowering power.

Weight Management. Losing weight if you are overweight can help lower LDL and is especially important for those with a cluster of risk factors that includes high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels and being overweight with a large waist measurement (more than 40 inches for men and more than 35 inches for women).

Physical Activity. Regular physical activity (30 minutes on most, if not all, days) is recommended for everyone. It can help raise HDL and lower LDL and is especially important for those with high triglyceride and/or low HDL levels who are overweight with a large waist measurement.

Foods low in saturated fat include fat-free or 1percent dairy products, lean meats, fish, skinless poultry, whole grain foods, and fruits and vegetables. Look for soft margarines (liquid or tub varieties) that are low in saturated fat and contain little or no trans fat (another type of dietary fat that can raise your cholesterol level). Limit foods high in cholesterol such as liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy products.

Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, certain fruits (such as oranges and pears) and vegetables (such as brussels sprouts and carrots), and dried peas and beans.
----------------------------------

Well, there you have it - it is PHASE I and will continue FOREVER!! Not just until I drop another 50 cholesterol points and 20lbs. BUT, when I do reach healthy levels in both of those, I will implement PHASE II.

Posted by CDogg at 04:06 AM | Comments (1)

June 24, 2005

Gauntlet is Laid Down & Tour de 1/10th is on!

Manny has done it - he called me Granny once too often. After outriding me a couple weeks ago, he decided that he earned the right to talk smack. Those of you that know me well know there is nothing I hate worse than a sore-winner. To me, it is the ultimate classless act to rub it in someone's face after you beat them. Sore losers I can abide... their pride is hurt, they are defeated... if they want to throw up an excuse or two - more power to them. I mean afterall, if I just beat you at something, how does it hurt me if you bring up the fact that you have a pulled muscle, skipped your prerace meal, or heck - had your underpants stolen by gnomes throwing you off your game? It doesn't hurt a bit.

I realize that victories for some people are few and far between and the temptation to talk smack (expecially when beating a more skilled competitor) must be great. But come on - do the right thing.

Anyway, Manny bought his bike four months ago and in that time, I rode maybe 3 times while he has been riding regulary. He beat me fair and square with this disparate amount of training, but can he do the same if I have training time? That is the challenge I have placed in front of him. Give me four months of training and lets do it again... then lets see who comes out on top. I realize that I am giving him eight months of training to my four months, but I will take that handicap as I feel my 18,000 miles and 23 years of cycling experience should more than make up for having half the training.

To that end, I am once again attempting to do what I call the Tour de 1/10th. I take the distance of the Tour de France riders each day and do 1/10th of that amount for time. In the past several years I failed to finish until last season where my times put me at 147th place.

This years race:

1 Saturday, July 2 19 km 1.18m
Fromentine > Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile (TT)
2 Sunday, July 3 181.5 km 11.2m
Challans > Les Essarts
3 Monday, July 4 212.5 km 13.2m
La Châtaigneraie > Tours
4 Tuesday, July 5 67.5 km 4.19m
Tours > Blois (team / TT)
5 Wednesday, July 6 183 km 11.4m
Chambord > Montargis
6 Thursday, July 7 199 km 12.3m
Troyes > Nancy
7 Friday, July 8 228.5 km 14.1m
Lunéville > Karlsruhe
8 Saturday, July 9 231.5 km 14.3m
Pforzheim > Gérardmer
9 Sunday, July 10 171 km 10.6m
Gérardmer > Mulhouse
R Monday, July 11
Rest day - Grenoble
10 Tuesday, July 12 192.5 km 11.9m
Grenoble > Courchevel *
11 Wednesday, July 13 173 km 10.7m
Courchevel > Briançon
12 Thursday, July 14 187 km 11.6m
Briançon > Digne-les-Bains
13 Friday, July 15 173.5 km 10.7m
Miramas > Montpellier
14 Saturday, July 16 220.5 km 13.7m
Agde > Ax-3 Domaines *
15 Sunday, July 17 205.5 km 12.7m
Lézat-sur-Lèze > Saint-Lary Soulan (Pla d'Adet) *
R Monday, July 18
Rest day - Pau
16 Tuesday, July 19 180.5 km 11.21m
Mourenx > Pau
17 Wednesday, July 20 239.5 km 14.8m
Pau > Revel
18 Thursday, July 21 189 km 11.7m
Albi > Mende
19 Friday, July 22 153.5 km 9.5m
Issoire > Le Puy-en-Velay
20 Saturday, July 23 55 km 3.4m
Saint-Etienne > Saint-Etienne (TT)
21 Sunday, July 24 144 km 8.9m
Corbeil-Essonnes > Paris Champs-Élysées
TOTAL 3,607 km 224.1m

Posted by CDogg at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

June 12, 2005

Is this what facing your mortality is about?

Ever since helping Manny pick out his sweet new Gary Fisher a while back, we have been planning on doing a ride together. Since our ride the day of his purchase, our schedules have never quite matched up. Well, that changed yesterday and we decided to ride Braes Bayou. The problem is that in the three months since he bought the bike, Manny has been riding regularly and I have ridden almost not at all. Note to self: don't do a thirty mile ride into downtown without any training.

I could go on about the various reasons why I didn't perform up-to-snuff, but the bottom line is that I wasn't prepared. I made the mistake of not logging many miles this year. I made the mistake of eating a huge lunch at the halfway points. I made the mistake of choosing the hottest part of the day for riding. I made the mistake of choosing the most open, treeless trails in the city. In short, I made the mistake of thinking that I could approach things like I did when I was much younger.

Oh, I finished it... I am still stubborn enough to ride until I die rather than quit and admit defeat. I have still never "sagged" out of any event without a mechanical failure and wasn't about to start. What I did however, was slow down. Manny was patient with my lameness as somewhere around 4PM and mile 22, I stopped sweating and got a little concerned about heat stroke. I just dropped it down to "old lady" speed and cranked out the last half dozen miles or so at about 8mph.

We stopped at Boone's Cycles near Hermann Park to rest up before lunch. It was evident even at the halfway point, that I wasn't my old cycling self. So what does this mean? Are my cycling days behind me? Have I completely tumbled down the far side of "over the hill?" Hell no! This is just the sort of thing I needed to get me back in the saddle. (And no, I am not mixing metaphors here - I am talking about the bike saddle.) With the Hotter N' Hell behind me, I haven't really had a cycling goal in several years... I am now working on defining a few. I'll check back with you later.

Posted by CDogg at 08:34 AM | Comments (0)

June 09, 2005

Daily Fitness Notes

To see the fitness plan - click here.

Exercise calories: 337
Calories to spare: 27
Calorie breakdown: on target

To earn the exercise calories, I had to ride my bike 6 miles and walk Lou for 1 mile.

Posted by CDogg at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)

Its that time again...

Yeah... I decided to get back on the fitness wagon. I will begin with simple caloric reduction. From there, I will add a progressive exercise routine.

For now, I am planning on limiting my daily caloric intake to 1,800 kCal or below. My basal metobolic rate (BMR) shows that I require about 2,200 calories per day to maintain my weight. That means that without exercise, I should lose about 400 kCal a day. The one exception wil be in the area of exercise... when I exercise, I will add the amount of calories burned to the total allowed for the day.

I am also planning to fit my calories into this rough breakdown - Fat (25-35%), Carbohydrates (45-55%), and Protein (15-25%.)

And don't worry, I won't shock you with the shirtless before picture. :)

Posted by CDogg at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)

Blind Wood

Am I the only one that finds it funny that the class action lawsuit filed against Viagra was started by a guy in The Woodlands, TX? How poetic is that?

Posted by CDogg at 07:55 AM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2005

Have you had your clay today?

Yeah, you heard me right... clay. I had sort of a blind date today. Well, it wasn't really a date, but it was at least a blind meeting. Without naming names, lets just say that my new friend Shannon is the make up artist for one of Charlie's original Angels. I met up with them at a local guest appearance and while sitting behind the scenes, Shannon informed me about the health benefits of clay.

I had heard about the uses of clay for cleansing before, but she inferred that it

works wonders on quite a few maladies... (Immediately, my fraud radar goes up when I hear anything that claims to solve all your problems.) It was enough to make me do some research however.

The common name of 'medicinal clay' is 'Bentonite Clay.' Bentonite is actually the commercial name of Montmorillonite. It was so named because it was originally discovered in Fort Benton, Wyoming. Montmorillonite is found all over the world and is eaten all over the world for its medicinal benefits.

Okay, I know - right now you are rolling your eyes or have quit reading... but hear me out. Clay is a scientifically proven healer - in fact, over 200 cultures worldwide eat clay or consume clay infused drinks and have for centuries.

Why eat dirt? Well, clay is actually a darn good cleanser because it absorbs heavy metals. I don't think I have to tell you about the increased amounts of these metals in our food supply. The metals bond to the inert clay and are passed through the body.

Do I think it can solve warts/whooping cough/a broken leg/ and chronic halitosis? I doubt it. But, do I think it has valuable health benefits in cleansing your system of impurities? You bet.

Whether it was wiping out on my motorcycle or getting my faced shoved in the ground by my older brothers, I ate plenty of dirt as a child - who knew I was improving my health? Clay - it does a body good.

Posted by CDogg at 08:32 PM | Comments (1)

You really will go blind!

Federal health officials are investigating rare reports of blindness among some men using Viagra and other impotence drugs. They have reported some 50 cases of vision loss associated with erectile dysfunction drugs but warn that some of the conditions that cause the need for these drugs often cause blindness as well.

He still looks happy though...

Posted by CDogg at 12:15 AM | Comments (1)

April 19, 2005

More "back to nature" whackiness...

Yeah, that's right... I bought a push mower... no, not a gas mower without automatic drive, a push "reel" mower. My mower broke down last summer and I managed to limp through borrowing from neighbors and paying people to mow my lawn. Let's take a look at my options...

1 - I could spend about $300 and buy a new gas mower - investing a large sum of money in something that will never appreciate in value - contributing to noise and air pollution - increasing my dependency on fossil fuels while contributing to their depletion... etc. etc.

2 - I could spend about $500 and buy a new electric mower - investing an even larger sum of money in something that will never appreciate in value - getting warm fuzzies knowing that I am not polluting or using fossil fuels.

3 - I could spend $80 and buy a new push reel mower - investing much less in something that will never appreciate in value - forcing myself to get exercise when I mow - getting warm fuzzies... yada yada yada...

4 - I could pay a crew to mow my lawn $20 a week and never worry about it - investing MUCH more than even the most expensive mower in something that will never appreciate in value - contributing to green house gasses etc. etc. etc. This is really probably the worst option.

I opted for #3 and after the first mowing, all I can say is WHOA! That was definitely a good workout. It wasn't that is was so much harder than pushing around a much heavier gas mower, it was the fact that there is no momentum. It is a more constant effort - when you stop pushing, it stops. It doesn't roll to a stop... it STOPS! It doesn't even roll by itself on the downhill...

...I originally stopped mowing my own lawn when I decided that my time could be better spent "cutting deals" and "doing biz," well, I think that for the exercise value alone this was a good purchase.

Posted by CDogg at 06:17 PM | Comments (2)

April 18, 2005

Take Back Your Time

Does your schedule feel like a race? Hmmm... maybe there is a reason it is called the rat race. Do your kids/pets/significant other see less of you than your coworkers? Hmmm... there is something definitely wrong about that.

The industrial age was supposed to be the start of copious amounts of free time. In the 50s Americans were sure that they were well on the path to the 20hr work week. The information age was supposed to do the same thing... remember? Computers were going to make our lives easier - take care of our mundane functions - give us more time for relaxation and family. What happened?

We are putting in longer work weeks now than workers in the 50s. We work a full nine weeks longer than Eastern European citizens. The average American gets two weeks vacation - the average European gets SIX WEEKS! But, we are the superpower... we are the biggest economy... we are the most productive workforce... what gives?

True, we have created great strides in productivity... the problem is not that we NEED to work harder... the problem is that we WANT to work harder. Think that sounds crazy? ...hear me out. Maybe we don't actually want to work harder, but we do want what harder work buys us. We are trading our increases in productivity for STUFF! Plain and simple.

We put in our 60-80 hour weeks not so that we can put more money away - but simply to buy that next shiny purchase. We are being sold a bill of goods by the television... the bills says that "things" are the answer to happiness. When is the last time you saw a commercial that said... "hey, take some time off - spend it with your kids - walk the dog" Never, unless they were selling a kids play-place or a dog walking service.

Speaking of dog walking - did you know that in major metropolitan areas of the US, that is the fastest growing business? That is crazy. We have pets so we can spend time with them and then don't even have the time to take them for a walk. Medieval peasants put in less work hours than we do... they had time to sit out back with Rover.

What can you do? Well, it is unrealistic to think that you are going to just walk out of your job and start taking life slower... but there are little things you can do to take back your time.

1 - set aside some "you" time. This can be as little as 15 minutes to start... and it doesn't mean watching TV - that is not "you" time, that is "them" time. Go to the park and feed the ducks. Play catch with your dog. Play a silly game with your kid. Call a friend. Read a book. Listen to music (just listen.)

2 - cut back your dependence on "things." As your desire for stuff goes, so will your inclination to put up with crap for the sake of a check.

3 - never buy on credit. Even if you don't look at the added cost of credit... look at the time costs. You are trading your future hours of leisure so that you can have something now... that sounds a lot like indentured servitude to me. Grandma was right when she said, "If you can't pay cash for it, you can't afford it."

The next time the hustle of your schedule starts to get you down.. think about it... would you trade that DVD you've never watched twice for an hour of peace? Now remember that the next time WalMart has a sale on the directors cut of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.

Posted by CDogg at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)

April 16, 2005

I'd walk a mile for...

I am so predictable. For such a "spur of the moment, always up for something new" kinda guy - I am pretty easy to peg. Well, if you know me like Dave does. He shows up about a week ago and drops a line about his pedometer. (Get your mind out of the gutter - it is a little device that measures how many steps you take during the day.) I was thoroughly uninterested until he told me how many steps he did for the day... what was his angle? Surely he knew that if I was told there were stats involved, I would feel obligated to get my own and turn it into a competition - with myself if nothing else.

Well, I think it was about about an hour later that we were at WalMart purchasing my brand new Sportbrain Pedometer. This thing is too cool and the stats are entirely entertaining. It connects to the internet via a USB cable and automatically sends your stats to your online account.

Here are the dates and number of steps since I got the thing. While I was doing a lot of editing and tax stuff, I turned in some pretty low days, but with the weekend, things look to be picking back up.

4/08/2005 6,709
4/09/2005 9,635
4/10/2005 6,379
4/11/2005 7,820
4/12/2005 5,430
4/13/2005 5,406
4/14/2005 5,587
4/15/2005 5,406
4/16/2005 8,954 (not finished with today yet)

I should end up with 11 or 12K by the end of today, but that depends on if I find something interesting to do tonight.

Posted by CDogg at 06:33 PM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2005

The Final Straw

Well, it is as if the gods were telling me it was time to get off my @ss and get in shape. (Trust me, this will make sense by the time I am finished.) I went to take a shower this morning and was given the shock of only freezing cold water from the showerhead. My hot water heater that has given me trouble since I got the darn thing about two years ago finally gave up the ghost. I took a freezing cold shower and thought I was going to shock my heart into an arythmia.

After fiddling with it for a good chunk of the morning, I finally gave up - maybe I should just get a new one? But geez, the thing has a 9yr warranty and despite never working properly, that should be worth something.... now if I can just find the paperwork.

I was going to head out and buy a new one today, but figured I would look into the warranty at least... that is what they are for - right? In the meantime however, I can't continue to take such shocking showers. What's the solution? Well, less than a mile away is a brand new 24 Hour Fitness and I just happen to have a membership... why not shower there? Oh yeah - and since I am going to be going there every morning for a little while - why not workout? (See, I told you it would make sense eventually.)

I am using my latest misfortune as a sign that it is time to get into shape. I went out and bought green tea tonight (I pray it doesn't taste like @ss.) I also recently stocked up on my USANA Nutrimeal shakes and bars... it is time to get it into the fitness gear. I will go to 24 Hour Fitness in the morning, work out, shower, dress for work, and start to eat healthy again. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Posted by CDogg at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2005

You are what you eat? Oh no!

So you mean to tell me that Hot Pockets and Chef Boyardee are NOT major food groups? Seriously, this is my freezer...

at least most of them are Lean Pockets... and the top shelf has a bag of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. (note: the icemaker is working now.. woo hoo!)

And just check out my pantry...

If you look in the upper right corner of the pic, you will see that there are some actually fat free Ravioli's.

It sounds like a rather terrible diet, but the Hamburger Helper has been in there about two years (I never buy hamburger since the whole Mad Cow thing) and the Boyardee stuff is actually pretty low in fat.

But... in an effort to try to live a bit longer - I broke down and bought a couple healthy items...

The bananas will be used in my USANA Nutrimeal smoothies that I have for breakfast and the lettuce will, well... hopefully, I will find a use for it!

Posted by CDogg at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2005

Back on the health wagon...

I have decided to go back to publicly working on my fitness again... I have been a little lax in the past month or so... (okay... a lot.)

Here are the totals for the day: (goal)
Total Calories: 2,002 (<2,200)>27%(25-35%)
% Carbohydrates: 51% (45-55%)
% Protein: 22% (15-25%)

Posted by CDogg at 08:11 PM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2004

A look behind the veneer...

The entry about the watch a week or so ago which compared a person to the watch he wears got me to thinking. Sure, you can tell a lot about me by the tone and content of my posts here - but often these clues are hidden among movie reviews and corny attempts at humor. I thought I would take a second to add a more serious look at my personality.

Being a lifelong fan of psychology, (an area of huge interest of mine as well as my minor in college) I have often enjoyed all those psychological profile tests and studied them as to their validity. In doing so, I have found one test in particular that seems to do the best job of nailing down personality types. The test is called the Myers-Briggs Psychological Profile or Type Indicator. The best remaining website for taking the test is called the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. (The test and results used to be available online for free, but now you must register with the site and then you only get a broad result unless you pay for the $15 full report.)

I have taken the test no less than a half dozen times in the last 15+ years and the result is always - ENTJ.

A couple online descriptions of ENTJ.
The Fieldmarshal Personality
ENTJ Profile

There you go... probably a lot more info than you cared to know.

PS. While researching sites for this post, I found another one of those silly profile tests... What Classic Movie Are You? I am...

Posted by CDogg at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)

December 01, 2004

A touch of hypochondria...

I have always been one to ignore aches and pains... that is until the herniated disc in my back caused me to rethink that "I'm going to live forever" thing. I have tuned in a bit more to things that go ouch.

Recently, the outside of my left heel has been hurting when I walk on it. With Pennie's foot issues, I was starting to wonder if I had bone spurs or something similarly icky. I mentioned it to Dave today and in a case of turnabout, he said, "you might have just bruised it or something." Well, that got me to thinking - as late night work sessions have a habit of making me do - and I just figured it out.

Right after we checked in to the hotel last Friday night, I was setting my computer up on the table. As I backed away from the table, the outside of my left heel struck the leg of the chair with some serious force - after the obligitory rubbing the pain away, I had pretty much forgot about it. Upon palpitation of the area, it is pretty clear that there is a bump from hitting it and it is indeed bruised. Thanks Dave, for the memory jog.

...maybe I will live forever afterall. :)

Posted by CDogg at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)

September 01, 2004

Have you saved a life lately?

According to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, I saved three lives today. How did I do it? I donated blood. I was doing some banking at Klein Bank and saw the Bloodmobile in the parking lot. I have always been what I would term a lazy blood donor... meaning, I am happy to do it, I am just not too hip on getting off my duff and making a trip to do so.

Not only did I save three lives today... I GOT A T-SHIRT!! ..and a coupon for a pint of ice cream... SCORE!!

This is Theresa... the whole crew thought I should be taking it a bit more serious...

Posted by CDogg at 06:12 PM | Comments (0)

July 22, 2004

Wear Yellow - LiveSTRONG

Several people have asked me over the past few weeks, "What is that?" in reference to the yellow wristband I have been wearing. The wristband is a symbol of the work being done by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Pay attention in the media and you will start to see these band pop up all over the place. So far, I have seen Derek Jeter (New York Yankees), Venus & Serena Williams (tennis), Cheryl Crow (singer), Jay Leno (Late Show host), Robin Williams (actor), and a host of others sporting the bands.

"Yellow wakes me up in the morning.
Yellow gets me on the bike every day.
Yellow has taught me the true meaning of sacrifice.
Yellow makes me suffer.
YELLOW IS THE REASON I'M HERE."
-- Lance Armstrong, seven-year cancer survivor.

Now is your chance to do your part! I am riding in the Ride for the Roses in October. This ride by the Lance Armstrong Foundation raises funds for advocacy, education, public health and research. Part of my requirement to be able to ride is to raise funds...

Please, please, please give to this cause that is near to my heart.

I am riding:
To honor the memory of my father who died of cancer
To support a foundation that does great work

Click this link to make your tax-deductible donation:
https://secure.laf.org/Donations/Donate_amount.cfm?sid=200150660

Make a donation and I will send you one of the cool yellow bands as a thank you.

Posted by CDogg at 08:00 PM | Comments (0)

June 21, 2004

Bad is bad

Well you start eating healthy and it is amazing how horrible bad food starts to taste. Brian changed the brake pads on my truck yesterday so I told him I would take him out to eat and he could pick the place. He chose Hooters (big surprise - haha) and we went there to have some wings and take in the last inning of the Yankees/Dodgers game.

Well, I always remembered their wings being greasy... I just can't believe I used to eat this stuff. Not only eat it - but look forward to eating it! Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with wings, in fact, there is really nothing short of scoops of lard that isn't okay in moderation - but these wings are the greasiest gunk I have ever tasted. I first got an extra plate and covered it with paper towels. I transferred the wings to the new plate to soak up the grease and then covered them with more paper towels. I completely soaked 8 (EIGHT!) paper towels with grease. We are not talking dabs of grease of spots of grease - we are talking soaked! You could wring them out and make a puddle.

After making them somewhat safe for human consumption, I had a few and they tasted okay. I figured I had another all-day yardwork-garage cleaning-marathon so I could afford a little decadence. What a waste of a splurge. The stuff kept me up half the night with a general nausea and a feeling like I was going to do the heartburn thing really bad. I woke up this morning and my stomach felt like I swallowed a 10lb lead weight. In fact, it wasn't until I had a USANA Nutrimeal shake that I got back to normal. (I guess I needed something healthy to cut the grease.)

Long story short - the view at Hooters was decent - but the wings are disgusting. Next time I feel like being a bad-boy at mealtime, I am not headed there.

Posted by CDogg at 06:17 PM | Comments (0)

Prez sez "Get in shape"

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has launched www.presidentschallenge.org, a new interactive Web site to help all Americans build a regular physical activity routine.

I have decided to track my activities on that web site and try for the various awards.

Posted by CDogg at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)

March 29, 2004

Friday Night Injuries

Friday Night Injuries

I forgot to mention the rough business that is show business. While doing a shot of the Permian Panthers breaking through the big banner to take the field, a guy between Brian and I had a seizure. We were in a crowd scene where we were all cheering our Panthers taking the field by busting through the huge Panther banner. Everyone was jumping up and down wildly and screeming when this guy (20 yrs old) suddenly let out a loud "AAARRRRGGGHGHGH," doubled over as he spun to the left, and fell half onto Brian and half onto the stadium seat. Brian didn't have a clue what was going on as the guy started convulsing while leaning against him. As the calls for a medic went out, Brian helped push the guy onto the floor and got out of the way. I had been talking all day with a lady about her daughter's modelling career and had found out she was an EMT. She was several rows away and had heard our calls for a medic, but was blocked by tons of gawkers. I literally had to pull a lady out of her way that was blocking the row stunned. We got her over there as the first responder and she took charge. It was quite an exciting event as a cadre of paramedics arrived as he was coming to. The guy was dazed and confused, not knowing where he was for the first ten to fifteen minutes after the seizure. Eventually, he cleared up mentally and he said that he had his first seizure a couple weeks ago and chose to do nothing about it.

I had an injury of my own as I got a little too excited and ignored common sense by not stretching or warming up at all. I pulled a groin muscle from jumping wildly up in the seats and cheering on the Panthers. I have been icing it today on and off because it seems to be getting worse. I have diagnosed it as a strain or slight pull of the Adductor Magnus muscle.

The treatment for this type of injury is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.) Gee, that Exercise Physiology degree did come in handy! It has been kinda hard to take care of because I have a lot to do and you cannot get much done when your thigh is wrapped with an ice-bag, while the leg is propped up above chest level. Pretty much all you can do is lay on the couch and watch TV.

Posted by CDogg at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)

October 01, 2003

Bike ride in the park

Took a lunchtime bike ride at Bear Creek. I am going to try to do more of that - yeah, right! Anyway, it was a nice lunch and even with riding a quick ten miles and snapping a couple pictures, the whole thing still only took just over an hour including showering afterwords. I ate USANA bars while riding and drank water so I got a good little workout and didn't have to skip lunch.

I snapped a pic while riding just to see if I could do it without wrecking...

Then I saw this fella and remembered that Mike's wife, Julie love Longhorns, so I shot it quick to send to her.

Posted by CDogg at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)