A Real Warrior

http://sports.aol.com/story/_a/with-an-iron-will-he-finds-a-way/20080229222809990001

Quick grocery shoppping tip

Shop around the perimeter of the store first. This is where the fresh and most basic products are, like fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, grains and dairy.

Nutrition Interview

Dr. John Berardi is one of the nutritionists whose info. I rely on when I'm curious about meal planning, nutrient info., etc... I had the privilege of seeing him speak last year in Waltham. My cousins in Ottawa will love that he's Canadian too!

Check out an interview he recently did:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gEnUClneduA&feature=related (Part I)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k3ab-POZMZc&feature=related (Part II)

Chewing gum is healthy?

Came across this from the American Dietetic Association:

http://eatright.org/ada/files/FINAL_Wrigley_FINAL.pdf

Where is the justice?

How does THIS:

Beat THIS at the Grammy's?

Go to rehab, win 5 Grammy's. Wow.

Plantar Fasciitis

There are a lot of terms that get thrown around a lot including tendonitis, bursitis, etc... One term that I've heard a lot of people talk about as of late for some reason (maybe it's because this is prime time for Boston Marathon training) is "plantarfasciits." Here's a piece I took from Gray Cook that explains this condition:

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PLANTAR FASCIITIS -- SIMPLIFIED
An arch pain primer

By Gray Cook

Plantar fasciitis is an odd phrase that means arch pain. It can stop athletes dead in their tracks.Sometimes this condition arises for no reason at all. Sometimes athletes experience arch pain after changing footwear or because of another injury. Many times, an athlete who has injured a knee on one side may experience plantar fasciitis or arch pain on the other side, simply because of the predominance of weight bearing and overuse of that side while the knee was recovering from its injury.Footwear and orthotics can often help this problem. Orthotics can be either customized or off-the-shelf. I recommend an off-the-shelf orthotic first, as an upgrade from the insole that is normally provided in athletic shoes. The orthotic will control the compensation the foot must provide for some other body part; however, if the reason for the compensation is not removed, the orthotic will not fix the problem.You must always restore mobility and flexibility before true stabilization and strengthening can occur. Many times, the foot is made to compensate and collapse its arch (or pronate) because of ankle, knee, and hip stiffness as well as movements such as lunging and squatting.Many times, a trigger point in the calf can also refer pain to the arch. Very often plantar fasciitis is misdiagnosed when simply resolving a trigger point in the calf can remedy the problem.Problems can occur on the same side as well, due to strength, flexibility, and alignment changes that occur in the joints and muscles above the foot, following injuries of the ankle, knee, and foot.

Gray Cook is a practicing physical therapist. He has created the Functional Movement Screen, one of the pillars of the Reebok Core Training System, which he developed in 2000. He is author of the book titled Athletic Body in Balance. You can reach him through the web site www.functionalmovement.com

Manny being Manny

While I admittedly get pissed off when Manny pulls some of his antics (not running out that ground ball last season killed me), I am aware how hard he works in the off-season. Check out Boston.com for some great shots of him doing his off-season workouts at Athletes Performance, alongside Youkilis and many other MLB superstars.

In case you're wondering, those are 110 lb. dumbbells he is pressing- yikes!

Putting speed behind your reps

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE), one of the most respected journals around, recently published a study on a topic I am fond of (explosive lifting). In it, the study mentioned that explosive (powerful) contractions during exercise (think pushing a weight up fast on a chest press or pulling up quickly on a chin-up) used more energy, thus potentially leading to weight loss. Therefore, if you've got a client stuck in a rut/plateau, consider altering/manipulating the tempo of certain lifts.

Lifting with some speed behind a rep also recruits more Fast Twitch (Type II) muscle fibers which are the fibers we tend to lose the quickest with age. Additionally, their preservation has been proven to prevent falls in older individuals.

Now I'm of course not suggesting you get your 90 y/o client to start doing jump squats but you get the idea. Simply "push the tempo" as my man Fatboy Slim (http://youtube.com/watch?v=RGpkNPbSa2Q) would say!

Recommended snacking

Since eating every few hours is a GOOD thing, here's a snack bar I can actually recommend to clients. I tried it for the first time today and it was actually really good. I've been so limited in bars I can actually recommend so this one gets the nod (note 9 grams of fiber- awesome):

http://www.fiberone.com/Product/Bars.aspx

Whole grain apple waffles

One of my favorite basketball players, Sarunas Jasikevicius, provided his recipe for Whole Grain Apple Waffles to a fitness website I frequent. They're delicious. Eat up and enjoy:

SERVES
6

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup brown rice flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp Splenda (may need to adjust this to desired sweetness)
1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
2 eggs
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced red apple (Gala works well)

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat waffle iron.

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients, up to and including Splenda. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, water, oil and vanilla. Add this to dry ingredients.

Stir in apples.

Use approximately 1/3 cup batter for each waffle. It may be necessary to thin the batter a bit with a little more water.

NUTRITION FACTS
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g

It's never too late to start hitting the weights

Over 65? Keep Exercising!
Strength training essential for elderly, CDC says

By Daniel DeNoon
WebMD Medical News

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

Latest Exercise & Fitness News
Fitness Cuts Men's Death Rate
Helmets Save Lives in Winter Sports
Fitness Begins at Home
Exercise Eases Some Menopause Symptoms
Health Tip: Athletes Should Wear a Mouth Guard
How can older adults add to their years of independent living? Add strength training to your exercise routine, the CDC says.

This isn't about six-pack abs or competition weight lifting. It's about life. Seniors who exercise are healthier, suffer fewer falls and fractures, and -- most importantly -- live more independent lives.

Yet only 11% of the over-65 set does strength-building exercises the recommended two or more times per week, according to CDC data. The report appears in the Jan. 23 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The national health goal is to up this number to 30%. If that sounds hard, the CDC numbers provide a clue: Nearly 25% of active seniors meet the strength-building objective.

Being active means moving your butt -- what the CDC calls "moderate-intensity physical activity" -- for at least 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week. Or you can do more vigorous exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, at least three days a week.

Not sure which exercises are best? The National Institute on Aging has an online guide -- complete with an exercise video. Look for the exercise guide at the NIA web site, http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/growing_stronger.pdf.

The CDC calls for churches, community centers, senior centers, schools, and fitness centers to offer exercise programs for older adults. These programs should:

Increase awareness of fitness benefits
Be affordable.
Be friendly to people with physical limitations.
Offer transportation.
Address the fear of injury.

My fav. player

Haven't thrown up a Nash video in a while so here's one of my favorite commercials starring my fav. player:

Kelly Sweet sings my fav. Aerosmith song

Still can't decide if I like her version. It sounds a lot like Enya. Let me know what you think:

Hadn't heard this one in a while- always loved it

Nutrition Maxim

Just finished reading a really good book on healthy eating (Amazon.com: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why: Books: Jonny Bowden) and it had an awesome quote in it:"The quality of the food we eat comes from the quality of the food our food eats."

Holiday Weight Gain

On average, people gain between 9 and 11 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's- inexcusable if you ask me but what do I know? I put on just shy of that (7 lbs.), and 5 of them are already gone. Here are a few easy ways to get the weight back on track:

• Eat breakfast every day to ensure blood sugar (glucose) stabilization and keep metabolism constantly active


• Eat foods that are "nutritiously dense" (think veggies like broccoli and spinach that offer a huge supply of vitamins, minerals, and fiber yet are low in calories)


• Assuming you're engaged in an exercise routine, make sure you are strength training. In a recent helath fair i worked at, I'd estimate of the limited number of people who admitted they exercised regularly, less than half engaged in resistance training. Sure, "cardio" (walking, cycling, swimming) activity burns calories but doesn't improve muscular strength and endurance- and bone density- the way strength training does. Get off the treadmill for once and pick up a challenging pair of dumbbells. Simple exercises like chest presses, lunges, and dumbbell rows will do the trick.

My new favorite exercise

Hex-Bar Deadlifts:

One of my all-time favorites

Oklahoma City Mayor Puts City on a Diet

OKLAHOMA CITY — With a button-popping spread of cornbread, sausage and gravy, chicken fried steak and pecan pie designated as Oklahoma's official state meal, it's no surprise that Oklahoma City's mayor wants to put the city on a diet. Mick Cornett has challenged the city to shed 1 million pounds as its New Year's resolution.
Prompted in part by his own struggle to lose weight, Cornett wants to end Oklahoma City's dubious distinction as one of America's fattest cities.
"The message of this obesity initiative is that we've got to watch what we eat," Cornett said Thursday. "Exercise is part of it and the city is trying to change into a city that is less sprawling, has more density and is more pedestrian friendly, but you're not really going to take on obesity unless you acknowledge that we eat too much and don't eat the right foods."
As part of the initiative, residents can sign up and track their weight loss on a new Web site, . More than 2,600 people had registered by Thursday. They've lost more than 300 pounds. http://www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com
Besides a body mass index calculator, the site includes recipes and links to metro-area fitness centers. Plans call for expanding the site to include the opportunity to blog and network with other participants, Cornett said.
"It's always easier if you're doing something hard if you have other people to do it with," he said.
The mayor timed the start of the weight-loss program to the beginning of the new year, when many people begin exercise programs after holiday feasts.
Oklahoma City ranked 15th in a 2007 survey of America's fattest cities conducted by Men's Fitness magazine. The survey examined lifestyle factors in each city, including fast-food restaurants per capita and availability of city parks, gyms and bike paths.
"I can't tell you exactly where you rank in our 2008 survey, but I can tell you that Oklahoma City is in the top 10," magazine spokeswoman Jennifer Krosche said. "That's not good."
The Oklahoma Legislature designated an official state meal in 1988. The menu also includes fried okra, squash, barbecue pork, biscuits, grits, corn, strawberries and black-eyed peas.
Cornett, 49, stands about 5-foot-10 and weighs 183 pounds. He began a personal fitness initiative eight months ago when he weighed 217 pounds.
"I would like to get down to 175, so I've made a goal to lose 8 pounds over 8 weeks," he said.
Carrie Snyder-Renfro, a 44-year-old teacher working out at a fitness center Thursday, said she made a resolution last month to eat healthier and exercise. While she was unaware of the mayor's Web site, she said she would consider signing up.
"Last year I dieted and lost about 10 pounds a month for three months, but I left out a key component," she said, huffing and puffing on an elliptical machine. "I didn't exercise regularly. I ended up losing muscle mass instead of fat, and I ended up gaining almost all of it back.
"Now I'm making it more of a priority to put everything in balance. I have to get the eye of the tiger back."
Cornett wants to make exercise more attractive to residents by increasing the number of bike trails and sidewalks in the sprawling city, where public transportation is minimal, most people are wedded to their cars and outdoor activities for some might be limited to watching a football game.
"In Colorado, you ski, you climb, you run ... something," said Karen Massey, community nutrition coordinator at Integris Baptist Medical Center. "In Oklahoma, we're either involved in competitive sports or we do nothing. We're spectators."

Article from today's Boston Globe Health/Science section

http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2008/01/07/should_i_eat_protein_after_lifting_weights/

10 machines to avoid

Decent article on MSN Health today:

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100184337&GT1=10815

With Diet, Exercise and Friendship, Man Loses 400 Pounds

For those of you who missed it, ABC News had a segment of 20/20 on a few weeks back about a man who lost 400 pounds- all without surgery. Here's the story. Email me your comments:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4029716

DVD Recommendation

Just rented Season I of "30 Rock-" funny stuff. Check it out if you get a chance.

Finance 101 for '08

Closing out the books on 2007 and situating everything for '08? Here's a fantastic article from today's Boston Globe/Washington Post:
http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2007/12/30/get_organized_for_the_year_ahead/

A Perfect Night

What a night. My fav. movie is on, my Celtics win, AND the Patriots secure a 16-0 regular season record. Great stuff!

15 smart choices for the week

• Chicken breast
• Tilapia
• Cod
• Tuna
• Bison
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Cottage cheese
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Natural peanut butter
• Olive oil
• Black beans
• Wild salmon
• Lentils

15 smart choices for the week

• Chicken breast
• Tilapia
• Cod
• Tuna
• Bison
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Cottage cheese
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Natural peanut butter
• Olive oil
• Black beans
• Wild salmon
• Lentils

Sacrifice

Perseverance is a positive, active characteristic. It is not idly, passively waiting and hoping for some good thing to happen. It gives us hope by helping us realize that the righteous suffer no failure except in giving up and no longer trying. We must never give up, regardless of temptations, frustrations, disappointments, or discouragements.

Quote

"If you are what you eat and you don't know what you're eating, do you know who you are?" Claude Fischler

Phytonutrients are...

...substances that are naturally occurring only in plants. Some of them may provide health benefits beyond those provided by essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich fruits and veggies has been associated with a lower risk of some chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. According to "Core Performance" nutritionist Amanda Carlson, phytonutrients (also called "Phytochemicals") may act like anti-oxidants to help protect and regenerate essential nutrients and/or work to deactivate cancer-causing substances.

Each fruit and veggie contains specific phytonutritent based on its color. The blue/purple group (think plums, grapes, raisins, blueberries, and blackberries) contains anthocyanins and phenolics which have been linked with attenuating the aging process.

More to come...

-PC

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

-PC

2 classics

My favorite U2 song:


My favorite MJB song:

Heart of the Matter

-Your system of blood vessels – arteries, veins and capillaries – is over 60,000 miles long. That's long enough to go around the world more than twice!
-The adult heart pumps about 5 quarts of blood each minute – approximately 2,000 gallons of blood each day – throughout the body.
-When attempting to locate their heart, most people place their hand on their left chest. Actually, your heart is located in the center of your chest between your lungs. The bottom of the heart is tipped to the left, so you feel more of your heart on your left side of your chest.
-The heart beats about 100,000 times each day.
-In a 70-year lifetime, the average human heart beats more than 2.5 billion times
-An adult woman’s heart weighs about 8 ounces, a man’s about 10 ounces
-A child’s heart is about the size of a clenched fist; an adult’s heart is about the size of two fists.
-Blood is about 78 percent water.
-Blood takes about 20 seconds to circulate throughout the entire vascular system.
-The structure of the heart was first described in 1706, by Raymond de Viessens, a French anatomy professor.
-The electrocardiograph (ECG) was invented in 1902 by Dutch physiologist Willem Einthoven. This test is still used to evaluate the heart’s rate and rhythm.
-The first heart specialists emerged after World War I.

Source: The Cleveland Clinic Heart & Vascular Institute

No Time

Which was the the first Canadian rock group to have a No.1 hit in the United States you ask, The Guess Who of course. I love this song by them, entitled "No Time."

Blueberries

One of my fav. berries, blueberries are quite the antioxidant powerhouse. According to a recent strength & conditioning web site...

"Just a couple of years ago, the Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate one cup per day had a perpetual increase in the amount of antioxidants in their blood. Maintaining this physiologic state, they guessed, probably plays a big role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and degenerative eye diseases."

Hotel California

Came across this tune while watching a recent episode of Entourage. It's also on "The Big Lebowski" soundtrack. Enjoy:

It's What's for Dinner (Not beef- FISH!)

Anyone who has trained with me knows how big I am into getting people to seek out leaner sources of protein. Fish is a huge staple in my diet (had 4 different types this week alone). The American Heart Association (AHA) has some interesting info. on their site. Check out the following article I found:
-------------------------------------
Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

AHA Recommendation
Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease.

We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

To learn about omega-3 levels for different types of fish — as well as mercury levels, which can be a concern — see our Encyclopedia entry on Fish, Levels of Mercury and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

We also recommend eating tofu and other forms of soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed, and their oils. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can become omega-3 fatty acid in the body. The extent of this modification is modest and controversial, however. More studies are needed to show a cause-and-effect relationship between alpha-linolenic acid and heart disease.

The table below is a good guide to use for consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

Summary of Recommendations for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake

Population Recommendation
Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD) Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts).
Patients with documented CHD Consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA+DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician.
Patients who need to lower triglycerides 2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.


Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules should do so only under a physician’s care. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Background

In 1996 the American Heart Association released its Science Advisory, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Lipids and Coronary Heart Disease.” Since then important new findings have been reported about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease. These include evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials. New information has emerged about how omega-3 fatty acids affect heart function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics) and arterial endothelial function. These findings are outlined in our November 2002 Scientific Statement, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease.”

The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk are still being studied. However, research has shown that they

decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
decrease triglyceride levels
decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
lower blood pressure (slightly)
What do epidemiological and observational studies show?

Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD incidence. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources.

The ideal amount to take isn’t clear. Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes. For alpha-linolenic acid, a total intake of 1.5–3 grams per day seems beneficial.

Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes). They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event. For example, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trials are needed to document the safety and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in high-risk patients (those with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smokers) and coronary patients on drug therapy. Mechanistic studies on their apparent effects on sudden death also are needed.

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable. However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.
-----------------------------------

As always, limit the fish which contains higher levels of mercury (shark, King Mackerel, and tuna). I eat the latter once/week. Cheap source of quality protein.

Man I wish I grew up in the 60s and 70s. Enjoy the tunes...

I love these wedding videos

Classic clip

Love these 2 songs right now

Poor Diet Linked To Poor Performance in School Children

In the first study of its kind, researchers have linked an overall poor diet with unfavorable school performance. Previous studies have linked certain nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, protein) with poor performance in school, but none have looked at an overall diet pattern.

The research was conducted on 2,200 elementary school children in Taiwan. Both parents and children filled out a questionnaire asking how frequently the children consumed certain food items. The items were then grouped into 4 categories, "highly nutrient dense foods" (including vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and eggs), "dairy products," "traditional Taiwanese foods" (including internal organ meats, seafood, and soy products), and "sweets and fried foods."

There was a substantial association between unfavorable overall performance in school and high intake of low-quality foods, such as sweets and fried foods. These same children were also likely to have a low intake of high-quality foods, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs and dairy products. The greater the number of unhealthful eating patterns, the higher the risk for unfavorable school performance.

Bottom Line - Making sure your child eats a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein like fish, beans and low fat dairy may help them perform better at school. Limiting the fried foods and sugary sweets will help, too

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2007; 107:1935-1943


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh Carrie

Creed time

My favorite character from my favorite show...

A Higher Perspective

What troubles you is mostly trivial when viewed from the great perspective of all that is. Yet those troubles can feel much bigger when you look at them from the viewpoint of your self-imposed limitations.
Your ego will seek to convince you that nothing beyond you matters. Such thinking will keep you trapped in a prison of your own making.

Let go of the need to prove what you're worth. And you'll realize how uniquely valuable you already and always are.

As long as you remain on the same level as the obstacles in your life, those obstacles will prevent you from making progress. Yet from a higher perspective you'll discover many ways to get beyond them.

If you're confounded by some particular situation, step back and remind yourself, in your own way, of how truly beautiful and magnificent life can be. Feel yourself rising above the limitations that your ego has constructed.

Instead of being troubled by your troubles, let them be a catalyst for your own growth and for truly meaningful inspiration. Climb up to a higher perspective and find a path to the greatness that is within you.

-- Ralph Marston

In Ray We Trust

"The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." Bruce Lee

He's getting better every day

Does it get any better?

Friday night at home watching my Celtics win yet another game, crushing their once-rival LA Lakers. As usual, Kobe leads all scorers and his team loses. I don't know why people actually like players like him. While Kobe has won a couple titles, he's the last person to admit it's because his team played well collectively. He won because of guys like Shaq, Derek Fisher, and Rick Fox. Anyway, before I get lost in another basketball rant, I was gonna head upstairs to finish some work when one of my all-time favorite movies came on right after the game...

"Casino." Of course I have it on DVD, but I couldnt resist staying up and watching. Something about that movie always fires me up. Could it be that the "F" bomb is dropped 422 times (yes I looked it up), the incredible double-disc soundtrack, or the fact DeNiro just fires me up? Either way, itll always be one of my favs.

Celtics kill the Lakers, DeNiro helps wack a couple people- does it get any better on a Friday night?

Enough with the Excuses Already!

"I don't have time"
"I can't afford a gym membership"
"It's boring"
"It's too hard"
"It's too hot/cold"
"I don't have an exercise partner"
"I'm gonna wait until after the holidays to start"

I have heard the last one so often lately- pathetic.

Best show on TV

Perfection in a jump shot

A Metro-west sports writer recently had what I found to be a perfect description of what it's like watching my favorite player:

"Ray Allen takes a pass out of the key and fires up a 3-pointer from the corner. Swish. Then another. Swish.Then another, and another. Every shot with an identical stroke and an identical result. Every muscle in his sleek frame repeating the exact twitch or ripple. It's like you're watching a video clip on a continuous loop. So repetitive. So captivating. Then he misses one, and you are stunned."

It doesn't get much better than that.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.........

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3076707/

"Not That There's Anything Wrong with That"

Got to see "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" tonight. I really liked it, although I'm STILL undecided whether or not I think Jessica Biel is hot. I find her a bit of a "two face," to use a Seinfeld reference.

There were a lot of familiar faces Sandler has used in his past movies. In addition there were some really random cameos (Dan Patrick and Dave Matthews)! A couple quick facts I found out:

-The book that Chuck (Adam Sandler) reads the kids as a bedtime story is "The Puppy Who Lost His Way", the same book Billy's 1st Grade teacher reads at story time in Billy Madison (1995).

-Steve Buscemi was actually a New York City Firefighter before he became an actor.


So....I'd definitely recommend this one. Let me know what you think.

What's in your fruits & vegetables?

When "going organic," consider the fruits & veggies that contain the greatest % of pesticides. For example, fruits to consider purachsing organic version of are peaches and apples. According to the USDA and the FDA, 97% of peaches and 92% of apples contain pesticides. Those fruits and vegetables that came out on top (contained few pesticides) include onions, avocados, pineapples, broccoli, and bananas.

Funny stuff

A couple clips from one of my favorite stand-ups:

Classic Carter

We're taking it back a few years with VC's dunk over Frenchman/NY Knick draft bust Frederic Weis. Bear in mind Weis is 7'2". Also, Carter almost whacks current Celtic Kevin Garnett with his right arm as he celebrates after the dunk!

Strength Training the Fountain of Youth?

http://coreperformance.com/article.php?p=3&s=1&atID=3&id=631

http://hbns.org/news/strength09-30-03.cfm

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56758

Sicko

Finally got to see Michael Moore's "Sicko" last night. At best it was so-so. I get a kick out of how people LOVE or HATE Moore. Like anyone with an opinion, he has good points and bad. My only knock is he tries to make issues (i.e. health care) black and white when, in fact, there are shades of gray. Here's a feedback posting I liked/agreed with from IMDB.com:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having read all the comments and reviews, this movie was pretty much what I expected. Moore does a really good job in making his point.

What bothered me a little was his black & white view of the healthcare industry - either it is public OR private. In reality, many western countries have a "hybrid" system. For example here in Finland we have a pretty reasonable public healthcare system (which by the way is not totally free for the patient, albeit very cheap), but in addition, we also have private clinics, if you want even faster service and are willing to pay extra. You can also get an insurance from private companies, which provides extra financial support and/or service in the private clinics in case of illness. Also some workplaces and institutes have free doctors.

A portion of the cost of medicines is substituted by the government in either case, and there is an annual limit after which they are totally substituted.

I think it would be pretty straightforward to establish this kind of system in the US. There is no need to socialize healthcare TOTALLY. There is no need for the insurance company to "go" (as Moore put it), they just need to step aside a little and stop being the main authority. Also, if insurance companies have to compete with FREE (health care), there is only one thing they can do: offer really good service!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long story short- I'm glad I didn't pay full price when this film was in the theatres as it wasn't that great.

Physicality of basketball

Nice article here. Be sure to check out the 2 video links at the end.

http://sbcoachescollege.com/articles/Basketball_Contact_Collision.html

Rainy days in Newburyport

I'm off to beautiful Newburyport today to start a 9-week group ex. class for city employees. I wish the weather were nicer out (it's pouring out), as that's a gorgeous town. Ah well. It'll be nice to get back there and reconnect with some of the people I taught a year ago.

Sox 3-4 hitters go late-night with Conan and Leno

Donning the pinstripes

The last 6 weeks or so, I've been taking a course @ Tufts University to become certified as a basketball official. The final exam was tonight and I passed! Pasing is an 86 and I scored a 90. Great stuff.

This is why he's my favorite Celtic

The pride of UCONN hits the game winner @ Toronto today...

Committee approves state ban on trans fat

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/11/02/committee_approves_state_ban_on_trans_fat/

Captain Varitek gives his Newton neighbors a treat on Halloween

This is why he's been my favorite player for so league:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/11/02/fans_catch_treat_at_varitek_home/

Anti-running article

Another "anti-distance running" article from Coach Mike Boyle on Core Performance this week:

http://coreperformance.com/article.php?p=3&s=1&atID=3&id=625

"Spiderman" exercises

I love using these 2, moreso the second one, with clients to work hip mobility:

So happy together