Lately, I have not had too much to say. I have been continuing with my training, and have maintained continued weight loss. Although, two weekends ago, I treated my body rather poorly. I went to a Ski Party in Wisconsin that is billed as "...kindergarten with alcohol". Needless to say, the lifestyle of health and fitness was put on hold for a few days. Those few days off of the bike were good for recovery (of muscles and saddle pain)
I think that I am going to have to get the cyclocross bike I mentioned earlier, and probably a nice gift for my wife for her understanding of my cycling needs! (I love you Kat! You are the best!)
My six13 is almost fully built. It is the lightest bicycle that I have ever felt. On that point, I must say that it is pretty ridiculous considering the bike is one of the lightest manufactured, and I am by no means a featherlight rider. I intend to break it in softly (nothing too agressive) while I continue to lose weight. I hope to be under 200 before I really take the bike to task.
After a head-on collision with a car and the theft of my cyclocross bike involved in the accident, it is time to return to commuting. (I believe that the bike was cursed given its history. I can only hope the curse remains for whoever possesses the bike now.)
--By the way, bike thieves are one of the lowest forms of human life. For me cycling embodies the freedom, adventure, and imagination of childhood. Bike theft invades the innocence embodied in cycling.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
That fatty is going to do what?!?
Some "scum of the earth" stole my cyclocross bike that I had pitured here in December. I have been considering a new cyclocross bike because they are the perfect commuting bike. I have my eye on a Cannondale Cyclocross Disc- a very sexy bicycle. Also, I have been slowly acquiring all of the bits and pieces for my new road frame. My grand cycling plan is this:
Cyclocross Bike - Year-round commuter, Touring
Old Road Bike - All conditions training, Centuries, Criterium Racing
New Road Bike - Good weather training, Centuries, time trials, All other racing (no crits)
Did you all catch that? I balloned up to 265+lbs over the winter and I am planning to race this year. I am down to 236lbs currently and the weight is still falling off nicely. My body fat percentage is dropping while my lean body mass is increasing.
I have joined a cycling group that I will begin riding with as the daylight increases and I have been contemplating joining xXx Racing.
I hope to enter a few races before my Mpls-Chicago trip. Following the trip I hope to enter many more.
Cyclocross Bike - Year-round commuter, Touring
Old Road Bike - All conditions training, Centuries, Criterium Racing
New Road Bike - Good weather training, Centuries, time trials, All other racing (no crits)
Did you all catch that? I balloned up to 265+lbs over the winter and I am planning to race this year. I am down to 236lbs currently and the weight is still falling off nicely. My body fat percentage is dropping while my lean body mass is increasing.
I have joined a cycling group that I will begin riding with as the daylight increases and I have been contemplating joining xXx Racing.
I hope to enter a few races before my Mpls-Chicago trip. Following the trip I hope to enter many more.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Saddle Sores
This is an unpleasant topic, but one that cannot be ignored. I have been trying to fix these unpleasant buggers for about a week, as they result in an extraordinary amount of pain while cycling. The hard thing to do it to get rid of them while maintaining a workout schedule.
Keys to NOT getting saddle sores:
Wear clean cycling shorts (with flat seams) - If you are cycling often, try to get about 3 to 4 pairs of shorts
Alway shower after riding
Use a hard, smooth saddle (prevent unecessary friction)
More info here and here
I have recently acquired a new road frame that I will have the extreme pleasure of building up over the course of the next few chilly months. I AM SO EXCITED!!
This new bike is of some consolation to me because some scum of the earth stole the cyclocross bike that I had pictured here in December.
Keys to NOT getting saddle sores:
Wear clean cycling shorts (with flat seams) - If you are cycling often, try to get about 3 to 4 pairs of shorts
Alway shower after riding
Use a hard, smooth saddle (prevent unecessary friction)
More info here and here
I have recently acquired a new road frame that I will have the extreme pleasure of building up over the course of the next few chilly months. I AM SO EXCITED!!
This new bike is of some consolation to me because some scum of the earth stole the cyclocross bike that I had pictured here in December.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Continuing Weight Loss
In 1999, I lost 135lbs in 11 months by sticking to a workout routine that involved weight lifting and cardio. I have now re-established that type routine and the results are great. I am down over 20-lbs since my new fitness focus that began in mid-december.
I have found the following articles represented in my earlier weight-loss efforts (that is, before I lost 135lbs and before I began my current regimen) :
THE FAILURE CYCLE
Conventional diets don't work because they are fauldy in design. They are based on weight-loss instead of fat-loss. You restrict yourself to a very low calorie diet or liquid diet and think you are reaching your goal because you are losing weight. But, because the diet is not designed to lose fat, you are mainly losing muscle weight. Consequently, upon resuming normal eating habits, you gain the weight back. So, as the cycle goes you start the same method all over again-only to fail again. It's called yo-yo dieting.
BUILT-IN SURVIVAL
So why do we retain body-fat? The answer goes back thousands of years. Early man ate anything and everything he could. He instinctively did so because it might be weeks before he found another meal. To survive, his body stored as much fat as possible to be burned as fuel later. We have not evolved from this state. We still are efficient fat-storing machines.
The built-in survival mechanism is strong. You body continually makes instinctive adjustments to stay alive. Dieting is no exception. In your mind you know you are simply dieting - however, your body believes you are starving to death - and instinctively seeks high calorie food in order to store and hoard fat.
YOUR BODY'S DEFENSE MECHANISM AGAINST DIETING OR STARVATION
1)Dieter Lowers Caloric Intake
2)Bodyweight Falls
3)Body tries to regain original weight by becoming energy efficient and slowing metabolic process.
4)Body senses reduction in body and perceives diet as starvation
5)Sensing starvation from lowered caloric intake, body slows metabolic rate; hoards fat for survival, and learns to function on fewer calories
6)Body begins to look for alternative source of fuel for energy
7)Body adapts by burning muscle for fuel, which in turn lowers metabolic rate
8)Dieter becomes tired and lethargic. Craving sweets and fats, body tricks dieter into increasing caloric intake
9)Body has learned to function on reduced calories. Any increase in calories will be stored as fat. Dieter regains all lost weight - and more.
I have found the following articles represented in my earlier weight-loss efforts (that is, before I lost 135lbs and before I began my current regimen) :
THE FAILURE CYCLE
Conventional diets don't work because they are fauldy in design. They are based on weight-loss instead of fat-loss. You restrict yourself to a very low calorie diet or liquid diet and think you are reaching your goal because you are losing weight. But, because the diet is not designed to lose fat, you are mainly losing muscle weight. Consequently, upon resuming normal eating habits, you gain the weight back. So, as the cycle goes you start the same method all over again-only to fail again. It's called yo-yo dieting.
BUILT-IN SURVIVAL
So why do we retain body-fat? The answer goes back thousands of years. Early man ate anything and everything he could. He instinctively did so because it might be weeks before he found another meal. To survive, his body stored as much fat as possible to be burned as fuel later. We have not evolved from this state. We still are efficient fat-storing machines.
The built-in survival mechanism is strong. You body continually makes instinctive adjustments to stay alive. Dieting is no exception. In your mind you know you are simply dieting - however, your body believes you are starving to death - and instinctively seeks high calorie food in order to store and hoard fat.
YOUR BODY'S DEFENSE MECHANISM AGAINST DIETING OR STARVATION
1)Dieter Lowers Caloric Intake
2)Bodyweight Falls
3)Body tries to regain original weight by becoming energy efficient and slowing metabolic process.
4)Body senses reduction in body and perceives diet as starvation
5)Sensing starvation from lowered caloric intake, body slows metabolic rate; hoards fat for survival, and learns to function on fewer calories
6)Body begins to look for alternative source of fuel for energy
7)Body adapts by burning muscle for fuel, which in turn lowers metabolic rate
8)Dieter becomes tired and lethargic. Craving sweets and fats, body tricks dieter into increasing caloric intake
9)Body has learned to function on reduced calories. Any increase in calories will be stored as fat. Dieter regains all lost weight - and more.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Home Exercise Routine
I met with Coach Cassandra again to develop an exercise routine that I can do at home. The nice thing about the exercises that she recommended is that they require a minimum of equipment. The equipment needed is as follows:
65cm resist-a-ball
4lb medicine ball
Dumbbells: 8lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb
14" high box
The exercises are as follows:
1:Planks- 30 seconds front, 20 seconds lateral (2 reps) - During the Front Plank exercise you hold your body flat in a push-up postion, except you are supporting yourself with your elbows. During the Lateral Plank, you support your body with the edge of your shoe and elbow. The opposite are rests on your hip.
2:Supermans (12 reps)- While lying on your stomach with arm raised above your head, raise opposite arm and leg and hold for 2-3 seconds. Focus lift on the lower back during the exercise and imagine you are trying to reach the walls with your outstretched are and leg.
3:Squats (12 reps)- Place feet shoulder width apart, sit back as if sitting in a chair. Extend arms in front for counter balance on way down, and bring arms to chest when standing upright. Hold the medicine ball to increase resistance.
4:Pushups (10-12 reps)- Keep hands 2-3 inches outside of chest. Modify by going to knees to complete the set.
5:Split Squats (10-12 reps)- Stand with feet shoulder width apart and separated so that when you drop for the squat, so that your knees do not bend to an angle less than 90 degrees.
6:Low Row (12 reps)- Use 20 or 30 lb dumbbell. Keep a wide foot stance with knees bent, bend and waist approximately 70 degrees, and place one arm on bench and keep your body weight over that arm. Keep shoulders parallel to the floor and lift weight vertically.
7:Step-ups (10 reps)- Start by standing on the box, drop on foot to the ground approximately 18" behind the box. Ensure that you land on the ball of your foot in a controlled motion, and don't allow your heel to touch the ground. Using the leg on the box, lift yourself so that both feet are on the box. Arms extend on descent and pull in on ascent. Finish tall on each rep.
8:Reverse flys (10 reps)- Stand in a split stance with a slight lean forward. Hold 8lb dumbbells in outstretched arms at shoulder height. Horizontally sweep dumbells from directly infront to the midline of your body (90 degree sweep with each arm)
9:Hamstrings (8-10 reps)- Place the resist-a-ball against the wall, and dig your heels into the ball. Keep a 90 degree bend in knees/hips. Roll hips up as high as possible by rolling hips up "one vertebre at a time".
These exercises seem to be mostly easy calisthenics, but my body is trashed after doing two circuits of this exercise schedule yesterday. These are basic "core muscle building" exercises, and I can't wait until my body feels warmed up after finishing this routine, versus feeling entirely exhausted.
65cm resist-a-ball
4lb medicine ball
Dumbbells: 8lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb
14" high box
The exercises are as follows:
1:Planks- 30 seconds front, 20 seconds lateral (2 reps) - During the Front Plank exercise you hold your body flat in a push-up postion, except you are supporting yourself with your elbows. During the Lateral Plank, you support your body with the edge of your shoe and elbow. The opposite are rests on your hip.
2:Supermans (12 reps)- While lying on your stomach with arm raised above your head, raise opposite arm and leg and hold for 2-3 seconds. Focus lift on the lower back during the exercise and imagine you are trying to reach the walls with your outstretched are and leg.
3:Squats (12 reps)- Place feet shoulder width apart, sit back as if sitting in a chair. Extend arms in front for counter balance on way down, and bring arms to chest when standing upright. Hold the medicine ball to increase resistance.
4:Pushups (10-12 reps)- Keep hands 2-3 inches outside of chest. Modify by going to knees to complete the set.
5:Split Squats (10-12 reps)- Stand with feet shoulder width apart and separated so that when you drop for the squat, so that your knees do not bend to an angle less than 90 degrees.
6:Low Row (12 reps)- Use 20 or 30 lb dumbbell. Keep a wide foot stance with knees bent, bend and waist approximately 70 degrees, and place one arm on bench and keep your body weight over that arm. Keep shoulders parallel to the floor and lift weight vertically.
7:Step-ups (10 reps)- Start by standing on the box, drop on foot to the ground approximately 18" behind the box. Ensure that you land on the ball of your foot in a controlled motion, and don't allow your heel to touch the ground. Using the leg on the box, lift yourself so that both feet are on the box. Arms extend on descent and pull in on ascent. Finish tall on each rep.
8:Reverse flys (10 reps)- Stand in a split stance with a slight lean forward. Hold 8lb dumbbells in outstretched arms at shoulder height. Horizontally sweep dumbells from directly infront to the midline of your body (90 degree sweep with each arm)
9:Hamstrings (8-10 reps)- Place the resist-a-ball against the wall, and dig your heels into the ball. Keep a 90 degree bend in knees/hips. Roll hips up as high as possible by rolling hips up "one vertebre at a time".
These exercises seem to be mostly easy calisthenics, but my body is trashed after doing two circuits of this exercise schedule yesterday. These are basic "core muscle building" exercises, and I can't wait until my body feels warmed up after finishing this routine, versus feeling entirely exhausted.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Say What?!?
Typically when I think of King George, I think of King "Oil Slick" George and his administrations' ties to oil, where alternative energy is considered drilling in Alaska instead of the Middle East.
Don't get me wrong, I have posted in the past that readers research "Peak Oil", "Hubbert's Peak", "Ghawar is Dying" and such, suggesting that we need alternative energy. I do believe that the oil in ANWR is good for George's "Strategery" because we have mastered efficiencies with petroleum and our national defence depends on a domestic supply of oil. Consider that if we used ANWR oil to fuel Amercian's current driving habits, the ANWR reserves would be depleted in less than one-year.
I have written in the past regarding my "vision" of alternative energies, and the King is going to talk about how our national security depends on pursuing alternative fuels.
Today seems appropriate to revisit the "time will tell" post.
New tickers for consideration: STP, SPWR, ESLR, ENER, AND XSNX.OB (OH YEAH!!). I expect each of these to experience somewhat of a price correction tomorrow because the anticipation of KG's speach is built into the price. (Buy the rumor, sell the news.)
To restate from my previous post:
Being "green" should not have a tree-hugger connotation any longer. Being green is becoming the backbone of economic decisions that are driven by national security issues and the cost of carbon-based fuels.
Don't get me wrong, I have posted in the past that readers research "Peak Oil", "Hubbert's Peak", "Ghawar is Dying" and such, suggesting that we need alternative energy. I do believe that the oil in ANWR is good for George's "Strategery" because we have mastered efficiencies with petroleum and our national defence depends on a domestic supply of oil. Consider that if we used ANWR oil to fuel Amercian's current driving habits, the ANWR reserves would be depleted in less than one-year.
I have written in the past regarding my "vision" of alternative energies, and the King is going to talk about how our national security depends on pursuing alternative fuels.
Today seems appropriate to revisit the "time will tell" post.
New tickers for consideration: STP, SPWR, ESLR, ENER, AND XSNX.OB (OH YEAH!!). I expect each of these to experience somewhat of a price correction tomorrow because the anticipation of KG's speach is built into the price. (Buy the rumor, sell the news.)
To restate from my previous post:
Being "green" should not have a tree-hugger connotation any longer. Being green is becoming the backbone of economic decisions that are driven by national security issues and the cost of carbon-based fuels.
Old Friends and New Motivation
I recently got in touch with a former co-worker of mine, Brent Winebarger. We worked together at Bennet's cycle in Saint Louis Park, Roseville, and Uptown in Minnesota. He was an awesome cycling partner and I have nothing but great memories of hanging out with him. He was also one of people that got me deep into cycling. We lost touch when he moved to Texas shorly after I completed my bike trip from Minneapolis to Florida in 1999. With a quick Google search, I came across his Cycling Profile. He is living the life that I am entireley envious of: surrounding by cyclists, and riding competitively.
I hope that soon I will back in shape where we can ride together the way we did in 1999, but for me that means taking it up a few notches to reach his current riding level.
I hope that soon I will back in shape where we can ride together the way we did in 1999, but for me that means taking it up a few notches to reach his current riding level.
Friday, January 27, 2006
The Ongoing Battle
When I first started my blog it was to track my weight loss. Through some misfiring and lack of commitment, I fell off the wagon so to speak. I have recently developed a simple and achievable routine that requires consistency and motivation. Previsouly, my workout routine included cycling to and from work. Although great exercise, I was unable (unwilling?) to continue through the holiday season and the winter.
My current workout routine is as follows:
Sunday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Swimming (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Monday: Off - No Exercise
Tuesday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Wednesday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (1.5 hrs) or (2-45 min sessions)
Thursday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Friday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (1.5 hrs) or (2-45 min sessions)
Saturday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
When the weather improves, I will be able to transition easily from indoor cycling to commuting while maintaining the remaining workout schedule. I have maintained the above schedule for about 6 weeks and it is becoming a habit.
One of the most valuable tools that I have been using is the FitDay website. It is crazy to see the amount of calories in food and their origin. The most remarkable food was pork ribs. Pork ribs have nearly equaly grams of fat and grams of protein. The other component is that Fat has 9 cal/gram and Protein has 4 cal/gram. This means for every 300 calories from ribs, more than 200 are from fat.
Being an informed eater really allows you to make more conscience choices in your diet.
My current workout routine is as follows:
Sunday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Swimming (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Monday: Off - No Exercise
Tuesday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Wednesday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (1.5 hrs) or (2-45 min sessions)
Thursday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
Friday: Weight Lifting (30 min) , Cycling Indoors (1.5 hrs) or (2-45 min sessions)
Saturday: Spin Class (1 hour) , Cycling Indoors (45 min)
When the weather improves, I will be able to transition easily from indoor cycling to commuting while maintaining the remaining workout schedule. I have maintained the above schedule for about 6 weeks and it is becoming a habit.
One of the most valuable tools that I have been using is the FitDay website. It is crazy to see the amount of calories in food and their origin. The most remarkable food was pork ribs. Pork ribs have nearly equaly grams of fat and grams of protein. The other component is that Fat has 9 cal/gram and Protein has 4 cal/gram. This means for every 300 calories from ribs, more than 200 are from fat.
Being an informed eater really allows you to make more conscience choices in your diet.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Basal Metabolic Rate Test...
Okay, my meeting today with Cassandra was really informative. My Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test indicated that I will burn approximately 1480 calories/day to live. That is, the amount of caloires without standing up or moving around. Now, when I took nutrition class in college, we used the Harris Benedict equation to determine the RMR. That equation is based on empirical data and is presented as follows:
66.5 + 13.8*(Weight in kilograms) + 5*(height in cm) - 6.8*(age in years) = RMR
Entering my information yields the following:
66.5+13.8*113.4+5*182.9-6.8*27 = 2362 calories/day
That is a difference of 880 calories/day. The informative component of this is used while determining the energy deficit component of weight loss. A pound of fat (4 sticks of butter) has 3500 calories/pound. Given the above information, my weekly weight loss may be be slowed by almost pounds a week. (880*7)=6160 calories.
I had to log my eating habits for a week prior to our meeting (average calories/day was 1700). Based on this logshe told me to consume more calories per day using foods based on the calorie source inserted at parts of the day that correspond with my exercie.
She gave me the simple desciption of calorie function based of the foods source:
Carbohydrate = Fuel for your body
Protein = Repair mechanism for your body
Fat = Makes you feel full
66.5 + 13.8*(Weight in kilograms) + 5*(height in cm) - 6.8*(age in years) = RMR
Entering my information yields the following:
66.5+13.8*113.4+5*182.9-6.8*27 = 2362 calories/day
That is a difference of 880 calories/day. The informative component of this is used while determining the energy deficit component of weight loss. A pound of fat (4 sticks of butter) has 3500 calories/pound. Given the above information, my weekly weight loss may be be slowed by almost pounds a week. (880*7)=6160 calories.
I had to log my eating habits for a week prior to our meeting (average calories/day was 1700). Based on this logshe told me to consume more calories per day using foods based on the calorie source inserted at parts of the day that correspond with my exercie.
She gave me the simple desciption of calorie function based of the foods source:
Carbohydrate = Fuel for your body
Protein = Repair mechanism for your body
Fat = Makes you feel full
Friday, January 20, 2006
Bike is fixed and ready to ride!
I had to have the fork on my bike replaced after my accident with a car. My favorite part of this whole experience was when the mechanic at the bike shop asked me "What on earth caused your fork to bend that way?".
Spin class has been awesome. I have been going three days a week and doing indoor cycling every evening and mornings with no spin class. I have started using the following website to track my weight loss and caloric intake:
www.fitday.com
This website is really easy to use, free, and fairly comprehensive in detail.
I am going to visit Coach Cassandra tomorrow (she is the instructor of my spin class) and have my Basal Metabolic Rate tested, and to consult about "total fitness" and other health nut stuff.
Spin class has been awesome. I have been going three days a week and doing indoor cycling every evening and mornings with no spin class. I have started using the following website to track my weight loss and caloric intake:
www.fitday.com
This website is really easy to use, free, and fairly comprehensive in detail.
I am going to visit Coach Cassandra tomorrow (she is the instructor of my spin class) and have my Basal Metabolic Rate tested, and to consult about "total fitness" and other health nut stuff.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Full Contact Bike Riding
On my way to the gym this morning (6:15AM), a significantly challenged individual drove his car into me. I had a headlight and two taillights on my helmet. I was east bound and this westbound a**hole was taking a left turn and did not stop until his car was directly in front of me. Whammo!...Head-on collision. My bike suffered the worst of it. I skinned my knee, but I bent my fork.
I say this fellow was challenged because he was driving a circa 1980 minivan and he was taking a turn into the Currency Exchange. Three people (that look less capable than those shaking cups full of change at me on my way to work) stepped out of the car to see if I was okay. I do not know why people are so lazy and careless to conduct business at one of these establishments. Because my bike and I were not hurt too bad, I did not want to make this fellow's life any more miserable. The guy was at a Currency Exchange, obviously he doesn't have a bank account and he was probably uninsured. I only hope I don't come across an unknown injury.
I say this fellow was challenged because he was driving a circa 1980 minivan and he was taking a turn into the Currency Exchange. Three people (that look less capable than those shaking cups full of change at me on my way to work) stepped out of the car to see if I was okay. I do not know why people are so lazy and careless to conduct business at one of these establishments. Because my bike and I were not hurt too bad, I did not want to make this fellow's life any more miserable. The guy was at a Currency Exchange, obviously he doesn't have a bank account and he was probably uninsured. I only hope I don't come across an unknown injury.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
New Cyclocross Bike!
I just recieved a Cyclocross bike that I purchased on eBay. I also picked up some studded tires and now I will be able to continue commuting to work through the winter.
My road bike that I have been riding indoors has been causing me some pain in the dreaded bulbospongiosus. I need to tweak my saddle position ASAP! I have been using the Specialized Body Geometry Comp and I think that the support is failing due to the age of the saddle and the burden of my weight.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Erosion of Civil Liberties
What else can one call the acknowledgement of "Secret Wire Taps" and the proposed renewal of the Patriot Act?
One answer is a tool of war. The tool of war argument preys upon fears and emotion. It does not address critical issues and requires the citizen to put blind faith and trust in their government.
The Patriot Act was signed in haste as part of our response to being attacked by a radical religious group primarily from Saudi Arabia. We are at war with terror (in Iraq??) like we have a war on drugs. These are open ended wars that cannot be won because of the nature of the enemy: decentralized and not represented by governments.
Our emotional and hasty response must be viewed in retrospect with very critical eyes to ensure that our government does not gain the powers similar to the dictators we oppose.
One answer is a tool of war. The tool of war argument preys upon fears and emotion. It does not address critical issues and requires the citizen to put blind faith and trust in their government.
The Patriot Act was signed in haste as part of our response to being attacked by a radical religious group primarily from Saudi Arabia. We are at war with terror (in Iraq??) like we have a war on drugs. These are open ended wars that cannot be won because of the nature of the enemy: decentralized and not represented by governments.
Our emotional and hasty response must be viewed in retrospect with very critical eyes to ensure that our government does not gain the powers similar to the dictators we oppose.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Spin Class
As I mentioned, I joined a gym to begin training for my bike trip to Minneapolis. I took my first spin class on Sunday. Spin class can be really intense if you are willing to push yourself. If not, participants can coast. It was strange to leave the workout soaking wet from sweat while other people just had glistening foreheads...(maybe I am just really out of shape)
My legs are still burning from the workout (an excellent feeling) and I will take another class tomorrow. High intensity aerobic excercise feels great, although I can't wait to begin riding on the road again.
My legs are still burning from the workout (an excellent feeling) and I will take another class tomorrow. High intensity aerobic excercise feels great, although I can't wait to begin riding on the road again.
Friday, December 16, 2005
New addtion to the Mpls-Chicago Trip
Another co-worker is onboard to go on the approximate 450 mile trip to Minnesota with me next year. I will be joining a health club tomorrow and begin taking spin classes to get in shape over the winter. My winter exercise target is three days of spin classes and three days of aerobic weight lifting. I believe we will begin this regimen at the beginning of 2006.
I recently purchased the Audiobook "How to Make a Good Brain Great" by Daniel Amen. He is a neuroscientist and founder of the Amen Clinic in California. The material presented in this book are keys points to live by to maintain brain health. Two major components are diet and exercise. This book is a must read, and I believe it should be part of high school health class curriculum.
Also, to alleviate my doldrums associated with finishing my Masters, I have enrolled in the MBA program at the Stuart School of Business and I will begin taking classes again January 2006.
I recently purchased the Audiobook "How to Make a Good Brain Great" by Daniel Amen. He is a neuroscientist and founder of the Amen Clinic in California. The material presented in this book are keys points to live by to maintain brain health. Two major components are diet and exercise. This book is a must read, and I believe it should be part of high school health class curriculum.
Also, to alleviate my doldrums associated with finishing my Masters, I have enrolled in the MBA program at the Stuart School of Business and I will begin taking classes again January 2006.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Long distance trip!
Today, a co-worker of mine agreed to take the cycling trip from Chicago to Minneapolis with me next year. I am thrilled because this provides an exciting incentive to stay in shape over the winter.
I have a lot to plan for!
I have a lot to plan for!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Completion of Studies...
...for now.
I finished the last of my examinations for my Masters on wednesday of last week. Reaching this milestone has been somewhat depressing for me. For one, I really enjoyed the curriculum for my last few classes which were some of the best to date. Secondly, I achieved a long-term goal that is now replaced with a void.
I will be eligible to take my Professional Engineering and Professional Geology exams Fall 2006. At least for now I have a new goal to look forward to.
Reflecting back upon my undergraduate and graduate studies, I began to think of the value of education. The education that one receives is only as good as the implementation of the education by the student.
The receipt of a degree or certificate does not provide carte blanche access to additional tiers of responsibility. More often than not, the education becomes a screening tool, whereby an employer knows that the graduate has completed a certain commitment, yet the graduate's proficiency of applying the knowledge remains a test. It is therefore incumbent upon the student to have sufficient knowledge to teach and employ what has been gained through study. Therefore, the value of the education can only be determined by the recipient of the education. What makes this difficult to employ is that by nature, organizations and people have sufficent resistance to change. That is why one must teach to employ knowledge that is not currently practiced within an organization.
I finished the last of my examinations for my Masters on wednesday of last week. Reaching this milestone has been somewhat depressing for me. For one, I really enjoyed the curriculum for my last few classes which were some of the best to date. Secondly, I achieved a long-term goal that is now replaced with a void.
I will be eligible to take my Professional Engineering and Professional Geology exams Fall 2006. At least for now I have a new goal to look forward to.
Reflecting back upon my undergraduate and graduate studies, I began to think of the value of education. The education that one receives is only as good as the implementation of the education by the student.
The receipt of a degree or certificate does not provide carte blanche access to additional tiers of responsibility. More often than not, the education becomes a screening tool, whereby an employer knows that the graduate has completed a certain commitment, yet the graduate's proficiency of applying the knowledge remains a test. It is therefore incumbent upon the student to have sufficient knowledge to teach and employ what has been gained through study. Therefore, the value of the education can only be determined by the recipient of the education. What makes this difficult to employ is that by nature, organizations and people have sufficent resistance to change. That is why one must teach to employ knowledge that is not currently practiced within an organization.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Wider Acknowledgement of Energy Issues
Has anyone recently seen the focus on energy while watching commercials lately? While I watching Meet the Press on Sunday morning, I saw two adds by a petroleum trade organization. The focus of these advertisements was to suggest energy saving habits. One line of advise was to keep your tires properly inflated and another showed an image with everyone in the scene wearing slippers. Other ads were from Ford, and GM touting their commitment to energy conservation.
This is what I see from this petroleum ad:
When the Got Milk? ad campaign was presented by the dairy industry is was to declining sales. The focus of the ads were to keep milk in the front of peoples mind to mitigate declining sales. Now, looking at the petroleum industry, they have received some pretty harsh criticism lately from ballooning profits and the increase in prices for oil and natural gas.
To what end does this ad campaign service the petroleum industry? I believe that it is public relations and a "pass the blame" effort. The concept is this: yes, gas prices are high and you can conserve so that it effects your wallet to a lesser degree. That is, it is not the petroleum industries fault, it is the wasteful consumer. Contrasting with the Got Milk? campaign is that the petroleum industry wants...to sell less petroleum?
This is what I see from this US automotive ads:
Ford and GM have an appalling record on fuel economy. Now their focus is that they are as concerned about the environment as anyone else. Again, a public relations effort because their fleet fuel economy are among the lowest in the industry. Ford brags of the first hybrid SUV that is powered with Toyota licensed technology. These ads appear as GM releases a $427,000 Camaro that has a ridiculously large engine. Toyota on the other hand is developing high performance electric hybrid sports cars- the Volta.
America's two largest automakers and the petroleum industry are looking for the consumer to curtail consumption of fuels through more efficient autos and energy saving tips. It is apparent that we are in a transitionary phase from carbon to non-carbon based fuels.
I am ready to embrace a paradigm shift in fuels and this shift is acknowledged throughout the broader economy. For instance, Walmart is installing solar panels on the roofs of their enormous buildings.
Critics may say that this is due to tax breaks. That is true, although you rarely hear of how much national money goes into securing our energy interests. Isn't is nice that we pay less than almost all other countries for a gallon of gas. We all owe our thanks to Uncle Sam and our fleet of war ships throughout the world for that.
This is what I see from this petroleum ad:
When the Got Milk? ad campaign was presented by the dairy industry is was to declining sales. The focus of the ads were to keep milk in the front of peoples mind to mitigate declining sales. Now, looking at the petroleum industry, they have received some pretty harsh criticism lately from ballooning profits and the increase in prices for oil and natural gas.
To what end does this ad campaign service the petroleum industry? I believe that it is public relations and a "pass the blame" effort. The concept is this: yes, gas prices are high and you can conserve so that it effects your wallet to a lesser degree. That is, it is not the petroleum industries fault, it is the wasteful consumer. Contrasting with the Got Milk? campaign is that the petroleum industry wants...to sell less petroleum?
This is what I see from this US automotive ads:
Ford and GM have an appalling record on fuel economy. Now their focus is that they are as concerned about the environment as anyone else. Again, a public relations effort because their fleet fuel economy are among the lowest in the industry. Ford brags of the first hybrid SUV that is powered with Toyota licensed technology. These ads appear as GM releases a $427,000 Camaro that has a ridiculously large engine. Toyota on the other hand is developing high performance electric hybrid sports cars- the Volta.
America's two largest automakers and the petroleum industry are looking for the consumer to curtail consumption of fuels through more efficient autos and energy saving tips. It is apparent that we are in a transitionary phase from carbon to non-carbon based fuels.
I am ready to embrace a paradigm shift in fuels and this shift is acknowledged throughout the broader economy. For instance, Walmart is installing solar panels on the roofs of their enormous buildings.
Critics may say that this is due to tax breaks. That is true, although you rarely hear of how much national money goes into securing our energy interests. Isn't is nice that we pay less than almost all other countries for a gallon of gas. We all owe our thanks to Uncle Sam and our fleet of war ships throughout the world for that.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Time will tell...
As I metioned in this post, I will be focusing my investments with energy in mind, and I would invite anyone interested to perform appropriate due diligence in the following sectors: SOLAR POWER and DC STORAGE.
Why solar? - The sun shines everywhere.
Why DC storage? - Most of the items we use are powered by direct current, and solar power is generated in DC. There are no efficency losses due to the conversion of AC to DC.
Why now? - We are at a period when energy is consumed the least throughout the year. (This provides people with a false sense of security regarding fuel costs)
What do I think? - I think that this winter is going to be a b*tch slap to everyone's wallet regarding their home heating bill. The reserves of oil/natural gas in ANWR are not sufficient to mitigate the effect of growing global demand for carbon based fuels from developing countries (aka China and India).
Q: What does the cost of energy effect? A1: The cost of producing goods. A2: The amount of personal expendable income.
Q: How can you slow the growth of any business? A:Raise the underlying costs of producing goods.
Q: How can you slow the growth of a county? A:Raise the underlying costs of doing business and reduce the ability of the consumer to spend.
Q: How to NOT slow business and GDP growth? A:Get off of carbon based fuels.
These connections are as elemetary as possible, but crucial (hopefully the White House will draw the same conculsions - although not likely because of the oil men in the pilot and co-pilot seat). The time is now to identify the Googles and Microsofts of the alternative energy sector.
My bets are on solar and DC storage.
ESLR - Evergreen Solar - Company requires minimum amount of Si to produce solar cells. This makes them less sensitive to fluctuations in the price of Si.
DSTI - Daystar Technologies - Uses GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) for solar cells. GaAs is more efficient that Si for power production and has a longer lifespan. (Not yet at "production level"; however, implication of full scale production are mind-boggling)
ENER - Energy Conversion Devices - CEO is the inventor of NiMH battery technology. They are also developing solar cells, and they provide batteries to Toyota for gas/electric hybrids.
Being "green" should not have a tree-hugger connotation any longer. Being green is becoming the backbone of economic decisions that are driven by the cost of carbon-based fuels.
As for oil...Keep consuming, it will trigger the incorportion of alternative energies at a faster rate.
Research the following: Ghawar is Dying, Peak Oil, DSTI, ESLR, ENER.
Time will tell...
Why solar? - The sun shines everywhere.
Why DC storage? - Most of the items we use are powered by direct current, and solar power is generated in DC. There are no efficency losses due to the conversion of AC to DC.
Why now? - We are at a period when energy is consumed the least throughout the year. (This provides people with a false sense of security regarding fuel costs)
What do I think? - I think that this winter is going to be a b*tch slap to everyone's wallet regarding their home heating bill. The reserves of oil/natural gas in ANWR are not sufficient to mitigate the effect of growing global demand for carbon based fuels from developing countries (aka China and India).
Q: What does the cost of energy effect? A1: The cost of producing goods. A2: The amount of personal expendable income.
Q: How can you slow the growth of any business? A:Raise the underlying costs of producing goods.
Q: How can you slow the growth of a county? A:Raise the underlying costs of doing business and reduce the ability of the consumer to spend.
Q: How to NOT slow business and GDP growth? A:Get off of carbon based fuels.
These connections are as elemetary as possible, but crucial (hopefully the White House will draw the same conculsions - although not likely because of the oil men in the pilot and co-pilot seat). The time is now to identify the Googles and Microsofts of the alternative energy sector.
My bets are on solar and DC storage.
ESLR - Evergreen Solar - Company requires minimum amount of Si to produce solar cells. This makes them less sensitive to fluctuations in the price of Si.
DSTI - Daystar Technologies - Uses GaAs (Gallium Arsenide) for solar cells. GaAs is more efficient that Si for power production and has a longer lifespan. (Not yet at "production level"; however, implication of full scale production are mind-boggling)
ENER - Energy Conversion Devices - CEO is the inventor of NiMH battery technology. They are also developing solar cells, and they provide batteries to Toyota for gas/electric hybrids.
Being "green" should not have a tree-hugger connotation any longer. Being green is becoming the backbone of economic decisions that are driven by the cost of carbon-based fuels.
As for oil...Keep consuming, it will trigger the incorportion of alternative energies at a faster rate.
Research the following: Ghawar is Dying, Peak Oil, DSTI, ESLR, ENER.
Time will tell...
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Busy!
I have recently sequestered myself into the daily grind of work and education. My physical health is suffering as a result. I have only 3 weeks to go until I am finished with my Masters. I really need to refocus on health. The sad truth is that as I become overwhelmed with daily activities, I neglect excercise. This is sad because I have made the following priorities: Wife, Work, School, Health. I am typically able to do well with three of these priorities; however, I seem to choose to neglect health before others.
My goal is to be able to focus on each of the four priorities. I have three weeks to figure it out because after that, school goes away.
My take on recent events:
When your opponent is gaining strength accuse them of cheating. It will take attention off of your own flaws. When your opponent is weak, go for them where it hurts.
R: D's are politicizing issue, and closing senate doors is a stunt.
D: This has always been an issue, and there is an opportunity to address it. R's heavy handed politics have been exposed.
Who's ready to put credence into Bush's Press Secretary, that is, the voice of the White House? Remember, Scott Mclellan assured us that he spoke with Dick Cheney and Scooter Libby personally and that through this conversation Scott was certain that they were not involved with the leaking of Plame's name?
Why do republicans under attack, bring up the fact that something is being "politicized"? Do they only have to answer to their own party? To restate a previous point a little differently: when under attack, accuse your opponent of cheating.
My goal is to be able to focus on each of the four priorities. I have three weeks to figure it out because after that, school goes away.
My take on recent events:
When your opponent is gaining strength accuse them of cheating. It will take attention off of your own flaws. When your opponent is weak, go for them where it hurts.
R: D's are politicizing issue, and closing senate doors is a stunt.
D: This has always been an issue, and there is an opportunity to address it. R's heavy handed politics have been exposed.
Who's ready to put credence into Bush's Press Secretary, that is, the voice of the White House? Remember, Scott Mclellan assured us that he spoke with Dick Cheney and Scooter Libby personally and that through this conversation Scott was certain that they were not involved with the leaking of Plame's name?
Why do republicans under attack, bring up the fact that something is being "politicized"? Do they only have to answer to their own party? To restate a previous point a little differently: when under attack, accuse your opponent of cheating.
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