I asked my personal trainer to read the article entitled: "Does Exercise Really Make Us Thinner?" Looking back on this request, I realize asking him what he thought about the article was like asking my tax accountant what they think about the flat tax. What would they think since it would put them out of business?
The premise of the story is that exercise has never been linked to weight loss by researchers. In fact, most research has suggested that you "work up an appetite" by exercising and therefore take in more calories after exercising, thereby off setting any potential weight loss. The idea of "will power" being the reason for a lack of weight loss in some people has also been debunked. So where does this leave us? I am not sure. Sam, however, did not believe the article, even though the citations are there throughout the article. He still is completely on board with the calories in - calories burned = weight loss paradigm. I am not really sure where I stand.
Don't get me wrong, going to Sam has been great. I am in much better shape and can tell every time I do some other kind of exercise. For example, stopping next to the curb on my bike with my right leg resting on the curb without getting off my bike used to be impossible. I know now, intuitively, that I can do it. I don't even have to plan to do it. I still tell Sam every time we do something new, though, that it is impossible. This, too, shall pass. (Jumping between bosu balls almost kills me. (Click here to see a bosu (both sides up) ball.))
Anyway, read the article; tell me what you think. I buy it, hook, line, and sinker. (Click here to go to the article.)
7.06.2009
7.05.2009
whew
Ok team, I am ready for a break, and to get back to writing. All of this traveling and visitors has me behind in my class work.
Kelly and Talmadge and the boys are leaving tomorrow...here is a cute picture of them in front of one of the characters from The Night At the Museum!
7.03.2009
new pictures
This week has been a busy one here. Went to Seattle last Thursday, flew home Monday, met Marika at home, she just came in from Slovakia, hung out with her till Thursday, worked Thursday, got call from Reasoners that they were actually coming to DC this time, hung with them Friday. Oh and we had dinner with Dave and Jerome on the deck Thursday night. Wow. 4th of July party tomorrow.
I took the shot above in the rain with Marika at the National Arboretum. Love that place. (See more pictures by clicking here.)
movie review: cherry blossoms
We just watched this German movie, Cherry Blossoms, about a husband and wife. The wife finds out at the beginning of the movie that her husband has a terminal illness and not much time to live. They give her the option of telling him. She has always wanted to visit Japan, and to be a Japanese dancer. And then she just dies. The husband, seeking to find his wife, travels to Japan, without knowing that he was sick. His quest to find his wife is the story.
The kids are so self involved. But now reflecting on the movie, all of the family was too self involved, even the dad/husband. No one seems to know anyone, appreciate them, or understand them. I suppose this is why the film is so sad to me.
On Thursday we went to see A Year of Magical Thinking. This play is based on the book by Joan Didion. She lost her husband and daughter in the space of less than a year and a half. The play starts out with her telling the audience, this will happen to you, even if you don't think it will. And I suppose she is right. A few times in the play she asks herself/the audience if she even knew her husband and daughter? "Were we always so afraid of one another?"
I like to really know people. I don't want the how are you, I am fine response. Marika told me when she was here the other day, that in Slovak there is no phrase to ask, "How's it going?" as a greeting. If you say this to someone, they think you really want to know, so they tell you. When did we start asking people how they are and stop caring about what they said? And when did we all decide to lie about how we are really doing?
7.02.2009
7.01.2009
who knew?
Ok, so this is just a blatent re-post...but it is so interesting! These come from a new book about medical myths, "Don't Swallow Your Gum." Click here to see the original article.
"1. Cold weather makes you sick. In studies of cold transmission, people who are chilled are no more likely to get sick than those who were not. It may be that cold weather keeps people indoors, where germs are more likely to catch up with you.
2. Green mucus indicates a sinus infection. The importance of mucus color is a medical myth even doctors believe, the authors say. “There is no evidence…that antibiotics shorten the duration of an illness when green snot is a symptom,” they write.
3. You lose most of your body heat through your head. There is nothing special about the head and heat loss. You will lose heat through any uncovered body part.
4. Milk makes you phlegmy. In a study of 330 patients, nearly two out of three believed milk increases phlegm production. But it’s not true. In one experiment, volunteers were infected with the cold virus, and some of them drank a lot of milk as well. The weight of the nasal secretions did not increase in those who drank more milk, nor was it associated with cough or congestion.
5. Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis. Knuckle-crackers are no more likely to have arthritis than those who don’t make annoying popping sounds with their fingers.
6. Birth control pills don’t work as well with antibiotics. A review of the literature concluded that common antibiotics don’t affect birth control pills. “It is much more important to take your birth control pill every day at the same time than to spend time worrying about your antibiotics,” the authors write.
7. Singles have better sex lives than married people. You may think your bachelor friends are having all the fun, but single people also go through a lot of dry spells when they aren’t dating anyone. The result — married people typically have more sex in a given year than single people. In one survey, 43 percent of married men reported having sex two to three times per week, compared to only 26 percent of single men. The numbers were slightly lower but similar for women. Married people are also more likely to have orgasms and give and receive oral sex.
8. Sugar makes kids hyper. Numerous studies show sugar doesn’t affect behavior, but most parents don’t believe this. In one study, parents were told their kids had sugar and they were more likely to report problem behavior — but in reality, the kids had consumed a sugar-free drink.
9. You should poop at least once a day. A half-truth, say the authors. Regular bowel movements prevent discomfort and constipation, but a perfectly healthy person may not move their bowels every day. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three stools per week.
10. It’s okay to double dip in the chip dip. In one study, scientists took a bite of cracker and then dipped it into salsa, cheese dip, chocolate syrup and water. They did the same test with a fresh, unbitten cracker. Then they measured bacteria in the dips and the volunteers’ mouths. On average, three to six double dips transferred about 10,000 bacteria from the eater’s mouth to the dip. And each cracker picked up between one and two grams of dip. Salsa picked up the most germs from double dipping.
11. Food quickly picked up from the floor is safe to eat. Scientists have put the commonly-cited five-second rule to the test. They found that food that comes into contact with a tile or wood floor does pick up large amounts of bacteria. Food doesn’t pick up many germs when it hits carpet, but it does pick up carpet fuzz."
"1. Cold weather makes you sick. In studies of cold transmission, people who are chilled are no more likely to get sick than those who were not. It may be that cold weather keeps people indoors, where germs are more likely to catch up with you.
2. Green mucus indicates a sinus infection. The importance of mucus color is a medical myth even doctors believe, the authors say. “There is no evidence…that antibiotics shorten the duration of an illness when green snot is a symptom,” they write.
3. You lose most of your body heat through your head. There is nothing special about the head and heat loss. You will lose heat through any uncovered body part.
4. Milk makes you phlegmy. In a study of 330 patients, nearly two out of three believed milk increases phlegm production. But it’s not true. In one experiment, volunteers were infected with the cold virus, and some of them drank a lot of milk as well. The weight of the nasal secretions did not increase in those who drank more milk, nor was it associated with cough or congestion.
5. Cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis. Knuckle-crackers are no more likely to have arthritis than those who don’t make annoying popping sounds with their fingers.
6. Birth control pills don’t work as well with antibiotics. A review of the literature concluded that common antibiotics don’t affect birth control pills. “It is much more important to take your birth control pill every day at the same time than to spend time worrying about your antibiotics,” the authors write.
7. Singles have better sex lives than married people. You may think your bachelor friends are having all the fun, but single people also go through a lot of dry spells when they aren’t dating anyone. The result — married people typically have more sex in a given year than single people. In one survey, 43 percent of married men reported having sex two to three times per week, compared to only 26 percent of single men. The numbers were slightly lower but similar for women. Married people are also more likely to have orgasms and give and receive oral sex.
8. Sugar makes kids hyper. Numerous studies show sugar doesn’t affect behavior, but most parents don’t believe this. In one study, parents were told their kids had sugar and they were more likely to report problem behavior — but in reality, the kids had consumed a sugar-free drink.
9. You should poop at least once a day. A half-truth, say the authors. Regular bowel movements prevent discomfort and constipation, but a perfectly healthy person may not move their bowels every day. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three stools per week.
10. It’s okay to double dip in the chip dip. In one study, scientists took a bite of cracker and then dipped it into salsa, cheese dip, chocolate syrup and water. They did the same test with a fresh, unbitten cracker. Then they measured bacteria in the dips and the volunteers’ mouths. On average, three to six double dips transferred about 10,000 bacteria from the eater’s mouth to the dip. And each cracker picked up between one and two grams of dip. Salsa picked up the most germs from double dipping.
11. Food quickly picked up from the floor is safe to eat. Scientists have put the commonly-cited five-second rule to the test. They found that food that comes into contact with a tile or wood floor does pick up large amounts of bacteria. Food doesn’t pick up many germs when it hits carpet, but it does pick up carpet fuzz."
6.30.2009
happy belated birthday montana
So, we celebrated Montana's birthday this weekend, two days early. And now I am posting the picture of the celebrations of his birthday two days late. :)
(He is holding Ada.)
6.24.2009
my new favorite blog
So, one of the most annoying thing people can say to photographers when they like their pictures is: "Wow, you must have a really nice camera."
Great pictures can be taken with any camera...which Shawn Rocco proves with his blog: cellular obscura. Click here to see more pictures by him. Shawn has a set of 11 motorolla cameras which used to also be phones. He says each camera has a different set of quirks and he equates using these cameras with using a polaroid!
Our friend Steve has been in Israel for the last two weeks. He has been sending out an amazing set of updates about being there as well as amazing cell phone pictures. I am working on a little surprise for him (no, I don't think he reads the blog), so I did some work on and then uploaded his pictures to smugmug. They are really impressive. Click here to check out the Holy Land. He took the picture above, and noted that it could be Israel or Flathead Lake...you choose!
6.23.2009
richland washington
So my office has a job open in Richland Washington. We are thinking of applying...but don't know much about the place. Any of you readers out there know anything about the place?
It is only a three hour drive to Seattle or Portland, so that would be nice. And it is sunny 300 days a year...and Washington does not have state income tax...
It is only a three hour drive to Seattle or Portland, so that would be nice. And it is sunny 300 days a year...and Washington does not have state income tax...
6.21.2009
6.17.2009
a little humor
Our good friend Steve, who married us, is in Israel on a trip for work. He is a pastor after all. He and his colleague made this very funny, well I find it funny, video. Enjoy.
6.16.2009
6.15.2009
6.14.2009
dinner: West African Peanut Soup With Chicken
We are so into Mark Bittman from the New York Times. He is totally helping us learn how to cook.
Watch a video of Mark making West African Peanut Soup with Chicken by clicking anywhere. We modified the recipe by using chicken sausage and spinach...but it really tastes great.
New York Times, June 17, 2009
Recipe: West African Peanut Soup With Chicken
Time: About 45 minutes
3/4 cup roasted and shelled peanuts
2 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
1 medium red or white onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken (about 2 thighs or breasts) cut into chunks
1 dry red chili, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups stock or water
2 sweet potatoes or yams (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into thick slices
8 plum tomatoes, cored and halved (canned are fine; drain and reserve liquid for another use)
1/2 pound collards or kale, washed and cut into wide ribbons
1/2 to 3/4 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth.
1. Chop peanuts, or crush them with the side of a knife, or pulse them in a food processor to chop roughly.
2. Put oil in a deep skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat; a minute later, add onion, ginger and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add chicken and continue cooking for another 3 or 4 minutes, until just coloring. Add 1/2 cup peanuts and the chili and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the stock and the sweet potatoes, bring to a boil, and turn heat down to medium-low so soup bubbles gently. Partly cover pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, collards and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Cover and cook until collards are tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning (you may want to add more peanut butter at this point), and serve, garnished with remaining peanuts.
Yield: 4 servings.
Watch a video of Mark making West African Peanut Soup with Chicken by clicking anywhere. We modified the recipe by using chicken sausage and spinach...but it really tastes great.
New York Times, June 17, 2009
Recipe: West African Peanut Soup With Chicken
Time: About 45 minutes
3/4 cup roasted and shelled peanuts
2 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
1 medium red or white onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken (about 2 thighs or breasts) cut into chunks
1 dry red chili, crushed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups stock or water
2 sweet potatoes or yams (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into thick slices
8 plum tomatoes, cored and halved (canned are fine; drain and reserve liquid for another use)
1/2 pound collards or kale, washed and cut into wide ribbons
1/2 to 3/4 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth.
1. Chop peanuts, or crush them with the side of a knife, or pulse them in a food processor to chop roughly.
2. Put oil in a deep skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat; a minute later, add onion, ginger and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add chicken and continue cooking for another 3 or 4 minutes, until just coloring. Add 1/2 cup peanuts and the chili and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the stock and the sweet potatoes, bring to a boil, and turn heat down to medium-low so soup bubbles gently. Partly cover pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, collards and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Cover and cook until collards are tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning (you may want to add more peanut butter at this point), and serve, garnished with remaining peanuts.
Yield: 4 servings.
6.12.2009
a friday joke
What's the difference between a Zen vacuum cleaner and a regular one?
A Zen vacuum cleaner doesn't come with attachments.
A Zen vacuum cleaner doesn't come with attachments.
6.11.2009
the stars
I have a good friend and reader of the blog who can read the stars...well she is Greek and knows a lot about astrology...but since she is Greek and can read Greek (have you ever looked at those characters: ελληνικά...that says Greek) and well that is where astrology comes from so I totally get that she believes. Another friend whose birthday is in the same month as mine sends me our horoscopes sometimes. I like to read those.
Well I am not one to go jumping completely into the astrology pool, but I do get that sometimes I am WAY more productive than others. I feel almost like I have come out of a fog. I wonder where my stars are, is all I am saying.
Today is clear!
I changed jobs at work, and the feng shui of my new desk is awesome. I have window cube with a view of a beautiful alley. I also have a family of birds that I can see! Anyway, the point is that today I:
* finally ordered Erica's graduation gift (see picture above)
* ordered pictures from our wedding photographer for my mother-in-law
* finished the lingering thank you notes (embarrassing that they are so late)
* and got caught up on my homework...
* did I mention I met a good friend for drinks after work?
Wow. I am tired now.
6.09.2009
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6.08.2009
changing my mind about GM...one ad at a time?
Anytime any one says, "Let me be honest" or "To tell you the truth," I immediately think, oh, well they are lying most of the time. I miss whatever their next line is...and I kind of think they are liars from there on out. Anyway, the first video is the new GM ad, the second link is a spoof on the GM ad, which is very very funny.
Thoughts?
be careful with the granola temp.
I said to roast the granola at 350 the other day...I made it Friday night and I think 315 or 325 might be better. Our oven runs a little hot though...
recipe: granola
Here's a little secret: making granola at home is EASY. I mean so easy it is kind of crazy to even think about buying it. We have been making it for three weeks now, to put in yogurt, or to just eat plain. Take a glass casserole, line with wax paper. In a bowl, mix 2 cups oats, some coconut flakes, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix in half a cup of honey or molasses or maple syrup. Then put it in the casserole and bake at 325 for 30 minutes. You should stir it once and check it at the end to make sure it does not get too dry.
recipe: granola
Here's a little secret: making granola at home is EASY. I mean so easy it is kind of crazy to even think about buying it. We have been making it for three weeks now, to put in yogurt, or to just eat plain. Take a glass casserole, line with wax paper. In a bowl, mix 2 cups oats, some coconut flakes, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix in half a cup of honey or molasses or maple syrup. Then put it in the casserole and bake at 325 for 30 minutes. You should stir it once and check it at the end to make sure it does not get too dry.
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