The Boneman

Why Palin (the anti-Hillary) makes sense

This whole election cycle is even more interesting than I thought it would be.  I still think Obama will probably pull it off, but McCain is going to make it much tougher than I ever thought possible.  I had the opportunity to attend the Rick Warren / Saddleback forum two weeks ago, and McCain was surprisingly and undeniably strong at that appearance.  He won over many conservative skeptics that evening and left at least some liberals shaken.  I can say this because I was sitting around a handful of Obama supporters who kept looking over at me during McCain's part with a certain befuddled shock.  They saw that McCain was a formidable and even likable opponent.

But on to more important matters - why would McCain pick Palin?  I believe McCain acted according to his maverick leadership style and decided to reframe the debate around "reform" instead of "experience."  If he would have picked a Tom Ridge type of character, the debate would have been about experience (McCain) vs. change (Obama).  McCain clearly believes that this is a losing framework.  In this political  climate, change / reform is what independent voters are looking for.  Experience in politics can work against you if it ties you to the status quo.  McCain distanced himself from that argument by bringing on a VP that would focus the issue around who could bring real reform to Washington.

I think viewing Palin as cheap pandering to Hillary supporters is a simplistic half-truth.  On the one hand, yes, McCain is targeting as many swing Democrats as possible.  On the other hand, Palin is no Hillary.  The personal differences between Palin and Hillary are enormous.  I don't even know where to begin.  5 kids.  Guns.  Basketball.  Beauty Queen.  Governor.  Ideological conservative all the way.  This is not simple pandering, folks.  No way.  This is a bold way of reframing the issues and the identities that America has to choose from.

The election is riding on a razor's edge now, and the better campaigners and debaters will win.  I have to give Obama a slight advantage, but not much.  The Palin choice makes a lot of sense... And check-out the McCain ad after the Democratic Convention. Genius.

I am Michael Scott (and so are you), Pt 2

Boneman for President

This hits pretty close to home (pun intended).

Intimidated by the Opening Ceremony in Beijing

Stunned.  Awed.  Teary-eyed.  Mostly intimidated.

The symbolism of the Olympic opening ceremony in Beijing was unmistakable - "We're going to blow you away because we're going to work together as a unit.  Watch out rugged individualists."

No, I'm not a Commie.  Give me a break.  BUT.  I was left asking myself, "Could we pull something that spectacular off in the United States?"  Maybe we could.  Maybe I am just not enough of a showman to understand how that stuff works.  But maybe we all need to sit up and pay some attention to what's happening in China.  It is not business as usual over there and the opening ceremonies underscored that for me.  They were sending a message, and the message wasn't "Welcome Friends."  The message was, "World, here we come."  Yowza.

How I lost 30 lbs. and 6 inches off my waist...

About a year ago at this time I read 2 books that I heartily recommend for your consideration:

The Paleo Diet

The Glycemic Load Diet

I'll try to boil-down what I learned and how it radically changed my weight, my waist-line, my energy level, and my general health:

1.  It is all about controlling your blood sugar.  Our American diet is so loaded with simple carbohydrates - grains, starches, sodas, juice, etc., that we are just shocking the heck out of our blood sugar.  This causes our body to store fat, need a nap, and feel hungry.  No, rice is not good for you.  Whole grains aren't really that great either.  Now don't misunderstand, this isn't the Atkins diet.  Remember, you want "slow carbs" like veggies and fruits (which break-down slowly), not "low carbs" generally speaking.  Stay away from potato chips - they're the worst!  Eat grains sparingly.  They don't have taste anyway!

2.  Eat more LEAN protein (turkey, shrimp, chicken breast).  Don't go crazy eating bacon.  This isn't about on-going ketosis.  It is just about giving your body fuel that revs the metabolism and gives you nutrients for more lean muscle mass.  It also fills you up so you can't really over eat.

3.  Don't skip breakfast.  Breakfast starts your metabolism.  If you skip it, your body holds on to fat.  Period.

4.  Eat lots of good fiber.  It helps keep blood sugar low and helps you on "the throne" if you know what I mean.  I eat FiberOne cereal in the morning and a big salad in the evening.  Easy.

5.  Probiotics (live culture) in yogurt are the real deal.  I'm not talking about the Dannon yogurt that was pasteurized.  I'm talking about the Trader Joe-type stuff that has the probiotics added AFTER pasteurization.  Eat a cup of it in the morning with your coffee and FiberOne.  Watch the magic.

6. Snacks - I almost forgot.  When you get the munchies, go for almonds - chocolate covered if you must.  One handful will KILL your appetite until the next meal and will give you good protein / fat in the meantime.

7.  Be active for 30 minutes a day.  Doesn't matter what you do.  Just do something - anything.  

The weight fell off of me over the course of a year.  I don't binge anymore.  I DO NOT count calories because the lean protein and veggies fill me up.  I splurge every other day or so - and I don't gain weight.  It is all basic body chemistry.  Try it out.  You won't be disappointed.