Quote of the Day
Memories.
It’s almost been four years.
It’s starting to become a blur, how you usually comb my hair before school. I’m starting to forget how you sound like, how you used to read newspaper in your favorite spot on weekends.
I’m really scared, that I would wake up one day and forget you entirely.
All I have are pictures and memories. So abstract and intangible.
I’m afraid of losing you, and then I realized, that I already did. And then I don’t know how I feel anymore.
It’s starting to become a blur, how you usually comb my hair before school. I’m starting to forget how you sound like, how you used to read newspaper in your favorite spot on weekends.
I’m really scared, that I would wake up one day and forget you entirely.
All I have are pictures and memories. So abstract and intangible.
I’m afraid of losing you, and then I realized, that I already did. And then I don’t know how I feel anymore.
Lineup of presenters set for halibut hearing
Here's the agenda for Thursday's legislative hearing on the proposed halibut catch sharing plan.
Downed trees getting chopped up and removed..RIP La Plaza Willow.
Well, here are some somewhat fun but mainly depressing videos I took today while wandering around the LES. The sad ones are the willow tree in La Plaza which fell..that thing was so old and beautiful..very sad. Other are of the big tree in the center of Tompkins that fell on the grass..took them a while to chop and remove it.
The amusing ones are my new obsession with the rats in the park. One had a huge chunk of bread and was really trying hard not to share with the others..who were NOT having it. It was a tug of war and a test of wills. Did it symbolize our struggle with life? Our fight against our baser instincts? Oh, who cares. Rats are cool, bitches!
Home.
I was driving down unfamiliar roads trying to find a place called home. I stuck my arms out the window to try to become a part of the wind to see if I could blow away. I watched my reflection in the mirror as my hair danced and my skin shivered. I watched as I tried to make myself comfortable in a city that holds my belongings. You always said, “Who says where your belongings are is where you belong?” Maybe one day I’ll end up somewhere where I’ll feel like I belong and you won’t be too far behind.
For you I wish.
Rats Gone Wild! Caught on Tape!
Hello survivors of HurriLame Nyc 2011! I just went out and walked around in the balmy breeze and took a few shots..Some restaurant was taking the tape off their windows..Ray's is open, 7A and many non-chain eateries. I even found a sushi place open! If I get food poisoning at least I will lose that damn 6 lbs I can't seem to shake.
That bus that says Hurricane Shelter was on my street by the 9th precinct for much of the night. It seemed to be empty. I did not see a stripper pole or anything. The cops did seem to be very pretty busy last night..I guess a lot of calls came in for help.
BUT check out the amazing rat footage I took outside of tompkins square park! They are out in broad daylight partying down! People passing by were shocked how close the rats were to Avenue A..The park still being closed had all of its creatures out and about..Ahhh.nature!
Pics of lovely Rhode Island while I wait for the storm...
Well, I am back from Rhode Island all relaxed and tan and feeling good. Almost every day was a great beach day up until they told us to leave due to the weather coming in. Those days would have been a bit dull anyway..so it was perfect. Friday was the nicest beach day there and we left at 9pm that night. This was a nice ending to a freaking fun summer..
So here are some pics from RI..it is good to be back before this storm hits if it even does. Right now it is just raining and a bit windy. Here's a video even of the water there as it got choppier on the last night..
I got HBO stuff taped and SATAN will be forcing me to watch the VMA's tomorrow and make a running, very mean, bitter profanity laden commentary through the entire thing! I applied for extra BG work for the whole week figuring everyone is out of town but me! Do I get union Hurricane pay? Wet pay seems a little weak..
Coming up short on salmon
The statewide commercial salmon catch, all species, now stands at about 161 million fish, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports.
That's a big total. But clearly, with September just around the corner, we won't reach the preseason forecast of 203 million.
One reason appears to be a shortfall of pink salmon, particularly in Prince William Sound. Returns to Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corp. hatcheries have been weaker than expected.
Here are a few salmon highlights from around the state:
• In Southeast, purse seiners have bagged 51.2 million pinks, 2.4 million chums, 500,000 sockeye and 300,000 coho. "From this year's combination of good returns, above average pink salmon weights and strong prices, the ex-vessel value of the purse seine fishery this season has now reached $100 million," Fish and Game says.
• Upper Cook Inlet's harvest of 5.1 million sockeye ranks as the area's fifth largest ever.
• Kodiak fishermen have harvested 15.5 million pink salmon, fewer than expected for this date.
That's a big total. But clearly, with September just around the corner, we won't reach the preseason forecast of 203 million.
One reason appears to be a shortfall of pink salmon, particularly in Prince William Sound. Returns to Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corp. hatcheries have been weaker than expected.
Here are a few salmon highlights from around the state:
• In Southeast, purse seiners have bagged 51.2 million pinks, 2.4 million chums, 500,000 sockeye and 300,000 coho. "From this year's combination of good returns, above average pink salmon weights and strong prices, the ex-vessel value of the purse seine fishery this season has now reached $100 million," Fish and Game says.
• Upper Cook Inlet's harvest of 5.1 million sockeye ranks as the area's fifth largest ever.
• Kodiak fishermen have harvested 15.5 million pink salmon, fewer than expected for this date.
Choice.
Nonsensical rant
I came across this blog post when I was browsing through the internet. The author wrote a response to another blogger who made a list about why being single rules. This was what she said:
Single: You can have sex with whoever you want, whenever you want.
Coupled: You have the best, most intimate, sex ever with one special person.
Single: You have the time to enjoy all the activities you want to do.
Coupled: You enjoy all the activities you want to do with someone else.
Single: You are free to hang out with your friends.
Coupled: You get to hang out with your best friend all the time
Does that mean that single people can’t lead a fruitful, wholesome, fulfilling life? Well, not really. Some of my happiest memories occurred when I was single.
I think what she meant with that list is that it’s important to be able to feel happy on our own. That our happiness won’t depend entirely on someone else. That’s the first thing.
You know, positive, comparative, superlative?
Being with someone whom we love, and if we’re really fortunate, decides to love us back? That just makes things better. It doesn’t mean that things weren’t good to begin with, but it is a different kind of happiness altogether.
I feel like I can really appreciate having dearie in my life now because I'm used to being on my own. Now he is the first person I think about whenever something funny happens at work, whenever I see something good on TV, whenever I just feel like ranting and whining.
It’s an amazing feeling being able to give a little of yourself to someone else. To want to make someone else happy. That our own happiness is not just what matters. That we’re thinking for two now instead of one. It is humbling, yet at the same time, so full of joy and happiness beyond description.
I’ve always made a mistake for being so negative before when it comes to relationships. I always have that thought in the back of mind that it wouldn’t last. That somehow I would get bored or he would screw it up, or I would screw it up or any 101 other possible scenarios.
I feel really positive now though. I allow myself to hope, to see that maybe this one would be different, that it would last.
You know what? I’m not going to jinx it by being overly dreamy about it (even though I can’t help it because things are going so perfect), but I guess I just want to say this one thing.
If (and this is a big IF that I hope won’t ever happen) somehow things don’t work out with me and dearie in the end, there won’t come a time that I regret having him in my life right now. Whatever happens, there's no way.
Single: You can have sex with whoever you want, whenever you want.
Coupled: You have the best, most intimate, sex ever with one special person.
Single: You have the time to enjoy all the activities you want to do.
Coupled: You enjoy all the activities you want to do with someone else.
Single: You are free to hang out with your friends.
Coupled: You get to hang out with your best friend all the time
Does that mean that single people can’t lead a fruitful, wholesome, fulfilling life? Well, not really. Some of my happiest memories occurred when I was single.
I think what she meant with that list is that it’s important to be able to feel happy on our own. That our happiness won’t depend entirely on someone else. That’s the first thing.
You know, positive, comparative, superlative?
Being with someone whom we love, and if we’re really fortunate, decides to love us back? That just makes things better. It doesn’t mean that things weren’t good to begin with, but it is a different kind of happiness altogether.
I feel like I can really appreciate having dearie in my life now because I'm used to being on my own. Now he is the first person I think about whenever something funny happens at work, whenever I see something good on TV, whenever I just feel like ranting and whining.
It’s an amazing feeling being able to give a little of yourself to someone else. To want to make someone else happy. That our own happiness is not just what matters. That we’re thinking for two now instead of one. It is humbling, yet at the same time, so full of joy and happiness beyond description.
I’ve always made a mistake for being so negative before when it comes to relationships. I always have that thought in the back of mind that it wouldn’t last. That somehow I would get bored or he would screw it up, or I would screw it up or any 101 other possible scenarios.
I feel really positive now though. I allow myself to hope, to see that maybe this one would be different, that it would last.
You know what? I’m not going to jinx it by being overly dreamy about it (even though I can’t help it because things are going so perfect), but I guess I just want to say this one thing.
If (and this is a big IF that I hope won’t ever happen) somehow things don’t work out with me and dearie in the end, there won’t come a time that I regret having him in my life right now. Whatever happens, there's no way.
Man found dead in Yukon after fish tender flips
From the Alaska State Troopers:
Location: St. Marys
Type: Death investigation
On 8/24/11 at approximately 0930 hours, St. Marys-based Alaska State Troopers were notified of an overdue Boreal Fisheries tender boat. The boat reportedly was supposed to have returned to the Boreal Fisheries dock, which is approximately 10 miles south of St. Marys on the Yukon River. The boat was last heard from at approximately 2300 hours on 8/23/11. At about 1040 hours, an AST Caravan from Bethel located the boat floating upside down and stationary approximately four miles downriver from Boreal Fisheries. The sole occupant and skipper of the vessel was reported to be Gerald Richardson Minock, 23, of Pilot Station. Approximately 10 boats and 30 searchers initially responded to the scene and searched the river between Pilot Station and Mountain Village. Weather conditions in the area last night were reported to be windy and rainy. At about 1245 hours, troopers were notified that two hunters located a deceased adult male in his early 20s floating in the middle of the Yukon River at the upper end of Thatcher Island below Mountain Village. The male was wearing a Boreal Fisheries life jacket. The body was transported to the St. Marys dock where, upon their return to the village at about 1530 hours, state troopers took possession of the body. The deceased male was positively identified by his next of kin as Minock. There were no obvious signs of trauma and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this incident. Additional investigation by St. Marys troopers revealed that the 32-foot semi "V" hull with twin outboard motors appeared to have been overloaded, according to a fisherman who observed the boat when he offloaded fish around 2130 hours on 8/23/11. The transom reportedly was partially out of the water and the bow of the boat appeared to be low in the water, which resulted in only 6 to 8 inches of freeboard in the rough waters of the Yukon River. The state medical examiner's office was contacted and requested the body be transported to Anchorage for an autopsy. The body has been transported by state aircraft to Bethel and will be shipped commercially to Anchorage on the next available flight.
Location: St. Marys
Type: Death investigation
On 8/24/11 at approximately 0930 hours, St. Marys-based Alaska State Troopers were notified of an overdue Boreal Fisheries tender boat. The boat reportedly was supposed to have returned to the Boreal Fisheries dock, which is approximately 10 miles south of St. Marys on the Yukon River. The boat was last heard from at approximately 2300 hours on 8/23/11. At about 1040 hours, an AST Caravan from Bethel located the boat floating upside down and stationary approximately four miles downriver from Boreal Fisheries. The sole occupant and skipper of the vessel was reported to be Gerald Richardson Minock, 23, of Pilot Station. Approximately 10 boats and 30 searchers initially responded to the scene and searched the river between Pilot Station and Mountain Village. Weather conditions in the area last night were reported to be windy and rainy. At about 1245 hours, troopers were notified that two hunters located a deceased adult male in his early 20s floating in the middle of the Yukon River at the upper end of Thatcher Island below Mountain Village. The male was wearing a Boreal Fisheries life jacket. The body was transported to the St. Marys dock where, upon their return to the village at about 1530 hours, state troopers took possession of the body. The deceased male was positively identified by his next of kin as Minock. There were no obvious signs of trauma and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this incident. Additional investigation by St. Marys troopers revealed that the 32-foot semi "V" hull with twin outboard motors appeared to have been overloaded, according to a fisherman who observed the boat when he offloaded fish around 2130 hours on 8/23/11. The transom reportedly was partially out of the water and the bow of the boat appeared to be low in the water, which resulted in only 6 to 8 inches of freeboard in the rough waters of the Yukon River. The state medical examiner's office was contacted and requested the body be transported to Anchorage for an autopsy. The body has been transported by state aircraft to Bethel and will be shipped commercially to Anchorage on the next available flight.
Good.
Happy 3rd. =)
I’m just saying thank you. You reminded me of what I’m capable of feeling. It’s like I was walking around seeing my life through a smudged window, and then I saw you and the smudges were gone. The window was clean.
Tiara at her Legends of a Feather Show at USM Theater.
Here are a few videos of Lucky Chengs drag queen Tiara at her show at Under St Marks Theater put on by John Murdock as part of his Legends of a Feather showcases. She told pretty amazing stories about her childhood, her time in the military and..the infamous TIger Show story! It was an amusing yet very touching night as Tiara thanked her friends at family at Chengs and told everyone to simply love and be themselves and they will be happy...The awesome photos of Tiara are by the lovely Brooke McGowan.
I am leaving now for Rhode Island for about a week..I need a vacation from my vacation in NYC I guess..Be back on next week!
PALEO NUTRITION: The Key To Good Health (Part 2 of "The Paleo Series")
"A Healthy Body Is The Guest Chamber Of The Soul; A Sick One Is Its Prison." ~Francis Bacon
As of late "The Paleo Diet" has become all the rage. What is it? How can it help us? Why is a "caveman diet" relevant to us today? Ever since I can remember I've been fascinated by the topic of cultural longevity. This overlaps my fascination with archaeology, medical anthropology, epidemiology and exercise physiology. There are very basic and simple laws, which we all fall govern to: the laws of nature. No one can escape them. No one can refute them. They are impersonal, un-bias, and un-wavering. Yet, there are nuances and subtleties within these laws. You could liken this to the intricate veins of a leaf. One leaf, one snowflake is not like another. In other words, every snowflake is governed by nature's laws, yet each is unique. We too are like this. The "art" of being a medical provider is maintaining a "bird's eye view," or larger perspective, while examining the individual canvass of each person before him/her. This is the discipline, as the Chinese say. "See yin within yang, yang within yin." Easy to say, a challenge to be sure.
Let us get out on the table some questions I hear every week in my practice. "Is there one diet for everyone, Almine?" The answer is no. Do I think every single person on the planet should be on "The Paleo Diet." My answer is "No." I will say this, however. The broad sweeping "bird's eye view" on our culture is in need of it.
We are statistically the most obese nation in the world. This is not a badge to be proud of. It is a concern. In fact, former president Bill Clinton called it "an American health crisis unparalleled."
So, do I believe (and have seen clinically) that "The Paleo Diet" is a solid "prescription" for the majority of Americans? Yes. You will have the "outlier," who defies the "bell-shaped curve" of nutritional needs. As "CrossFit" founder, Coach Glassman calls them "The Specialist." However, that is not the demographic this post is addressing. It is addressing the "general athlete," & "average American."
When Dr. Loren Cordain, Ph.D. first expounded upon his research of "The Paleo Diet," as he termed it, he was "poo-pooed" by his fellow colleagues. "But, what about the fact that 'Paleo Man' only lived to be in his/her 40's (at the most)?" "What about the endurance athlete?" "What about the 'tried and true' theory of 'carb-loading?" All of these questions were fired over and over. His responses, however, fell on deaf ears. To be frank, the academic community did not embrace doctor Cordain's research. Until now.
An old adage states "A prophet is never honored in his/her own land." This is as applicable to modern scientists, as to sages of old. A friend of mine stated (whose a Quantum Physicist), "Quantum physics will be accepted when the old guys who cling to worn out theories are dead and gone. Only then will the latest research have minds open enough to grasp it." Moral of the story? It often takes years for a theory to become accepted.
"The Paleo Diet" is a wake-up call. What is it waking us up to? Ancestral wisdom. Perhaps we can be open enough to see that progress is not necessarily linear. For all our new "faux foods" ("faux" or imitation meats, milks, etc.) we're none the better for it. Our obesity rates continue to soar, & our preventable diseases continue to rise.
"The Paleo Diet" is really a practical application of the late Dr. Weston A Price's research (1870-1948), who was a forefather in the realm of Medical Anthropology. Dr. Price and his wife spent their latter years, traveling, studying what he termed "ancestral diets" amongst traditional peoples. We call this "historical nutrition" in Medical Anthropology. Dr. Price is known in Medical Anthropology circles as "The Charles Darwin Of Nutrition." An excerpt from a Medical Anthropology textbook (which was my "Bible" in undergrad.) states:
"Price traveled the world over in order to study isolated human groups, including sequestered villages in Switzerland, Gaelic communities in the Outer Hebrides, Eskimos and Indians of North America, Melanesian and Polynesian South Sea Islanders, African tribes, Australian Aborigines, New Zealand Maori and the Indians of South America. Wherever he went, Dr. Price found that beautiful straight teeth, freedom from decay, stalwart bodies, resistance to disease and fine characters were typical of primitives on their traditional diets, rich in essential food factors."
Seminole Native American studied by Dr. Price. Note the perfect teeth structure, jaw line and nasal passage openings. All indicators to Medical Anthropologists that give a clue as to excellent pre-natal nutrition of the mother, and a continuation of high fat-soluable vitamin intake.
"When Dr. Price analyzed the foods used by isolated primitive peoples he found that they provided at least four times the calcium and other minerals, and at least TEN times the fat-soluble vitamins from animal foods such as butter, fish eggs, shellfish and organ meats."
It was Dr. Price's research that spurred Dr. Cordain to further investigate "Paleo Nutrition."
A fundamental difference you will see between Dr. Price's work and Dr. Cordain's work is the exclusion of dairy in "The Paleo Diet." Dr. Price was an advocate of raw, grass-fed dairy and its products (cheese, kefir, yogurt, butter, curds, etc.). Dr. Cordain is not.
My feeling on this? If one participates in one's own animal husbandry, and/or has access to raw, organic, grass-fed dairy, then try it. See how it does for your body. I see genetics come into play quite a bit with the dairy issue. I have a lot of French blood in me. I do well on raw, European sheep's and goat's cheeses. I allow myself a "cheat day" 1x per week, where I decadently eat the best French sheep and/or goat feta I can find. My body sees it as something special, and a rare treat. I digest raw feta well, but keep it to a minimum in my diet.
Dr. Cordain's argument for eliminating dairy is that the majority of the American people will not take the time to source, the high-quality dairy that Dr. Price saw amongst native peoples. I think he's accurate. That's not to say that its unavailable. It is available, but you have to mimic the practices of your ancestors by sourcing the "local dairy," and connecting with a small, family farm in your area. Luckily, this is becoming more and more easy to do. Through venues like farmer's markets and websites, in fact, its easier now than ever before. A good website to use as a reference for this is: http://www.realmilk.com/
If you look at people with genetics from Scandanavia, they tolerate high-fat dairy very well. Its how they obtain their vit. D in such a sun-deficient land. In fact, its necessary to their health. They do, however, count quality as priority in their dairy. Many of them keep one cow, and even ingest reindeer milk products (high-fat) to obtain the fat-soluable vitamins so vital that Dr. Price spoke of. Neurological disorders ensue, north of the equator the more north you go, and the less sunlight you see. This is of course, if you're not supplementing via animal fat products. Let me be clear: there is NO vegan equivalent for fat-soluable vitamins. You MUST OBTAIN IT FROM ANIMAL FAT. There is no chlorophyll and/or plant compound equivalent that makes up for "edible sunlight" in the form of vit. D.
Vit. D and A levels are highest in raw dairy, not to mention CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) being a bonus as well (the newly touted "anti-cancer miracle").
If you live north of the equator, or in an area that obtains little sunlight, in comparison to the tropics, you are doing your liver and immune system a disservice be eating a vegan diet. Vegan diets are wonderful "temporary fixes" for obesity. So is a low-carb diet. It doesn't provide adequate nutrition, however, for the growing child, pregnant mother, athletic woman or vital senior. Not even by a long shot. Take it from a "recovering vegan." My blood-work #'s while being a vegan for 5 yrs. are like night and day compared to them now. My primary care naturopath says I have the #'s of "the healthiest teenager I've ever seen." What turned them around? Eating good amounts of (gasp!) high-quality animal fat and protein via animal sources.
Concerned about the welfare of animals? You should be. If you're not you're eating unconsciously. I was a vegetarian for 10 yrs. (5 of those vegan) for ethical reasons. However, my diagnosis of obesity (yes, on a vegan "healthy" diet!) coupled with chronic fatigue (CFS) and fibromyalgia diagnosis got the better of me. This is when I was in my 20's. I realized I couldn't live like that anymore. I began to wonder "Whose suffering more here? The animals or me?" I wondered as I huffed and puffed up 1 flight of stairs, body aching the next day because of it. In earnest, with a sincere heart, I asked my meditation teacher "What do I do? I want to live an ethical life, but my body is hurting me." Her response (and she is a vegetarian from India):
"Suffering is a relative concept. If you alleviate the suffering in your own body, you will be stronger, so that you may inspire and help others. I understand your compassionate heart, but you must do what is right for your body, so that you can do your 'dharma' (role or mission) in this world. That is the most important thing. If your body requires you to eat meat to be strong and healthy, you should."
My meditation teacher, whom I met in 1995, Mother Meera
My husband and I take painstaking care to source our grass-fed meat from small family farms in our area. Factory farming has no place in our household. We don't advocate cruelty. Nor do we support it. Large agri-conglomerates are stamping out the rural family farm. A family farm, with 2-4 livestock animals has become a thing of the past. "Monsanto" has put fear into the hearts of multi-generation family farms to succumb to the corporate structure of farming, thereby creating un-sanitary, cruel, and un-savory conditions for animals to live in. In addition, consider this: when an animal (or a human being) is under long-periods of stress, cortisol, our "fight or flight" hormone is released in large quantities into the blood stream. This actually compromises meat quality, and thereby nutrition. A happy animal, is a power-packed nutrition source. Clean air, grass, sunshine and kindness will in fact nourish your body more, by way of a happy animal. A relaxed cow, is a nutrient-dense cow. We are no different. When we're stressed our health quality is poor. All creatures are governed by this law.
Poor conditions for animals in factory-farms leads to poor-quality meat, and inhumane treatment of animals.
By voting with your dollars, and supporting small family farms, you are doing an immense amount of good. You're not only supporting local families, your ingesting high-quality food that will nourish your body whole.
Content, free-ranging cows in the Swiss Alps
While it is true that certain periods of athletic activity require higher glycemic carbohydrates, you may be surprised as to the amount that you need. The "carb loading" theory, that endurance athletes have seldom questioned, has its "holes." When looking at the level of importance amino acids play in endurance events vs. carbohydrates, you may reconsider which is more needed. Amino acids come from protein. Think having a piece of toast vs. an egg before a race is more beneficial? Think again. There IS a time to increase carbohydrates during a racing event, but it might shock you as to when you should take them and quantity. This is something that has to be carefully examined and "tweaked" by coach, athlete and medical provider. This is a delicate process, not unlike a spider web. Each strand of the athlete's nutrition has to be properly accounted for and taken into consideration.
When you begin to look at the nutrition needs of the Adventure Racing athlete, or those doing such physical events like an "Eco-Challenge" or ultra-run, then we're getting into the realm of "The Specialist," or "Outlier," where other issues must be taken into consideration. This too, is taken into account, by Dr. Cordain's second book "The Paleo Diet For Athletes." I HIGHLY recommend all endurance athletes and coaches read this book. It will answer all your questions in great detail.
With the agricultural revolution came the industrial revolution, hot on its heels. As we began to understand how we could manipulate the laws of nature, this created a "ripple effect" of consequences. We began to gain power and control over not only the seed itself (with patents on seeds!), but also realized we could "create" food. This began the advent of "boxed meals." You may think that rice milk or soy milk is much better than a "Lean Cuisine," but think again. You're drinking predominately refined carbohydrates, and unnecessary ones at that. A statement that bluntly drives home this point was once told to me by the great herbalist, Susan Weed: "If it doesn't have breasts, it doesn't make milk. Period."
Here's how you need to consider boxed meals: they are products where "filler" agricultural remnants go. Where the "waste" of agriculture ends up. Its the food equivalent of "fluff" or styrofoam "peanuts." Very little, if any nutritional value.
As "The Zone" diet advocates: stick to the perimeter of your grocery market. Perishable items are usually a safe bet. The ratio of fats/protein/carbs. in these products tend to be the way Mother Nature wanted it. Not manipulated by man.
In addition, I would recommend game meats vs. agricultural meats, if given a choice. Find a neighbor in your area who ethically hunts (takes only whats needed for neighbors and family, practices humane hunting methods). Game meats are more nutrient-dense than agriculturally raised meat. Buffalo, elk, venison, rabbit, various game fowl are good choices.
The Greeks and Romans Had A Name For Their Hunting Patron, "Artemis" or "Diana" The Huntress :)
When eating seafood take the time to talk to the people behind the front counter. They can tell you what is on the endangered list. "Whole Foods" provides a "key" or "legend," which is on each type of fish sold telling you about its eco-sustainability rating.
An Inuit Man Ice Fishing In Alaska
In addition to game meats, I would like to recommend emphasizing organ meats as the primary protein/amino acid source in the diet. Quality counts here, and organic is imperative, unless you want to ingest the main "filter" of the animal's body, where all the anti-biotics, pesticides, etc. go. Organ meats are virtually powerhouses of amino acids. Its a no wonder the old school "strongmen and women," as they were called in Europe (the warriors of the Celts & Sparta) ate nothing but organ meats, berries and fruit. Annals say they trained on organ meats alone.
When the first white settlers came to Tanzania and Kenya they encountered the Maasai. Fierce, warriors, "superior physical specimens of unparalleled athleticism," one priest wrote in his diary. Oddly enough, he also touted them as "heathens" for drinking blood mixed with raw cow's milk and eating liver. I wonder how they got so "superior" and "athletic?" That's a menu of 100% amino acids, protein, mixed with the proper ratio of carbs. and fats.
My brother had the opportunity to participate in this culinary experience with them, when in Africa. He stated you saw no declining health in these people. The women carried heavy loads across miles (with their children on their backs as well), while the men hunted lion (yeah, that might take some "athleticism") and game during the day. Cows are very important to their culture, and they prepare them by ethical culling. In other words, they kill them in a kosher manner: they aim accurately for the most "vulnerable area of the jugular" & swiftly blow a dart into the cow. The cow painlessly dies within seconds.
Maasai Warrior, Kenya
After discussing some of the finer points of "The Paleo Diet" we can sum it up in few words. Coach Glassman founder of "CrossFit" states simplistically:
"Base your diet on garden vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, nuts and seeds, little starch, and no sugar."
To reduce high-glycemic carbohydrates, increase protein and amino acid dense foods, and decrease boxed items will be, in and of itself, of huge benefit to anyone. Try to do these simple things, and you will notice a remarkable increase in health, vitality and fitness. To be fit and healthy is to be strong, so that you can help others. When one lights their own candle, they can then, in turn, light others. Support local farmers. Eat consciously. Move outside. Feel gratitude.
Backpacking Through The "Sisters Wilderness," Middle Sister In The Background
As of late "The Paleo Diet" has become all the rage. What is it? How can it help us? Why is a "caveman diet" relevant to us today? Ever since I can remember I've been fascinated by the topic of cultural longevity. This overlaps my fascination with archaeology, medical anthropology, epidemiology and exercise physiology. There are very basic and simple laws, which we all fall govern to: the laws of nature. No one can escape them. No one can refute them. They are impersonal, un-bias, and un-wavering. Yet, there are nuances and subtleties within these laws. You could liken this to the intricate veins of a leaf. One leaf, one snowflake is not like another. In other words, every snowflake is governed by nature's laws, yet each is unique. We too are like this. The "art" of being a medical provider is maintaining a "bird's eye view," or larger perspective, while examining the individual canvass of each person before him/her. This is the discipline, as the Chinese say. "See yin within yang, yang within yin." Easy to say, a challenge to be sure.
Let us get out on the table some questions I hear every week in my practice. "Is there one diet for everyone, Almine?" The answer is no. Do I think every single person on the planet should be on "The Paleo Diet." My answer is "No." I will say this, however. The broad sweeping "bird's eye view" on our culture is in need of it.
We are statistically the most obese nation in the world. This is not a badge to be proud of. It is a concern. In fact, former president Bill Clinton called it "an American health crisis unparalleled."
So, do I believe (and have seen clinically) that "The Paleo Diet" is a solid "prescription" for the majority of Americans? Yes. You will have the "outlier," who defies the "bell-shaped curve" of nutritional needs. As "CrossFit" founder, Coach Glassman calls them "The Specialist." However, that is not the demographic this post is addressing. It is addressing the "general athlete," & "average American."
When Dr. Loren Cordain, Ph.D. first expounded upon his research of "The Paleo Diet," as he termed it, he was "poo-pooed" by his fellow colleagues. "But, what about the fact that 'Paleo Man' only lived to be in his/her 40's (at the most)?" "What about the endurance athlete?" "What about the 'tried and true' theory of 'carb-loading?" All of these questions were fired over and over. His responses, however, fell on deaf ears. To be frank, the academic community did not embrace doctor Cordain's research. Until now.
An old adage states "A prophet is never honored in his/her own land." This is as applicable to modern scientists, as to sages of old. A friend of mine stated (whose a Quantum Physicist), "Quantum physics will be accepted when the old guys who cling to worn out theories are dead and gone. Only then will the latest research have minds open enough to grasp it." Moral of the story? It often takes years for a theory to become accepted.
"The Paleo Diet" is a wake-up call. What is it waking us up to? Ancestral wisdom. Perhaps we can be open enough to see that progress is not necessarily linear. For all our new "faux foods" ("faux" or imitation meats, milks, etc.) we're none the better for it. Our obesity rates continue to soar, & our preventable diseases continue to rise.
"The Paleo Diet" is really a practical application of the late Dr. Weston A Price's research (1870-1948), who was a forefather in the realm of Medical Anthropology. Dr. Price and his wife spent their latter years, traveling, studying what he termed "ancestral diets" amongst traditional peoples. We call this "historical nutrition" in Medical Anthropology. Dr. Price is known in Medical Anthropology circles as "The Charles Darwin Of Nutrition." An excerpt from a Medical Anthropology textbook (which was my "Bible" in undergrad.) states:
"Price traveled the world over in order to study isolated human groups, including sequestered villages in Switzerland, Gaelic communities in the Outer Hebrides, Eskimos and Indians of North America, Melanesian and Polynesian South Sea Islanders, African tribes, Australian Aborigines, New Zealand Maori and the Indians of South America. Wherever he went, Dr. Price found that beautiful straight teeth, freedom from decay, stalwart bodies, resistance to disease and fine characters were typical of primitives on their traditional diets, rich in essential food factors."
Seminole Native American studied by Dr. Price. Note the perfect teeth structure, jaw line and nasal passage openings. All indicators to Medical Anthropologists that give a clue as to excellent pre-natal nutrition of the mother, and a continuation of high fat-soluable vitamin intake.
"When Dr. Price analyzed the foods used by isolated primitive peoples he found that they provided at least four times the calcium and other minerals, and at least TEN times the fat-soluble vitamins from animal foods such as butter, fish eggs, shellfish and organ meats."
It was Dr. Price's research that spurred Dr. Cordain to further investigate "Paleo Nutrition."
A fundamental difference you will see between Dr. Price's work and Dr. Cordain's work is the exclusion of dairy in "The Paleo Diet." Dr. Price was an advocate of raw, grass-fed dairy and its products (cheese, kefir, yogurt, butter, curds, etc.). Dr. Cordain is not.
My feeling on this? If one participates in one's own animal husbandry, and/or has access to raw, organic, grass-fed dairy, then try it. See how it does for your body. I see genetics come into play quite a bit with the dairy issue. I have a lot of French blood in me. I do well on raw, European sheep's and goat's cheeses. I allow myself a "cheat day" 1x per week, where I decadently eat the best French sheep and/or goat feta I can find. My body sees it as something special, and a rare treat. I digest raw feta well, but keep it to a minimum in my diet.
Dr. Cordain's argument for eliminating dairy is that the majority of the American people will not take the time to source, the high-quality dairy that Dr. Price saw amongst native peoples. I think he's accurate. That's not to say that its unavailable. It is available, but you have to mimic the practices of your ancestors by sourcing the "local dairy," and connecting with a small, family farm in your area. Luckily, this is becoming more and more easy to do. Through venues like farmer's markets and websites, in fact, its easier now than ever before. A good website to use as a reference for this is: http://www.realmilk.com/
If you look at people with genetics from Scandanavia, they tolerate high-fat dairy very well. Its how they obtain their vit. D in such a sun-deficient land. In fact, its necessary to their health. They do, however, count quality as priority in their dairy. Many of them keep one cow, and even ingest reindeer milk products (high-fat) to obtain the fat-soluable vitamins so vital that Dr. Price spoke of. Neurological disorders ensue, north of the equator the more north you go, and the less sunlight you see. This is of course, if you're not supplementing via animal fat products. Let me be clear: there is NO vegan equivalent for fat-soluable vitamins. You MUST OBTAIN IT FROM ANIMAL FAT. There is no chlorophyll and/or plant compound equivalent that makes up for "edible sunlight" in the form of vit. D.
Vit. D and A levels are highest in raw dairy, not to mention CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) being a bonus as well (the newly touted "anti-cancer miracle").
If you live north of the equator, or in an area that obtains little sunlight, in comparison to the tropics, you are doing your liver and immune system a disservice be eating a vegan diet. Vegan diets are wonderful "temporary fixes" for obesity. So is a low-carb diet. It doesn't provide adequate nutrition, however, for the growing child, pregnant mother, athletic woman or vital senior. Not even by a long shot. Take it from a "recovering vegan." My blood-work #'s while being a vegan for 5 yrs. are like night and day compared to them now. My primary care naturopath says I have the #'s of "the healthiest teenager I've ever seen." What turned them around? Eating good amounts of (gasp!) high-quality animal fat and protein via animal sources.
Concerned about the welfare of animals? You should be. If you're not you're eating unconsciously. I was a vegetarian for 10 yrs. (5 of those vegan) for ethical reasons. However, my diagnosis of obesity (yes, on a vegan "healthy" diet!) coupled with chronic fatigue (CFS) and fibromyalgia diagnosis got the better of me. This is when I was in my 20's. I realized I couldn't live like that anymore. I began to wonder "Whose suffering more here? The animals or me?" I wondered as I huffed and puffed up 1 flight of stairs, body aching the next day because of it. In earnest, with a sincere heart, I asked my meditation teacher "What do I do? I want to live an ethical life, but my body is hurting me." Her response (and she is a vegetarian from India):
"Suffering is a relative concept. If you alleviate the suffering in your own body, you will be stronger, so that you may inspire and help others. I understand your compassionate heart, but you must do what is right for your body, so that you can do your 'dharma' (role or mission) in this world. That is the most important thing. If your body requires you to eat meat to be strong and healthy, you should."
My meditation teacher, whom I met in 1995, Mother Meera
My husband and I take painstaking care to source our grass-fed meat from small family farms in our area. Factory farming has no place in our household. We don't advocate cruelty. Nor do we support it. Large agri-conglomerates are stamping out the rural family farm. A family farm, with 2-4 livestock animals has become a thing of the past. "Monsanto" has put fear into the hearts of multi-generation family farms to succumb to the corporate structure of farming, thereby creating un-sanitary, cruel, and un-savory conditions for animals to live in. In addition, consider this: when an animal (or a human being) is under long-periods of stress, cortisol, our "fight or flight" hormone is released in large quantities into the blood stream. This actually compromises meat quality, and thereby nutrition. A happy animal, is a power-packed nutrition source. Clean air, grass, sunshine and kindness will in fact nourish your body more, by way of a happy animal. A relaxed cow, is a nutrient-dense cow. We are no different. When we're stressed our health quality is poor. All creatures are governed by this law.
Poor conditions for animals in factory-farms leads to poor-quality meat, and inhumane treatment of animals.
By voting with your dollars, and supporting small family farms, you are doing an immense amount of good. You're not only supporting local families, your ingesting high-quality food that will nourish your body whole.
Content, free-ranging cows in the Swiss Alps
While it is true that certain periods of athletic activity require higher glycemic carbohydrates, you may be surprised as to the amount that you need. The "carb loading" theory, that endurance athletes have seldom questioned, has its "holes." When looking at the level of importance amino acids play in endurance events vs. carbohydrates, you may reconsider which is more needed. Amino acids come from protein. Think having a piece of toast vs. an egg before a race is more beneficial? Think again. There IS a time to increase carbohydrates during a racing event, but it might shock you as to when you should take them and quantity. This is something that has to be carefully examined and "tweaked" by coach, athlete and medical provider. This is a delicate process, not unlike a spider web. Each strand of the athlete's nutrition has to be properly accounted for and taken into consideration.
When you begin to look at the nutrition needs of the Adventure Racing athlete, or those doing such physical events like an "Eco-Challenge" or ultra-run, then we're getting into the realm of "The Specialist," or "Outlier," where other issues must be taken into consideration. This too, is taken into account, by Dr. Cordain's second book "The Paleo Diet For Athletes." I HIGHLY recommend all endurance athletes and coaches read this book. It will answer all your questions in great detail.
With the agricultural revolution came the industrial revolution, hot on its heels. As we began to understand how we could manipulate the laws of nature, this created a "ripple effect" of consequences. We began to gain power and control over not only the seed itself (with patents on seeds!), but also realized we could "create" food. This began the advent of "boxed meals." You may think that rice milk or soy milk is much better than a "Lean Cuisine," but think again. You're drinking predominately refined carbohydrates, and unnecessary ones at that. A statement that bluntly drives home this point was once told to me by the great herbalist, Susan Weed: "If it doesn't have breasts, it doesn't make milk. Period."
Here's how you need to consider boxed meals: they are products where "filler" agricultural remnants go. Where the "waste" of agriculture ends up. Its the food equivalent of "fluff" or styrofoam "peanuts." Very little, if any nutritional value.
As "The Zone" diet advocates: stick to the perimeter of your grocery market. Perishable items are usually a safe bet. The ratio of fats/protein/carbs. in these products tend to be the way Mother Nature wanted it. Not manipulated by man.
In addition, I would recommend game meats vs. agricultural meats, if given a choice. Find a neighbor in your area who ethically hunts (takes only whats needed for neighbors and family, practices humane hunting methods). Game meats are more nutrient-dense than agriculturally raised meat. Buffalo, elk, venison, rabbit, various game fowl are good choices.
The Greeks and Romans Had A Name For Their Hunting Patron, "Artemis" or "Diana" The Huntress :)
When eating seafood take the time to talk to the people behind the front counter. They can tell you what is on the endangered list. "Whole Foods" provides a "key" or "legend," which is on each type of fish sold telling you about its eco-sustainability rating.
An Inuit Man Ice Fishing In Alaska
In addition to game meats, I would like to recommend emphasizing organ meats as the primary protein/amino acid source in the diet. Quality counts here, and organic is imperative, unless you want to ingest the main "filter" of the animal's body, where all the anti-biotics, pesticides, etc. go. Organ meats are virtually powerhouses of amino acids. Its a no wonder the old school "strongmen and women," as they were called in Europe (the warriors of the Celts & Sparta) ate nothing but organ meats, berries and fruit. Annals say they trained on organ meats alone.
When the first white settlers came to Tanzania and Kenya they encountered the Maasai. Fierce, warriors, "superior physical specimens of unparalleled athleticism," one priest wrote in his diary. Oddly enough, he also touted them as "heathens" for drinking blood mixed with raw cow's milk and eating liver. I wonder how they got so "superior" and "athletic?" That's a menu of 100% amino acids, protein, mixed with the proper ratio of carbs. and fats.
My brother had the opportunity to participate in this culinary experience with them, when in Africa. He stated you saw no declining health in these people. The women carried heavy loads across miles (with their children on their backs as well), while the men hunted lion (yeah, that might take some "athleticism") and game during the day. Cows are very important to their culture, and they prepare them by ethical culling. In other words, they kill them in a kosher manner: they aim accurately for the most "vulnerable area of the jugular" & swiftly blow a dart into the cow. The cow painlessly dies within seconds.
Maasai Warrior, Kenya
After discussing some of the finer points of "The Paleo Diet" we can sum it up in few words. Coach Glassman founder of "CrossFit" states simplistically:
"Base your diet on garden vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, nuts and seeds, little starch, and no sugar."
To reduce high-glycemic carbohydrates, increase protein and amino acid dense foods, and decrease boxed items will be, in and of itself, of huge benefit to anyone. Try to do these simple things, and you will notice a remarkable increase in health, vitality and fitness. To be fit and healthy is to be strong, so that you can help others. When one lights their own candle, they can then, in turn, light others. Support local farmers. Eat consciously. Move outside. Feel gratitude.
Backpacking Through The "Sisters Wilderness," Middle Sister In The Background
Saturday, Obvious.
Wow, office is so quiet today. Some of my colleagues are helping out with the buffet downstairs, packing stuffs I think. I, on the other hand, have some emails to clear (and blog to write, but that’s just between you and me), so I managed to escape and withdraw myself from the hectic crowds to my peaceful, quiet desk. All I can hear is the soft music from the radio my colleague is playing at the other end, and the comforting clicking sound of keyboards. Personally, I love it. (referring to the sound of keyboard)
Once again I’m going to count my blessings for yet another wonderful day we have here! Awesome weekend is waiting ahead… in 1.5 hour time!
Anyway, I was re-reading some of my old posts and I came across one which mentioned a song by Westlife, “Obvious”.
Man, that was a good song.
And yes, I’m hopeless for boybands.
I listened to that song religiously when I was in my third year of middle school back in Jakarta. I remember because that was when I started dating my first boyfriend (then.) Anyway, it doesn’t matter now, but what I loved about the song was how much I could relate to it.
Actually, I can sort of still relate to it now.
Before I got together with dearie a couple of months back, I’ve already developed a crush on him for a while somehow and I can’t pinpoint why, aside from the fact that he’s just different. He’s smart and articulate (and this is important, people!) and endearing and unpretentious. Unapologetically sincere.
He was oblivious at that time though, and who could blame him? Apparently when I was around him, my vocabulary immediately shrunk to a pitiful range of words only found in children’s book. Suddenly I blushed, and stammered, and looked away a lot. I wouldn’t like me either.
Alright, not gonna bore with you the details. That’s not the point of this post! Back to the song, people!
Anyway, yeah. Since now you have a bit of a background, listen to the lyrics (or rather, read it) while preferably listen to the song (if you can download it now..)
Ps. Downloading songs is illegal, people! Save our music!
We started as friends
But something happened inside me
Now I'm reading into everything
But there's no sign you hear the lightning, baby
You don't ever notice me turning on my charm
Or wonder why I'm always where you are
I've made it obvious
Done everything but sing it
(I've crushed on you so long, but on and on you get me wrong)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
I've heard you talk about
How you want someone just like me
But everytime I ask you out
We never move pass friendly
And you don't ever notice how I stare when we're alone
Or wonder why I keep you on the phone
I've made it obvious
Done everything but sing it
(I've crushed on you so long but on and on you get me wrong)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
You are my very first thought in the morning
And my last at nightfall
You are the love that came without warning
I need you, I want you to know
I've made it obvious
So finally I'll sing it
(I've crushed on you so long)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
And sing it until the day you're holding me
I've wanted you so long but on and on you get me wrong
I more than adore you but since you never seem to see
But you never seem to see
I'll say it in this love song
Awesome, right? I feel nostalgic too as if I’m suddenly transported back in time to the year of my middle school where I used to listen this in my room over and over again before school.
Great, now I’m going to listen to it again…
tee-hee. =)
Once again I’m going to count my blessings for yet another wonderful day we have here! Awesome weekend is waiting ahead… in 1.5 hour time!
Anyway, I was re-reading some of my old posts and I came across one which mentioned a song by Westlife, “Obvious”.
Man, that was a good song.
And yes, I’m hopeless for boybands.
I listened to that song religiously when I was in my third year of middle school back in Jakarta. I remember because that was when I started dating my first boyfriend (then.) Anyway, it doesn’t matter now, but what I loved about the song was how much I could relate to it.
Actually, I can sort of still relate to it now.
Before I got together with dearie a couple of months back, I’ve already developed a crush on him for a while somehow and I can’t pinpoint why, aside from the fact that he’s just different. He’s smart and articulate (and this is important, people!) and endearing and unpretentious. Unapologetically sincere.
He was oblivious at that time though, and who could blame him? Apparently when I was around him, my vocabulary immediately shrunk to a pitiful range of words only found in children’s book. Suddenly I blushed, and stammered, and looked away a lot. I wouldn’t like me either.
Alright, not gonna bore with you the details. That’s not the point of this post! Back to the song, people!
Anyway, yeah. Since now you have a bit of a background, listen to the lyrics (or rather, read it) while preferably listen to the song (if you can download it now..)
Ps. Downloading songs is illegal, people! Save our music!
We started as friends
But something happened inside me
Now I'm reading into everything
But there's no sign you hear the lightning, baby
You don't ever notice me turning on my charm
Or wonder why I'm always where you are
I've made it obvious
Done everything but sing it
(I've crushed on you so long, but on and on you get me wrong)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
I've heard you talk about
How you want someone just like me
But everytime I ask you out
We never move pass friendly
And you don't ever notice how I stare when we're alone
Or wonder why I keep you on the phone
I've made it obvious
Done everything but sing it
(I've crushed on you so long but on and on you get me wrong)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
You are my very first thought in the morning
And my last at nightfall
You are the love that came without warning
I need you, I want you to know
I've made it obvious
So finally I'll sing it
(I've crushed on you so long)
I'm not so good with words
And since you never notice
The way that we belong
I'll say it in a love song
And sing it until the day you're holding me
I've wanted you so long but on and on you get me wrong
I more than adore you but since you never seem to see
But you never seem to see
I'll say it in this love song
Awesome, right? I feel nostalgic too as if I’m suddenly transported back in time to the year of my middle school where I used to listen this in my room over and over again before school.
Great, now I’m going to listen to it again…
— E.E. Cummings
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear;
and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)”
Crewman with facial injuries airlifted to Kodiak
From the U.S. Coast Guard:
Aug. 18, 2011
Kodiak Coast Guard crew medevacs fisherman
An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew today medevaced a 19-year-old fisherman with reported severe facial injuries from Ouzinkie to Kodiak.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a call for help at 7:22 a.m. from the crew of the fishing vessel Karen Kay relaying that there had been an incident aboard the 38-foot fishing vessel Kittiwake.
Daniel Cornelius reportedly was injured when a line onboard the fishing vessel parted and hit him in the face.
The Kittiwake diverted to the port of Ouzinkie, arriving at 9:10 a.m. Cornelius was transported to the local medical clinic for further care and preparation for the helicopter medevac to Kodiak.
The Jayhawk arrived in Ouzinkie at 10:45 a.m., safely picked up Cornelius and transported him to Kodiak, arriving at 11 a.m.
Kodiak emergency medical services transported Cornelius to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center for further medical care.
Aug. 18, 2011
Kodiak Coast Guard crew medevacs fisherman
An Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew today medevaced a 19-year-old fisherman with reported severe facial injuries from Ouzinkie to Kodiak.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a call for help at 7:22 a.m. from the crew of the fishing vessel Karen Kay relaying that there had been an incident aboard the 38-foot fishing vessel Kittiwake.
Daniel Cornelius reportedly was injured when a line onboard the fishing vessel parted and hit him in the face.
The Kittiwake diverted to the port of Ouzinkie, arriving at 9:10 a.m. Cornelius was transported to the local medical clinic for further care and preparation for the helicopter medevac to Kodiak.
The Jayhawk arrived in Ouzinkie at 10:45 a.m., safely picked up Cornelius and transported him to Kodiak, arriving at 11 a.m.
Kodiak emergency medical services transported Cornelius to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center for further medical care.
Jesus and the prayer station at Tompkins.
So...some Jesus freaks were out at Tompkins Square the other day. All day. All DAMN day! Live music, info, a prayer station and a freaking insane play about a girl turning to Jesus then being seduced by demons. Jesus beat up Satan and damn, I only had my iphone to record a bit of it with. Tonight is Rosemary's Baby for the free film in the park night which I have noticed is getting drunker and rowdier. Isn't that ironic? Har.
Dear my 20-years old self,
Hi, it’s me. Hopefully a more mature version of yourself since I’m currently writing this in the office, where I actually work and gain a stable income every month (bring the bacon home, as the cool kids say it.) I bet you have no idea what you’re going to do when you grow up from where you’re standing right now, do you?
Well, let me just say that although I may not exactly an award-winning, best-selling author like you dream you were going to be at 24 yet, I’m still doing pretty alright, I guess. But okay, that’s a discussion for another time, okay?
I guess the purpose of me writing to you right now, is just to tell you, that it’s okay being young. It’s okay having fun and going out with your friends because hey, this is the time to do so. But, be careful. Although you may not think so right now, not everyone you meet is going to take care of you and treat you right. Especially the people you meet on your nights out, however cute they may be.
Be wary and suspicious of people; it’s okay. It doesn’t mean that you are incapable of trusting, it just means that you can select who to trust wisely. That way, you won’t get hurt. And believe me, not everyone is worthy of your trust.
There would be times when you think you have everything in the world to be happy because you have great friends and great parties every week. You’d feel superficially happy because you have different dates every week and random hookups on ladies night. But trust me; there would be times when you feel tired of it all because at the end of the day, these people don’t matter. Confide in your friends, they are the ones that are still going to be there no matter what, so don’t ever take them for granted or choose some insignificant guys over their company.
Having said that, have fun but be smart about it. It’s not attractive getting drunk at 8pm and I know you’ve been through that. (Oops, or haven’t you? Oh spoiler! Watch out, you better be ready for it! SUBA! Ladies night! Free flow of Cosmopolitan! Those little buggers are dangerous!)
I know how you feel sometimes. You see your friends who are happy in their relationships, and you think if you are ever going to get that too. I know how scared you are at commitment. But hey, don’t worry about that yeah? You are young. There are plenty of time for commitments and relationships, and take it from me (and I’m your future self, so you better believe me), you will have that someone who makes you naturally and effortlessly happy, and it’s going to be wonderful because he is awesome and you have the rest of your time to be committed. So really, at 20, you shouldn’t be worrying over this at all. Sadly, you will have to go ‘kiss some frogs’ before you get to this wonderful boy, but it’s okay, it’ll be worth it.
Besides, what you have to go through makes me who I am today, right? And at the risk of sounding a lil' boastful, I think I’m turning out to be pretty darn alright.
Well, let me just say that although I may not exactly an award-winning, best-selling author like you dream you were going to be at 24 yet, I’m still doing pretty alright, I guess. But okay, that’s a discussion for another time, okay?
I guess the purpose of me writing to you right now, is just to tell you, that it’s okay being young. It’s okay having fun and going out with your friends because hey, this is the time to do so. But, be careful. Although you may not think so right now, not everyone you meet is going to take care of you and treat you right. Especially the people you meet on your nights out, however cute they may be.
Be wary and suspicious of people; it’s okay. It doesn’t mean that you are incapable of trusting, it just means that you can select who to trust wisely. That way, you won’t get hurt. And believe me, not everyone is worthy of your trust.
There would be times when you think you have everything in the world to be happy because you have great friends and great parties every week. You’d feel superficially happy because you have different dates every week and random hookups on ladies night. But trust me; there would be times when you feel tired of it all because at the end of the day, these people don’t matter. Confide in your friends, they are the ones that are still going to be there no matter what, so don’t ever take them for granted or choose some insignificant guys over their company.
Having said that, have fun but be smart about it. It’s not attractive getting drunk at 8pm and I know you’ve been through that. (Oops, or haven’t you? Oh spoiler! Watch out, you better be ready for it! SUBA! Ladies night! Free flow of Cosmopolitan! Those little buggers are dangerous!)
I know how you feel sometimes. You see your friends who are happy in their relationships, and you think if you are ever going to get that too. I know how scared you are at commitment. But hey, don’t worry about that yeah? You are young. There are plenty of time for commitments and relationships, and take it from me (and I’m your future self, so you better believe me), you will have that someone who makes you naturally and effortlessly happy, and it’s going to be wonderful because he is awesome and you have the rest of your time to be committed. So really, at 20, you shouldn’t be worrying over this at all. Sadly, you will have to go ‘kiss some frogs’ before you get to this wonderful boy, but it’s okay, it’ll be worth it.
Besides, what you have to go through makes me who I am today, right? And at the risk of sounding a lil' boastful, I think I’m turning out to be pretty darn alright.
Poem of the Day
Living at the spout
Dreaming to tip
Pour over a soul
Flow through a drip
I only wish to keep away the rain
Live to be cherised
At bay, insane
Beneath the bloom I will see
Whether it ends with you and me
Dreaming to tip
Pour over a soul
Flow through a drip
I only wish to keep away the rain
Live to be cherised
At bay, insane
Beneath the bloom I will see
Whether it ends with you and me
Hot Dogs and Toasted Buns
Last Saturday we traveled down a sandy dirt road on no map to Ken's house, taking our cue from a beautiful summer day - and the promise of hot dogs later - to ride over some of the hill country in Wings Mills, Belgrade, Manchester, and Augusta.
The day was clear, but would turn hot, and some of the hills were long. But we had little traffic and good company.
We could hardly grouse about the sun and the heat, for the ride had nearly been rained out in previous years. Ken's hot dogs remained one of the club's best secrets. But no longer - not after last Saturday.
Our thanks to the Louises for the great ride and their hospitality - and for the perfect setting to chill out after a sweet ride. See you next year? Hot Dog!
A reminder - the KVBC ride scheduled for Sunday, August 21st, in ALNA has been POSTPONED and we will be meeting in SMITHFIELD at the fire station at 9:00 am instead. See you then!
Alna is OFF - Smithfield is ON
Due to unforeseen family commitments, our scheduled ride this Sunday in Alna will be POSTPONED and rescheduled for another date.
Instead, we will be meeting in Smithfield for a great double loop around North and East Ponds with some great lakeside runs, followed by a nifty ice cream stop. Hope you can join us!
Instead, we will be meeting in Smithfield for a great double loop around North and East Ponds with some great lakeside runs, followed by a nifty ice cream stop. Hope you can join us!
Sunday, August 21st - SMITHFIELD
"Route 8 Figure 8" - a scenic tour through Smithfield, Belgrade, Rome, and Mercer.
START: 9:00 AM, at the new Smithfield Fire Station on Rt. 8 in Smithfield, about a quarter-mile north of the junction of Rt. 8 and Rt. 137.
DISTANCE: 15 and 28 miles.
TERRAIN: moderate to moderately hilly.
HIGHLIGHTS: many scenic lake views and back roads, and an ice cream stop.
LEADER: Jim Merrick.
'Fluency in Czech and Slovak language preferred'
So, who works in Alaska's processing plants?
If you think it's Lower 48 college kids up for a summer salmon adventure, you'd best get with the times.
Just check out this ad for a production manager over in Cordova.
If you think it's Lower 48 college kids up for a summer salmon adventure, you'd best get with the times.
Just check out this ad for a production manager over in Cordova.
These pics are just weird. Plus, I hate Facebook.
Well, I tried to upload some pretty photos I took in Vermont but blogger is not letting me. Much like facebook which annoyed me all week. My cell number was on display and I got weird texts from strangers, everyone I had blocked became unblocked(well about 3 people), and I couldn't send email or IM people. First world problems, but nonetheless, annoying as shit.But blogger DID let me upload these simply INCREDIBLE pics from my phone!
The first is my fave...some troll graffiti that is cropping up all over the place..look at the detail! It looks just like me in the morning.Then I thought this frozen pizza was funny that I saw in Italy a few weeks ago. Then a great stained glass with coper tree in it window pane my friends had in their place in Vermont.
A defaced sign which is fairly clever and proof that my friends and I are drunks from the many glasses we had of beer at Lolita bar last week. I'll be going there tonight too..Tell Your Friends comedy show is awesome. Some special guests may show up tonight. It's every tuesday at 8pm..I play it sometimes. Which means I get in FREE! The Jew in me rejoices!
- From 'Looking for Alaska'
I wanted so badly to lie down next to her on the couch, to wrap my arms around her and sleep. Not fuck, like in those movies. Not even have sex. Just sleep together, in the most innocent sense of the phrase. But I lacked the courage and she had a boyfriend and I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane.Alaska Legislature schedules a halibut hearing
The House Special Committee on Fisheries is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 1 in Anchorage for an "overview hearing on Pacific halibut management."
Presumably, the hearing will focus heavily on the catch sharing plan the federal government is considering to allocate halibut between the commercial and charter boat sectors.
State Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, chairs the committee. Other members are listed here.
Presumably, the hearing will focus heavily on the catch sharing plan the federal government is considering to allocate halibut between the commercial and charter boat sectors.
State Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, chairs the committee. Other members are listed here.
More on Fuglvog
The U.S. attorney's office issued this press release on Arne Fuglvog's court appearance today.
Fuglvog update
So, Deckboss attended the court hearing and frankly it was a pretty dull half-hour.
As expected, Arne Fuglvog pled guilty to the fishing violation, and Judge H. Russel Holland accepted the plea.
The judge then penciled in Nov. 18 for sentencing.
A handful of reporters attended, folks I'm sure would have been elsewhere had the defendant merely been a fisherman and not an ex-aide to a U.S. senator.
As expected, Arne Fuglvog pled guilty to the fishing violation, and Judge H. Russel Holland accepted the plea.
The judge then penciled in Nov. 18 for sentencing.
A handful of reporters attended, folks I'm sure would have been elsewhere had the defendant merely been a fisherman and not an ex-aide to a U.S. senator.
His day in court
Arne Fuglvog, the former aide to Sen. Lisa Murkowski, this morning is scheduled to enter his plea to a misdemeanor commercial fishing violation.
Federal Judge H. Russel Holland of Anchorage will preside. Holland, you might recall, presided over the epic Exxon Valdez oil spill case.
Federal Judge H. Russel Holland of Anchorage will preside. Holland, you might recall, presided over the epic Exxon Valdez oil spill case.
Certified, again
Alaska's halibut and sablefish fisheries have been recertified as sustainable and well-managed.
Here's the press release from the Marine Stewardship Council.
Here's the press release from the Marine Stewardship Council.
Diary of an Oxygen Thief.
The above video is a promo for a novel I just finished reading. The author lives in the East Village..well Lower East Side really and I like to support local artists and authors who are creative and doing well. The book, Diary of an Oxygen Thief, was a great read. The author published it under the name Anonymous which I immediately liked...you truly do feel like you are reading someone's personal diary. An Everyman but one whom you both like and hate at the same time. Told in the first person, Anonymous is an abusive alcoholic who, in the end, gets some payback.
As a woman, you have met guys like him. As a man, maybe you have BEEN him. He's cruel yet honest. And the book is loaded with humor. At times I was cracking up, other times i was thinking "I can't wait until this guy gets his!"
The novel had a surreal feel to it for me. I read it in one sitting just about, and I, myself, felt like I was in an alcoholic haze through some parts of it..Was what the main character going through actually happening? Is he crazy/paranoid or just stating the facts? He is drunk much of the time and I felt disoriented reading it. Which is a good thing. I got my copy on Amazon and I recommend this book for anyone who has been hurt, been a hurtful person, and has dealt with alcoholism. Which is everyone I know!
The website for it is here. Support your local authors! East Fifth Bliss by Douglas Light was made into a film(I was an extra-a barfly. Ha). Maybe the same will happen for Diary of an Oxygen Thief. I can play a barfly in it like a pro!
You Are What You Eat
I'm told that there was a great ride last week in Wayne, with such classic cycling views as rolling past fields of sunflowers just 20 miles outside of Paris (well, Paris, Maine, anyway), and some culinary quandaries involving lobster rolls vs. Tubby's ice cream. Decisions, decisions.
No need for decisions this Saturday, because Ken is leading us on a ride exploring the "other side" of the Belgrade Stream in Mount Vernon, followed by a hot dog roast at his house overlooking the water.
We have openings in the KVBC ride calendar for leaders in September and October. If you can lead a ride, contact Jim at hjmerrick@gmail.com. Fall is coming - more great riding ahead!
We have openings in the KVBC ride calendar for leaders in September and October. If you can lead a ride, contact Jim at hjmerrick@gmail.com. Fall is coming - more great riding ahead!
Saturday, August 13th - WING'S MILLS (Mount Vernon)
"Hot Dog! - The Hot Dog Ride" (not because we'll ride like one but because we will want one) - a tour through Mount Vernon, Belgrade, North Augusta, and Manchester
START: 9:00 AM at 49 Marble Point Rd., Mount Vernon
Directions to Start:
From Augusta, take #27 North to Belgrade and turn left onto #135 (Christy's store and blinking light)
Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)
From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point
Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.
LEADER: Ken Louis.
Go 3 miles and right onto Wings Mill Rd; go 2.5 miles and right onto Marble Point Rd. which is just
after crossing Belgrade Stream; it is a hard pack dirt road and we are the log home on the right)
From Mount Vernon, Readfield: Take North Rd to Wings Mills Rd and go about 3 miles to Marble Point Rd;
just after passing Bartlett Rd on the right, turn left onto Marble Point
Delorme Maine Atlas Map 12; A-4. Just west and across the stream from the intersection of Dunn Rd and
Wings Mill Rd. (Marble Point is not listed by name on the map).
DISTANCE: 29 miles
TERRAIN: Moderate with some hills
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Belgrade Stream, Hamilton Pond, Stuart Pond, Messalonskee Lake, Doctor Pond, Silver Lake, Gould Pond, with a Hot Dog cookout lunch following the ride - swimming available also.
LEADER: Ken Louis.
Somewhere Outside of Paris
Last Saturday, Ray & Jane Giglio led the KVBC ride from Wayne through Leeds and North Monmouth on the "Tour de Lacs." The group rolled past some classic cycling vistas, including fields of sunflowers some 20 miles outside of Paris (Me.).
Ray reports:
"Beside Jane and I, we had three other riders for the Tour de Lacs ride on 8/6: George Luckhurst, plus Claudette Purington and her husband Tom Keyes. Perfect day - the ride was 29 miles. It was our anniversary (23rd) so I took Jane out to eat at a benefit lobster roll dinner at the Cary Memorial Library in Wayne, after a swim and change of clothes at the Androscoggin Yacht Club. Hey, she had her choice of there or at Tubby's. Unfortunately, Claudette and Tom, and George, had other places to go to."Unfortunately, some of us (including this would-be blogger) had to miss it. Many thanks to Ray & Jane for stepping up and leading such a memorable ride.
Whatever you do, don't miss next week's ride in Wings Mills, where Ken will reprise his Hot Dog Ride! See you then!
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