Tri 2 Update

Another day, another ride… This one was cut a little short by the Sun calling it a day…

  • Bike 21.91miles – 1:37:01
  • 1002 Cal & 153 Ave BPM 

Immigration Flags

So the big May Day protest has come and gone… and somehow we’re not all standing in the rubble of our economy…

The protest was basically a disappointment for it’s supporters. One of the reasons for this was the over-hyping of the event in the media – a million people doesn’t seem like much if you were promised 10 million.  Another was the abundance of such protests as of late – making this one seem like an “also ran”.  The biggest reason the mass protest has backfired is really the tone or intent of this protest.  Yelling with signs and bad slogans has always been allowed, if ignored, in this country and  the most ignorant of all protesters always end up on the news.  It is quite another thing to have as a STATED purpose of your rally to hurt America economically or otherwise.  We Americans tend to frown on such things.

Though it comes as no surprise that the economic impact of the “boycott” was minimal.  Just like the ridiculous emails that try to setup “don’t buy gas days” to stick it to Big Oil,  one day boycotts are useless.  You’re just going to buy the products the day before or after the boycott – so how are you “flexing your economic muscles”?  That’s like sticking it to the Telecoms by paying your phone bill a day late: ooooooooooh, scary.

 

And I’ve got to talk about the flags, because they ARE important. A lot of people are upset about all the non-US flags they keep seeing at these rallies — and with good reason.  Despite organizers attempts to pass out the stars and stripes, protesters keep missing the point.  Why because what the protesters want and what the organizers claim they want are two different things.  For all organizers talk of poor immigrants rights to become Americans, most protesters don’t want to be Americans they want the RIGHTS of an American without that troubling part about -uhm- becoming an American.  Legal immigrants wait for years, plough through mountains of bureaucracy to follow the law, and learn about the great USA – it’s history, flag, national athem (the real one)…  Then they swear allegience to our country and become naturalized citizens.  They then become positive and welcome additions to our country.  Illegals haven’t done any of these things and most of them have no interest in ever doing them.  No they just want American jobs, health care, social security, and even VOTING RIGHTS.  All the while staying loyal to the country of their origin. You could get quality telescoping flagpoles for sale and have your own flag too.

Continue reading

Tri 2 Update

Whew, did the full distance biking today.  Actually felt pretty good.  Now I've just gotta up my speed by a few mph — oh and still have enough left to run 6 miles.  ;)

  • Bike 24.67 Miles – 1:50:17
  • 1116 Cal. & 154 Ave BPM 

May Day: Calling All Illegals

We'll today is the big day. A day without immigrants according to supporters.  Immigrants are supposed to ditch work and not spend any money today.  It will be interesting to see how the day pans out.  A lot more will most likely miss work than join the protests due to rumors of mass sweeps for illegals — they apparently haven't noticed the mass fear in Washington.

 While watching FX's new series Thief on Tivo last night I realized a parallel regarding the illegals.  Everyone's favorite warm fuzzy illegal immigration statement is: "They're just doing it to have a chance at a better life."  Isn't that why thieves STEAL?  They steal to economically better themselves and their families.  "No wait, that's different – stealing is against the law…" Exactly my point!

Diet Tip

Today's Tip: Cut out the Cokes.

I know it's painful… we've been well marketed too… we NEED that bubbly, colored, sugar water.  Or at least we need the caffeine.  :) 

Consider this: a 20 oz bottle of Coke has 250 calories. If you eat out where the servers keep your drinks topped off, it's easy to consume the equivalent of 5 bottles a day without even realizing it.  That's 1250 calories or HALF most people's calorie needs for the day.  Make the switch to water and your body will be happier and you dieting will be EASIER.  Need the caffeine?  Replace your Coke fetish with unsweetened ice tea.

While not as healthy as water or tea, diet Coke is another low cal alternative.  Full cola still too strong a temptation?  Think about the fact that to be "calorie neutral" you'll need to bike 5 miles for each 20 oz of Coke you drink. Suddenly, diet tastes great!