At almost 50 years old, I have a new appreciation for some of the small blessings in life. It's been oh soo long and soooo many years since I've spent my Christmas weekend on my folks couch, friends and family hanging out, napping in the midst of a turkey/tryptophan overdose!!!! OH SOOO SWEET!!!
I love you MOM and DAD!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
An excuse to blog!
Not only did I do the first post in many months today, but also updated the website and generally spent the day messing around with it. I took the first sick day in several months today for gastroenteritis/election anxiety/bad mexican food.
This gave me time to do some thinking. (generally not a real good thing)
Politics: Hmmmm, what a topic. Everyone knows Obama won the election, and it seems
very politically incorrect today not to be thrilled with that. Just to say it up front, I was nothappy about either Obama or McCain. It was simply Obama's time to be President. About every 50 or so years, we elect a young lion as President. Kennedy was our parents and Barack Obama is ours. It is time for a change.
What truly mmakes no sense to me is that the Congress has lower approval ratings than Geo W. Bush does and we filled the seats with more of the same. Go figure.
This country will survive and continue to grow! In four years we will have another election and consider many of the same issues again.
The major contribution President Elect Obama made is that he energized the political system. Record turnouts proved people are now caring about politics! That is always a good thing.
California elected a liberal Democratic president, yet overturned the law allowing same sex marraiges.....That makes no sense.
Just to point out, California is not a radically democratic as it seems. When Gore beat Bush in 2000, he only won 7 counties! The coastal communities tend to vote Democrat and the majority of the state (geographically) tends to vote Republican.
For all practical purposes, California is an UNGOVERNABLE state! It's no wonder the Governator has had his hands full!
This gave me time to do some thinking. (generally not a real good thing)
Politics: Hmmmm, what a topic. Everyone knows Obama won the election, and it seems
very politically incorrect today not to be thrilled with that. Just to say it up front, I was nothappy about either Obama or McCain. It was simply Obama's time to be President. About every 50 or so years, we elect a young lion as President. Kennedy was our parents and Barack Obama is ours. It is time for a change.
What truly mmakes no sense to me is that the Congress has lower approval ratings than Geo W. Bush does and we filled the seats with more of the same. Go figure.
This country will survive and continue to grow! In four years we will have another election and consider many of the same issues again.
The major contribution President Elect Obama made is that he energized the political system. Record turnouts proved people are now caring about politics! That is always a good thing.
California elected a liberal Democratic president, yet overturned the law allowing same sex marraiges.....That makes no sense.
Just to point out, California is not a radically democratic as it seems. When Gore beat Bush in 2000, he only won 7 counties! The coastal communities tend to vote Democrat and the majority of the state (geographically) tends to vote Republican.
For all practical purposes, California is an UNGOVERNABLE state! It's no wonder the Governator has had his hands full!
blogging awareness, recumbent bicycles and life
It had been so long since I looked at this that I forgot how to get into the silly thing! I have a new admiration for the folks that keep their blogs going on a regular basis. It's like running a newsletter.....lots of time, thought and work go into maintaining these things! My hats off to all those who do it on a regular basis!!!
Well, I no longer have any delusions!
Life is insanely busy!
Work is busy!
Kids keep me busy!
Family time keeps me busy!
All is going well!
Last post was the TDF. I was never even able to see the finish! Mediacom (thank you very much!) changed my channel 47 from Versus to some programming that wasn't even supposed to be available on the left coast of the US, I'm looking forward to seeing what Armstrong does in his comeback rides. The guy is so talented, I think he can make a real impact. Not to mention, pissing of a bunch of French cycling officials!
I added another set of wheels to the stable (currently searching for a cycling 12-step program) This one is really out there. I am now an official member of the recumbent crowd! It's an absolute blast and may ultimately be the answer to the problems of riding into my geriatric years. My neck, back and other bodily parts are enjoying it thoroughly!
The bike is the Cycle Genius Falcon. It's incredibly versatile and is currently being converted from a road touring recumbent to a MTB recumbent, (I have never been accused of being particularly sane!)
If I ever get around to it, I may find time to post some pics.
The 32 or so folks that seem to have stumbled blindly across this blog in the past few months don't seem to be holding their breath..........neither am I!
Well, I no longer have any delusions!
Life is insanely busy!
Work is busy!
Kids keep me busy!
Family time keeps me busy!
All is going well!
Last post was the TDF. I was never even able to see the finish! Mediacom (thank you very much!) changed my channel 47 from Versus to some programming that wasn't even supposed to be available on the left coast of the US, I'm looking forward to seeing what Armstrong does in his comeback rides. The guy is so talented, I think he can make a real impact. Not to mention, pissing of a bunch of French cycling officials!
I added another set of wheels to the stable (currently searching for a cycling 12-step program) This one is really out there. I am now an official member of the recumbent crowd! It's an absolute blast and may ultimately be the answer to the problems of riding into my geriatric years. My neck, back and other bodily parts are enjoying it thoroughly!
The bike is the Cycle Genius Falcon. It's incredibly versatile and is currently being converted from a road touring recumbent to a MTB recumbent, (I have never been accused of being particularly sane!)
If I ever get around to it, I may find time to post some pics.
The 32 or so folks that seem to have stumbled blindly across this blog in the past few months don't seem to be holding their breath..........neither am I!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
TDF 2008 Stage 1
And it begins......among accusations, denial and controversy, the TDF tries to move forward. I thought it was interesting that when one logs into the Official TDF website, there is no mention of the past 2 years.
It's almost as if the past 2 years didn't exist.
With the final DQ of floyd and last years winner not in the race, there was not a junior past champion in the peleton. The Astana suspension meant Alberto Contador was being punished for the actions of a team that 1) Is totally different and 2) was involved in something before he ever joined them! One more thought on Astana, Johan Bruyneel has created a totally transparent and public image of this team......If anything, they may be the CLEANEST team in cycling! What this tells me is that the TDF does not want to move forward to a time when cycling in the most openly clean sport in all of athletics, but rather they want to move backward to a time when no one talks about drugs and WADA is the final fascist dictator of the anti-doping world.
Floyd Landis: In my heart, I do not want to believe Mr. Landis broke the rules. The only thing that was ever "PROVED", was that he failed the testing. Where is the rest of the conspiracy? Was he the lone shooter in the book depository? Or was there an additional shooter behind the "Grassy Knowle" How deep did his cheating go?
However, whether he did or not, did not become clear to me from the evidence that was presented by the agencies that seemed so determined to revive the traditions of the inquisition! International standards and basic scientific principles were violated.........their scientific proceedure and integrity left room for doubt! I hope there was more to this than was presented to the public........or there is no real justice in international law!
Today's race was cool. As far as the race was concerened, I liked the idea of no time bonuses and Day 1 winner gets the jersey. Even the stage favored the type of rider that could be an overall contender. And the stage was won by an overall contender.
I am an addict......my wife is looking for 12 step Cycling program.......I will watch, no matter what. I will whine and bitch about the sport and the way it is run......but I will still follow it.......to my last breath!!!
It's almost as if the past 2 years didn't exist.
With the final DQ of floyd and last years winner not in the race, there was not a junior past champion in the peleton. The Astana suspension meant Alberto Contador was being punished for the actions of a team that 1) Is totally different and 2) was involved in something before he ever joined them! One more thought on Astana, Johan Bruyneel has created a totally transparent and public image of this team......If anything, they may be the CLEANEST team in cycling! What this tells me is that the TDF does not want to move forward to a time when cycling in the most openly clean sport in all of athletics, but rather they want to move backward to a time when no one talks about drugs and WADA is the final fascist dictator of the anti-doping world.
Floyd Landis: In my heart, I do not want to believe Mr. Landis broke the rules. The only thing that was ever "PROVED", was that he failed the testing. Where is the rest of the conspiracy? Was he the lone shooter in the book depository? Or was there an additional shooter behind the "Grassy Knowle" How deep did his cheating go?
However, whether he did or not, did not become clear to me from the evidence that was presented by the agencies that seemed so determined to revive the traditions of the inquisition! International standards and basic scientific principles were violated.........their scientific proceedure and integrity left room for doubt! I hope there was more to this than was presented to the public........or there is no real justice in international law!
Today's race was cool. As far as the race was concerened, I liked the idea of no time bonuses and Day 1 winner gets the jersey. Even the stage favored the type of rider that could be an overall contender. And the stage was won by an overall contender.
I am an addict......my wife is looking for 12 step Cycling program.......I will watch, no matter what. I will whine and bitch about the sport and the way it is run......but I will still follow it.......to my last breath!!!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hypertension
Hypertenion is one of the top 3 diseases I see on a daily basis. The average American with HTN (hypertension) is on 3.2 different classes of Htn medication to maintain adequate control.
Overall, the physiology of blood pressure is simply a matter of physics.
It's a closed hydraulic system! Think brakes on cars.
You have a pump. It pumps fluid (blood) into tubes of varying sizes and it returns.
There are 4 ways to control pressure in a closed hydralic system:
1) Change the speed of the pump. This effects the amount of fluid pumped per minute.
2) Change the volume of the pump. (same effect as above)
3) Change the amount of fluid in the system. More fluid, higher pressure, less fluid, lower pressure.
4) Change the volume of the system. The greater the volume, the lower the pressure, the smaller the volume, the higher the pressure..........given the other 3 variables are not changed.
Looking at the various classes of blood pressure, or "anti-hypertensives".
Alpha blockers: dialates blood vessels.....increasing system volume.......decreasing pressure.
ACE inhibitors: These work on the Renin-Angiotension system by preventing the conversion of Renin into Angiotensin II......This critter is the most powerfull vasoconstrictor known to man. Smaller blood vessals equals higher pressure......and sometimes an annoying, dry hacky cough....not fatal, but obnoxious!
ARBS (angiotensin receptor blocker): Blocks the uptake point in the angiotension I receptors to prevent vasoconstriction. Overall, I have had better luck with ACE inhibitors than ARB's in controlling HTN. Theoretically, ARB's should be more beneficial than ACEI's due to the benefits of another receptor called the "angiotensin II receptor" (not to be confused with angiotensin II), but we don't really know what this guy does yet.
Beta-blockers: Slows heart rate and contraction strength.......decreasing fluid pumped per minute......also dilates blood vessels......increasing system volume.............decreasing blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Dilates blood vessels.....slows heart rate (but not as much as BB)
Diuretics: (the water pill)......decreases fluid in the system......decreasing blood pressure.
Blood pressure is a silent killer, resulting in strokes and end organ damage.....as a whole, hypertension and diabetes are the 2 worse diseases for kidney health.
Salt acts to retain fluid, thereby increasing the blood pressure (and causing the dreaded CANKLES!!!)
This is totally unnecessary as man has not needed salt since the invention of the refrigerator!!!!
There you have it, blood pressure in a nutshell, along with the basic arsonal of medications to help control it. Meds alone are not enough however!!! Blood pressure is impossible to control without addressing the other elements of metabolic syndrome, which include cholesterol levels, abdominal girth, diabetes along with a persons diet, activity level and overall fitness.
Overall, the physiology of blood pressure is simply a matter of physics.
It's a closed hydraulic system! Think brakes on cars.
You have a pump. It pumps fluid (blood) into tubes of varying sizes and it returns.
There are 4 ways to control pressure in a closed hydralic system:
1) Change the speed of the pump. This effects the amount of fluid pumped per minute.
2) Change the volume of the pump. (same effect as above)
3) Change the amount of fluid in the system. More fluid, higher pressure, less fluid, lower pressure.
4) Change the volume of the system. The greater the volume, the lower the pressure, the smaller the volume, the higher the pressure..........given the other 3 variables are not changed.
Looking at the various classes of blood pressure, or "anti-hypertensives".
Alpha blockers: dialates blood vessels.....increasing system volume.......decreasing pressure.
ACE inhibitors: These work on the Renin-Angiotension system by preventing the conversion of Renin into Angiotensin II......This critter is the most powerfull vasoconstrictor known to man. Smaller blood vessals equals higher pressure......and sometimes an annoying, dry hacky cough....not fatal, but obnoxious!
ARBS (angiotensin receptor blocker): Blocks the uptake point in the angiotension I receptors to prevent vasoconstriction. Overall, I have had better luck with ACE inhibitors than ARB's in controlling HTN. Theoretically, ARB's should be more beneficial than ACEI's due to the benefits of another receptor called the "angiotensin II receptor" (not to be confused with angiotensin II), but we don't really know what this guy does yet.
Beta-blockers: Slows heart rate and contraction strength.......decreasing fluid pumped per minute......also dilates blood vessels......increasing system volume.............decreasing blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Dilates blood vessels.....slows heart rate (but not as much as BB)
Diuretics: (the water pill)......decreases fluid in the system......decreasing blood pressure.
Blood pressure is a silent killer, resulting in strokes and end organ damage.....as a whole, hypertension and diabetes are the 2 worse diseases for kidney health.
Salt acts to retain fluid, thereby increasing the blood pressure (and causing the dreaded CANKLES!!!)
This is totally unnecessary as man has not needed salt since the invention of the refrigerator!!!!
There you have it, blood pressure in a nutshell, along with the basic arsonal of medications to help control it. Meds alone are not enough however!!! Blood pressure is impossible to control without addressing the other elements of metabolic syndrome, which include cholesterol levels, abdominal girth, diabetes along with a persons diet, activity level and overall fitness.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The bicycle......
Ok, my origional purpose for this was to document my thoughts as I reintroduced my body to cycling after a 15 year hiatus. The first couple of posts digressed into my current frustration about gas prices.
So here are the bikes......
Everyone should have a stable, a choice of transportation, based on one's mood for the day. Cars would be nice, but since I'm not Jay Lena, I've had to settle for bike. Each one has a place in my heart and stories written in milage.
1984 Faggin: Nice steel road frame, currently not built up. I used to use it for fast rides with friends and did several 100 plus miles rides.
Late '70's japanese steel touring bike: This is a legitimate 27" frame (68 cm). Currently built with vintage Shimano 600ex components. I was climbing a hill once and wrapped the deraileur into the spokes, bending the rear dropout in the process. There was a frame builder in L.A. called Medici. They repaired the frame and installed "double laterals" to stiffen it up. It's big, stiff and with a 46" wheelbase, rides like a Cadillac! I'm hoping to get it smoothed out enough to do some touring on it with my son.
Early '80's Raleigh Track: OH WHAT FUN!!!! I truly love this bike! Full Campy track groupo, currently wearing modern aero clincher rims and an upright set of bars. I used it as my main ride for several years after leaving the velodrome.
2004 Specialized FSRXC: This is my only modern bike. Currently used for commuting. It is the one I ultimately end up grabbing most mornings. Half of my commute to work is on dirt roads and the double suspension with handlebar and rack trunk does a good job of carrying all my commuting stuff.
If I lived somewhere else, I'm sure the Specialized would spend more time in the garage, it seems out of place when we go on vacation and ride in the city. (more thoughts on that later). Commuting places different demands on cycling that sport riding does, but for the current situation, it works well.
I know there is a major debate going on right now as to the best "STYLE" of cycling, lots of blogs and even more opinions.
Bottom line, IMHO, find a bike that works for you, and go!!!!! All that really matters is saddle time!
So here are the bikes......
Everyone should have a stable, a choice of transportation, based on one's mood for the day. Cars would be nice, but since I'm not Jay Lena, I've had to settle for bike. Each one has a place in my heart and stories written in milage.
1984 Faggin: Nice steel road frame, currently not built up. I used to use it for fast rides with friends and did several 100 plus miles rides.
Late '70's japanese steel touring bike: This is a legitimate 27" frame (68 cm). Currently built with vintage Shimano 600ex components. I was climbing a hill once and wrapped the deraileur into the spokes, bending the rear dropout in the process. There was a frame builder in L.A. called Medici. They repaired the frame and installed "double laterals" to stiffen it up. It's big, stiff and with a 46" wheelbase, rides like a Cadillac! I'm hoping to get it smoothed out enough to do some touring on it with my son.
Early '80's Raleigh Track: OH WHAT FUN!!!! I truly love this bike! Full Campy track groupo, currently wearing modern aero clincher rims and an upright set of bars. I used it as my main ride for several years after leaving the velodrome.
2004 Specialized FSRXC: This is my only modern bike. Currently used for commuting. It is the one I ultimately end up grabbing most mornings. Half of my commute to work is on dirt roads and the double suspension with handlebar and rack trunk does a good job of carrying all my commuting stuff.
If I lived somewhere else, I'm sure the Specialized would spend more time in the garage, it seems out of place when we go on vacation and ride in the city. (more thoughts on that later). Commuting places different demands on cycling that sport riding does, but for the current situation, it works well.
I know there is a major debate going on right now as to the best "STYLE" of cycling, lots of blogs and even more opinions.
Bottom line, IMHO, find a bike that works for you, and go!!!!! All that really matters is saddle time!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Definition of an OLD CYCLIST
An old cyclist is someone who can maintain a 90 RPM spin for hours on end, but they're knees crunch everytime they try to walk up a flight of stairs!
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