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A little over a year and a half ago I started a beginners martial arts program and started taking my health seriously for the first time. Since then, I’ve shed over 40 pounds and have kept it off. In addition to my weekly martial arts practices, I’ve been hitting the gym three or four times a week working primarily on cardio, core and upper body strength training. I’ve eliminated a bunch of crap from my diet and have started focusing on eating stuff that is actually good for me. Now instead of grabbing a soda to drink, I usually grab some water or juice or an occasional energy drink. Instead of grabbing chips to snack on, I grab an apple… my addiction to chocolate, however, continues unabated. It was not just a random decision to get into shape. High cholesterol, a family history of high blood pressure, my grandfather’s recent heart attack, surgery to remove my gall bladder, a total lack of knowledge about my biological father’s family medical history, and a few other issues were all great motivators to change.

Dave Winer: “I’m the kind of guy the red stater’s hate…I have an excellent education, and I didn’t stop after I finished school. I worked hard, and struggled, and made a success of myself. I didn’t borrow money, I don’t have much in my Social Security account, but I do have good retirement savings and health insurance. I have a well-used passport. I read voraciously, and on some subjects, systematically, and communicate with people on the Internet from all over the world…Because of my education both formal and continuing, I have a perspective on the world that people in the flyover states not only don’t have, but that they openly express hatred of. I know that’s an extreme statement…”

I usually completely ignore pretty much everything Dave Winer has to say. This statement, however, caught my attention precisely because it is not an extreme statement as Mr. Winer states. It is, in fact, a very mainstream sentiment among pretty much every Democrat I’ve ever met. Those of us with conservative leanings are generally viewed as throwbacks, social and political neanderthals that are undereducated, lazy, poor, stupid and racist. Those with more liberal leanings are more enlightened, more educated, more worldly and sophisticated. How can any reasonable discourse be had under such a pretense?

Google Chrome does not work on Linux or Mac therefore Google Chrome does not exist for me. Oh well, it was a nice fantasy while it lasted.

As of today, I have known my wife for 16 years. Tomorrow is our ten year wedding anniversary. Yay for us :-) !

Ok, so it’s a silly play on words but I have to say that Obama’s choice for VP is not particularly inspiring. This election, for the most part, is Obama’s to lose and I have to say he’s been doing a pretty good job of it. Thank goodness.