How to Lose Weight in a Formal Suit for Men

"Lose weight fast" is always a great gimmick.  The infamous "before, after, before, after" advertisement in the mirror makes you drool.  There are even miracle pills, wraps and lotions claiming to shrink your waist size and make you more attractive.  Agreeably, since we all have different metabolisms and bodies one may work for you and not for another - even including the scam potions.  I will tell you a few various ways to forego the gym shorts and the foil sweat pants, and acquire the slender you while in your formal suit.  Granted, this works best if you are often in a suit, for instance, church or white collar occupations.

Having wore a suit for most of my earthly Sundays and on-and-off through the week I've acquired some insights of losing weight and improving overall health.  Here are three techniques that you can initiate at home, church or the workplace:

1. Anxiety - If you are wearing a suit it may be for a reason you are not used to.  It may be a wedding, funeral or even a plain church service.  Against all better advice I'd recommend that you make it a habit to conjure up extreme anxiety whenever you put on the suit.  Perhaps you are afraid of weddings or funerals make you too somber.  Going to church might manifest the "wrath of God" and strike you down for your sins.  Whatever the reason may be, you'll find that it is a great source of regularity, thereby flushing your body of all impurities.  As a disclaimer just make sure restroom facilities are readily available.
2. Wear a tie - You may have a puzzling look right now.  How can wearing a tie make me lose weight?  There are all kinds of ties out there.  You can choose one according to your character and personality.  You can wear grandpa's old rusty tie from 1762 or a modern one with cartoons on it.  Whatever you choose you want to make sure it is tied correctly and properly.  The key to losing weight is in making sure it is tied tight.  That way when you sit down you run a good possibility of passing out.  Hence, passing out equals no food intake = weight loss.
3. Good shoes - Ah, yes, nothing expresses a suave man as a nice pair of formal shoes.  They come in great colors as black, tan, burgundy and even navy blue.  Formal shoes don't have the traction as cleats or tennis shoes.  This is a plus for our weight loss endeavors.  As you stroll on the sidewalk take the opportunity to jog or have an all out run.  The absence of sole traction increases your possibility of falling by at least 72%.  This is also good, and puts you on the track further than anything Richard Simmons could provide.  As you snatch that 72% and fall, it is good to learn the rolling technique.  Doing so may prevent damage to your awesome suit.  Anyway, what does falling cause?  It causes you to go through the agony of getting back up.  The process of falling and getting up can result in burning countless calories for you.  Who knows, maybe even up to 120 calories per fall depending on your portliness.  

This post is not designed to make fun of anyone overweight except myself.  Though I am not grossly overweight or obese I do have some portliness - or "porkliness" as the case may be.  If we cannot learn to laugh at ourselves then what is the point of living at all?  Don't take offense to these light-hearted words that are only meant to bring levity to a harrowing plight for many of us.

Retribution Honor Killing for Faith and Love Marriage

Many nations in the Middle East continue to practice archaic traditions including honor killing.  Modern technology has given way to a whole host of new ideas and ideologies to everyone around the world.  Human rights and by extension women's rights have opened doors to vast numbers and has threatened centuries of traditions.  In consequence this has resulted in the death of many women.

Honor killing is what they call it when a family murders one of their own to protect the honor of the family.  Obviously this is inflicted overwhelmingly on women.  In many of these countries arranged marriages are the norm and are strictly adhered to by traditionalists.  Just like Islamic extremism, to go outside those pronounced boundaries can cost you your life.  Though concentrated in South Asia and the Middle East the practice exists all around the world.  Estimations are upwards of 20,000 women each year losing their life due to homicide at the hands of their own family.  If a young woman chooses on her own to marry a man because she loves him and does so outside the consent of the family she reaps the consequence of severe affliction.

Honor killing fallback reasons include homosexuality, sexual misconduct outside of marriage, marriage outside the consent of the family, refusing to enter into an arranged marriage, participating in public life especially propagating women's initiatives, inappropriate dress and even being a victim of rape.  Needless to say that the "art" of honor killing denies basic human rights, recompense, agency of choice and the ability to live within those choices.  In essence, to superficially protect the family honor all faith in the pursual of personal happiness is null and void.

Let us keep in mind that many of these nations have "adopted" legal processes "designed" to protect the rights of women.  Most likely this is purely for the image seen by the world and not because of actual government adoption of human rights.  To be seen as protecting the rights of all citizens invites the aid and funds from other countries especially from the United States of America.  They will actually turn a blind eye to these traditions as long as its not a public display.  The link above is the exception as it was a public display thus prompting the legal process to save face of Pakistan.  The legal process will seem more bold in this instance up until the media dies down.  Once it does, mark my words, judgement will pass to dismiss the case or place a small fine upon the family.

Governments can get in on the action as well.  As a show of force and unwavering extremism they will trump up charges against women to protect the edicts of the central faith of that country.  Such is the case with Meriam Yahya Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman.  A woman who marries a Christian, converts to Christianity and is heavy with child is sentenced to death but only after nursing her child for two years.  In the meantime she must endure 100 lashes.  This practice is such BS!  I wholly understand that such traditions are a mindset in these cultures and is a normal practice, but these are the kinds of things that engaging simple civility should extract people from.

Women and men here in the United States cry "inequality!" in their daily life as Americans.  Take one look at the recluse life women have to endure in many other countries and then look at your own prideful heart.  Gee, perhaps there are people out there in much more peril than you.  Perhaps this is a call to reach out even more in our humanity.  We need to teach people of human happiness and that it can be achieved.  We need to extend that as an option and invitation to those who hide in the shadows of their own blood.

Could it be that by looking beyond ourselves we can change our own lives by helping to change the world?

It may be difficult to compare honor killing with women's rights, but there are places out there where the latter leads to the former.  Using personal judgement and choice to marry out of your love for another is a right assumed by those who feel the ancient pressures of strict traditions.  I only pray that the world will take a more civilized approach toward the personal choice of their citizens and families.  If you feel such brutal and gruesome practices need to be vanquished then what will you do?  What will you do?

Dental Bitewing X-ray a Royal Oral Pain

Going to the dentist is very important.  It has been proven that regular dental checkups are directly tied to your overall health.  A dental exam is among the top visits that instigate a recoil affect on the patient or prospective patient.  It is seen as a horror even among many regular patients.  This is one of the main reasons teeth and overall oral condition deteriorates exponentially within the populous.  This post is short so it is not a "how to" or even an educational tool.  I have a pet peeve about dental visits.

Several years ago I went to see a dentist.  It was the first in many years.  I was told I had periodontal disease and I took it very hard.  I imagined my jaw falling off within a year followed up with maggots making a home in my face.  It was not what I wanted to hear.  However, I was told that regular visits can halt and even improve the condition.  From that point on I've been religiously tending to my dental checkups every six months.  It's probably going on a decade now.

Everybody knows that it isn't "normal" to have foreign objects of metal, let alone someone else's hands, inside your mouth.  For many the thought is equal to sticking a live electric wire inside your mouth while the dentist and the aides dance around you like ravenous wolves.  Do we gleefully walk into a den of wolves and expect good news?  I say nay.  Like a snake we flinch and retreat into our comfort zone.  In other words we curl up in fetal position and suck our thumbs.

Don't you love watching the approach toward the infestation of bacteria and plaque that's nestled in the oral abyss?  Do you cringe in you mind as you know they are reaching for that one spot that gives you trouble?  You know in your mind that eventually their sorcery with the metal hook will snag that sweet spot of nerve and send you into an eternal orbit.  Yet, when all is said and done, and after a few therapy sessions with a psychologist, you feel better that you've gone.

Nasty! Note, this is not my teeth. I wasn't that far gone.

These things still affect me as well, but for some unseen reason there is one aspect of the dental visit that irks me the most.  Once a year I am reminded that I am due for x-rays and if I'd like to have them done.  Being a loyal student of future happiness I always oblige.  What annoys me to a mildly painful degree is biting down on the x-ray bitewing.  Not only do you feel like a cyborg whose body has been violated, but you have something in your mouth that is totally non-oral friendly.

I just got back from a dental visit and wanted to share my plight with the world.  May your shaky dentist inflict your roots with rusty jagged tools.  May you do so with the open knowledge that you willingly subjected your self to it.

That last part was just for humor.  Actually, I encourage you to achieve the effort to visit the dentist office regularly.  You will feel better.  There may be a lot of work at first and it may require several visits in a short amount of time.  Have the vision though that it will be all worth it.

National Debt to Islam Extremism as Reagan Without Script

From the United States President Barack Obama clear back to the Founding we've seen immense occasions of scripted addresses.  Over the years toward the present they've been increasingly empty, and without inspiration both for the speaker as well as the people listening.  Historically, sitting U.S. Presidents have been termed "leaders of the free world."  I believe there is so much more to that phrase than rotting it with empty scripts.  Every word should be bold.  Every word should command attention.  Every word should show resolve.  Every word - should count.

Most often leaders court the camera.  They fear vocally mistaking their words.  They fear every question they are unprepared for as equally as they do the misplaced follicle of hair.  To me it seems to have manifest from the era of President John F. Kennedy and continued onward as a staple to the Presidency.  Though they seemingly have perfected the art of oration they lack the substance thereof.  Much beyond the content a leader must be able to speak from the heart.  Listen to the difference in tone and conviction.

Listen to an address by then Governor Ronald Reagan.  He did use scripted addresses but was among the top who at times did not.  This entire address is classic but 2:18 - 2:25 is of particular interest and describes most of us today.  Reagan had a way of connecting to the heart of the American as well as the countless in other countries around the globe.  He commanded respect as he commanded the elements of truth.  Today, leaders bypass the heart and head straightway to appease the mind or public sentiment.

In my own experience it is knowledge that dictates influence over the hearts and minds of the people.  It takes confidence and a determination to preach your point.  As an early ecclesiastical speaker I relied heavily on my addresses all scripted out in neatly printed form.  Though my words were eloquent they still did not pack the same "punch" as an address prepared from the heart.  I tried an experiment.  I studied in very particular subject matters so that I would be well prepared when conversing with another or in a more formal speaking engagement.  I found that if you give your full attention to the audience you will be able to express your heartfelt desires through your researched knowledge.

Its no revelation that you lose most of your audience when you look at your script.  However, in the above referenced video Governor Reagan sought out the hearts of the people.  He knew his stuff and felt the need to warn the people.  He took no word processed address.  He used no teleprompters.  He only took his knowledge, courage and heart and presented a powerful oration to the American people.

Knowledge, courage and heart are the qualities every true leader hangs his faith on.  A leader is willing to hold tight to the rope believing in rescue though suspended over fire.  A true leader piddles not over petty papers with words probably scripted FOR him, but rather learns and studies and focuses his passions for the betterment of the people above his own.

We've had Americans murdered in Benghazi, Libya with no attempted recourse for justice upon the heads of the perpetrators.  We have Russia reclaiming sovereign lands at will without being challenged or stood up to.  We have the government staking firm vast lands for the claimed sake of protecting gecko turds or some other "off the wall" cause.  We have a government happily willing to bolster foreign militaries while dismantling our own.  We have an American pastor by the name of Saeed Abedini who has been tortured in the regime state of Iran for the past two years.  I say to you where is the leadership!

Christian Pastor Suffers Torture in Iran Hospital

A recent report from the capture and detaining of American Pastor Saeed Abedini brings to light the depravity of man's compassion and outlook on the life of another.  Due the mere proselyting efforts of this pastor in his homeland Iran he has been detained for two years now.  Though Christianity, let alone the evangelizing thereof, is illegal and forbidden in Iran the lecherous clutches of Islamic extremism promotes the continued beating and torture of Christians.  A step further, legal and encouraged, even the murder of Christians altogether.
SAEED ABEDINI CONVERSION
There are many who say that Saeed Abedini reaped what he sowed by willingly and knowingly going into enemy territory of Christianity.  On the surface I would agree.  However, this is not a simple case of deportation, warning or slap on the wrist.  This is outright ongoing torture!  It is apparent that these perverse souls are beating Pastor Abedini to within an inch of his life only to do it again when "almost" recovered.  This is perversion and gaining arousing pleasure from the usurped power over another in its most basic form.

In a recent report the family was actually permitted to visit Saeed in a private Iranian hospital.  As in this report they witnessed him pulled from his hospital bed, beaten and hauled back into prison.  Such fiend action - in a hospital!  After two years where is the leadership and where is the outrage?

Regardless of where he came from this is still American the United States.  Remember, this nation derived from immigrants and peoples from all lands, colors and creeds.  We are to welcome and hail those still continuing to search for a better life here in the States.  As one who has taken the Oath with the arm to the square he is entitled to all the privileges and rights of an American citizen.  With that in mind would we sit back for two years if a sitting United States President was detained by morally corrupt and brutal imps?
ADDRESS ON RESOLVING DIFFERENCES Start 12:10 - 13:20
Also recently, blogger Raef Badawi knowingly and willfully built a site with an agenda to spread awareness and criticize a system of government where religion reigns within the government of Saudi Arabia.  So far I have sided against Mr. Badawi because the law is being carried out.  Law that should have been expected.  The law includes lashes and imprisonment.  Though most other parts of the world including the United States condemn such extreme measures it should hardly be surprising when one is charged and the law is carried out in such instances.  In this case, yes, regardless of how noble the cause is he did reap what he sows.  It would be different if there were reports of repeated beatings and torture beyond any legal process or law.

We as a civilization have a long way to go in accepting diversity in the world.  Even more the cancer is the degrading responsibility of moral and even military leadership.  Countries and tyrants need a mantle to look toward for inspiration as well as fear.  President Ronald Reagan led the world in transforming the Soviet Union into a nation more receptive to capitalist and human rights.  How would Reagan handle the brutal persecution of a U.S. citizen being tortured in an Iranian prison?

The above video is representative of the kind of leadership that would stand up to tyrants and free a simple Christian pastor even Saeed Abedini.

Water Boarding Upgrade

Deep in the secret government headquarters in sub-floor 47.5 b new experimental forms of torture are invented and made manifest through human testing.  There are gruesome examples of twisted techniques that maim and dehumanize even the common man.  What tortures can you think of?  Whatever you can come up with I guarantee there are more inflictive ones conjured up by entities in "high" places.

Black and white torture is used in retrieving prisoner information.  That is not a racist comment.  Black torture are forms of physical magnifications of pain.  White torture are psychological affecting the mind often in permanent ways.  What's important is that we should scarcely separate the two.

For the most part this was meant to be a light-hearted post about using "watching paint dry" as a legitimate form of white torture.

Protecting Ukraine & Baltic States

Recent developments in Ukraine leaves the world recognizing a leaderless civilization except those of tyrant variety.  No one seems to know what to do.  Those that know what to do will not do it.  The Baltic States are going to rot from within.  What protects them?  Perhaps this video shows one avenue of protection.

I don't mean to make like of the situation but often the answer is right in front of us.  Perhaps not a cross, stake or silver bullets but it can be as simple as integrity and courage.  In addition, maybe it wouldn't be so "out of line" to view world tyrants as the Dracula depicted above.  Oftentimes we trivialize characters we deal with.  In my opinion we shouldn't judge the person as a whole, but when there is a specific display of wickedness we should lead to vanquish such example.

I don't know.  Where is Reagan when you need him?

Duck Dynasty Not the Average

A different duck dynasty encroaches on the United States.  Springing from the lake area of the Avatiu Swamp on Rarotonga Island in the South Pacific, these ducks gained intelligence from the mutations of being exposed to radioactive waste emanating from the Nigerian Dwarf goat.  They now bear down in flight on the west coast of the United States in search of nuclear reactors to quench their thirsts.  Already these skewed Muscovy Ducks have overrun and disabled the nuclear vessel USS Kermit in the South Pacific in order to pacify their radioactive tastes.  What does the future hold for mankind?

Beware!  Early reports say that once satisfied these dangerous ducks then seek out grape vineyards.  For some strange reason they tend to ask directions at lemonade stand to these vineyards.  Be suspicious of their militant apparel and friendly persona.  The indication is that this new species has a dark agenda for all mankind.  What could it be and where can we hide?

Noticing one of these unfriendly Anatidaes is quite apparent.  Aside from the wearing of military BDUs they all have pink within green within purple and within again pink eyes.  Also a legacy of sick and demented mad minds they all fly in McDonald's golden arches formation to the disturbing sounds of Clay Aiken.  These are all among the most distinguishing characteristics of this new breed.

If you come in close proximity to this species you are advised not to engage in dialogue with it.  Instead call your local taxidermy for quote prices on epic duck displays on your trophy wall.  

Best Chocolate Advertisement

Chocolate is the ambrosia of the gods!  This advertisement depicts my weakness.  Though a weakness it is also the source of great strength and skill to know the worthiness of chocolate.  Don't mess with my chocolate!  That's sacred territory.

Live Long and Prosper: The Star Trek Answer to World Peace

Star Trek has captivated the world with it's sci-fi adventures and special affects.  It has also grasped the audience spirit with it's ongoing human relationship factor.  It is this factor which I believe outweighs the "dazzle" that our eyes see.  What lessons can be learned?  Are there things in the Star Trek genre that the modern world can learn from?  In an interview with Leonard Nimoy, also known as Star Trek's original "Spock", he explains the genesis of the iconic Vulcan greeting "Live long and prosper" and opens up a field of opportunity for all of us to learn.

The purpose of this posting is to bring to bear our sincerity when we encounter each other.  Without malice and insidious agendas, how much greater and peaceful would our species be if we but upheld the absolute respect of another, right from the onset.  I know it seems silly associating simple human nature with a Hollywood production - but why not!  Spock is portrayed as stalwart and strong both in mind and body.  Yet in his final greetings he always expresses gentleness and sincerity.  Consider the spiritual nature of the setting when such respect is shown.  I'm not talking about the Hollywood setting, but rather the real life setting of inviting a spirit of goodwill among a group of people.  This spirit of goodwill cannot be truly felt with anger or enmity displayed but only by goodness and kindness.

According to a website associated with the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies the isolated nation of North Korea has launched two new helicopter frigates.  North Korea has always been viewed with extreme suspicion even prior to the Korean War which ended without a formal peace treaty.  All nations in its growth and progress aims a strong military as a primary goal for the protection of its people.  As a country North Korea has the right to pursue their own protection.  However, the underlying notion is that it may be a prelude action against South Korea or area allies of the United States.

What does all this have to do with the subject I started with?  I ask, what would the state of the region be if we all applied a little faith in humanity, and always greeted our friends and foes with absolute and genuine respect and dignity?  Even if we approach an individual whose intentions are set on genocide and subterfuge, our own entrance to the scene can have a profound influence on the mind and will of that person.  Like ripples in the water our actions have a cascading affect.  Who knows, maybe your genuineness you display softens the back of his mind just enough to prevent the hardships otherwise inflicted on a person or entire people.

Vladimir Putin has engaged Russia in a frenzy land grab.  He has clutched hold of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine and continues to break down order in Eastern Ukraine for eventual inclusion into the Russian Empire.  The mindset of Putin is that of a child in a class with the only big Tonka toy.  He will not let go and gains notoriety for having it.  Imagine the difference the entire geographical area would be if world leaders were able to greet this man with the authenticity of preparedness, resource, strong will, compassion and above all a spirit of resolution to act on behalf of the oppressed.  I guarantee that if a tyrant meets someone they feel is a match for them then most of them would have their hurtful appetites vanquished.  It's the most effective presentation of good over evil.

We can learn a lot from the portrayal of Spock played by Leonard Nimoy.  He also had a manifestation in the eyes of all he greets as one with an unwavering ability and resource to act.  I believe that world leaders today have lost this bona fide spirit of resolution.  Even and especially in the United States.  I believe this infection is quickly spreading down into the very lives of every individual on earth.  If we don't stand up and have faith in the foundation our feet are on when we start a relationship or commence an encounter then we are doomed to failure.

We have vast numbers of good and honest people populating all the continents of the world.  If honest and true leaders don't take on the responsibility of morality and strength in the face of the agents of adversity, then the futures of the good and honest will become strained.  May we all take in a little Hollywood Star Trek and learn the lessons from a little Jewish gesture of "live long and prosper."