justxploring's Blog

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Man Loses 86 Pounds Eating at McDonald's

Did McDonald's buy ABC?  Wink   I'm sure they forgot to mention that he gained 100 pounds eating fast food in the first place.   I smell a #1 Best Seller in the works.  "The McDiet.  Now you can fit under those golden arches again."  They are working on a deal with Barnes & Noble where each cashier has to ask "do you want fries with that?"

Jester

 

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5198060&page=1

 

From Good Morning America

 

McDiet Takes Man From 50-Inch Waist to 36

Chris Coleson's Wife Was Skeptical Of His Fast-Food Diet Plan

By IMAEYEN IBANGA and LARA NAAMAN

June 19, 2008 —

Chris Coleson battled his weight for years, but when he had trouble sliding into a restaurant booth it boosted and fueled his desire to drop the excess pounds. 

But rather than try conventional diets, which had failed him before, the then 276-pound Coleson opted for his own "realistic" solution in December: he'd only eat at McDonald's. 

After six months on his McDiet, Coleson lost 80 pounds and dropped 14 pants sizes. His waist went from 50-inches to 36. 

"I didn't make my goal of 185, but I've made some great lifestyle choices and I'll make that goal," the 42-year-old said on "Good Morning America today. 

Supersized Slim Down 

Coleson's goal was to hit 185 pounds by his wedding anniversary, which is Saturday. Today he only is five pounds short of the goal. His weight loss marks several major milestones in his life. 

For the first time in seven years, Coleson said he is able to wear his wedding band. 

"I put the ring on [my wife's] 40th birthday [in April]," he said. 

It helped keep him motivated and so did the thought of his two children, eight-year-old Meghan and six-year-old James. 

"I tried to pick small milestones," Coleson said. 

Besides wanting to slimdown to his wedding-day weight, Coleson's supersized slimdown also was sparked by his family's history of heart disease. Heart disease killed his mother at age 62 and his father suffered a major heart attack at age 39. 

"There were nights I'd go to bed and I worried I wasn't going to get up," said Coleson, who admitted his weight was due to overeating.

 "I would literally sit at the refrigerator and just eat out of the refrigerator," he said. "I would attack the kids' school lunches that [my wife] had prepared the night before." 

Coleson said he was eating 5,000 calories daily when he was at his heaviest. When he decided to get in shape he relied on a simple idea: "calories in and calories out I figured it was a simple principle."

 

Starting His McDiet

When Coleson told his wife of his plans to shape up by consuming only two McDonald's meals a day, she was skeptical. 

"I initially thought he was crazy," said Coleson' wife Patricia Sumner, on "Good Morning America" today. 

But the 40-year-old came around when she noticed her husband getting slimmer and even tried it out herself. To date, she's dropped 30 pounds and someone called her "McFit" at her daughter's recent softball game. 

Coleson lost his weight by regulating his caloric intake to only 1,400 calories a day. That's well below what doctor's would consider safe for a man his size. 

Coleson said he was able to lose weight by avoiding the fast food restaurant's extremely popular French fries. He said he never had them once. 

"I stayed away from the fries," he said.

What he did eat were the salads and on occasion he would integrate a hamburger patty on one. 

"I might break it up and turn into a steak salad," Coleson said. 

The Virginia man also would eat grilled chicken salads and sandwiches, walnut salads, and apple dippers sans the caramel sauce. 

"[The wraps] were a favorite of mine," he said.

Though Coleson did say he began to get bored with meal plan until he noticed how well it worked for him.

Coleson regulated his caloric intake to a mere 1,400 calories a day what most doctors would consider unsafe for a man Coleson's size.

In fact, Dr. Christine Gerbstadt, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, called Coleson's a "starvation diet." 

Coleson also would skip breakfast on his meal plan and kept daily journal, as well as receipts from his exploit, both to keep himself on track and to prove to others that he had actually lost the weight with McDonald's. 

Coleson also began exercising a few times a week, which he was not doing prior to the McDiet. In fact, he said he used to get winded after climbing four steps.

McDonald's has not released a statement about Coleson's triumph, but the company did tell ABC News "We applaud his efforts and his results." 

Today is the last day of his Golden Archathon, which has lasted 200 days. To celebrate his new look and life Coleson changed his license plate.  The plate used to read "Old N Fat" and now it says "McFit."

 

 

 

Entry #146

$2 million bail is not enough

A volunteer children's advocate has been arrested for molesting children.  Doesn't that make you sick?  I'm usually not one to convict someone after reading a few newspaper articles, since everyone has a right to be tried by a jury, but this piece of garbage videotaped his acts of perversion with children as young as 3 years old!   He also took videos of sex with unconscious women whom he apparently drugged.  How did a serial rapist become a Court Appointed Special Advocate?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/5808404.html

http://www.star-telegram.com/448/story/669462.html

When someone is accused of murder, he/she is often held without bail.  So, although it's unlikely this man will raise $2 million, I wish the judge had made a statement.  That is, we don't want people like this in society.

I'm not a lawyer (obviously) so can anyone tell me if the law limits the amount of bail a judge can set and if bail can be denied at a judge's discretion?

How did this man pass a background check?   

Sorry - it's 1AM, I'm tired and just so darn sick of reading about these maggots.

Entry #145

Happy Mother's Day To The World

If I hadn't read the news today, I probably wouldn't know who Irena Sendlerowa was.  I mean, when I turn on the TV, I might hear something about Britney or Paris and who the next American Idol might be, but it's quite possible the name of this wonderful woman would be missed. 

Born in Poland to a Catholic family, she was taught to give to others regardless of their race or religion.  Her father died from Typhus, a disease he was treating when other physicians turned away the sick & the poor.

You can read her story using one of the links below.  Although she was tortured, she never gave up any information to the Nazis, even before her scheduled execution.  Her broken body, limbs crushed from beatings, was dumped on the side of a road after the Polish underground, called Zegota, bribed a Nazi officer to save her life. Yesterday was Mother's Day and I was thinking - what greater gift would any mother want than to have her children saved?

Irena died today at the age of 98.  I don't know how many of the estimated 2,500 children she rescued are still alive, but I'm sure they had children and grandchildren, so she saved generations.  As her soul effortlessly passed through those Pearly Gates, I bet it was a joyful Mother's Day in Heaven!  Here is a picture of this heroic woman..such a kind smile.  Rest in peace gentle lady.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7395767.stm

http://www.irenasendler.org/

Entry #144

Has News Media Turned Into Trash TV?

Do you think this is going too far?

CNN's "Larry King Live" show will have Drew Peterson as its guest on Friday night.  As you probably know, the former police officer is a prime suspect  in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy.  Recently, after her disappearance, the body of his third wife was exhumed and ruled a homicide. The medical examiner said it was a murder "staged to look like an accident."  (Maybe the deep gash in her head was previously overlooked because he was a police officer?) 

Anyway, I am not convicting this man of anything.  It's just that I was shocked that a man who is suspected of murdering 2 of his wives is becoming such a celebrity. He seems to enjoy the attention and has already gotten his 15 minutes of fame.  Now he is the guest of a popular talk show host on a so-called news channel.  

They're advertising "he will be here to take your calls."  That's exciting to me because I never got the chance to talk to Jeffrey Dahmer or Ted Bundy.   

Entry #143

New Florida Law

What do you think of this? 

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0948339420080409

Today the Florida Senate approved the right of residents of the sunshine state to take guns to work. Of course, any bill like this will be caught up in election year politics.  Bills aren't the only issues that are impacted by an election.  Don't think for a minute that Terri Schiavo would have been taken off the feeding tube had it been 6 months earlier. 

Well, today I was traveling on the interstate and my fuel light came on.  I saw a Shell sign and took the Corkscrew exit and stopped at a red light, the key word here being red.   There's little doubt in what's left of my mind that a red arrow means stop.  (but tell me if I'm wrong)  As I sat at the light waiting patiently yet nervously for it to change, several drivers got very upset and honked at me.  At least 2 cars went around me and turned right.  One man was so infuriated that I refused to run the light, he made a certain gesture with his finger and then told me to do something..looked as if he was forming a word with the letter F.  (Hey, I've watched Sesame Street too.)  Finally, as I was about to give into the pressure, the red arrow turned to a bright shade of green and I was able to get onto Corkscrew Rd without breaking the law or getting a big fine..which I really don't need!   I breathed a deep sigh of relief. 

There's little doubt in my mind that, when people start carrying guns to work, someone will get shot for sitting at a traffic light.

 

This is a test.  I wasn't able to EDIT, but then I got on the home page and went back to my blog and now it shows the edit and delete links.  Since JAP69 already commented, I'll keep it as is and take the heat if I'm wrong.  I'm still going to call Lee County and ask.

Entry #142

James Brown Concert, April 5, 1968

Just an FYI.   Look up your local listings if interested.  Scheduled to air Sat night at 9.

I've mentioned this concert a few times.  It should be interesting to look back 40 years...talk about culture shock...and see Mayor White and WGBH arranging this televised special. Nobody knows what really went on.  Did Mayor White ask James Brown to perform or was he trying to really cancel the concert? At least Mr. Brown is getting credit for his contribution that evening.  Personally, nobody bothered me (except the cops) and I don't remember any riots in Boston.  Perhaps I was just a naive 17 year old or maybe the music of the Godfather of Soul and his message of peace brought people together after one of the saddest days in our country's history.     

Entry #141

1040 Occupations

Well, it's 6AM and I'm just finishing a long night.  You'd think I made a killing last year but, no, I always wonder what I should or shouldn't do which takes up hours of deep thought.  Ya know - we don't want to rattle the IRS.  Oh, I'm honest enough, but I need to start keeping better records. 

So here I am down to the last line on my 1040 and it asks that one question that makes me wonder.  Now, don't ask me why, since they know everything about me, but that spot next to your signature that says "occupation" always makes me want to make up something really outrageous.  Sometimes I want to leave it blank, but somehow that always makes me feel uncomfortable as if they're wondering "what is she hiding?"  So let's make a list of occupations you might want to write on your 1040. 

Mistress of the lottery seekers

Dungeon master

Cereal dust extractor 

Assassin for hire

 

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step outta line, the men come, and take you away

Entry #138

America For Sale

I'm not in a creative writing mood, but I wanted to post this.  I was here on Thursday.  It was in the paper, on the radio and even on the local Fox news!  "Get 'em while they're hot."

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080319/NEWS0101/80319060/1075 

The scene was chaotic.  A combination of investors and potential homeowners were lined up to get into this gated community.  By the time I got there around 40 of the 100+ homes on the "clearance rack" had been sold. 

When I was a kid my mother would take me to Filene's Basement in downtown Boston. Those were the days before malls or outlets, when you took the train into the city and walked for blocks to the major department stores.  At that time Filene's Basement was very unique and sold clearance items from their main store with an automatic weekly discount system. Anyway, the reason I mentioned this store is I remember some scenes in the 50s where women played tug-o-war with a bathrobe that was 75% off or undressed (no dressing rooms in the store) in public.  My very prudish & modest Mom would drop her jaw as we walked by women in their bras & panties trying on dresses.  (I wonder how many businessmen stopped by during their lunch hour? lol)

Okay - enough rambling.  Back on topic..a house isn't a pair of pants and I wonder how much buyer's remorse there will be after the mad rush is over. This pretty gated community is in the middle of nowhere, and over 100 houses and townhomes were sitting there empty.  Some had barrel tiled rooftops and professional landscaping.  A few of the homes priced $70K or more below the original builder's price had granite countertops and upgraded carpet & tile, even a jacuzzi tub.  So is it because of our failing economy, the mortgage crisis, or is there another reason this builder filed for bankruptcy and now the houses are selling for less than it probably cost to build them? One wealthy investor recently bought all the properties and hired a real estate company to move them in a few days.  They had lenders on site ready to run your credit and make the deal and the TV news said "it's like a buy one/get one sale."

Who the heck can shop for a house this way? What I had to do (after I finally found a place to park) was register at the sales office and pick up a current list of available houses and a map and then go on treasure hunt.  This can't be a brand new development since every address was recognized by my GPS, yet only 3 homes were occupied on the street where most of the houses I toured were listed, at least the ones in the lower price range.  They were very close together so (to me) they were detached villas, since the lawn care was included in the approximate $278/mo HOA fee.  Not a bad deal, since it included exterior pest control, basic cable and high speed internet, security, use of the community pool & clubhouse.  But will it always be $278/month?  What about the taxes when the homes are reassessed? Will they go up or down?  Who is going to manage the community?  Maybe I just have one of those 'Enquiring' minds. lol

Side note: Am I the only person who notices how rude people are these days?  One woman in a monster Cadillac tried passing me on the left driving down a small side street.  It didn't do any good, but I put down my window and told her to go...well, we'll skip that for now.

Did I make a big mistake by not grabbing whatever was left during this deal of a lifetime? Maybe so.  Guess I'll never know, but I tend to believe in the old saying "there's no free lunch" as someone commented on a local blog.  I found a home I liked and started to measure the rooms and take notes.  By the time I got back to the office to ask a few questions, it had been sold.  I drove & walked around the community for hours and found another home with similar features.  When I found someone to answer some questions, it was too late.  On the way out, I asked the broker to take my name in case one of the deals falls through and he tried to explain that it doesn't work that way.  I'm a little confused, and I've had some mortage training, but he told me it was on the spot financing so nothing is contingent.  Here's the latest report. 

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080321/NEWS0101/80321019/1004/ACC

Why is this in the news as a story? Isn't this free advertising for the seller?  There are some homes for sale by residents for higher prices and I bet many of them will lose prospective buyers or even pending contracts because of all this media coverage. 

The reason I posted this is because it's frightening to see what's happening in this country.  I put more thought into choosing a lipstick than most of these buyers put into financing a house. 

By the way, if by some coincidence an LP member is one of the new homesowners, I wish you a lot of good luck and many years of happiness. 

 

Entry #137

Wishing For Happier Times

On Wednesday I'll be 57 years young.  (and I don't look a day over 56 1/2!) 

One of the best birthday presents I can think of would be Peace on Earth.  Unfortunately, this day marks the 5th Anniversary of the Iraq invasion.

Please join a peace vigil or, if you can't attend one, light a candle in memory of all the people who have died and for those who have suffered. 

Thank you,

Nancy

 

 

 

Entry #136

More Spam Numbers

This is just an FYI 

If you receive a call from the following numbers, and you have caller ID, just ignore them.  Both are recordings that tell you about how to reduce your credit card debt.  I don't need or want this service.  I googled the telephone numbers and all have been reported to the FCC and the DNC registry.

909-842-8164

702-520-1396 

This one offers advanced cash on your paycheck.  I received a call from this number last week.

877-606-3783

I got a call yesterday from another number

407-207-0820 

It was also a recorded message, this time telling me that the vehicle warranty on my car was expiring.  I hung up and got the same call today from "Unknown"

These calls are being made mostly to my cell phone.  Both my home and my cell numbers are registered with the National Do Not Call list.  I look at my caller ID before I answer, but I often get calls from out of state, so I can't risk missing an important one.  Since I sometimes get calls from friends and relatives who use prepaid phone cards which often appear as "Unknown" on my caller ID, I dont want to just ignore a call.

Here is a site with a list of the numbers with the most complaints.  At least 3 of the top in the last 7 days are FL area codes. (407, 561, 954)

http://www.callercomplaints.com/

Area codes 787 and 939 are calls from Puerto Rico.  In the past, I picked up my cell and a call from Puerto Rico was in Spanish.  That's why I now know the area code!

605-955-9889  is also a recorded message in Spanish from South Dakota.

This doesn't happen too often, but I've gotten 4 calls on my cell phone from recorded messages in the past few days days.  Apparently, judging from this list, this is not an uncommon problem.  By the time you report the telephone number, the company just gets a new one! 

Oh, I just checked my call list on my cell phone and another number listed on this complaint site is on it. It's a NH number 603-214-3599

Apparently this is the same telemarketing company.  I've had this cell phone number for about 6 years and rarely got calls of this nature.  

I just wanted to let everyone know in case this happens to you. 

By the way, I don't use text messaging, so I called AT&T and requested that they disable all text messages to my phone. The customer service rep put a spam block on my phone number.  Those are also very annoying and AFAIK they're illegal too! 

The reason I began this stating "this is just FYI" is that I rarely get these calls and changing my number would be much more of a headache.  Of course comments are always welcome here, but I really don't want to take any action, since it would take longer than just pressing "end call."  I don't pay for these extra minutes, but I thought this might help someone who does.

Entry #134

Are We Losing Our Compassion?

I realize when a factory is built it creates new jobs, but at what cost to our way of life?


In January a bill was introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would make a state-funded loan of up to $1 million available to anyone wishing to construct and open a horse slaughtering facility in the state.

To the best of my knowledge, no horse slaughtering facilities operate in the United States. Both Texas and Illinois shut down the remaining domestic plants in 2007 in response to strong public opposition to horse slaughter.

The opening of a plant in South Dakota or any state would be a giant step backwards for America and these beautiful, gentle animals we've grown up to love & respect as part of our heritage.

Write to or call your Congressperson and urge him/her to cosponsor and support speedy passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/H.R. 503).  This Federal Bill, which has enormous and growing Congressional and public support, will prohibit the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption, as well as their export for the same purpose. Its passage will nullify S.B. 170 or any similar legislation.

You can also call the U.S. Capitol (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senator or Representative.

Thank you!



 

Entry #132
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