Wellness Blog: scottqmarcus

And the winners are...

scottqmarcus — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:14:27 GMT

According to a study reported by Reuters, the key to losing weight - and keeping it off - is to eat a big breakfast packed with carbohydrates and protein; then for the remainder of the day, follow a low-carb, low-calorie diet. According to researchers referenced in the article, the "big breakfast diet" works because it controls appetite and satisfies cravings for sweets and starches. They also point out that it's healthier than low-carb diets because it allows people to eat more fiber- and vitamin-rich fruit. Doctor Daniela Jakubowicz, of Caracas, Venezuela says it's been successful in her patients for more than 15 years.

The upside of $5 per gallon gasoline

scottqmarcus — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:31:54 GMT

As I write this, late June 2008, the cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in my neighborhood is $4.79 (and 9/10 - whatever that's about). Six weeks ago, it was $3.99. That's a 17 percent hike, or 147 percent annually. If my math is accurate, at that rate, in 365 days, one gallon will set us back $6.89.

Of course, the inflation in oil pricing has spawned a whole cyclone of side effects.

It's been a rough week

scottqmarcus — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:48:20 GMT

By now, the story of Tim Russert has run through the news cycle so many times that you would have to be on another planet not to know he passed away at 58. I watched "Meet the Press" regularly and welcomed his keen political savvy and ever present civility. I appreciated greatly his family bonds and was touched deeply to learn he always told his son, "I'm proud of you." That is something I make a point of saying to my sons every time they call, and - although I didn't get the idea from Tim - because he did it also, I felt a kinship to him. I didn't know him, but I do feel sadder knowing he's gone.

What did you say?

scottqmarcus — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:02:06 GMT

Out of town, delayed, exhausted, and weary from what the airlines had foisted upon me in the name of their twisted, loose definition of "customer service," I sought energy in the airport coffee bar, hoping to remain awake long enough to arrive at my destination.

"What would you like?" asked the young woman behind the counter.

"Coffee please."

"Sugar and cream?"

"No thanks. But where do you keep the Sweet 'n' Low?"

Age vs. Maturity

scottqmarcus — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:42:12 GMT

Posted on a placard at the senior center: "Aging is not for sissies." As I am indeed aging, I will raise my right hand and unwaveringly attest to this certainty so boldly and simply stated. However, being a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, I also see some blessings brought forth by the years. The turning of the calendar has given me an understanding that emotions are the sophisticated seasonings of life; not the annoying distractions I sometimes misconstrued them to be in younger days. Friendships are more significant; the hug on the street of a long-held acquaintance is meaningful, not habitual. I can - and do - say, "I love you" to those of either gender that matter to me, without explanation or embarrassment. That alone might be worth the weight in years.