The first chapter is basically a long list of reasons that flat abs are important. I thought it interesting to include some of the tables in the book to inspire us all. And don't worry. If you're not a woman, I think you might still be safe to read this book.
Overweight People:
50% more likely to get heart disease
up to 360% more likely to get diabetes
16% more likely to die of their first heart attack
50% more likely to have bad cholesterol
14% less attractive to opposite sex
37% more time at the pharmacy
stay 19% longer in the hospital
20% more likely to get asthma
19% more likely to die in a car crash
120% more likely to get stomach cancer
up to 90% more likely to get gallstones
590% more likely to develop esophageal cancer
35% more likely for kidney cancer
14% more likely for osteoarthritis
70% more likely for high blood pressure
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Abs Diet for Women
Just in time for the holidays!!! Many of you may have already read this book or some variation of the Abs Diet series. Let me start off by saying that I'm a diet skeptic. Diets, on the whole, don't work, or at least don't work on a long-term scale. No pun intended. Nevertheless, this book has gained quite a bit of attention, so I feel I should at least be informed. I hope you all brought donuts, cuz this is gonna be fun.
David Zinczenko opens the book with a summary suggesting 6 daily meals, lots of protein, easy on the carbs, one cheater meal a week, and light exercise. How is this different from other diets? Glad you didn't ask. Here are the so-called "Abs Diet Power 12" aka the 12 food groups Zinczenko suggests you include at least 2 of in every meal
- Almonds and other nuts
- Beans and legumes
- Spinach and other green vegetables
- Dairy (lowfat)
- Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, uninteresting)
- Eggs
- Turkey and other lean meats
- Peanut butter (to make up for the lean meats I suppose)
- Olive oil
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Extra protein powder
- Raspberries and other berries
David Zinczenko opens the book with a summary suggesting 6 daily meals, lots of protein, easy on the carbs, one cheater meal a week, and light exercise. How is this different from other diets? Glad you didn't ask. Here are the so-called "Abs Diet Power 12" aka the 12 food groups Zinczenko suggests you include at least 2 of in every meal
- Almonds and other nuts
- Beans and legumes
- Spinach and other green vegetables
- Dairy (lowfat)
- Instant oatmeal (unsweetened, uninteresting)
- Eggs
- Turkey and other lean meats
- Peanut butter (to make up for the lean meats I suppose)
- Olive oil
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Extra protein powder
- Raspberries and other berries
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Abraxas and the Earthman
Imagine you're in Jr. High and you're instructed to create a graphic novel. You combine Moby Dick, sci-fi, and Violence Jack, and come up with this failed piece of paper.
I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I am able to enjoy them from time to time. This was not one of those times. Rick Veitch cut so many corners in this plot and tried too desperately to be profound that it just fell flat. Not only that, but after he quickly wraps up everything at the end, he concludes with "Twenty-Five Years Before the Mast: An Abraxas Memoir" by Rick Veitch, in which he explains the process of creating this and how all his childhood dreams have come true.
Don't read this. It earned a 1.
I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I am able to enjoy them from time to time. This was not one of those times. Rick Veitch cut so many corners in this plot and tried too desperately to be profound that it just fell flat. Not only that, but after he quickly wraps up everything at the end, he concludes with "Twenty-Five Years Before the Mast: An Abraxas Memoir" by Rick Veitch, in which he explains the process of creating this and how all his childhood dreams have come true.
Don't read this. It earned a 1.
The Abrams Guide to American House Styles
PICTURES!!!! I'm unfamiliar with The Abrams Guide, but after "reading" this book, I'm quite happy it exists. The book is written by William Morgan, but his job was nothing compared to photographer Radek Kurzaj. Fifteen house styles ranging from colonial to curiosities make this an interesting venture for anyone. Unfortunately, I came away from the book still not quite grasping what a Tudor or a Cape Cod are. Yeah. I'm a girl. I'm supposed to know these things. At best I can describe certain design details, but I can't assign them to a specific style.
This isn't exactly recommended reading because there is so little reading. Yet again, this would make a good coffee table book if only it were the right shape and size.
As much as I liked looking at it, it still gets a 2.
This isn't exactly recommended reading because there is so little reading. Yet again, this would make a good coffee table book if only it were the right shape and size.
As much as I liked looking at it, it still gets a 2.
The swamp that is Dickens
So, I have now started into my very fist Dickens novel which is David Copperfield. From the very first chapter the book is wonderful. The characters are interesting and often hilarious and the story is witty and engrossing.
On the other hand, me being a somewhat slow reader and a busy individual means that you, the huddled masses (I use the word masses generously) that read my postings on this blog may have a long while to wait for my conclusion of the book. Dickens is an exceptional writer, but is also a Victorian era novelist. This means that his books are long and smothered in fine detail. For the first time I am not bored by this kind of detail as I was in high school when reading the abomination that is Grapes of Wrath that my sadistic English teacher assigned. Instead I find myself drawn in to the life that young David is leading at his boarding school and the lives and personalities of his other characters.
I am only about 150 pages into this 845 page behemoth but I can tell, even as long as it is going to take me, I am really going to enjoy Dickens. Perhaps next, however, I will push into something a little lighter like..................... basically everything else on the list excepting Tolstoy.
On the other hand, me being a somewhat slow reader and a busy individual means that you, the huddled masses (I use the word masses generously) that read my postings on this blog may have a long while to wait for my conclusion of the book. Dickens is an exceptional writer, but is also a Victorian era novelist. This means that his books are long and smothered in fine detail. For the first time I am not bored by this kind of detail as I was in high school when reading the abomination that is Grapes of Wrath that my sadistic English teacher assigned. Instead I find myself drawn in to the life that young David is leading at his boarding school and the lives and personalities of his other characters.
I am only about 150 pages into this 845 page behemoth but I can tell, even as long as it is going to take me, I am really going to enjoy Dickens. Perhaps next, however, I will push into something a little lighter like..................... basically everything else on the list excepting Tolstoy.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
To answer the very first question that everybody will be having; no, this is only Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I have not read the other book's in the series of 6 or the short story. My book does have all of them in the proper order, but this will only be about the first book as it is the only one on the list. I will read the other books when I decide to take breaks from the list and read something just generally enjoyable. It will be between that and Terry Pratchett novels on those occasions.
So, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a silly book. This fact, along with the dry and matter of fact humor that Douglas Adams uses in the narration makes it a wonderful and memorable read. Most people do not realize, however, that the BBC miniseries and the recent Hollywood movie of the same title contain much more than the original book. They have taken bits and pieces here and there out of the other books and sewn them into the original. The miniseries does this to a much greater extent than the film.
They have also left out very interesting bits such as how the ship gets stolen, some small and interesting characters, and other small details. The book is mostly in the voice of a cheeky narrator that often explains things through the information given in The Guide. Continual pokes at modern life make it a hilarious and perhaps even culturally relevant book. Perhaps this is the reason that it is one of the very few modern satires to be considered a classic of literature. If I were a Ph.D. student in literature this book would be the basis of my thesis.
I find that HGttG is entertaining and engrossing and I can't imagine a person that enjoys reading not enjoying this book or the others that accompany it. It is certainly one that I am proud to now own and I would recommend it to anybody that knows how to read. My next project will be my very first Dickens novel. More on that later.
So, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a silly book. This fact, along with the dry and matter of fact humor that Douglas Adams uses in the narration makes it a wonderful and memorable read. Most people do not realize, however, that the BBC miniseries and the recent Hollywood movie of the same title contain much more than the original book. They have taken bits and pieces here and there out of the other books and sewn them into the original. The miniseries does this to a much greater extent than the film.
They have also left out very interesting bits such as how the ship gets stolen, some small and interesting characters, and other small details. The book is mostly in the voice of a cheeky narrator that often explains things through the information given in The Guide. Continual pokes at modern life make it a hilarious and perhaps even culturally relevant book. Perhaps this is the reason that it is one of the very few modern satires to be considered a classic of literature. If I were a Ph.D. student in literature this book would be the basis of my thesis.
I find that HGttG is entertaining and engrossing and I can't imagine a person that enjoys reading not enjoying this book or the others that accompany it. It is certainly one that I am proud to now own and I would recommend it to anybody that knows how to read. My next project will be my very first Dickens novel. More on that later.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Abraham's Children Conclusion
We had blizzards here the last couple days. Now the temperature is -13C and my fingers are having a hard time typing!
Entine explores the various sects of Judaism. He also poses the question of whether "race" and "ethnicity" are have any scientific basis. Studies with the National Human Genome Research Institute have shown that all Americans are 99.9 percent genetically identical. And what about IQ levels? Is it true that Jews are smarter than the rest of us?
So what's Entine's conclusion after all this questioning? Does DNA and science help define what it means to be Jewish? Well according to him, it can and it can't. Yep. That's the best answer we're gonna get here. We start right where we began...confused.
Although this book had some enjoyable moments, it was overall a waste of time for me. For people who are already interested in genetics, it might be better. As is, I have to give this one a 1.
Entine explores the various sects of Judaism. He also poses the question of whether "race" and "ethnicity" are have any scientific basis. Studies with the National Human Genome Research Institute have shown that all Americans are 99.9 percent genetically identical. And what about IQ levels? Is it true that Jews are smarter than the rest of us?
So what's Entine's conclusion after all this questioning? Does DNA and science help define what it means to be Jewish? Well according to him, it can and it can't. Yep. That's the best answer we're gonna get here. We start right where we began...confused.
Although this book had some enjoyable moments, it was overall a waste of time for me. For people who are already interested in genetics, it might be better. As is, I have to give this one a 1.
Just to let you know
Every once in a while, I'll come across a library book that is part of a series. So far, these books haven't been worth reading, but this time I'm gonna give the whole series a try. Beverly Lewis has written a group of novels called Abram's Children. There are five books in the series, and instead of reading them all at the right time and in the right order, I'm going to be reading them alongside my other alphabetical books and only blogging about them when I've finished the whole series.
I know this decision will probably change your lives. That's why I thought I should warn you.
I know this decision will probably change your lives. That's why I thought I should warn you.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Abraham's Children A skeptic
It's obvious by his language that our author has taken a stance against the validity of Scripture. He himself was raised Jewish and describes himself as one who left the faith. Instead of simply commenting scientifically on his genetic study, he throws in words that show his extreme distaste for most of the historical teachings.
While looking at the history of Judaism, Entine examines Jews from Spain, Africa, and Germany, trying to determine if they are indeed descended from the Israelites of the Bible. The German Jews, some have claimed, are actually descended from Jewish converts in Khazaria (Russia/Turkey), making them Slavic, not Semitic. DNA evidence can't disprove or confirm this, however.
Side note: Muhammed is formally named Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim.
While looking at the history of Judaism, Entine examines Jews from Spain, Africa, and Germany, trying to determine if they are indeed descended from the Israelites of the Bible. The German Jews, some have claimed, are actually descended from Jewish converts in Khazaria (Russia/Turkey), making them Slavic, not Semitic. DNA evidence can't disprove or confirm this, however.
Side note: Muhammed is formally named Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim.
Abraham's Children
Despite our attempts at wiping out the "race" issue, DNA still separates us. In the book, Jon Entine will be discussing some of the things that define Jews as being...Jewish.
The author gives an interesting viewpoint when he combines the communion cup and the Christian claim of Abraham as an ancestor. Jesus said "This is the new covenant in my blood." From this point in history onward, this blood ritual means that "for followers of Jesus, the covenant would be grounded not in blood ancestry but in the symbolism of blood represented by faith."
Entine digs further into the topic of genetics in his chapter entitled "Eve and Adam". The atypical positioning of their names is not an attempt at calming feminists, but rather a reference to the DNA testing which dates Eve as being born some 13 years before Adam. In order to find a genetic commonality among Jews, Entine searches for DNA testing within the most regulated group of Jews in history (the priests), finding a signature mutation pattern.
On an unrelated note, I found out that the "V" symbol Spock uses in Star Trek, was invented on the spot by Leonard Nimoy as an imitation of the symbol that Cohanim (descendants of Aaron) make in front of the congregation in every Orthodox synagogue.
I'm only a third of the way through so far.
The author gives an interesting viewpoint when he combines the communion cup and the Christian claim of Abraham as an ancestor. Jesus said "This is the new covenant in my blood." From this point in history onward, this blood ritual means that "for followers of Jesus, the covenant would be grounded not in blood ancestry but in the symbolism of blood represented by faith."
Entine digs further into the topic of genetics in his chapter entitled "Eve and Adam". The atypical positioning of their names is not an attempt at calming feminists, but rather a reference to the DNA testing which dates Eve as being born some 13 years before Adam. In order to find a genetic commonality among Jews, Entine searches for DNA testing within the most regulated group of Jews in history (the priests), finding a signature mutation pattern.
On an unrelated note, I found out that the "V" symbol Spock uses in Star Trek, was invented on the spot by Leonard Nimoy as an imitation of the symbol that Cohanim (descendants of Aaron) make in front of the congregation in every Orthodox synagogue.
I'm only a third of the way through so far.
Abraham Go get it
Another diamond in the rough! The next couple books I read will be slightly similar, but for this one, I can at least say that it was well worth it.
In the middle section, Feiler interviews a number of leaders in each of the three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Some of it intrigued me. Some of it confirmed my own beliefs. Still more had me disheartened. Regardless of Feiler's own feelings on the issues, he asks some excellent questions.
This is not just a book of interviews and exegesis, however. Feiler's excellent writing style makes the reader feel as if the title's description is really true: A Journey to the Hearth of Three Faiths. In the process, we are submitted to a background on each religion as well as hearing from people who wave the "coexist" flag.
I definitely give this book a 4
In the middle section, Feiler interviews a number of leaders in each of the three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Some of it intrigued me. Some of it confirmed my own beliefs. Still more had me disheartened. Regardless of Feiler's own feelings on the issues, he asks some excellent questions.
This is not just a book of interviews and exegesis, however. Feiler's excellent writing style makes the reader feel as if the title's description is really true: A Journey to the Hearth of Three Faiths. In the process, we are submitted to a background on each religion as well as hearing from people who wave the "coexist" flag.
I definitely give this book a 4
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Abraham Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths
*deep sigh of relief* And now I'm back into familiar territory. You may recognize the name of our author, Bruce Feiler, from his bestselling book Walking the Bible. If not, let me introduce you to his work.
Abraham is THE pivotal character in the formation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions are monotheistic. All three hinge on Abraham. The book opens with a scene of Feiler walking through Jerusalem. If you've ever been to Israel, you know that anytime someone describes their journeys there, or a clip is shown on television, you're transported back there and find yourself experiencing it from the inside. If you have NOT been to Israel. Go. Go now while you can.
Feiler makes a number of judgments I may or may not agree with, but the subject matter is very interesting. Feiler himself was raised Jewish.
One chapter I highly recommend is Isaac where Feiler uncovers the details of the famous sacrifice and how it's been perceived through generations and within the various religions. I'm halfway through at the moment and hoping to finish on my way to Wisconsin tomorrow.
Abraham is THE pivotal character in the formation of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All three religions are monotheistic. All three hinge on Abraham. The book opens with a scene of Feiler walking through Jerusalem. If you've ever been to Israel, you know that anytime someone describes their journeys there, or a clip is shown on television, you're transported back there and find yourself experiencing it from the inside. If you have NOT been to Israel. Go. Go now while you can.
Feiler makes a number of judgments I may or may not agree with, but the subject matter is very interesting. Feiler himself was raised Jewish.
One chapter I highly recommend is Isaac where Feiler uncovers the details of the famous sacrifice and how it's been perceived through generations and within the various religions. I'm halfway through at the moment and hoping to finish on my way to Wisconsin tomorrow.
Welcome to the 100th post!!
So it's not that exciting, I know. But if you can't tell, I'm a person that likes landmarks such as a hundredth post or finishing the "abo.." section of the library.
Above Us Only Sky by Marion Winik makes for an odd landmark, but fate doesn't always smile. This book is formatted rather nicely for the casual reader. Much like About This Life, it is split into easy to chew pieces and are organized as brief essays on Winik's life. It's another way to do memoirs without saying "memoirs".
But wait! Another book from the Iowa City Public Library written by a Marxist feminist? What a surprise. Yes, I was put off by the title when I was in the library, but yet again I thought I'd give it a try. Sadly, the longest essay by far is the one entitled "Above Us Only Sky" in which she describes all her post-modern views on bisexuality, Lennon's murder, etc. laced with vulgarities of every kind.
This book got a 1...but only barely.
Above Us Only Sky by Marion Winik makes for an odd landmark, but fate doesn't always smile. This book is formatted rather nicely for the casual reader. Much like About This Life, it is split into easy to chew pieces and are organized as brief essays on Winik's life. It's another way to do memoirs without saying "memoirs".
But wait! Another book from the Iowa City Public Library written by a Marxist feminist? What a surprise. Yes, I was put off by the title when I was in the library, but yet again I thought I'd give it a try. Sadly, the longest essay by far is the one entitled "Above Us Only Sky" in which she describes all her post-modern views on bisexuality, Lennon's murder, etc. laced with vulgarities of every kind.
This book got a 1...but only barely.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Above the Law finale
I'm so glad I'm not in law enforcement. Life is so much simpler this way. I've been reading the rest of Above the Law during commercials for the final episode of Monk so I'm in a full-on police mood.
The middle section of this book discusses what the authors think cause police officers to use brutality in their positions. One theory they use is that police are considered soldiers in a "war on crime" and also that the police administrators are either crooked or just narrow-minded.
Finally, they suggest that police be made more accountable by both external and internal factors.
I have to include that this book was written in 1993 and many things have changed since then. ALSO, I am incredibly ignorant where law enforcement is concerned because I've never been close to it on either side. I'm neither knowledgeable or particularly interested in this topic. If you ARE interested in police work, you may get more out of this book than I did.
I give it a 2.
The middle section of this book discusses what the authors think cause police officers to use brutality in their positions. One theory they use is that police are considered soldiers in a "war on crime" and also that the police administrators are either crooked or just narrow-minded.
Finally, they suggest that police be made more accountable by both external and internal factors.
I have to include that this book was written in 1993 and many things have changed since then. ALSO, I am incredibly ignorant where law enforcement is concerned because I've never been close to it on either side. I'm neither knowledgeable or particularly interested in this topic. If you ARE interested in police work, you may get more out of this book than I did.
I give it a 2.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Above the Law Groan
It's the start of a new month and the start of a new group of books. Above the Law by Jerome H. Skolnick and James J. Fyfe is about police brutality. Not a pleasant topic no matter how you look at it. In the prologue, they explain that the country is split into two basic groups. The first is multicultural and enlightened, and the second is white and sheltered. They temper this argument in the end of the prologue by saying that it's not just a race issue.
The book will hit on three points.
1. What are the occasions for police brutality?
2. How can it be explained?
3. How can it be remedied?
The first few chapters discuss the Rodney King incident of 1991 in detail and pose the question: When and how much force should law enforcement officers use?
The book will hit on three points.
1. What are the occasions for police brutality?
2. How can it be explained?
3. How can it be remedied?
The first few chapters discuss the Rodney King incident of 1991 in detail and pose the question: When and how much force should law enforcement officers use?
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