A Capricious Blog

P90X - My Thoughts

2011-01-22T10:30:00.002-05:00

I finished the P90X Classic program last week and I wanted to give my view. I am absolutely thrilled at what I have accomplished in this first go round. Thinner in the waist, build in my arms and chest, better cardio, more alert, sleep better at night, and most of all - drastically cut down my alcohol intake which was contributing to the big gut.

From a physical point of view I didn't get the ripped abs that the informercial keeps pushing. There were some exercises I just couldn't do. In the Ab Ripper X DVD some require serious core strength and I'm still not there. Example: Mason Twists: While seated lift your legs and bring them in half way to your chest. For about 1 minute clasp your hands together and twist to your left and right touching the floor for 50 reps (plus the bonus). That is the last one of the routine - oh, I forgot to mention you are moving as fast as you can!

I want to stress that I am not disappointed at all. I have gone from pants that were a tight 42" waist to a loose 38" waist. My shirt is down 1 full size and could probably could go down a 1/2 more but I can't button the neck. It was great going through my closet and getting rid of the clothes that are way to big. Spring will be the next clean out as I'll need new shorts and shirts.

The Diet: It may take a bit to get used to the diet. Phase 1 is the first part and is called the Fat Shredder. You're allotted so much Protein, Carbs and Fats. You can follow the "blocks" or allocations of each for every meal and snack or follow their menu. A lot of eggs, cottage cheese, lean ground beef, turkey, pork, etc.

They have a 7 day menu laying out what you should eat for your 3 main meals and 2 snacks. You also have a protein shakes twice a week for breakfast, if you follow their menu. I followed their menu to get used to it, and it's a lot of work to prep for some these meals. Thank God for my wife! She was preparing these meals and Sundays was 3-4 hours getting them ready for the week.

After the 1st month you go to Phase 2 which is more carbs and less proteins. Phase 3 ups the carbs more. For myself I was a heavy guy and I should have stayed in Phase 2 if not trade off between Phase 1 and 2 in the final 30 days.

Bottom Line: If you were thin when you started or you need the energy, go to Phase 3 diet. If not, stick with Phases 1 and 2.

Starting the routine: I started my routine on a Wednesday which was luck since the longest workout - Yoga X - is an hour and a half long. Saturday was a great day to do that since I could take the morning to do it. The CLASSIC routine is what I started with. By the end of 90 days I could feel it in my body. This workout was 6 days a week with 3 days of weights and 3 days of cardio. the 7th day is either rest or the program X-Stretch.

Bottom Line: If this is your first time in a looooong time working out, start with the LEAN program. More cardio and using light weights with more repetitions. It will be easier on your body and if you decide to do another round you'll be in shape for the Classic program.

Equipment: I bought the Beachbody Chin Up Bar. This is one of the main pieces of equipment needed for the program. I really like this, it's compact and fits in the door frame. No fuss no muss. You can also use it for push ups for a greater range of motion but I haven't tried it yet. (Funny how this was never pushed in the videos!)

I also purchased the Power block adjustable dumbells. Here is an excerpt from my October 8th posting.

I picked up the Powerblock adjustable dumbells. Great units and a lot cheaper that Bowflex. These start at 15 lbs and go to 50 and adjust in 5 lb increments. The Bowflex has 2 different sets, 1 goes up to 52.5 lbs and adjusts in 2.5 lb increments while the other set does the same and goes to 90lbs. The difference:

Powerblock: $299 for the set

Bowflex 52.5Lbs: $399

Bowflex 90Lbs: $599

(Price from Dick's Sporting Goods)

For the starter I highly recommend the Powerblock.

They also recommend a Yoga block. I used the styrofoam packaging the Powerblock was in. Just a useful. I picked up a heart rate monitor from Dick's just to keep an eye on my heart rate. It wasn't one of the necessary items to have but it is informative.

Overall: I really enjoyed the program. It is tough getting started but once you get into the routine it's not bad. I personally should have started out with the lean program first to really burn calories to lose weight and get my body used to lifting, the moves, and stretching. It would have been an easier transition to the CLASSIC round where heavier weights are involved.

I am now into the LEAN program in week number 2. I'm following the workout routine that is outlined but I will follow Phase 1 of the diet program through most of it. I plan to do 5 weeks of Phase 1 and alternate the next weeks between Phase 1 and 2.

For follow on after this program I'm going to check out some of the other P90 programs as well as Turbo Fire and Insanity. I'm not worried if I don't look like the people in those commercials after the 90 days, this is a LIFE LONG COMMITMENT, not a 3 month quick fix.

P90X Lean - Round 2 - Day 5

2011-01-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

Got through Yoga yesterday, I don't think I'll ever get used to it but I'll keep pushing myself. Can't improve with a negative attitude. Today is Legs and Back with Ab Ripper X. Another lifting day but only the 2nd lifting workout within the week.

My shoulder is coming around but the knees are still sore, guess I need to pop some Advil. I'm not one to pop the pills but I can't keep this up. I like the LEAN for the change of pace and the overall change in the workouts. Total body confusion. I feel the higher cadrio workout after the 3 months of lifting will help me burn more calories and drop more weight. We'll see. BRING IT!

P90X Lean - Round 2- Day 2

2011-01-13T20:23:00.003-05:00

I'm into day 2 of Round 2 of the P90X program. I'm on the LEAN program this time, trying to really drop the weight and give my body some recovery time. It's a nice change spending more time on the cardio than the lifting of the weights. The trade off is that you are using your body weight doing more push ups, dips etc.

Yesterday was Core Synergystics to kick it off and today was Cardio X. Tomorrow we're back to the lifting with Shoulders and Arms and Ab Ripper X. It is a nice change from the predictability of the routines. Although you change over the 6 day period and switch routines at the conclusion of the month, this is more of a radical change.

Now we're getting into lighter weights and higher reps. I need to adjust the mind not to put too much weight on while going for the 12-15 repetitions. I'll be interested to see how I progress over the next 28 days to see what has changed. It's a work in progress. BRING IT!!

P90X - Graduation Time

2011-01-08T11:07:00.002-05:00

Well I did it. Did my P90X program for the 90 days. I did run into a minor problem this week missing a couple of days but I stuck with it. Now It's time to give my body a rest. I can feel it especially in my left shoulder.

I didn't get the ripped abs that is really pushed in the infomercial but I did slim down a lot and started to see definition in my upper body. For the next couple of weeks I'll be doing light workouts consisting mostly of Cardio X, Core Synergistics and Kenpo X. I figure in a couple of weeks I'll start the lean program, this way I'll be doing another 90 days but with less weight. My 3rd round will be back to the classic and then after that we'll what else is out there.

Tomorrow I'll be doing my measurements and concluding photos to see the before and after progress. I'll be writing my summary and thoughts in the next few days, let me know what you think.

P90X - Day 87

2010-12-31T15:17:00.003-05:00

Well I'm down to the last 3 days of the P90X program. Week 13 is just about half way through and I can feel my body giving a sigh of relief! I probably didn't make any more gains between the holidays and the running around. I was good over the holidays with my diet but I did treat myself like a couple of Italian pastries, couple glasses of wine at some of the parties, etc. Overall I stuck to my diet and fought through the pain to complete the workouts.

As I wrap up the program I'll post my thoughts as to the overall effectiveness of P90X, the diet guide, workouts, some tips I believe helped me and what my plans are going forward. I would like to hear some feedback form other P90X users and what people thought of my trek through this routine.

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T11:49:00.003-05:00

I want to wish all a Merry Christmas today. How the time has flown. I have switched up the routine this week and taking my day off today and pushing everything back one day. It's good for a couple of reasons:

Spend time with the family. We finished opening the gifts and now we're all taking turns getting ready of the day at my brother's house. Good times and good food ahead.
Give the body a break!

As I come down to completing the FIRST 90 days I can tell my body needs a break. It's been taking longer to recover from the pervious workouts so I figured this was an appropriate day to take off. As I look ahead at completing the first 90 days I'm trying to figure out what would be good for the 2-3 week break I'll take. Starting back up will depend on how the body feels. I'm probably going to do the lean workout using less weight and more reps. That should assist in the recovery.

Starting the program I looked ahead to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas to see what improvements I'll get out of P90X. More than I ever expected! Not only a body transforming but mentally changing my habits as well. Yesterday I didn't over indulge on food; I ate vegetables as for snacks instead the high fat items; Had a couple of glasses of wine to toast instead of killing a couple of bottles. The best part is I feel great!!

Merry Christmas to everyone, especially Beachbody and Tony Horton! Thanks for the program and helping me finally get me back on the right track!!

P90X - Day 72

2010-12-18T11:32:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since my last posting and has been hectic at work trying to close out the year and getting the Christmas shopping in and running here and there, well you go through the same thing.

One thing I wasn't going to stop was the P90X program. I've got a lot vested in and the results have been amazing. I wish I did purchase body calipers at the beginning of the program. My weight started out at 223 and I've gotten down to 211 as of this past Tuesday which 12 pounds is 12 pounds. The noticeable change has been my clothing. Extra large shirts I needed to wear is now extremely baggy. Pants from 42" down to 38" are now getting loose. I'm hoping by day 90 I'll be in 36". I never would have thought that 3 months ago. So at this point I'm not worrying about weight. I'll be ordering the calipers for round 2!

The body transformation has been great! Although I won't see the ripped abs or sculpted arms I have slimmed down and have definition in my body. Being as big as I was wasn't putting any unreal expectations on myself, except may the decrease in my weight. I have already excepted that it may be P180X or P270X that I get the body I want. I am not disappointed at all - in fact thrilled!!

I will be doing this program from now on and eventually expanding to Insanity and others to change it up. P90X has brought the discipline that I seriously lacked before. I'm looking forward to spring and summer for once since I won't be wearing my "fat" shorts and t-shirts. It will be great wearing clothes that fit and feeling good about my self!

2 1/2 weeks to go. Can't wait to do the comparison! BRING IT!

P90X - Day 60 - Phase 3

2010-12-05T09:01:00.002-05:00

Well it's been a wee since my last posting and a lot has been happening. My daughter went in for major surgery last week to have a cyst (or tumor) removes that was the size of a melon. For the last 2 weeks we had been running between her Gynecologist, the Oncology doctor to determine if it may be cancerous and ultra sounds to see how big this thing was. Well everything went better than expected. IT was determined that the cyst was benign, no issue to remove it, she made great progress in the hospital and was able to come after 2 days and is recuperating nicely at home.

I'm now into Phase 3 and still can't believe how fast this program is moving. I'm behind on getting my weight for this week and my pictures taken for the completion of Phase 2. I'm still making great progress using my belt as the guide, down another hole. My jeans that were snug before fit comfortably now. I see a change in my strength as well.

Now that I'm in week 9 I can look back at week 5 and see how much I improved. I've been able to increase the weight on the dumbbells while maintaining at least the 8-10 reps. Pushups that were a struggle before I'm now doing 20-25 easily. There are still some struggles like the "dive bombers" but I'm doing what I can and modifying where I need to. I still use a chair on the chin up bar because of a bad shoulder but I still push hard trying to use it only as a "guide".

The next change will be to the diet. It's been quite a bit of work (actually a lot and God bless my wife for making my meals). Now that I'm into Phase 3 I've gotten a better idea of how to mix and match the foods within the groups and it will be easier when the next 90 day program starts. For now I'm sticking with the menu to complete this 90 day program.

At this point if you have followed my odyssey you can "see" how things have changed for me and that sticking with the P90X program will change you. If contemplating, stop! Make the commitment and go for it! You will not be sorry!

P90X - The Day After

2010-11-26T11:33:00.000-05:00

Well I survived the holidays and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Usual holidays for me was overeating and and drinking - especially the alcohol. But this year I stayed on course with my diet and treated myself as well. I made sure I timed my eating with the rest of the family and swapped my fish meal with turkey. I did sample the other foods like stuff shells, stuffed cabbage, stuffing, mashed potatoes but just about a fork full of each - again a taste. Desert was 1 SMALL Italian cookie (I wished the cannolis were there!). The alcohol was 2 SMALL glasses of wine and 1 lite beer. That was it, I SURVIVED!!!

Getting through Thanksgiving will help me with Christmas and back to back meal days. Christmas Eve (for me) was for the party and Christmas Day was the food. I'll still be watching myself very closely since I'll have about 10 days to go to complete my 90 day program. Man this has flown by by the complements I'm getting now is making this trek well worth the while. Thanks to Beachbody and Tony Horton for the program; Glenn Glaser my Beachbody coach for the guidance; and Matt Noyes for turning me on to P90X and his guidance and motivation to bring it!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-25T13:45:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating this holiday. It's time to take a moment and reflect on what you have. Hope all enjoy their day!

P90X and the Holidays

2010-11-20T08:53:00.003-05:00

As we in the United States get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday it will be my first real test to put my will power to work. Now I'm not making it sound like it's been a cake walk so far sticking to the nutritional plan that comes with P90X program, there have been some tough days especially over the last couple of weeks. I have felt my body change - looking for fuel to burn. The first 5 weeks I was burning off the fat that I have. Now I'm starting to burn what I take in and can tell when it's been about 3 hours since the last time I ate.

I did talk about my fall off last Saturday eating outside my diet (but that fried calamari was DELICIOUS!) and a stretch of over 4 hours. The time may not seem much but when you get your body on a schedule it's expecting t0 get replenished.

I'm not much of a sweets person but my Aunt will be bringing over Italian pastries and my favorite - cannolis!!!! I just might take one of those. My thing will be to stay away from the wine, but I haven't touched any since October 6th so I think I'll be good. I 'll be adding some cardio this week for insurance.

P90X Day 45 - Fighting Through the Pain

2010-11-19T08:25:00.001-05:00

Still going strong through the 2nd half of Phase 2 but almost a set back this week. I went and picked up our Christmas tree this week and when I was bringing it downstairs I slipped and went about half way down on my butt. I tried to brace myself with my left arm as I initially slipped but it didn't stop me. At the time the only thing that hurt was my butt and pride.

I did my workout that day and the next but Wednesday's was tough to get through. When I went to brace myself I must have jammed my shoulder and whacked the back of my arm. Even the heel of my hand was sore. Since this was Shoulders, Back and triceps there was a lot of push ups in this routine and I really struggled to keep up with the last round. I ended up moderating a lot of the moves, mostly starting out in a regular push up form and going to my knees to take the pressure off my left shoulder.

I came too far to use that episode as an excuse to skip a couple of days. Moderate your moves where you have to and push more where you can. You'll feel great that you did.

P90X Day 42 - Week 6 Completed

2010-11-16T18:31:00.004-05:00

Week 6 is now in the history books and today is rest. I was going to do a cardio workout but getting home late didn't help the cause. I wanted to take this posting to review what happen Saturday. I went through my regular Yoga workout, had my breakfast and snack and got ready to go to a Christening. Unfortunately I forgot a snack as emergency food and I should have brought it. First day I broke my diet.

By the time we got there I was starving. Appetizers came out and I broke down. It was fried calamari and I had my share. You talk about guilt, sheezzz! But it was good! No bread, no alcohol and no dessert. Baked fillet for the main meal and lots of seltzer water!

That ride home I could feel the grease sitting there, or at least I did. I think it was more on my mind of breaking the diet than actually eating the food. I skipped supper and had a protein bar as a snack.

My point here is you can go off the diet and not feel guilty. Stay within reason, don't over indulge. I was right back on track the next day making sure all my food is correct and the workouts were more intense. With the holidays coming up this will be my biggest test.

I didn't lose any ground this week which I'll take away as a positive. Clothes are getting looser and that is the big measuring stick. I can start to see more definition in the mirror, another motivation point. I'm looking on line to find body calipers to see what my true body mass is.

P90X - Day 36 - 2nd Week Begins

2010-11-10T19:53:00.002-05:00

Today began the 2nd week of Phase 2 and another intense workout on the shoulders, chest and triceps. Intense because of the push ups. I have a weak left shoulder from an injury when I was younger and it limits the amount of reps I can do on certain exercises especially when you get half way into the workout. No excuses - I still push on, moderating more than I like but working to almost fatigue on those last reps. That's the key to growth. I should have done the pictures tonight or Friday after a good pump - nah, that would defeat the purpose.

I welcome comments and feedback on what I'm doing or your own P90x experiences.

P90X - Day 35 - Rest and Recap

2010-11-09T21:34:00.004-05:00

Today is rest day and it's timing was perfect as I could use the break being the 2nd one I have taken since starting the program. As I look back on the past 5 weeks I'm impressed what the program has done. I took my 30 day results and pictures and there is a difference. Here are the improvements I made:

I've also seen a drop of weight this past week getting to 213 where I haven't been for a while. I thought I would have been further along - about 10 pounds lost - but as my coach and friends tell me, don't get hung up on the weight. If the clothes are fitting better you're going in the right direction. Watching yourself move down the belt loops is a rush. It pushes me to keep going.

As far as the pictures I see a difference but that was mostly the reduction in the fat I had accumulated. Phase 2 you begin to work on increasing muscle size by the weights you use and really isolating the muscle groups.

I'm looking forward to completing the next 30 days to see how much more I progressed.

P90X - Day 32

2010-11-07T08:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my Yoga workout and I'm getting more comfortable with the core moves. First time I was able to do all the push ups required from plank to upward dog. The first couple were tough but the shoulder joints loosened up it was fine. I'm getting at the balancing portion but still have trouble with the flexibility. Overall I was pretty impressed with the overall workout. Today is Legs and Back with a dash of Ab Ripper X.

Of note: I'm glad I started on a Wednesday which lines the yoga workout on a Saturday. With this being the longest workout and requires a lot of concentration to move into and hold the poses, a Saturday workout fits this bill nicely.

P90X - Day 31 - Back and Biceps

2010-11-05T22:58:00.003-04:00

Sorry about the missing a couple of postings but had some issues the last couple of days but didn't miss any workouts.

Today was back and biceps and I followed the suggestion in the book - this is the time to build size so up the weight. And I did. And boy do I feel it. This workout out today focused strictly on these 2 groups and you really worked them. My biceps, back, shoulder joints are still sore still sore from this mornings workout. I did get a great pump out of it. The toughest part is trying to figure out the weights to use since this is a new routine. You start at one weight and then try to adjust up or down and then catch up. Suggestion: Look back to Phase 1 and find the same types of routines and use that weight as a gauge. It will at least get you in the ball park and cut down the time of adjusting the weights.

Tomorrow is the day to the measurements. I know I'm a couple of days off but time didn't permit it. I've got my photos from the day before I started and I'm anxious to see the difference.

Yoga tomorrow - I've got to really get my head into this one. It's the longest workout and still tough without the flexibility. I'm hoping to get over this hurdle to really start to get the benefit from this and the Ab Ripper X workout. For now, I'll do my best and forget the rest.

P90X - Day 29 - Phase 2 Begins

2010-11-03T21:59:00.003-04:00

Today was the first day of Phase 2 and I get the muscle confusion. Today was chest, shoulders, and triceps. I can really feel today's workout in the shoulders, even when doing the triceps. A lot of pushups isolating the chest where you didn't do "normal" ones. I like the variety Tony brings into the workouts. One example is starting off in a normal pushup position and then sliding one arm to a wide stance, doing the pushup, sliding that one in and the other out and doing another. You work the same muscle groups but attacking them from a different angle.

This is also grouping the muscles differently. Phase 1 grouped chest and back then shoulders and arms. Not letting the muscles get used to a routine forces the muscles to work differently and promotes growth. I'm enjoying this and looking forward to what the next 30 days bring.

Do you're best, forget the rest!!

P90X - Last Day of Phase 1

2010-11-02T20:58:00.003-04:00

Today marks the completion of Phase 1 and I must admit I am surprised at the results. Tomorrow I weigh myself and take the measurements to see how I did. I know I'm on the right track just by going by my clothing numbers don't lie.

I'm looking forward to changing the routine and getting back to the workouts using weights and changing the diet around. This was starting to wear on me a bit and temptation to grab a cheat food once and a while was growing. Hopefully adding new foods back in will take the temptation away.

I do hope everyone in the United States exercised their right to vote today. God bless our troops for fighting for that right!

P90X - Day 26 - Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

Completed day 26 and will be finishing up the recovery week getting ready for Phase 2. No temptation from the candy that's been hanging around. I really don't have much of a sweet tooth. I'm looking forward to the measurements coming up. I'm hoping to see some improvement. If there isn't much I'll use that to motivate myself for the next 3 weeks. I'm starting to see the improvements in each routine that goes by which is another encouraging sign. I really must hand it to the P90X program. This is the first program I've found that if you follow it and stick with it you'll see the results! Great job!!

P90X - Day 25

2010-10-30T10:17:00.003-04:00

Today is day 25 and the switch in the routine is no Yoga today, (I guess part of the confusion). Yesterday was Kenpo X and today was X Stretch. Nice down week while still getting in some good stretches and cardio, I know my body is happier! I missed yesterday's posting and and need to run around today so I wanted to get this post in so no one thought I'm slipping. I can't now anyways with 3 1/2 weeks invested, at least 5 lbs lost, 2 inches off my waist (we'll know more on Tuesday) and some definition in showing. Looking forward to getting back to the weights in week 5!

P90X Day 23 - Core Synergistics

2010-10-28T18:56:00.002-04:00

Today is day 2 for the recovery phase and it was Core Synergistics. Awesome workout. It's like Ab Ripper X, Yoga, Kenpo X all rolled into 1! After doing this I can see how you can get lean, this really works the mid section. And while you're pummeling that stomach of yours you all get the heart pumping with the cardio section.

My surprising finding on this workout was some of the routines I can't do on Ab Ripper X I actually had some success doing them here. Maybe it was that this was the first time for it and I didn't have time to think about it. I'll take that as another success to build on. A new goal now is to do the WHOLE Ab Ripper X workout without missing a beat. Now I know you're thinking, "Boy, is this guy in dreamland or what?". Maybe but you need something to strive for which now helps to fold:

I see the results I'm getting with P90X, loss of weight, clothes fit, see some definition starting to show;
That I have a goal to go after. This is a brutal workout but focusing on the end result will get you there.

I'm pushing myself hard this week to see what the day 30 pictures and measurement results will be like. It should be interesting!

P90X Day 22 - Week 4

2010-10-27T20:39:00.002-04:00

Well I come into the final week of of Phase 1 and has gone fast. This is recovery week where it's yoga, Kenpo X, Core Synergistics - stretching and cardio. I really pushed my self on the yoga today trying top stretch more to get that darn flexibility. It's coming but simple things like lifting my leg straight out just won't get straight. It's still waaaaaaaay to tight! But a little bit each day. A little progress is better than a little regression!! JUST BRING IT!!

P90X Day 21 - X Stretch

2010-10-26T22:00:00.003-04:00

I did the X Stretch today which is a stretching program with yoga thrown in. I'm glad I did. For some reason I've been pretty sore the last few days (I wonder from what?) and was almost going to pass. But I keep complaining about how I'm not flexible and decided to go ahead anyways. Well it was a good thing I did because it really loosened me up. My shoulder was really sore and didn't have much range of motion. After the hour workout what a difference! It was loosened up and I had full range of motion.

Tomorrow starts week 4 and the timing couldn't be better. It will give this 51 year old body some time to recuperate as it is mostly cardio, stretching and yoga for the next 7 days. I weighed my self this morning and was disappointed that there was no weight loss. Stayed flat at 215. I contacted my Beachbody coach and he told me not to sweat it since I'm building muscle at the same time of losing weight. As long as the clothes keep fitting better no to sweat it. This will also push me to work harder to ensure I'm dropping weight while building muscle. Another week and I'll post my 30 day results. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and BRINGING IT!!

P90X Day 20 - Kenpo X

2010-10-25T19:44:00.002-04:00

I finished my 3rd routine of Kenpo X and it is my favorite out of the Phase 1 program. A lot of movement with martial arts, running, punching, kicking - everything to get a high cardio workout. I was going to post my results so far but I decided to wait until day 30. I want to give the first phase the full 30 days. As of last Tuesday I dropped 5 pounds finally getting to 215. I've a big change in my waist so I'm hoping to see more weight loss. Today's workout should have helped that cause.

Tomorrow will be the X Stretch workout. I've got to get myself more limber so I can get more out of the workouts. In week 4 I'll be doing a lot of yoga, Knepo X, X Stretch and Core Synergistics. The Core Synergistics is a new routine that will help freshen up the week prior to moving to phase 2. I can't believe 3 weeks are just about done. I'll be pushing play!

P90X Day 19 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

2010-10-24T21:23:00.002-04:00

Another good workout today but felt a little weaker than before, I think the nutritional change has caught up to me. I was originally supposed to be on 3200 calories a day based on the formula from the P90X Nutrition Guide but I thought that was a bit much so I went to the 2400 calories a day. I did the full routine but struggled on some the exercises but I wanted to maintain the proper form to get the most out of it. By slowing down a bit and REALLY focusing on the form I could feel the sweat just pouring out of me. But that was still negated by

AB RIPPER X!

Another humbling experience doing this workout in which I felt some gains in some of the areas and setbacks in others. I just need to keep plugging along forgetting what I have done in the past and look at the next workout as a fresh start. From there I'll set new goals to achieve and push my self even harder. Just BRING IT one day at a time!

PX90 - Day 18 - Yoga #3

2010-10-23T22:31:00.004-04:00

I did my 3rd yoga session today and found that was starting to come into line. I don't have a yoga block and that really hurt my first session. I started using the styrofoam protector that came with the Powerblock dumbells and that really helped me stretch and open myself up in the second session. Getting used to that got me into the flow of today's workout and I was surprised at what I could do. Flexibility is still an issue but little victories are being there as well.

I'm coming down to my last 2 workouts in the Phase 1 portion before I go into the "rest period" in week 4. I am still amazed at what has transpired over the last 2 1/2 weeks. I'm also looking forward to a change in my diet. I do lie the meal plan that is in Phase 1 but I'm starting to miss the carbs (like pasta, oatmeal, etc). I know staying true to the plan will help me get the results I want if I just BRING IT!

P90X Day 16

2010-10-22T18:31:00.005-04:00

Plyometrics day and went through the whole routine (another success!). I will qualify that by saying I did modify some of the moves but I kept pace and did the whole routine. I saw that I kept my heart rate up around 145 - 155 for the core part of the workout. I still can't believe that this is week 3 and about 10 more days to complete Phase 1.

I still need to keep my focus on what I'm accomplishing day by day instead of having the day 90 result now. As long as I keep bringing it, I'll get the results I want.

(This should have been published yesterday but I saved it as a draft)

PX90 - Day 17

2010-10-22T18:26:00.004-04:00

Great workout doing shoulders and arms and Ab Ripper X (well shoulders and arms at least). Increasing the weight regularly and really concentrating on my form. I'm finding now I'm hitting a wall on the nutrition, not so much eating the same foods but actually getting hungry. For the first 2 weeks no problem but now I'm starting t get hungry more often with in that 3 hour block. I guess I'm burning more of the excess fat I had and my body is now looking for more sources. I hope this is where I see the burn down and really begin to see results around the mid section.

(10/22/90 - Another late post)

P90X Day 15 - Week 3 Begins

2010-10-20T21:06:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I'm starting week 3 already. Chest and back today and last time until week 9! Huge improvements since week 1, noticeable in the push up exercises. I couldn't a "Diamond" push up when I started and I'm doing 15 to 20 reps. I've increased the weight in the lawnmower pulls and back flys. Today's workout seemed to fly by until...

AB RIPPER X

If there is anything I must mentally AND physically fight through it's this. I think it's going to take me longer to see the results in my mid section then anywhere else - but I'll keep pushing. I've a weak back and that holds me back a bit on some of these except for the MASON TWISTS. This is just sick. I'm hoping I can do these by the end of the program. But I'll keep bringing it every day! Tomorrow is Kenpo X. Pump up aerobic workout.

Day 14 - Rest Day and Reflection

2010-10-19T21:11:00.005-04:00

Today is day 14 and I decided to take today off to rest both physically and mentally. It's been a grind at work lately and I didn't want to get half way through week 3 and then feel it was more drudgery than something I want to do. I do feel a bit guilty for not doing ANYTHING today but that psyches me up more to begin week 3 tomorrow.

I wanted to post the changes I've had since the starting P90X but with other things going I didn't get the chance to take them, I'll post them tomorrow. One thing I did do this morning is weigh my self and I have lost 5 pounds since starting. I started at 220 and I'm ow down to 215. That 's a healthy 2.5 pounds a week which is about what you should do.

Reflection

I wanted to reflect and give my perspective on the P90X program so far. I went in a bit skeptical from trying all different types of diets, exercise programs, weights, machines, yada, yada, yada. I am convinced that I will see great results with P90X. Why? There are a number of reasons, let me list a few:

Nutrition: The book that is supplied has everything you need to purchase and arrange into your daily meals. The making of the meals can be done 3 different ways: By the meal plan they have (and there are some great recipes in there). The portion plan where they tell you how much of protiens, carbs and fats you need to eat and decide the portions for the different meals. There also is the quick approach where you can use Lean Cusine, Weight Watchers, etc. to substitute when you don't have the time.

The Program: Now I've only done the first block of workouts but I love the way it's set up. You work your muscles 3 days a week in the different combinations (days 1, 3, 5) and then it's aerobics/yoga/martial arts the other 3 days (days 2, 4, 6). It's a great way to build mass and then give the muscles the break from the weight and do cardio or yoga on the other 3. It keeps it very fresh. The day you work your muscles you also work your abs doing the AB RIPPER X workout. It's is painful to start but you will feel the difference in yourself after the 2 weeks.

TIPS

Here are a couple of tips when you get started that I found:

Be prepared - Get everything you need prior to starting: food, the chin up bar, protein mix, protein bars, etc.
Weights - Make sure you have the right dumbells to use. I found that using the POWERBLOCK interchangeable weights are great. Easy to use and cheaper than Bowflex.
Time - Make sure you set aside the time each day to do it. It seems simple enough but unless you have it scheduled so you do it, you'll skip it.
Mindset - This to me is the most important. Get yourself in the right mind to do it. Don't put all the pressure on yourself that you need to lose 20 pounds and 10 inches after 2 weeks. Great point from Tony, "Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your body".

Give yourself a fighting chance, 90 days is a long time but it will go by fast. Stick with the nutrition, follow the program, get the right mind set and BRING IT.

P90X Day 13 - Kenpo X

2010-10-18T21:24:00.003-04:00

Finished up day 13 with the Kenpo X workout and my body is really starting to get change. Today was the martial arts cardio workout and I was pumped. I kept pace through the whole program including the kicks, punches, combo moves. I just need to get better form to hold my balance more but I was surprised that I was able to move the way I did. During the 2nd half of the workout I pushed myself to get the height on the kicks and as low as possible in the horse stance. Flexibility is still an issue but at 51 years old it will take a bit longer to work that out.

Tomorrow is day 14 and the off day which I will take advantage of. Last Tuesday I did the X Stretch and I think my body could use a down day. It will give me time took look back over the past 13 days to see where I have improved and where improvement still needs to be. I'll also take my weight and measurements to see how I'm doing from a physical appearance. Mentally I'm doing great. Just having my clothes fit from being so tight is motivation enough.

Check in tomorrow to see how I'm doing 2 weeks into the program.

P90X Day 12 - Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X

2010-10-17T11:23:00.006-04:00

Great workout today. I was surprised to see the weight I added to this program for my legs. First round was going through the exercises for the form but I made notes to go up on my weights! To me that is key!! If you think the weights weren't heavy enough for the routine you did today, put the weight to push yourself for the next week. I've been doing that and it takes the guess work out from what I did the previous week. I don't stop and think "Was 15 lbs. good or should I go to 20?" When I went through the workout today I moved right along and I felt I got more out of it because I didn't have to stop.

Made tremendous progress on the back, especially on pull ups. i still use a chair for assistance but I really concentrate to use my body. I tried to a pull up without the chair and actually got 2! Yes 2! You're probably thinking, are you kidding me, only 2? Hey, I couldn't get a 1/4 of a push up before I started and this is 12 days in!! It's great! Again, I made notes for next week to push the weights up from where I was today. Now the killer portion.

Ab Ripper X - who ever thought of this is a sadist! Just beat my gut with a baseball bat! Here too I see SOME progress although it is small. Small is better than nothing!! Keep bringing it, take the brakes when you need to, DO YOUR BEST AND FORGET THE REST!

P90X Day 11 - Yoga #2

2010-10-17T11:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my 2nd attempt at yoga and it went better than I thought. I am starting to keep up with the moves but still lack the flexibility to do them 100%. I have to keep reminding myself that this is only 11 days into the program where I have done any stretching for the last 25+ years! The body gets older and it takes even more time to undo what has been done (or not in this case).

I do feel the transformation taking place. I feel better, clothes are starting to fit, I'm going down in my waist size, starting to see some definition in my arms. Even though you get disappointed that you THINK you should be farther along, give yourself credit for what you have done - AND KEEP PUSHING PLAY!

P90X Day 10

2010-10-15T14:34:00.004-04:00

Shoulders and arms today and I was amazed at how much I was able to increase the weight on this 2nd round. 1st time through I was just about able to get through with weights 10 to 15 pounds. But today I was able to push that to 20 to 25 on most of them while maxing out at 8-10 reps as Tony suggests. I could feel the difference an I have a weak left shoulder and was able to do the workout even though I strained a bit. It was awesome.

Now to bring me back to earth I did the Ab Ripper X workout right afterwards and my God the PAIN! I kept up a bit more but was not satisfied at all. I have an extremely weak mid section and this will take quite a while to strengthen. Tony was stating that one of the members in video couldn't do any of these after the 20 day mark but he has no problem now. (Another good psychological technique to keep you motivated). Hey, that works for me!

The best motivation I had to day was putting a pair of dungarees on. Now my pants are size 40 and I couldn't button and if I could, I sure as hell couldn't sit down. I was going to after my fat pants (size 42) but I figured why not see if they're tight or snug. So I pulled them out of my drawer, slipped in one leg then the other, pulled them up and went to button them. Success! Not only where they night tight or snug, they fit great! Now you're probably thinking, well they're still size 40. You're right they are but that's at least 2 inches down from where I was before and this is 10 days into the program. Believe me, I'm a realist and I know I still have a looooooooooong way to go but this psyches me up to keep going.

It's been hard on some days especially when the cravings start for snacks or wanting to have a glass or 2 or 3 or 4 or (more) of wine or beer or JD, but this pushes those thoughts right out of my head. Although I'm just starting to see the difference is parts of my body, this will push me harder to BRING IT!!

P90X Day 9

2010-10-15T13:36:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the 2nd round of Plyometrics and I was surprised at how much I kept up with the program. The big problem I still have is the flexibility to get the most range of motion. It feels like steel cables instead of hamstrings in the backs of my legs and they just don't want to stretch. I'll just keep plugging along and will probably do another X-Stretch on my day off.

One thing I was pleased was I kept my heart rate in the target zone averaging about 145 beats per minute. It was one heck of a sweat! I'll keep pushing play!

P90X Day 8 - Week 2

2010-10-13T21:29:00.004-04:00

I started on round 2 today and can really feel it. It helps to get the right equipment. I was using regular free weight dumb bells and what a pain in the neck to change if the weight wasn't quite right. I picked up the Powerblock adjustable dumbells. Great units and a lot cheaper that Bowflex. These start at 15 lbs and go to 50 and adjust in 5 lb increments. The Bowflex has 2 different sets, 1 goes up to 52.5 lbs and adjusts in 2.5 lb increments while the other set does the same and goes to 90lbs. The difference:

Powerblock: $299 for the set

Bowflex 52.5Lbs: $399

Bowflex 90Lbs: $599

(Price from Dick's Sporting Goods)

For the starter I highly recommend the Powerblock.

Now that I'm starting to get the routine down I was really working on form today and increasing reps and weights. I still have a LONG way to go with pull ups using the chair for assistance. Push ups are going in the right direction but not at the pace I would like. 3rd time with Ab Ripper X and boy it was killer today. I know the abs are getting worked because of the pain. Still don't have the flexibility to get the full range of motion but I'll keep pushing it more and more each workout.

I was getting a little disheartened but I like the phrase Tony used in the workout, "Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was your body." That got me refocused to keep bring it. Tomorrow is Plyometrics. I will push play!

P90X Day 7 - Downtime?

2010-10-12T22:01:00.004-04:00

Today is day 7 of the program which should be my downtime. Since I am not flexible I decided to do the X Stretch and I thought my hamstrings were worn out elastic bands. I decided to do this because I need to get flexible to get the most out of the workouts.

Well tomorrow starts the 2nd week and I'm anxious to see what has changed from the first round. Now that I'm getting into the routine I'll be pushing myself more. Believe it or not it's tough to get used to the diet. That's a lot food to pack away. I should be on the 3,000+ calories but I have enough with the 2,400. Well, let's see what week 2 brings!

Do you're best, forget the rest.

P90X - Day 6 - Kenpo X

2010-10-11T13:21:00.005-04:00

Today was Kenpo X workout and it's a great workout. No weights, just a lot of kicking and punching. This is another workout where you need to stretch and pay attenion to the form. The more flexible you are, the more you get out of the workout and the less chance you'll have of getting hurt. Kenpo X puts you through a series of punches and licks and builds them into combinations.

As you build these combinations the speed increases as well and you get the cardiac workout as well. This is one you'll need to start out with modified moves to build your coordination. Once you get the moves and pace down you get one heck of a workout. Tomorrow is supposed to be a down day but I think I'll do the stretching DVD that came so I can get more out of these routines. Last thing I want to do is pop a hamstring or pull a muscle.

Do your best, Forget the rest!

PX90 - Day 5

2010-10-10T22:01:00.003-04:00

Another killer day in the program. Legs and back today with another Ab Ripper X. Great workout and especially some of the stamina exercises. One was the chair where you lean against the wall and position yourself as a chair and your lap is the seat. You alternate between a 90 degree angle for about 20 seconds the lift a bit for 20 seconds alternating for about a minute. Quite the burn.

The 2nd day of abs was a lot tougher today. Felt the burn on all and wasn't able to do the same reps as the first time. But I know I'm hitting all the same muscle groups. It focusing the mind through the pain and really concentrating on the form. Once I'm able to control this the workout will come much easier. Tomorrow is Kempo X. That should be intense!

P90X Day 4 - Yoga

2010-10-09T14:30:00.002-04:00

I thought this was going to be a break today with a lot of stretching, balancing, twisting, etc. Boy, was I wrong! It is an extremely intense, disciplined workout. Since this is my 4th day with the P90X program I've been using a lot of moderated techniques to get used to it. Doing the yoga I feel off the wagon. I can see not only how much I'm out of shape but how uncoordinated I am.

As Tony says, "Bring your best, forget the rest". That's what I did today. Although I failed miserably for the first time, I did what I could trying to stay up with the workout but took the breaks when I needed to. One thing I noticed with the yoga moves today is how much better I feel. Yesterday I was sore! By the evening I could just about move and was ready for bed - I was wiped! But today I feel great! I feel like a new person. More energy, able to move better, ready for tomorrow's workout - Legs and back.

P90X Days 2 & 3

2010-10-08T15:04:00.002-04:00

Awesome and humbling workouts yesterday and today. Yesterday was Plyometrics, also known as jump training, has been proven to dramatically improve athletic performance. It is 58 minutes of jumping, stretching, jumping, running, jumping, well you get the idea. You get your heart rate up and keep it up. One heck of a sweat! You burn calories with this. I'll be interested to see the difference in my heart rate from when I started to the 90th day.

Today was shoulders and arms then Ab Ripper X. I'll talk the painful workout second. Working the shoulders and arms you need to make sue you have the right equipment. I was using dumbells my sonhad and I thought I had the correct weight but found my ego was stronger than my muscles. I was doing too much toping the program to keep changing the weights around that I was wasting time (although the breaks felt great!). I got through the workout but I'm going to get a set of the dial weights so I can change on the fly.

After that workout was completed I did the Ab Ripper X and thought I was going to die! I couldn't keep up with that at all. Makes me pissed to think about all those beers and pizza I ate that is now hanging around my waist. Although it's a quick 16 minute program it feels like hours. It gave me the motivation to be really strict with my diet (which is the key to the program) so I can to the whole workout with no breaks.

Tomorrow is yoga, I hope I won't turn into a pretzel!

P90X - The Workout Begins

2010-10-06T20:37:00.004-04:00

I finally decided to get into once and for all and purchased the P90X program. I've seen the informercial on TV and was skeptical until I saw a friend of mine with his before and after pictures. What a difference! His advice, stick with it and you'll see the results. Follow the workouts, the diet and don't cheat. So to keep me honest I'm going to my account here and at the end of the 90 days post the before and after to see if I achieved my results.

The first workout was killer and showed me how much I was out of shape. Could I keep up, no. Did I use assistance, yes. But as Tony Horton says, "Do your best, forget the rest". Chest and back today, hope I can move tomorrow.

So I'm starting out a 220 lbs. and my goal is to get to 190 or lower, get some size, but mostly get in shape. Let's see where we go on this trip!

America's New Terror

2008-09-25T20:08:00.002-04:00

We can forget about Al Qaeda now and worry about our new terror - the Bush Administration and the $700 Billion bailout. Listening to Paulsen and Bernake if we don't act RIGHT NOW we are going to see credit tighten so much that jobs will be lost, business will cease and Armageddon will be upon us.

Somebody needs to explain to me that what the rush is about? Let's get the damn thing right! We, the taxpayers, are about to have another proctology exam given to us and we're suppose to rush thriugh this? I don't want this to be a permanent one! This is nothing but another bail out for corruption. That is why Wall Street is waiting, they want to see if this will be hung around their neck. Chicken Little in the White house isn't helping saying 'The shy is falling and it won't stop if we don't pass this'. He hasn't gotten the war right, what makes him right about this?

The people who pay their takes, pay their mortgages, play by the rules are really going to get pissed off soon. We are the camel's back and we're only one or two straws from breaking. As Peter Finch said in Network, "Everybody stand up, open your window and scream 'We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore!'"

What Is Our Society Coming To?

2008-09-01T21:41:00.003-04:00

You've got to be kidding me! Every time I think we can't raise the level of stupidity, we out do ourselves! The lunacy in the Jericho Scott case that he can't pitch because he is too good is absurd! Here is a GIFTED 9 year old kid who can pitch in the 8-10 year old league has been told he cannot play because "he might hurt someone". WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Have we evolved into a cry baby society? Why should Jericho be punished? It sounds like there are more kids who can't play the game and now it needs to be dummied down for them.

If the other coaches and parents are that worried, get your kids to practice more! Jericho's pitching will push these other kids to practice harder thus raising their game. But nooooooooooooooooooooooo, we don't want to do that. We want to make it easier on the kids, let's not them try as hard. So instead of making kid's work hard and excel, here is what the league will
do: "Officials for the thre e-year-old league, which has eight teams and about 100 players, said they will disband Jericho's team, redistributing its players among other squads, and offered to refund $50 sign-up fees to anyone who asks for it." (SI Online "Nine-year-old told he's too good - MLB -
SI.com"
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/08/25/pitcher.toogood.ap/
index.html?eref=fannation
<http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/08/25/pitcher.toogood.ap
/index.html?eref=fannation> )

Did they think how this would make Jericho feel? When asked, he said "I feel sad," he said. "I feel like it's all my fault nobody could play." This is the way we're supposed to encourage kids to play? How many kids has he hit? Zip, zero, nada, zilch! The attorney for the league, Peter Noble, has agreed that he hasn't hit anyone. So what's the issue? Quoting Noble, "Facing that kind of speed" is frightening for beginning players." THEN DON'T PLAY! This guy ought to have a field day with junior football. Can you imagine saying this to Babe Ruth?

It's time to get real. This is sports and sports have contact. You get hit, get up, rub some dirt on it and play. If you're that worried, don't play!

Romney Out

2008-02-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

So much for the speech Tuesday night that he's in it for the long haul. What
does that say about him and his campaign?

Congratulations To Rob Kane!

2008-01-16T21:05:00.000-05:00

I want to congratulate Rob Kane on his victory for the state senate seat in the 32nd district. I have known Rob for close to 5 months now as we are both pursing our MBA degrees. He is a fine, intelligent person who will well represent his district. I am sure Rob will not look out for his district but will look out for the interests of the state as well.

Good luck Rob as you begin your term as a State Senator!

Giants Win.... Yea, the GiantsWin

2008-01-13T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, as a Cowboys fan, I didn't think I could explain this but there always was a nagging feeling at me for this game. Giants hot, Cowboys not. I guess the first inclination as to what was going to happen was it is tough to beat a team 3 times in one season. That wasn't it. It was probably more of the way the payed in the month of December.

Can we move the team to the CFL? At least there season is done in November!!

Let me give credit to the Giants. They took advantage of the Cowboys miscues. Reeves taking a penalty on the final drive of the 1st half was plain stupid. Instead of a possible 3 points, they gave 7 points up and tied the game. Coming out for the 2nd half down 7 is totally different.

This Cowboys offense just wasn't the same after Thanksgiving. The win against Detroit was a gift. The whole month of December was atrocious. Why Phillips did pull everyone out of the Washington game and work them over the bye week is beyond me.

One quick point. Don't give me the bullsh** about Jessica Simpson. If I remember correctly, she went out with Tony Romo, Not T.O. and Patrick Crayton who dropped some important catches. Nothing more that Crayton's in the 2nd half were he might have broke one for a touchdown. But that's neither here nor there.

Dallas, again, now gets to think what might have been. And we as fans think what happen. The player's move on and why not, making all that money doesn't have the same impact. I go to work Monday and will take a ribbing from my Giant friends (now there's a oxy-moron). The players will jet away and not be heard from again until early July. Where we start the process over again and see which fan gets crushed again.

I guess when it goes bad, it really goes into the toilet. Football, Baseball, Hockey, it's been a while since a championship and I thought this might be it. I take away another painful loss and hope the Cowboys take away a lesson that will propel them to the Super Bowl in 2009.

Uh, before I go, I bought my "cheese hat" for the championship game!

What will be raising faster than gas prices?

2007-11-13T14:15:00.001-05:00

Insurance rates! Cripe, I think NASCAR has gone nationwide, if not, they're here in Connecticut. Is everybody competing for points? I drive the I91 corridor between Meriden and Hartford and I can't believe the speed of some of these vehicles. I'm not one who does 45 MPH in the fast lane, I keep with the traffic's speed which is usually on either side of 70. But some of these "Jeff Gordon's" want to set land speed records.

I'm surprised the amount of accidents have not increased. Along with the speed they have to wind in and out of traffic. It won't be too long before we see one of those NASCAR pile ups. The problem is that those drivers know what to do when it starts and are very well protected in their cars. We are not. Somebody make sure Life Star is on stand by.

The Good Ole Days

2007-05-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

Which way will it go?

2007-05-09T12:26:00.000-04:00

Breaking news from CNN: -- Oil prices fall after weekly energy report shows
big rise in crude supplies. Refinery production in line. Is that gas prices
going up???

$3 Isn't Bad - I Guess?

2007-05-07T22:37:00.000-04:00

Funny how the current rise to and past $3 a gallon hasn't fazed too many people. I'm sure our legislators in Washington are breathing a sigh of relief. They won't have to pretend to be concerned about the squeeze most of us are feeling with gas pricing continuing to climb. I had to chuckle when gas first spiked over $3 a gallon. Investigations were going to be launched because of the price gouging. Now we blow by $3 (don't worry about seeing $2 again!) and not a peep - out of anyone. If we want an investigation, why not figure why we bring refineries down now (or so the oil companies say) when gas is more in demand than in the late fall? Whoops, common sense!

If we spent the money and effort like we are on the damn Iraq war and put that effort into getting us off oil, Iraq and the rest of the Middle East would go away. We had no problem developing the atomic bomb or getting a man to the moon and returning him safely when we put our mind to it. Why can't we put that same effort into this now?

Has America's best days passed her by?

And the answer is...

2007-05-06T09:07:00.000-04:00

And the answer to immigration speech was Teddy Roosevelt when he was running for president.

How to get from New York to London

2007-05-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Take 60 seconds to do this, I guarantee you will show someone else,
it's too funny not to.

1. go to www.google.com
2. click on "maps"
3. click on "get directions"
4. type "New York " in the first box (the "from" box)
5. type "London" in the second box (the "to" box)
6. click on "get directions"
6. scroll down to step #23

This Person Had It Right On Immigration

2007-05-01T23:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry but I am having a tough time on how people are getting all worked up that ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS have rights in this country. They entered ILLEGALLY, working here ILLEGALLY, and residing here ILLEGALLY. Do we see a pattern here???

With another rally for ILLEGAL immigration, here is a quote from a person running for office a few years ago and his position on immigration. Guess who said this...

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Answer in a few days.

I-Man Stupid Comments Brings Out Opportunists

2007-04-09T22:15:00.000-04:00

It’s sad that a stupid, flippant remark by Don Imus has sent the world in a tail spin. Now I want to state right now that what Imus said was wrong and stupid! I do not condone his behavior last Wednesday. Imus has been pulling these stupid stunts all along but against everyone, not one group. This doesn’t make it right or trying to justify his actions, just trying to put it in context.

But I am amazed at the way the people want to string him up. Let’s look at the two opportunists: Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Sharpton and Jackson have said nothing short of his resignation will do.

Reverend Al, do you remember Tawana Brawley? It was 1987 and the story came out that Brawley was abducted by white law enforcement officers, raped and stuffed in a garbage bag where she was found 4 days later. Sharpton called then DA Steve Pagones a racist and a rapist among other things. Sharpton, along with Maddox and Mason were found guilty of defamation of character.

Now with Jesse, he’s always looking for something to latch onto. Always looking to support the oppressed and that is commendable. But should it be done everywhere? I don’t hear Reverend Jackson telling the record labels to drop the “Gangsta” rappers who are promoting violence in their songs, which in many cases is black on black crimes. And how many times have these artists use the “N” word in their songs? Where is the boycott here Reverend Jackson?

Why not turn this into something useful? Have IMUS start a scholarship at Rutgers. HE should sensitivity training (and bring Bernie too) and ordered to speak at the New York schools to explain what he did and why he is wrong. His show should now be used promote better race relations in this country. Imus has done a lot with his Kids with Cancer foundation, his helping getting the money for the Fallen Hero’s, Autism and Tomorrow’s Children. A lot of good can come out of this.

I’m surprised two men of the “cloth” want to cast many stones!

A Governor in Taxman’s Clothing

2007-02-11T19:09:00.000-05:00

Well, Governor Jodi Rell tried to slip one through on the Connecticut taxpayer. A minor raise of the state income tax. Hmmm, I don’t remember hearing this when she was running for re-election. She did make sure she got her point across that property taxes would be removed. Let’s see, payment of the property tax is once a year. Increase in the state income tax is any where from twice a month to once a week. Fair trade off?? It’s ironic that she was complaining about the electric rates rising like they were, how these need to be held down. I guess I can see why now.

I remember John Roland was running for re-election in 2000 doing the same thing. Big surplus, things are going great. Then, right after the election, the deficit hit like a surprise blizzard. We’re buried under this debt and need to raise taxes. What happened to cause this in a matter of weeks? I guess the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree!

I guess now when politicians run, we ask them what are they plans for the future and what surprises do you have in store for us!

Connecticut Taxpayers – we need to fight this. There is plenty of other areas that can be looked at to CUT other than RAISING taxes. CL&P has raised their rates as of January 1st will review that again in June. Spring is coming and you know gas will be skyrocketing.

If this keeps up, Connecticut will be known as the Pass Through State. Everything will be too expensive and people will just pass through to get where they are going.

2007 - HAPPY(?) NEW YEAR

2007-01-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

Well, 2007 is here and what do we look forward to in the new year here in Meriden. Revaluation was completed in 2006 and how many people got shafted? Some properties going up 119%? Did revaluation come at the wrong time? I keep an eye on the real estate market since I purchased my house 2 years ago and I can see the prices starting to come down. What upset me was I had my house revaluated last year because it was built in 2004. Any house built new in between June 2004 and December 2005 was revalued. So my taxes went up then and now I just got whacked again. And the kicker, I live in an association. I pay 100% of my taxes but get less than 100% of the services. I questioned that to Mike Modarski asking why there wasn’t a separate mill rate. He responded that that would be too much to track. Come on. We have inner and outer city rates. Don’t we have computers today that are supposed to make it easier for things like that?

With revaluation behind us we are all on pins and needles to see what the new mill rate will be. It has been discussed that it will fall to 28 to 30 mills, depending on what the city receives in support from the state. And our friends at the DPUC rubberstamping the 8% increase for the first 6 months next year and then will reapply for a 2nd increase. ARE THEY NUTS???

With these increases, will it help reduce the lowering of the mill rate? You bet it will! What contributes to that? Here’s an example: After last year’s rate increase by CL&P, that was going to cost the city an extra $750K. Now we have Falcon Field renovation that the city needs to kick in over $1M. Is Falcon Field that necessary RIGHT NOW when money is that tight? Am I missing something?

Meriden Taxpayers: We need to hold our city leaders accountable to hold the line on spending and make sure that mill rate is not above 30 as we have been told. If they can’t do that, mark your calendars in November 2008 to get people in their that can run the city!

Lamont HQ Quiet

2006-11-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

They're showing Lamont HQ on WTNH and it's suspiciously quiet. Could be reality setting in. A good point raised by Erin Cox. Where are the high powered Democrats that were backing Ned?

Lamont Supporters Missed The Point

2006-11-07T21:36:00.000-05:00

Looks like Joe L. is going to pull this one out. I think Lamont and and their supporters missed the point, you need to listen to ALL of the Connecticut voters. Ned started out on one issued and hammered it home. I saw him as the one poistion candidate.

Something that suprised me was the amount of money that Ned poured in from his own pocket - $10 million! Was he trying to buy the seat? With so many people in hte commercials that agreed with him, was all that money necessary? Was it wasted? Ned played to Democracts, not all of Connecticut!

A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words

2006-08-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

What is it with Soccer?

2006-07-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

Well, the World Cup is over and did I miss something? Maybe the most talked about incident other than the Italians winning the cup was the head butting the French player gave the Italian. Now, you can see how thrilled I am with the sport that I can't even attempt to put the names of the players here. I just don't care.

Now, don’t come at me with “The US team sucked and got kicked out and” blah, blah, blah. No, that’s not it. I attempted to watch it but watching guys running up and down just doesn’t do it for me.

I guess what pisses me off about the sport is the acting when one player is touched. Player A makes a “tackle” on player B and that one rolls around like a gang beat the hell out of him. Once the ref whips out his cute yellow or red card the player gets up and runs away.

Back to the cup, the French guy head butts the Italian and gets thrown out. Best player on the French team. Why? Because the Italian was mocking him and his family. GIVE ME A BREAK. (I guess the Italians picked that up from them).

He’s thrown out, no score through regulation or the 2 overtime periods and the Italians win on penalty kicks. Penalty kicks in a championship???

I went on with this way to long. I think this French player can express my feeling for soccer better.

For more interesting pictures, click:
Soccer Sucks

It's Been A While

2006-06-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I posted. Been tough the last few months with work and carrying 3 classes at school. Now that the end is in sight, it makes it worth while. Anyways, let’s start with this:

Connecticut Cell Phone Law: Why pass a law that won't be enforced. No matter where you are the ratio is about 3 to 1 for people who don't use a headset. I'm guilty sometimes my self when I receive a call. What is REALLY annoying are the people who get in the left hand lanes on the highways, become oblivious to their surroundings and then do 55 to 60. People, GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!! Have some consideration! What frightens me more is that they don’t have a clue what’s going on around them. That’s when accidents happen. If we want to make this law work, a nice hefty fine or revoke their drives license for a while. But that won’t happen. Put this in the barrel with the other “feel good laws”!

Corporate Pig - Lee Raymond

2006-04-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

Lee Raymond has just retired from Exxon-Mobil as their chairman and has received a retirement package in excess of $400M! His total compensation since taking over the reigns as Exxon's chairman is over $680M! His $400M package includes pension, stock options, and other perks, like a $1M consulting deal, 2 years of home security (after this you now know why), personal security, a car and driver, and use of the corporate jet for personal purposes. Mr. Raymond's salary in 2005 came to $51.5M. That equates to $141K a day, $6,000 an hour. How can you with a clear conscious accept ALL that money? Have you done that much? I guess you have by growing the company MERGERS instead of organic growth. It must be extremely dangerous like the workers on the oil platforms.

I guess the 500% in profits couldn't have been shared with the rest of the corporation's employees. SHAME ON YOU MR. RAYMOND!

Follow Up: Mr. Gordon, Is it really the peoples fault?

2006-04-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

I responded to Mr. Gordon's remarks in the Meriden Record and received a response from him the next day and I thank him for that. At least our local politicians will respond to their constituents. More on our federal and state legislators in the next post.

What you say to someone is always presented differently as it is passed along. IF it was true to what Keith said then that needs to be discussed. But sound bites, as in a newspaper, can be "presented" in a totaly differently light. To give Keith the benefit of the doubt, below is my response to the article and Keith's response back to me.

My Response:

Mr. Gordon, I take exception to your comments in the Record- Journal article April 18th ($177.2M city budget hearing is a quiet one) as to the lack of participation by the Meriden constituents. There are a number of reasons as to the lack of participation:
1. One main reason is that people are not very comfortable in a public speaking environment. Not everyone can get up in front of a group and express themselves.

2. In today’s environment (or rat race) everybody is on the go. Kids need to be taken to their activities like baseball, basketball, dancing lessons, etc. I myself am going to school to get my bachelors degree and with classes on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 5:30 to 10PM and homework on top of that, time is a constraint.

3. Apathy is another problem. People feel why bother when their complaints go unanswered. Complaints about raising taxes don’t seem to bother our city manager. Comments like our residents wouldn’t mind a few mills raised for the services provided I don’t believe are a correct assumption. I mind!

4. The bottom line is fiscal responsibility. Officials were elected to represent the people in their best interest. This means if the money is not there, we look to cut spending, not raise taxes. I balance my budget by cutting back; I don’t have the option to ask my employer for more money. If we cannot hold the budget so we don’t increase taxes, then we have the wrong leaders in place. People should be going to these meetings as emergencies rise and immediate actions are needed. We depend on our elected officials to manage the rest. If this can’t be done, then we need to re-look at who we have running the city.

Thank you.

Mr. Gordon's Response:

Frank thanks for your comments. I have no control what the record journal prints. I was asked why I felt there was not a lot of people coming out at the public hearing. I told him I was not sure. I thought we would have more attending. I understand people do not want to speak in front of groups. I also understand why I have been elected and I try to do my best for those who have put their trust in me.

Now in regards to our up coming budget, Even if we do not add any additional services, our contractual agreements just in raises go up 3 to 3.5 each year. Our medical cost have risen over 18% just this year.

What we have been hearing is don't cut cops, fire fighters and teachers, library services and public works. So we are trying to do the best we can with what we receive in revenues from taxes and from state and federal money.

I am sorry you took exception to what the RJ printed but trust me it was not a meant to be slap to our tax payers. I understand time restraints on families, education and working. I also live these things each day and also pay taxes. Feel free and drop me a line anytime I always listen when someone contacts me. We might not always agree but if we don't talk we will never come to any type of solutions.

Good luck with your family and your degree and have a great day.

Keith

Mr. Gordon is abosluetly correct, We might not always agree but if we don't talk we will never come to any type of solutions. To all people, we need to get involved in how our goverment functions at all levels. We need to take back government before there are 2 classes, the rich and those in poverty. I encourage all Meriden residents that if they cannont make the meetings, please watch them on Cox Cable, email our leaders using the Meriden City Council Directory and the blog - Meriden City Council Talk!

Mr. Gordon, Is it really the peoples fault?

2006-04-20T13:26:00.000-04:00

(Note: Mr. Keith Gordon is the Deputy Majority Leader in Meriden and represents Area 4, precincts 13, 15, 16 &17.)

Mr. Gordon, I take exception to your comments in the Record-Journal article April 18th ($177.2M city budget hearing is a quiet one) as to the lack of participation by the Meriden constituents. There are a number of reasons as to the lack of participation:

1. One main reason is that people are not very comfortable in a public speaking environment. Not everyone can get up in front of a group and express themselves.

2. In today’s environment (or rat race) everybody is on the go. Kids need to be taken to their activities like baseball, basketball, dancing lessons, etc. I myself am going to school to get my bachelors degree and with classes on Tuesday and Thursday’s from 5:30 to 10PM and homework on top of that, time is a constraint.

3. Apathy is another problem. People feel why bother when their complaints go unanswered. Complaints about raising taxes don’t seem to bother our city manager. Comments like our residents wouldn’t mind a few mills raised for the services provided I don’t believe are a correct assumption. I mind! I live in a house association and do not receive 100% of the city's services yet I pay 100% in taxes. (Another issue, another time.)

4. The bottom line is fiscal responsibility. Officials were elected to represent the people in their best interest. This means if the money is not there, we look to cut spending, not raise taxes. I balance my budget by cutting back when my expenses rise; I don’t have the option to ask my employer for more money.

If we cannot hold the budget so we don’t increase taxes, then we have the wrong leaders in place. People should be going to these meetings as emergencies rise and immediate actions are needed. We depend on our elected officials to manage the rest.

If this can’t be done, then we need to re-look at who we have running the city.

CEO COMPENSATION - Are They Worth The Pay They Are Getting?

2006-04-18T20:41:00.000-04:00

What is Executive Compensation? It is how top executives are paid and makes up their total pay package. What does it encompass? They have their base pay, bonuses, stock and stock options. Most of this is based on the performance of the company. Their base pay can be rather hefty, the bonuses can exceed their base salary and the stock and options can exceed the bonuses.

Other parts of the compensation package include retirement benefits, chauffeured limousines, executive jets, interest free loans for the purchase of housing, housing allowances; paid apartments, club memberships, and income tax reimbursements. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, not only has access to the company jet, he was also given a $90M Gulf Stream executive jet. Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, retained most of his perks when he retired. This included a lavish apartment in New York City including maid, butler and chef services, use of the company jet, and chauffeurs. These have since been given back due to the publicity. One CEO was allowed to create a company that provided consulting services back to the company. This paid that CEO more money for what he was supposed to be doing. When it comes to executive perks, almost anything can be paid by the company.

What kind of compensation are we talking about? In 2002 Larry Ellison of Oracle received a total pay package of $92M; Sandy Weill of CITIGROUP was $151M, Jack Welch - $125M. Even combing all three of these it still didn’t compare to Steve Jobs who received a whopping $381M! Most of these payouts were made up of stock options.

Georges David, UTC’s chairman and CEO, fairs well himself. His total compensation package in 2004 was $98M, #1 among all CEOs. For 2005, Mr. David’s total package was worth $55.8M. He has made nearly $300 million in compensation since he became CEO in 1994, including about $40 million in salary and bonuses and more than $250 million from stock option gains, according to SEC filings. He holds exercisable options valued at $138 million. Directors boosted his salary 42% to $1.7 million in 2005, saying it was his first raise since 1998, and awarded new options valued at $24 million. That raise averages out to 7%. Better than what regular workers get. Institutional Investor magazine survey ranks him tops among his aerospace and defense electronics industry peers because of the company's "exceptional" performance. Most longtime shareholders might not quibble: They've gained about 18% annually under David.

This is an enormous amount of money and we haven’t touched the insurance or pension packages yet. And this just isn’t UTC. It is across all industries. Between 1990 and 2000, the Financial Services compensation packages increased 12,440%; Conglomerates (which UTC is included in) increased 2,496%, Beverages 1,997%, Retailing 793%, and Automotive 283%. If hourly wage earner had their pay increased at the same rate, they would make $470 and hour.

How Insane?
To see how out of control this really is, here are a few CEO’s rewards. More can be found at USA Today.

Capital One Financial CEO Richard Fairbank leads the list after exercising 3.6 million stock options that were set to expire for a gain of almost $250 million.

Cadence Design: The company upped its monthly housing allowance to CEO Michael Fister 240% to $17,000. That's on top of $3 million in compensation and options valued at up to $23 million.

Morgan Stanley: The company gave ex-CEO Philip Purcell $52 million in severance, including $115,000 annually in lifetime administrative support and $250,000 a year to his favorite charities.

KB Home CEO Bruce Karatz's compensation in 2005 included $6.1 million salary and bonus, $31.4 million restricted stock and long-term incentive pay and $118.4 million exercised stock option gains.

3M's James McNerney, who replaced Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher in June, received $25.3 million in Boeing stock to compensate him for losing potential payouts at 3M. His last six months at 3M proved lucrative, too. He got almost $41 million — $8.4 million in compensation and $32.4 million exercising 3M stock options. There was no golden parachute for Stonecipher, forced out after the revelation of an affair with a subordinate. But Stonecipher made $39.5 million, including $11 million in incentive pay and $26.9 million exercising stock options.[1]

Is it right the CEO of Capital One receives almost $250M from cashing in 3.6M in options? CEO’s getting paid to stay at their house instead of a hotel? Payment for personal financial services? Having medical surgeries performed outside the health care coverage and getting full reimbursement? Receiving money for reimbursement for taxes? This is on top of the 7 plus figure salary and other incentives.

What incentive is there for employee’s to make the company more profitable when the senior executives of the companies are making this kind of money and the rest of the workforce is getting the pay raises in the 2-4% range?

Corporate greed??? Lee Raymond just retired from Exxon-Mobil. His compensation package is $356M!! Just look at what were paying at the gas pumps. Not only is this coming out of the wage earners from his company, this is out of our pockets too! Record profits for the oil companies.

Greater "dividends" would be paid to the stockholders if some these benefits would be pushed down through out the organization. Employees would take more responsibility if they knew they would be benefiting by reaping some of these perks. No person is worth that much money, no matter how well they do!

[1] USA Today CEO Compensation Report - April 9, 2006

AHHHHHHHH, SPRING!

2006-04-16T11:33:00.000-04:00

No more needs to be said!

Want A Fun Night Out? Check Out The Radio Cats

2006-04-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

If you're in the Connecticut area and want to have a fun night out with a high energy band, check out The Radio Cats. The Radio Cats are Brad L'Nart - lead vocals, Chris Massican - lead guitar, Gregg Soltesz - drums, Rob Esposito - bass, and John Dishert - keyboards. I saw them a couple of weeks ago at Humphries, a local restaurant in New Haven. It was a great show. They get the crowd rockin right from the first song. They do excellent cover songs of U2's VERTIGO and Tommy Tutone's JENNY (867-5309). Click the link for a sample of the group doing JENNY the night they played at Toad's Place.

The music they play spans from Garth Brooks to Bon Jovi to Metallica to Green Day. If you're looking for something to do, take a ride and have a great time. The Radiocats will be playing at the following places:

April 15th at The Final Score Cafe, 924 Cromwell Ave., Rocky Hill, Ct.

May 12th at Toads Place, 300 York St. New Haven Ct.

May 13th, The Black Rock and Blue Bar (formerly the Black and Blue Bar), 3488 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, Ct.

More dates as they become available. Only go if you're expecting to have a good time.

[bands] [local bands] [clubs]

Mr. President, Need your help...

2006-04-12T09:48:00.000-04:00

Received this today. Good for a chuckle and it makes you think how far we bend over backwards over here!

MR. PRESIDENT, I'M HEADED TO MEXICO

David M. Bresnahan
April 1, 2006
NewsWithViews.com

Dear President Bush:

I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this. I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:

1. Free medical care for my entire family.

2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.

3. All government forms need to be printed in English.

4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.

5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.

6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.

7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.

8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.

9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.

10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.

12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.

13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.

I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.

Thank you so much for your kind help.

Illegal Immigrants Are Illegal Immigrants

2006-04-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

I've got to chuckle about this whole immigration issue (even though it isn't a laughing matter). Estimates of 11 million people are protesting will be marching throughout the United Sates. Amnesty is their cry. They believe that working here, doing the jobs that many Americans do not want to do, allows them a free pass to become citizens. What about all the people who immigrated the law abiding way? This protest is an insult to them.

ARROGANCE?

Carlos Carrera, a construction worker from Mexico, held a large banner that read: "We are not criminals. Give us a chance for a better life," the AP reported. ( CNN Posting 4/10/06 ).
Nineth Castillo, a 26-year-old waitress from Guatemala who joined the Atlanta march, said she has lived in the United States for 11 years “without a scrap of paper." Asked whether she was afraid to parade her undocumented status in front of a massive police presence, she laughed and said: “Why? They kick us out, we're coming back tomorrow.” MSNBC 04/10/06

I'm sorry but where do these people get off? Last time I checked Mr. Carrera, you are a criminal. You are here ILLEGALLY!! You are here with out any documentation.

Last time I checked there were plenty of people to work. Problem is welfare is such an easy way to get money that people would rather collect a check than work. Is it because the pay is so low for these jobs that they don't want to do it? Welfare needs to be looked at again.

It is an insult for the millions of people who came to this country, got the schooling, and learned the language. This was a proud accomplishment in their lives. Now we are going to wipe the slate clean, grant citizenship to the ILLEGAL immigrants and all will be happy. Sure. And what’s going to happen when they go on welfare. Who's going to take their place?

I want all of these people to stay in the United States, but as LEGAL immigrants.

Does Hartford Need The NHL?

2006-04-07T12:51:00.000-04:00

Another push to get a professional hockey teams in Hartford is being risen from the ashes like a phoenix. Lawrence R. Gottesdiener - downtown Hartford's largest landlord wants to bring a hockey team back to where the Whalers once skated. He is having some issues trying to get enough financial support from the investment community. Seems that a new arena will need to be built. The old Hartford Civic Center just won't suit their needs.

Who is Lawrence R. Gottesdiener though? He is the chairman and CEO of Northland Investment Corporation. Northland is "currently owns 60 properties, aggregating 14.1 million square feet in eight states. Northland's portfolio, valued at $1.4 billion, includes downtown and suburban office buildings, shopping centers, R&D properties, industrial facilities, hospitality properties and multifamily communities. Holdings are concentrated in New England and along the southern tier of the United States in Arizona, Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina", (from their website") Northland Investment Corporation

They own about $500 million worth of real estate in Hartford today. So they do have a keen interest in the area. "Hartford is my goal, but you can't bring a professional sports team to a secondary market in this day and age without a brand new, beautiful arena. So if that's not available here, then we'll own it somewhere else." (Hartford Courant 4/6/06) The estimated cost for a new arena - $250 MILLION!

Now Larry is going to be a sport and pledge $25 million. One-tenth of the total cost. Now, I'm sure there will be other investors and some businesses willing to kick in but where do you think the bulk of it will fall? CORRECT! The tax payer!!

I don't know what the obsession is with getting a pro NHL team here. We had the Whalers, supporting them very well and they still left. Why? There are too many NHL teams in this metropolitan area now. The Boston Bruins are to the north, The New York Rangers and Islanders are in our back yard, and the New Jersey Devils a little further away. Does the NHL really want a 5th team again? I don't think so.

Can we afford them? Ticket prices will be alot higher than the AHL Hartford Wolfpack. The state will need to pony up a good chunck of money - coming of course you and I, the taxpayers. It benefits the immediate city of Hartford, but beyond?

We can make better use of the state's money, (education, transportation, energy conversation, etc.), than spending it on an arena for a team that will be there half of the year.

How Much Is Too Much?

2006-04-05T22:45:00.000-04:00

I've been doing research on my term paper for Benefits and Compensation class and I'm getting sick as to what the CEO's (not including what the executives and board members) get. So of these compensation packages for these CEO's are absurb. And they can justify this? I have noticed one change in their compensation packages, they are including more stock options now than before. Tax advantages, given at a discount, cashed in at the regular stock price - huge windfall.

Are they doing that much to get that much??

More to follow.

Strap Yourselves In!

2006-04-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

I just got back from gassing my two vehicles, a 1993 Chevy S-10 and a 1998 Toyota Camary. $23 to fill the car (and that was a half tank) and $40 for my truck. $63!! And the summer driving season hasn't hit yet.

Gas at the beginning of the month averaged $2.24/gal in the greater New Haven area. It is now closer to $2.56, close to a 14.5% increase. Should we extrapolate that 14.5% out until September? That month over month increase would have us over $5/gal! Now I don't think (at least I'm praying) it won't keep that pace through the whole summer but we will be looking at over $3/gal. Looks like summer vacations will be spent closer to home.

Driving around Meriden I noticed the gas was averaging around that $2.60/gal mark. What has caused this spike?

CONSUMPTION - The first claim is that consumption is up, not just here but around the world. Leading this upsurge is India and China.
MAINTENANCE - Maintenance on the refineries here. Many of these refineries will be going down at the same time and will reduce the output.
GAS TYPES - The types of gasoline that need to be produced. With the limited number of refineries and the laws passed that certain areas need certain types of gas, we create our own shortages that drive supply down and prices up. Any problems with these refineries or issues getting the gas there will create an immediate spike in prices.
TRANSPORTATION - There is also the distance the gas needs to travel. 2-3 weeks would not be uncommon to transport gasoline.
Instability in the Middle East. Millions of barrels of oil was supposed to be flowing from Iraq. Have we seen this yet? Not to my knowledge. We now have Iran talking about nuclear weapons. Any hint of armament and we see the immediate rise in the price of oil.
Our own addiction. Today we import more that 20 million barrels a day. 20 million!! At the current price of $66.50 we are spending $1.33B/day. That is close to $486B/yr. Now do you understand why the national debt is so high and keeps growing?

Increase oil consumption is blamed on the emerging countries of China and India but they only consume 6.4M and 2.3M barrels a day. To put it in better perspective, the world consumes 80.7M barrels a day. With our 20M barrels, WE CONSUME 25% of the oil! China, the next largest is only 8%.

So how do we help ourselves? We don't. We are now going to increase the fuel-efficiency standards on pickups, SUVs and minivans but doesn't take effect until 2008. The largest SUV's, the ones between 8-10,000 lbs - gas guzzlers, aren't included until 2011.

We have got to demand our government get serious right now to curb our import of oil. Our economy can not take the weight of rising energy costs and remain competitive in the global economy. Enjoy your vacation in your home town this year!

2006-03-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

Either we just don’t get it or we just don't care. We have seen the stair case in energy prices continue for the last few years and we complain after each big spike and then just accept what has happened.

We can't help to feel this way since our government isn't trying to help. President has stated that the market needs to control the prices of oil, gasoline, home heating fuels etc. Government shouldn't interfere. Yet there is no problem subsidizing other products like sugar.

Oil is one of the biggest contributors to our National Debt. In November 2004, I submitted a paper for my Macroeconomics Class @ Post University on the Impact of Oil on the National Debt. Here are some excerpts:

In 2003, the United States was the largest importer of oil yet we hold less than 3% of the worlds total oil reserves. The US was currently importing 11.5 million barrels of oil per day. This is costing the US $540.5 million/day and $197.2 billion/year. This equated to 33% of the trade deficit. The deficit with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) grew 10 percent to a record 6.2 billion dollars. Where is most of OPEC from? Correct – the Middle East!

Nearly 64% of the crude oil is used for transportation.
GASOLINE - Of all the crude oil refined for use in the United States, almost half (47%) becomes gasoline for automobiles, boats and other gasoline-driven motors.
JET FUEL - Airplanes consume 10%, in the form of jet fuel.
DIESEL FUEL AND HOME HEATING - Another 20% becomes distillate, two-thirds of which is diesel fuel for trucks, buses and other diesel engines, and one-third home heating oil.
BOILER OIL - Boiler oil, or residual fuel oil, which makes up 7% of crude oil consumption, is used on ships, in industrial boilers and in power plants to produce electricity.
ASPHALT AND ROAD OIL - Asphalt and road oil account for 3% of crude oil consumption.
OTHER - Some of the crude oil, about 10%, is used as non-energy feed stocks for manufacturing products such as lubricants, wax, coke for steel making, that are used in the dry cleaning process.

Oil prices today are being driven by three factors:
Oil consumption has risen dramatically in the world since the first oil embargo in the U.S. in 1973. The U.S. has not only had a dramatic increase but countries like China and India are now becoming major consumers.
Politically unstable areas: The attacks of September 11th and now with the current conflict in Iraq have made the Middle East, where we import the majority of our oil from; have disrupted the oil flow from this area. Oil from Iraq has been disrupted and has not reached the output it had prior to the first Gulf War. There is also the political unrest in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Russia which furthers tightens the supply of oil.
Natural Disasters: The recent hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico had forced the shutdown of some of the oil platforms and reduced the production by 20%. 10% of the platforms are still shut down.

Why do we need to address this? In FY04 the U. S. Government spent $322 Billion of your money on interest payments to the holders of the National Debt. Compare that to NASA at $15 Billion, Education at $61 Billion, and Department of Transportation at $56 Billion. Since we have been importing 11 million barrels a day and oil is priced at $49.63 (as of 11/29/04) it currently cost us: $545.9M per day, $16.3B per month, $196.5B per year.

We were screaming when it was under $50 a barrel an now it averages between $60 & $70 a barrel.

Alternatives

The hybrid vehicle will produce lower emissions, less pollution and reduce the carbon monoxide that is affecting the ozone and global warming overall. The average US car currently gets around 19MPG. Replacing it with a hybrid could save the consumer about 550 gallons and $940 annually. In 2003 there were 204 million cars in the US. If we were all to convert to this hybrid car on January 1, 2005, we would save a little over 112 billion gallons of gasoline by the end of 2005. That would be 55.1 billion barrels of oil. If we were to only get a 50% benefit (since not everyone would convert or all cars would be use 100% of the time), and at the current cost of $49.63/barrel; we would save over $90 billion in that first year.

If we were to begin using the hybrid car along with fuel cells to power automobiles, fuel cells, wind and solar power for homes and business’, we would begin to reverse the dependence on foreign oil. Add to that solar and wind power along with fuel cells for residential power and heating, we could change the direction the way the world is headed. Complaints would be that we would cripple the economy because of the jobs that would be lost. We do seem to have withstood these changes in technology dating back to our independence. We have wasted 30 years since our first energy crisis; we can’t afford to waste any more time.

It’s very easy to end the war on terror, cut back on the oil imports and stop funding the Arab world, use that money to start paying back our national debt and reinvest back in education to make America strong again! By the way, how much are we spending in Iraq?