DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

On the day that Donald Trump descended the escalator at Trump Tower on June 16, 2015, approximately four hundred days ago, I don't think that there was a serious pundit on Earth that thought that he would be formally accepting the nomination for President of the United States at the Republican National Convention. This tells us that sometimes it pays not to pay too much attention to the all-knowing wizards of TV, Radio and Print Media.  It was these same pundits who eight years ago, when Hillary Clinton lost the nomination to Barack Obama breathlessly explained that her time had passed and she would never again be a force in politics. (Question: Are these all the same type of geniuses who warn us about global warming destroying the planet in the year 2525? Answer: Yes)

A man I greatly admire, Dennis Prager, has said countless times that Donald Trump was his 17th choice in the primaries - but now that he is the nominee, Trump is his first choice. Things were not so difficult for me, Trump was my 13th choice, so I guess it has been somewhat easier for me to pivot and support his candidacy.

The 'Left' is destroying America. It is as simple as that. Donald Trump has held many dubious beliefs in the past. (In fact, he holds a few dubious beliefs now.) If he were to become President, there would be the hope that perhaps he could surprise us and somehow do some great things to right the ship we call America. If his opponent should prevail, we are doomed. If Trump's opponent should win, the Supreme Court is definitely doomed. If Trump's opponent should win, there will be no hope, but there will be change - and it won't be good. Here is something 'fun' to do... Find someone who supports HRC and ask them what her biggest political accomplishments have been. This question stumps all Hillary's supporters every time. The question stumps Hillary too. Donald Trump actually has an answer to this question. He reminds us that Hillary's biggest accomplishment was skating away from prosecution for her unauthorized personal server as Secretary of State, the mismanagement of the classified emails, and lying about it.  I agree with him on this one - Avoiding prosecution was a quite an amazing accomplishment.

Donald Trump gave his acceptance speech last night. I admit that I was underwhelmed by his speech. I had fantasized about a speech with soaring rhetoric that would have energized America. Maybe his speech hit the spot with other Americans. I hope so. It did not for me. Nevertheless, when I cast my ballot on November 8th, I will be voting for Donald J. Trump for President of the United States of America.

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It felt like I took a day off from hiking on Wednesday.  I 'only' took a 10 mile hike around the Cincinnati neighborhood. I started at my hotel, and when I returned to my hotel, I had logged 10 miles.

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Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, July 21, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Thomas' - Cinnamon Raisin Bread, 3 slice	240	48	3	6	375	21
Kelloggs - Raisin Bran Cereal	380	92	2	10	420	36
	620	140	5	16	795	57
L U N C H
Whole Foods - Chicken Tender	300	0	0	0	0	0
Whole Foods - Organic Indian Rice	225	50	1	5	0	0
Whole Foods - Chicken Tikka Masala	225	2	13	22	353	1
	750	52	14	27	353	1
D I N N E R
Read - 3 Bean Salad	300	65	0	5	1,500	40
Subway - Chicken Breast Footlong	640	94	10	46	1,220	16
Bai - Antioxidant Cocofusion, 32 oz	20	36	0	0	140	4
Powerbar - Protein Plus Bar Vanilla	210	27	5	20	130	14
Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar	190	29	7	3	135	11
Jack Link's - Jumbo Beef Steak	120	3	2	23	1,540	2
	1,480	254	24	97	4,665	87
S N A C K S
Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries	300	55	27	0	0	27
Yogurt Covered Raisins	300	53	13	3	25	50
	600	108	40	3	25	77
Totals	3,450	554	83	143	5,838	222
Your Daily Goal	2,820	352	94	142	2,300	105
Remaining	-630	-202	11	-1	-3,538	-117
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 890 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 223.3 lbs in 5 weeks.

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Your Exercise Diary for:

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	160	1,090
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-200
Add Exercise Quick Tools
Daily Total / Goal	161 / 30	890 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	810 / 210	5,307 / 4,130

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LIES, DAMNED LIES AND STATISTICS

"Lies, damned lies, and statistics" is a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments. It is also sometimes colloquially used to doubt statistics used to prove an opponent's point..

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Yesterday I posted a graph showing my most recent 13 pounds weight loss. It is a thing of beauty, it shows almost a straight line going down over the past two months. Here it is:

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However, if I expand the length of time to be examined out one more month. My progress is far less impressive.  In fact, one can see that in three months, I have made NO PROGRESS, in fact, I GAINED 0.1 pounds.

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And if I extend the timeline out to six months?  Things look even worse, this chart highlights how I have GAINED nearly 14 pounds in the past six months.

Well, if one can go back six months, how about going back one year? In this chart, perhaps there can be made a case that things are not so bad, as I have ONLY gained 8 pounds in the past 52 weeks (one year).

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It is on this last chart that I can take solace in my weight loss achievement. Since I started my WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY on December 24, 2014 - I have LOST 80 POUNDS. This is something to be proud of, and I am proud of this achievement. It has not been easy. It is clear that it will never be easy to hold onto this achievement.  But hold on, I will.

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Yesterday was an unremarkable day regarding my calorie burning.  In the morning, I spent 97 minutes on the elliptical machine. In the evening, I took a walk to REI to pick up some new socks and made that trip a five mile trip before returning home.

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Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, July 9, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium	95	25	0	1	2	19
Kroger - Instant Country Grits	500	105	5	10	1,700	5
	595	130	5	11	1,702	24
L U N C H
Breaded Fried Chicken (Drumstick)	520	16	28	48	1,000	0
	520	16	28	48	1,000	0
D I N N E R
Hebrew National - Beef Franks - 4 Franks	680	8	52	24	1,800	0
	680	8	52	24	1,800	0
S N A C K S
88% Dark Chocolate, 1 bar	420	34	40	8	0	10
	420	34	40	8	0	10
Totals	2,215	188	125	91	4,502	34
Your Daily Goal	4,022	503	134	202	2,300	150
Remaining	1,807	315	9	111	-2,202	116
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 2,092 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 199.6 lbs in 5 weeks     

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your Exercise Diary for:

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	97	1,132
Walking	71	910
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	50
Daily Total / Goal	169 / 30	2,092 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	1174 / 210	11,951 / 4,130

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This quote is often attributed to Mark Twain, although it is also attributed to Benjamin Disraeli. 

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and on a completely unrelated topic....

My personal Kobayashi Maru. Star Trek predicted that Donald Trump will win the presidency, and annihilate  the Rupublican Party.  I know this going in.  I am going to vote for Donald Trump.  If Hillary Clinton were to be elected, it will not just be a political party that she destroys, but America itself. Not a great choice for a Republican to make: vote to destroy the Republican Party, which will lead to the destruction of America in the future or vote to destroy America immediately. (Oh, you don't know what a Kobayashi Maru is.... let me offer an explanation)

from wikipedia...

The Kobayashi Maru is a test in the fictional Star Trek universe.

It is a Starfleet training exercise designed to test the character of cadets in the command track at Starfleet Academy. The Kobayashi Maru test was first depicted in the opening scene of the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and also appears in the 2009 film Star Trek. Screenwriter Jack B. Sowards is credited with inventing the test, naming it after a friend whose last name was Kobayashi. The test is sometimes mentioned or depicted in ancillary Star Trek media, including novels and video games. The test's name is occasionally used among Star Trek fans or those familiar with the series to describe a no-win scenario, or a solution that involves redefining the problem and testing one's character.

TRUTH, JUSTICE, and the AMERICAN WAY

GOP is the 'Grand Old Party.'
These days, it is more like the 'Glorified Obsolete Party.'
A headline today from some clueless North Dakotan delegate was quoted as saying:
"The media has created the perception that the voters choose the nomination. That's the conflict here."
And here's the kicker....The statement is technically true. It is the delegates that elect the nominee.

And if the Republican Party really thinks that they can select and nominate another candidate other than one of the clear leaders in the delegate count - The party will be even more ripped to shreds than it already is.  Please understand that I am not happy that Donald Trump is leading in committed delegates.

AMERICA NEEDS SOMEONE TO FIGHT FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY.  AMERICA NEEDS SUPERMAN - SADLY HE IS NOT RUNNING.

This is going to be a long hot summer.
And the first day of Spring is still one week away.

Are these really the two most qualified Americans to run for President of the United States?  NEITHER OF THESE TWO HAS EVEN A RUDIMENTARY RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUTH. In Hillary's case, I would say that she has no relationship with Truth, Justice or the American Way.

I used to be the kind of guy who could listen to talk radio for endless hours each day.  When I was not listening to talk radio I used to watch cable news.  More and more I find myself purposefully looking for escape within Netflix and/or my vast music library while I am working out on the elliptical machine.  Reality has become unappealing.  Recently I have preferred to be lost in the 'future' watching old episodes of Star Trek. I find that entertainment is better for my mental well-being.

LOSING WEIGHT and/or MAINTAINING MY WEIGHT LOSS IS ALSO GOOD FOR MY WELL-BEING... and I feel that I might be soon be getting back on course in that endeavor.

Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
2 Egg Omelette With Ham and Cheese, 1 Omelette	383	2	21	32	810	2
Trader Joes - Roasted Coconut Chips (1/2 Bag 1oz)	320	30	20	2	260	18
	703	32	41	34	1,070	20
L U N C H
EARTHBOUND FARM - ORGANIC BABY SPINACH, 85 g (approx 3 oz, two cups)	20	0	0	2	65	0
Louis Kemp - Crab Delights Leg Style, 3 legs (85g)	70	11	0	6	430	1
Roundy's - Sliced Beets, 1/2 cup	40	8	0	1	250	6
Jb - Hard Boiled Egg, 1 Large Egg (50 g)	78	1	5	6	62	1
Lady lLiberty - Asparagus, 3/5 cup	18	2	0	2	408	0
CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 1.5 CUP	480	80	14	10	120	30
Roundy's - Medium Peas, 1.75 cup	245	42	2	14	1,120	21
Roundy's - Corn Sweet Whole Kernel No Salt Added	280	32	5	7	35	25
	1,231	176	26	48	2,490	83
D I N N E R
ORGANIC BABY SPINACH	20	0	0	2	65	0
365 - Hearts of Palm: Salad Cut, 1 cup	50	10	0	4	580	0
Louis Kemp - Crab Delights Leg Style, 3 legs (85g)	70	11	0	6	430	1
libby's - Sweet Corn, 0.88 cup	105	16	3	4	350	12
Roundy's - Asparagus Spears, 1.75 Cup	70	11	0	7	1,225	11
Eggs - Hard Boiled - Large, 1 egg	78	1	5	6	62	1
Ham slices - Ham pieces, 3 oz	160	4	10	14	1,000	2
Goya - Chick Peas, 0.25 cup	50	10	1	3	180	1
	603	62	19	46	3,892	27
S N A C K S
Malt O Meal - Honey Nut Scooters, 120 g	480	96	6	12	840	36
	480	96	6	12	840	36
Totals	3,017	365	92	140	8,292	166
Your Daily Goal	5,537	692	184	277	2,300	207
Remaining	2,520	326	91	136	-5,991	41
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 3,607 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
PRECOR AMT (ADAPTIVE MOTION TRAINER)	125	2,262
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	1,568
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-223
Daily Total / Goal	218 / 30	3,607 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	621 / 210	9,829 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 3017 calories

total calories burned (elliptical) 3830 calories

total net 813 calorie deficit

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fitbit day 196

25073 steps  

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STUPOR TUESDAY

Yesterday, was another so-called 'Super Tuesday' in the Presidential Primary season. I realize that I am telegraphing my political leanings, but I have come to think of last night as another 'Stupor Tuesday.'

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stupor

noun  stu·por\ˈstü-pər, ˈstyü-\

Simple Definition of stupor

• : a condition in which someone is not able to think normally because of being drunk, drugged, tired, etc.

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How is that the members of the Republican Party are voting for a man who has supported Democrats all his life?  How is that members of the Republican Party are voting for a man who is making promises that he cannot possibly keep? How is that members of the Republican Party are voting for a man who promises to compromise with the Democrats?  (When did our current president ever compromise with the Republicans?) If the electorate is in some kind of collective stupor - it is not from being drunk or drugged - but perhaps they are tired. The electorate is tired of being disappointed with elected officials who make promises that are not kept. Why is Donald Trump being trusted as someone who will be any different?  I do not know.

I cast my vote for Ted Cruz yesterday. I cast the vote with enthusiasm. Sadly, as the election year progresses, I am feeling more and more pessimistic about the future of the United States of America. And while I have your attention....Can someone please tell me what language appears on the bottom of my Ballot Receipt.  I assume that the third language is Chinese. Seriously, what language appears on the bottom?

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Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
2 Egg Omelette With Ham and Cheese	383	2	21	32	810	2
Pre-Cooked Bacon, 8 slices	320	0	24	24	1,400	0
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	798	27	46	57	2,212	21
L U N C H
ORGANIC BABY SPINACH	20	0	0	2	65	0
Louis Kemp - Crab Delights Leg Style	70	11	0	6	430	1
Roundy's - Sliced Beets, 1/2 cup	40	8	0	1	250	6
Hard Boiled Egg, 1 Large Egg	78	1	5	6	62	1
Fiorucci - Prosciutto Panino, 2 pieces	125	1	10	9	170	0
Lady lLiberty - Asparagus	18	2	0	2	408	0
Roundy's - Corn Sweet Whole Kernel	280	32	5	7	35	25
Roundy's - Medium Peas	245	42	2	14	1,120	21
Blissful Truffle Candy Bar - Milk Chocolate	260	24	16	2	40	22
	1,136	121	38	49	2,580	75
D I N N E R
Polish Kielbasa Sausage	595	7	53	25	1,995	4
Weight Watcher's - Cabbage Soup	300	31	1	7	235	17
	895	38	53	31	2,230	21
Totals	2,829	185	136	137	7,022	117
Your Daily Goal	4,695	587	156	235	2,300	176
Remaining	1,866	402	19	97	-4,721	59
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 2,765 extra calories from exercise today

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       Your Exercise Diary for:

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	1,584
STAR TRAC ELLIPTICAL	92	1,512
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-331
Daily Total / Goal	185 / 30	2,765 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	403 / 210	6,217 / 4,130

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total calories consumed 2829 calories

total calories burned (elliptical) 3096 calories

total net 267 calorie deficit

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fitbit day 195

20053 steps  

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  We need a little more of this....