On a lighter note...

About two months ago, I started changing my diet again. Some of the things either no longer in the mix or only in true moderation are: Sweets/sugar, wheat products, and dairy.

Of course this is restrictive, but there are many, many great things you can still eat. In fact, it forces you to think about other foods that have been crowded out with "norm" foods: things that we're conditioned to think we should have every day because they're the most available (and frankly not the healthiest options, they're just what's for sale). While sweets are out of the mix, I still eat fruit and small amounts of dried fruit.

What's so great about this? Well, weight loss isn't one of them to be honest with you. Here's what I've noticed:

• My blood sugar is much more stable which translates to better energy throughout the day (mental and physical).
• Skin issues are also long gone - no pimples whatsoever.
• My mind is clearer
• No more heartburn
• I get to go to the bathroom every single day.  Yes, that's a big deal.

This is very "no-mores" focused, but let's face it, when you're banging your head against the wall to fix a lot of seemingly unconnected, nagging issues, you notice their absence. For me, that absence is met with relief - I can focus on many other things.

Nobody's been able to explain some of the metabolic/energy issues I've had throughout my life, but it's good to get to this point.  Getting people to fixate on themselves is really, really big business.  I hate that about our culture, by the way. Google "Googlechondria" and you'll see what I mean.

I don't need any magic fixes or diets or pills or fancy diagnoses.  I'm just thankful to have found what works enough.    

Well, I was with Pat Condell, Until...

I realized how incredibly anti-Christian he is. I can't support or repost material from someone who calls Jesus the Greatest Lie Ever Told.

Now, I don't think it's necessary to go into all the reasons that he's wrong. That would crash the internet. And thankfully, it's above my pay grade.

Islam and Bedbugs

Here is all you need to know about Islam and Islamist societies. You don't have like it, in fact nobody should, but for the sake of all human society, acknowledge what we're up against. Yes, we.

Bibi Netanyahu and Barack Obama in Their Early 20s

So many conversations can be started with this photo comparison of Bibi and Barack in their early 20s. Here are a few quick hits that came to mind for me:

- Bibi is gorgeous.

- The difference is startling: One photo demonstrates manliness, responsibility, courage, wisdom, adulthood, purpose, confidence in oneself, and intelligence. The other represents running away from oneself, fitting in, sloth, siphoning, waiting, childhood, skating by.

Who would you rather have standing next to you in a crisis situation. Who would you rather have standing next to you if you had been in NY when the Twin Towers were collapsing. Who is going to stand by your side when times get tough. Who is going to run or look to you instead and expect you to take care of things for them, instead of setting themselves aside so that both of you can survive?

Who has the will? Who has the strength to lay down their life for you?

I believe we should all be willing to rise to the occasion and sacrifice for and with one another, through the grace of God. Without that grace, we're shells... we're the guy on the right side of the pic.

Where do you want to stand? Or sit...?

Ave Maria, Gratia Plena

Courtesy of Jimmy Bice, @jimmiebjr

Well worth your time..

Wouldn't you like to support a cute little ballerina like this?

Who can say no to this little dancing queen? Nobody? That's what I said!

Okay, the little girl is me, many moons ago at Milwaukee Montessori school on 45th and State. But the news is good because you can still support me as I raise $500 for the United Performing Arts Fund. UPAF provides financial support to 34 performing arts groups in our community, like the Milwaukee Youth Orchestra, First Stage Children's Theater, and the Tap and Mad Hot Ballroom classes at Danceworks. For more information about UPAF's mission click here.

Every little bit helps, and I would be enormously grateful for your support if you can swing it. Knowing you've supported me will provide the extra motivation as I bike across the Hoan bridge. How so?

Donations through the blog will earn you the best advertising money can get. Well actually it's not advertising per se...

If you donate through the blog - I will write your name and donation amount on my very own limbs on the day of the ride. Just enter "Go Phel!" in the comment section for your donation and "Whallah!", you're a write-in for race day. Prime real estate such as quads and forearms go to the highest donations.

Here is the link to my donation page. Or cut and paste the URL:

http://events.upaf.org/OFR/dsp_ParticipantPage.cfm?idEvent=2&idUser=7188
And thanks for your support!