Don't Write off a Champion

Cavalier - A gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship.  Or, having or showing no concern for something serious.  Perhaps that second definition, more associated with term is why the Cleveland Cavaliers have never won a championship.

Until last night.  And what a game it was.  After being down 3 games to 1 and headed back to california, everyone thought it was over.  I remember hearing what LeBron James said, we have to come home anyway.  We might as well come home with a win.  And that they did.  They destroyed the warriors in Game 5.  Though some would say it was largely in part because Draymond Green was suspended because James cried about Green's behavior in game 4.  No.  When you go 73-9 and are the leagues best 3 point shooting team, you don't lose when one guy is out.  Not that bad. You lose when James and Irving both go off for 41 points.

Long story short, when sports writers will probably make a movie about this, the Cavs won game 6 and took it back to California for Game 7.  And what a Game 7 it was.  Tied or back and forth within a shot or two the whole game, and with a minute to go tied 89,  Kyrie Irving dropped a 3 ball right over Steph Curry.  Cavs up 3.  To go up 5, James is going in for the clincher 2 points and is cleanly fouled but goes down hard.  10 seconds left and he isn't getting up.  Clutching his right arm, he does and pulled off a Kerri Strug landing and nailed 1 of 2 free throws to put the Cavs up by 4 and all but clinching the game. But it's the Warriors, but this onslaught in the final seconds was more than they could overcome.

It was nice to see Curry stick around and show some class congratulating the Cavs.  As was as Draymond Green.  To see players who worked so hard come up so short.  No one expected them to lose. But they did so with grace.  At least till they were off camera.  But honestly, those emotions, You can't blame Klay Thompson for leaving the floor immediately.  And as much as I wish James wouldn't have talked about God they way he did.  That's his story.  That's his relationship with God.  And I know from what I hear from those in Cleveland and Akron what James does for the young people there.  And if this championship inspires them and enourages them to go for it and helps James continue his philanthropy, who is to say it isn't God working in him?

Well done Cavaliers.  Well done Golden State.  You couldn't have asked for a better way to end the season.  Unless you are a Warrior fan.  But hey, you were 73-9!  That's incredible!

There.

There has been two days over the past week when I didn't want to write.  But I got up anyway and did it.  Today is one of those 2.  Not sure why.  My head isn't in the right place.  So here is my obligatory post.   I don't even know why i feel like i have to say that.  but i do.

Another thing.  when someone opens up.  and shares how they are feeling.  and doesn't ask for advice.  you don't tell them why the feel the way they do, how to fix and it's their fault.  I understand this is hard for some people.  But don't be the jerk I used to be.  Just say...i'm sorry you feel that way, that must really be difficult.  Is there anything I can do to help?

Have a great day.

Where is your Song?

Opening up Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the entire crowd sang the Star Spangled Banner.  It was started by someone, and she put her mic down a few words in.  It was moving.   It made me think about when the lyrics were written.  By Francis Scott Key on September 13 1814 while being held captive on a British boat negotiating for the exchange of prisoners.  He had heard of the attack planned on Fort McHenry and was not permitted to leave with the prisoners before the attack.  So he had to stay, and watch the devastation by the light of the rockets red glare.  It was a war.  So many people died.  Does anyone even remember that stuff when they sing this song.  Do they remember the grave history and all the blood shed for our freedom here in America?  Or is it just an intro to a sporting event?  I wonder how many people think sporting event instead of sacrifice when they hear that song?  Sadly, too many.  But I guess that was the goal, huh?  To fight so we could play games and stuff.  

What about the song "Amazing Grace"? Written by John Newton while working on a slave ship.  He was one of the most profane men.  He even created new words to be even more profane the ordinary person.  So next time I say fuck shit up, or something else profane, know that my words could be just as special in the future as John Newtons Amazing Grace is now.  Do you even stop to think about who wrote this song?  The most profane and vulgar slavetrader you'd ever meet.  He was on a ship during a storm and was so moved when he survived he wrote this song.  He was back and forth with God for most his life and this event tipped the scales towards the divine.  Did he stop slave trading?  FUCK NO.  He murdered and tortured people!  He threw humans overboard just because he didn't want to keep them alive.  Sick, disgusting things.   He may have avoided profanity, gambling and drinking, but the emotion for amazing grace had nothing to do with conviction of his slave trade, it was because he survived a harsh storm.  Still upset with my f bombs?  Get over it, your favorite christian song was written by a guy who used worse ones.  So don't get offended, get over it.  I bet you are more upset with me saying fuckity fuck fuck than you are that your favorite christian song was written by one of the most brutal slave traders.

 Over the next few years John Newton grew empathetic towards slaves and did go on to become a pastor and a strong abolitionist. So yes, you can sing this song with the same meaning that you feel when you sing it now.  Though he didn't change immediately, over time he did.  But let me ask you something....

Where is your song for the slaves? 

Why is their still racism and race issues in 2016?  

Where is the song for the Native Americans we flushed from this land? 

So many things that people forget.  So many things we do just because we've always done them and not giving a second thought to.  Maybe John Newton changed...but have you?  There is still blatant racism inside of church walls today and it needs to stop.  There is all kinds of hatred towards various people groups.  And it needs to stop.  

Shit this was a hard one to write.  I'm just a white dude sitting in the lap of privilege.  What have I done with that? 

They All Fall Down

Two things today.  In Game 4 of the NBA Finals Draymond Green must have been jawing all night because it got to LeBron.  And because of that, Green was suspended (it's about time, his reputation proves this was a long time coming).  Warrior fans were brutal to James in Game 5.  Posters of James with a pacifier in his mouth.  Several well respected friends of mine who tote Steph Curry as a stand up, class act, never screw up dude were trashing LeBron.  Calling him a whiner and a crybaby. Whatever.  Haters.  :-).  The guy may get a little whiny on the court, but none of us know what's going down there.

Oh.  But wait.  What happened to Curry in Game 6?  Throws his mouthguard into the stands?  Whines and cusses out the ref?  Because he got fouled out?  Who's whining now?  Who's the class act now?  YOU ARE THE MVP OF THE LEAGUE.  You threw your mouthguard into the stands.  You might as well spit on the fans.  That's disgusting.  And you can't even leave gracefully.

That all being said.  Both James and Curry seem like they are great role models.  How much trouble off the court have either of them gotten in?  None as far as I know.  Both exceptional athletes and sportsmen.  Both MVP's.  Now we have a Game 7.  I just wish people would stop picking apart how players respond on the court to fouls and questionable calls.  Their adrenaline is high, the competition is fierce.  Put you in their shoes...you'd probably shit your pants.

Looking forward to Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.

Prey or be Killed

So I saw this meme this morning.  And like all memes...I must dig.  Facebook memes are like the Twitter of Facebook.  Say your point in 160 characters or less.  When the prey is armed the predators think twice.  Makes sense.  But I would think that crocodiles are pretty armed.  Antelopes have horns.  Oh, and a rhino, hippo or wild hog? I'd say they are pretty armed too.  But yet a lion still manages to kill and consume these animals.  This predator does think twice, that's why they are so successful.  Or maybe they don't think twice, they just know how to successfully attack and take down their prey.  A porcupine is not invincible.  And often times they do end up dying when attacked by a predator.  There was one mountain lion who successfully killed and ate a porcupine.  It was even a small lion, 40 lbs.  But after a few weeks, they lion was found dead of internal injuries.  The porcupine, though dead, still managed to fight back.

I don't think the answer to violence is arming more people.  I don't know what the answer is.  But if we arm more people, more people will die.  I guess some of that more people would be guys that would kill more people. So you kill one to save some.  Where do we stop with that? Kill everyone that texts and drives?  Or at least take their car away.  I'd be totally in favor of impounding ones car if they get caught texting and driving.  You know every time you pick up your phone and text when you drive you are a potential killer.  You could very easily murder someone.  And I will call it murder, you know the risks.  Anyway...not the point of this post.


Point is, it's a stupid meme.  At least pick another picture.  Because a lion also successfully kills and consumes crocodiles, rhino's, hippos (which are VERY dangerous and could bite a lion in half), and wild hogs.   The lion can do this because the lion is smart.  It has nothing to do with the prey being armed or not.  And if were were to all be like the porcupine, we'd have to wear full body armor everywhere we go.  The porcupine is set up only for defending itself and not others.  And it only works when the predator comes into close contact.  It can't fire quills through the forest to save itself or another.  A porcupine has armor that bites back.

This has been another meme takedown by me.  Have a nice day everyone.

MLM's and a Decision

Along my journey into the ketogenic way of eating, I find myself at a crossroads.  Let me say that over the past month I changed by diet severely.  It was worth it.  Totally.  I do not crave sugar, bread, noodles, beer, whiskey, or wine.  Seriously.  No hype.  All of those were my favorite items to consume.  And I don't eat or drink any of them anymore.  It was hard for a week or two.  Three for the sugar because I used a substitute.  But now, none if it even tempts me.  You might be thinking that's not cool, you like that food.  Well, when you switch over to a new way of eating that gives you a lower appetite, weight loss, lowered triglycerides, increased HDL (the good one), reduced blood sugar and insulin levels, improved blood pressure, and some serious improvements in mental clarity it's hard to miss those old foods.  Few things are as well established in nutrition science as the immense health benefits of low-carb and ketogenic diets.  And who doesn't like a bacon wrapped cheeseburger topped with avocado to help them lose weight and get healthy!!!!

I know, you are confused.  You've been told fat was bad for you by the government.  What else have you been told by the government that isn't exactly true.

It sounds like I'm selling a product.  I'm selling a way of eating that's totally free and no benefit to me.

It is a tough diet to get started on.  Some people experience the keto flu.  As your body transitions from using carbs for fuel to fat for fuel you'll feel it.  Those effects go away.  Knowing you'll lose your belly fat helps through the process.  Me?  I shit a lot for a few days and got a headache.  Nothing out of the norm at that time.   But the keto it is enough to get people to not even try! No problem, you just don't want it bad enough.  And that it is fine.

And some can't get past the food restrictions but won't believe me when I tell them those feelings will pass.   If you do keto right, you won't have cravings for sugary starchy food.

I'm not one for shortcuts.  I don't want to cheat.  If you "hack" and get the same results, all you did was cheat the system.  I'm not a huge fan of that.  Or should I be?   The keto diet has GREAT benefits.  So what if there was a way to put yourself into a state of ketosis to burn body fat?  Scientifically and keto expert backed?  Well, I've been approached by a company to promote that product.  I did some research and the product looks good.  But I'm still experiencing some PTSD from my time in Amway.  I vowed never to do MLM's again.  Why?  When I promote the keto diet now, it's for your benefit.  Because I care about you.  I want you to do the work to be fully pleased with yourself for doing it.  If I push a product instead of the work, it becomes about you...and me making money.  I'm not that guy.  I have no problem making money of me, I do it for a living.  In 15 years of painting, I've spend maybe $750 in advertising.  I don't promote myself.  People come to me for work.  I don't sell.

But I'm considering this business.  Because I know the benefits of ketosis.  I did the hard work to get into it.  I'm doing the research and reading on how to continue it.  It is kind of complicated figuring out how much fat/protein/carbs to eat based on your body type and goals.  Maybe this product  would make it easier.  

NO. JUST NO.

I don't want to promote cheating.  I want you to feel like you earned it.  It would be like tying the record for an athletic event knowing you are taking (legal)performance enhancing drugs against others that are not.  Would it mean as much to you?  But hey, if you don't mind feeling that way, I have a product you can try to experience keto.

Maybe.

But I absolutely can't stand the cheesy mlm lingo and hyped up motivational sessions all designed to get you to buy more product. It's all about the money.  I don't care what they tell you.  Every single one is about the money.  And even if it isn't, no one believes when you say it's not.

I'm still wondering if I could make this product available and not be that guy.  I don't ever want to be that guy again.  EVER.  I think I could do this and not be that guy though.  Would a blanket...hey, if you need some help with keto, I've got something.  But it costs money.....be that guy?  I don't know.  I don't know if I'm willing to risk it.

Another benefit of this product is for keto friendly fueling on long bike rides or runs while you are becoming keto adapted.  Maybe that could be my primary market, with the secondary those wanting to try the keto way of living.

My biggest struggle, is because I know how beneficial this way of eating has been for me.  And I want others to experience it.  

Thoughts?

Oh, but our idol is ok.

On the heels of why I'm growing more and more disgusted about the "Christian" culture in america, I bring you todays post about churches and christians allowing their members and friends to continue in a sinful, idol worshipping lifestyle.  If I seem like I'm mocking and joking, I am.  Because this tone is how people feel about this holier than though attitude you tote. Granted, not all churches are like this.  And if your church isn't like this, change your name to remove the word "church".  A friend of mine said a few days ago it's easy to criticize the church.  Yeah.  Too easy.  That's the problem.  I'm criticizing out of love though.

Lets talk about your nuts.  Your doughnuts.  And your pizza parties.  And your pot luck dinners.  And your cakes.  How about all the cookies you give to new visitors?  And all the breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings you ask your pastor to go to.

Food has become an idol.  Food is now the centerpiece of the community.  If you don't have food, it's like people can't talk to each other.  Oh, but I'm oh so glad you offer gluten free wafers at communion.  Well done, good and faithful servant.

Does a Christian baker refuse to sell a cake to an overweight person?  Nope.  Do they keep the the dessert table closed from people at the pot luck?  Nope.  Do they even say anything about the health of the person that is overweight?  Nope.  Guess what.  I don't either.  But we should.  Or maybe we shouldn't.  I want to be careful here.  I know some overweight people.  And honestly, I wish you weren't.  Not because of how you look.  But I know it's not healthy.  I've struggled with my weight for a long time.  I've gained and lost over 150 lbs over the past few years.  At times of my life I'd eat and drink whatever I wanted with no regard to what it did to my body.   I care about how you feel, both mentally and physically.  I know that studies show genetics might be a role in obesity, but that doesn't mean you can't change your eating habits and do some exercising.  That being said, if you love food and want to eat whatever you want, it's your decision.  Even if you know it's not good for your health, YOLO baby!  I, nor, should anyone else treat you bad because of your choice to eat whatever you want.  

My point.  The church seems to have no problem feeding peoples idols.  Food for many people is an idol.  An idol in the sense that they have a hard time controlling their eating habits. Despite their best efforts, within a week or two there will be a picnic or dinner at church and they'll be faced with temptation.  Churches might as well have a full bar at their next dinner.

So why does the church have a problem accepting the homosexual lifestyle?  I have no idea!!! Clearly they engage in all kinds of behavior that is also deemed unacceptable if they really want to get particular.  But why the attention on this one thing? It's enough.  And the fact it took 100 people to be gunned down in the BIGGEST HATE CRIME IN US HISTORY for you to start to change....