New blogs cometh
Greetings one an all who are reading.
My personal website is finally up — sorta. Grab the free e-book there if you want it: JonBenson.com
Here’s the deal: I will be moving things around a bit in the next month or so. 10 In 10 Challenge will be just that — a fitness-only blog dedicated to helping people for 10 weeks. In short, a nice dry fitness site full of fitness-only info. The catch? Well, it may become a membership site if I have to re-write everything. Maybe not. We’ll see. We’re still figuring out exactly what this 10 thing will become.
For all of you who want Fit With Wit — ah ha…”FitWithWit.com” is coming. This will be almost all of what you read here, sans some of the more non-fitness blogs (yes, yes…like the Bush stuff, and so-on…BUT THE BUG BLOGS STAY!)
In short: PG-13 humor sans anything that most people would deem offensive. Bound to offend someone, but what the helllllloooooo sorry.
Now you know why 10 may become a different animal — more step-by-step for 10 weeks. Most of this content would go to FWW.com, which would of course be free.
The JonBenson.com site — that will be my personal blog to say anything I want. Only the brave shall visit, and yes — I will actually screen those who enter with a humor quiz.
I think that will solve all the tensions that abound in 10 and help a lot of people get what they really want.
Thoughts? {10}
Archived in Just Jon.
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Comments (39)
Mickey said:
Jon, Do you ever sleep? :-)
I think that will solve all the tensions that abound in 10 and help a lot of people get what they really want.
I thought I was keeping up pretty well with things here but I must have missed something. What tension and why should there be any anyway?
JMO, but it seems pretty ballsy for anyone to be anything but grateful for what you offer. After all, this is your blog and it’s free so you’re certainly not obligated to cater to anyone else.
Posted on Apr 14, 2006 10:30 AM
Jon Benson said:
Hi Mickey;
I should clarify the point: only one person has blogged something hateful. Another person called me a racist…obviously a racist himself who cannot read between the thinnest of lines.
Other than that, and George’s very respectful and welcomed feedback yesterday, the only tensions are with me and wanting to further service those who take the time to read me.
I look at it this way — sure, it’s my blog, but it’s also your time.
You could be spending it reading anyone anywhere, but for a few moments you lend it to me.
In that regard, I want to serve you the most with it, while doing what I feel called to do in ‘every’ aspect of life, not just fitness.
Some of that calling is just being a joker — it’s fun and mostly harmless. Some of it ‘is’ social/political in nature, and personally I consider it ‘every person’s’ right and even responsibility to speak up.
This whole “don’t talk about religion and politics” crap is just a ruse for “don’t throw me in the deep end of the pool…I’m afraid I can’t swim.”
(Oh, golly — I said that outloud, didn’t I?)
Now, the key is respect. I respect anyone with any view formed with intelligence and some form of due diligence, and I expect the same from others. We can crack jokes and even (on my other blog) openly discuss stuff without anger and judgment.
But to cloak your beliefs in the name of peace is just LIVING IN FEAR…and all of you who know me and my work in M-Power know that will never happen.
One last thing, and this is from the heart: I really could care less about a person’s political position, religious affiliations or lack-thereof, or whether or not they shoot bunny-buns on Easter as a form of protest.
Well, maybe that last bit…’cause bunnies are cute.
But OTHER than that…I really don’t care. What I ‘do’ care about is opening the subjects up for thought and some good-old 18th century enlightened conversation, replete with cigars and fine wine, and lots of, “Do say, ole’ chap…”
It’s all in fun and in the name of growth.
I think end-all point is that, as a former debater, I fully recognize the difference between a debate with intent to convince, and expression with the intent to stimulate thought and conversation.
Huge, massive, elephant-size difference.
Thanks for the kind words, M.
J
Posted on Apr 14, 2006 11:26 AM
Greg said:
Lemme go grab a box of Count Chocula…I’ll be right over!
Posted on Apr 14, 2006 11:28 AM
Jon Benson said:
Heh.
(Inside joke for all who have my new book Simply Eat! There’s a section called “Why Count Chocula Is The Devil”.
Posted on Apr 14, 2006 11:32 AM
Paul said:
Thanks Jon for all your good work. Never lose site of the good in the human spirit. You are kindred soul.
4 days ago I lost my appetitie, went to the doctor and they discovered nodules on the lungs..don’t know if they are malignant. More testing this comeing week..I’m having a helluva time staying above this one.
Don’t put off anything in your life..cherish every minute.
Paul
Posted on Apr 15, 2006 07:17 AM
Mickey said:
Sending positive vibes your way, Paul.
Posted on Apr 15, 2006 08:46 AM
Jon Benson said:
Paul;
Head-up is the only way to fly — even now. I’m very sorry to hear this, but I’m also choosing to be optimistic for you.
Let me know what the docs say. I will forward you everything I can on holistic treatment.
Jon
Posted on Apr 15, 2006 10:38 AM
Paul said:
Thanks Mickey and Jon..
Paul
Posted on Apr 15, 2006 10:45 AM
Greg said:
My firsthand brush with the Medical Community…
Grandpa George is dying. He was sick with “a cold”, one of my sisters finally dragged him to a hospital. Diagnosis? He’d been having a “heart attack for a week.” Did not know that was possible, but whatever….
He was an active 88-year-old, pretty good at fending for himself after Grandma died a few years back. Made his own meals, went out with several younger women (in their 70s, you know), played golf until his knee went out, shoveled snow, pretty healthy for an old coot. He was always very strong, could lift up four grandkids at a time.
He had a double bypass two weeks ago Monday. Didn’t come out of the anaesthesia fog for three days, the doctors said this is normal for a patient his age. When he did
awaken he couldn’t move most of his body, and all he could say was “arr arr arr.” Diagnosis: stroke. Couldn’t do an MRI cause of the surgical staples, and the CAT scan showed nothing, but the neurologist was sure it was a stroke in the brain stem.
The anaesthesiologist was supposed to administer 3 ccs (I believe) of dopamine before the bypass surgery so they could gauge his heart response or something. Missed it by a decimal point and gave him 30. His heart was racing off the chart until they figured it out, but we were assured that it was “nothing.” Surely this would not have contributed to the stroke.
Grandpa George’s condition worsened. His “arr arrs” were punctuated with an occasional word (mostly “shit!” and “sonofabitch!”) but verbalizations became less frequent. He ripped his nasal feeding tube out a few times, and also his catheter. Replacing these tubes is not pleasant. Most of his medical team said he was doing OK, all things considered. His neurologist said he was improving rapidly and would soon be ready to go to the nursing home.
Arr arr, sonofabitch.
I was getting conflicting reports from family members so I flew up to see George (that’s what we call Grandpa) on Thursday. Got off the elevator on the surgical recovery floor, the place reeks of pee-pee. George was laying in bed, mouth agape, snoring loudly. If you’ve ever visited someone who’s on their death bed you know the look. He opened his eyes after I prodded him and he gave me a great big smile, I’m pretty sure he recognized me. Then he passed out again.
That was as good as it got for the three days I spent up there. He moaned and groaned almost constantly. He seemed uncomfortable. He could not talk, just spew an occasional word. He called me “Raymond” once, and “Jack” another time. We have no idea who these people may have been. Mostly he said “shit!” and “hrmmph hrrrmph ah-pahpahpah-pll-pllll.”
The only thing he could move was his right leg and his right arm. He kicked the bed constantly and occasionally found the strength to try to rip out his catheter and feeding tube. So the nurses tied him down.
They took away his glasses and hearing aids and now he can’t hear or see very well.
George had surgery on Saturday to have a feeding port put in his stomach, to replace the tube going down his nose and throat.. We asked him the night before if he wanted it, he replied “Let it go” quite clearly. We thought this was, miraculously, a definite instruction, so we repeated the question later and he said “I’spose pah-pahpaphpah” and fell alseep.
The surgery was unsuccessful, so they will try again this morning. That’s four major surgeries in two weeks.
Plus he’s got prostate cancer, bone cancer, a malfunctioning gall bladder, collapsing lungs, bedsores and a few other ailments I can’t recall right now.
We asked for guidance from his medical team. Some said it’s “his time” (i.e. let him go), others insist that he can be trained to feed himself with a spoon, eventually. Imagine that for the rest of your life…sitting in a wheelchair all day, peeing through a tube, unable to talk or think, or see or hear, in constant pain from bone and other cancers—but
you’re able to bring a spoonful of banana mash up to your lips!
I tend to listen to the nurses more than the doctors. They see this stuff every day, they’re the ones who deal with the aftermath of the specialists’ decisions. All of them feel strongly that George is essentially gone already, all that’s left are some autonomic responses and the ability to repeat what you tell him. Most of George has left the building.
So George walked into the hospital with symptoms he attributed to a bad cold and possibly indigestion. Now he’s a speaking carrot. This is not the way he wanted to end up and he was quite clear about that, but now there’s nothing we can do to alleviate his suffering because the neurologist says George can be trained to lift a spoon.
Posted on Apr 24, 2006 09:36 AM
SUE said:
What a sad story, I can see why you would be so upset with the medical community. My own Mother died as a result of a operating room screwup, so my faith in hospitals and staff is next to nil. I hope your grandfather will be able to pass with no further disgrace to his proud lifetime. You have to know someone of his bearing would want that. If there was a mix up in the dopamine, is not the hospital liable?
Posted on Apr 24, 2006 11:44 AM
Lee said:
Paul, whoever and wherever you are (you’re the grape-grower, aren’t you?), thank you for reinforcing the very important need to live each moment to its fullest. I wish you all the best.
Greg, how difficult it is to watch a loved one who we once knew as a vital person deteriorate, us not being able to do a damned thing to help. Please excuse me but I did have to snicker from your writing style; I could imagine George reading this and smiling through his fog, mentally thrusting his middle finger up at the medical community, “You tell ‘em, boy!”
Posted on Apr 24, 2006 02:45 PM
SUE said:
Jon where are you?
Posted on Apr 26, 2006 11:12 AM
Tammy said:
I keep checking to see if you have returned for even a brief visit, Jon. I know how tremendously busy you are and it would be great to hear from you, soon! When does the next ‘offical’ 10 in 10 start? I totally realize I am a big girl and don’t need to wait for your starting gun, but I really benefit from your support and everyone else’s in the past. I hope all is well and I will keep checking in. Tammy
Posted on Apr 27, 2006 06:06 AM
Jon Benson said:
I’m here…sorry guys, just very busy with the new M-Power stuff.
I promise, I’ll be back very soon — I know, I know…but I love this blog and will continue to hit it.
BTW: I responded to Greg personally rather than on the blog, in case anyone thought I blew it off.
Posted on Apr 28, 2006 12:33 AM
Paul said:
Hi all I’m in Utah at Zion…did a great 14 mile hike today..this place is amazing. Will be here for a couple more days then back to the grapes.
I’m feeling allot better my apetite is back and am dealing with the anxiety of the nodules. Need to go back for another CT scan in 2 months. I remain postive and focused on good health, my family, friends and the beauty of life.
Paul
Posted on Apr 28, 2006 10:36 PM
Lee said:
Hey, Bryce (next door to Zion) is my all-time favorite national park.
I raise my glass of Cabernet Savignon to you, Paul!
Posted on Apr 29, 2006 02:31 PM
Paul said:
24 miles today…big dinner tonite..we used some fuel! We ran 18 miles in the morning to Kolob Arch then in the afternoon climbed the slick rock for a view of the valley.
The english language cannot adequately describe the awesome beauty of this place.
…but I bet sir Jon could have a pretty good go at it!
Lee.. we had a bottle of BV Georges La Tour 95 cab sauv tonite and it was fine.
Paul
Posted on Apr 29, 2006 11:21 PM
anna said:
Jon
I haven’t been bloging a lot but I have been reading all the blogs.
I must say that I am doing great with everything in regards to exercising and nutrition.
I just got your Moving Beyond Cardio.
It is all great but if you don’t mind answering one question that I have.
I go to the gym at lunch hour at work ( I have an hour and a half of gym time)and since the best time to do your cardio is in the morning on the empty stomach i was wondering if simulating the hunger before the noon workout will work the same way, and if doing weights on the empty stomach is good for you as well.
I figured that if I skip the morning snack (10:30 am ) and go to the gym at noon - then I will do weights and right after I will jump into the cardio super burner (of course having my split meal in between)
Do you think that this is a good idea?
Please explain, I will greatly appriciate it
Thank you
Posted on May 01, 2006 11:01 AM
Greg said:
Greetings, all patient 10ers.
I need some advice. Did something nasty to my back on the Standing Calf Extension yesterday, and do not know whether heat or cold is better. I believe I tore a muscle about halfway up my back, midway between the spine and where the back stops and the side begins. Fortunately it seems to be very localized.
Also, for those of you who read my post last week, Grandpa George did not get the second surgery. We decided that it would be best for him to end his days in a hospice, he went in Sunday and died on Wednesday evening, a couple of my sisters were with him when he slipped away peacefully.
Posted on May 03, 2006 07:55 AM
anna said:
Jon
S.O.S; S.O.S
Posted on May 03, 2006 12:56 PM
Bill said:
Greg
so sorry to hear about your grandpa - what a tragic story. I’ve always heard ice is best right away
Posted on May 03, 2006 01:29 PM
Greg said:
Bill,
Thanks for the condolences. Yes, we put grandpa on ice right away.
;)
Seriously, Grandpa George had a good long life, a great outlook, lots of friends and family, was well prepared for Whatever Happens Next, and did not suffer unduly at the end (after we wised up and stopped subjecting his body to uneccesarily traumatic “procedures.”) It’s sad that he passed, but not tragic. Just some silliness with the Health Care Profession there toward the end.
Speaking of that august body of learned and wise college-trained plumbers and alchemists, Jon did you read the DMN article yesterday regarding the comparative study of English and U.S. health? English folks are healthier than their American counterparts, despite the fact that we spend twice as much per capita on health care than der English. The study was careful to factor out age, race, income level and so forth, seemed like a carefully controlled study.
Many interesting conculsions can be inferred right off, the topmost in my mind is environmental factors such as pesticides and unnatural-growth hormones, we love ‘em here down on the farm, ya hey? I thought of this because I just received my shiny new copy of Bingo’s Toxic Fast-Diet in the e-mail today and noted your insistence on range-fed natural stuff, which scares me somewhat out of my trousers because as a former agricultural worker I know that Chemicals Are Our Farmers’ Best Friends, and most people have absolutely no idea what’s sprayed on their apples and force-fed to their Beevo.
Anyway, will read and digest The Toxin Fast as soon as possible, perhaps may try some of the recipes as well. Thanks for providing the alternative to a true fast for those of us who are glycemically challenged!
Posted on May 04, 2006 08:57 AM
Dee Renee said:
I wanted to share this anecdote from today’s Good, Clean Funnies joke about kids: D I (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked, “How much do I cost?”
Paul, I hiked with my husband in Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon in 2005. What trails did you hike in Zion? Our favorites were Observation Point and Angels Landing. Husband made it all the way to end of Angels Landing but I freaked out at the idea of sharing my footholds with other people at that last half mile. I could imagine myself going up but could not imagine myself coming down the same path without being a danger to other people.
Posted on May 05, 2006 10:09 AM
Paul said:
Hi Dee Renee,
The first hike we did we went out to Hidden Canyon..I had a bit of vertigo on that one..don’t like hanging onto a cable , 3 foot wide trail on the side of a 1000’ dropoff. The next one was from Lava point (we drove up Kolob Terrace rd. to the end) then ran on the west rim trail all the way to the Grotto. That was awesome. My favorite was running out Hop Valley to Kolob Arch (possibly the longest freestanding arch in the world) this run, the scenery, the comaraderie, was spiritual to say the least. We did a number of hikes/runs up slot canyons and scrambled up the slick rock whenever we could.
No I did not do the angels landing..vertigo problems for me. Observation Point was closed as the foresw service was doing a controlled burn nearby.
We ate at Oscars, the Bit and Spur and drank coffee at the Mean Bean and stayed at the Desert Pearl.
Great getaway..highly recommend it to all that enjoy getting a great workout in a beautiful area.
Paul
Posted on May 05, 2006 05:41 PM
Dee Renee said:
Paul,
Thanks for giving me some ideas for the next trip to Zion. When we were at Kolob we hiked Timber Creek Overlook and Taylor Creek. Taylor Creek was higher than usual so we forded it 37 times and it took us longer than the 4 hours suggested in the brochure. The idea of running those trails sounds like fun to me because I still run 5K here in Ohio. I won’t be running on any hiking trips I take with husband as he stops every ten feet to take pictures. Think I’m kidding? The guy came back with 2,200 photos of Zion, Bryce and the northern rim of Grand Canyon and we were only gone for a week.
What does this have to do with the 10 in 10 challenge? Trips like this are my big WHY. Strong enough to lift those carry-on bags into overhead compartments; strong enough to drag 50-pound bags from baggage claim to ground transportation; enough stamina to do a 13 mile hike one day and be out there ready to go for the next. When people comment that I’m training harder than they are, I tell them why I’m training: I’m getting ready for my next adventure. That adventure can be my next trip or it can be whatever Life chooses to throw at me or Paul.
So while we are waiting on Jon, what’s your next adventure? What successes are you having with your training?
Posted on May 07, 2006 09:10 AM
Paul said:
Hi Dee Renee,
That’s an impressive photo journal your hubby did..wow..That area of the world is incredible though and I can understand..everything there is worthy of a click of the camera.
Actually the next mini adventure is at the end of the month. My son (age 10) and I are going to Ohio to visit the Wright Patterson air museum. He is really hot on getting his pilots license (hopefully his aspirations do not include the military). 4 days there.
I’m pacing my friend the last 42 miles at Western States 100 Ultra at the end of June. Then in July off to Ashland Oregon to run a 50K there. Then camping with my family for a couple of weeks. But my big adventure is hiking/running the John Muir Trail at the end of July with a couple of longtime friends. 231 miles and we hope to do it in 10 days. For training I’ve been walking trails with my 30 pound pack a couple days a week in addition to running.
You know I think the 10 in 10 is more just my way of staying immersed in a healthy fit lifestyle.Although I am working on the elusive(for me) 8% BF. Being around people that are seeking fittness and good health is so important for me. 10 in 10 is just one of the ways I do it. So I think you hit it on the nailhead the trips/ adventures are your why. Mine too. I love backpacking with my kids and I want to for a long time to come. So that’s it ..how about you?
Paul
Posted on May 08, 2006 05:30 PM
Greg said:
Bingodiatrist,
FatManWalking crossed the bridge into Manhattan today. More power to him! But I have question that maybe you can answer, and I wouldn’t ask it anywhere else.
All due respect to his accomplishment and drive, I noted that Steve weighed 400 lbs when he started out and ended up at 300 lbs. I would have guessed a bigger weight loss, frankly. I mean, that’s a whole lot of aerobics.
What succinct advice would you give someone setting out on such a journey? What other vital components are needed besides the walking? (I assume Steve wasn’t dining on Big Macs the whole way!)
Posted on May 10, 2006 12:57 PM
Paul said:
I wondered the same Greg…after that long of a walk..I doubt it was aerobic though, elevated heart rate yes, maybe his bod reached a set point and adapted to the daily walk. Variety of workout is important for weight loss. I wonder about caloric intake etc.. you would think the weight loss would have been more. Quite an accomplishment no matter the numbers!
Dave Draper’s newsletter this week is great..check it out.
Paul
Posted on May 11, 2006 08:54 AM
Dee Renee said:
Paul, There is more aviation history in the Miami Valley. Here are some websites for you to check out while you and your son plan your trip.
Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta
www.artcom.com/Museum/vs/mr/45895.htm
daytondailynews.com/museum
Wright B Flyer Museum
http://www.wright-b-flyer.org
Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center No website but ask at the base
Dayton History at Carillon Park
http://www.carillonpark.org
The 5K race that I mentioned is the Lou Cox Memorial Race and it will be on May 29. It starts and ends at Welcome Stadium and goes through Carillon Park.
Posted on May 13, 2006 10:55 AM
Paul said:
Thanks Dee Renee for the tips..we are on a blitz trip… arrive on thurs and leave on Sunday..so we’ll get in what we can.
Hope the weather is not to hot…been in the mid 90’s here…no humidity though.
It is what is.. and we’re looking forward to the trip.
Jon where are you? Are you hittin the pork rinds and brewski’s again?
Paul
Posted on May 15, 2006 02:34 PM
Joe said:
Man…good to see things have not changed around here much since my last visit.
I got a promotion and travel and new work schedule is killeing me. but, I vow to run my life and not let my life run me.
Pulled muscle? Remember the word RICE!
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elavation
Don’t ask me how you are gonne do that last part with a pulled back muscle. But, when you figure it out, be sure to post photos!
Posted on May 17, 2006 04:03 PM
Paul said:
Dee Renee,
We really had a great time. The Ohio countryside is beautiful. The rolling terrain and oh so green! We like just cruising around checking things out. We went for a great walk in Sugar Creek Metro Park..saw some fossils and lots of birds. We stayed in Xenia.
Finding a good cup of coffee was tough.
Nice to be home.
Paul
Posted on May 21, 2006 07:37 PM
Greg said:
Blog is dead.
-Freud
Posted on May 22, 2006 08:53 AM
Paul said:
Only because the fearless leader is not here… Jon’s a good guy but the sun doesn’t rise and set because of him..no reason why you and others can’t blog away…pick a topic..any topic..how’s the back? How’s your training comeing along..your goals..food you like..supplements? running, swimming, resistance training, hiking, music, art, volunteering…lot’s of stuff to talk about.. I’m sure we all can think of something…
It’s nice of Jon to leave this site up and running…
Paul
Posted on May 23, 2006 07:51 PM
Jon Benson said:
Blog lives.
Fearless reader returns.
You guys should try this side of the keyboard…
heh.
Besides, I can’t have Greg quoting Nietzsche in pun and labeling it as Freud. No philosopher worth his weight in carpet lint would stand for it.
Anyone up for some new blogs?
(and btw Paul, the sun actually DOES rise and set only because of me. I am Bingo. Don’t make me smite you for the hell of it, okay? m’kay.)
Posted on May 23, 2006 08:27 PM
Paul said:
Ah ha…nice of you to drop in…I know posing for mens apparell mags keeps you busy…but we haven’t seen the sun shine here in Calif. for several days.
Welcome back…
Paul
Posted on May 23, 2006 09:25 PM
Greg said:
Bingo, does your omniscience not reach into the slimy depths of popular culture? My quote is actuallly a paraphrase of a title card (or maybe it was painted on Goldie Hawn’s belly) shown on the popular 1960s comedy show “Laugh In” (God is Dead -Freud / Freud is Dead -God), and *that* quote was a paraphrase of the original from Nietzsche.
It was just a joke, folks. Move along, there’s nothing more to see here.
Good to see you back, Bingo. Guess that fatted calf did the trick!
Posted on May 24, 2006 09:25 AM
Greg said:
PS
Jon, you’re wearing your helmet when you go to White Rock, right? Wouldn’t want a car falling on your head.
Posted on May 24, 2006 09:26 AM
Jon Benson said:
Greg,
“Laugh In”?
You’re like…old or something.
Uh, huh huh…
Posted on May 24, 2006 11:25 AM
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