Category Archives: Lose Weight Fast

A bad breakup forced Robert Sean Grady Jr. to reflect on himself, and realize that if he was going to find happiness in love, he needed some important self-improvement. The 28 year-old medical record software specialist from Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pennsylvania, had put a lot into the relationship, but when it soured he decided to work on himself. He also wanted to improve his hockey stamina.

Grady remembers always being the chubby kid, thanks in part to poor diet. Through high school he was overweight, the target of teasing from other students. After graduating, he dropped 30 pounds, bringing him down to 240. He got a girlfriend, but feeling miserable in the relationship, he turned to food as an escape from his unhappiness. My early and mid-20's weren't my best times, unfortunately, he says, and by 24 he weighed 340 pounds.

I don't think I really understood just how big I was, he says. He was still playing hockey and golfing with friends, not fully acknowledging his size. I knew I was overweight, but I didn't take it seriously.

Then came the Christmas breakup. Grady had already stopped drinking soda. Why drink your calories when you can eat something delicious? he says. He was about 290 pounds and ready to slim down. He downloaded MyFitnessPal to calculate his daily calorie intake (about 1900, but hed hit 200-300 less), aiming to lose 2 pounds a week. He tossed out all the sweets and junk food in his houseliterally throwing it away.

Revamping his diet was the biggest focus. He drinks mostly coffee and water now. His breakfast might be a Clif bar and coffee, or a ham, egg, and Swiss sandwich on wheat toast. Lunch is a turkey or ham sandwich with a cup of berries. His dinners vary; he tries to leave room for extra calories, and quesadillas have become his go-to meal. He developed a taste for spinach and mushrooms, both filling and high in fiber. He also praises slow-cooking, including health chili recipes, for helping him meal plan.

Simply cutting calories had him dropping weight quickly. He went from 290 down to 230 in about ten months. (Earlier, over the course of three years, hed cut from 340 to 290, for a total of 110 pounds lost over four years.) There were some ups and downs, but you cant argue with the results.

And to be honest, he says, I still haven't taken a step in a gym. He plays hockey two or three times a week, takes half-hour walks on his lunch break, and walks trails near his house after work. Most of his progress, though, he owes to a revamped diet.

Hes still getting used to his new size. I still feel inside like the fat guy I always was, he says. It helps to realize he can fit into 36-inch waist jeans, down from 44 at his largest. I feel incredible physically, he says. It's just the mental and emotional part that people don't take into account, and I'm trying to give myself more credit than I have.

With his newfound confidence hes met a great new partner, Barbara, who he credits as making his whole transformation worth it. Hes still aiming to get under 200 pounds, where he hasnt been since early high school, and start using weights to tighten up his body. Self improvement, he says, is never finished.

See the rest here:
How This Guy Lost 100 Pounds Without Setting Foot in a Gym - menshealth.com

A quick mix of the things we gleaned from the week of hockey, serious and less so, and rolling four lines deep. My team is unaware this column is being written under the influence of PEDs.

1. Were certainly not ruling the New Jersey Devils out of the post-season before we have a chance to start stealing snacks from our kids Halloween candy stash, but a miserable 1-4-2 record, minus-13 goal differential and last-place standing in the East has people talking.

So, if and its a massive if Taylor Hall is not keen to ink an extension with a struggling team and the Devils start taking rental calls, we tried to narrow down which clubs would have the resources, the urgency and the supporting cast to facilitate a blockbuster rental like this.

Of course, the real answer is: Hey, who wouldnt want the 2018 MVP on their roster?

But some competitors are better set up to pull something of this magnitude off should GM Ray Shero start to feel like his hand is being forced.

Its important to note that Hall carries a $6-million cap hit and zero trade protection. Also, as a rule, any GM is likely to receive a greater haul when trading a superstar if (like Vegas and Mark Stone last season) the player and his new team can agree in principle to an extension.

Here are my licking-their-chops-for-Hall power rankings:

I. Avalanche: We know Joe Sakic can swing big. The Avalanche were aggressive in free-agency bidding but missed out on the big fish. No contender has more projected cap space ($7.4 million).

II. Canadiens: Like the Avs, the Canadiens tried in vain to add a marquee scorer over the summer. Marc Bergevin has an enviable pool of prospects, 2020 draft picks (10 in the first five rounds) and enough cap room to accommodate ($6.4 million).

III. Anaheim: Shero and Bob Murray have an established recent history of trades, and sending Hall out west would mean only seeing him once a year. The Ducks could waste another brilliant season from John Gibson if they dont find him some run support, and since the Corey Perry buyout, they actually have some cap flexibility ($6.5 million) for the first time in a long time. Anaheim is solid up the middle, new coach Dallas Eakins has them as an early surprise, but the Ducks would benefit immensely from a play-making winger.

2. On the topic of impending free agents, during a radio interview St. Louis Blues insider Andy Strickland shed some light on why Brayden Schenn got an extension done so quickly while Alex Pietrangelo appears to be playing the long game (listen below).

Schenn switched from Newport Sports to agent Ben Hankinson and got a deal done rather quickly, while Pietrangelo remains with Newport, an agency that, Strickland explains, tends to push negotiations to the deadline.

Even with the addition of fellow minutes-munching righty Justin Faulk, no player in the league is averaging more shifts per game than Pietrangelo (30.4).

Although both sides are keen to work something out, Strickland says Blues GM Doug Armstrong wanted to get the deal done several weeks ago, but will not allow any player to hold the team hostage by a steep asking price, which is believed to be nudging $9 million annually.

As long as the Blues are in the mix, we cant see Armstrong trading his captain, however, and its believed he is prepared to make Petro his highest-paid player. (Forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan OReilly share that title currently with a $7.5-million average annual value.)

But how much term do you give to a star who will be 30 years old when the first season of his new deal kicks in?

Sportsnets Starting Lineup

How St. Louis is hoping to avoid the post-cup blues

October 17 2019

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3. Dont look now, but offensive defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk is enjoying a resurgence, his four goals as a member of the Lightning already doubling his output for New York over 73 games last season.

Well, hes playing with confidence. Coming off the buyout with the Rangers, he wanted an opportunity where he could utilize his skill-set and offensive playmaking, says captain Steven Stamkos. Hes fit in great. Hes such a threat on that second power-play unit. He gets shots through. He looks comfortable out there.

The biggest adjustment Shattenkirk says he had to make moving south for $1.75 million (tax free!) was the pace Tampa plays with compared to his previous employers.

They want things done quickly. They want plays made quickly, but you have to think the game quickly as well, the 30-year-old says.

There were a few other options. This is kind of a reset for me, a chance for me to get back to my game and find that high calibre of production and getting back to a good defensive game that I was capable of earlier, before New York, and I think this was the best place to do it.

Head coach Jon Cooper, noting the loss of righty Anton Stralman, say the Lighting were fortunate to scoop Shattenkirk up. He sees a kindred spirit.

You look at our team weve been humbled, we have a bit of a chip on our shoulder. We grabbed a player that probably feels the same way, Cooper says.

Hes probably not known for his defensive side of the puck, but hes a smart player so he always finds himself in good position. Hes kept it simple.

Shattenkirk says in Washington and, especially, St. Louis, where he thrived, hes always been focused on a championship.

Thats been the goal every year and my mindset every year: Stanley Cup or bust. I think I share that with these guys. I share a chip on my shoulder with what happened in New York and what happened to them in playoffs. We both have something to prove, so its great being in the room with these guys and being back in that winning culture. When winning is expected, its a good pressure to have, he says.

I wonder if the veteran is being asked to contribute differently than in New York, after signing his monster UFA deal.

Yes and no. Theres still a leadership role to be filled here. Its still a young team, when you look at it. The other side of things, theres less pressure, Shattenkirk says.

Im not the top guy, obviously, and thats something Ive been involved with in the past, in St. Louis. It allows you to free up a bit and worry about your own game.

Whether its minutes or money, there is a little load off here and its helping.

Especially for my situation this year. Im very focused on this team and winning. I know that my individual success will come along with that. If this team is rolling, everyone gets rolling, Shattenkirk says.

When you come into a team like New York, we had so many young guys, so many guys that needed to get moulded, there was a lot of pressure on the older guys to carry that weight as well as perform. Here, everyone does their job and takes care of their business on their own. Because of that, its a little more mature and winning team.

4. Its one thing for the Minnesota Wild to be undergoing tumultuous times, but the Dallas Stars starting with an atrocious 1-7-1 record?

Yikes.

Scottie Upshall, who looked good in pre-season but didnt make the Stars cut, fired a tweet offering his services after Wednesdays loss:

We wrote about the intangibles guys like Upshall bring to a room when the going gets tough.

Even with Dallas taking a pass, Upshall, 36, still has the bug. He would love to go to Europe this season and is waiting on the right fit. Representing Canada at the Spengler Cup is also on his radar.

5. Auston Matthews was thrilled to film his promo sketch with Chance the Rapper, a.k.a. Lazlo Holmes.

It was great. Id never really been around somebody like that, so it was pretty interesting. He was just hanging out there all day, and he came in, got right into character, and he was he a natural so it was pretty fun and nice meeting a guy like that, says Matthews, a fan of Chances music.

He was kind of on a script but he was kinda freelancing too.

Matthews said he found it hard to keep a straight face. Chance hosts next weeks episode of Saturday Night Live, so expect a return of Lazlo Holmes.

6. Its hard not to lap up every drop of the Soupman story.

When Ilya Mikheyev scored a beautiful goal in Washington, the rookies third, the cameras caught teammates Andreas Johnsson and Trevor Moore doing a soup-eating gesture in celebration.

Apparently, a few Leafs had been doing that to their teammate during the pre-game handshake line to get him pumped up.

Mickey gets a big smile on his face when we do it to him, Moore explains.

And now Mikheyevs agent is pitching his client for soup endorsements.

7. Hands up if you had J.T. Miller leading a strong-looking Vancouver Canucks squad in goals, points, plus/minus, even-strength points through two weeks?

What was notable to me was that when the Tampa Bay Lightning rolled through town, coach Jon Cooper brought up the absence of Miller without being prompted, describing him as a great below-the-dots guy.

The loss of Miller is one of the reasons why the Bolts sought out the less-expensive Patrick Maroon to fill that cycling presence a bit.

8. Every time you think the Maple Leafs are probably set on small, skilled forwards, another prospect starts to shine in the lower leagues.

Nick Robertson, the 53rd-overall pick of 2019, is off to a flying start, leading the Ontario Hockey League in goals (12) and even-strength goals (eight). Hes a major reason the resurgent Peterborough Petes have leaped near the top of the standings.

9. Two PED suspension responses from the same organization have never sounded so polar opposite as the ones the Vegas Golden Knights released when Nate Schmidt was banned in 2018 and Valentin Zykov got suspended this week.

Here was the clubs official statement on Schmidt: While we respect the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, we strongly dispute the suspension. We firmly believe that the presence of a trace of the banned substance was accidental and unintentional. Based on our conversations with Nate, analysis from independent medical experts and sworn testimony from the parties involved, we believe it is clear Nate was not able to reasonably ascertain how the substance entered his body.

Nate is an honest person with high moral character and great integrity. We will stand by him and support him during this time.

And here is the Knights Zykov response: We monitor the nutrition, supplement intake, and overall diet of our athletes on a continual basis throughout our entire season. Valentin knowingly used a banned substance without the consent, recommendation or knowledge of our team. We support the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program and respect the decision here.

Wow. You have to wonder if Zykov has played his final home game in Vegas.

10. Kudos to Chris Stewart, who went from starring for the Nottingham Panthers in 2018-19 to earning another NHL gig, debuting for the Flyers this week.

The 31-year-olds former teammates in the Wild dressing room are excited for him.

Devan Dubnyk cites Stewarts underrated knack around the net and believes hes as tough as anyone in the league.

He brings a lot of fun, a lot of energy into the dressing room and around the guys and on the road, Dubnyk says.

You know, it was much different when he wasnt around to compared to when he was. He just brought a lot of fun energy to the group, and he was funny. Im certainly happy for him just like all his other teammates that he played with.

11. I keep putting Washingtons John Carlson on my Norris Trophy ballot last spring I slotted him second, to Mark Giordano and he cant quite make the list of finalists.

This has gotta be the year.

Carlson is tied with some guy named Connor McDavid in the scoring race, piling up 17 points through nine games. He leads everyone in assists (14). Hes playing nearly 26 minutes a night, and he has scored two game-winners.

Even better: Hes not padding his numbers on the power play. Only Sidney Crosby and Mark Scheifele can match Carlsons even-strength point total (11).

The slick fake-pass off the rush he made Wednesday to set up Jakub Vrana was poetry (watch below at the 3:15 mark):

12. Keith Kinkaid is truly the best thing to happen to goalie Twitter since Roberto Luongo

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Quick Shifts: Ranking teams on Taylor Hall trade watch - Sportsnet.ca

What do pumpkins and butternut squash have in common? Beside their bright orange color, both are part of the winter squash family. There are more than a dozen winter squash varieties to choose from, and these starchy, carb-rich fruitsyes, squash is botanically considered a fruit since the seeds are on the inside are full of nutrients that can power you through a tough run. Not to mention, these types of squash are incredibly easy to cookonce you get past the tedious peeling partand diverse in their shapes, colors, sizes, and tastes. There truly is a squash for every occasion.

Winter squashes contain carotenoidsor plant compounds such as beta carotene (which can be converted into Vitamin A), lutein, and zeaxanthin that have been found reduce your risk of developing certain cancers and eye disease. These squashes also have some protein, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, and potassium, which all play an important role in keeping you healthy and performing your best.

Although there arent any studies analyzing how winter squash can directly impact human health, research suggests that the nutrients found in them have health-boosting potential. For example, squash has a low glycemic index (50), making it an ideal piece of produce for diabetics. (The glycemic index ranks foods based on how slowly or quickly they spike your blood sugar levels.)

The lutein and zeaxanthin have been studied for their positive impact on eye and brain health, and potassium is known to help reduce blood pressure levels.

Not to mention that squash is widely available and affordable in the fall and winter. If you dont love the winter squash youve tried in the past or dont even know where to begin, the handy list below will help you choose a type of squash that is right for you.

Coming in second to pumpkin in the popularity contest, butternut squash is a fan favorite. Its no surprise that people love butternut, since its the sweetest variety of winter squash. The muted tan skin hides a vibrant orange flesh, but it is tough and chewy so peeling is a necessity. To do so, cut the neck from the body and use a paring knife to work with each section separately. Once the butternut squash is cut into cubes, simmer it in some coconut milk, vegetable broth, spices of your choice (cinnamon or curry make a nice addition) and salt until its tender. Puree it into a creamy butternut squash soup.

LauriPattersonGetty Images

Some may argue that spaghetti squash tastes like spaghetti, but most runners know better. Nonetheless, spaghetti squash is yellow on the outside and inside, and the cooked inner flesh transforms into spaghetti-like strings when scraped with a fork. Spaghetti squash has a subtle taste, and its a bit crisper than the other squashes on this list. The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash is to cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with oil, and roast in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Then rake out the strings with a fork, and top with marinara sauce (or the sauce of your choice) and some form of protein such as chicken or lentils.

Wally EberhartGetty Images

This small cucumber-shaped squash has a light and delicate skin that you can actually eatno peeling required. The inside flesh is yellow with a subtly sweet, starchy flavor. To prepare delicata squash, slice it in half, scoop out the seeds, and cut it into half moons. Coat it with oil and salt, and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes (until tender with a fork).

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Kabocha is a Japanese squash that you might find deep-fried in tempura batter at an Asian restaurant. It resembles a small green pumpkin with a bright yellow flesh. Kabocha is a bit thick, starchy, and sticky when cooked, and its more nutty and savory than sweet. That means it pairs really well with cheese and nuts. You can eat the skin, but its also a little bit tough to chew. Roast slices in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes (or until tender) with some parmesan cheese, and top with chopped walnuts for an easy side dish.

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Named after its resemblance to an acorn, this type of squash is nothing short of adorable. Acorn squash is small, green or green-orange, and has a smooth flesh with a yellow edible skin. It has a mild taste that can take on the flavor of almost anything. Since acorn squash is one of the smaller squash, it makes a perfect bowl-like vehicle for being stuffed with grains or meat crumbles and served as a main dish. Making a stuffed squash is actually quite simplecut it in half, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven until tender (about 30 to 35 minutes). Then stuff it with your favorite grain medley, such as a mixture of brown rice and lentils, or chopped meat.

If you see hubbard squash in the market, you may think its just for decoration. With its gray, blue, or green wart-covered skin, hubbard squash looks like the wicked step sister in the squash family. But looks can be deceiving because the inside orange flesh is starchy, sweet, and not watery at all. And as the biggest variety of squash, its the perfect ingredient to feed a family. A simple and really tasty way to prepare hubbard squash is to peel it, cut it into bite sized pieces, and roast it in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes with some oil, salt, and rosemary.

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Types of Squash | Squash Health Benefits - Runner's World

Good health is essential for a happy, comfortable, long life. Early detection of disease through wellness visits to your veterinarian help prevent disease. If symptoms of disease are already present, your veterinarian can help improve the quality and length of your pets life.

As you get to know your pet, you should become familiar with its normal body characteristics, daily habits, and personality. This knowledge will help you to be aware of any changes that occur. Listed below are things that you can monitor about your pet between their regular twice-a-year wellness visits. If you find anything abnormal, call your veterinarian to schedule a thorough exam.

Eyes/ears

Eyes should be clear and bright. Redness, swelling, or discharge are signs of a problem. Eyelids should be smooth.

Inside of the ears should be light pink, a small amount of ear wax is normal, but yellow or brown waxy discharge is not. Redness, swelling, or foul odor are signs of infection. Head shaking and ear scratching can be your pets way of telling you there is something wrong.

Nose/mouth

Clear, watery nasal secretion is normal. Thick, colored, or bloody discharge is not. Whether or not a pets nose is cold or warm is not an indicator of a problem.

Teeth should be free of yellow-brown tartar buildup. Gums should be light pink. Bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed or bleeding gums, and loose or missing teeth are an indication of infection. White or blue gums are indications of more serious internal problems.

Skin/coat

Coat should be glossy, but not too oily. A dry, dull coat; excessive hair loss; or odor from the skin can be a sign of incorrect diet or illness. Skin should be free of parasites, redness, sores, and scabs. Excessive scratching, biting, or licking can be a sign of a problem. Dont assume its just because they have fleas.

Digestive system

The anal area should be clean and free of discharge. Whether it is prolonged or intermittent over time vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation are signs of a digestive problem. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, or blood in the urine or stool are all signs of possible health problems.

Weight

Your pet should not have excessive body fat. You should be able to feel your pets ribs, but they should not be protruding or highly visible. Obesity is the cause of many diseases. Watch for changes in appetite (decrease or increase) and sudden changes in weight (loss or gain.)

Behavior

Watch for changes in activity and energy level, stiffness or limping, loss of housetraining, and hiding. Any prolonged or intermittent changes over time in normal habits or behavior patterns can indicate illness and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Body/breathing

Breathing should be even and unlabored. Prolonged sneezing, coughing, or shortness of breath is not normal, whether ongoing or intermittent.

Check your pets entire head, body, and legs regularly for lumps and bumps.

The most dangerous health statement: Maybe it will go away. If you have any question about a possible problem with your pet, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian.

Our pets are increasingly vulnerable to many illnesses as they reach their later years of life. Their health problems related to advancing years are like our own, including heart, liver, and kidney disease; dental problems; digestive disorders; cancer; and diabetes. So pay special attention to your senior pets normal behavior and habits.

A preventive-care blood panel is like a window into the body. Since pets age more quickly than we do, diseases progress more rapidly in them than in humans. A preventive-care blood panel will help to detect many diseases, at an earlier stage, often even before your pet is displaying symptoms.

Since the process of disease in pets can be slow and insidious, being proactive with your pets care is far better for your pet and more cost-efficient to you than reactive medical care.

When an organ system starts to fail, that organ will compensate to bring function back to normal. Over time, this compensating mechanism will fail, and the pet will become ill. Once the pet is in organ failure, treatment options are limited. Early detection is key! Once a problem has been identified, we can make appropriate treatment recommendations at a point when treatment will make the most difference. Often, a simple diet change is all that is needed to avoid major health issues.

By sharing life and love with you, your pet has given you a precious gift. We hope this article will help you to help your pet live a long, happy life. So schedule a wellness visit for your pet today!

Continued here:
Ask the Vet - The Lincoln County News

I worked in the entertainment industry for more than two decades as an agent, a manager, brand strategist, and consultant.

And during my stint in the industry, I learned that in Hollywood, the normal issues and dynamics youll find in any industry are dialed up to 11. For instance, people like to say that in business, Its not what you know, its who you know. In the entertainment industry, thats literally true.

Sure, there are a few exceptions out theresomeone happened to get their script picked up or a demo tape falls into the right hands unexpectedlybut 99% of anything that gets done is due to someone knowing the right person.

If you spend some time in an industry as extreme as entertainment, youll find that the lessons you learn are applicable wherever you go next. My time in Hollywood, for example, seared into my brain the importance ofa strong network.

But that was just one rule I learned. Here are a few others that have helped me establish important rules of success asmy career has expanded into new industries:

This piece of advice holds true whether youre trying to make a movie orsell used cars. Always talk to the person whos going to make the final decision.

In entertainment, you realize pretty quickly there are about eight different levels of gatekeepers and assistantsall trying to keep you from getting to that decision-maker.

The only way to reach that special person in Hollywood is through networking and getting the right introduction. If you want to talk to an agent, for instance, you cant just call them and set up a meeting. Youll get stiff-armed through the phone by an assistant whose job is to weed out anyone and everything that might waste their bosss time.

There are roughly a million scripts floating around LAsome of them amazingthat will never see the light of day because they dont end up in the right hands. In any organization, industry, or even family, there is always someone who has the final say. If youre not talking to that person, youre wasting your time.

You dont have to spend much time in Hollywood before you start to notice the fairly large contingent of people who seem to exist only to waste time and attach themselves to other peoples projects.

People are always trying to be someone theyre not. I once went into a meeting with a huge publisher (someone who pitches an artists songs) and thought I was talking to the right person. After I made my pitch, he looked at me and said, Thats not at all what we do here.

Whoops. I had gotten this meeting by listening to someone who had attached themselves to the project. And it turned outshockerthey had no idea what they were talking about.

That sort of thing happens all the time in the entertainment business, but its not limited to Hollywood. There will always be people who try to attach themselves or take credit for a project in order to further their own interests in any industry.

You may have to learn how to do this the hard way, but being able to sift through the bullshit and determine whos the real dealand who isntis essential for establishing rules of success in any role.

A while back, I walked into a meeting with some music executives who were interested in working with one of the artists I managed.

Right off the bat, one of the guys told me, We need to see pictures. I asked if they wanted to, you know, listen to some of her music first, and they told me, No. Pictures. When they saw her, they immediately demanded she lose at least 20 pounds if they were going to work with her, and this girl was already skinny.

I knew that wasnt fair to her. And I knew it wasnt my place to ask someone to do that. But they were adamant about the weight loss. Well, I was equally adamant that it wouldnt happen, and I ended up walking out of there without a deal.

Hollywood has a way of testing youpeople will try to see how far youre willing to stretch your values or morals for success. Are you willing to chase the green? When you run into situations like that, whatever you do for a living, youve got tostick to your guns. Because I promise you, if you dontkeep to your principles, its going to make you miserable. The best way to feel good about what youre doing is to stick with what you know is right.

For all its flaws, I still love the entertainment industry. I still love Hollywood and so many of the people who make it tick. And one of the things I love so much about it is the way people in the industry celebrate little victories.

You celebrate when something small goes right because everything is a long-term play. There are no overnight successes, despite what you might think. By and large, the backstories of famous actors usually involve them sharing a crummy apartment in a bad neighborhood or dancing in a chicken suit on a street corner for a while. Sure, theyre successful now, but most of them had to weather the tough times without giving up and wandering home with their tails between their legs.

People are going to tell you no a lotwhether youre in the entertainment business or not. Rejection is simply part of life, and the only way to get past it is through persistence. But when you do get a yes, even if it isnt your big break, celebrate it. Take a step back and consider how far youve come, instead of just how far you have to go.

Because with a lot of work and a little luck, you may get there sooner than you think.

This article first appeared on Minutes Magazine.

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4 rules of success I learned from working in Hollywood for 10 years - Ladders

Every few months or so, Ill catch a headline along the lines of: Why Your Job Is Making You Fat. And theres no doubt that job-related weight gain is worthy of our collective attention. Surveys have found that almost half of employees say theyve put on weight at their present job, and often it isnt a case of a few innocent pounds. Twenty-five percent of workers report gaining more than 10 pounds in their current role, and 10 percent report gaining more than 20. Yet analyzing the problem and the solutions usually emphasizes personal choices like eating habits and movement, but ignores another key factor: burnout thats tied specifically to our work.

The message were all getting: If employees could just exercise more and swap their fast-food lunches for salads, those pesky pounds would stay away. While theres no denying the personal responsibility that workers have for their own well-being, were not paying enough attention to the conditions that make it harder for people to make better choices. The research clearly shows that employees who experience chronic stress from burnout often adopt unhealthy behaviors that can lead to weight gain. And, as noted in the Harvard Business Review, unchecked organizational norms insidiously create the conditions for burnout.

No one is arguing that its reasonable for employees to expect to sail through every day free of pressures and hard work (or that addressing workplace stress is going to magically erase someones weight issues). But burnout is a different beast entirely, a condition resulting from our always-on culture that includes feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy, according to the World Health Organizations definition. Companies are starting to recognize the implications of burnout on their workforce, but where weight is concerned, they may still be focusing on the wrong solutions.

The fact is, businesses and employees alike stand to benefit from a shift in the conversation about weight and work. Obese employees cost U.S. private companies an estimated $45 billion annually in medical bills and work loss, according to a report by The Conference Board. And research suggests that poor body image (which can sometimes result from weight gain) is associated with greater absenteeism, holding oneself back from taking the lead at work, and feeling distracted at work, says Phillippa Diedrichs, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England.

However well-intended, standing desks, vending machines filled with fruit instead of candy, and a fitness club allowance can only go so far unless we also address the influence that burnout has on the bathroom scale. Job demands and burnout are rarely, if ever, incorporated into wellness or weight-loss interventions, Heather Padilla, Ph.D., lead author of a study linking burnout and weight gain and an assistant professor at the University of Georgias College of Public Health, has said. But thats a problem, because if your energy is used up by working all the time, you often dont have enough left to make healthy decisions about food and exercise.

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Were Having the Wrong Conversation About Workplace Weight Gain - Thrive Global

Its easy to lose motivation when the days get shorter, darker and colder but, if you want to maintain your fitness and weight during the winter months, its important that you keep the momentum going. One way to do this is by setting yourself a goal - this can come in the form of a late-autumn cyclo-cross race or even competing in one of the many online e-racing leagues on Zwift. One thing is for sure, if you stay committed to the cause and follow a dedicated training plan the hard work will pay dividends.

Here are seven tips to get through the colder months and ready to hit the spring racing season at full strength.

Signing up for a spring/summer race will keep you motivated

(Image credit: Amazon)

Enter an event that starts in spring/early summer. This will keep you motivated on those dark and gloomy days and give you the motivation to keep going, even when times get tough.

Another way of guaranteeing progress is by acquiring the services of a coach or training program, both of which will not only help provide some structure to your training but also encourage you to keep going.

The Wattbike Atom is excellent for bad weather training days

(Image credit: Wattbike)

Gym work and strength training has proven to positively influence on-the-bike performance and the winter months are the perfect time to incorporate this into your schedule.

Strength training has numerous benefits such as enhancing connective tissue strength, preventing injury, improving cycling economy and aerobic fitness, preserving muscle mass (important in older age-group athletes) and increasing bone mineral density.

Signing up at your local gym is great opportunity to work on your core strength, which is extremely important for cycling performance. Workouts should include light weights and torque/strength work - direct-drive trainers or Wattbikes are the perfect solution in this regard.

Its imperative that you mix up your sessions by including some single-leg riding drills, workouts should comprise 5 x 2min intervals per leg with 5min recovery or spinning between each set. Low-cadence drills are just as effective - these should constitute 4 x 4min sets at 50rpm with 4min easy riding between each effort.

Turbo trainers have changed the way cyclist can train indoors

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Turbo trainers have changed the way cyclists see indoor training. Smart trainers have made training more entertaining with third-party apps such as Zwift providing a virtual environments to compete and ride against riders from all around the world.

The single biggest benefit of using an indoor trainer is time efficiency. We all struggle to make time to train, especially when it comes to juggling work and family obligations. An indoor session allows you to fit more quality work into a shorter time frame, allowing you to maximise and tailor your workouts around your schedule.

Remember to use a fan when riding indoors as it assists with convective heat loss and helps mitigate reduced intensities associated with indoor training.

Zwift will make indoor cycling sessions fun and engaging

(Image credit: Zwift)

Online platforms such as Zwift, TrainerRoad and Rouvy have revolutionised the indoor training game. Not only have they made indoor training more enjoyable and entertaining, these applications have opened up a new world of training allowing athletes to ride in a virtual world with their mates, against other riders or simply just complete a structured workout in an immersive setting. Most of these applications offer structured plans and workouts which are a boon if you dont already have a regime to follow.

Don't try to rack up all the miles you can, leave time for recovery too

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A common misconception is that cyclists need to rack up endless miles during the off season. This rhetoric is often referred to as junk miles as there is no scientific evidence that backs up this archaic notion. Rather focus on putting in a smaller amount of quality sessions than a large amount of tempo mileage or sweet-spot training.

Try follow the 80/20 rule during this period, where 80 per cent of your riding comprises very easy sessions, while the balance is made up of hard, high-intensity interval training or HIIT (during this phase the hard sessions can be torque/strength work).

These sessions are all about discipline. Its often easier to do these sessions alone as riding with mates can often become races. Also remember the importance of rest and that sleep constitutes around 80 per cent of recovery.

Avoid processed food and try to keep a balanced diet

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Its pretty easy to pack on a couple of pounds during the winter months. Try maintain a

healthy balanced diet during this time. Of course there's no harm treating yourself every now and then, but avoid overindulging in sugar-rich, high-carb meals. An easy way to ensure you stay lean is by keeping track of your total caloric intake. After a hard training ride aim for 20g of protein and 80g of carbs to assist with your recovery.

A few trail-running sessions can keep your muscles on their toes

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Running is an effective aerobic workout that may compliment your cycling performance. While it's a very time-effective workout, it can also become a bit tedious - try mixing up your routine by including a few trail-running sessions on some of your cycling routes.

If youre not a regular runner its also important that you limit these sessions to no more than 30-45 minutes, twice a week. Failure to do so may result in acute or overuse injuries that may set you back and hamper any progress youve already made.

Other cross-training disciplines that may be of interest are swimming and cross-country skiing - both of which are very good alternatives that will help keep the physiological system firing and boost your aerobic fitness.

This article is part of a series on indoor cycling, supported by Wattbike

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Want to be fit for spring? Heres why winter training is key to summer success - T3

Facebook/Marlon AndersonMarlon Anderson with his wife.

Marlon Anderson is an African-American man who says he was fired from his security assistant position at a Madison, Wisconsin high school after he used the N word in the context of telling a disruptive student to stop calling him the N word. He was trying to educate the student that its important to not use the word, he says.

That context is everything, Andersons supporters say. And they are many. His termination and the strict enforcement by the school district of a zero tolerance policy has outraged many people, including the actress Cher, who is now vowing to foot the costs for any lawsuit Anderson would file against the school district.

Shes just one of many people who have rallied around Anderson, calling for the school district to give the father of three his job back. A Change.org petition urging just that has been signed by more than 9,000 people.

I am still fighting for my position @ West and for justice to be applied to my situation, Anderson wrote on Facebook. I am also still fighting to challenge the no tolerance policy that made me a casualty to its flawed planning and implementation. Please continue to keep us in your prayersGod bless.

Theres some evidence that the public pressure might be moving school officials. I think what we are hearing is that there are many other lenses that we should be looking at this policy through, said interim superintendent Jane Belmore to WKOW-TV. And thats what we want to try to make space for.

However, Gloria Reyes, president of the Madison Board of Education, reiterated to CNN: We are working to make our school climates the best they can be for all students and staff. Weve taken a tough stance on racial slurs, and we believe that language has no place in schools.

Heres what you need to know:

Marlon Anderson with his wife.

Andersons side of the story is simple. He says he used the slur only to tell the student, who is also black, not to use the slur, according to The Associated Press. Anderson claims the Madison West High School student was being disruptive during the October 9, 2019 incident.

According to the Change.org petition and his Facebook page, Anderson says: Short story. I get called a bit** *ss Ni**A by a student, I responded do not call me ni**a! And I got fired. MMSD I, unfortunately, expected better. MMSD stands for Madison Metropolitan School District.

Anderson told CNN that the incident occurred when he was called to help the assistant principal escort a student from school grounds, but the student was allegedly resisting, including yelling and pushing the principal. Anderson told CNN the student yelled the slur and expletives at him. He told CNN he tried at first to tell the student to stop without using the N word, but the student kept hurling it at him, so finally he said, Dont call me (n-word), the comment that he says got him fired.

Because I didnt accept it and tried to correct the behavior with hopes of a restorative conversation, I got fired, he told 27 News.

According to the Capital Times newspaper in Madison, the school districts position is that Anderson violated a zero tolerance policy by using a racial slur.

Staff members in the school district posted a photo in support of Anderson, holding signs that said things like black staff matter and MMSD Zero Context. Context matters.

According to the Capital Times, Anderson has received a lot of support. The West Black Student Unions members held a walkout urging the school district to give Anderson his job back (his son, Noah, is its president). His union has filed a grievance.

We hope that the union will press the issue aggressively on behalf of Anderson and all of its members, a Cap Times editorial urged.

Anderson took to Facebook to share videos of the walkout and expressed great emotion, writing, I have cried so much watching you guys on social media my head lost weight, I am overwhelmed by the love when I get back I will personally walk everybody to class ON TIME ! Today America witnessed the best of us, many different races, faiths, cultures, all together many faces one goal, justice thank you,all of you, thank your families, for supporting you, thank you Madison Police for keeping our kids safe, I truly love yall all yall!

Anderson also revealed that he has been offered a job with a local Boys & Girls Club.

I want to thank Michael Johnson for offering me this interim position @ the Boys and Girls Club. This is a great help to be able to earn wages while we go through this appeals process, he wrote on Facebook.

On Facebook, Anderson gave details about the cost to his family and his health from the termination.

The reality is I did not just loose (sic) wages but also benefits. Most importantly we will soon be without health insurance which makes the loss that much more impactful to myself and my family, he wrote. My medical needs are the most urgent concern to me as I am insulin dependent. This among other reasons is why I am still fighting for my position @ West with fervor.

He added: I am amazed at the dynamic support from my Madison Community your love is recognized and so appreciated.

Anderson frequently posts religious references on social media. Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, he wrote in one post after his firing.

According to his Facebook page, Andersons title at the Madison high school was School Security Assistant. He wrote that he went to Milwaukee High School of the Arts, is from Itta Bena, Mississippi, and is married to Ozanne J. Kincaid-Anderson.

He has filled his Facebook page with photos showing his wife and three sons. In June, he wrote of his son, Micah: Micah Anderson became 14 years old yesterday, graduated middle school today, and leaves for Vegas tomorrow because he and his team won the 100 black men black History bowl to compete nationally ( they will probably win that to.PROUD DAD!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK SON LOVE YOU TOO MUCH!

In 2018, he wrote on Facebook that he had been married to his wife for 20 years, writing, Happy anniversary. I think we got this right, 20 years later I can still say I love you with no regrets. CNN reports that one of Andersons kids is a senior at the Madison high school and another is a recent graduate.

FacebookMarlon Anderson and his wife.

Many people have praised Andersons personality and importance to the school district. He is the reason that most of our black student show up, said Michelle Bayouth, a Latin teacher at the school, to WKOW-TV. He makes them feel wanted in this school.

Cher wrote on Twitter, responding to a news story on Anderson: How Can Ppl Be This Disrespectful A Beloved,Man of Color Just Passed,& Our Nations Mourning Him.Cong.Elijah Cummings FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE.He Was loved & Feared. If You Want To sue MMSD Ed.Board I Will Incur Your expenses.EC.

Community leader Kaleem Caire urged Madison to do better and the school district to give Anderson his job back, writing on Madison365, MMSD needs to modify this lazy, harmful and hole-punched policy that allows it to avoid doing the real work that any HR department should do by looking at the context in which such a word (or any other) is used. They are an academic institution and should be educating themselves and young people about the use of words like the N-word, not running from it.

Caire added, Marlon spent 12 years in MMSD. Who will replace him and the strong relationships and familiarity he had with students and staff? I also want to add that last year I helped a white female teacher get another teaching job after she was given the option by MMSD to resign or be terminated (she resigned) after she used the N-word as means to try to correct a student who was using racist language in class.

My understanding of the policy was white staff shouldnt use the N-word under any circumstances, Anderson said to NBC News. But I had no idea me being called the word and me telling the student not to call me the word would get me fired.

READ NEXT: Remembering the Life of Elijah Cummings.

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Marlon Anderson: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know - Heavy.com

St. Louis, MO, Oct. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Jay Michael Snow reports that he has performed over 2,000 weight loss procedures at St. Louis Bariatrics, the practice that he founded in 2011. In honor of this milestone and his commitment to putting better health within reach, St. Louis Bariatrics is offering special pricing on gastric sleeve surgery. For a limited time, self-pay patients can access an inclusive surgery package for just $11,111.

Dr. Snow understands that cost can be a barrier to many patients who are seeking an effective weight loss solution. While bariatric surgery can be covered by health insurance, many patients are uninsured, lack bariatric coverage, or are frustrated by confusing and prohibitive insurance requirements. Dr. Snow hopes to help more people in St. Louis and the surrounding area overcome obesity by offering a self-pay package with transparent pricing at a practice where patient care is the priority. Bariatric surgery is not an easy way out, and patients need support and tools in order to achieve long-term weight loss success says Dr. Snow. Im honored to have helped so many people find a path to healthier living and I hope that anyone who is ready to make a change will get in touch with us to learn about their options. We have patients who are happier and more active than they ever could have dreamed they could be after having surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery offers more than just weight loss; it can also cure diabetes and resolve conditions such as hypertension, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea., While gastric sleeve is the most popular weight loss surgery in the U.S., Dr. Snow is experienced in a full range of weight loss options. The procedures he has performed at St. Louis Bariatrics include non-surgical endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and non-surgical gastric balloon, as well as gastric bypass surgery, and gastric banding.

Dr. Snow is able to offer the $11,111 self-pay package for gastric sleeve for an extremely limited time, so patients should contact St. Louis Bariatrics soon if they are interested in taking advantage of this special pricing. Patients interested in exploring any weight loss options are encouraged to schedule a consultation appointment now in order to get started in 2019.

About Dr. Jay Michael SnowIn addition to overseeing St. Louis Bariatrics, Dr. Snow is also the Bariatric Medical Director at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. Dr. Snow is highly regarded by his patients and he has won a Top Doctor in St. Louis award from The Leading Physicians of the World and the International Association of HealthCare Professionals in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Patient reviews often mention his compassionate manner and comprehensive care. Dr. Snow received his Bachelors and his Medical Degree University of Missouri, Columbia and completed fellowship training in Bariatric Surgery at the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

About St. Louis BariatricsSt. Louis Bariatrics was founded on the premise that exceptional patient care is the key to successful weight loss. In addition to Dr. Snow, the team at St. Louis Bariatrics includes a Registered Dietitian and clinical staff who are dedicated to helping patients reach their goals. St. Louis Bariatrics specializes in empowering patients with personalized treatment plans and the resources they need to take control of their health.

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1 Journal of Diabetes Research 2015; 2015: 674268. Published online 2015 Apr 14. Doi

2 Mayo Clinic. Bariatric Surgery. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258 Accessed October 17, 2019.

3 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Estimate of Bariatric Surgery Numbers, 2011-2017. Available at: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers Accessed October 17, 2019.

St. Louis BariatricsAddress: 1400 US-61, Suite G50Festus, MO 63028Phone Number: (314) 310-1386Fax Number: (314) 366-4875

Link:
St. Louis Bariatric Surgeon Has Performed Over 2,000 Weight Loss Procedures - Yahoo Finance

At least half the plan worked.

A reputed Lucchese crime-family soldier who allegedly plotted to slim down to escape through a Brooklyn jail window has dropped so much weight that a longtime crony failed to recognize him in federal court Friday.

Christopher Londonio whose formerly 350-pound frame graced The Posts Veal Shank Redemption front page Friday was unidentifiable to Lucchese turncoat Joseph Foti in court in White Plains, Westchester County, despite the witness knowing the defendant for years.

Foti first said on the stand that he couldnt point to Londonio in the courtroom because he didnt see him. Then when Londonios lawyer, John Meringolo, said his client was there beside him at the table, a seemingly genuinely stunned Foti let out a surprised whistle.

You lost a lot of weight, Foti muttered to Londonio.

Meringolo later told The Post that his client lost about 200 pounds after his alleged escape attempt because he was thrown into solitary confinement for 19 months over the doomed plot.

The lawyer said the terrible conditions in solitary contributed to his clients drastic weight loss. He declined to elaborate.

The feds have said Londonio was plotting to escape Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial by stockpiling dental floss and bedsheets to help break out and planning to lose enough weight so he could shimmy out the eighth-floor window when he finally did and climb to the parking lot below.

The scheme also involved the help of his parents, his estranged wife, a bookie and a priest, according to a newly unsealed FBI report on the 2017 incident.

Jurors seated the case were grilled Friday over whether they saw The Posts front page.

Both federal prosecutors as well as lawyers for the once-sizeable suspect and his cronies, Matthew Madonna, Terrence Caldwell and Steven Crea, agreed the jurors should be individually questioned on whether they saw the report.

No panelist said he or she had seen the front page.

Foti testified Friday that Londonio admitted to him that he drove a triggerman to the scene of the 2013 execution-style slaying of Purple Gang leader Michael Meldish.

Prosecutors claim that Madonna, the street boss at the time, ordered the hit after Meldish refused to pay back a $100,000 loan and told Madonna to fk off when he called to collect.

The four men are on trial for racketeering conspiracy and other various charges, including Meldishs murder.

Read more here:
'Veal Shank Redemption mobster' did lose the weight -- just not as planned - New York Post