Dr Castro Inspirational LIVINGSTRONG Quote

Aurora borealis dancing above in northern Alaska, USA.

Like I said before. I enjoy reading and collecting quotes, from scientists, artists, athletes, business people and anybody who is capable to transfer some of his/her energy to me through his words and thoughts.
But I also had find tremendous joy in creating my own quotes. Many of my quotes come to mind when I am on the road, cycling, alone, thinking, singing, admiring nature or remembering my past and all the things that have made me stronger through out the years.
I would like to share this one with you today:

"Life itself, with all its wonders and mysteries, is my main inspiration." ~Dr. Martha Castro, MD

Get Swine Flu Vaccine Or You Are Fired

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the Novel H1N1 Vaccination Recommendations, (Swine Flu vaccine) which states the following in the beginning of the page:

"With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary novel H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season"

It clearly indicates that the vaccinations would be voluntary. However, Capital Region Hospitals and Medical Centers  are setting up their own guidelines for the application of the Novel H1N1 vaccine (Swine Flu vaccine) this fall for their workers, from janitors and nurses to food service workers and all doctors; either they get vaccinated or they get fired.

Notice how Barbara Loe Fisher from the National Vaccine Information Center says explicitly at 0:41 secs of the video: "...parents will be given complete truthful information about the risks of swine flu vaccination and the RIGHT TO SAY YES OR NO..."


I wonder if Barbara Loe Fisher has any idea what the RIGHT to say YES or NO means. Maybe she hasn't been informed about what Capital Region Hospitals are doing to their employees, or does the right to say yes or no only apply to parents taking their children for vaccination and they lose that right when they get to their place of work, refuse to be vaccinated and get fired?!

This obligatory measure affects about 25,000 workers for the mentioned chain of hospitals, medical centers and medical clinics...for now. Would other hospitals, companies, manufactures, retail stores around the country make it mandatory too in the coming months? Probably so.

Albany Medical Center, the region's leading hospital, sent out announcements to workers earlier this week saying employees had to get flu shots by Oct. 16. Spokesman Gregory McGarry said the hospital may take "corrective action" against employees if they don't comply.

"We will be requiring it of all our employees as a condition of employment. Workers will be suspended for five days initially if they do not get the shot. After that, they have another five days to comply before facing possible termination." --said spokesman Elmer Streeter.

St. Peter's Hospital in Albany is also developing a set of strict guidelines as it seeks to get all of its 4,500 employees shots by Dec. 1.

I see what they are doing as a repressive mandatory action that is going to force their workers to get vaccinated in order to keep their job. In these times of severe financial recession I simply don't see how anybody would reject the vaccination even if they oppose to it. They will accept it in fear that otherwise they will end up in the unemployment office lines.

And this is the beginning of the end of our liberties and freedom... fascism anyone?

Cancellara Still Vuelta Champ

Fabian Cancellara still leads the race by 8 seconds over today's stage winner, Geral Ciolek, a 22 year old sprinter who accelerated so fast at the end passing Tyler Farrar and André Greipe. Great win by Ciolek. Brought him up to second place overall.


General Classification Stage 2

1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Saxo Bank 4:48:32
2 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Milram 0:00:08
3 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step 0:00:09
4 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin-Slipstream 0:00:12
5 Jens Mouris (Ned) Vacansoleil 0:00:14
6 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Liquigas 0:00:16
7 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 0:00:17
8 David Garcia (Spa) Xacobeo Galicia 0:00:18
9 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas
10 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
11 Bert Grabsch (Ger) Columbia-HTC 0:00:19
12 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto

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Cancellara Wins Vuelta España Prologue

A very short individual time trial was the individual time trial of La Vuelta a España 2009, only 4.8 kms, kind of a dull stage on Saturday, nothing to sneeze at, really, but then again, I'm a long distance endurance rider and have no special likings for this kind of short distances.
But let's not get disappointed just yet, tomorrow's second stage will be more interesting since the route will be 203 kms and the riders will be more settled in the race.

One point of interest is that Vinokourov returned to professional cycling being the current leader of the Astana team. He finished in an excellent 7th place, not bad after 3 years of absence from pro-cycling.

And of course, the King of individual time trials, Fabian Cancellara, dominated this prologue in a very impressive 5:20 minutes mark.

# 1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI) Team Saxo Bank, 4.8km in 5:20
# 2. Tom Boonen (BEL) Quick Step at 09
# 3. Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin-Slipstream at 12
# 4. Jens Mouris (NED) Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team at 14
# 5. Daniele Bennati (ITA) Liquigas at 16
# 6. Roman Kreuziger (CZE) Liquigas at 17
# 7. Alexander Vinokourov (KAZ) Astana at 18
# 8. Ivan Basso (ITA) Liquigas at 18
# 9. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) Caisse D'epargne at 18
# 10. Maciej Bodnar (POL) Liquigas at 19

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When Drinking Water Can Kill You

The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has released a very interesting study about how our rivers, lakes, reservoirs and even tap water are being contaminated with chemicals that put our health in terrible danger, and the worst thing of all is that the US Enviromental Protection Agency ( EPA ) is not doing anything to stop it.

One of the chemichals I am referring to is Atrazine, a herbicide that is applied to fields to kill weeds and it's poisoning our water all over the United States.
Atrazine is most prevalent in the waterways and faucets of the American South and the Midwest, where it runs off of cattle pastures and fields of corn, sorghum and other crops. But atrazine is also being applied to many roadsides and lawns, like golf courses, around the country.

New research by the NRDC "Poisoning The Well" suggests that atrazine may even be dangerous at much lower concentrations than previously thought and even at concentrations meeting current EPA standarts it causes toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity, it can adversely affect the endocrinal system, alters the production of sexual hormones and it's been linked to several types of cancer, specially breast cancer.

So far, it's estimated that 33 million Americans have already been exposed to some level of atrazine through the tap water, according to data from water systems nationwide. Personally, I would multiply this number times 3, since lately most public data tends to be inaccurate and shamelessly manipulated.

However, there are ways to protect yourself from atrazine toxicity and from more pesticides you might be consuming. Install good carbon filters with activated charcoal to filter the tap water you and your family drink. This type of filter properly removes certain chemicals, heavy metals and some bacteria.

Be safe, take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Bad Breath Most Common Causes

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

UPDATED:

New Pocket-Sized TEST developed.

 Most Common Causes:

1. Oral and Dental
    Bad hygiene, gum and dental infections, etc.

2. Respiratory
    Chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis amongst the most common causes

3. Gastrointestinal
    Certain types of gastritis, gastrointestinal problems, esophageal reflux.

A quick breath check in the palm of your hand can never give accurate results. Whether you're about to lean in for a smooch or start a job interview, you're better off asking a trusted friend if your breath is sweet. But what if a friend isn't around when you need one? 

Tel Aviv University researchers have come up with the ultimate solution — a pocket-size breath test which lets you know if malodorous bacteria are brewing in your mouth. A blue result suggests you need a toothbrush. But if it's clear, you're "okay to kiss."

          Complete article
 __________________________________________________________________________________
Many people have a problem with bad breath (halitosis), but they have no idea what causes it or how to eliminate it.

In general, there are three possible reasons why a person might have bad breath :-

(1) Eating smelly foods:-

Aromatic foods such as onions, garlic, fish, peanut butter and others can leave a strong odor on your breath, but this type of bad breath is only temporary unless there are also other problems.

(2)Poor oral hygiene:-

Properly brushing, flossing and using mouthwash is essential for keeping bad breath at bay. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also very important for preventing the third (and most serious) cause of bad breath.

(3) A dental condition:-

Dental conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and/or bacteria on the surface of the tongue typically result in bad breath.

Unfortunately, these conditions cannot be remedied without the help of a dentist.

In a nutshell, brushing (including the tongue), flossing and gargling with mouthwash after every meal coupled with regular professional cleanings will prevent the most pervasive causes of bad breath.

Chewing gum helps reduce the intensity of bad breath by keeping the mouth moist, and many people also find relief by using toothpaste, mouthwashes and other oral hygiene products that are formulated specifically to combat persistent halitosis.

Posted by Paavan Jethava

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Barack Obama Cycling Without A Helmet

The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, went out for a bike ride this morning with his two daughters, a secret service guy and his doctor, Eric Whitaker. All of them on mountain bikes and only the children wearing helmets properly (the doctor had his helmet on but unfastened -sheez-), President Barack Obama was not wearing any helmet and neither the secret service agent.

Call me a fanatic helmet advocate, call me a helmet-cyclist fundamentalist, call me what ever you please, but it's my strong opinion that anyone who rides a bicycle, no matter how short the distance is or how slow it's being ridden, should wear a helmet!

Yes, I know, President Obama is on a vacation, riding a bike, at a slow cadance, so what if he is not wearing a helmet, right? Wrong. He is the President of the US and should always set a good example. Shame on him for not wearing a helmet.

It's been proven that even a fall off the bicycle at a slow pace can kill a bicycle rider if the skull hits the ground or a rock directly and unprotected.

FACTS:

1. Direct costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $81 million each year, rising with health care costs. (...and Barack Obama is promoting Government medical care/Universal health system??!!)

2. Indirect costs of cyclists' injuries due to not using helmets are estimated at $2.3 billion each year in medical care

3. Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders.

4. Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits for bicycling injuries.

5. A very high percentage of cyclists' brain injuries can be prevented by a helmet, estimated at anywhere from 45 to 88 per cent.

Dr Tim Coats is a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Leicester and sees first-hand the horrific injuries suffered by cyclists in road crashes. He divides fatal injuries into three categories:

1. Later deaths, which might have been prevented with better (neuro) intensive care;
2. Early deaths, due to bleeding, which might have been prevented by better immediate care;
3. Immediate deaths, in the first few minutes, where the surgeons can do nothing to help. These deaths could only be prevented by preventing the crash happening in the first place.

Many head injuries belong to the last category. If a road casualty is bleeding, you can call a surgeon. If s/he’s struggling to breathe, you can call an anaesthetist. But there are some things doctors can’t fix, and these include multiple organ failure and the worst type of head injuries. In these cases, prevention is the only solution.~Prof. Coats says.

FINAL NOTE: Helmets DO SAVE LIVES, always wear yours, even for a peaceful slow cycling pace family ride. Let us, responsible cyclists, set a good example for the children that see us riding our bikes along the roads of the world!

VIVA LE CYCLISME!

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Most Common Reasons For Insomnia

UPDATED
(originally posted on July 24, 2008)

FACTS:

1. 70 million Americans are affected by a sleep problem
2. 40 million suffer from chronic sleep disorders
3. 20-30 million have intermittent sleep-related problems

Insomnia Causes

View more presentations from Jenny Jackson.

Most common reasons for insomnia:

1. Stress
2. Exercising right before bedtime.
3. Drinking alcohol or caffeine.
4. Following an erratic schedule.
5. Working before bed.
6. Physical problems.
7. Your sleeping partner.
8. Your sleeping environment.
9. Jet lag.
10. Medication.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

(originally posted on July 24, 2008)

Many people have no idea what is keeping them up at night. Here are some answers:

1) Marital strife
2) Being with baby
3) Health concerns
4) Sleep disorder
5) Father time
6) Heart disease
7) Too busy
8) Depression and anxiety
9) Medication
10)Environment
11)You are a woman
12)Too much napping
13)Staying in bed
14)Late night eating

read more | digg story

I Just Commmitted To Fight Cancer

I just committed to fight cancer by signing a petition from Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation.
We need a lot of people to join before tomorrow night and if you decide to do sign the declaration it will only take a minute of your time. You can even get your own dedication page. I got mine.

"Last month when I started the Tour de France, I asked you to join me in signing the World Cancer Declaration. The response has been staggering —more than 100,000 of us have added our names to this urgent global push to fight cancer.

In three days, the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit here in Dublin will come to a close. It’s an incredibly rare opportunity to urge some of the most powerful people in the world to commit the time, energy and resources needed to make a world without cancer a reality. And we can do just that if we add 10,000 more signatures to the Declaration before the Summit ends on Wednesday.

Will you sign the Declaration and then ask your friends and family to help us add 10,000 commitments by Wednesday night? It only takes a moment and every name counts:

http://www.livestrongaction.org/campaigns/commit-fight-cancer

Cancer affects all of us. By 2010, cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death worldwide, yet the fight against cancer lacks urgency and focus. That is why we must take matters into our own hands and force cancer onto the global agenda.

The LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit in Dublin will do just that by bringing governments, communities and survivors from all over the world together pushing for new commitments to stem the growing impact of cancer around the globe. Closing this commitment gap is a critical step towards a world without cancer.

We have just three more days to make the World Cancer Declaration as powerful as possible. Every additional name we add will lend weight to our cause; every single new voice adds urgency to our fight. I know we can reach our goal if each and every one of us signs the Declaration and asks someone close to us to add their name too.

Will you sign the Declaration and also ask a friend or family member to join us before Wednesday night? It only takes a moment and will make a big difference:

http://www.livestrongaction.org/campaigns/commit-fight-cancer

LIVESTRONG,

Lance and the LIVESTRONG Action Team

P.S. From August 24–26, individuals from all parts of the world are uniting in Dublin, Ireland, for one goal—a world without cancer.
Visit our blog for the latest updates from the LIVESTRONG Global Cancer Summit."

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases Rising Globally

In my private medical practice I have been noticing an incredible increase of STD -sexually transmitted diseases- medical cases. And it amazes me that with all the information out there that is available to everyone, people still don't get it and continue to practice sex without protection, and the reason they give for them not to wear the condom -specially men- is that: e "having sex with a condom makes it less pleasurable".
Patients know about the terrible consequences of having multiple partners and having sex without any kind of protection, but they still do it, and I ask myself why, why do they put their precious life at risk. We all know, that some STDs can kill us, some STDs, like HIV or Human Papilloma Virus can/are deadly; some others can cause infertility like Chlamydia or Syphilis.
I just hope that more people realize that the consequences of an irresponsible sexual behavior can shorten their life spam as well as the lives of those ones they sexually infect.

DATA: Currently, there are approximately 500 to 600 million people infected with some sort of an STD worldwide, including men and women of all economic backgrounds. If we take in consideration that we are about 6,779,666,101 billion people in the globe, that means that about 8.33% of the entire population of the world is infected.

10 Best Exercises For The Mature Adult

It doesn't matter how old you are to start loving sports and exercise in general. Being healthy and fit is the key to a longer and much happier life.
So, if you are 40, 50, even 60 or 70, it doesn't matter. There are many outdoor or indoor activities that we all can do to enhance our well being.

1. Aerobics
2. Brisk walking
3. Cycling
4. Swimming
5. Jogging
6. Treadmill
7. Indoor bike
8. Yoga
9. Dancing
10. Strength trainning

30 to 45 minutes a day of aerobic exercise or activity, five days a week, is the minimum time recommended to get physical benefits, but if you can increase the time, the frequency and intensity, it would be much better for you because it can reduce the risk of chronic disease related to inactivity.

Dr. Miriam E. Nelson, director of the John Hancock Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Tufts University in Boston and lead author of the new recommendations, published in The Journal on Active Aging the following:

“...with every increasing decade of age, people become less and less active, but the evidence shows that with every increasing decade, exercise becomes more important in terms of quality of life, independence and having a full life. So as of now, Americans are not on the right path.”

So, come on and live the life with passion and energy. Do not start dying while breathing.

If you haven't exercised ever in your life and you are over 45 or 50 years old, you might want to pay a visit to your family doctor, have an EKG done, your blood drawn for a general check up, and ask your doctor if it's OK for you to start an exercise program. If everything is alright then congratulations and begin your new healthy life.

Armstrong And Cavendish Racing The Tour of Ireland 2009

Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong
The 2009 Tour of Ireland is about to start on Friday August 21 at 7:30 am -Ireland time- near Dublin, with 109 riders.
Two of those 109 racers are Lance Armstrong (Astana), who returns to compete in this beautiful country after 17 years of abscence, and Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia), who is expected to win at least 2 out of the three stages (usually the Tour of Ireland has 5 stages, this year it has been reduced to three due to the financial recession.
The cyclists will have to ride 576 kms in three days, being Sunday August 21 the last one.

"I think his fitness is pretty good," said Bruyneel. "It must be if he's able to do 6-1/2 hours at altitude in a mountain bike race. However, I don't think we're going to see him on the front of the peloton."

Lance is planning to stay in Ireland after the race to attend a three-day global cancer summit organized by the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

"Unless we act on a global level, cancer will be the leading cause of death by 2010," Armstrong said.

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Possible N.J. Curfew...Civil Rights Be Gone!

Is curfew the correct measure to implement order and abate crime in a city? Is this authoritarian curfew the only way to bring peace back to a city?

I think not.

When any Government starts impeding the freedom of the people who have not yet committed any crime, to travel, to walk, to move around at any place at any time, democracy begins to die and dictatorship to rise.

"I don't think it will decrease any gang activity that's going on. If they're going to do the crime, they're not worried about the curfew." -James Harris.

Palestinians and Israelis breaking curfew

New Jersey considers adult curfew after crime spate

Associated Press
8/18/2009, 4:38 p.m. EDT

(AP) — PATERSON, N.J. - Curfews might not be just for kids anymore in one city in northern New Jersey.

Officials in Paterson are considering one for people of all ages in a bid to curb violence after a spate of deadly shootings.
Several experts say they believe it would be the nation's first curfew of its type to include adults. The state ACLU says it would open Paterson to legal action.
The curfew would last for two months and would bar people from loitering outside from midnight to 7 a.m. Violators would face up to a $2,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

Officials are still working to make sure the plan can withstand legal challenges.

If the City Council passes it Sept. 1, a second vote and a public hearing are needed for it to take effect.

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Good Night After Deja Vu

Ah, just finished watching one of my favorite movies...again. I've probably seen Deja Vu well over 15 times and still crazy about it.

Now I have to go to bed. Tomorrow, 80 kms (50 miles) on the road bike.
Good night world.

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Low Calorie Nutritious Diet

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

This diet is useful because it tells us how important it is to eat everything but in small portions.
Sometimes we need a little help learning about how to control our intake of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and electrolytes, so we can make out of our diet a healthy balanced way of eating.

If we can accomplish this, along with a successful exercise program and a vitamin supplement after breakfast, believe me, we can achieve a long, happy and healthy life.

Low Calorie Sample Menu

Breakfast

1 cup Enriched Soy Milk (Soy Dream, 120 calories)
¾ cup Heart to Heart Kashi Cereal
½ cup Blueberries
Water, unsweetened tea, or coffee

Snack

1 cup Enriched Soy Milk (Soy Dream, 120 calories)*

Lunch

Schlotzsky’s Chicken and Pesto Pasta Salad (326 calories)
Schlotzsky’s Fresh Fruit Salad (123 calories
Water, unsweetened tea, or coffee

Snack

1 piece Laughing Cow Cheese, light original (50 calories)
1 medium orange

Supper

1 Hummus and Tomato Sandwich

(Start with 1 Whole Wheat Tortilla and spread one side with 2 Tbsp. hummus. Top with ½ cup spinach leaves, 1/2 cup tomato slices, ¼ cup feta cheese. Roll up and enjoy. Quick, easy. Ready in minutes.)Water, unsweetened tea, or coffee (Always remember to get plenty of water throughout the day.

Total Calories = 1247

Total Fiber = 28.1 g

Fat = 23%

Carbs = 58%

Protein = 19%

Calcium = 1088 mg (Women between 19 and 50 years need approximately 1,000 mg a day, 51+ need 1,200 + mg a day)

Iron = 20.8 mg (Women 19 to 50 years need 18 mg of iron, 51+ need 8 mg)

Trash Talk And Jokes At Leadville 100

Lance finishes Leadville 100 with a flat tire!
This year's Leadville 100 MTB race had lots of moments of fun. Jokes were told, funny comments about each other and even some teasing. Who says it's not possible to be a superhuman in cycling and at the same time be able to show humbleness and a spirit of fun.

Dave Wiens, 6-time Leadville 100 winner said:

"It killed me. This will be a memorable race for me because I was saying to myself: 'This is athletic suicide, for me to be with these guys. Why am I up here? I hope these other guys are hurting as bad. I know Lance is probably feeling pretty comfortable, but if (Sonntag) can hold this pace the entire way through then he's a superhuman guy.' But I had a feeling he was going to be cooked, and he was. But he hurt all of us, except Lance, I think."

Lance Armstrong recruited Levi Leipheimer for Leadville 100, but he -Levi- couldn't participate because he broke his wrist at the Tour de France and he's currently recovering. But Lance couldn't resist to joke about it:

"Levi faked his broken wrist so I wouldn't wipe his ass at Leadville," Armstrong joked.

Levi Leipheimer stroke back at Lance. He wasn't gonna let Armstrong talk trash. No way Jose!

“If I were racing -Leadville 100-, I’m sure that I would have been told to wait numerous times," referring to Armstrong. “And once or twice I could wait, but after a while, you just gotta go. You gotta do your own race. That’s the way I saw it happening.”
“I come from NorCal, the birthplace of mountain biking. I ride Mt. Tam all the time. What’s there in Texas, a freeway overpass?”

NOTE: Lance and Levi are the best friends and excellent cycling teammates.

"My favorite part of the race was finishing. I really, really was glad to be finished. I was dead. I told the guys at the finish that I don't ever want to come back here. But I'll come back next year. I can see being here at age 50 and finishing in nine hours." -Armstrong

"I don't normally change flats. I call up the car and they change it — that's how it works in road cycling," Armstrong said. "Changing a tire is the most embarrassing thing ever for me. ... I didn't want to have to be in that position, so I just put some more air in it. Then I was like, screw it, I'll just ride it home." -Armstrong

"There were probably six or seven guys on the way out, then guys just kept dropping off. So I sort of had to decide what to do: if you wait for other guys or if you just sort of go for the rest of race by yourself. It was a little risky to do that. In the end you're wasted, but I rolled the dice a little bit. Plus I was freezing. I wanted to start riding hard because I was about to freeze." -Lance said.

Now, this is hilarious:

Rebecca Rusch (Redbull-Specialized and cycling world champion) won the women's Leadville cycling MTB race in about 8:15 hrs.

"The whole vibe was great," she said. Having never raced or ridden the Leadville course, Rusch rode with a self-drawn map taped to her top tube, showing the major climbs.

She was not getting time splits on her position relative to the other women.

"I was pretending the guys were women and I got a scare near the end when I came up on a guy wearing pink," she said.

Lance said before the race that he wanted to brake the six-hour mark. After the race he was asked if he still thought it was possible. He answered:

"It would take a real special day with a big team effort," he said. "Can we use TT bikes?" he joked.

Dave Wiens, my hat is off to you for having said this:

"Streaks are meant to be ended and records are meant to be broken and both of those things happened today. And I think it's fantastic. That's what sports are all about

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Lance Wins 2009 Leadville 100

Lance Armstrong won this year's Leadville 100 in the Colorado mountain trail. He broke Dave Weins record of 6:45:45, finishing at 6:28:50.
Lance rode alone the mountain trail for about 60 miles, and crossed the finish line with an almost 100% total flat tire.
Armstrong did not attack, he just pedaled away from the front group right at the beginning of the climb.

"I looked back and there was no one there but Shriver. I kind of had to decide if I wanted to continue alone or wait for the other guys. I knew it was risky to go alone." -Lance said to reporters.

But Lance finally decided to continue because of the cold weather.

"I wanted to ride hard because I was starting to freeze," he said.

Keep posted for more info, results and photos later on.

NOTE: I love you, Lance. Thank you for having come back to cycling. You are my true inspiration.

RESULTS

1. Lance Armstrong, 6:28:51

2. Dave Wiens, 6:57:02

3. Matt Shriver, 7:09:48

4. Alex Grant, 8:10:54

5. Len Zanni, 7:11:21

6. Max Taam, 7:16:56

7. Travis Brown, 7:22:05

8. Manuel Prado, 7:35:27

9. Mike Hogan, 7:35:35

10. Jason Tullous, 7:35:47

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2009 Leadville Trial 100

2009 Leadville Trial 100 is set to start on Saturday August 15th at 6:30 am MST (mountain time). Lance Armstrong is expected to win it this year and possibly set a record time if the weather is friendly and decides not to pour rain on the MTB racers.


18 C - 1 C
Chance of T-storms
30% chance of precipitation


Dave Wiens, 44 from Colorado, won the race last year, Lance finished second and Manuel Prado 3rd. However, this year Lance is riding really strong and fast, and his technique on the dirt road is excellent. If the weather helps and doesn't rain on them, Lance easily could finish the 100 mile under 6:29:00 hrs setting a new record. Of course, it would help a lot if Trek decides to add some fast riders to the race.

"To be honest, I haven't actively recruited anybody to help set the pace. But Trek has riders who will be here ... if Trek wants to put fast riders in the race, it's not bad for me. If you have a group of guys who can work together — and that's a big if — we could go under six hours."-Armstrong said.

Lance had recruited Levi Leipheimer so the both of them could climb Columbine all the way to the top and from there go together 50 miles to the finish. But Leipheimer fractured his wrist in the Tour de France and still recovering. To what Lance said:

"Levi faked his broken wrist so I wouldn't wipe his ass at Leadville," Armstrong joked.

Good for you, Lance. Love the good sense of humor.

Manuel Prado said about Lance:

"He's basically not my race, he is so strong. He is going to be very hard to beat from my perspective."

You can watch Live Webcast of the race, starting at 5:45 MST

Go Lance, get Leadville!

My total support to all the MTB racers. You are all of great inspiration to many.

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Football Soccer Mexico VS US

Football soccer: Mexico wins again against United States. Just minutes ago Mexico scored 2 goals and the US 1.
This winning strengthens Mexico's chances to go the World Cup in South Africa next year 2010.

Mexico has now nine points, way ahead of Honduras with 7, which played later Wednesday at group leader Costa Rica, with 12 points.

The American defenders, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra, drew yellow cards during the game, a game that was becoming emotionally hot and overwhelmingly physical. Onyewu carried a yellow card into the match and this will make him miss the next qualifier encounter on September 5th against El Salvador in Sandy, Utah.

Well done Mexican team. Just couldn't deny your superiority today.

Rest In Peace Mrs Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

The world has lost a wonderful woman this morning, Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88 dies at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts after suffering several strokes.
She dedicated her life to fight for the rights and the well being of the mentally disabled, founded the Special Olympic Games in 1968 and never stopped supporting the ones who needed her help the most.

I am deeply saddened by her lost. My heart goes out to her loving family and the millions of special athletes who, I am sure, are mourning her right now.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The world will miss you.

"Like diabetes, deafness, polio, or any other misfortune, mental retardation can happen in any family. The truth is that 75 to 85 percent of the retarded are capable of becoming useful citizens with the help of special education and rehabilitation. Another 10 percent can learn to make small contributions, not involving book learning, such as mowing a lawn or washing dishes." -Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Sriver

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Lance Armstrong Remains Cycling King

Lance Armstrong won this weekend's "Blast the Mass" across country cycling race and became the Colorado State Champion of 2009.
It is a reality. Lance Armstrong remains the Cycling King and has proven once again that he is in excellent fitness and physical condition. His technical skills on the mountain are fantastic and I wish I could have been there to see him win.

Jay Henry -Tokyo Joes MTB cyclist- said to reporters:

“Man, he's riding strong. There was no way I was going to catch him. That first climb looked effortless. … We were together for that first road climb, then we rounded a corner and he was gone. I thought he had turned around. … At some point he put in some acceleration."

FINAL RESULTS

1	Lance Armstrong (Mellow Johnny's / Livestrong)	1:51:18
2	Jay Henry (Tokyo Joes)	0:03:08
3	Len Zanni (Honey Stinger / Trek)	0:05:58
4	Peter Stetina (Tokyo Joe's)	0:07:59
5	Travis Scheefer (CB Builders/Brick Over Pizza)	0:10:21
6	Mike West (Maverick)	0:10:28
7	Barkley Robinson (BMC / Orange Peel)	0:12:22
8	Spencer Powlison (Mafia Racing)	0:14:27
9	Kalan Beisel (ProCycling/CTS)	0:15:10
10	Colin Osborn (Team Bikeparts.com)	0:15:22
11	Matthew Beaton (Tokyo Joes)	0:15:31
12	Nick Truitt (PCL Construction/Yeti Cycles/Wheatridge)	0:15:57
13	Jan Koles (Mafia Racing)	0:16:00
14	Jeffrey Irwin (CB Builders / Brick Oven)	0:16:44
15	Benjamin Portilla (Honey Stinger / Trek)	0:17:50

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Honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Picture source: Special Olympics

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88 years old, is an admirable woman who has helped millions and millions of people through out the years and around the world since 1968 when she founded the Special Olympic games.
Inspired by her sister, Rose Marie -Rosemary-, who was born with a mental disability and at the age of 23 after a lobotomy was mentally disabled for the rest of her life, Eunice K. Shriver decided to do something to help the intellectually disabled to feel better, and that is how a journey of love and triumph started for Ms. Shriver, millions of athletes around the globe and their loved ones.

She organized the first Special Olympic games in 1968 in Chicago. It was a 2 day event that drew more than 1,000 participants from 26 states of America and Canada. By the year 2003, the Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in Dublin, Ireland and involved more than 6,500 athletes from 150 countries.
Today, Mrs. Shriver sports association serves more than 2.5 million people in 180 countries around the world.

The Special Olympics organization has about 30 sports for the athletes to choose from, being one of them the sport that I love the most and were my heart is: cycling.

But today is a sad day for many. Eunice Shriver remains in critical medical condition at Cape Cod Hospital due to several strokes she has been suffering the last years. Last report indicates she still is in critical condiction but stable.

Bob Johnson, president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, which is holding its August tournament this weekend in Easthampton, Belchertown and Stow said to reporters:

“She is a visionary. She is a determined individual who has had a profound impact upon the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. At the opening ceremony, I asked for a moment of silence and we dedicated today’s games to Mrs. Shriver.”

My heart goes out to her and wish for her prompt recovery. The world needs this wonderful woman.

You can read all about her and post your own tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver visiting her Storywall Website

"As President, I was grateful for all you did to help me better understand the issues people with intellectual disabilities face, how we could help them, and how much they have to contribute. Special Olympics has helped all Americans better understand these things. It has given countless individuals with intellectual disabilities a chance to shine, and their success has inspired a fundamental change in our society's attitudes. The generations of people with intellectual disabilities who will live better lives are truly your legacy, and I'm glad this website will tell your powerful story."

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

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Best United States Hospitals For 2009

The U.S. News & World Report has released its "honor roll" of America's best medical centers for 2009.
Johns Hopkins Hospital located in Baltimore has been at the top of the list for 19 years already.

The top 21 hospitals have very high scores in at least 6 specialties, like oncology (cancer), geriatrics, orthopaedics, urology, cardiology, neurology.

To score a hospital objective and subjective measures were considered. Where objective measures are mortality rates, patient safety and other medical/nursing/general hospital care, and subjective measures such as reputation of the hospital and its staff.

"I think these rankings are extremely meaningful to an extremely small number of patients, relatively speaking, who represent a very small piece of the patient population but whose need for a very high quality of care is extreme. These rankings are not at all intended for those who need relatively routine procedures." -Avery Comarow, the U.S. News & World Report statistician.

The 'Best Hospitals' for 2009

1. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
3. Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
4. Cleveland Clinic
5. Massachusetts General, Boston
6. New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell
7. University of California-San Francisco Medical Center
8. Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
9. Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University, St. Louis
10. Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
11. Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
12. University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle
13. UPMC-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
14. University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, Ann Arbor
15. Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, Calif.
16. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
17. New York University Medical Center
18. Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Conn.
19. Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York
20. Methodist Hospital, Houston
21. Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus

Top Hospitals by Specialty

Here are the No. 1 hospitals in each specialty, according to U.S. News and World Report:

* Cancer: M.D. Anderson Center, University of Texas, Houston
* Diabetes and endocrine disorders: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
* Digestive disorders: Mayo Clinic
* Ear, nose, throat: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
* Geriatric care: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
* Gynecology: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
* Heart and heart surgery: Cleveland Clinic
* Kidney disorders: Brigham and Women's Hospital
* Neurology and neurosurgery: Mayo Clinic
* Ophthalmology: Bascon Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami
* Orthopaedics: Mayo Clinic
* Psychiatry: Massachusetts General, Boston
* Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
* Respiratory disorders: National Jewish Hospital, Denver
* Rheumatology: Johns Hopkins Hospital
* Urology: Johns Hopkins Hospital

Arthur Caplan, PhD, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, says that lists for most people "are almost useless. The only data of value is on specific doctors, treating cases analogous to your own."

Rankings "are a quality perspective from 75,000 feet when what the prospective patient needs is precision at ground level about particular doctors doing particular things in situations close to the one the patient has," Caplan says.
"You can investigate on your own," he says. "For people who don't live near a Hopkins, there are many community hospitals that have very good records."

SOURCES:

News release, U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report: "America's Best Hospitals."
Avery Comarow, health rankings editor, U.S. News & World Report.
Arthur Caplan, PhD, director, Center for Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania.
Rick Wade, senior vice president, American Hospital Association.

Zumba Sexy Energetic Dancing

Zumba is a very energetic way of dancing that combines both Latin and International music rhythms ( salsa, merengue, rock, and hip hop ) to make a dynamic, fast and exciting fitness system.
Dancing Zumba is fun, entertaining and a fantastic way to burn tons of calories because it's a non-stop workout in a party-like atmosphere that tones your muscles and improves your cardiovascular performance.

If you want to exercise but don't like sports but still want to lose weight and be fit, I strongly recommend that you seriously consider some Zumba classes. Believe me, you won't regret it.

Top 10 Most Common Cycling Complications

The health benefits one can get from cycling are endless, but like in any sport if we don't take enough precautions and don't use proper techniques we can hurt ourselves.
That is why it is necessary to be well informed about which is the most proper way to practice cycling.
For example, if we don't use a correct body position on the bike we can injure our lower or upper back. If the saddle is too high or too low we can strain or pull a muscle, hurt both knees or cause pain in our hip.
It's been researched that avid serious female cyclists that spend more than 15 hours a week on the bike could develop hypertrophy of the clitoris (hypertrophy=enlargement)

These are the TOP 10 most common complications from cycling

1. Knee pain (due to chondromalasya, osteoarthritis, patellofemoral syndrome
2. Abrasions and road rash
3. Temporary male cyclist impotency (for long endurance cyclists)
4. Hand numbness
5. Muscle cramps
6. Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures (dislocation and fracture of the clavicle most common)
7. Blisters
8. Hypertrophy of the clitoris (for long endurance female cyclists)
9. Achilles tendinitis
10.Over-training Syndrome

NOTE: Just in case that my male cycling readers wonder about the possibility of "cycling causing prostate or testicular cancer", the answer is definitely NOT. Period.

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Exercise To Get Rid Of Depression

EXERCISE TO GET RID OF DEPRESSION!

Exercising at least 3 times a week, vigorously, is the best way not only to keep in shape and be fit and slim and look pretty and be healthy, but it’s also an excellent way to get rid of that debilitating depression that affects so many people.
The body produces endorphins when we exercise and that makes us feel good and happier.
I exercise 5 to 6 times a week, mainly road cycling, and man....I feel good!

10 most common symptoms of depression:

1. Loss of interest in daily activities you normally enjoy
2. Overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and/or worthlessness
3. Extreme, persistent fatigue
4. Lack of concentration
5. Problems sleeping
6. Decreased sex drive
7. Low self-esteem
8. Increased irritability and/or anxiousness
9. Distinct change in appetite and/or weight
10 Suicidal thoughts

Do you want more? Go to:

"Just how exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety isn't fully understood. Some evidence suggests that exercise raises the levels of certain mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Exercise may also boost feel-good endorphins, release muscle tension, help you sleep better, and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It also increases body temperature, which may have calming effects. All of these changes in your mind and body can improve such symptoms as sadness, anxiety, irritability, stress, fatigue, anger, self-doubt and hopelessness."

Mayo Clinic