Chris Christie ,Vitamins,Lap Band Surgery and Brady Hoke

  Brady Hoke, Chris Christie and vitamins

  Well, today started with a bang. Early this morning, I was interviewed by Warren Pierce of radio station W JR -760 on your dial. During that interview, I talked about Bo Schembechler’s competitiveness during the tumultuous 1960s. Warren was not aware of Michigan’s Mellow Men (Thom Darden, Reggie McKenzie, Mike Oldham and Glenn Doughty, Butch Carpenter, Billy Taylor and Mike Taylor    ) and the fact that Coach Bump Elliott facilitated the rental of that house for these players. I also mentioned that this group of seven men, with Coach Schembechler’s approval, blocked the entrance to the engineering building on campus. The interview time went by so quickly but it was so much fun.

WJR has very special meaning for me. For me, a good portion of my time in early childhood was spent listening to the radio since we didn’t have a TV. As a youngster, listening to the radio, i.e. Lone Ranger, the Shadow, and The Green Hornet etc. was very important in my developing years. Aside from these programs, I also listened to sports, and grew up with announcer Van Patrick.  Patrick was an honorary member of my family. I was a fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Pistons were not in town yet.

So thinking about WJR brought back special memories about growing up in Detroit. Even then, sports were extremely important to me. In fact, reading John R Tunis, the author of stories about sports, was also a favorite activity of mine. I read about sports, I listened on the radio to professional sports, and I played unorganized sports in and around my neighborhood. Having the opportunity to go back to my roots, so to speak, was terrific and that started my day.

Then, the stage was set for the Ohio State and Michigan, big game held in Columbus, Ohio. On Michigan’s first possession, Gardner, threw an interception and the Buckeyes scored quickly. Michigan then scored two touchdowns and held the lead until about two minutes, going into the half. However, Ohio State’s quarterback ran for a touchdown, tying the score, leaving little time on the clock. In the third quarter, the Buckeyes received the ball and scored, taking the lead. Michigan came back to score, making it a game until the Buckeyes put the game away in the fourth quarter.

ABC’s announcers were talking about that more than likely this is Brady Hoke’s last game as Michigan’s coach. Maybe Brady Hoke should have taken Chris Christie’s advice. According to an article in The New York Times Magazine November 23, 2014, Christie takes vitamins and lap- band surgery for his health. Brady, if you had done as Chris Christie, perhaps your health and job security would be more secure.

Well, I just completed another 6 ½ miles today and thus totaled a little more than 75 miles of running this past seven day week. I take vitamins, but I also exercise, rest and utilize recreation for my health. And as I say in closing, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating.

Go Blue! There is always next year.

Born in the USA

"Living well and beautifully and justly are all one thing." – Socrates

  My 75^th Birthday

Tuesday was my last trail run in my first 74 years. My trail run today was about 12 ½ miles. I decided to take Tony’s advice and run for at least 57(reversing number 75) miles for the week. On Sunday, I ran a little over 21 miles and a little over 6 miles on Monday. So in my first three days of the week, I totaled over 40 miles. My birthday run today will total 8 to 10 miles with Madhu. That means, I will easily reach my goal of over 57 miles on “Turkey Day.

”

After a good couple months of easy running, I’m starting to increase my mileage for 2015. On New Year’s Day,  I have registered for a 10 mile trail run (Resolution Run). I also registered for a 50 K (Jed Smith) for February 7, 2015. In December, I plan to register for a 50 K (Way Too Cool) held March 2015.

I must admit I been somewhat distracted as a result of the marketing of Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. There have been presentations to the University of Michigan Alumni Association, radio interviews, etc. But now I have to get more serious with my running.

Activities associated with my book have been fun, but simply running on the trail has been a way of life for me. It has provided me with excellent health, friendship and pleasure. In other words, it’s been good for my physical and mental health.

Life has been good as I figured out what works for me. In closing, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating. Further, beat Ohio State

.  Go Blue!

The Warren Pierce Show -WJR Radio

While watching Monday night football with Chris and Tony, I brought up the fact that I beat Tony to Cool the day before, even though he took a slightly longer running route. Both Chris and I were delighted that I beat him. After that discussion was over, Tony told me the trail he wanted to run for the next day and I agreed.

Tuesday is our typical running day. As we were heading out to run this morning, he told me he would race me to the wooden bridge at Brown’s bar. Again, he knew that I would likely take a shorter trail. I asked him why he didn’t tell me the night before that he wanted to race. He replied that he didn’t want me to worry and lose a night’s sleep over it. Then he admitted that he wanted to see how he would feel in the morning.

Well, on our race, I heard him coming up behind me, and he caught me prior to the wooden bridge. He was pleased and I was less pleased. I might add that there was plenty of laughter on Monday evening and Tuesday morning regarding our discussion. In essence, we laugh a lot at our idiosyncrasies. Further, Chris was about a 2: 25 marathoner; and Tony and I are still waiting to experience the “runners high.” As far as we are concerned, it’s simply a myth. We all laugh about that also.

On Anot

her note, I was pleasantly informed that I was invited to be on The Warren Pierce Show, Saturday, November 29^th at 7:50 AM on station WJR. For those that don’t know, I’ll be talking about my book “Bo’s Warriors-Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football” prior to the Michigan, Ohio State rivalry game. Hopefully, Michigan will pull the upset like they did 45 years ago against the Buckeyes. Make sure you tune in Saturday morning to the show.

 I must admit that I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, listening to WJR, since my family didn’t receive a television set until I was roughly an adolescent. So, I listened to the radio stations WJR, WWJ and WXYZ. Anyway, I’m likely to have many dreams this week that pertain to Detroit.

In the meantime, keep moving, smiling, laughing, bonding, loving and appreciating. Don’t forget, Go Blue!

Gestalt Psychology and Boredom

In a recent post ADHD http://ithasnothingtodowithage.blogspot.com/ a psychiatry professor attempted to explain certain ADHD’s symptoms as a result of a chemical imbalance of dopamine in the brain. The idea was that the dopamine receptors, namely D2 and D3 (associated with reward circuits) were fewer in patients with this diagnosis. He talked about symptoms of inattention, focusing, and lack of concentration. For example, apparently this diagnosis affects 11% of individuals in United States ages 4 through 17.

This article brings to mind a study by one of Kurt Lewin’s students (Karsten) in 1928. Kurt Lewin was a brilliant Gestalt psychologist. In his field theory model, he studied the individual within the environment. He believed that behavior: B =f (p, e). Simply put, behavior, is the function of the person (p) within their environment (e). In his model, he defined need as a hypothetical state located within the organism. And that need went into action until the need got met. To simplify, this cognitive field of learning and motivation employed numerous concepts including: topological, vectors, valences, goals, purpose ,foreign hull, barriers, life space, perception, needs ,attention,  and force to name a few.

Some characteristics of an ADHD diagnosis include the following: often fails to finish things he or she starts; easily distracted; has difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or other tasks requiring sustained attention; has difficulty sticking to a play activity; has difficulty sitting still or fidgets excessively.

Keep these symptoms in mind, Karsten in the experiment had her subjects repeat the same task again and again, although the subject was presumably free to stop when he had enough. It was hypothesized whether or not attention, a hypothetical need accompanying a task, could be discharged by having the subject perform it over and over. The results of the study demonstrated that the subjects showed satiation, but apparently tried to overcome it by using various devices or by variation in the task. They showed inattention, and fatigue after a time.

I somewhat replicated this study with my university psychology students. I had them repeat a paper and pencil task over and over again for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. It didn’t take long for satiation to set in for some. In order to deal with their boredom, some enhanced their drawing’s, some wandered and let their pencils repeat the task in various orders; some started talking with fellow students, some became restless; room noise increased; and some got very sloppy with their drawings. There was plenty of distortion of shape, distortion of rotation, perseveration, and integration as satiation set in. In other words, satiation or boredom prevailed with symptoms associated with ADHD. Now of course, dopamine levels of my students were not evaluated. Nor was the ADHD diagnosis made on these college students. Perhaps, some had this diagnosis, along with impaired dopamine levels.

The purpose of this study was to show the effects of satiation within Lewin’s field theory model. The findings suggest that some students act out based upon the repressive, restrictive and boring school environment. So if your child or loved one has some of the symptoms, it is important to evaluate the person’s environment since satiation may be an important overlooked variable.

So, keep moving has many advantages, along with smiling, laughing, bonding, loving and appreciating. When one is bored or satiated, the person acts very differently.

PS

I thought about writing this post on Sunday’s run with Tony. I ran about 21 miles, and that gave me an opportunity to think while I was moving. Running works for me.

ADHD,Ritalin,Dopamine,Montossori,and Nomadic Hunters and Gathers

  ADHD and Paleontology

An article in The New York Times, November 2, 2014 got my attention. This article was written by a clinical psychiatry professor regarding A. D. H. D., This professor believes that individuals with this diagnosis have impaired, dopamine receptors (D2, D3) in their rewards circuits. And as a result of these lower levels of dopamine receptors, the individual has more problems with inattention. He went on to say that medication like Adderall and Ritalin help by blocking the transport of dopamine back into neurons and this results in increasing their level (dopamine) in the brain.

Further, he went on to say that those that had an ADHD diagnosis in Paleolithic times had an advantage since these individuals were nomadic hunter gatherers. Being a hunter gatherer meant that you were on the search for food and lived the exciting life because you never knew where your next meal was. It also put you in contact, with many different females because of always being on the move. For these, activity novelty and movement were a good thing.  And then man discovered, and invented agriculture. With this discovery came along a life that became more routine, and likely boring.

In other words, having an ADHD diagnosis was an advantage at first in the evolutionary cycle, but that all changed with the invention of agriculture. So today’s ADHD individual seeks curiosity, exploration, manipulation and activity. And if this is true, how can that individual function effectively in a rigid sitting like being at a desk in a school program or sitting at a desk in some office. One theory of motivation is tension reduction. For these ADHD individuals, tension reduction doesn’t work. They need an environment that is actually tension induction.

So this psychiatrist believes that it’s important to be in the right environment for individuals with this diagnosis. More than likely the ADHD person becomes bored, inattentive and restless in many of today’s venues. What becomes interesting to some becomes very negative or uninteresting to the ADHD individual. And an explanation of why some individuals seem to outgrow their ADHD symptoms is because as adults have found work that is more interesting, creative and challenging. They don’t have to function on one thing at one time. They can have three computer screens and leave many Tabs open at one time and flourish in that activity.

It is also clear that some computer games are more drive inductive (inducing), which means the more you play the more excitement and challenge. If you have a child or know somebody that does have an ADHD diagnosis or is doing poorly in school, it might be related to the school environment. And if you don’t want to use meds, then think about changing the school or the teaching philosophy. A Montessori, more hands-on or even a technical training school might assist greatly.

As you know, it’s my motto to keep moving, smiling, laughing, appreciating, bonding, and loving.

ADHD ,Paleontology, Dopamine ,Montessori and Ritalin

  ADHD and Paleontology

An article in The New York Times, November 2, 2014 got my attention. This article was written by a clinical psychiatry professor regarding A. D. H. D., This professor believes that individuals with this diagnosis have impaired, dopamine receptors (D2, D3) in their rewards circuits. And as a result of these lower levels of dopamine receptors, the individual has more problems with inattention. He went on to say that medication like Adderall and Ritalin help by blocking the transport of dopamine back into neurons and this results in increasing their level (dopamine) in the brain.

Further, he went on to say that those that had an ADHD diagnosis in Paleolithic times had an advantage since these individuals were nomadic hunter gatherers. Being a hunter gatherer meant that you were on the search for food and lived the exciting life because you never knew where your next meal was. It also put you in contact, with many different females because of always being on the move. For these, activity novelty and movement were a good thing.  And then man discovered, and invented agriculture. With this discovery came along a life that became more routine, and likely boring.

In other words, having an ADHD diagnosis was an advantage at first in the evolutionary cycle, but that all changed with the invention of agriculture. So today’s ADHD individual seeks curiosity, exploration, manipulation and activity. And if this is true, how can that individual function effectively in a rigid sitting like being at a desk in a school program or sitting at a desk in some office. One theory of motivation is tension reduction. For these ADHD individuals, tension reduction doesn’t work. They need an environment that is actually tension induction.

So this psychiatrist believes that it’s important to be in the right environment for individuals with this diagnosis. More than likely the ADHD person becomes bored, inattentive and restless in many of today’s venues. What becomes interesting to some becomes very negative or uninteresting to the ADHD individual. And an explanation of why some individuals seem to outgrow their ADHD symptoms is because as adults have found work that is more interesting, creative and challenging. They don’t have to function on one thing at one time. They can have three computer screens and leave many Tabs open at one time and flourish in that activity.

It is also clear that some computer games are more drive inductive (inducing), which means the more you play the more excitement and challenge. If you have a child or know somebody that does have an ADHD diagnosis or is doing poorly in school, it might be related to the school environment. And if you don’t want to use meds, then think about changing the school or the teaching philosophy. A Montessori, more hands-on or even a technical training school might assist greatly.

As you know, it’s my motto to keep moving, smiling, laughing, appreciating, bonding, and loving.

Gun Violence, NRA and Freud

  

In The National Psychologist, September/October 2014, there was an article titled “American Culture Steeped in Guns.” There were a couple of points pointed out by the writer that included: 1. Middle-aged white men are buying more and more guns 2. The likelihood of white men purchasing firearms increases the farther they live from the city 3. Ads among gun manufacturers involve a warrior in camouflage gear 4. At one time more white men dominated our culture than today 5. This population of white men believe that the gains by minorities in America were not earned through hard work, but instead through special privileges 6. Further, that the educated elite are the ones that are more powerful and have more status.

It should also be pointed out that the human species are the only living organisms that prey on its own kind for reasons other than survival. In the animal kingdom, killing is related to survival, food, territory and procreation.

According to Freud, Fromm and others, humans have the potential for violence, but not all express this aggression. Freud would talk about the unconscious as well as the irrational id (aggressive impulses) being held in check by the superego (conscience). So according to his theory, (and not related to survival, food, territory, or procreation) man’s sexual and aggressive impulses are not successfully being held in check by man’s conscience or superego.

Fromm would add that these gun tooting warriors are purchasing the gun as a symbol (i.e. power protection status), but based on feelings of a disturbed self, inadequacy, insignificance, weakness and vulnerability. It’s safe to say that not dealing with what goes on in one’s inner world can’t be fixed by a gun, guns, or automatic weapons.

The gun manufacturers are smart as they are preying on the vulnerability of this subculture. The put out misinformation such as about restrictive gun laws, threats to the Second Amendment, the shortage of bullets, etc.

So, the likelihood of easily available weapons will remain in our culture; as well as the likelihood for more mass shooters prying on those that are vulnerable.

The moral of the story is to know thyself, keep moving, smiling, laughing, loving, bonding and appreciating. And if you do so, there’s a greater likelihood that you have a well-functioning superego or conscience. 

Magical Thinking, Placebos,-We Need Them?

Just last week, while running on the trail with Tony, we talked about motivational strategies that were meant to improve running ability. The following are ideas that I’ve used over the years, my friends have used or I have observed. Some might call it magical thinking.

We can call the strategies an affirmation. For example, when I ran the Western States 100 and I was simply tired and exhausted, at times I said to myself  “I can.” That expression was positive self-talk and used to facilitate and help me to keep going and continue running. Well, I did complete the run, but I don’t know for sure whether or not that affirmation was the sole reason for my success. The dictionary defines affirmation, as the assertion that something is true. I wouldn’t hesitate to give that advice to anyone. However, it’s an interesting research question.

In medicine, placebos are used and the dictionary defines placebo as a medicine given merely to please the patient. I can think of a few research examples by Helen Langer. In her research, Dr. Langer told hotel workers that cleaning rooms was exercise. The women in the study, lost weight, as well as having better BMI scores. In another study, she had eight men in their 70s stay in a decorated 1959 style facility with black-and-white televisions, Perry Como, and Frank Sinatra records, etc. for five days. At the end of five days, these men had lower blood pressure scores and walked more effortlessly likely the way they did in 1959.

I bought a pair of compression socks that are supposedly beneficial and therapeutic to assist in my running. The first time that I wore the socks, I thought they helped. I see many people wearing them during running events, but I can’t say whether or not they work. I also make a morning smoothie after first being introduced to it by my ride and tie and running partner friend Jonathan Jordan. I have a professional blender and put in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. I even add Green Vibrance for additional nutritional benefits. Just think of all the nutritional bars, gels available on the market designed to give you that extra. Heck, you can get a five hour energy drink. That might be great for a trail ultramarathon.

The running shoe manufacturers have developed all types of running shoes designed to give you that edge. Currently I use Brooks as the shoe of my choice. Tony has gone to a shoe that he claims reduces his painful feet after a run. He also has special socks that he uses for races. I prefer tights and Tony wears shorts.

Watching baseball, Johnny Gomes comes to mind. He steps in the batter’s box. Gomes adjusts his gloves as well as his batting helmet(2-3 times) prior to every pitch. Sometimes it looks as if the batting helmet adjustment covers his eyes even though I know it doesn’t. He’s not the only one who has a pattern of behaviors before every pitch. They all seem to have their style.

A number of years ago, I got it in my head that I had to total about 50 miles or more of running a week. That number could be accomplished over seven days, six days, five days or whatever. I was not stuck on the number of running days per week, but only stuck on the number of total miles. Well I’m still continuing that behavior. Some might say that I’m nuts, superstitious, or I even use those numbers as placebos.

Affirmations (the assertion that something is true), placebos, superstitious behavior (a belief entertained, regardless of reason or knowledge), self-deception (deceiving oneself), or even rationalization (justifying the behavior after it happens),all have one thing in common, in that they’re not based on scientific proof, reason or knowledge. So we can all fool ourselves in regards to our behavior or the behavior of others. However, individuals that use the strategies have faith in them. And more than likely no rational argument can convince them otherwise. It’s amazing what goes on between our ears, and hopefully what you believe is beneficial for you.

I must admit that I’m still looking for that edge. On the other hand, I can assert, but I can’t prove that at age 75, I can continue to run ultra-marathons because of my superstitious behaviors. I must admit that writing this piece brings a smile to my face. What brings a smile to your face?

Geriatric , ADA,and The New York Times

 ADA ,Knee Replacement and The New York Times

I just came across an article in the November 2, 2014 of The New York Times that talked about the new buildings and its effects on older people. This geriatric professor pointed out that the new buildings were gorgeous. However, he claimed that some of these buildings had side entrances for the older adult programs because they didn’t want to scare off younger people. He went on to say that the hallway were too long; chairs without armrests; poor lighting; narrow heavy doors; and lack of regularly spaced chairs. He thought that even though these buildings are ADA compliant, they still don’t meet the standards for adults who are older that have physical, sensory or cognitive challenges and might be frail as well.

Statistically over 40 million Americans are 65 or older and 11 million-the fastest-growing segment of the older population are over age 80. The Professor believes that new buildings should be designed to accommodate this population.

My thinking is that I want to be as healthy as I can and not worry about heavy doors, seating without armrests, etc. My wife Linda had knee surgery replacement on October 13, 2014. Her second knee replacement surgery is scheduled for December 12, 2014.

Linda, on her own, called a number of facilities to check out their swimming pool criteria so that she can rehab herself and be ready and strong for that second surgery. No one had to tell her this. Nor did anyone have to write a prescription. Because she is self-motivated, she is taking control over her physical health. Did this trait just start? No, of course not. She has been a self-motivator and physically active individual her entire life. So she takes responsibility for her health like water rolling off a duck’s back. In fact, at this moment in time, she is at the pool. Good for her.

I believe we have to start young and change the thinking and behavior of many, so that when they reach maturity they are physically and cognitively strong to meet the challenges of their individual evolution. So if you want my advice, sir, keep moving, smiling, laughing, bonding and appreciating.

PS

Oh by the way, today, Tony and I plan to run about 22 ± miles the trail. “If you don’t know the trail, you don’t know where you’re going.”

Valor,Band of Brothers and Peyton Manning

 Valor, Band of Brothers, Bo Schembechler and Peyton Manning

While I was on my elliptical this morning, I was watching a taped program from a Veterans Day program “Concert of Valor.” While watching this concert, I was moved by the Spirit of the entertainers as well as the audience. It was very patriotic to say the least and that was neat. Early on in the program, an orthopedic surgeon from Truckee, California story was told. After losing one of his two military sons, this surgeon at age 60, wanted to enlist. Initially, he was turned down because of his age, but an intervention by President Bush facilitated his serving. The word valor fits for him and all his fellow comrade veterans.

Valor is defined as exhibiting bravery, especially in battle. The word also suggest heroic courage, being strong and boldness in braving danger. While I was interviewing Mike Keller for my book “Bo’s Warriors” he commented on how he felt connected to his Wolverine teammates and referred to them as “Band of Brothers” Keller made it clear that while playing for Michigan, it felt like being in the military as far as the bonding and love for his teammates was concerned. He was not associating practices and games with actual battle conditions like in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler had no difficulty in providing examples of military generals and historic battles in motivating their players. A key component in forming a band of brothers is the cohesiveness of the group and working for a common goal. Their love, they’re not wanting to let their comrades or teammates down, and submerging their individual egos for the will of the group is unprecedented. Coach Bo Schembechler was a genius at bringing the group and narrowing its focus on the team. For him it was the team, team, and team.

Related to being part of the group is the following: “When you find your trail, keep on it because that will allow you to know your destination.” This simply means that it may take a while to find your path. Commercials like Joe Montana for the correct shoe; Brett Favre for the correct sock; Peyton Manning for the correct pizza; or some correct drink; or some correct compression device; or some correct exercise equipment may work as a placebo to assist while on your journey. Placebos are fine and good motivators. However, remember that motivation, drive, goal, or valor is found from within. When you have found “your trail,” it’ll be perfectly clear, and I mean perfectly clear. Although the journey may have bumps and turns, the path will become clearer and clearer. You’ll know that you found your own pathway.

 For me, some of those early side trails, intersections, etc. included being part of the football team, becoming a PhD psychologist, finding Ride and Tie, ultra running and connecting. It took a while for me to find my way and I’m sure you will too. Remember the trail is not always clear because our goals change. And it may take a while to know or realize that you’re on the right path. In the meantime, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding and appreciating.

Valor,Band of Brothers, Bo, and Peyton Manning

 Valor, Band of Brothers, Bo Schembechler and Peyton Manning

While I was on my elliptical this morning, I was watching a taped program from a Veterans Day program “Concert of Valor.” While watching this concert, I was moved by the Spirit of the entertainers as well as the audience. It was very patriotic to say the least and that was neat. Early on in the program, an orthopedic surgeon from Truckee, California story was told. After losing one of his two military sons, this surgeon at age 60, wanted to enlist. Initially, he was turned down because of his age, but an intervention by President Bush facilitated his serving. The word valor fits for him and all his fellow comrade veterans.

Valor is defined as exhibiting bravery, especially in battle. The word also suggest heroic courage, being strong and boldness in braving danger. While I was interviewing Mike Keller for my book “Bo’s Warriors” he commented on how he felt connected to his Wolverine teammates and referred to them as “Band of Brothers” Keller made it clear that while playing for Michigan, it felt like being in the military as far as the bonding and love for his teammates was concerned. He was not associating practices and games with actual battle conditions like in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler had no difficulty in providing examples of military generals and historic battles in motivating their players. A key component in forming a band of brothers is the cohesiveness of the group and working for a common goal. Their love, they’re not wanting to let their comrades or teammates down, and submerging their individual egos for the will of the group is unprecedented. Coach Bo Schembechler was a genius at bringing the group and narrowing its focus on the team. For him it was the team, team, and team.

Related to being part of the group is the following: “when you find your trail, keep on it, because that will allow you to know your destination.” This simply means that it may take a while to find your path, your trail or your way before you know where you’re going. Commercials like Joe Montana for the correct shoe; Brett Favre for the correct sock; Peyton Manning for the correct pizza; or some correct drink; or some correct compression device; or some correct exercise equipment may work as a placebo to assist while on your journey. Placebos are fine and good motivators. However, remember that motivation, drive, goal, or valor is found from within. When you have found “your trail,” it’ll be perfectly clear, and I mean perfectly clear. Although the journey may have bumps and turns, the path will become clearer and clearer. You’ll know that you found your own pathway.

 For me, some of those early side trails, intersections, etc. included being part of the football team, becoming a PhD psychologist, finding Ride and Tie, ultra running and connecting. It took a while for me to find my way and I’m sure you will too. Remember the trail is not always clear because our goals change. And it may take a while to know or realize that you’re on the right path. In the meantime, keep moving, laughing, smiling, bonding and appreciating.

Finding Bill Gates

Finding Bill Gates

Just recently I read an article in the October 26, 2014 edition of The New York Times. The statistics quoted in the article was alarming and brought reality home. It seemed to me that the “American Public” was not getting any smarter and that people just seem more opinionated. In the article, the writer talked about his father, a World War II refugee who did not speak English when he arrived in the United States In 1951. His father, purchased a copy of the New York Times and began to teach himself to read and speak English. Not only that, he graduated from college and eventually earned a PhD and became a university professor. This man bought into the American dream that was possible back then. However, today’s statistics suggest that economic and educational mobility are now greater in Europe than in America. Well, that’s sobering and here are some statistics cited as to why America has fallen behind.

America, at one time, led the world in mass education. By the mid-1800s most American states provided a free elementary education to the great majority of white children. While in Great Britain, in 1870, only 2% of British 14-year-olds were in school. And by the 1930’s, the US was the first major country in which the majority of children attended a high school. And in 1957, only 9% of 17-year-olds in Great Britain were in school. Until the 1970s, we were preeminent in mass education and some believe that was the secret to America’s economic rise. Since 1970s, things have changed dramatically.

For example: 1. currently, more young men in America have less education than their parents (20 versus 29% 2. If your parents didn’t graduate from high school, only 5% of you made it through college. While if you lived in another industrialized country, about 23% of you made it through college. 3. Russia, leads the way and has the largest percentage of adults with a University education. At one time we were first. 4. In 2000, the US ranked a respectable second to the share of the population with a college degree. Currently, we have dropped to fifth place. And, among 25 to 34-year-olds, we are in 12^th place behind South Korea in first place. 5. Among industrialized countries, 70% of their three-year-olds are enrolled in educational programs. However, in the United States, the figure is 38%. 6. Although American teachers work longer hours, they earned 68% as much is the average American college educated worker. In industrialized countries, their teachers average, a respectable 88% .7. Our educational system is dependent on local property taxes. That’s great for rich kids in the suburbs and disastrous for inner-city kids who need more assistance.

We have heard for years about economic inequality and maybe something to do with that is related to this negative educational trend. While we have a number of private colleges, we know they are creative in attempting to entice students to enroll. However, that doesn’t seem to solve the diminishing educational enrollment problem in our country.

The priorities in our culture seem to center around the military, homeland security, or in economic terms-guns versus butter as was pointed out by Pres. Eisenhower when he talked about the great military-industrial complex. The government and especially social media, radio and TV have done a great job in promoting fear. Too bad other than Bill Gates were not putting more effort into fixing educational inequality in our country.

Have we lost our way?

What Is Your Mindset ?

Part Two    Our Mindset

Previous research has shown the power of placebos and the measurable physiological changes that take place. There’s one study that followed 4000 subjects over two decades and found that men who were bald in the study were more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who had their own hair. Langer believes that baldness is a cue for old age, and that these men may actually have been led by their thinking to waist ratio compared to the control group.

 Another study evaluated, the length of sleeping time of subjects... Langer wondered whether the biochemistry of type II diabetics could be manipulated by having the diabetics believe that their blood glucose levels would follow perceived time rather than actual time. In other words, would those levels spike and dip when the subject expected them too simply by telling them they slept either more or less than they actually did. And the findings suggested that’s exactly what happened to these diabetics.

 My wife Linda had a knee replacement about three weeks ago. She was still experiencing discomfort in one area of her knee and was discouraged by thinking something was wrong. She had a post-surgery appointment with her physician. She walked in with crutches. The surgeon told her that she was experiencing discomfort in that area of the knee because that’s where the location of the surgery was and that she should expect discomfort in an area. It was normal and it would eventually be pain-free. He also told her that she could go swimming, go in a hot tub and that her wounds had healed. Linda felt better and walked out of the consultation without her crutches. She is no longer the patient. Her mindset changed, as well as her behavior.

To sum up, how and what we think, determine who we and what we become on a physical and psychological level. This means you might have to change your expectations. If you can’t do it on your own, find someone to assist you.

In the meantime, keep moving, smiling, laughing, bonding, touching, loving and appreciating as it will make all the difference.

How to Think

 The Power of Positive and Negative Thinking

Unfortunately, my father had type II diabetes. And if that wasn’t bad enough, I believe that his thinking about his disease further contributed to his unhappy emotional state. I remember him talking about his disease and what the future had in store for him. He knew that his eyesight would deteriorate and that he would likely lose his limbs as a result of poor circulation. The point is that he didn’t view himself-his expectations as having a good future regarding his health. In other words, negative expectations played and contributed to his mental state.

On the other hand, my mother was a master psychologist. As she was growing older, I talked to her about moving to an “old folks” facility. I should’ve known better, but I didn’t at that time. My father died and my mother lived alone in an apartment. When I made my inappropriate suggestion, she replied, “I don’t want to live among old people.” She was sharp as a tack and I wouldn’t dare play her in the game of Scrabble since I knew that I didn’t have a chance of winning. She loved being around younger people and especially being a mentor or a psychologist to her young friend Charlotte. Charlotte had relationship difficulties especially getting along with her mother. My mother was there to counsel her and she did.

Mother also sang and played the piano. She loved music and talked about Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. She also loved hearing the records of Mario Lonza, Tom Jones and other heartthrobs. She sang and she played. She also loved the movies-Doctor Zviago and the music from the movie- Laura’s Theme. Going back to an earlier time was very therapeutic for her.

And in the 1970s, when I did research for my dissertation one of the variables that I studied was expectancy. As it turned out, that was the most statistically significant independent variable of my research. Just today, I read an article in the October 26, 2014 edition of The New York Times Magazine about some of Ellen Langer’s experiments.

Dr. Langer believes in the unity of the mind and body. One set of experiments centered on taking older folks, and placing them in a living facility-a time warp, so to speak, to when they were significantly younger. This home was set up to include Perry Como, Ed Sullivan, black and white TV, books and magazines of the 50s, no mirrors or anything to remind them of the present. These eight men lived in this environment for only five days. After the five days in this environment these men began to feel as if they were 22 years younger. In fact, these men were suppler, showed greater manual dexterity and sat taller than individuals in the control group. Dr. Langer believed that these men put their mind in an earlier time and their bodies went along for the ride

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 Her current research is looking at stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She is evaluating whether or not the power of the mind can affect the ugly “C”. She believes that our culture teaches us that we have no control over certain things and she is out to test that notion.

To Be Continued

Team Sports in Decline

Are you surprised that participation among boys and girls aged 6 through 17, declined by approximately 4% in US team sports, such as basketball, soccer, baseball and football from 2008 to 2012? It is also true that the population of these kids in the US declined 0.6%. For more statistics: baseball bat sales fell 18%; football sales dropped 5%; and team uniform sales from basketball and soccer did not increase. However, total sporting-goods dollar sales rose by 2.1%.

Additional statistics: participation in high school football dropped 2.3%(comparing 2008-2009 to 2012-2013 seasons); high school baseball participation rose by 0.3% -but percentage participation in baseball and softball-little league fell by 6.8%; basketball participation fell 6.3% in the 6 to 14 age group;  and youth soccer participation was flat between the years 2008 2012.

A number of reasons given for the fall in physical activity (anywhere from 2 to 4%) for children are as follows: 1. Increasing costs 2. Excessive pressure on kids 3. Decline in school physical education programs 4. Other options, i.e. volunteering in the community, social networking, video games, etc. 5. Sport is not fun for children 6. Overworking kids and searching for the elite athlete 7. Physical injury.

On the positive side, increase participation in lacrosse, and in ice hockey have grown, but these two sports have limited numbers of participants.

I have two issues (if this is a trend) regarding the above. Team sports can provide for team bonding or cohesiveness-a sense of belonging, functioning as a unit, etc. what this means is that it’s a good model for learning about interpersonal relationships along with taking direction from others. One has to put one’s ego in their pocket so to speak and become part of the group. Often less of “me” and more of “we” has major benefits for our society like providing for emotional stability and working together for that common goal.

Also, I am concerned about inactivity. As our nation deals with all kinds of health issues and there is so much controversy regarding health care, the important picture is missed. The concern, interest and noise generated would be more beneficial if the focus was on getting individuals to become more physical and taking responsibility for their well being. We all know that physical activity can replace medication and should be the treatment or prescription of choice.

My prescription for better living includes: moving, laughing, smiling, bonding, loving and appreciating. What is your prescription?

Today’s source is the Wall Street Journal, January 31, 2014.