Denny, Jack and Warren

In thinking more about loss, my best friend Denny Ollerman came to mind. I first met Denny while we were both teaching an Introductory Psychology course for Oakland Community College in the late 1960’s.We also were pursuing our Ph. D’s in the Educational and Clinical Psychology Department at Wayne State University. Denny, being a good friend, was always and I mean always there for me over the years while in the Detroit area and again in California.

His kids Scott and Leah were very young when we first met. Denny subsequently divorced and married Maria. Prior to his marriage, Maria and I were faculty colleagues at Cal State University in San Bernardino. Eventually, I moved to the Bay Area and Maria and Denny moved to San Diego. Whenever, I traveled south to compete in a ride and tie, I stopped to see them both. In fact, Denny joined me when I competed in the Cuyumuca Ride and Tie in eastern San Diego County near Alpine where Jonathan resided. 

Denny and Maria bought a second home in the small fishing village of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Earlier, Denny brought his boat and become affiliated with the dive company there. Of course, visiting resulted in diving in the Pacific with Denny. We had many shared memories of growing up in Detroit. He played high school football for Mumford while I played for Denby. While in grad school, we both had ponytails and beards and were given a nickname by the faculty. I love Denny and miss him greatly. He was extremely intelligent and was a special human being.

Jack Sholl, I met, while researching “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.” Jack was a rower who grew up in the Philadelphia area. He was a real patriot as were his relatives. A distant grandfather, Peter Shumaker, was recruited by William Penn eight generations ago in the late 1600s or more specifically in 1695. Jack’s relatives fought in the American Revolution and another owned the tavern that was used for the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Jack knew his history and was a volunteer for the National Park Service in Philadelphia. Incidentally, he frequently was asked if he taught American history in high school or college. He replied “no, I worked for IBM for 29 years.”

Jack invited me to attend a book signing for the Sons of the American Revolution in Palm Springs. There, I met Ronald Reagan’s pilot on Air Force One. He was accompanied by his friend one of the Buffalo soldiers that guarded the San Diego area during the Second World War.

 Jack married Joan and during the early years he worked for John B Kelly. Mr. Kelly was Princess Grace’s father. So, Jack and Joan became friends of the Kelly’s as well as Prince Rainier. Shortly after ,I had Jack on our TV show .He was a wonderful man, traveled the world and was blessed by winning 15 US national gold medals in rowing  while still competing well into his 80s. He liked competing-“it’s an ego thing. I can’t disappoint others or let them down……. I like the affiliation, and the bonding with others my age. It’s been a way of life for me. I want to live life to its fullest and I might be afraid to stop, afraid to retire.” I miss being around this humble, positive warm and sincere patriot.

Warren Hellman I met through ride and tie many years ago. I really got to know him as we traveled the last 50 miles or so during the 2000 Tevis Cup competition. Warren was extremely competitive, grew up in New York and was president at the Lehman Brothers while in his late 20s. Tevis Cup winner Cathy Perry once said something to the effect that “Warren has more money than God.”

Warren would come to ride and tie competitions, arriving by his jet. He would show up in a wrinkled shirt and wrinkled pants. He looked homeless and in interacting with him, one had no idea of his extreme wealth. In fact, he started the Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco held at Golden Gate Park. In Golden Gate Park, Speedway Meadow was renamed - Hellman Hollow. He played the banjo and got great satisfaction in so doing. Sen. Dianne Feinstein presented his eulogy at Temple Emanu- El in San Francisco. Warren and I share the distinction along with two others to have completed the Tevis Cup, Western States endurance run, and the 100 mile Swanton Pacific Ride and Tie. Warren was a real kick. Hanging out with Warren was very different.

At one of our Cool Ride and Tie’s, Linda and I presented Warren with an award. He didn’t have to achieve or earn that award. In fact, he was caught off guard and looked surprised when it was presented. The last time I saw Warren was when Tony and I attended Jim Steere’s memorial service. Warren didn’t look physically well at that time .At that service, he did not disclose the severity of his medical issues.

There are many losses during one’s lifetime. However, their memories bring a smile to my face. Knowing them has expanded, enhanced and enriched my world as well. Thank you guys.

Ride and Tie Memories Part 2

Early in 1997, I entered an endurance ride that was simultaneously held with Dan Barger’s Mustang Classic Ride and Tie. There, I met Tony Brickel and Jeff Windeshausen. To this day, Tony remains my trail running partner, pacer, man of all seasons and dear friend. 1999 at the Quicksilver Ride and Tie, I met Jonathan Jordan. Jonathan was a defense attorney living in the San Diego area. When I traveled to the San Diego area for a ride and tie, I stayed with Jonathan and his family. When he and his family traveled to northern California, they stayed with Linda and I. Jonathan and I came in first place at the 100 mile Swanton Pacific Ride and Tie in 2008. I also consulted with Jonathan on one of his murder cases in Redding, California.

 I retired in 1999 and moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada’s. I was assisted, mentored, and influenced by ride and tie competitors Tom and Laura Christofk, and Jerome Beauchamp to name a few. Through ride and tie friends, I learned about the Tevis Cup and Western States competitions. Living near the endurance capital of the world, I naturally had to be a part of these events as well. During my Tevis completion in 2000, Tony assisted my horse Raider and me at the Forest Hill vet check and then again at the finish line in Auburn. Unfortunately, a number of my ride and tie friends including Tony, Becky, Tom, Chris and Michael Shackleford didn’t complete that race because of issues with their horse.

Ride and tie competitor Linda Raposelli Rodgers was my training partner for the 2002 Western States endurance run. Also, I received assistance from Chris Turney and William Emerson winners of the 2001 Euer Valley Ride and Tie Championship. Ride and tie friends again assisted me by being pacers on the run. Chuck Mather paced me from Forest Hill to Ruck -A-Chucky. Bill Johnson then paced me to the Highway 49 crossing. There, Jerome Beauchamp accompanied me to finish while encouraging me to pick off runners ahead. Just before the finish, at Robie Point, I was met by my sister Bev, my girlfriend, Tony and Deb Brickel and another dear friend Bob Edwards. We all laughed and lollygagged our way to the finish line in Auburn.

In essence, around age 57, the ride in tie influence began. I have both sad and joyous memories in recalling Jonathan, Bud and Chris. Even though they are physically gone, their memories are as bright as the sun and bring a smile to my face. This post brought back many terrific memories of the numerous friends, and friendships for me. It may sound like a cliché, however the sport of ride and tie facilitated a smooth,  prosperous and fruitful  transition into a retirement that assisted in my becoming more physically and mentally fulfilled and healthy.

PS

Ride and Tie individuals are runners with varied equestrian backgrounds. Endurance riders have mostly equestrian backgrounds. So, not all equestrians can compete in ride and tie.

Ride and Tie Memories

While running this morning on my 10 mile training run, I thought about the loss of four men associated with the sport of ride and tie. Jim Steere died on August 3, 2010, Jonathan Jordan passed about six months ago while both Bud Johns’ and Chris Knoch died recently. I heard about Chris’s passing from ride and tie  Paul Klentos  a good friend and Bud’ s passing from one of  my ride and tie partner’s Susan Smyth .  My memories recalled many individuals including ride and tie partners Bob Edwards and Steve Anderson along with the monumental impact of this sport.

 Jim Steere DVM competed in the first ride and tie with partner Mary Tiscornia on Mary’s horse, Theban Prince, whose sire Swaps, had won the Kentucky Derby in 1955. He also competed in the 40^th ride and tie championship; and has the distinction of being the oldest to have completed the Tevis Cup. This Fulbright scholar had many stories including his veterinary experience with the Tevis founder Wendell Robie. Whenever, I had an equestrian question, Jim was there with an answer. I interviewed him for my book “It Has Nothing To Do With Age” just a few days before his passing in 2010. He was beloved by all as evidenced at his memorial service. Incidentally, Mary had a best condition or Hagen Cup award on one of her Tevis rides.

Thank you, and my gratitude goes to Bud Johns who has been called the Father of Ride and Tie. At one time, Bud was a freelance writer who came across a newspaper article about an incident that took place in the late 1800s. Briefly, a father and his son with one horse hunted and tracked rustlers who had stolen their horses. That trio was victorious and recovered the rest of the herd. In 1969, Bud, the communications director for Levi’s, came up with the idea of a horse, rider and runner event to promote the rough and tough image of Levi jeans. In 1971, Levi’s sponsored the first championship ride and tie event held in St. Helena, California.

Ride and tie attracted numerous and highly competitive world-class runners and world-class equestrians. Gordon Ainsley the first individual to run what is now known as the 100 mile Western States ultra run came in fifth place in the Alturas Championship 1972 Ride and Tie. Other world-class athletes that I met through ride and tie but not limited include Western States winners Tom Johnson, Jim Howard and Tim Twietmeyer; world-class runner phenomes Mark Richtman, Dan Barger.and Meghan Arbogast. Tevis Cup winners, included Cathy Rohm Richardson, Becky Spencer, Marcia Smith, Lari Shea, Kathie Perry, Julie Suhr, Jeremy and Heather Reynolds.

I met Chris Knoch, a two-time Tevis Cup winner, at the 1997 Fort Bragg Ride and Tie Championship on the second loop of a 38 mile competition. That race was won by Brian Purcell [a Western States winner] and Mark Richtman [came in third in 2002 Western States]. My partner was Paul Robinson who told me that I wasn’t going to get off as easy as I did on my first ride in tie held at Quicksilver a month earlier. At Quicksilver, I teamed up with Russ Kiernan known as the Dipsea Legend. Russ was a three-time winner of that race which is the third oldest trail race in the United States .Russ, did most of the running.

To Be Continued

Grief, Depression, Stress, Brain and the Heart

A mind-body association was depicted in the March 24, 2019 edition of The New York Times. The article was titled “It’s Not All in the Head” and highlighted a possible link between the heart and the mind in a study of the” Broken Heart Syndrome.” In a broken heart syndrome, individuals had different functioning brains and was referred to as the Takotsubo syndrome. Depression, grief and distress amounted to impaired functioning.

The Takotsubo syndrome is a condition that occurs after a stressor such as that experienced after the loss of a loved one. This condition mostly affects women, with a weakened heart, and the heart bulges occasionally. This condition can be fatal but often the heart adjusts over time. This is a condition in the brain and its control over how the nervous system handled a stressor. With distress, the sympathetic nervous system or” the fight or flight” of the hypothalamus is activated  ; the parasympathetic system calms things back down; and it’s up to the  limbic system to generate and mediate emotions. In other words, these three regions of the brain are responsible, when healthy {effective communication}, to allow the basic autonomic processes to function smoothly in a homeostatic state.

Swiss cardiologists recruited 15 volunteers that were affected with this Takotsubo syndrome along with another 39 unaffected individuals for the study. Functional MRI scans of each brain were employed. Their findings were that with the   healthy subjects, the parts of the brain associated with emotions and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system lit up in unison.  However the communication system among those areas didn’t work as well with the Takotsubo individuals. This suggested that depression, grief and distress were harmful variables on the heart.

Questions not answered in this particular research included the following: 1. Did stress change the brains that led to the heart damage? 2. Where these brains instead predisposed to handle stress poorly? 3. Does the disturbed brain remake the heart?  In conclusion, “In any event, stress hormones when released might affect a cardiovascular response” per Professor Christian Templin.

This particular study was interesting but does not answer definitively cause-and-effect of depression and grief as an ongoing stressor within the brain with its impact on the heart. However, we do know that stress or a stressor depending upon the degree or duration length is a potent activator of inflammation; creates a number of ailments; can wear down the immune system; and is harmful during the aging process.  Further, early life stress, which has a long-term duration, appears to be one of the strongest predictors of a lifetime risk for depression. It has been estimated that early life stress explains 20 to 25% of all mood disorders. Moreover, death of a spouse had the highest negative value on the External Stress Index. It’s obvious, a broken heart, loss from death, breakup or separation, and depression are powerful emotionally based stressors and not at all associated with a healthy brain or person. Instead, it placed a negative demand or hardship on the body’s physiological and psychological characteristics. Once again, one can’t have productive and effective living without positive emotional or mental health.

Canadian born Hans Selye’s research in the 1930s, popularized the concept of stress. He conceptualized stress “As a state of the organism following failures of the normal homeostatic regulatory mechanisms of adaptation. Later on in the 1950s, humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow believed that man, although was not perfect, could find his true self emotionally. Emotional well-being was described by Maslow as “ B-love, as an end in itself so that enjoyment, admiration, delight,  contemplation and appreciation are its characteristics while at the same time the individuality of the lovers is preserved.” Earlier Freud summed it up when he said something to the effect “to be able to love and to work were ideals that corresponded to a healthy individual.”

Food Choice, Excessive Exercise and POMC neurons

Many of us, in our country, are concerned with our health and our appearance as evidenced by various eating plans, influx of super foods, fitness aids and gym memberships in this billion dollar industry. Professional athletes are no exception as their degree of physical fitness is one important variable when it comes to their contracts. For example, Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, is noted for his obsession with his dietary and workout strategies. Brady BMI’s index differs from his former tight end teammate Rob Gronkowski. The BMI difference for these two players has to do with their NFL positions, motivation, dietary and workout plans. Likewise, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors has a different BMI index compared to teammate DeMarcus Cousins. Likely, their workouts, their player positions, motivation, and diets are also BMI related. Note, these professional athletes are motivated, knowledgeable, and consistent, with their health related behaviors and have healthy BMI numbers. They know how to manage their weight through diet, exercise and have healthy POMC neurons.

Unfortunately, regular folks do not have successful BMI numbers as a result of their health related choices. Many go on and go off and experiment with numerous diets and join various exercise facilities along with the many available workouts. What everyone realizes, at some point or the other, is that it’s not easy when it comes to consistency with diet and exercise. Some people that start an exercise program often over eat and gain weight. That can be troubling because many of us believe that regular exercise and diet is needed to regulate weight. There are many variables within different eating patterns and different exercise programs that effect one’s BMI range.

Another variable to consider, for regular folks, when it comes to exercise and eating behavior was found in the January 27, 2019 addition of Time entitled “Outrunning Hunger.” Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and other institutions conducted a study evaluating the melanocortin circuit [a brain network in the hypothalamus] related to metabolism change and how energy expenditure with exercise effects appetite strength.

Within the melanocortin circuit, there are two types of neurons. The neuropeptide Y [NPY] receptor cells relay signals encouraging food seeking. The other neuron, the pro--opiomelanocortin [POMC] cell receptors reduces food seeking. In other words the POMC neurons, if not healthy, are a significant health concern because they are found in morbidly obese humans.

In this particular study, healthy adult male mice either ran on small treadmills or were placed on an unmoving treadmill. The running mice [mice and humans have similar neuronal brain circuitry] spent 60 minutes of fast intense running broken up into three 20 minute blocks. Briefly the findings: the runners POMC neurons were much more active [less interested in food] than the idle mice even after a single work out for up to 48 hours. These mice also had less active [food seeking] NPY neurons although their NPY [food seeking] activity rebounded after about six hours. These mice also ate less after exercise than had been their habit before.

So perhaps, after an intense energy expenditure workout, one’s active POMC neurons [less interest in food] helps explain one’s appetite and /or eating behavior. According to one researcher, “continued intense training might remodel an individual’s neuronal circuitry.” If so, intense physical training might greatly assist with long-term weight management. On the other hand, increased food seeking behavior after intense exercise, suggests an imbalance in one’s melanocortin system and body weight regulation. If so, that imbalance might interfere with successful weight loss and/or BMI numbers. In essence, one important variable for good health might simply be found in your neuronal circuitry. Like everything else, it’s in your brain. Good luck with your central melanocortin system. In any event, keep moving.

PS

I have healthy POMC neurons. During ultra running events, I have little interest in food during and after each event. I have to think about eating at aid stations during these competitions.

Man's Dilemma Part 3

However, also deeply rooted, in males, is his fear of his mother caretaker?  She was the first to frustrate his physiological needs, to tell him no, to become angry with him, and even withdraw her love from him. The father caretaker can yell and spank but that does not compare equally to the more long-lasting fear effects of the mother figure withholding her love. Eventually, the male can challenge his father physically. However, there is no adequate defense or safety from a mother withholding her love. She is the most powerful female figure in the male’s universe.  The positive [love] and negative [fear] emotions related to this mother or Madonna figure, results in man’s unconscious search, drive and expectations or illusions for an unconditional loving figure. He is also afraid of losing her love.  As a result of these  unconscious vulnerabilities, man has to compensate by creating , establishing and implementing the tools of religion, government, politics, economics and psychology in an attempt to reduce or cope for his anxiety, fear, dread and inadequacy related to the female . Males have accomplished this compensation mission of keeping females fearful, subjugated and brainwashed. Man has been so successful that women have bought in and have become second-class, subservient, and dependent. However, during the last 50 or 60 years, we have witnessed a pushback. The “pill,” the American feminist movement in the 60s provided that impetus.

The male’s constant search for happiness propels him repetitively over and over with behavior that results in poor and limited outcomes when it comes to union with the opposite sex. He’s fearful and conflicted of submission or surrendering himself with her since he also is up against his self-preservation survival instinct. It’s no wonder and shouldn’t be a surprise, that man has a built in conflict dynamic. This brief and limited exposé only tells part of man’s story. Remember, there’s a female distrust story as well.

References

Erikson, Erik H, Childhood and Society, W. W.  Norton and Company Incorporated.

Horney, Karen, Feminine Psychology, W. W. Norton and Company Incorporated.

Man's Dilemma Part 2

During the male’s development, the child learns that he has difficulties in expressing his desires openly and directly. When he expresses his desires, the male child is not taken seriously. He is looked upon as being cute or may be overlooked and/or be rejected. It’s not uncommon for the male child to be subjected to painful and the humiliating experiences of being repulsed, and being told lies.  Some lies and falsehoods are remembered such as the tooth fairy, Easter bunny or Santa Claus. Not all lies, betrayal’s etc. are consciously remembered. The young male has to compete for attention with mother, with father and with siblings as well. He can be disciplined when having toilet training accidents, playing with his feces, or playing with other body parts etc. Sometimes things do not seem fair or consistent to him. It is not uncommon for the male child to experience anger and express aggression. Who can forget the frequent battles during the “the terrible two’s?” In other words, no male child remains entirely free of anger, fear and other anxieties. The male child is often afraid of what he might do to the other person or what another person may do to him. So much for a happy childhood.

Later on, in order to compensate for his fear and insecurity, the male acts like a Don Juan. He behaves like a primitive hunter when it comes to going after or chasing females. He has to possess, conquer, dominate and exploit the opposite sex in order to reinforce and compensate for his fear and insecurity. He’s expected to be masculine. This too can be dangerous for him as he has to prove to himself and to her each and every time. He has to remain sexually strong, erect and not finish too quickly. He’ll even ask his mate something to the effect of “was it good for you too.” He wants reassurance because he just doesn’t know and can’t always trust the sexual experience.

Much but not all of these early deleterious conflicts and experiences remain unconscious. However, these early disturbed emotional experiences lay/or provide the foundation for aggressive, mistrustful behavioral expressions throughout one’s lifetime. In our industrial, capitalistic culture, males have developed different degrees of trust and distrust as a result which leads to the development and “deeply rooted in sex as is shown by the simple fact that it is only the sexually attractive woman of whom he is afraid and who, although he strongly desires her, and has to be kept in bondage” per Karen Horney.  Yes, man is physically stronger than the female but is helpless and unarmed when it comes to the drive of his libido.

To Be Continued 

Man's Dilemma Part 2

 Sharon “Shay” Bintliff was also known as Doc Shay. She provides a concrete example of nonsensical male institutionalized prejudice. She was an outstanding athlete especially in the sport of golf. Way back when, she was not allowed to play golf with her fellow male doctor’s on Wednesdays because she was female [to this day she likely can still whip males on the golf course]. She moved to Hawaii and discovered that prestigious outrigger canoe race that began in 1952. That particular race started in Molokai and ended in Oahu covering a distance of 38.66-42 miles. Subsequently, a group of women paddlers lobbied the men in order to compete in this spectacular race. The Coast Guard got involved and told the females, giving them reasons not to compete, with various replies like “it’s too dangerous and it’s too far.” Finally, in 1979 women finally participated in their first official race that covered 40.8 miles. In 2009, Doc Shay told me that she made her 30^th crossing. More about this extremely talented and accomplished female can be found in “It Has Nothing To Do With Age.” Currently, with the “me too” movement,” women are now doing the unthinkable. They’re telling males that “no “means” no” when it comes to physical and sexual advances. 100 years ago, it would not have mattered what they expressed. It’s beginning to matter now.

One explanation for man’s fear of women is related to the development of his distrustful attitude. It is because of distrust, man has compensated by taking control and by dominating the so called weaker sex in one way or the other. Let’s start with childhood. Childhood’s not paradise for a male child. There are too many lurking monsters in the dark. The origin of the attitude of trust or mistrust begins with the male child’s helplessness and dependence as a newborn. He constantly and regularly experiences a favorable or non- favorable degree of gratification or non-gratification of his physiological instincts for warmth, safety and survival. Does the male develop that inner certainty, and/or that comfort with that individual caretaker or caretakers or does he develop instead that discomfort with the caretaker or caretakers? Erickson stated “the infant’s first social achievement, is his willingness to let the mother out of sight without undue anxiety or rage, because she has become an inner certainty as well as an outer predictability.” For instance, this process differentiates psychologically between the inside and outside. This process of differentiation are the defense mechanisms of interjection and projection. Interjection is when an outer goodness becomes an inner certainty and projection is when an inner harm is experienced as an outer harm certainty.

To Be Continued  

Man's Dilemma

Since recorded history, there was a power struggle between the sexes with men on top. Man established arbitrary laws, rules, mores, and regulations and has even classified females as the” weaker sex.” Further support for man’s dominance can be found in reading the Old Testament. In Genesis, Eve was came from Adam’s rib and not the other way around. What?  Also, there was also a curse put on Eve. She could have children, but only in sorrow. Seductively, she   tempted Adam to eat from the tree of knowledge. Could it be that man’s fear and distrust of women was related or rooted in sex; especially to a sexually attractive female? The following is a facet of man’s dilemma.

In fact, in some primitive cultures, it’s the young women and not the older women that were dreaded. Not only that, it’s the older women that had the decisive voice within the tribe. There are numerous illustrations that signify the power of women when it comes to a virile man. For example, according to the Samson and Delilah story, Samson’s hair length was his power given to him by God. However, he was smitten with Delilah and he confided to her about the origin of his strength. She betrayed him, cut his hair, and he was weakened losing his God-given strength. Turning to Greek mythology, Ulysses, while on his Odyssey, had to be tied to the masts, while sailing past the island home of the Sirens. The Sirens were famous for their beauty and luring sailors, bringing them to their deaths. Thank goodness Ulysses lived. There are other myths and stories that substantiate that man was driven by his affect. As a result, he was vulnerable and simply no match when it came to an attractive female.

Man was been told by man that he was king of his castle and that a woman was considered his property. He was in control and could do whatever he pleased or desired with his mate. The woman was expected to be dependent and to meet man’s requirements and/or desires. She was confined to the home, she was to remain loyal, and was to rear his children.   She was allowed and encouraged to marry a wealthy man or she could go to college in order to find a suitable husband. If she wanted a career, she could become a nurse or a teacher. She was denied equal pay status because she was expected to be subservient and have her husband provide for her. It took how long for women to be able to vote in United States? In fact it was the 19^th amendment of the Constitution that guaranteed that right.

To Be Continued

A Legacy Part 2

Another physical health issue for the players has been the accumulation of injuries along with multiple surgeries and pain medications. For example, Hall of Fame Dan Dierdorf is a prime example as he has difficulty walking unassisted, since his most recent back surgery. Ed Budde is able to walk unassisted but very slowly. Conrad Dobler’s surgical calf interferes with his gait. Connie pulled up his pant leg and showed me that deformity. Both Dan and Connie were teammates with the Cardinals. They were lineman. That group holds the NFL record for allowing the fewest quarterback sacks during the season. Jim Brandstatter has put on a tremendous amount of weight since his playing days. Mike Keller, although able to play golf, has put on a lot of weight and has limited aerobic ability. His limited aerobic ability was evident when Linda and I took him to the Robinson Flat vet check, a few years ago, during one Tevis Cup endurance ride.  Even though Hall of Fame Reggie McKenzie plays golf, he also has limited aerobic ability. Reggie created the Electric Company with the Bills. The Electric Company was coined for OJ when set the NFL rushing record. Jim Betts and has had back and sciatica issues. Although when visiting him last November, he showed remarkable improvement.  Hall of Fame Thom Darden does better when he exercises regularly in the pool. He has been very helpful in providing Linda with information pertaining to surgeries and rehab. She thanked him over and over. Fritz Seyferth has maintained his weight and pushes himself to remain as fit as he can In spite of his back issues.

Player injuries start in college, get exacerbated and become more serious during their professional career. Talk to any of the players and they can tell you in detail about their injuries sustained on the playing field.  Players know about surgery and rehabilitation. They leave the game because of injuries sustained and the aging process. My physician brother told me that I was fortunate not to have sustained any significant football injuries since my health allowed me numerous options regarding sports and competition with my physical activities.

PS

There was not one player, despite injuries, that would have given up on playing this game. They love the game, they love the camaraderie as football has played a significant and dominant part in their identity.

A Legacy

For consequences of playing in the NFL, consult the February 20, 2019, of The New York Times article, “The NFL’s Other Scourge: Obesity.”  This article focused on problems other than head trauma or the use of opioids. According to the data, former lineman compared with other football players and with the general population, had higher rates of hypertension, obesity, and sleep apnea. These conditions often lead to chronic fatigue, poor diet and even death.

It’s obvious that the NFL lineman of today are larger and have been given the message since high school that size matters. The Living Heart Foundation found that roughly 2/3 of former players had a body mass index [BMI] above 30 [moderately obese] and a third of those screened were at 35 BMI [significantly obese]. As a consequence of weight gain, the American Journal of Medicine reported that for every 10 pounds a football player gained from high school to college or from college to the professional level, the risk of heart disease rose 14%, compared with players whose weight changed little.

Sleep apnea was described as when a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts because the muscles in the neck, press against the breathing passage during sleep. This is troublesome for former lineman. They have large necks and as they age, their throat tissue becomes flabby, so their tongues block their airways. Sleep apnea has been associated with producing more sugars, which can cause type II diabetes which leads to overeating.

Overeating is a constant battle, especially for lineman who maintained and added weight by eating unhealthy food at all hours of the day and night. They have reinforced, over many years, poor and disastrous eating habits, making it difficult for them to change. The result has been a preponderance of diabetes and heart conditions for these players.

To Be Continued

Human Needs of the Affection, Love and Admiration Part 2

Although there are many needs In addition to the need for affection, love and admiration the focus of this essay is on how these needs, expresses itself toward others, especially under conditions of stress. This man, whom we will call M 1, is our example of an individual with an excessive need for love, admiration and affection .Historically, M1 has been the man in charge or at the center of his business interests for a long time. He oversees and rarely delegates power and control and is the” Emperor.”

Over the last two years or so, M1 has been elevated to the highest political position in the world. So, he surrounds himself with individuals that are loyal, first and foremost to him. Loyalty for him is equated with being liked, loved, admired, supported, revered and/or recognizing that he has last word, and that his opinion matters unconditionally, first, most and last .Disagreement, with his opinion, is perceived as a betrayal, not being liked, loved etc. and is threatening or anxiety producing. Examples of typical and frequent counter hostile verbal responses by him can be “you’re fired,” “you’re a traitor,” or “you’re disloyal,”

If the media, newspapers or tweets write positives about M1, he perceives these as friends and reinforce his notion of being loved, respected, worthwhile, admired and valued. This bolsters his fragile self-esteem. On the other hand, investigations, indictments of associates, negative reporting are perceived, by him, as threats of being worthwhile, popular, or liked. He responds with hostile words like “fake news,” “enemy of the people,” and “witch-hunt” in an attempt to combat the anxiety or threat. However, for M1, being the focus of any attention either positive or negative is also desired. He craves attention and is like the trouble maker in elementary school that typically disrupts the teacher and/or the class regardless of the consequence. He craves attention because any attention is required. The absence of attention is perceived as being worthless and insignificant. Insignificance and worthlessness psychologically means not being adequate, noticed or relevant, which is detrimental to M1’s self-esteem, and is to be avoided at all costs.

Rallies are an attempt for M1 to receive unconditional admiration, praise, respect, and hero worship. These events, unfortunately, only temporarily, or in the moment, provide that” high”, which reduces the anxiety {exorbitant need for affection and love}. M1 also inflates his wealth {respect} and the numbers of his inauguration since having less of a turnout than Pres. Obama suggests to him that he was not as well liked. That’s a significant blow to M 1‘s  need to be liked and admired  .M1 also uses superficial flattery, as  with his love description for the North Korean dictator in an attempt to influence the negotiations and to be liked in return.

 Proper and beneficial love, admiration and affection are important and necessary for an optimum Homo sapiens well-being. However, if there is too much {anxiety} of an increased need to be loved, esteemed, and recognized then we find a much sensitivity to the frustration of these needs. More specifically, compulsive and indiscriminate behavior along with overvaluation of love, extreme jealousy and the demand for unconditional love surfaces in which anxiety is clearly present. More than likely maternal and caretaker warmth was insufficient in terms of quantity and quality for M1.This was likely one significant factor for the development of his need state. Therefore, we can expect, while in office, because of the tremendous amount of stress or anxiety, his drive to fill the need for love, admiration and affection will result in   more of the same or similar hostile and aggressive verbal behavior.

Human Needs of Affection Love and Admiration

Anxiety is a human phenomenon. Further, anxiety is unpleasant and as a result, Homo sapiens have established multiple ways to reduce the discomfort. Psychologically, anxiety is related to human needs. It’s obvious that most humans want to be liked, loved, enjoy the feeling of being liked, and feel resentment when not liked. Competition or sibling rivalry behavior begins early in order to become the favorite. Being liked, being favored and being supported continues in school with teacher and coaches. Being part of the” right “or “popular” peer group or clique is desired.  On the other hand being chosen or being selected last is embarrassing and dreaded. With social media we even have the quantification of the number of collected friends. This essay focuses on two needs: 1. The need for affection [Horney]. 2. The need for love and admiration [Ellis].  Underlying the need for affection, love and admiration is anxiety and at times, feeling of being unlovable and worthless. When the individual has an excessive need for affection, love and admiration, he distrusts, has difficulty, and has doubts believing the receiving of affection. He also is extremely sensitive to any perceived rejection or being slighted, and when perceived, this is met with hostility and anger.

Briefly, psychologically, one example of “falling in love” is when there’s immediate attraction or chemistry between two people.  In this illustration, the individuals become connected and compulsive in their behavior. They consistently think about the other, especially when the other is not present. They become like powerful magnets that can’t be pulled apart. They are on the same wavelength and seem to be in tune with each other. They become the center of the universe for each other and both have these terrific worldly unequaled traits. They merge and become the one, the one and only. It’s as if they were made for each other. Sex becomes compulsive and insatiable. The devotion and caring is unmistakably solid. It’s as if one can never get enough of the other‘s affection.

Neurologically, love becomes compulsive and insatiable. It has been linked to a neurotransmitter called phenyl ethylamine or PEA [floods the regions of the brain involved in sexual excitement] that has been associated with individuals professing a high passion for each other. In any event, psychologically or neurologically, this high degree of lust, passion, and/or PEA has limitations (it fades over time} as exhibited by the excessive amounts of excessive break ups or disillusionment that occurs in many unions.  

It is clear that the needs for affection, love and admiration are very powerful and commonly displayed. With a high need for affection, love, and admiration the individual requires excessive degrees of being admired, being respected, being revered, being supported, being approved or loved, being applauded, being valued in having others cater to him unconditionally. Once again there’s a high degree of sensitivity to rejection that’s accompanied by anger and hostility. Unfortunately, when the affection, love and admiration needs are not adequately fulfilled or met, this results in insecurity, extreme dependency and an inordinate amount of tests for reassurance.

To Be Continued

Choices

 Eating for Health was found in the March 4, 2019 edition of Time. This article focused on the use of certain foods as medicine and its impact on longevity.  With type II diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and even cancer, foods can assist with the treatment. For example, certain fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce blood pressure and inhibit growth of plaques and arteries; blueberries contain antioxidants that fight cancer, interrupt tumors and has the ability to grow new blood vessels; broccoli is loaded with glucosinolates, which can slow breast cancer; beans are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamins that can help build muscle, and can lower cholesterol and diminish the risk of cancer.

Even though it  is more difficult to study the treatment  effects of food compared to  drugs, a number  of hospitals, clinics, doctors, and other enlightened figures concluded that health is affected by sleep, exercise and eating behavior. Unfortunately, because of the influence of emotions, when it comes to eating, it’s easier for many to take a pill rather than confronting their irrational eating behavior. We know the Mediterranean diet, which is high in good fats like olive oil, omega-3, nuts, fruits and vegetables, has the best reputation for health outcomes when studying centenarians. If interested in using food and nutrients as medicine, consult a functional medicine doctor. My functional medicine Dr. was originally trained as a neurologist. She’s also an avid bike rider.

The second article and related, “The Rise of Healthier Proteins”, was found in the January 28, 2019 edition of Time. This article focused on reducing red meat consumption with its high amounts of saturated fats and its GM O processed forms. It stated that the protein found in plants was healthier as result of its fiber, healthy fats and micronutrients. Statistically, global greenhouse gas emissions would drop by 25% if everyone gave up beef.

Ideas for good protein can be found by purchasing, grown in a lab, cultured meat. In fact, you can currently buy vegan eggs. Buying spirulina [blue-green algae] in powder form can be used in smoothies. Food-grade high-protein insects like crickets and grasshoppers are available as flour. Beans is another good source of protein, along with soy based tofu and pea protein. Don’t forget nuts for protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. These items can replace protein found in red meat.

The third article “Want to Prevent Deadly Diseases? Eat fiber, “published in the February 18, 2019 edition of Time suggested that individuals substantially lowered the risk of heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes and colon cancer from 15 to 30% because of fiber. Notice, that these four diseases had little to do with the gut. The researchers stated that the strongest reductions in disease risk were among people who ate 25 g to 29 g each day in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Benefits for eating fiber rich foods included the following: 1. Takes longer to chew, which may lower the risk of obesity. 2 Nurtures beneficial bacteria in the gut reducing risk of colon cancer.3. Helps slow the absorption of sugar found in the foods which means a person sugar levels won’t spike as quickly. Some high-fiber foods to consider include beans, legumes, raspberries, pears, apples, artichokes, green peas, and broccoli. Other health benefits from eating fiber include the nutrients, cancer fighting antioxidants, inflammation- taming compounds and vitamins which can improve the immune system as well as building healthy cells and tissues.

It should be clear by now that the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare complex caters primarily to its stockholders. They come first every time. With their lobbyists, they write the laws and its so-called regulations. They realized that eating behavior is potentially conflictual and emotionally driven. If one can become more emotionally smart and less irrational, which is extremely difficult to accomplish especially regarding a conflictual eating situation, one can potentially have an opportunity to implement more positive food choices {food as medicine,   healthy protein and fiber} can perhaps  increase healthy longevity. If possible, understanding how emotions, anxiety and hostility interfere, might assist in reducing irrationality and self-defeating compulsive behaviors regarding implementing food choices thereby by not harming oneself. It’s all about reducing anxiety, compulsivity, and hostility with appropriate decision-making, each time, every time and all the time. Moreover, don’t forget to keep moving, as that’s an important part of any health program. 

Fake News Part 2

I totally support gathering information from a wide array of sources. As we know, many of the pundits [Hired guns] seen and heard on radio and TV are not really experts. On TV and the radio, questions asked by the host are often based on what might be, or predictions. When someone states, I think, it is my opinion or I believe then I am suspicious of their bias. Fair and balanced means what and was determined by whom?

In essence, it’s clear that man has made great strides intellectually. Einstein was a good example. However, man is also irrational and does not always act in his best interests. Clearly that’s a result of his emotional makeup.  This suggests that emotions contribute to man’s motivation regarding his tendency to believe erroneous information. Man frequently becomes irrational or emotional when it comes to discussing religion, politics, and prejudice. One only has to take into account the bias or slant of the messenger or the prophet. As a result, emotions and cognition play a significant role when it comes to understanding fake news. In order to analyze believing in the absurd, additional research is required as in utilizing the scientific method, replication of studies, employing the null hypothesis, clinical insight, use of projective testing, statistical analysis, etc.  Do not, under any means, fail to utilize cognitive dissonance findings as well.

PS

This is my take on a quote attributed to Einstein and others as it applies to fake news. Stupidity is believing in the same repetitive message over and over again, even though the reality of evidence suggests otherwise.

Fake News

The article “Why Do People Fall for Fake News?” was found in the January 20, 2019 edition of The New York Times. This article dealt with two different theories explaining why people tend to believe the political outlandish false propaganda presented on social media, TV etc. One set of research [Emotion] found that believing in false information was associated with holding partisan convictions and employing the use of rationalization. In other words, people persuade themselves to believe what they want, rather than attempting to discover the truth. Those that are smarter are better able to employ the defense mechanism of rationalization, which is changing the irrational into rational. These researchers found that on climate change and gun control issues, subjects who scored higher on measures of science and numerical ability { More analytical}, regardless of their political persuasion .were better able to convince themselves { Rationalization} regarding these two political issues.

A second hypothesis [Cognition] stated that because we are lazy, we often fail to exercise significant reasoning. Individuals who think more analytically and not just trust their “gut “were less superstitious, less likely to believe in conspiracy theories and less receptive to seemingly profound, but actually empty assertions or slogans. In other words, cognitive laziness, especially in the context of social media where headlines and news items are often scanned or merely glanced at, can be the main culprit. These researchers used a cognitive reflection test to test their hypothesis. They found that people who had higher reflective reasoning scores were better at discerning the true from the false regardless of headlines or of their political persuasion.

These experimenters suggested that teaching reasoning abilities should be part of the solution in confronting the nonsense and bias found on social media. These researchers are excited because their research showed that reason doesn’t have to be totally compromised by the myopic vision of partisan beliefs.

To Be Continued

A Stressed Homo Sapien

 Homo sapiens, begin life helpless and totally dependent on other humans for survival. This is accompanied by physiological instincts, being subjected to external dangers like nature or enemies, associating with other humans, cultural traditions, and as a result we experience fears, tensions, anxiety and anger. We are subjected to various degrees of quantity or quality of such common to all, regardless of how they are or were originated. Then, through psychological development, we develop strategies, tendencies and techniques in confronting what it is to be human and how to effectively live in society. With conflict, we experience degrees of tension, anxiety and anger which may be repressed or expressed physically or verbally. The  dynamics of such are related in the how and why we interact with certain individuals in a particular manner in order to meet psychological needs of receiving affection;  becoming emotionally distant ; or acquiring and exploiting others for   power, control, prestige and possession . Behavioral examples of such follow.

As social animals, we are dependent and form necessary associations with other Homo sapiens. We develop degrees of trust versus degrees of mistrust of others in upbringing as a result of physical interactions of perceived warmth, love, respect, overprotectiveness, neglect, rejection, threats of punishment, dependence, etc. A sense of trust or mistrust affects the perceived amount of safety, protection or anxiety we psychologically experience. Unfortunately, with or in spite of interpersonal interactions, we often find some form of inhibitions or fear in expressing needs, conflicts, competition, jealousy, disappointments, frustration and anger. Regardless, we often seek out, to love and affiliate with others; we often avoid, push away others in order to keep our emotional distance; or often move aggressively against others by exploiting and exhibiting power and control. Of course there are various degrees, patterns and variances within these behaviors. This, along with the potential to over inflate an unrealistic conception or perception of self is the human attempt to reduce, cope and deal with internal and external danger, insecurity, fear and anxiety that exists throughout one’s lifetime.

Driven by anxiety results in an attempt for protection against that fear, helplessness or insecurity. One way to “protect “is to develop a tendency to look for affection, being liked, being loved, finding unconditional love, sexual gratification, gathering faithful admirers or individuals whom  are loyal. Again, there can be harmonious or not so harmonious degrees and tendencies. Without the sense of feeling of being liked, can result in feelings of resentment and anger. Putting on frequent rallies, watching certain cable pundits, listening to particular radio hosts are commonly employed habits in the attempt to experience protection and a reduction in the tension and anxiety, in order to attain homeostasis or to regain wellbeing.

Another way in our culture for obtaining some form of reassurance against anxiety, is a tendency to seek out power, prestige and possession. In this case, there’s an obvious move against others in an attempt to fortify one’s own position. Unfortunately, if the striving for power is born out of anxiety, hatred, and feeling of inferiority, individuals perceived as being weak is accompanied by repressed or not repressed hostility toward them. These domineering individuals that have an exaggerated need for power, have difficulty accepting, listening to guidance, advice or help or even giving in, and agreeing with others as in “I know more than the general’s . Likely, this individual has contempt for people that he perceives as weak and admires the strong as in the dictators in Russia, North Korea and Turkey. He also has to be able to control others and be in charge in directing outcomes. He even created a National Emergency .He has to be right all the time, and his difficulty with the facts, especially given from someone else, and referring to it as “fake news.” He’s like a little child with a temper tantrum. He has to have his own way, is impatient, has a low frustration tolerance, creates havoc and  instability and is irritated if others do not do exactly what he expects them to do .He never gives in or apologizes  because that’s perceived as a personal weakness .

Along with this need for power as a protection against helplessness and against insignificance is a tendency for prestige. There’s a need to impress others, to be admired, to be respected and to humiliate others. This individual has no difficulty spending money lavishly and conspicuously and openly talk about how great he is and his billions. He is not able to have any association unless they are a “loyal” friend, wife, dedicated employee, etc. They have to admire him as he surrounds himself with fans, enthusiasts and loyalists. Self-worth and self-esteem, rests on, being admired. This attempt to inflate ego is really a protection against feeling insignificant, humiliated for the sake of repairing his fragile and crushed self-esteem. Furthermore, expressing hostility, usually takes the form of humiliating others, being a bully, and discriminating against others, per daily tweets” Andrew McCabe is a traitor” and “The New York Times is an enemy of the people.”

In our culture, the striving for possession, as in wealth gives both power and prestige. However, the quest for possession, is not only directed toward money or material things, it can also appear as a controlling attitude towards others. Moreover, there’s a tendency to deprive others, which can lead to cheating, and stealing. Looking into tax returns and dealings with the Deutsche Bank is perceived as crossing a red line. Language becomes rationalized in being able to outwit, outmaneuver and outsmart everyone else. It’s also not uncommon with this to be a grudging attitude to exploit, declare bankruptcy, not pay debt, create a fake university, or set up an unscrupulous foundation as well.

His current defensive behavior is not unexpected. He continues to be under attack, and even more so with media, social media, 2020 election, Mueller investigation, indictments and jail sentences for his team and now with the Democrats in charge of the House. Currently, there’s no safety net or barrier to protect this psychologically vulnerable, stressed individual. As a result, we can expect the continued conflict, anxiety and anger to be expressed physically and verbally inappropriately in attempting to meet his needs of affection, power, prestige and possession.

PS

For additional information, consult Karen Horney’s “The Neurotic Personality of Our Time” published by WW Norton and Company, Inc.

Satisfaction Part 3

In order to pursue knowledge, rationality, and self-reflection, I attended Wayne State University and attained a PhD. As an assistant professor, I taught and lectured numerous classes in psychology. I later entered private practice, consulted with the criminal justice system, conducted research, presented research findings to national associations and attended the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute. Much later, I wrote a book “It Has Nothing to Do With Age” that pertained to the motivation of older individuals who participated in extreme sports.

Sorry Mick Jagger, your wins and losses, according to Aristotle and the ancient Greeks do not add up or equal their definition of happiness. Pursuing power, possession and prestige do not result in happiness, but instead are associated with neurosis. I like my wins and losses per Aristotle and the ancient Greeks in that they have provided me with a tremendous amount of life satisfaction. I continue to live up to my potential.

PS

On Tuesday, February 12, I decided to run from Auburn to Cool on the Western States-Tevis trail leaving from Robie Point. Within 10 or 15 minutes, I saw a woman coming up the trail. She said “Frank.” I replied, “Yes.” She said “I’m April, Linda’s daughter.” I said, “I recognized your voice.” As it happened, I first met Linda Rapposelli-Rogers at the Quicksilver Ride and Tie in San Jose. A few years later, I met up with her on the Western States trail, in September of 2001. She remarked, “Let’s run Western States.” As it turned out, she became a good friend, my running partner as we both qualified by running our first 50 mile run in October of 2001. In November, we were selected to run in the 2002 race in which we both were buckle winners. After that Western States 2002, 100 mile run, my sister, Beverly said to me “if I were in a foxhole, I’d want to be with Linda.”

Good luck with your pregnancy April. I’m sorry to hear about Bud Johns passing. Thank you Bud for creating the sport of Ride and Tie.

Satisfaction Part 2

Other sports that I became involved in were endurance riding, ride and tie and ultra-running. As a result of my participation in ride and tie events, I met and became friends with world-class equine specialists, and world-class runners. As far as ride and tie competitions, my horse and I won yearly mile championships and other awards. Further, with my partner Jonathan Jordan and my Arabian horse Gypsy, we won the prestigious and grueling 100 mile Swanton Pacific event in 2008.

I also participated in many endurance rides with my various equines, and met and developed solid friendships as well. In 2000, with my horse Raider, we completed the oldest or father of endurance racing, called the 100 mile Tevis Cup.

I began ultra running in 1997, by running a 50 K. Then, in 2002, I completed the prestigious and well-known 100 mile Western States endurance run. I developed mature lasting relationships while training, and with my race pacers. In that race, I was an age division winner as well. Originally, there were four of us, that had completed these extreme one day 100 mile events but now just three of us remain as Warren Hellman passed. Warren and I rode the last 50 miles or so of the Tevis Cup in 2000. I competed in ultra running and on February 2, 2019 I was an age division winner in the Jed Smith 50 K.  Tony Brickel was again my pacer.

To Be Continued

Satisfaction

After reading the article titled “Self-Help, Ancient Greek Style” in the January 27, 2019 edition of The New York Times, I thought of The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Poor Mick Jagger as he tried and tried, but was unable to get satisfaction. Perhaps, if he psychologically “did” instead of “try”, he might’ve been more successful.

According to this article, the Greeks, including Aristotle had a unique philosophy regarding the living of life. One could pursue happiness, well-being, prosperity [finding purpose to become the best version of yourself, nothing to do with the obsession of material success] or the Greek word eudaimonia by living one’s life a certain way.  One could employ reason; knowledge; rationality; virtue; self-reflection; togetherness or mature relationships; and employ midway or well-balanced behavior between extremes. Put another way, one could demonstrate strength of will, purposeful striving as an end to itself in order to live up to one’s fullest potential or become self-actualized. For me, instead of searching for happiness or looking for the fountain of youth, I labeled it, “the fulfillment of wishes, expectations, needs, and the pleasure derived from it or satisfaction.”

Using Aristotle’s model as a guide or reference for living, the following is my reflection. From childhood to present, I have always participated in sports. Specifically, my high school was known as a football powerhouse on the east side of Detroit. In fact, our senior team was called, by the sports writers, one of the best ever to play in the state of Michigan. I attained honors, while playing in the sport that I love, my skill level was rewarded, and I received an athletic football scholarship to attend the University. My interest in football continued, and was exhibited and furthered by my book “Bo’s Warriors Bo Schembechler and the Transformation of Michigan Football. Linda and I return to Ann Arbor every year to attend a University of Michigan game with former players.

 To Be Continued