I really, REALLY don't care....

So the Prince of Wales is getting married.....does anybody actually give a flying fuck?! Seriously it has been the only thing that is all over the papers for the last few weeks.  I DO NOT GIVE A SHIT!  I like it when I see people falling in love and their love blossoming into a loving family and whatever else but, when it is constantly pushed onto you? Nah.  Get the fuck outta my face!!

I am not a monarchist.  I do not believe in kings and queens etc, especially in this day and age.  The monarchy has too much undeserved control over everything.  It is completely unnecessary.  The really fucked up thing is that they think it is their right to have it all due to their 'glittering', royally fucked up, (literally) in my opinion anyway,  history.  The Windsors aren't even British by origin.  They are German. Much like the Nazis were.  Also The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philly is Greek.  Which reminds me of a funny Frankie Boyle joke - The Queen must have an asshole like a broken cat flap being married to a Greek.  I found that too funny.  It was the kind of funny that if you were eating cookies and drinking milk, milk would come out your nose.  Anyway, their history is in actuality just a round about way of pillaging.  They would order the invasion of other countries during the days of the British empire and they would just take countries.  And Britain still own those countries when you think about it - the Commonwealth - is still well and truly the modern day British Empire.  It is disgusting!

Can I also, just highlight and emphasise how fucking shit it is of the royals to give the UK a holiday for the wedding which is set to be on 29-04-2011 so that all can share in the joy of their wedding.  That, to me is the height of dicketry.  Don't get me wrong, I love having the day off, but if they think I am going to spend it watching some total dick who was born with a platinum spoon shoved so far up his ass he makes Goldie's teeth look like a welfare job, they have got it all wrong.  I don't think most of Britain will be watching.  If they do - my goodness, how deluded can people get?! I saw in the paper today some lady say:

'It is great we have the day off.  It is wonderful news to balance all the bad news we have had recently.' 

I'm sorry - WHAT?!?  Yes, our country is in the shits thanks to some dumbass bankers, Korea looks like it may very well be war torn once again - which only means that USA and the UK along with EVERYONE else will get involved  (World War 3 much?), people constantly being stabbed, raped and murdered, gun crime is on the rise, student strikes, tube strikes, Ireland's bail out and you think a shitty wedding of the marriage of two people you have never met and will never meet, have no affiliation with whatsoever balances all that?! What in the actual blue fuck is wrong with you, you tremendous cunt?

Well, with everything, I do try to look on the brightside of things.  I will credit little Willy with not marrying his cousin, because for a long time that is where it was going.  All royal bloods had to marry royal bloods and due to ALL monarch's history they all eventually became one distant relative after another and therefore they all look strange and have an IQ measured in decimal places, like 8.4 and have no idea what the internet is. 

I will be happy to take the day off on the 29/4/11 but I will most definitely not be watching this public spectacle.  It is a total farce and I do not give a shit about it.  There is not need at all to make it public.  I would rather be raped by a rhinoceros' horn, without lube while sucking the udders of a disabled cow while Justin Beiber (FAG) sings to me and having my testicles put in a blender and an AIDS victim ejaculates into my eyes.  But thanks for the offer!

Dicks.

Kids

On any given day I use the tube to get from A to B….and other letters in the alphabet.  Due to my lengthy commutes I usually have my headphones in listening to some music while reading the Metro  or one or the other.  Today, my Ipod battery had decided to die and also, I had read most of the articles I wanted to in the Metro.  So I had to sit trying hard to avoid eye contact with other passengers.  I’m sure I have mentioned before, there is only a certain number of times you can read the same advertisements. 

Thankfully, a lady stepped on with her brother and her child.  Their brief entrance into my life was to be a rather week highlighting moment as my whole week has already been made thanks to the happening which later occurred.  And it’s Monday!  There were no seats near the child’s mother.  So…

MOTHER: Go and sit next to your uncle.

CHILD: I don’t want to!!

MOTHER: Why not?

CHILD: I don’t like him!!!

Child then wails with tears while the rest of the carriage is bursting with laughter.   This may have been the funniest thing I had seen in a long time.  The thing that makes it so funny, for me, is the fact that the child was so brutally honest.  Kids don’t give a shit.  They say it like it is and I wish there were more adults that are like that.  Somewhere along the way we, as adults, become more precedent and it is so dull, mundane and a total cop-out.  Truth be told, I am guilty of it.  There have been countless times when I have been asked “Do I look fat in this?” and I’m thinking yes but say “No, not really.”  I guess I just don’t want to hurt people’s feelings but, seriously, truth hurts.  Usually I am brutally honest myself.  Although I try not to hurt people’s feelings; I do still tell the truth most of the time when it comes to appearance, actions and whatever else. 

I salute kids and LOVE their innocence.  The fact that they just say it as they see it is one of the greatest gifts of youth which is quickly taken from them with age.  Furthermore, as I saw with the child on the tube, when children cry I do feel heartbreak but when it is over something so silly and trivial, it is just hilarious.  The faces some crying children make as well as the ridiculous sounds?  Possibly some of the funniest things I have ever witnessed. 

 

How funny is it when kids learn the art of lying?  It teach and teach and teach kids that lying is wrong but when they start to lie about stuff, because they are so painfully bad at it, it is just too comical.  Sometimes you don’t even need to accuse them of anything!  It becomes an ‘it’s so bad its good’ situation.  We teach our kids honesty as it is a very desirable trait and it defines a strong character.  To raise your hands and admit that you have done wrong and that you are mistaken is one of the most courageous things people can do.  But, do we encourage our children to tell little white lies whenever we laugh at their futile attempts to lie?  Please see Richard Pryor’s explanation of kids trying to lie.

Many people say day to day – ‘stop being a child and just grow up!’ or something along those lines.  Many of the same people along with many others overlook the fact that there are times when children are more adult than adults are and actually have the balls to be that truthful.  Children have the edge over adults when it comes to innocence and therefore, do not know what repercussions can arise by always saying it like it is.  Those of us who are adults who are brutally honest about EVERYTHING….well, you are all just a breath of fresh air.

Watching children grown up must be a very heartwarming, fulfilling feeling but one must cherish their younger years as kids.  This is when most of their greatest days will lie in memory forever.  Kids light up the future and will have plenty of time to grow up and be old. 

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ~Native American Proverb – Here is something to think on. 

Shisha time!

One of the greatest things I enjoy doing is, especially at the end of a week is wind down with a shisha. I know I recently blogged about healthy living but, come on! Everybody has a vice!
 
So, living in London, there are several shisha establishments to enjoy...definitely spoilt for choice. Starting with Edgware road - thee most Arab place outside the Middle East - there are a fair few places that I recommend. First of all, Palm Palace. This is a pretty cool place when seated outside. It can be a little cramped. Excellent for watching the world go by. However, you will most definitely get better atmosphere if you were to do shisha in their basement. Full bar, serves food, loud music. YES!
 
Maroush deli and Sidi Maarouf are also not too bad on Edgware road, but their service is rather dire! Slemani is very good. Probably the best value on Edgware road for only £12. Service is good too as well as some GREAT shawarma there too. Very much recommended.  No indoor service though at these places.  The Maroush franchise own the Sidi Maarouf restaurants. 
 
Al Deewan on Sale Place is a charming little place. I recommend you go downstairs for this one too. Best service anywhere in central London. Really nice fresh fruit drinks in this place. This place comes highly recommended.  Because of its intimacy it is easy to talk to randoms.  They have this ‘cave’ style room and if you can get that booked, you’re in for a great little night. 
 
Whatever you do, avoid Shishawi on Edgware road. IT. IS. SHIT! Their shisha leaves you a burnt throat.
 
If you venture more North West London I recommend you try out the Basrah Lounge in Park Royal.  It is a slightly more upper market place what with their customers having to book tables in advance. Some of their shisha are made with fresh fruit. Also, they have a variety of flavours that are different to the Edgware road places. In addition they have a fantastic menu of snacks and meals. Very much a place for atmosphere and due to this establishment being more or less a big canopy, it would be best going during the summer months.

I am yet to, and relishing trying out Karaam – a Lebanese place in Ealing.  They have a shisha garden as part of their restaurant and I have heard it is really very nice for atmosphere with friendly service.  Apparently the restaurant itself is second to none in terms of Lebanese food in London. 
 
Prices range, for a good shisha from £12 - £25. A good shisha session is good for a laid back chat with friends, nice way to meet new people; good way to try cultural things and above all an excellent way to kick start your weekend. Also, all the places I have tried and metioned above use a specific kind of 'tobacco' called 'Al Fakr' molasses.  This is the best quality that will smoke. 
 
I would say, make sure you have plenty of water when smoking shisha, do not do it on an empty stomach and do not get too addicted to it.
 
Enjoy it!
 
Much love,
 
Jackson L.

What is this 'truth' people speak of?

Everybody who has ever been born and raised on God's green and blue sphere known as Earth has been raised to believe a version of the truth.  Whether it is about the existence or non existence of God, morality, mortality, after-life and any other epic philosophical life or death issue we were taught in some sort of belief.  Usually these set of beliefs, morals and ethics befall the umbrella of religion. 

Over the course of our lives, these beliefs tend to have the ability to relapse fairly frequently and, unless you have the patience of a Saint or strong, strong faith we search for a new religion.  A new set of ideals to follow.  We, therefore, convert.  That conversion, for many people, can be very traumatic, not only for those who do convert their souls but also for those around them.

Christopher Columbus landed in the 'New World' in 1492 (Columbus day is celebrated around the 12 day in October annually).   Upon his arrival and setting foot on the strange land which he'd thought he had discovered, he was accompanied by a Catholic Priest.  From then on, priests began arriving to that continent to help spread the word of the Lord and the ways of God.  The priests tried to convert the natives and change their ways - trying to get them to kiss the crucifix, to stop smoking peyote, to cover up their nakedness. 

Their response?

THE PRIESTS WERE MAIMED, TORTURED AND BURNED AND THEIR BODIES OFFERED AS SACRIFICE TO THEIR GODS.

I guess the moral of this story is that you cannot enforce your own practices, beliefs and way of life onto others.  If you find yourself in the presence of people of different race, religion and creed and they are good people then who are you to try and change them?  If it works for them and they are good hearted people then there is absolutely no need to feel it is your duty to try and 'change them for the better'. 

I often find, with any convert, whether he or she goes from 8 packs a day to smoke free or Conservative to Labour, ends up condemning his/her former practises with the view 'those beliefs did not work for me....they can't work for anybody.  Their vision becomes tunnelled - blinded by the intensely bright light at the end of that tunnel.  Whether he/she has transformed into a Buddhist or joins drug rehab, they become fanatics.  Before they know it, that light at the end of their tunnel is just a freight train coming their way. 

If you ask me, it is fanatics that fuck up the world.  They are the ones who have the strangest ideals.  Especially the ones who believe they have God on their side.

I am a man of faith, the Muslim faith.  I find it tragically embarrassing that men of my faith carry out atrocities in the name of my religion and in the name of God and claim that it is what God wants to happen.  It is a most NON Muslim thing say let alone do.  Just because others do not follow the same faith does not make them bad people.  What these fanatics, terrorists and all those who condone this behaviour are doing is in fact haram.  It is so disappointing to have people show my religion to be everything it is not.  God who is known as Allah in the Muslim faith condones neither the murder of the innocent nor the judging of people by others.

Where does that leave the rest of us? Well, I believe that not all of us need divine light to stay on the path of righteousness.  In the darkness, we only need enough light to make our way around without stubbing our toes anywhere. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

Fuck off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although I am very happy with my move to London and glad I left the cesspool that is X, I would be almost be dehumanised not to have at least one or two complaints about my new home.  Everyone has a moan about something and this is my time to moan about something.  It is and always will be the British way.  It is the winning way. 

I find the standard of driving in London to be of particularly poor quality.  I have been driving for a fair amount of time and thankfully nothing too major has happened.  However, every time I am behind the wheel in London - I always get the feeling that something WILL happen.  It is actually a rather scary thought as I cannot go for a 'relaxing' drive which I often would do as it is painfully stressful and I do not like needless stress.  If you can drive in London without crashing for at least an hour, you deserve a medal.  Or a plaque stipulating how epic you are or a fucking MBE!!

I do have a theory as to why it is so terrible.  London is considered one of the biggest metropolises in the world.  It is one of the greatest cities in the world; in population, stature, hustle and bustle and character.  It, therefore, attracts people from all over the world - i.e. those who live outside of the UK who have different driving rules and laws in their native countries or least countries where they learned to drive.  They then apply the same rules and laws when they are in the UK and shit well and truly hits the symbolic fan.  Giving way at junctions and round-abouts is out the window as is mirror-signal-manoeuvre.  Not to mention being cut off.  And then when you express your frustration through the medium of car horn for the ultimate, well timed and very satisfying "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING??! FUCK YOU!" They think that you are in the wrong and go ape shit at you which only throws petrol in the fire.  Some people are just too proud.  When I fuck up on the road - not that I do regularly - but when I do, I hold my hands up and take full responsibility for my actions. 

Furthermore, many of these people and many Britons as well do not actually have car insurance.  As many as 4 million drivers on the road right now do not have car insurance.  With that in mind - whenever an uninsured driver crashes into an insured driver, the individual who is insured's company loses out more so than the rest.  Therefore, insurance for everybody goes up which is why my and many other law abiding citizens have had to pay the price for the selfishness of these absolute cunts.  Well I have a message for these twats:

GET YOURSELVES FUCKING WELL INSURED OR GET RID OF YOU FUCKING CAR, YOU FUCKHEADS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR DRIVING IS SO BAD IT GIVES ME CANCER!!
 

I get very agitated when people who do the right things have to pay for those who do the wrong things. 

In addition to this, I love film and cinema.  I have, unfortunately, not had the opportunity to go to the cinema as often as I would like, although I have been a few times over the last few months.  Usually in a month I would go in excess of 10 times.  I have never had a worse cinema experience anywhere.  London just does not know how to run a proper, decent cinema.  The establishments themselves - most cinemas I have been to here do not even have cup holders in the seats.  The seats themselves are torn up, uncomfortable shitty seats which seem to proudly display their vomit stains.  But asides from all that, the thing that pisses me right off more than anything about my cinema experiences in London so far is the fact that whenever I have been to the cinema some asshole just do not want to shut the fuck up and quietly watch the film.  Have you seen that part in Scary Movie....

It is seriously as bad as that for a lot of people who go to the cinema.  Many are quite happy to just announce their opinions about the movie, whilst everyone else is watching it.  Its like please shut the fuck up before someone smacks you the fuck up you utter, utter, terrible stupid dick! Keep your desultory, insufferable opinions to yourself or WHISPER! Whispering is still socially acceptable you total cunt!

I have been to see "Resident Evil - 3D", "The other Guys" and "RED" in London and EVERYTIME(!) there is some shit for brains who just decides to sit in the back and; audaciously laugh at the least funny thing that happens, talk continuously expressing their opinions, predicting what will happen, regurgitating what was said, laughing some more, pointing out the obvious (which emphasises how pathetically futile their minds are) and also just, generally exist.  I don’t think these people realise how stupidly moronic they actually are.  They need to sit down.  Take a long hard look in the mirror and say to themselves "STOP BEING A FIRST CLASS WANKER!"  And make a conscious effort to stop ruining my cinema experiences otherwise, they should just kill themselves.  They should kill themselves until they die from it!!

Chill out you say?  Well I say shut the hell up!

Much love.

Jackson L.

Adventures on the London underground

One of the many things I love about London is the London Underground transport service.  Also known as 'the tube' to virtually everyone! It was the first of it's kind in the world and it was the first to go electric in the 1890s.  It is about the only thing the British government have done well to expand and make sure for good service.  Despite the pricing, it gives a great feel of connection to the whole of London and the Greater London area too.  You can get anywhere in no time! It is great!!

The experience of the tube is made all the more glorious by the happenings I have encountered and been involved in over the last few months.  All walks of life are found on the tube; rich, poor, thin, fat, ethnic, cultured, learned, old, young.  For better use of a cliche....the list is endless.  The practicality of the tube and the potential adventures that could befall an individual makes it a necessary commodity to experience for people who live in or for those who visit London.  So many random, yet magical moments with complete strangers allows for a vivacious feel. 

One of the best things about travelling in the tube in the morning is the sight of those who, clearly, miss their bed a little bit too much.  You can see they are struggling to stay awake and you feel for them, because you know what it is like to have eye-lids that feel like they weigh tonnes! So 'dozers', as I call them, doze off and when they are thrown about on a somewhat bumpy ride - they awaken with the greatest expression of shock, horror and fright on their face.  A youtube video dedicated to this would be comical indeed. 

Intra-personal moments between yourself and one other person are few and far between but, these moments are well remembered and greatly cherished.  The ability for strangers to know what each other are thinking without even conversing is so very powerful, it is almost poetic.

I was on my way home and sat in a fairly quiet carriage as I was nearer my part of town in greater London.  I was sat opposite a man and there was a BEAUTIFUL lady sat near us.  She had OLIVE skin, SOLAR GREEN eyes and JET BLACK hair.  To say I was in awe would be a catastrophic understatement.  She, unfortunately, got up to get off at her stop and out of my life.  I caught the other man's eyes staring at her as well, admiring her hysterically charming grace.  She got off the train.  The man and I were left with her perfect image in our minds.  The man and I looked at each other. Nodded - as if to say "She was SO hot!" - and then carried on with our lives. 

Some moments on the tube are, however, not ones to savour and bethink. 

Minding my own business I was on my way to central London.  I got on at my stop and noticed a man starring at me.  He was a mangy middle-aged man which I had no affiliation with.  I did not think much of it as I thought he would eventually find something far more interesting to divert his relentless attention on.  No word of a lie - four(!) stops later.  Four! And he was still glaring at me.  I was listening to music at the time so I switched off my ipod, took out my headphones and then proceeded to return the favour.  For the next 10 or so minutes (which is a mighty long time considering what we were doing) we were locked in a death stare.  We just stared at each other.  I honestly have no idea why.  He and I did not know each other.  There was not affection there.  Nothing.  Meanwhile other passengers were aware of this and were nervously laughing, wondering what in the BLUE fuck was going on?!
.....................................................................................................................................................................

He eventually got up to leave and even when he stood up to make his way to the door and even when he was at the door he was still staring.  So I questioned "Why don't you take a picture??! It will last longer!!"  To which he seemed to get intimidated and he broke the stare and finally looked away.  Surrounding passengers laughed at my and his reactions and then asked me what it was all about.  Of course my reply was "I wish I knew."

I suppose it was quite comical thinking about it now.  Though, compared to the next occurence I had to endure....this is a relatively small metaphorical fish which was fried in a rather cumbersome metaphorical pan. 

On my way back from home I witnessed a Paris Hilton wannbe get on the train.  It was not her appearance which bothered me.  I could not care whose look you choose to adopt or how you feel you should express yourself.  As long as you are the best person you can be - I do not judge.  So having said that - if you are indeed a Paris Hilton wannabe, fine.  As long as it is only her looks you try to emulate. 

Anyway, she had a dog on a leash.  A small, yapping, annoying, ugly piece of shit. I am not really a dog person*.  Again, I thought to myself - each to their own.  I looked.  Smiled.  Looked away.  Everyone else on board was giving the "AWW! How cute?" look.  So the dog kept adamantly barking and it was rather irritating to say the least.  Eventually I saw the dog assume the position and take a shit.  In the middle of the carriage floor.  The stench was staggering.  Imagine if you will.  A fairly crowded train.  Underground - humid.  A dog shitting.  All I could think was FML!!!

*I feel that dogs are disgusting creatures.  They lick their own balls and dick and then come to lick your face.  They are far too dependant and that, personally would royally piss me off.  They are painfully thick hence the phrase "Thick as dog shit!" They hump EVERYTHING.  I just think they are too dirty and they smell.  This is all, of course, an opinion and I can completely understand emotional attachment others have towards dogs.  They are just not for me. 

I am considered an opinionated person.  I express my opinions when asked for them or I tell them off my own accord when I feel I need to.  For some reason - I thought I would have faith in humanity and let someone else express their disgust.  Thinking someone would step up to the mark and say something...people did nothing.  Instead they, again, had the "AWW! How cute?" look on their faces again.  Is this what it had come to??  Who was I suppose to turn to? 

Thankfully I was only one or two stops away.  As I got off at my stop I looked at the woman.  I did not smile.  I thought to myself "Your life must be pathetically tragic.  You feel you are not good enough with your own looks and stylings and you need to follow some total dick's lifestyle.  I thought she was a sad; utter, utter, terrible, stupid knob with shit for brains and that the world would be a MUCH better place if she'd just killed herself.".

She, of course, did not even attempt to clean it up.  What a total dick. 

As I mentioned, many different people of all creed use this service.

Sitting beside an elderly man, I saw several medals on his blazer.  This man was the quintessential - happy old man.  He could not be more of a polar extreme contrast to the grumpy old man persona which is just common and only too well known.  It was very impressive, I thought, that he was so well decorated, from what I thought was war medals.  I mentioned that he bore a lot of metal.  He was only too keen to explain that he was in fact a World War II veteran and he wears more than just a poppy.  As he was explaining to me how passionate he was about helping out the soldiers of today as he has witnessed what war is and can do to individuals, first hand and all the charity events coming up for the next few weeks, a cross dresser in drag sat in front of him and next to me.  Like I said before - I have an open mind to these things.  You can have any appearance you like as long as your heart is of good nature.  I like Eddie Izzard!  I made nothing of it.  I was very keen on hearing more from 'Gradpa WWII' as I named him in my mind.  Unfortunately his attentions were diverted.  He was giving piercing daggers to the cross dresser.  I have honestly never seen a change in one's emotion.  It was actually rather profound.  He had a look of anger and revolt on his face.  You could almost tell what he was thinking: WITH ALL THE DIGNITY I CAN MUSTER....I SAW HELPLESSLY WATCHED MY COMRADES DIE AND WITNESSED THE HORRORS WAR HAS TO OFFER FOR THIS KIND OF PEACE?!"

I actually found his feelings towards the cross dresser a vicious, yet welcome reminder of how things have and always will change with every generation.  This man would have seen the end of many an era and the dawn of many others.  He will have loved some and loathed others.  It made me appreciate why so many of our elders get annoyed and frustrated at the young.  Although, I do feel that those who are older than us should understand and appreciate that things have and always will change - for better or for worse - they should just roll with it, I had no illusion that I, one day, will also get annoyed and frustrated with those much younger and less experienced and maybe even utter the horrendous "Back in my day...." cliche.  But for now I laughed.  I laughed at his reaction because I found it funny.  For now I think I will continue to laugh because I really rather enjoy it. 

It is very hard for me to imagine or even believe the tube will now forever have an association with terrorism.  Especially now that on the tube - with this ongoing inquest into the bombings - I read about the bombings.  I really do wish the inquest well and they salvage something to make the lives of those effected by it better.  It was truly a hideous operation which was carried out all in the name of religion.  As a man of faith, I believe that this and all other terrorist activity carried out in the name of religion is haram.  These terrorists who commit these atrocities in the name of Allah are only painting an image of everything Islam is not.  Allah does not condone these philosophies exercised by these terrorist organisations.  In the eyes of Allah they are not even Muslims or any other faith because they are openly defying Allah. 

On a lighter note, the greatest feeling in the tube is a feeling that will last only the blink of an eye. 

When on the tube the most vexing obstacle is to avoid eye contact with other passengers.  This is so because you are so conscious of it and you can read the same adverts only a few times before you start to lose your mind.  But when your eyes do meet with the eyes of an enchanting random and both blushfully look away, smiling and momentarily fall in love.  That is THEE single most exhilarating feeling on the tube.  Ever. 

A million journeys are worth just one of those feelings. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

My body. My temple.

Given my knowledge gained from my previous degree and the one I am working towards just now, I get asked by many different people very similar questions.  These common questions are either:-

How do I lose weight?

or

I want to bulk up, but I don't know how.  Can you please give me training tips? 

There are many common misconceptions and people always seem to make the same mistake of falling for the hype of silly diets such as The Atkins' or other short term solutions which just do not work and are more hazardous to your health than good. 

No one wants to be like this guy (part 2).
Exercise, in health and life, is very important.  Not only is it proven that exercise is an effective form of stress release (endorphin secretion) but also, when you look back in time to our ancestors, even they exercised.  Hunting was their exercise.  Although they were rewarded with a meal at the end, they still carried out the act of hunting which allowed for energy expenditure before replenishing with calorie intake. 

First of all, I feel it is imperative that we know how to tackle the issue of cardiovascular health and fitness. 

There is a worldwide epidemic with regards to cardiovascular health of populations.  It is the number one cause of death in the USA and in the UK.  The vast majority of cases can be solved with a little exercise and if exercise is a life habbit in the populations then chances are the number one cause of death would not be cardiovascular related.  There have been many theories as to what is the bare minimum that should be done to help in cardiovascular protection - (heart failure (HF), likelihood of myocardial infarction (MI) (heart attack) and many other cardiac episodes such as angina pectoris (chest pain). 

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) published guidelines in 2007 stating one should do:

• Moderately intense cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes A DAY, 5 days per week.
• Vigorously intense cardiovascular exercise for 20 continuous minutes, 3 days per week 
• AND 8-10 strength-training exercises, 8-12 repetitions of each exercise, twice per week.

There is, of course, evidence that suggests the greater the intensity of exercise for a prolonged period, the healthier it is for the heart.  The heart is, after all, a muscle.  Involuntary….yes.  But a muscle all the same and to develop, like all muscles, the heart must be exercised.  The best way to exercise it to a healthy level in adult life is by following the vigorous intensity exercise for 20 continuous minutes.  Resistance exercise is also a necessity.
Cardiovascular exercise: This allows for the dilation of the atria and ventricles of the heart, particularly the left ventricle.  This allows for a bigger chamber and it means that more blood will pass into the heart and therefore, to the rest of the body through the left ventricle.  Also, since the left ventricle has to work very hard during exercise to supply the oxygen demand of the working skeletal muscles, the left ventricular wall thickens as it provides a stronger push. 
Resistance exercise: This allows for the muscular walls of the heart to thicken allowing for a stronger heart. 

Cycling, running, rowing and swimming are all great forms of cardiovascular exercise. 
Circuit training and weight lifting are great examples of resistance work.

Both forms of exercises are crucial to establish a healthy, fully functional heart. 

Please see: - 

Swain, D.P., Franklin, B. A., (2006). Comparison of Cardioprotective benefits of vigorous versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise. American Journal of Cardiology; 97:141-147.

Weingarten, S., Henning, J.M., Badamgarav, E., Knight, K., Hasselbald, V., Gano, A., Ofman, J.J.  2002.  Interventions used in disease management programmes for patients with chronic illness - which ones work? Meta-analysis of published reports.  British Medical Journal. 

There are several changes that can be made to help weight loss be less of an arduous experience. 
The ratio between these CO₂ / %O₂ is the respiratory exchange ratio (RER).  For all purposes, it is helpful to know the RER.  It is an indication of the fuel an individual is burning during exercise and this can help determine many different things for those who are trying to lose weight.  

RER - 0.7 - Fat burning
RER - 0.8 - At rest with a modern, healthy, balanced diet
RER - 0.85 - Mixture of carbohydrates and fat burning
RER - 1.0 - Carbohydrate burning
RER - 1.15 - Protein burning (DANGEROUS FOR LONGER THAN A FEW MINUTES)

Although it may seem favourable to be at an RER of 0.7 to burn fats, and this is helpful, it is, in the long run better to burn carbohydrates.  Evidence suggests that it is better to go for a half hour jog than an hour walk.  This is because, due to burning carbohydrates, in the long run you will be burning fats at the point of finishing exercise for approximately 24 hours at rest. 

Mitchell et al. Respiratory weight losses during exercise J Appl Physiol.1972; 32: 474-476

Nicole R. Guesbeck, Matthew S. Hickey, Kenneth G. MacDonald, Walter J. Pories, Inge Harper, Eric Ravussin, G. Lynis Dohm, and Joseph A. Houmard.  Substrate utilization during exercise in formerly morbidly obese women
J Appl Physiol 90: 1007-1012, 2001.

Exercise is very good for you, although, like everything, all in moderation.  There is, even with exercise, too much of a good thing.  It can cause adverse heart conditions - however, this is only really for those who fall into the realms of ultra-endurance or those who have ran around 100 marathons in their life time. 

Weight loss is a simple equation for everybody

DROP IN CALORIE INTAKE + INCREASE IN ENERGY EXPENDITURE = WEIGHT LOSS

It is, unfortunately, easier said than done.  For many people who are looking to lose weight, as aforementioned, don't fall for the hype and easy ways out.  You will save a whole lot of time doing it properly.  It is a journey that can be accomplished and enjoyable.  Some simple changes in a still balanced diet will do the trick. 

Never ever - like the Atkins' diet did - cut out an entire macronutrient.  It is unhealthy. 

A normal healthy, balanced diet should be:

Carbohydrates - 60%
Fats - less than 30% - mainly unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, fish oils etc.
Protein - 10-15%

To aid in weight loss, this needs to be altered.  Increasing the percentage of protein intake will help.  Increasing it by approximately 5-10% and reducing both carbohydrate and fat intake shows the greatest results in weight loss. 

This is because protein is the best macronutrient for 'filling the void' so to speak as it suppresses the hormone from the brain to cause hunger pangs and therefore, keeps you satiated for longer.  Protein contains only 3 calories per gram where are carbohydrates containing 4 calories per gram.  Fat contains a staggering 9 calories per gram. 

Reid M., Hetherington M.  Relative effects of carbohydrates and protein on satiety – A review of methodology (1997) Neuroscience and Behavioural Reviews, 21 (3), pp. 295-308

Bertenshaw EJ., Lluch A., Yeomans MR. Satiating effects of protein but not carbohydrate consumed in a between-meal beverage context. (2008) Physiology and Behaviour, 93, (3), pp. 427-436

Eating things like thick soups which also satiates you faster is a good tip as well as using smaller bowls and plates to cognitively cause one to take smaller helpings of meals.  Also, drinking a pint of water before a meal as well. 

There only needs to be a drop of approximately 10-20% of calorie intake coupled with the exercise mentioned in the cardiovascular health and fitness section which will cause the weight loss.  Alterations in diet are not worth anything without exercise. 

It is a far greater challenge, believe it or not, to put on weight in a healthy manner i.e. muscle mass.  Bulking up requires a greater level of persistence and discipline.  It is all about nutrition.  You can never eat too much when trying to bulk up because you need the extra calories to get bigger.  I, personally, was eating 6-8 meals per day and having 8-10 thousand calories per day.  I was also doing weightlifting for 4 hours a day, 6 days a week as well as running 60 miles per week.  I reached 112 Kg. 

This is an example of what I would eat in a day:-

Breakfast:

Large bowl of Crunchy nut cereal one or two chopped bananas in there too.
2 bits of wholemeal toast with flora spread on and/or a bagel.
Pint of milk and a pint of orange juice too.
Cup of milkless tea as well.

Midday snack:

Milk and fruit. Preferably bananas and apples. Some grapes for more fibre and grapefruit are very good for digestion.
2 cereal bars (High in protein and very tasty!!)
Cottage cheese with brown bread.

Lunch:

This can be anything you like from the following; tuna sandwiches, tuna mayo pasta, salads, tuna jacket potatoes, chicken. Pasta is a great source of complex carbs which is vital for getting the bulk on as it saturates your muscle faster than protein and protein helps for growth and repair (ie repair of muscle after a good hard session). The best thing you can eat is tuna pasta. Salad is good as it has a high content of foodstuff which are known as “negative calories” such as lettuce, celery and cucumbers. This means when breaking it down in digestion it actually uses up more calories to breakdown than it supplies u with. This also applies for all citrus fruit. So, having said that, I would recommend some tuna pasta with sweetcorn and a handsome drizzle of olive oil or 2 large jacket potatoes with even greater tuna mayo fillings (mix with chopped red onions and sweetcorn for an orgy in your mouth.) and a large side of salad.
Post Work-out grub:

There are many things you should think about eating here and primarily you want to get protein in your body. Poultry or any white meat, ie fish, turkey, etc would be ideal. Eggs are also a good start to the day as well as a good source of protein after a good work out. Omelettes are the greatest thing you could do with eggs sticking meat in it and whatever else from the vegetable family tickles your fancy....if you like mushrooms then that can also be used, however, if you, like me, think mushrooms suck then just stick to meat etc. Steak sandwiches would also be a good shout too, with the right salad of course. Spicing it up is not a bad idea either.

Another great, VERY refreshing thing you could do is, grab as many fruit as u can, peal the skin off of them, things like apples and peaches etc (leave them on stuff like grapes) and use a juicer on citrus fruit, don’t stick them in whole, stick them in a blender and mix them. Throw in some ice and blend away to keep the smoothie cool and there you have possibly the tastiest smoothie you will ever taste. Add a little honey while blending too.

Dinner:

This all depends on what has been cooked. Try to avoid all greasy stuff...don’t get me wrong, have one or two things that are greasy but try to phase it out. Sticking to poultry, veg, pastas for complex carbs, little rice preferably brown. 

Snacks for when you are feeling peckish after dinner and this is great for while watching tv and it is SO good for you as it has everything needed – Houmous. Buy little tubs of it from Asda for £1 each and eat with celery or carrot sticks.

Remember throughout the day, especially when working out you need to have your fluid levels right up. Loads of water! Training is very important here.  You should aim to do weight training at least 3 times per week for bulking up and still think about cardioprotection as you still need to think about cardiovascular health and fitness. It is PARAMOUNT that you do not leave out any muscle groups.  All the muscle groups are relative to an overall good body image and mass gain.  For example, many who look to bulk up are obsessed with a large upper body and forget about working their legs.  Quadriceps muscles are, by mass, the biggest muscles in your body.  To gain weight, and fast, it would be wise to work legs muscles.  Also, quads have the highest steroid excretion when they are worked hard and they are best worked with a weights session.  Furthermore, working on chest muscles and leaving out back work is not in anyone's best interest as:
1) Physics shows you need to be able to pull (back) as much as you can push (chest).
2) A back worked equally as well as the chest will define the chest. 
Same applies to all antagonistic muscles e.g biceps and triceps. 
Aims in training should be 3 sets of 6-8 reps.  You need to not be able to lift a 9th rep because 'it gets too hard'.  Having a training partner is always recommended. 
Research has shown that eccentric weight training is the best way to get fast results with gaining muscle mass.  It is something I have always wanted to try but never had the right environment to do it for a prolonged period of time.  Please see:

 Higbie EJ , Cureton KJ. ,  Warren III GL., Prior BM., (1996) Effects of concentric and eccentric training on muscle strength, cross-sectional area, and neural activation.  Journal of Applied Physiology; 81: 2173-2181

Rome was not built in a day.  The wonders of both the ancient and modern world were not built overnight.  Many of them are still visited and observed with awe today.  You are the architect of your own temple, your body.  Take time and care to carve it the right way.  Patience is a virtue. 

Much love,

Jackson L.

Turn the page

I often wonder if anyone else has ever had the feeling of being alone in a crowded room?  Felt that their ventures were a whole lot of oysters but no pearls.  Did not quite fit in?  Well this is a feeling I had for the last few years of living in a city in the lowlands of Scotland.  I, unfortunately, was unable to do anything about it due to my commitments in sport, higher education and having no reason but feelings to break away.  I did vocalise my opinions and all but one of my good friends agreed with me, few supported me and others seemed to be offended.  Patriotism can be such a pain in the ass! 

(I did not say i didn't like you....I simply stated this place, for me, is depressing as shit!!)

Well, I eventually graduated from university and then there was nothing for the summer.  Just constantly leaving my surroundings to do nothing elsewhere....I really did feel like I was going nowhere and fast.  Everything was just the same.  Same people. Same old places.  Same shit in the news. Same discrimination. Same terrible weather ALL THE TIME. Same back stabbers. Same bullshit everyday. Same. Same. Same.

Anyway, I, since then, found a cause to move away (thank god) and I have now left the Scots to come to the "Big Smoke"....and it has been great so far.  I genuinely do feel much happier.  I am pursuing my desire to be a PhD in sports science, sports nutrition and exercise medicine.

I have found that the attitude differs greatly to those who reside in London than those back 'home'.  I find that there is a much more "I'M GONNA GO GET IT!" attitude here.  I feel this is the best attitude to have in anything that you want to achieve through hard work.  I think that I will flourish here with starting a career here.  I think anyone can.  It was a rather profound discovery I made, truth be told.  It is very dog eat dog but, everyone understands that its not personal, its just business. 

It has been very interesting to see the difference in social interactions as well.  Randoms talk to you so much more which is always nice.  It breaks up the day:

                          -----I walked into a pub the other day and I ordered some lunch-------

Bar Maid: Where are you from, darling?
ME: I am from *******.
Bar Maid: Oh! (rather sub-dued....almost frightened)
Bar Manager: 'Ave you 'eard of a ******* ****, tough guy?
ME: Hahahaha....Have you heard of a Chelsea smile?! 
 
 The bar-maid asked me where I was from as my accent was alien to her.  I have, unfortunately, picked up a Scottish twang after having lived there for so long.  (I say 'unfortunately' as I had a lost accent as it was.  I have been branded as Irish, American, South African, Australian.....).  After explaining where I was from she was shocked.  Stepped back, almost as if I had handed over a dead baby to her....much like how trading establishments in England get when you hand over Scottish bank notes.  Meanwhile - the bar manager overheard and asked "'Ave you 'eard of a ******* ****, tough guy?"  To which I chuckled responded with "Have you heard of a Chelsea smile??!"  That little banterous back and forth got me a free lunch and a usual at the bar.  I hadn't, at the time, been there for even a week and already had a usual at the bar.  That is what I call a 'FLAWLESS VICTORY'.  That was really cool. 
There is always something happening here.  It is a happening city and there is always something different.  It is a shock to the system.  You almost get anxiety attacks because you feel you might miss out.  There is a catalogue of cultural shows, west-end theatre, movie premiers, site seeing, boat parties, shopping and so much more.  Bohemia is something Campden Town prides itself on.  The beauty of the west end.  Even riding the tube gives you a new adventure almost everytime you're on it. 

I have now been here for a around two months and I think I can call this is home.  Home is, of course, where the heart is.  I am encapsulated by boundless rapture since I decided to take the risk of heading off on my own.  It is a courageous thing to do even with others let alone on your own.  However, for anyone who is thinking about making a move away from home, be it for; happiness, career, love, change of pace in life....ANYTHING(!) I strongly recommend you try it out.  What is the worst that can happen?  No matter how bad it gets you will always have someone waiting for you to encourage you and keep your spirits up back at home.  Support was such a big thing for me and I got it all from the right people.

I have turned the page.  I like the drawings I have sketched.

Much love,

Jackson L.