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A Tale of Two Lives
Joe Cross is one of Australia's most successful futures and options traders ever. His story is remarkable and forms the basis of this blog. I encourage you to read, then do...as Joe has done!
A strange thing has happened in my life since late last year when I got a new boss—a remarkably smart and infectiously enthusiastic people person who has spent a lifetime caring for everyone else...but himself—until now.
In early January, he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and in April had surgery to remove his entire large intestine and colon. For the next six weeks, he wore a bag while the internal reconstruction of an artificial colon using part of his small intestine healed.
He has NEVER ONCE complained, acted bitter, or used his sickness as a crutch or excuse for anything. At work since January, his unbelievable transformation has became our transformation as we watched, listened, and witnessed what seemed like a perfectly healthy 48 year old man go from 269 pounds to 180. As cubicle mates, it is truly remarkable to sit 10 feet from him each day, listen to his calls, hear his attitude, see his love for family, friends, colleagues, and our Sailors. He is truly one of the finest men with whom I have ever had the honor and privilege to work and be led, for that is what he does—he is a leader, and he leads.
Seeing his struggle has actually shined the light back on some of my own struggles. About 40-pounds overweight by every civilian and military body mass standard since around age 40 or so, taking a handful of pills every single day to artificially regulate everything from blood pressure to blood sugar, cholesterol, allergies, and acid reflux. Sleeping wearing a mask to force pressurized air into my airway and force it open to quell apnea and allow me to sleep, headaches, muscle aches, and the ever present wheeze of adult asthma…I’m tired of the struggle, and I shared this fact with my new boss and mentor who in turn shared something potentially life changing back my way.
What he shared was a documentary by an Australian named Joe Cross. The hour long film is called FAT, SICK, & NEARLY DEAD. Here’s a 2-min trailer: http://vimeo.com/18732737
The entire hour long film can be viewed here for free: http://www.jointhereboot.com/
Several weeks ago on Facebook I posted a link to the trailer, despite the fact that I had only watched it and NOT the whole film. I believe my link got a resounding two likes and no comments...I guess I should have suggested it contained a Kardashian! (smile)
Anyway, if there was something in America threatening the lives of 17,000,000 (seventeen million) Americans every year, you can bet our nation would mobilize every possible resource to reduce and eventually eliminate that threat. Yet nothing much is being done, and so Americans continue to struggle.
Here’s my challenge: For the last 6 weeks after sheepishly admitting to my boss and friend that I had not yet watched the film when he would occasionally ask, tonight I took responsibility and WATCHED THE FILM! Wow…
Afterwards, I drove to Walmart and invested $45 in a small Black & Decker juicer and a dozen or so bags of carrots, celery, and spinach, returned home, and juiced a delicious dinner! I am on water bottle #3 since 6pm tonight, and my 60-day personal challenge to do as Joe did and lose the weight (and hopefully the pills) starts NOW!
The issue of obesity in the Western Industrialized nations is an epitemic, and I encourage anyone else who has the courage to recognize you suffer with physical issues and ailments to watch the film, and consider joining me on this AUG 17 – OCT 16 challenge!
Michael Wegman
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Re: A Tale of Two Lives
As I write this on Oct. 15th I am still picking peas, finding ripe tomatoes that have not been destroyed by light frosts, have a couple of watermelons and pie pumpkins to harvest and the latest batch of red shephard peppers had several over 8 in. the largestat 8 3/4 inches, a dozen huge cabbages both red and green, so we will be eating fresh produce, probably into Dec.
Since this is an investment forum let me also offer up some of my juciest stock picks. While I have owned it for years and sold enough at good profits to bring me to a "free trading" basis in Keegan Resources KGN/TSX like most juniors it sold off seriously in the last half of 2011 and first half of 2012, but I have hung in there because I was convinced Keegan would turn out to be one of the big winners and become a mid-tier producer. I believe that turning point justifying new investment was reached recently when the reported new additions to their management group with incredible credentials along with $32.5 M in new investment for development of their Essase project in Ghana. Your due diligence is warranted to assess their latest press releases, you should not buy just because I am, look at the available facts and make your own decision.
thinker70
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
My wife sent me this 'forward' email she received from a friend. The author is unknown, or at least I couldn't find it by running a search, however some of the info is startling. here it is:
"Imported Food We Eat and Junk We Buy
Green Giant frozen vegetables are from China, as are most of Europe's.
Best. Arctic Gardens are OK.
NEVER buy the grocery store garlic unless it is clearly marked from the USA or Canada. Most everything else is stuff grown in people poop (even worse than the chicken poop below)! China is the largest producer of garlic in the world.The U.S. is next.
Buy only local honey; again, most honey is shipped in huge containers from China and re-packed in the US. You probably won't find that on the label!!
Cold-FX is grown and packed in China and is full of fecal bacteria. Doesn't work anyway, big scam. If the country of origin is not clearly marked beware.
If you are not sure about produce, ask an employee.
Watch out for packages which state "prepared for", "packed by" or "imported by".
The country of origin should be clearly shown on the item. Buy as much as you can from local farmers markets in season and keep a wary eye open the rest of the year.
How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper than having it produced in the U.S or Canada?
For example: the "Our Family" brand of mandarin oranges says right on the can it's from China. Just look at the label - The MORE we purchase from China, the cheaper it becomes for them to ship it all to the US in huge container ships!
For a few more cents (literally!) you can buy several other brands.
Gold brand or Dole comes from California.
Beware, Cosco sells canned peaches and pears in a plastic container that come from China.
All "High Liner" and most other frozen fish products come from China or Indonesia. The package may say "pacific salmon" on the front, but look for the small print, usually on the back of the package near the bottom. Most of these products come from fish farms in the orient where there are no regulations on what is fed to these fish. (Recently The Montreal Gazette had an article by the Canadian Government on how Chinese feed the fish: They suspend chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken poop. Then YOU get to eat the fish!) If you search the Internet about what the Chinese feed their fish that they import all over the world, you'll be alarmed at the pictures and the articles. (It's nauseating reading!)
Never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries: Vietnam, China, Philippines. Again, you can find a myriad of articles on this on the internet without having to dig very far!
Steinfeld's Pickles are made in India - just as bad!!!
Another example is in canned mushrooms: No-Name brand comes from Indonesia.
Check those little fruit cups. They used to be made in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago. They are now packaged in China! Look at the label!
While the Chinese export inferior and even toxic products, dangerous toys and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands and criticizes the Obama Administration and the Harper Government for perceived errors. Yet 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended!!
Well, duh. Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
Simply do it yourself!!! Buy only canadian or US products!!
Read the labels of what you buy! If it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (that now
includes Hong Kong ), choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products and how YOU are furthering their invasion into our food supply as well as taking jobs away from US citizens by buying their products!"
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Sounds like you have quite a spectacular garden Thinker70! Good for you in leading such a healthy life. I'm very happy to see topics like our personal health discussed here on Pinnacle. Although our focus here is investing and creating wealth, without your health, none of that really matters. As the saying goes "your health is your wealth".
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Today is a bright and beautiful day and this afternoon I will enjoy going out to the garden and harvesting much of the remainder of our abundance. Am cutting up and freezing dozens of cantaloupe for "smoothies" in the winter. We have hundreds of jars and bottles full of organically grown tomatoes processed into sauces, juices, catsup, with added peppers and onions etc. We have also learned to really like parsnips when cooked and pureed then frozen for a sauce to pour over potatoes or pasta etc. tastier then eating them just as a vegetable. Will be digging carrots today, most of which will go into our root cellar, (along with potatoes, beets, cabbage etc.) but with carrots there is nothing healthier or tastier than freshly made juice, and then eating the pulp in the winter in the form of carrot muffins, cakes and bread. My first planting of peas in the spring did not come up because it was so dry right through July so I replanted at the end of the month and know I have 3 beautiful rows of pease blooming profusely with some pods ready to pick by the end of the week. This morning I brought in some huge Sheperd red peppers 7 in. long, that and tomatoes by the bushel and without a frost they could last until the end of Oct. but I will probably cover a few of the best plant with blankets to stretch out the season.
thinker70
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
So very true Aron & thinker,, U can see this almost every nite on the news cast. When they are showing the people look at the back groung, you see it all the time about the exceesive weight they carry. As for the soups your right they have to make a profit, or the shareholer go else where. Whats gets me is what chemicals are they using we do not know about
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
The even sadder part Aaron is that we are probably already there, at least it won't take until 2030 if the packaged food industry continues to fool the masses into believing their products are healthy whether it be "diet cola's" or other soft drinks with deadly artificial sweetners that are WORSE than the sugary ones, chips, heavily salted soups and other canned goods in containers with various chemical coatings. There simply is no substitute for fresh natural foods instead of preserved and fractionated foods created solely for profit with ingredients that are habit forming and distort the taste buds to the point that salted and sugary foods become the preferred fare.
thinker70
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
I heard on the news this morning that by 2030, in 39 states, half the population is expected to be obese. This is a startling, sad and expensive for the healthcare system, statistic.
http://articles.marketwatch.com/2012-09-18/industries/33912876_1_adult-o...
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
I was wondering if you might start to feel your body weakening without any solid food in your system. Seems like you have figured things out now. 22lbs is quite amazing wedge - the last ten pounds will probably be the toughest and may require some extra working out.
Keep at it and congratulations on the drastic improvement so far! A good diet and regular physical actvity is the best form of healthcare there is.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Yes, and in fact I have eaten small amounts of chicken, beans, and olives to get energy back, as I was crashing around day 14. Basically, I juice two meals and eat a small amount of protein, fiber daily. Problem with juice only: no fiber, as you discard the fiber (pulp), and men need around 30g fiber/day, so ensuring that is in the diet too! But definitely working...losing about 1/2 lb/day!
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Fantastic wedge! Are you having constant cravings to put some solid food into your body yet?
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Down 22 lbs and falling. NEW CLOTHES! :-) Yippee...
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
How are things progressing for you wedge4321?
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
I think you are right about caffeine. If you can do without that is positive. We are all ultimately responsible for our own health/fitness and nutrition. I look for alternates before using prescriptions. A book by Kevin Trudeau Natural Cures points out the cosy relationships between big company research. Some of his ideas/health recommendations are very good.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Thanks for the reinforcement ohjay. Since you mentioned coffee, disregarding the fact that I like the smell when brewing, I absolutely detest the taste and so gave it up entirely at an early age. Haven't had a cup of coffee in over 50 years. Two things to note, first of all read articles on "caffeine" in any encyclopedia and if you really like the taste, then drink decaffeinated swiss water process rather than the chemically processed stuff. The simple fact is that a well nourished body does not require stimulants of any kind, note the relationship between caffeine and nicotine and note also that most ex-smokers or alcholics are almost always heavy coffee drinkers. REASON, they have not resolved their dependancy on stimulants, they have just TRANSFERRED their dependancy from one substance to another. The only way to CURE chemical dependancy is by adopting a natural foods diet, cleansing the system and making sure the body has adequate nutrition. SECOND: follow the money when you read positive pronouncements on questionable substances, check who did the "studies" attempting to change a public perception about any substance and in most cases you will find it was a company or organization that BENEFITS from increasing consumption, most in fact are not independant and dedicated to truth wherever the chips may fall.
thinker70
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
great post thinker
Good for you, playing hockey until 72. I play guys as much as 30 years younger than me. Nutrition and working out are key. I cut out most processed foods too. Granola type cereal breakfast, leaner meats,fruits,veggies,not much alcohol and trying to watch coffee intake. My pharmacist hockey player buddy has all his freinds taking grapeseed extract. I like my ginseng for energy.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Been there, done that, though I never was into fast food, fries, hamburgers and all that. My diet as a child however was not good and my parents never had the money to send me to a dentist so by the time I was 16 I had a mouth full of cavities and I am only now at 74 having the rest of my teeth extracted in preparation for full dentures. Other than that, my health has been great as an adult after I wised up as a teenager and studied nutrition and radically changed my diet to mostly fruits and vegetables with very little red meat, and a small amount of dairy, principally butter, & yogurt, got away from drinking milk entirely when i could no longer get raw milk.
While it is very important to eat natural unprocessed foods, mostly fruits and vegetables, what you DON'T consume is equally important. Having been an organic gardener for over 50 years there was no need to buy much store bought food, my wife cans and freezes our winters supply and we have cold storage for carrots, beets, cabbage, parsnips, potatoes and onions, squash etc. so we eat very well and shun the processed foods aisle. I even cut up the delicious melons I grow myself and freeze them to make smoothies in the winter. Will be drinking a lot of smoothies and eating a lot of soup after Fri. when I have no teeth until I am fitted for dentures in 6-8 weeks.
Until I was virtually forced to take antiobiotics to prevent infection after initial teeth extraction a month ago I had never filled a prescription or taken such over the counter drugs as Tylenol or Aspirin etc. or visited a medical doctor as an adult. I also never missed a day of work in 40 years because of illness, nothing ever severe enough to spend a day in bed, I also played hockey until I was 72, and not in an over 50 league either, most players were in their 30's and 40's and I could keep up, it just became a financial issue once forced into retirement, I would still enjoy playing otherwise.
The biggest enemies are sugar and fat in processed foods, fat while essential should be in a wholesome natural form such as avocado's for example. Likewise you should avoid all fruit cocktails which are simply fruit flavoured sugar water, or even worse artificially sweetened with chemical sweetners, you should avoid them like the plague.
I likewise avoided margarine (plastic fat) that clogs the arteries, all soft drinks except the occasional ginger ale for a fruit punch, I wouldn't pollute my body with "cola's if they gave me a lifetime supply for FREE. I know to most people this may seem radical, but it pays big benefits.
Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, an endless list of killers, with obesity and smoking usually being a primary cause, are not called "lifestyle diseases" for nothing, they are almost 100% PREVENTABLE, and don't fall for that common excuse of something that "runs in the family" that it is hereditary. Just look at the familie dietary history and you will see WHERE the hereditary factors come from. It is never to late to get on a better diet and get more exercise, they are lifesavers.
thinker70
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Feeling great. Down now to 202.4 (14 lbs). Drinking protein shake to supplement 100% fruit/veg intake. On my way down to 175. Have been there since 1980 (age:21). :-)
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Wow! that is a rapid 10 pound loss wedge. How do you feel? Are you tired during the day?
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Good food nutrition is key,(good post Wedge) but exercise is essential. I play goalie in a competative 18 and over recreational no hit ice hockey league. Many of the players are way younger than me. Even in the off season I am motivated to stay in shape to be able to compete at their level. In our town there is also a 35 and over league and a 50 and over league. One guy plays at 76 yrs old. Most people could do something like this. Pick an activity you like and stay in shape. (tennis,walking,running,badminton,swimming,biking,golf without a cart,bowling,climbing hills,rollerblading,ball hockey,baseball,slopitch,public skating,skiing,cross country skiing,ect)
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Thanks Aaron. Here's my progress check:
Day-1 weight: 216.4
Day-5 weight: 205.6
I have walked each day since Friday. -Wedge
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
I love this blog. Wedge4321, good on you man! Way to take initiative. I have not watched the film, but I certainly will. We in North America (in particular) are so time poor that we give convenience priority over our health in many instances (and in some cases, that includes our diet). I’m not a juicer (per se), but I’m an advocate of a morning smoothie. I recommend it for anyone – totally wakes you up and makes you feel great. I don’t know what I’d do without the magic bullet and a bag of frozen fruits from Costco. I think it’s time I start adding veggies after watching this short clip. Great blog Wedge4321. Do keep us updated on your progress.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
I decided to plant garden this year but a little late as it was June. No pesticides, herbicides etc. Things are growing like crazy. I have discovered that members of the squash and melon family thrive and squash is taking over and I can probably supply the whole neighborhood. The problem is,it is not all that popular. and next year one plant will probably be sufficient. I agree about the many benefits of gardening. It is also good for one's soul. Cheers.Frank
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Frank
Your right about the veggies, have been living all summer off the garden.It has benfits of fresh air ,exercise and the attitude ,gee it grew how much the past weerk.Use no chemicals at all, except compost.Bought nothing from the store at all for vrggies..
there is a real advantage of living off the garden for a while
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Wedge, I stand corrected. The key in the long run is balance. Lets face it, America and Canada are nations in which fast food, pre prepared food and convenience is contributing to obesity and major health problems. Would you like fries with that.? OK That's great and would you like us to up size those fries? or in Canada, how about poutine smothered in gravy. Ah Wedge, people will not change You and I better invest in pharmaceutical companies. The future looks bright.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Got it. Watch the video Frank. He does 60-days of "juice fast" to drop 100 lbs, then goes back on a "balanced diet" of regular food.
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Yes, But over time as they say "USE IT OR LOSE IT" I am talking about bowels and in time this guy is going to see prblems return in that area. Just my opinion that you cannot maintain balanceon a liquid diet over the long run. Cheers, Frank
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Morning Frank! Thanks for reading the blog and for commenting. Agree but as Joe states in the video, when you consider the volume one would have to consume inorder to get the same micro-nutrients in a glass of fresh juice, he decided it's just too much chewing...something I'm all too familiar with! :-)
Be well my friend!
Re: A Tale of Two Lives
Hey wedge, I get yourt point and I do like vegetables but I prefer eating carrots, celery,broccoli,tomatoes and cabbage than drinking them