Year: 2013

Categories
Sports

The Masters 2013 Recap of Round 1

The Masters Championship at Augusta National in Augusta, Ga. has completed the first round and what a round it was!

Surprises took shape in the opening round with an Aussie and a Spaniard leading at the end of the day with 6-under scores. Marc Leishman from Australia and Sergio Garcia from Spain, lit up the scoreboard at the 77th Masters which had many golf fans scratching their heads collectively and asking two questions: First) Who is Marc Leishman and Second) Sergio Garcia?

“The first time I was here,” Leishman says, “I was like a bit of a deer in headlights, I guess. I found myself looking around a little bit too much and not concentrating on getting the ball in the hole.” Well the concentration level was with him on Day 1 as he carded 7-birdies against 1-early bogey on the very first hole. We’ll call that nerves. He then lit it up with birdies on holes 3, 8, 10 and then four consecutive holes on 13-16 to finish with a 6-under 66.

Sergio also had a day of days for he had a bogey-free round, his first and best ever at the Masters in all his 14th appearances. Garcia, still seeking his first major title at age 33, has often struggled with Augusta’s tricky greens. He has only two top 10 finishes in 14 previous Masters.

“It’s obviously not my favorite, my most favorite place, but you know, we try to enjoy it as much as we can each time we come here,” Garcia said. “Sometimes it comes out better than others, but today it was one of those good days. And you know, let’s enjoy it while it lasts. A very quick start for Sergio but a tournament is not won on Day 1. It takes four days of consistent play and I don’t think Sergio has that consistency in his bag.”

The feel good story of the day: Guan Tianlang, the 14-year-old from China. He played a nervously steady 1st round after he rammed home a birdie putt on 18 to complete a surprising 73. Yes, he made bogeys here and there but he also made some unbelievable recoveries with long par putts and birdies that brought him back into the mix of conversation. A 1-over par from a 14-year old is amazing on such a stage as the Masters. Let’s see how he fairs on Friday.

Our ‘Favorites’ didn’t knock themselves out of the tournament by any means.
Rory McIlroy struggled with his short game and missed some makeable putts but finished at -1, 71.

Phil Mickelson was Phil Mickelson. Birdie, bogey, errant drives, spectacular shots from impossible locations, finished -1, 71.

Defending champ, Bubba Watson struggled all day and finished at +3, 75.
And my favorite to win the 77th Masters Championship, Tiger Woods shot a -2, 70. And the 70 bodes well for Woods, who has not won a green jacket since 2005. The four-time winner — tied for second most in tournament history with Arnold Palmer — has shot 70 in five opening rounds in his career in the Masters. He won three of those years so we won’t press the ‘panic button’ yet.

Dustin Johnson also had a great start along with Jim Furyk so again, stay tuned for a great Friday.

Categories
Featured Politics vote

Texas Republican Wants to Hang All Who Votes For Background Checks

Thursday, 16 Republican senators voted to move forward with debate on gun control legislation. Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman’s response: hang them.

Smitherman, a Republican who oversees the state’s oil and gas industry (the name is a bit of an anachronism) retweeted an image listing all 16 GOP senators, along with an image of a noose with “treason” on top of it.

Smitherman still has a long way to go if  he wants to claim the biggest overreaction to gun control legislation. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) alleged that national firearms databases could lead to “evil consequences”—such as genocide.

Update: The image has been taken down, but here it is:

h/t Mother Jones

Categories
News Rape

CENTRAL PARK 5

I’m certain many of you remember the Central Park West Jogger case in New York. I sure do. “Wilding” and “wolfpack”  were words used the media used to describe it. In 1990 five Black and Latino teens — Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Antron McCray and Kharey Wise — were wrongfully convicted of raping, sodomizing and brutally beating a white woman who was jogging in Central Park shortly after 9 p.m. on April 19, 1989. They spent from six to 13 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Keeping up with the trial I was shocked at how it was allowed to continue on with no direct evidence or even circumstantial evidence that could put those boys at the scene of the crime.

In 2002, their convictions were overturned, and they were acquitted following a confession by the actual rapist, Matias Reyes, a murderer and serial rapist whose DNA actually matched the evidence found on the victim’s clothing, unlike none, and I repeat NONE, of the DNA samples taken from any of the five following the NYPD’s unjustifiably botched up, bullet hole-ridden investigation of the case. It was a horrific crime, that I as a female and a fellow human being felt to the core of my soul…but Kevin, Yusef, Raymond, Antron and Kharey hadn’t done it.

After being exonerated, the young men filed a federal lawsuit for $250 million that claimed, amongst other things, that they were railroaded, maliciously prosecuted, wrongfully imprisoned and that their civil rights had been violated.  But instead of exacting justice, the lawsuit has caused the five to be victimized a second time by past   and by the present Bloomberg administration who refuse to acknowledge the Five’s proven innocence and contend that the NYPD and the District Attorney’s office did nothing wrong in arresting the teens, coercing confessions from them and prosecuting them back in 1990.

For the last 10 years, requests for records and documents from the case have been met with statements such as the  files cannot be located or are too old and deteriorated to read. This bull has resulted in major time and money wasted by the prosecutor’s office. It is for these reasons that U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald Ellis, who presently presides over the case regarding the lawsuit has now set specific deadlines for records to be presented. The bureaucracy is suffocating.

You would think Bloomberg would want to go out on a good note with a city that has made him a billionaire. You know, show us and other large city municipalities what an administration looks like when its wants to improve relations with its citizens by rectifying once and for all, the sloppy crudeness in which this case was handled in the bygone era of the 90’s. But I suppose that kind of thinking opens up way to many closets hiding way too many skeletons. This may be 2013, but we’re still a long way from initiating change to some things that are in desperate need of it.

The pressure is on though, with the broadcast of a documentary on the case by filmmaker Ken Burns. It airs on PBS on April 16.

The film ‘The Central Park Five’, opens with an audio of  Reyes describing how he savagely beat and raped the jogger late that  night in 1989, in New York’s Central Park. Starting the film off with that horrible, truthful preface it then proceeds with the story of how five totally individuals, unrelated to Reyes and unrelated to any part of the incident other than being in the park that day, were picked up, held and grilled for 24 hours and ended up being convicted for one of the most heinous crimes in New York City’s history.

Categories
NFL Sports

The Easiest Way To Sign A Contract With The NFL

It’s not difficult at all. Just be able to kick the football this way. This man’s name is Havard Rugland. He’s a Norwegian kicker and after his video went viral, the Detroit Lions quickly signed him to a contract.

Categories
Technology

T-Mobile Debuts The iPhone 5 For $99.00

T-Mobile USA Inc., the fourth- largest U.S. wireless carrier, began offering Apple Inc. (AAPL)(AAPL)’s iPhone for the first time today, providing the biggest showcase yet for its new installment-plan approach to selling phones.

Customers line up to purchase the Apple Inc. iPhone 5 from a T-Mobile USA Inc. retail location in New York. Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg

Customers with good credit can buy the iPhone 5 for $99.99 down and 24 monthly payments of $20, the Bellevue, Washington- based company said, breaking from a tradition of subsidizing smartphones in exchange for two-year service contracts. T-Mobile also will take old iPhones as trade-ins for a new iPhone 5 with no down payment and a credit toward future bills.

The strategy “could resonate with customers,” Walt Piecyk, an analyst with BTIG LLC, said this week in a research note. At about $100, the upfront costs for an iPhone 5 through T-Mobile are lower than the $199 typically charged by rivals.

T-Mobile, a division of Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE), is counting on the Apple device to help reverse an exodus of subscribers. The company was the last of the four major U.S. carriers to get the iPhone, and T-Mobile has trailed competitors in adopting a speedier network standard called long-term evolution, or LTE.

h/t Bloomberg

Categories
death New York News

Man Falls On Subway Tracks in Time Square And Is Electrocuted

A man fell onto the subway tracks in Times Square this morning and was electrocuted by the third rail, authorities said.

The fire department first received a call of a person on the northbound 2 and 3 train tracks at 6:55 a.m. at the 7th Avenue and 42nd Street station. A second caller reported that the man had been electrocuted.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, the FDNY said.

Two and 3 express trains will be running on the local track between 14th Street and 72nd Street, the MTA said.

The details surrounding the incident were not immediately known.

Categories
Food And Recipes

Paleo 101: A Need-to-Know Guide to the Paleo Diet

Scrolling down the list of Amazon best-selling cookbooks & food books I was amazed at the amount of Paleo-related cookbooks and info.

As a foodie, I’ve heard a lot about the Paleo diet but I really didn’t know what defined it- or why its followers are so passionate about it.  At a glance it sounds like Atkins.

And it doesn’t seem to include my favorite foods:  chocolate and coffee.

I decided to investigate and see what the fuss is all about.  If you are experienced in the Paleo diet, no need to read further (you won’t find anything new).  However, as a newbie, I discovered some interesting facts, absorbed some history and got a few ideas how I could be a bit of a Paleo fan- without going all in.

  1.  The Paleo diet is based on food our ancestors really ate.

First, a bit of history:  Unlike many fad diets recently developed by doctors, researchers and marketers, the Paleo diet was brought to light by Dr. Loren Cordain in the 1970’s but was followed thousands of years ago by our ancestors. It’s made a lot of headlines recently as more people seek different eating styles and habits.  The diet is thought to be a close replica of what people ate in the Paleolithic age.  The Paleolithic age ended about 10,000 years ago.

1.  There are multiple names for the Paleo Diet.

The diet is also referred to by the following names:  Stone Age diet, Caveman diet and hunter-gatherer diet.  Personally, I prefer Paleo.  It sounds kinda classy.

2.  What’s In for the Paleo diet:

Foods that the Paleo Diet include:  meat, roots, herbs, vegetables, nuts, eggs and fruit.

3.  What’s OUT of the Paleo plate:

Just about all other foods are out of the Paleo diet including dairy, legumes, pasta, refined sugar, potatoes and any processed foods.

4.  Main Health Benefit:  a diet free from “diseases of affluence.”

Dr. Cordain and the proponents of the Paleo diet state that many human diseases came about when humans started eating grains and processed foods.   Their argument is that before humans began to eat these foods, humans lived healthier lives.  The health benefits of following a Paleo diet include: more energy, a decreased propensity to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

5.  The Cons of the Diet

The biggest cons of the diet are twofold:  it takes a lot of discipline to follow and is rather limited in foods.  (Eggs every morning for breakfast can get a little tiring.)  In today’s time sensitive society, this diet does not lend itself to convenience.  One approach would be to eat a lot of raw fruits, veggies and trail mix.

6.  What does science say?

There are conflicting studies.  Dr. Cordain’s site, www.thepaleodiet.com has studies (mostly his) on the problems of the Western diet and the benefits of the Paleolithic diet.  It’s pretty easy to find the critics of the Paleo diet online.  Google “paleo critics” and a myriad of entries are quickly found.

The Paleo diet is a highly structured diet but appeals to many people who are looking for a lifestyle approach to their health.  Any lifestyle change is easier when implemented with other people.  With the increased attention the Paleo diet is receiving, there are many resources to draw support from, making it easier to make a dramatic change in lifestyle.

To reflect a bit of the popularity of the Paleo Diet:  as of this reading, there are four books in the Kindle Top Twenty category of Food & Cookbooks.  In the Kindle Top Twenty for Health, Fitness & Dieting, there are two titles on Paleonic eating.   That is healthy interest (no pun intended) in a very niche diet.

The Danger with all Trend Diets

The critics of the Paleo diet are concerned with the lack of studies done on the long term effects of the Paleo diet.  Health giving foods such as legumes, low fat dairy and whole grains are eliminated in the diet- and we get many vital nutrients from these foods, like calcium and vitamin D.

The other danger with extreme diets is sustainability.  Typically, when humans deprive themselves of certain foods, it lasts for a while, than the will to stay away gives out.  It’s easy to binge on a massive plate of pasta or eat half a container of ice cream when it’s been months since the last indulgence.

Moderation seems to be the rule many middle-of-the-road dieticians and doctors preach when it comes to diets of any kind.  Few people in the health community argue with the benefit of eliminating processed foods, refine sugar and adding more vegetables and fish to the diet.  The problem lies in the rigidity of the diet.

Most of us view food as more than simply fuel for life.  Food holds a special place, a way to enjoy relationships, bond with other people and celebrate special events.  Food adds specialness to life.  More than completely abandoning food groups, moderation is a better bet to life-long health and weight stability.

Therein lies the challenge.

Melissa AuClair is a freelance writer, author and blogger.  Before she made the decision to pursue a completely location independent lifestyle, she worked for 8 years as a RN in a variety of medical-surgical hospital units. Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair or http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com 

Categories
Domestic Policies News Politics

The Texas Education Back-Step

From the state that gave the United States the worst idea in school reform since Joe Clark prowled the halls of East Side High School in Paterson, NJ, Texas, comes this remarkable admission: High stakes testing has taken over the curriculum to the point where the Lone Star State is now rolling back the number of assessments students must take every year. Not only that, the reform that Bush wrought is proving that a laser-like focus on college prep curricula won’t hit every child.

Here’s the story, and here are some stunning facts:

The Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill this month that would reduce the number of exams students must pass to earn a high school diploma to 5, from 15.

Fifteen tests just to pass high school? Let’s talk about out-of-control standardized assessments. Let’s further talk about the Texas requirement that all students take four years of English, science, social studies and math, including an advanced algebra class, because all students must be college-ready and matriculate at an institution of higher learning. Never mind students who are not proficient academic learners or who would benefit from a vocational curriculum. It’s vitally important for all students to get a foundation in the liberal arts, but young people also need exposure to non-academic courses and classes that do not rely on a test.

From an educational policy perspective, there is something to like in the fact that Texas is considering cutting back on testing. From the article:

Here in Texas, the backlash has been fiercest among parents and educators who believe testing has become excessive, particularly after a period when the state cut its budget for education. 

On a recent afternoon, Joanne Salazar pulled out a copy of a testing calendar for the school in Austin where her daughter is a sophomore. “Of the last 12 weeks of school, 9 are impacted by testing,” Ms. Salazar said. “It has really started to control the schedule.”

Too many tests taking too much time out of the school year? Where have I heard that before?

Is there opposition to the proposed changes? Yes, and they require some analysis. Consider:

But at a time when about half of the students who enroll in community colleges in Texas require remedial math classes, Michael L. Williams, the state’s commissioner of education, called the proposed changes “an unfortunate retreat.” 
“What gets tested gets taught,” Mr. Williams said. “What we treasure, we measure.” 

First of all, the new standards, which were adopted in 2007, do not seem to have helped a large segment of Texas schoolchildren who enroll in community college. Second, it’s not just that what gets tested gets taught; it’s that Texas only teaches what’s on the test. And I can assure you that the Texas curriculum has narrowed considerably, since a teacher can’t possibly cover an enriching curriculum with the knowledge that very little will get taught during the last 12 weeks of school.

Hey, New Jersey, this is your future, and it’s starting in September. The states that adopted tests early are figuring out that they don’t contribute to a quality education, and they’re pulling back. What are we doing? Governor Christie has us jumping into the pool as the water is being emptied. This can’t, and won’t, end well.

For more, go to www.facebook.com/WhereDemocracyLives and on Twitter @rigrundfest

Categories
Food And Recipes

The Quik Cook! International Favorites: The Bahamas

The Quik Cook! continues with national cuisine favorites from around the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe! Today’s port-of-call: The Bahamas for delicious Crack Conch Fritters with Peas & Rice!

 

 

Crack Conch Fritters with Peas & Rice 
(Deep Fried Battered Crayfish with Red Beans & Rice)

Total Time: 1 hour, 10 mins /Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:
1 lb. conch (or crayfish)
1 lb. prepared tempura batter

For the Tempura batter: 2-4 cups water
1 lb. flour
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 fresh thyme 1 egg (beaten)

For Bahamian Peas and Rice
1 cap pigeon peas
1 1/2 cups of rice
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 small ripe tomato, chopped
2 slices bacon or salt pork diced
2 tsp fresh thyme

Directions:
Conch Preparation:

  1. Use lime and water is to clean the conch and cut the fresh fish smell.
  2. Tenderize conch by pounding it with a mallet.
  3. Cut conch into thumb-sized pieces then pour the tempura batter over the conch to cover each piece.
  4. Deep fry at 350-375 F until golden brown.

Tempura batter Preparation:

  1. Mix the flour, beaten egg, seasonings and water into a pasty batter.
  2. Add the water slowly since the batter should be of a paste like consistency.

Peas & Rice Preparation:

  1. Fry bacon or salt pork in a large pan with a tight-fitting lid.
  2. Add the onion, pepper, tomato, tomato paste and thyme, then add the peas, salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add 3 cups of water to the mix and bring to a boil.
  4. Add rice and stir.
  5. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  6. Serve hot with a lime wedge.

 

Next stop: Cambodia…

 

Categories
Music

Accidental Racist – My Take

Famed rapper LL Cool J collaborated with country singer Brad Paisley on his newly released song, “Accidental Racist.” The country singer created the song to deal with the issue of race and help the current generation to overcome the ills of the past.  However, upon the songs release immediate backlash followed suit.  Many argued that the duo’s attempt to address the issues of race and racism was a “bad idea,” and “misguided.” Others believe that the song is wrong for making light of slavery, Jim Crow laws and simply implying that race and racism are merely issues of the past.

Paisley, a country singer began the song by addressing a black man who was offended by the singer’s red flag (Confederate flag). “To the man that waited on me at the Starbucks down on Main, I hope you understand. When I put on that t-shirt, the only thing I meant to say is I’m a Skynyrd fan. The red flag on my chest somehow is like the elephant in the corner of the south. And I just walked him right in the room. Just a proud rebel son with an ‘ol can of worm. Lookin’ like I got a lot to learn but from my point of view. I’m just a white man comin’ to you from the southland.”

I think that both Paisley and LL Cool J are courageous. The discussion of race is one that oftentimes makes almost everyone uncomfortable.  As such, the public reaction to the song was not aberrant given that most talks involving race and racism  are notorious for generating the strongest and most negative emotions in people. Moreover, the sheer fact that neither artist is an “expert” on the subject matter further demonstrates the heart from which the song originated.  Yet, despite their desire to see forgiveness, healing, love and atonement between blacks and white, many still insist that the song is merely a stunt, tactic or concoction to gain music sales.

However, after watching the interview about why the men created the song and what they hoped to gain as a result, I was even more enthused.  Both Brad Paisley and LL Cool J appear to be truly genuine at heart.  At least, this is what I believe based upon the spirit in which the song was written and produced.  Then, upon hearing the song, coupled with the interview I was simply overjoyed. It was a sense of pride to see my generation actively engaged, taking control of our destiny and of those to follow. Moreover, even though the lyrics to this song may not have the depth to adequately address the issues that continue to plague blacks and whites today.  I believe that the song does provide a sufficient platform for those who are interested in expanding the much needed dialogue over race relations in the 21st century conversation.

Neither, Paisley or LL Cool J is an academic, politician or a teacher.  Therefore, I am not angry or put off by the fact that the song includes lyrics may be slightly misguided or misinformed.  I am not disappointed that they may have omitted or confused some historical data facts.  I am not dismayed by the song’s failure to mention the need for personal responsibility in dealing with the issue of race today.

Again, according to LL Cool J and Paisley, the song is about forgiveness and the need to heal the wounds of the past.  The song was not intended to create conflict or controversy.  I applaud the effort.  Their intentions are good enough for me because I do not believe that the song is dismissive or disrespectful in anyway. This was their honest attempt to address the elephant in the room.  Good Job! I am encouraged by their boldness and confidence to confront the giant of racism.

However, I will admit that the song should have dealt more with what we can do today to eradicate the ills of yesterday.  The song say’s, “And it ain’t like you and me can re-write history. Our generation didn’t start this nation. And we’re still paying for the mistakes. That a bunch of folks made long before we came. And caught between southern pride and southern blame.”

I too agree! No, we cannot rewrite history, nor do we need to be concerned with such. However, we must accept our role in the struggle for freedom and equality.  As the descendants of those who first committed and received the atrocities that negatively affect us all today; we must not only talk about the ills of yesterday.  Instead we must encourage personal responsibility and confront these issues.

People are not only reaping the “blame” for the wrongs of their ancestors, but they are reaping the benefits too.  As such, both blacks and whites in any given generation have a duty to evaluate the past and present, so as to identify the necessary steps to keep our nation going forward together.

Paisley is correct when he stated that, “We’re still pickin’ up the pieces, walkin’ on eggshells, fightin’ over yesterday.”  I believe that we are not only picking up the pieces of yesterday but we will never move forward in a more meaningful way if we choose to ignore opportunities such as this to deal with the “color-line” that still remains.  Unfortunately, our country was built upon division that has produced as much harm as good.  However, if this generation does not make a decision to change the way in which we all live together division will destroy this country.

Each and every person has a role to play in shaping the world in which we all must live.  Thank you, Brad Paisley and LL Cool J for your genuine efforts and Godly deeds to make this world a better place.

Categories
Sports

The Masters 2013

The 2013 Masters Championship in Augusta, Ga. is underway! Halleluiah! I, being a golf fanatic, am So excited about this time of year.

College basketball has completed its epic journey from the beginning of a dream season to the end of March Madness. Baseball season has begun and the NBA is about to begin with their Playoff run. But the journey truly begins for the PGA players and fans alike because the first major tournament starts in Augusta, Ga. – The Masters.

This is the 77th Edition of the Masters Championship and the uniqueness of this major is that it is played at the same location every year – Augusta, Ga. Over 100 players begin their quest for the famed “Green Jacket” that is presented along with the championship trophy on Sunday but it’s reserved for only one.

As this quest begins, there are so many storylines to follow. The one that I’m following is my favorite golfer and my favorite to win it all, Tiger Woods. Tiger has won the Masters four times now, in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005. He hit a speed bump of sorts after his personal life took a few ‘bogeys’ with the infidelities that ended his marriage in 2009, endorsements abandoning him thereafter, knee injuries and surgeries that slowed him down and his 3rd swing change, as well caddy change (3rd) and another swing coach change (also 3rd). Through all of this, his #1 PGA golf ranking took a tumble, knocking him all the way down to #51.

He’s won a couple of tournaments here and there, especially Jack Nicklaus’s tournament,
The Memorial and Arnold Palmer’s tournament, Bay Hill Championship, but we’re waiting on him to win another major, which he hasn’t done in 3 years.

But the resilience of this guy is so remarkable. Many, including myself, had counted him out of becoming the golfer of old, but this year alone, he’s won 3-times and we’re just in April. Just when you think he’s done, down and out, finished, he surprises us with another victory. Tiger is a very smart player. With the personal issues and coaching changes, one thing he has always alluded to is that this game “is a process”.

In every news conference, Tiger lets the media and the golf world know that winning takes hard work, diligence, persistence and time. And if any of you play this game, you can relate to them all.

To the tournament:

Tiger is the favorite to win because of the “Big Mo”. He won his last outing, the Bay Hill, two weeks ago and with 3 victories, he’s poised to win #5 at Augusta – major win #15 overall and closing in on Jack Nicklaus’s all time Majors record of 18.

Rory McIlroy has got to be in the equation. He’s a former #1 player with a U.S. Open major under his belt. His youthfulness and tenacious iron play makes him a formidable competitor. A very good driver and putter are a few tools that could put him in the mix for a great Sunday finish.

Phil Mickelson is everyone’s ‘darling’ player. He’s a great golfer as well and has 3 Masters Championships of his own. But Phil has been plagued with health issues and age may be catching up with him. At 46, he’s still a feisty competitor and could very well be there on Sunday but with Phil, he’s got to post good scores and Thursday and Friday make it interesting. If he shoots high scores early, he’s done.

Bubba Watson is last year’s Masters Champion. He has been rather inconsistent since that victory which takes away from him being a favorite, but no one expected Bubba to win last year so never-say-never.

Some of the “young guns” to watch are Keegan Bradley, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, who shares Tiger’s swing coach, and Rickie Fowler. Some veterans that may make it interesting are Jim Furyk, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter. I’d throw in Padraig Harrington who also has a Majors win.

And so it begins. The first Major tournament of the Year. The Masters 2013. Augusta, Ga. Where dreams will become a reality for someone on Sunday evening. Will it be the Favorite or will it be a Newcomer?

Whoever it is, rest assured the ratings will be higher than the expectations of the golfers. And I’ll be one of those adding to the ratings…with refreshments close by.

Categories
Health

Sleep or Die?

Trying to do more, be more and achieve more has always been an American trait.

If we can do more with less, we have achieved the accolade of all accolades.  Many people talk of how they don’t sleep enough but “they are getting a lot done.”  Startup businesses talk about sleepless nights.  College students have all night study sessions.

Whatever the cost, we get it done.

That is what counts, right?  Getting stuff done?

In the last five years, one research study after another is revealing a different philosophy.  As Tony Schwartz, author, speaker and founder of The Energy Project says, “Sleep or Die.”

It may sound extreme but Mr. Schwartz might be making a valid point.  For anyone who considers themselves to be a creative – and who isn’t a creative in some aspect in our information and digital age – a lack of sleep dramatically decreases not only one’s ability to get their best work done; they may not even live to enjoy it.

Consider some of the results of sleep deprivation from these studies, all done in the last 5 years:

  • Poor memory (2012 study from UCLA in the journal Child Development)
  • Increased blood pressure (2009 study by Dr. Fujikawa, Clinical & Experimental Hypertension)
  • Increased risk of cardiac disease and heart attack (2011, University of Warwick)
  • Increased risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s (multiple studies)
  • Lower ability to focus (Schwartz, The Energy Project, various studies)
  • Decreased creativity and ability to learn new things (2011, University College of London, published in Sleep Journal).

What a bummer.

In his book The Way We’re Working isn’t Working, Schwartz emphasizes the importance of sleep to the point that he recently made the infamous statement noted in the opening paragraph, “Sleep or die.”

Studies show more than 95% of the population needs at least 7 hours of sleep to be at their optimal level but most people never get that much sleep.  In a blog post about how sleep deprived we are, Schwarz states, “ We’ve literally lost touch with what it means to be fully awake.”

Sigh.  I feel the need for a nap.

My curiosity is also alerted about what Schwarz means by being “fully awake.”  I wonder how I would live differently, write differently, and think differently if I was sleeping more than 7 hours every night.

But in this activity driven, over-stimulated world can I make the choice to eliminate stuff and activities in order to sleep more and think better?  After all, I’m uber-guilty of reading “just one more blog post,” writing one more chapter, creating one more piece of art, answering one more email all into the late hours of the night.  To get enough sleep, the sleep Schwartz claims (and studies show) would help me write, work and live better, I would have to make significant changes in my life.

At my worst sleeping habits a few years back, I was getting 3-4 hours of sleep a night.   I commuted four hours in addition to working up to a 12 hour day. I was also working on a side writing project.  To say I was tired is an understatement.  Some of you are doing exactly what I did.  I know the pain of trying to make stuff happen, be a good employee and try to stay connected with family and friends.   I was exhausted, but trying to pretend I was fine.  It worked for about 6 months.

Looking back, the decisions I was making were not good.  I was very reactive and there was no sense of vision in my life.  I don’t want to return to that:  either the lifestyle or the mentality.

I’m back in a place where my sleep times are irregular and inconsistent.  It’s not at the extreme deficit I was in, but I know better than to think I’m immune to slipping back to my old ways.

I’m going to try an experiment for the next month.  I’m going to prioritize sleep and work on getting 7 hours of sleep every night.  I’m going to track my progress and my productivity during my waking hours.  The goal would be to experience the feeling of “fully awake.”

How about you?  How important do you think sleep is to your ability to think clearly, create brilliantly and live with more energy?   What changes would you be willing to make in order to get more sleep?

I am curious to hear your thoughts on the power of sleep and its effect on creativity.  Leave a comment.

Melissa is a blogger and artist, pursuing the location independent lifestyle at http://www.launchyourcreativelife.com  Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissauclair.

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