7-11

First off, congrats to Chris and Sonia on the birth of Eli Nathaniel Johnson. He's a cute baby (as all are) and bound to have the musical gifts already at birth. This makes baby #2,000,000 that was born in the past 12 months to friends of mine:) No, I don't plan on jumping on the bandwagon anytime soon.

Today is June 11th, which made me realize... it's "7-eleven". You know, like the gas station. We used to have 7-elevens around here, but now I can't remember the last place close by that I saw one. Now we're left with only gas stations that have sexual meaning if used in a different connotation. Pump N' Munch, Kum N' Go, Kwiki Mart, and who could forget Connoco? Oh wait, nevermind.

I forgot to mention yesterday about Sunday's race. I know Boy was there, not sure if Jill went with - but Jamie has yet to return my phone call after his boy Kenseth just about stopped on the race track and then was pissed when the eventual-winner Gordon cut him loose in order to pass him. What a baby..... It's like the slow people in the left lane in Minnesota, or someone that doesn't accelerate on the entrance ramp of an Interstate - GET OUT OF THE WAY!! Advice that Kenseth should adhere to. I also want to say that the NBC/TNT crew with Parsons and that crew, SUCKS! I saw the last 60 laps and then went home to watch the rest off of DVR and in fast-forward mode, I see how many dang commercials (and at the worst times) that NBC has when it covers a NASCAR race. I hate NBC coverage. There are rumors that Danica Patrick might be coming over to NASCAR next year. That might do some things for the "activity" (still not a sport, no matter how entertaining it is... neither is ice skating or gymnastics by my rules).

And finally, I have my first session of T'ai Chi today. It's Mandarin term "T'ai Chi Ch'uan" is no longer considered a martial art training, but rather a moving meditation or a health maintenance. I'll let you know more as I go through this class (8 sessions offered through the IBM Club). What I find as I do an initial search is that T'ai Chi involves the study of three subjects - Health, Meditation, and Martial Art.

There is the physical health side of it: It uses leverage through the joints based on coordination in relaxation rather than in muscular tension in order to neutralize physical attacks. The slow and repetitive work involved in this process increases and opens internal circulation of the body (breath, body heat, blood flow). It's effects are the opposite of the physical degeneration of stress the body endures throughout time.

There is the meditative side of it: The Far East has always used meditation to create and hold inner peace. Studies show that meditating during work (as they did while I was in Japan - right after lunch) can increase productivity and reduce stress in the work place. Meditation also can increase sexual performance as well as have a direct effect on the body's natural response to handling mental stress. There are studies that T'ai Chi even helps reduce the possibilities of developing diabetes.

And the martial arts side of it: I might learn how to hurt someone if they try to hurt me. Part of my desire to continue losing weight and getting in shape is to take martial art classes. I'm already scary looking and intimidating due to my size, how much more scared would you be if I was a black belt?

Song of the Day - In honor of Eli, I have the Nylons out and listening to "Eli's coming, hide your heart" - not sure who (if anyone) originally performed that one. Yes, I like the Nylons - always have.

Video of the Day - I can't believe it.... In the ongoing world where Hollywood is jumping at any opportunity to make a sequel (or many many more that usually suck), there is still another Rocky movie coming out. Rocky Balboa will be coming soon to a theatre near you and yes, Sly is still in this one. Watching a 65 year old make a boxing comeback is not in my list of things to see anytime soon.... (if you watch the trailer - use the Quicktime one, it's better quality).

Webpage of the Day - Thanks again to ChaChi (not to be confused with T'ai Chi)for today's suggestion. A man takes a year but turns a paper clip into a new three-bedroom house, all with using no money - just straight up trades. It is a rather remarkable story and makes me curious. I have a "To-Mater" truck from a Frosted Flakes truck up for a trade if anyone has something else to offer. Take the time to read this "feel good" story, but make sure to give it your full attention as it can get confusing. Movie coming in 2007.....