Axis cameras

So How much should we tip?

One of my football discussion message board pondered this subject and the opinions were diverse and somewhat emotional. Me personally; I've never understood why the tip% has gone up over the years. I can remember in my youth when 10% was the normal tip percentage. One would think that inflation of meal prices would handle the waiter getting more each year. I mean 10% is good enough for Jesus, right? But no, soon meal tipping went to 15%, and now most people assume 18-20% is the correct amount.

But I digress. CNN has published a study from Emily Post Institute that includes comments from a Cornell Human Behavior Study that purports to be the bible of correct tipping. I offer it for your benefit.

RESTAURANTS/BARS
Waiter/waitress:	15% of bill (excl. tax) for adequate service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service
Headwaiter/captain:	often gets a cut of table server's tip; so tip your server extra to reward captain, or tip captain separately
Sommelier, or wine steward:	15% of cost of the bottle
Bartender:	15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink
Coatroom attendant:	$1 per coat
Parking valet or garage attendant:	$2 to bring your car to you
Washroom attendant:	50 cents to $1

	DAILY LIFE Taxi driver: Varies depending on locality. Assume 15% will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags. Food delivery person:* 10% of the bill (excl. tax), at least $1 for bills up to $10. Should tip 15%-20% for a difficult delivery. Grocery loader: Check with store policy if tips are accepted. If so, $1 for bringing bags to car; $1.50 to $3 if you have more than 3 bags. Barber: 15% to 20%, minimum $1, for a haircut. For other services (shampoo, shave or manicure) tip $1 to $2 to service provider. Hairdresser: 15% to 20%. (It is now acceptable to tip owner, unless he or she says otherwise.) Shampoo person: $2 Manicurist: 15% Spa service (e.g., massage): 15% to 20%. If service is provided by owner, no tip. Staff at coffee/food retailers with tip jars: No tip required. It's completely optional. Handyman: No tip Gas attendant: No tip * Mike Lynn, associate professor of consumer behavior at the Cornell Hotel School suggests tipping pizza delivery folk a minimum of $2 per pizza. His reasoning: Food delivery can be dangerous if delivering to crime-ridden neighborhoods or driving in bad weather, etc. The Web site www.tipthepizzaguy.com suggests the following: 15% for normal service, with a $2 minimum; 20% for excellent service; 10% or less for poor service; at least 10% for orders of $50 or more. Don't assume a delivery charge, if there is one, goes to the pizza deliverer. Ask the person who takes your order.

	TRAVEL Skycap at airport: $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter. Hotel doorman: $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person for hailing a cab Hotel bellhop: $1 per bag for bringing luggage to your room (but a $2 minimum if you have just one bag) Hotel housekeeper: $2 to $5* per night Hotel concierge: $5 for getting you tickets or reservations ($10-plus if they're hard to get). No tip required when you ask for directions. Cruise: Varies. Ask cruise line about customary gratuities.

Source: Emily Post Institute

* Additional source: Tipping.org

Finally a fresh post and a fresh outlook

The past 30 days have not been much to brag about from this challenge perspective, and thus there have been no posts. During this time I have travelled to Hollywood, bought a new couch (sectional actually) and a new media player which allows me to watch movies in my living room that are stored on the hard drive of my computer in my office. This is especially nice since I have that new sectional to watch them on.

I still managed to average about 2 workouts per week, and have held fast where I was since the last post. Now that spring is here (finally) I have awoken from my winter funk and have a fresh outlook. I have decided to extend my challenge period by 45 days since my main goal is the weight/waistline loss, not the time deadline, and I realized there was no way I would make my goal by April 4th. This change alone has instilled a renewed sense of purpose that I trust will carry me through to completion.

Pretty much sums up my life

The wonderful steak Kaye and I prepared for Valentines involved a unique way of preparing it.

Heavily salting the beef for 15-60 minutes and then rinsing and drying just seemed to intriguing to pass up. Always the overachiever, we left the salt in too long for the thickness of our steak, so it was a tad bit too salty for my tastes. Nevertheless, it was a wonderfully tender steak, and I have now become a huge fan of Jaden Hair and her Steamykitchen.com web site.

The downside for me is that the salt apparently caused me to retain water because I was around 246 this morning. (At least that's what I'm going with).

The rumors of my demise are greatly exagerated

Contrary to what you may have been wondering, I am not dead.....


Although, there have been times over the past two weeks that I considered death a preferable alternative to the miserable condition I found myself in, but my commitment to you and this blog required me to manage this intractable illness. (I learned that word from Obama - he was describing the Middle East). This "crud" I picked up has not wanted to leave. I'm still congested in my chest but not nearly as bad and each day it gets a little lighter.

Since I last entered the gym 17 days have passed since and the Saints won the Super Bowl.

Today marked my triumphant return and it felt good. As I mentioned in my last post 10 days ago, I actually lost more weight while not exercising and just being sick. In the past 4 days, I have put on a couple back, but I'm not manic about it. As for the lack of posts during this period, two things: I haven't felt like posting and there wasn't anything new to post anyway. Nevertheless, I apologize and will attempt to never let it lapse again.

This will be a challenging week for the BigJohn-LittleJohn program since I am flying to Los Angeles for a conference from Wednesday through Saturday. I will make every effort to keep faithful to the program and the blog.

Check Out Today's weigh-in

Well, I can say one positive thing about being sick: I've broken through the 247-250 range I've been stuck at for about 2 weeks.

This morning I had to weigh 3 times to be sure, but I'm around 241-242.

4 Days of Total Feel Bad

Well he certainly got me.... I've been down since Friday.

No workouts and that's the farthest thing from my mind right now. Monday, I thought for sure I'd be back to form on Tuesday, and now on Tuesday night all bets are off. I've masked it with some symptom medicine and think I'm getting better, but then when the 6 hour window expires, I'm all achy again. I will make up these workouts over the next week or so.

On a positive note, I've lost weight. Finally hit 245. 6 more and I'll feel like I'm starting to get control of it.

13 minutes of Total Feel Good

I am not well

Earlier this week, Kaye got the "crud", (which required a trip to the doctor), and it found it's way to me about 2:00 am Friday, when I awoke unable to swallow.

I made it into work, but in my miserable state, could only dream about getting back into my pajamas and sleeping with some old movie in the background. I finally arranged for that to happen around 4:00 p. m.
As I write this (Sunday morning), I have not left the warm confines of my abode. It has been glorious.

Consequently, I am 2 workouts behind. My Friday lower body weights, and my Saturday cardio. I am happy to report that I am feeling better, and hope to knock at least one of these out today.

This video will make you feel good

A Mississippi Success Story....

Who Dat, Indeed!

Got back last night from the Big Easy and it was incredible. 43 years of waiting.

Even the Israelites only wandered for 40.

I will post more on this a little later. Behind in work and must catch up.

Gained back 2 pounds over the weekend, but I'm cool with it. Will double up efforts this week.

I need to hear from you

As weakness attempts to descend on me.....

I am told that several people are following this blog, and it certainly would be nice to get a comment every now and then. You can comment anonymously and thus really let me have it.

Even if it's just to express your opinion on peanut butter. I mean, c'mon, everyone has an opinion on peanut butter.

My new love

Peanut butter on toast. It was recommended for breakfast on the three day diet, and I have really fallen hard for it. I asked on a message board recommendations for the best peanut butter, and the opinions were varied. . A high number recommended the Smuckers organic, and I may have to give it a try. I'm currently using Peter Pan, because my wife said it's cheap

I have been a very

My loving but morally weak wife talked me into Mexican food for lunch on Thursday and the Sushi on Friday. Suprisingly, I lost the most weight in a week. I have this theory that sometimes you need to shock your body out of the routine it's used to. At least that's what I'm going with for now.

Day 18 Recap

Was there any doubt?

A moment of reverential silence.

Day 17 Recap

A surprise lunchtime visit by one of my vendors allowed me to be treated to a noonday meal. I suggested Applebees, he agreed, and we both got the all you can eat soup and salad. All in all, fairly healthy and a welcome break from the tuna. Wednesday was lower body weights and a good workout.

Progress?

Click picture to enlarge (if you really feel the need to)

Day 16 Recap

The temptation to cheat, food wise, is intense, strongest at lunch. I have been very diligent in my workouts, and I'm continued to be frustrated at being stuck in the 249 range.

Day 15 Recap

(14 was a Free Day and unremarkable). At the conclusion of 2 weeks, I did my weigh in and did a tape measure around my middle. It was 44 3/4", an improvement of 2 1/4", and for that I am grateful. I am still disappointed that I am stuck around 249. The workout today as upper body weights, and I really pushed myself. I am realizing that I am enjoying being back in the gym. The evening was uneventful other than my "socially active" neighbors descending on the house to plot what may be an excursion to the Big Easy this weekend for the NFC Championship game. For us long suffering Saints fans, this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Tickets are already over $300.00. We will see.

Day 13 Recap

Fairly uneventful close to the second week, though I can say that I faired much better than #13 Kurt Warner at the hands of the Saints. This sets up a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to finally make it to the Super Bowl. I am seriously considering going down there for the game, and if they win I may have to veto my firm recommitment of no alcohol. I think God would understand.

But I shall cross that bridge when I get there. For now, I am ready to see my weight drop a few more pounds because it is frustrating being stuck around 249 for almost a week.

I remind myself that I'm doing the right things.

The First Interview

It's been two weeks, and I know readers have been clamoring for more details on the question- WHY? So, in the Obama spirit of transparency, I agreed to sit down to an interview.

So what prompted you to do this?

What, the decision to lose weight or the blog? On the weight, I just got tired of my pants being too tight. (Plus the letter from my father, which I will discuss at a later date.) I did a hard core program in 2006 and lost about 25 pounds and felt great. I slowly put it back on at the rate of about 10 pounds per year, and sometime in '09, I decided it was time to do something again. I had tried a couple of short term diets in 2007 and 2008, but nothing that amounted to any serious results. So last year I decided I really needed to get serious about it. But it was football season (lots of tailgates), and then the Holidays and Bowl Games, so I just decided to enjoy the season and start the day after.

Regarding the blog, as I mentioned over on the sidebar "What this is all about" section, I recently watched the movie "Julie & Julia" and was impressed by the Julie character who blogged about cooking all of the 524 recipes in the Julia Child cookbook in one year. I had never done a blog and thought it might be a fun way to keep me on track and learn a little more about blogging.

Why the no alcohol policy?

Two reasons:

1. The obvious calorie content of the booze and booze by products (munchies).
2. The fear of missing a workout either due to a neighborly invitation for cocktails in the evening or the absence of motivation in the morning (due to former).

But you're an Ole Miss alumni; isn't that crazy?

Very, and I'm a Saints fan too, but they've both been winning more lately so that's helped lessen the need to medicate.

However, I happen to live in a very socially active neighborhood with a certain shall we say "zest for life" that has really made this a lot more challenging that I thought.







What exactly is the program you're doing?

I'm basically following the "Body For Life" exercise program.
It was created by a guy named Bill Phillips (yeah, he's the metro looking guy on the right), and he produced some amazing results (see some of the before and after pictures) as well as life changing impacts on some of the participants. I really like this program. It's challenging without making you feel like you're gonna puke (see P90X), and it works every part of your body plus cardio fitness. Plus you can send in before and after pictures and possibly win $25,000 cash!

How does it work?

It's 12 Weeks, 6 workouts per week (1 each day and then a free day). Monday/Wednesday/Friday are weights and Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday are cardio. On the MWF weight days, you alternate between upper body and lower body. You can use machines or free weights and have a lot of options on which exercises you use. On the upper body days, you work Chest/Shoulders/Back/Triceps/Biceps, all with separate set groups. On the lower body days you work quads/hams/calves and then do ab work. Both programs take about 45 minutes. The cardio workouts are about 20 minutes. There are some wonderful exercise guides, spreadsheets and logbooks available free on line.



About the diet. What are you doing there?

No formal 12 week diet as defined by some book or service. I am tracking everything I eat (and I mean everything), and I'm incorporating a few diets I've uncovered through the years. I kick started the whole program with "The Three Day Diet" which my neighbors John and Christy recommended. It's a hard core deal, but really got me off to a good start. After that, pretty simple, I'm eating lean meat-chicken-fish, lot's of salad and green vegetables, avoiding the fried stuff and breads.

A big deal is portion size. I learned about that when I tried the Nutrisystems diet in 2007 and lost about 18 pounds in 6 weeks. Man, when that box of food arrived from UPS and I opened it and said "This is my entire month's supply of food?" I mean this box was about the size of a toaster. But I tried it and too my surprise, it worked and I wasn't hungry after eating that tiny lunch cup.















How much do you hope to lose? What are your goals?

well, like Madonna, nothing too radical....

As I mentioned, I did a similar program in 2006 and lost about 25 pounds. Keep in mind that this program builds muscle so I probably shifted some pounds around to the better. I did all of the workouts, but I didn't diet as strictly as I should have. So this time I am paying more attention to the diet. The sad news is that this time I'm starting about 8 pounds heavier than the last time. I've been busting my ass for two weeks and I'm just now at where I started back in '06. So, with that handicap and 4 more years on this body, (slower metabolisim, etc) I have to be more vigilant.

Anyway, to answer your question, I'd say that weight-wise, I'd love to bust 220 (may be a bit agressive), but I will say that my biggest goal is my gut and double chin. And I'll let the pants and pictures be my judge at the end of this period.

Long term control is my second biggest goal and my biggest fear. Yesterday, I spoke with my good friend Marilyn Beasley, who owns the Diet Center in Jackson . I'm going to meet with those fine folks to get a body fat analysis (which I will post here of course) and get on a maintenance plan.

Sounds great, so how's it going so far?

Overall I am pleased. Obviously, it's never has fast as one would hope, but I feel good; all of the initial soreness is gone, and I'm actually enjoying the sense of well being coming from all of this.

I've dropped 8 pounds and 2 inches in my gut so far.

Day 12 Recap

No, I didn't break down for a dozen, but I did kind of blow it on my no alcohol rule. I'll blame it on Kaye and good friends who stopped over last night. I had a good day eating wise, had a great workout (lower body weights and ab work). I had a small glass of wine while grilling chicken, and that was it until after dinner, when we were all hanging around I had probably 2 more. Felt really guilty this morning so I'm setting a firm pledge. Absolutely no more the rest of this program. Why, you ask? I'll explain a little later when I give my first interview.

On a positive note, I broke 250 with some degree of certainty. I'm happy about that but concerned that it took two weeks. At my current 248, I'm where I started one of these diets about 3 years ago. Today is Saturday and it will be 20 minutes on the elliptical, a Sam's run for essentials, and catch the Saints game. I'm tremendously happy that they re-signed Deuce McAllister and he will be a captain for today's game.

How is your eyesight?

Try this "Chinese" Eye Test

Day 11 Recap

Well, the day went well, cardio on the elliptical this morning, tuna for lunch and a fish taco for supper. Had my first "slip" if you will, but it was clearly thought through, was minor, and I'm not bearing any real guilt about it. Our neighbor Jason came down to visit for a little while and we all fell into an episode of Iron Chef America with Bobby Flay. Watching the two chef's go at it preparing some incredible dishes centered around an Australian Perch fish, got my mouth watering and all of us talking about some good cooking. I had a real craving for a little wine as I watched the show and Kaye was only too happy to poor me a little. About a third of a glass of Shiraz, and I was fine.

Day 10 Recap

Day 10: Makes me think of Bo Derek......

Besides being a "10" I chose Bo Derek because we were born 2 weeks apart: November 1956.

Also, (like me), Bo avoids plastic surgery, and at age 53, she still looks pretty good.
Upper Body weight workout and accomplished it before work. Felt really good and am actually enjoying the time.

Took a break from the lunch routing of tuna fish and took Kaye to Applebees for their soup and salad special. It's all you can eat, very healthy and only $6.99 The soup choices are tomato basil, broccoli cheese or French onion. The salads are grilled chicken caesar, shrimp on spinach, oriental chicken and one more I can't think of. It's McDonald's prices and all you can eat!

Supper was a chicken breast with broccoli, and the early to bed.

Day 9 Recap

Today was cardio on the elliptical and typical tuna fish special for lunch.

Supper was a a delicious spicy red fish on the half shell that Kaye worked up from some fish I had caught on a fall trip to Venice, La. Infused with smoked red jalapenos and white onions, smeared in dijon mustard and paprika, and topped with drizzled butter. mmmm

Day 8 Recap

First, I didn't do a Day 7 Recap, because that was a free day. No specific diet or workout requirements. (But I will admit I held it together pretty well.)

Back to Day 8: Today had the makings of a total fail day via fast food. Had to be on the coast (3 hour drive) for 8:30 meeting and gassed up at the Exxon with a built in Krystal about 5:15 am. Needed coffee bad, as I didn't have time to make it at home before I left. Saw that they were offering a Sunriser on Toast and couldn't resist. One sausage patty, scrambled egg between two slices of toasted white bread. Actually felt it wasn't too bad, and I justified that 2 of the 3 items were allowable. followed the meeting with a pit stop at a McDonalds around 10:45 and snatched their last breakfast burrito with another coffee. Got back to the office around 1:00 pm and Kaye was waiting with a (please don't click here:Quizno's chicken caesar salad. I did leave the bread, but WOW, 1000 Calories! I could have had about 2 Big Macs.

Anyway, it was delicous, and did lower body weight workout last night. Kaye made some chicken and spinach pasta (with very little pasta) for supper and I dug right in. This was by far the most I've eaten since this all started and to my shock and surprise, when I woke up Tuesday morning, I had dropped to 249, my lowest morning weight. Go figure....

The Thrill of Victory

Yesterday in sub freezing temperatures, My daughter Melissa completed her first marathon. Very tough conditions: never got above 24 during the entire race. One contestant died. She posted a net time of 3:46:55 to finish 102 overall out of 1400, and 14th overall female. Very proud of her. The course started and finished at the Old Capitol.

And the Agony of Defeat

Returning home from watching Melissa conquer 26.3 miles, I was greatly inspired to press forward in my own quest with an equal feeling of accomplishment. We had dinner plans to go to Mermaids restaurant to jointly celebrate 3 of our neighbors' birthdays. Kaye suggested that I wear the new pair of Levis she had purchased for me a few weeks ago. I learned the definition of Muffin Top.


As you can see here, these are not exactly skinny jeans. Sadly , I've got a long way to go.

Week 1 Is In The Books

Did cardio on the elliptical and wrapped up the week. Observed the Mississippi Blues Marathon (which I will comment on in another post) and had dinner at Mermaid's restaurant celebrating some neighbors' birthdays.

All in all, pretty pleased, though wish I'd dropped a few more pounds. I am still sore in my lower body to the point I can hardly bend down to pick up anything. In fact if I drop any change under a quarter, it's yours, cause I ain't going for it.

Hopefully, this too shall past in the next few days.

Dave 5 Recap

First Week is almost done.

Today was the second Upper Body workout this week and it went nicely. Soreness is much less in the upper body, but my legs are killing me. Hopefully Monday, when I do the second lower body workout, they will recover like my upper body has.

Arctic blast has descended on Mississippi. My daughter is flying in tonight from Austin, Texas to run in the MS Blues Marathon in the morning. It's her first attempt at a marathon, and she picked a cold one. We plan to encourage her to the finish line.

Day 4 Recap

And May God Help America.

It seems that Alabama has won the BCS Championship.

I attended a wonderful game party at a neighbor's and did surprisingly well eating wise. Not there wasn't a lot of wonderful temptation, but I held my own, and had a 1/2 cup of white bean chicken chili (absolutely the best I've ever had: Recipe Here) and 1 cup of regular chili, and a salad. Thursday was cardio day and did the elliptical.

With Apologies, "Before" Pictures Are Up....

I know it's tough on the eyes. If I need to cover it with some kind of parental advisory alert, let me know.

Try and imagine the skinny me waiting to emerge forth.

Day 3 Recap

Day 3 and I was sore as hell from the upper body workout on Monday. Hit the gym after work and did the lower body workout, (quads, hams, calves and abs).

As I got back in my truck to go home, the desire for a good scotch was strong. I think it was partly due to a feeling of satisfaction from the day. We got a nice order approved and I got my workout in. Nevertheless, I was strong.

Healthy eating today for the most part, grilled chicken (slightly processed-came from Sam's club) patties cooked on the George Foreman. Almost fell asleep in the chair watching the GMAC Bowl Game, and Kaye and I were in bed by 9:37. I say this with accuracy because we got one of these for Christmas. (and I love it.

OK Google: Your Countdown Clock is starting to piss me off

You may have noticed the 90 Day Countdown Clock on the right side of the blog the last couple of days. I set it when I created the blog and have reset it at least 3 times since. It randomly will appear set back to zeroes. Thanks to Kaye for pointing this out. So after searching the issue, I find it's a know problem and I was able to replace with the "Countdown To Ectasy" that appears to be working. Please let me know if it starts doing the same thing.

Day Two Recap

Woke up and weighed in at 254, so the day started nicely.

Decided to do the workout in the evening. Lunch was more tuna. (Note to self, call broker to buy stock in Chicken of the Sea).

Day two was cardio and is the easier of the workouts, although the most boring. I own a home elliptical machine that heretofore had been a clothes storage device. So I dusted it off and did the 20 minutes to Norah Jones.

Supper was grilled chicken strips, spinach salad and hot and sour soup. Kaye prepared them and I grilled them on our new All Clad griddle we got for Christmas. She prepared a few extras and they found their way into my belly.

Evening weight was 258, Ouch!

The Ugly Truth

Pulled out the tape measure this morning:

Height: 74" (6 feet 2 inches)

Weight: 254

Waist: 47"

Chest: 48 1/4"

Neck: 19"

Like you needed to see this:

You probably shouldn't click on this picture

Food Item: Calories, Fat (grams)

­1. Deluxe Breakfast Biscuit (McDonald's): 1,320, 63
2. Double Whopper with Cheese (Burger King): 990, 64
3. Chocolate Shake (large, 22 ounces, Burger King): 950, 29
4. Roast Turkey, Ranch & Bacon Sandwich (Arby's): 834, 38
5. Baconator (Wendy's): 830, 51
6. Onion Petals (large, Arby's): 828, 57
7. TenderCrisp Chicken Sandwich (Burger King): 780, 43
8. Nachos Bell Grande (Taco Bell): 770, 44
9. Grilled Stuft Burrito (beef, Taco Bell): 680, 30
10. Pepperoni Personal Pan Pizza (Pizza Hut): 640, 29
11. Curly Fries (large, Arby's): 631, 37
12. Chicken Club Sandwich (Wendy's) 610, 31
13. French Fries (large, McDonald's): 570, 30
14. Meatball Marinara (6-inch wheat sub, Subway): 560, 24
15. Big Mac (McDonald's): 540, 29
16. Tuna (6-inch wheat sub, Subway): 530 31
17. Meat Lovers Hand-Tossed Pizza (1 slice, Pizza Hut): 490, 27
18. Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissan'wich (Burger King): 470, 32
19. Beef 'n' Cheddar Sandwich (Arby's): 445, 21
20. Extra Crispy Chicken Breast (KFC): 440, 27
21. Supreme Pan Pizza (1 slice, Pizza Hut): 440, 23
22. Sweet & Spicy Wings (5, boneless, KFC): 440, 19
23. Cheesy Tots (large, 12 pieces, Burger King): 430, 24
24. Mozzarella Sticks (4 pieces, Arby's): 426, 28
25. Burrito Supreme (beef, Taco Bell): 410, 17
26. Cold Cut Combo (6-inch wheat sub, Subway): 410, 17
27. Vanilla Frosty (medium, Wendy's): 410, 10
28. Pepperoni Stuffed Crust Pizza (1 slice, Pizza Hut): 390, 19
29. Asian Salad with Crispy Chicken (McDonald's): 380, 17
30. Glazed Kreme Filled Doughnut (Krispy Kreme): 340, 20
31. Original Recipe Thigh (KFC): 330, 24
32. KFC Snacker (KFC): 320, 16
33. Regular Roast Beef Sandwich (Arby's): 320, 14
34. Hershey's Sundae Pie (Burger King): 310, 19
35. Oven Roasted Chicken Breast (6-inch wheat sub, Subway): 310, 5
36. Coca-Cola Classic (large, 32 ounces, McDonald's): 310, 0