Paradoxdruid's Rants » advice

Cutting Back

Paradoxdruid — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:51:26 +0000

So, I’ve been changing my eating habits lately, mostly in the hopes of getting a little healthier. I think my strategy has been working– I’ve lost 10 lbs since Thanksgiving. Moreover, I have more energy and feel better. My secret? Five little changes (motivated by many sources, but especially the works of Michael Pollan):

Meat only once or twice a week, and that only 1/4 lb portions. I split a macadamia crusted mahi mahi fillet a few days ago– when you haven’t had meat in a week, even a few bites tastes AMAZING.
Eat mostly salads / veggie stews / veggie stirfrys. Cook most food from fresh vegetables.
Try to not eat anything with: high fructose corn syrup, modified food starch, corn syrup, modified corn product, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenates vegetable shortening, etc. This cuts out most junk food, as well as almost any processed food from the grocery store… there’s a few things in the organic isle at Albertson’s or in Whole Foods, but even there you have to watch for them.
Avoid “hidden” calories from beverages. I mostly drink water or herbal tea (no milk, no sugar). When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water/tea and wait 15 minutes. If you still feel hungry, then eat food. Otherwise, you were just thirsty.
(something I’m still getting used to) Order smaller portions at restaurants, and split when possible. Don’t get appetizers. Order from the healthy / reduced calorie menu when possible.

Those 5 guidelines, and I feel healthier than I have in years!

Santa Barbara is Burning

Paradoxdruid — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:08:39 +0000

Since I’ve gotten some inquiries, I thought I’d throw up a post about the recent Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara. First off, I’m nowhere near the fire, although this one is coming closer than any previous fires. My concern is with the ~30,000 evacuees, and my hope that they don’t close down the airport right before our upcoming trip!

Here’s several good maps (one and two) of the situation. And the all important fact check, Is California on Fire?

Deflation!

Paradoxdruid — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:17:38 +0000

Just wanted to share Mint.com’s Visual Guide to Deflation, which is quite explanatory.

To Japan: Part 2 (of 2)

Teisha — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:55:39 +0000

Paradoxdruid and I are going to Japan for our honeymoon — specifically, we’re going to Tokyo and Kyoto for about a week each in May. Earlier we posted our list of “must-see” places in Tokyo and now we thought we’d post our list for Kyoto. We’d love recommendations from people! Part 2: Kyoto.

Temples

Kiyomizudera Temple (Japanese Buddhist temple from 780AD!)
Sanjusangendo (from 1266AD, 1001 human-sized statues)
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) (Zen temple covered in gold, rated #1 most visited place to see in Kyoto on one website)
Kokedera (Moss Temple) (amazing moss-covered temple/gardens)
Mount Koya (Koyasan) (over 100 temples in this small hill town! It’d be a side-trip)
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) (Zen temple, built 1482)

Shrines

Fushimi Inari Shrine (dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (I’m most excited about this because it hosts a flea market every 25th of the month!)

Castles

Nijo Castle (Nijojo) (founded in 1603 for shogun and successors)
Himeji Castle/City (Considered Japan’s most beautiful castle! Would be a side-trip.)

Gardens

Museums

Miho Museum (works from Egyptian/Roman/Asian ancient culture/art, may be a side-trip)
Kyoto International Manga Museum (very new)

Hot Springs

Kurama (rural mountain town)
Kinosaki (old-fashioned town, probably a side-trip)

Other Side-trips

Nara (original capital of Japan, founded 710AD, has many old Buddhist temples)
Arashiyama and Sagano (pleasant touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto, has shops, scenic lake/river, bamboo groves, bike/rickshaw rentals, boat tours, and more)
Osaka

Other

Kyoto Station (I’m sure we’ll see it — apparently it’s quite futuristic.)

Please let us know if you have any recommendations/suggestions!!

To Japan: Part 1 (of 2)!

Teisha — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:39:07 +0000

So Paradoxdruid and I are going to Japan for our honeymoon, exploring a new country as a newly wedded couple, and while we’ve come up with a list of “must-see” places, we were wondering if any Paradoxdruid’s Rants’ readers have recommendations. Part 1: Tokyo.

Here’s our list of places we’d really like to see in Tokyo:

Museums:

Parks, gardens, and shrines:

Imperial Palace (lots of beautiful gardens!)
Yoyogi Kouen (a beautiful park)
Hama Rikyu (garden of a feudal lord)
Meiji Jungu Shrine

Anime-related:

Akihabara
Ghibli Museum
Kinokuniya bookshop (large, famous book store)
Jingu Bashi Park (cosplay park)

Entertainment and shopping (we’re really not big shoppers though):

Roppongi (cultural center with an active nightlife)
Odaiba, Minato (Tokyo bay — lots of attractions)
Kabukicho (large red light district…)
Shinjuku (a very popular shopping/entertainment district — #1 most visited place in Tokyo)
Shibuya (another popular shopping/entertainment district)
Aoyama (another shopping/entertainment district)

Other attractions:

Sony Building
Tsukiji Fish Market (sushi breakfast!)
Tokyo Tower (taller than the Eiffel Tower!)
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs(only co-ed hot springs we found)
Tokyo International Forum (big business district)

We also have looked into hotels quite a bit, mostly traditional Japanese Ryokans and maybe a “love hotel” for fun, but if anyone has recommendations we’d love to hear them.

Next up I’ll be posting Part 2: Kyoto (as soon as we get around to figuring all that out)! Again, if you have any suggestions for Kyoto, feel free to voice them before the next post! Thanks for reading!