Wiston Papers

Perfect Storm Sandy is an opportunity for a Perfect Recovery

The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy brings memories of equally catastrophic recent natural disasters. Hurricane Katrina laid waste to New Orleans and the Gulf coast in 2005; Hurricane Ike pounded Galveston, Texas four years ago; and the world awoke to a new year in January 2010 with news of an earthquake and the horrific destruction to Haiti.

In each instance massive help was promised, initial emergency responses were uneven, and rebuilding has stalled.  Those initial commitments of help--uttered largely for public consumption--have been largely forgotten while the victims remain ignored and abandoned.

Hurricane Sandy has been called a perfect storm.  Now will we see a Perfect Recovery?  Unlike past rebuilding efforts, we should.  Here’s how.

First, both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney have made rebuilding of America’s infrastructure a cornerstone of their Presidential campaigns.  Sandy provides a perfect laboratory for the next president to prove whether those words become  reality or remain just political rhetoric.

Sandy has killed scores of  persons, leveled numerous homes from water and fires, flooded the New York City subway system, and swamped tourist and amusement facilities along the Eastern Seaboard.

Initial damage estimates put losses to homes and businesses as high at $50 billion.

President Obama already has signed into law emergency aid legislation.  He could do more and should in the coming weeks and months.  There should be an immediate response followed by a carefully conceived and coordinated long-term disaster recovery and infrastructure renewal plan.

Second, unlike the disorganized recovery and rebuilding initiatives that followed Katrina, Ike and the Haiti earthquake, the next U.S. president should marshal  America’s armed forces to beef up and expedite the new response efforts.  Troops that formerly were in Iraq now should be movilized to the disaster-devastated home front.

There is far too much work left undone from Katrina, Ike and other recent attacks from Mother Nature.  Incompetence and corruption are two major explanations for the unfinished cleanup and rebuilding.  Apathy and lack of compassion seem to be in great abundance, too.  

The next president should lead the way in pushing both federal and local leaders to assess immediate storm-related damage and identify long overdue rebuilding needs to housing projects, transportation sectors, and educational institutions.  

Once these needs are identified, we can begin to put American men and women back to work rebuilding this nation.

Third, this massive effort will require money and lots of it.  It’s time for another stimulus program.  And we can do it properly this time.  Washington has no legitimate excuse for withholding the billlions of wartime money spent on Iraq that now is available for rebuilding on the homefront.

I’m optimistic and hopeful that our leaders will see Hurricane Sandy as an opportunity for a Perfect Recovery.  The rebuilding necessary in her wake can and should mean new opportunities to put millions of U.S. residents back to work, stimulate the economy through the circulation of additional monies that boost business, and rebuild our aging and poverty-infested neighborhoods.

I’m anxious to see if our newly elected officials are up to the task.

Steve Coon

October 31, 2012

Wiston Papers

Time out for NaNoWriMo

November 01 thousands of Americans will dust off long-forgotten, dust-covered, age-yellowed papers buried deep on the bottom shelf of some seldom-touched book case or hidden in a dresser drawer.  

It’s now or never if I’m I’m ever going to do it, will be the unspoken rationale.

I’ll join this legion of creative yet procrastinating minds.  All of us following the Pied Piper siren song of fame and fortune.  The acclaim that will accrue to us for having spent the next 30 days writing the great American novel will be the rightful spoils for recognizing genius.  A masterpiece of literature will spew forth from the cacophonous tapping of a million keys responding to the urgency of fingertips to record the words that will transfix a multitude of readers.

OK.  It won’t happen.  But it will be fun anyway.  I’m talking about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).  November is when many of us decide to spend 30 days writing a book.  Some will use the period as stage one of a serious project.  Much more will have to be done before the draft becomes a published book.  It takes more than a month to write a novel worthy of publication.

Most of us will just tackle our idea for the satisfaction of having churned out 50,000 words on a single topic over the course of a month.  We have no pretense that our product will ever appear between two covers in a bookstore.  We just want to see what we can write.

Some of us will get the courage to let a few close relatives or friends look at our effort--with the caveat that they be kind.  Our egos are fragile.

Our son was kind in his assessment of my first NaNoWriMo creation.  “Well, it’s a first draft,” he said.  That was it.  Only later did he have more detailed comments.

I think he was trying to spare my feelings.  My fault really.  I did ask him to look at my manuscript as if I were serious about publishing it.  He was right of course.  It needed much more work.  

Do you have any better ideas, is what I inferred from his diplomatic reticence to expand on his original critique.  

This Thursday I begin again.  I have  four ideas rumbling around in my brain.  And I’ll settle on one of them before then.  

Meanwhile, I may write one more blog before I take my annual hiatus and join the NaNoWriMo community.

Who knows.  You may read some descriptions of my frustrations here about my experiences during the coming month.  Those anecdotes may actually be better reading than my novel.

Steve Coon

October 29, 2012

Wiston Papers

The President is important, but we really need to worry about Congress

Millions of Americans will vote November 06 to elect officials at the local, state and national levels.  Much media attention has been on the presidential contest between the Democrat incumbent Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

The media narrative is about which man is best prepared to revive our anemic economy, spur business growth and hiring, control runaway health costs, assure Social Security solvency, guarantee Medicare access for the sick and elderly, and protect national security at home and abroad.  These are legitimate concerns.  But their solution does not reside in the White House alone.

More that 220 years ago American political leaders John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison penned a series of essays on the state of our young nation and urged constitutional reforms they believed were  needed to protect a fragile democracy.

Their words are as important today as they were two centuries ago.

In Federalist No. 50 published February 05, 1788 the earnest argument was posed for the clear separation of powers among the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government.  Jay, Hamilton and Madison were prescient in recognizing that the greatest domestic danger came not from a strong President, but rather from an expansionist Congress that would inevitably seek to encroach on the discrete powers of the chief executive as well as the courts.

That is precisely what has happened and why today’s voters should pay particular attention to whom they choose to send to the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.  

Our founding fathers were most fearful of a legislature that might mirror the British House of Lords.  A chamber occupied by hereditary peers who were accountable to no one but their own interests and thus could meddle in domestic affairs with impunity.

Of equal concern to Jay, Hamilton and Madison was the degree of judicial and executive powers available to the Congress despite the purported separation of judicial and executive functions assigned to the other two branches of government.

That danger is as great today as in 1788.   Here’s why.

The next president will have to make  difficult economic decisions.  But his proposals will be modified by Congress.  All bills dealing with money originate in the House after which they are forwarded to the Senate. The President’s ideas will be reconstituted by 435 men and women on Capitol Hill who will have one eye firmly on chiseling away at the budget until it resembles an edifice that will be more conducive to their reelection to congress than to the welfare of the republic.  

Any discussion led by either Mr. Obama or Mr. Romney next year on balancing the budget and reducing the national debt  also will be held hostage to political demands instead of responding to sound fiduciary principles.

The next president will likewise be subjected to protracted battles for confirmation of justices he wants for the federal courts--especially any Supreme Court nominees he may be called upon to appoint.   And cabinet replacements will undergo similar scrutiny before they are finally appointed.

President Obama and Governor Romney may talk tough regarding their role as Commander-in-Chief, but neither man can guarantee international treaties without the consent of the Senate.

Not only does the Congress have these executive powers, but it exerts influence on the judiciary through the confirmation process of justices as well as the opportunity to revisit laws that the Supreme Court may find unconstitutional.  We have seen this in legislation that specifies whether federal funding can be used for abortions, addresses First Amendment issues of hate speech, obscenity, religious freedom, as well as a score of civil rights issues ranging from rights for gays, immigrants and prisoners.  Rest assured that those in Congress unhappy with recent Supreme Court rulings will try to enact similar laws.

Congress is the potentially most tyrannical branch of our American government.  It’s tentacles have reached far into the executive and judicial spheres.  It is persuaded by political passion and partisan obstinance--in part due to perceived constituent pressure, which may be good; in part due to the desire to remain in office, which is bad.

As a result we have too many members on Capitol Hill who have stayed in office too long.  They have traded public service for perpetuity and self-aggrandizement.  They are more interested in largesse and longevity than in legitimate legislation.  They have put narrow self-serving concerns ahead of greater national needs.  The average length of service for members of Congress is ten years---five terms in the House and two in the Senate.  The leaders have served much longer.

For these reasons we need to critically evaluate the men and women who say they are running for office to improve our lives and the welfare of the republic.  

In all of the Federalist papers, Jay, Hamilton and Madison reminded us that the power of America lies with its citizens--you and me.  Do we still demand that our Congressional Representatives work for us? Do we vote for the persons best qualified to look out for our interests?  Or have we succumbed to apathy, scepticism, and simply cast our votes every election cycle for the familiar name on the ballot?  The latter, unfortunately, too often is the case.

Yes, who we choose for our next president is important.  More important is who we send to Congress.

My conclusion:  we as a nation really can do better.

Steve Coon

October 26, 2012

Wiston Papers

Are the presidential campaigns unconstitutional?

“I’m suing President Obama and Mitt Romney,” John threatened as he sat down at our booth.

“You can’t sue the President,” I protested.

“Easy, easy now,” our waitress Beverly mediated.  “John’s a big boy he can do whatever he wants.  Have some of our Tanzania Arusha special.”

“No, not that,” I tried to explain.  “You can’t sue the President while he’s in office.”

“Paula Jones sued Bill Clinton for sexual harassment,” John clarified.

“Are you saying that Obama and Romney harassed you?” I gaped.

“Of course not.  But they’ve violated my Constitutional rights.  ...my 8th amendment rights...or is it the 5th.  I never can keep them straight.”

“I could use a fifth about now,” I mulled.

“I can always find some attorney to represent me,’ John said confidently.

“Well, that’s true. Some lawyer will always take any case.  But what in the world did Obama and Romney do that is unconstitutional?”  I pondered.

“Simple.  I’ve been subjected to cruel and unusual treatment,” John tried to persuade.

“Cruel and unusual treatment?  What are you talking about,” I exclaimed.

“The presidential campaign, silly.  It’s been going on forever,” John began.

“True.  It certainly seems like an eternity,” I agreed.

“I’ve been accosted by more presidential hopefuls here in Iowa than I could shake a stick at,” John noted. “Maybe I should accuse them of assault.”

“Hm...it was a pack attack when they were here,”  I recalled.

“And those TV commercials.  I can’t turn on my TV without seeing either Obama or Romney,”  John sipped. “They never stop.  It’s like Chinese water torture.  I feel like I’m being stalked.”

“Speaking of China...,” I thought.

“Don’t remind me about those four debates I just had to endure.  My  favorite TV show Jersey Shore was preempted because of Obama and Romney.”

“That certainly is cruel,” I smiled.

“Don’t forget Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” Beverly chimed in with a refill.  “She’s sooooooooo cute.”

“Speaking of unusual,” I moaned.

“And the  moderators.  It was inhumane,”  John shook his head.  “Maybe I could get an injunction against them, too”

“OK...OK...If you sue, what are you after?” I questioned.

“I just want a quiet life where I can drink my coffee in peace without some candidate pestering me for my vote,”  John got up slowly,  dropped his money on the table,  and shuffled out the door.

“This is it?”  Said Beverly with her hands on her hips.  “You call this a tip?  Now that’s really cruel and unusual punishment.”

Steve Coon

October 24, 2012

Wiston Papers

America on the World Stage: What Role Do Obama and Romney Want Us to Play?

The third and final presidential debate is Monday night.  President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney will discuss foreign policy at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.

As the incumbent, Mr. Obama has the advantage in terms of intelligence information to which he is privy and Mr. Romney is not.  Unlike his domestic agenda, the president has some significant achievements he can tout.  However, he has also faced setbacks and frustrations in pursuing America’s agenda abroad.

Mr. Romney has one advantage.  His ideas in this arena are largely untested.  Governor Romney’s sole political venture into the foreign arena came last July as a candidate when he traveled to Europe.  Despite the predominantly negative initial assessments by many observers, our collective memories are short and any detritus from that trip has disappeared from recent campaign media coverage.  

Here is a preview of the debate that is expected to touch on a number of key regions.

MIDDLE EAST

America faces turbulent political unrest following the Arab Spring that dawned in January 2011.  The world awoke to anti-government demonstrations in Tunisia that quickly embroiled the region during ensuing weeks.  The fallout from this pent up desire for political and social freedom spread to Egypt, Bahrain, Syria and Libya and continues to challenge U.S. policy makers.

The Obama administration faces anti-American sentiment arising in part from Islamic radicals outraged over a film posted on YouTube last September that mocks the prophet Muhammad. Protests engulfed the Muslim world from Indonesia to Pakistan and from Morocco to Kuwait.   Terrorists attacked the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Lybia killing the American Ambassador.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to develop its atomic capability raising fears that it may soon make as nuclear bomb.  And long-time American ally Israel threatens a preemptive strike against Tehran to stop it.

Although Washington can boast that it ended the war in Iraq and American troops killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, U.S. forces still remain bogged down in another Asian conflict in Afghanistan.

President Obama will cite Iraq and bin Laden as foreign policy victories.  Governor Romney will claim that America has abandoned its friends in Iraq, is leaving Afghanistan too soon, betrayed Israel in its relations with Iran, and has failed to provide security for American diplomats in Lybia and elsewhere.

EUROPE

Europe is in the midst of an economic crisis that threatens the future of the European Union (EU).  Greece, Italy, Spain--and to a lesser degree France--are teetering on financial collapse.  A calamity that would plunge America’s fragile economic recovery back into recession.

The over-extended financial institutions in the weakest, debt-plagued EU member nations Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland all are at risk.  Unless Washington can broker a rescue plan in which Germany takes the lead in bailing out its neighbors,  exports of American products to Europe will decline and the ripple effect will hurt U.S. companies that depend on European consumers.

President Obama will argue that the European economic crisis is partially responsible for America’s anemic financial recovery.  Governor Romney will make the case that the weak U.S. economy is the result  instead of homegrown misguided policies rooted in the White House.

ASIA

China takes center stage in America’s policies in Asia.  Washington accuses Beijing of pursuing unfair trade practices.  Mr. Romney alleges China is manipulating its currency to increase the level of Chinese products shipped to the U.S. while simultaneously depressing America's exports to China.

Both candidates are unhappy with Beijing and Sino-U.S. relations have cooled significantly. Nevertheless, whoever is our  next president, must deal with a China that will remain a major economic, political and military power for the foreseeable future.  Its influence in the region will affect how Washington deals with a possible nuclear North Korea, an erratic Pakistan and an uncertain ally in Afghanistan.

Pundits are fond of saying that Americans don’t choose their president based on foreign policy proposals. We’re more concerned with domestic issues.  But the United States is inextricably linked to the rest of the world.  The global economy has made every nation dependent upon and vulnerable to decisions made beyond her borders.   The United States does not have the luxury of enacting unilateral international initiatives without  regard to the ramifications on mainstreet USA.

America’s next president will have to make serious decisions in coming months.  Those decisions will have real consequences for every man, woman and child in the U.S.  

Monday’s presidential debate will be our final opportunity to compare the  visions that  President Obama and Governor Romney have for the United States.   The topic may be foreign policy, but in the 21st Century domestic and foreign issues cannot be separated.  The foreign agenda of the next president will affect each one of us here at home.

The two candidates deserve our attention.

Steve Coon

October 21, 2012

Wiston Papers

It's not the economy, stupid.  It's the moderators.

“We have three specials today, ” Beverly advised as she made her weekly coffee rounds. “Brazilian Bourban Santos 2, a Yeman Arabian Mocha, and a Sumatra Ankola.”

“Well, I think I’d like the Bourban Santos,” I answered.

“Man, I loved last night’s Prez debate,” John enthused as he plopped down in his chair.

“Beverly, on second thought...go heavy on the Bourban and light on the Santos,” I urged.

“Good choice,” Beverly patted me sympathetically on the shoulder.

“OK, John...why?” not really anxious to learn.

“Yeah, I’m really loving the give and take,” John began to clarify.

“The issues are important and the candidate’s positions are critically decisive,” I brightened in anticipation of John’s interest in the nation’s welfare.

“Issues...smissues...who cares about that?  It’s not the economy, stupid.  It’s the moderators.”

“Beverly, make that straight Bourban and skip the Santos altogether,” I begged.

“First debate, it was that ancient Jim Lehrer who let Obama and Romney run all over him,” John pronounced knowlingly.

“And did you see how he was dressed?” Beverly added as she poured a long, tall refill.  "He had a navy blue suit, with blue shirt, and polka dot red and white tie.  He looked like a faded American flag.”

“But he asked good questions,” I protested.

“Heck, no one listened to those.  He couldn’t stop the Obama-Romney runaway express.  I wanted to call 911 to rescue him,” John opined.

“They did kind of take control of the debate from him,” I conceded.

“And then Martha Raddatz and the VPs last week.  She’s one snarky lady.  I wouldn’t want to get crosswise with her,” John warned.

“But what did you think of the Joe Biden and Paul Ryan answers?” I wanted to know.  

“Man, the VPs don’t matter, bro.  America just tuned in to watch Martha and send tweets and post to Facebook.”

“I certainly did,” Beverly said.  “Can you believe that black dress she wore?  Like, she disappeared into the background.  All you could see was her blonde head bobbing on top of a slightly ruffled white blouse.  And her earrings...hello?”

“Wait I minute.  I thought she had a professional, natural look...”

“That so-called natural look came right out of a peroxide bottle,” Beverly muttered as she left.

“Look, John, this is ridiculous.  Americans are interested in how the next president will lead this country,” I argued.

“Not so, man.  Get with the program.  Everyone’s talking about CNN’s Candy Crowley this morning.  How she dressed, how she wore her hair and makeup...a black jacket over a black and white top.  I even heard that one guy in Wisconsin tweeted that she was too heavy to be on TV.”

“Give me a break.  Her looks are so irrelevant,” I grumbled.  Look, what did the candidates say about jobs?”

“Jim Lehrer asked something about that in the first debate two weeks ago, but his question could have been more assertive.  No points for laziness,” was John’s assessment.

“What are they going to do about the housing market?”  I pressed.

“Martha Raddatz was way more aggressive than Lehrer.  I give her a thumbs up for style,” John evaluated.

“Did Romney and Obama get specific about education?” I growled.

“Good point.  Last night's undecided voters were better interrogators than Candy Crowley.  Maybe CNN should hire them. That college student Jeremy who asked the first question needs a job.” John suggested.

“We’ve got foreign policy challenges that could negatively affect America’s future,”  I leaned forward threateningly.  “Which candidate has the answer for those problems?”

“Don’t have a clue.  But moderator Bob Schieffer will surely ask that question in the final debate.  But I’m really worried about it.”

“Finally you’re making sense.  You’re interested in our foreign policy,” I noted hopefully.

“Oh...that...no.  I’m worried that Schieffer will fall asleep halfway through the 90-minute debate.”

“Unbelievable,” I almost fainted.

“Yeah, the moderators this year really are lame.  I think we should pick a different group in 2016.  Kim Kardashian could certainly add some buzz to the political scene.  From  the domestic front she certainly would be revealing,” John began to write down names.

“Hey, don’t forget Robert Downey, Jr.,” recommended Beverly as she handed me the bill.  “He’s certainly had foreign experience.  Didn’t he meet his wife in Canada?”

“Good grief,” I began to sob.

Steve Coon

October 17, 2012

Wiston Papers

What's a body to do?

The availability of and easy access to scientific information should be a blessing.  Instead the quantity of data and contradictory studies often are confusing.  Rather than increase our understanding and enable us to make smart decisions,  the almost daily  studies tend to leave us befuddled and  less confident in our choices.  The world of nutrition is a good example.

COFFEE AND TEA

Americans consume an average of nearly 30 gallons of coffee and tea each year.  That’s a lot of caffeine and high levels of caffeine have been shown to cause anxiety, sleeplessness and bad humor.  That comes as no surprise to inveterate coffee and tea aficionados.

But recent research also reveals the benefits of our daily trip to the barista.  In addition to giving us a much-needed morning jump start, our daily cup of Arabica or Robusta can help us lose weight.  Coffee also lowers depression in women, increases protection against Type-2 Diabetes, fights Parkinson’s disease, and slows the progression of Cirrhosis.

Green tea helps you burn fat, has shown to help prevent coronary artery disease, is a safeguard against some cancers, and results in fewer cavities and can retard osteoporosis.

Time to get a bag of beans.

WINE

A nip of alcohol “strictly for medicinal purposes” is a centuries-old joke.  The evils of the Devil’s brew are well documented and efforts to banish consumption of it are nearly as ancient as its manufacture.  Alcoholism and Cirrhosis are among the many ilinesses associated with excessive imbibing.

However, wine--especially red--contains ample antioxidants that have a variety of health benefits.  The so-called “French Paradox” is often explained by the Gallic consumption of wine that seems to mitigate against the incident of heart disease in France despite that nation’s diet rich in saturated fats.

Moderate daily consumption of red wine--one drink for women; two for men--has shown to reduce slightly the PSA count (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in men, which may indicate some protection against prostate cancer.

Elderly women who have a glass of red wine daily  may lessen their chances of cognitive decline with passing years.

However, some persons appear to have more incidents of migraine headaches after drinking red wine.  There is research that indicates that beer may be as healthful as red wine.  Your choice.  But I'm sticking with the grape.  I've never heard of a wine belly.  

CHOCOLATE

Long considered a “guilty pleasure,” chocolate gradually has gained acceptability and respectability in the circles of healthful foods.  Once regarded as the door to obesity for those susceptible to its sweetness, dark chocolate and cocoa have proven to promote well being in several ways.

It stimulates blood flow to the brain and increases mental acuity.

Small amounts of Cocoa increase blood function in some patients suffering from Type-2 Diabetes and improve the appearance of skin in women.

One ounce of dark chocolate per day lowers the risk of stroke and heightens mood and pleasure.

Studies have also demonstrated increased memory among snails that consumed chocolate--just in case you wanted to know.

However, contrary to a recent rumor circulating on the Internet, there is no correlation between how much chocolate a nation consumes and the number of Nobel Laureates it produces.

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS

Mother wouldn’t admonish us to “eat your fruits and vegetables” unless she knew something.  So there’s no surprise that this category has long reflected the conventional wisdom of healthful eating.  Now scientific evidence proves that mother knows best.

 Whether it’s their protection against  heart disease and stroke, drinking carrot juice to ward off breast cancer, or popping a handful of walnuts for brain power, fruits, nuts and vegetables are winners.  

And we’re told that we should eat up to seven servings a day to get the full benefits.  However, some fruits and vegetables are better friends than others.

Too many parsnips and potatoes increase blood sugar levels and can challenge insulin production.  Equally suspect are dates and pineapples.

My own empirical research concludes that ingesting high quantities of fruits, vegetables and nuts of any variety results in lengthy visits to the water closet.  Better have a good book and lots of magazines if you're going to be there for awhile.

SUGARS AND SWEETNERS

Where to begin?  You need a program to keep track of the types and varieties that include Artificial Sweeteners, Sugar Alcohols, Novel Sweetners or Natural.

It seems that both glucose (table sugar) and fructose (vegetables and fruits) can be harmful if eaten in large amounts.  Increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, and even memory loss can result from excessive consumption.

DIETS

The easiest method to avoid the quandry of food choices is to just follow one of the popular diets, right?

The Atkins and South Beach Diets--low in carbohydrates and high in protein--have their advocates.  They have also left a trail of persons at risk of heart disease, according to several studies.  

Furthermore, the Atkins folks and South Beach layabouts tend to be a grumpy lot and hungry all the time. You stop eating carbohydrates and your brain shuts off production of serotonin--the chemical that makes you happy and reduces hunger.   A nasty combination by any measure.

High-carb diets, on the other hand, are recommended for increased energy, especially good for world class athletes and persons engaged in ultra-marathon runs---something I’m planning to jump up off my couch and do any day now.  High-carb dieters also tend to be happier than the low-carb folk.  But perhaps that’s because they’re relieved that their marathon is finished.

STARVATION DIETS

If choosing between a low-carb or high-carb diet is too tasking, just reduce your overall caloric intake.  Early studies on Rhesus monkeys and the B6 strain of mice indicated that reducing caloric consumption by 30 percent could extend life spans and fight common illnesses.  Great news for people who wanted to live forever with hunger pangs or who are fond of B6 mice rummaging through their pantries.

Those early studies now have been trashed as recent studies have debunked the notion.  Not only do starvation diets not work, but they slow your thyroid function, can reduce lean muscle mass, and your brain cells begin to eat themselves.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Despite initial uncertainty, for me the answer is simple.  I’ve devised my own diet based on the latest, credible science.

Breakfast

--One cup of coffee

--One cup of green tea

--One glass of red wine

--First of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Cocoa plant (it’s a vegetable)

Morning Snack

--Second of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Coca plant (it’s a vegetable)

--Handful of walnuts (brain food)

--Second cup of coffee

Lunch

--Third cup of coffee

--Second cup of green tea 

--Third of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Coca plant (it’s a vegetable)

--One McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese.   It contains beef (protein for muscles, skin and blood), American cheese (calcium for strong bones), Lettuce (source of carotenoid that combats cancer and aging), Ketchup (made from tomatoes that protects again prostate cancer), Pickles and Onions (two more servings of vegetables)

--One carrot (combats lung, throat and mouth cancer)

Afternoon Snack

--Fourth cup of coffee

--Fourth of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Coca plant (it’s a vegetable)

--Handful of Almonds (source of Vitamin E that prevents old-age cognitive decline and increases memory and verbal acuity)

Dinner

--Second glass of Red Wine

--Pasta (carbohydrates for my eventual marathon training)

--Potato (carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin C and B-6)

--Romain lettuce (vitamin K)

--Chocolate ice cream [Fifth of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Coca plant (it’s a vegetable)]

--Peanuts on the ice cream (peanuts are high in niacin that may slow the onset or progression of Alzheimers and combat Parkinsons)

Evening Snack

--Sixth and Seventh of seven daily servings of dark chocolate from the Coca plant (it’s a vegetable)

I can feel the benefits already.  And if I have any left over chocolate, I'll give it to the snail in my terrarium. He could use some brain food.  

Steve Coon

October 15, 2012