In a week, I read 8 books on bathing and the history of bathing. I only had two insights from it all. One, the Turks have a goat hair mitt they use for scrubbing the skin. I want one. Two, the 16th Century Castille Soap, made out of olive oil, was once the world's prized soap. I want to learn how to make that.
I got about 10 more books on nutrition. I hit the jackpot with one of them, because the author took the time to translate old French pickle recipes. I was very impressed by the secret knowledge of cooking that otherwise would've been lost. (I'll write more on the subject).
All of this has inspired me to study Scandinavian cooking once again. Not exactly sure why. I just have a hunch that another lightbulb will turn on upstairs.
Finally, I've been running a lot. I finally burned off 9 pounds (or 4 kilos) or 6% (at least for me) of body fat. I have to tell you; it wasn't easy, pleasant, or that fun.
One researcher says a pound is the equivalent to walking 35 miles without food. I don't agree it's that much, but you can see how much work it was. (But, even then, I can' really complain: All the running was like being in one meditative Zen state; I wonder if it's done anything for my mind.)
My Christmas holiday in Europe maybe was a little too indulgent, and because of it, I put on 4 pounds. I also put on 4 pounds on my trip before that to Mexico. 8 pounds of fat, extra. No good.
I'm so happy (I really am!) to be back to my regular body fat, of what's estimated to be 12%. Gaining fat is a real psychological downer.
My European indulging stressed one more important lesson I hope never to forget: Sugar makes you fat. Don't underestimate the harm from sugar and simple starches. I'm telling you. I really am.
Well, I'm really trying this time around to get into the single digits of body fat. So, I'll let everyone know how it goes. (Every time I try, it doesn't seem to work. Somehow the body resists and I get back to 12%.) But we'll see this time.
Also, my friend "FX" has come from New Zealand to visit me. So, we'll have to see where we're going to go and what we're going to see.
Update more on my life later. Hope all is well with everyone.
Mr Paul Cook Esq.,
ReplyDeleteHave you heard the news? Public Agencies May Be Subject to Discovery Under the Public Records Act
Discovery may be allowed when a public agency is sued under the Public Records Act. Under existing law, a records requester may seek a court determination that a public agency has improperly withheld public records. The California Court of Appeal has now ruled that, in certain circumstances, a records requester may also utilize discovery to uncover evidence that could assist the court in determining whether the agency improperly withheld public records.
In City of Los Angeles v. Superior Court, a records requester sought electronically stored material from the Los Angeles Police Department. When the material was withheld, the requester filed a lawsuit and then served written discovery on the City, including interrogatories, requests for admissions and a demand for inspection and production of documents to obtain information for the basis of the City’s position. Although not at issue in this case, discovery can also include depositions of public employees. The City objected to all of the discovery, stating that it was not allowed in Public Records Act litigation.
The Court of Appeal ruled that proceedings under the Public Records Act qualify as civil “special proceedings” within the scope of the Civil Discovery Act. The Court of Appeal also ruled that discovery is allowed in Public Records Act litigation if necessary to resolve whether the agency has a duty to disclose and if the discovery request is justified given the need for an expeditious resolution of public records disputes.
Your friend
Friend,
ReplyDeleteThat's a great case. Nonetheless, I'm frustrated with our courts currently. Not to be cynical, but if the courts aren't going to enforce their own orders, what's the point of even having such laws?
There needs to be more media presence in our courts. Really.