Netflix Instant Pick: Fat Sick and Nearly Dead
Fat Sick & Nearly Dead (Documentary) 2010
Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
I think we all could do a bit better in the health department, but for those of us that need a jolt of inspiration, this documentary was a great find. With similar goals as Super Size Me, this one takes the inspiration route instead of the scare tactics.
It follows a regular guy who finds himself overweight and sick and ready to try something new. He does a 60 day all fruit and vegetable liquid detox diet. While the premise turned me off and I just wanted to check it out, his easygoing manner and showing different methods for different people kept me hooked.
Along his journey he tours the country and talks to others about their feelings on health and eating and gently encourages them to do better.
He meets a trucker about halfway through the film who seems interested and he tells him to call him if he’s every serious. At this point the movie starts to take off and some really inspirational stories of the rest of the main character’s journey and where it leads him begin to unfold.
I’m not a health nut and I enjoy far too many burgers, but this movie mixes some easy-to-understand animations of why our diets are so bad and why he chose to do this one. His case was unique, but the benefits are universal.
Lots of great entertainment on Netflix Instant, but for those looking to change things up and jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, this inspiring (and sometimes cry-inducing) tale was worth the watch.
3 out of 4 stars
More infomation: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
20 Commandments for Runners
After a particularly grueling 5k race this past weekend from pushing too hard and setting expectations a bit further than my original intent of “running for fun,” it was nice to come across these “20 running commandments” on Strictly Running.
They aren’t guidelines for how you should physically run, but more for how to put running, or really any kind of exercise program and personal goals, into perspective. A good read… (normally I wouldn’t post this in its entirety from a site, but this list can be found in various forms on the internet, though Strictly Running edited out the more silly ones from a larger Top 40 list).
Top 20 Running Commandments
- Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
- Don’t make running your life, make it part of your life.
- When doing group runs, start on time no matter who is missing.
- Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
- When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
- The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
- Don’t always run alone.
- Don’t always run with people.
- The best runs sometimes come on the days you didn’t feel like running.
- Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
- All runners are equal; some are just faster than others.
- There are no short cuts to run excellence.
- There is nothing boring about running, there are, however, boring people who run.
- Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
- Don’t try to out run dogs.
- With out goals, training has no purpose.
- Go for broke, but prepare to be broken.
- Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously.
- Runners who never fail are runners who never tried anything great.
- Running is simple. Don’t make it complicated.
The Sounds of Spring – Craidio Spring 2011 Mix
As the dead trees finally start to show some signs of life and the days get longer and warmer (let’s not think about the pollen part right now) here’s what’s spinning on my playlist as Spring begins to..err..spring.
> More: Follow me on Rdio
Top Picks
The Dirty Heads – called one of the best new bands of 2010 by Rolling Stone, caught them at the St. Patrick’s Day festival. Pretty good in general, but as a Sublime/311 reggae type mix, nearly the ultimate band to welcome in Spring.
Check out their album “Any Port in a Storm” and take it for a spin. Featuring the semi-hit “Stand Tall” but it’s better as a straight-through listen.
The Limousines - Having trouble categorizing this band. Their sound isn’t that odd, but the peppy rock band with a tint of pop gets infectious. Play the album from start to finish…hard to turn off. Running mix approved.
- Dancing at Her Funeral (* * * 1/2 out of four stars)
- Wildfire (* * * out of four stars)
Linkin Park – The End (* * * out of four stars) Running mix approved.
Airborne Toxic Event – Changing (* * * out of four stars) Running mix approved.
Unwritten Law – Starships and Apocalypse (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars) Been a while since I heard an old favorite. Not bad for their return. Standard Unwritten Law sound, if you’re a fan it won’t disappoint.
Awolnation – Sail (* * * out of 4 stars) Slow. Rhythmic. Moody. Probably depressing. Just the way we like it.
The Decemberists - acoustic guitar driven light alt rock. Throw in some harmonicas and you’ve got yourself a barbeque soundtrack.
- This is Why We Fight (* * * out of 4 stars)
- Don’t Carry it All (* * * out of 4 stars)
Yellowcard – For You, and Your Denial (* * * out of 4 stars) Running mix approved.
Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) (* * * out of 4 stars) Running mix approved.
Black Eyed Peas – Just Can’t Get Enough (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars)
