Jake Allen’s Ockhamist.com

I just finished an hour bike ride.  Twenty minues out, my heartrate is still noticeably above normal, which can be interpreted as either good or bad.

 An article today reports that two new studies confirm that even a few extra pounds contribute to early death.

While I am still in the middle of the BMI chart, I used to be on the low end, so exercize is probably useful.  It’s emotionally useful, even if muscle gain is Lilliputian.  The scary part, however, is that one of the studies was done on non-smoking Koreans.  And if Koreans with my BMI die early, what chance do I have have?

But back to my bicycle.  Or more properly, my roommate’s bicycle.

On the first time out, the left pedal fell off. That made it sort of a problem getting back.  Once I returned, I found a wrench (which I put back when I was done!) and after a short time of frustration recognized the reverse screw.  After repairing the pedal and the victory dance, I set out again to emulate all of the doped-up American cycling heros. Only without the speed. Or the drugs.  I did have the helmut helmet and the sunglasses, though, and that made it special.

On the bike ride, I passed several liquor stores and a few cheque-cashing places.  “Payday Loans” can’t be legal.  Maybe they aren’t.  It is very, very expensive to be poor and need cash loans. Dear young people, pay all your bills on time and obey banking rules.  That way, you get to use banks.  Bank fees are awful, but the alternative is worse.

Tomorrow I’ll try sprinting.  Everybody’s doing it, so why can’t I?

Madness!