KOACHing BLOG
Time for Milk?
What better day to pen healthy thoughts about Leche or Lait or Dugdh or Halav [or Milk] than today as National Milk Day?
America’s dairy farmers will love us more :).
True Dat: We humans are alone among mammals; consuming milk after our baby and early toddler phases.
Obviously, Mamma’s milk is a WHOLE FOOD with macronutrients, micros, and water to help a baby or toddler grow. Think of two key proteins: whey and casein. And carbohydrates. Plus vital CALCIUM. Consider the table of nutritional information here:
Three quick comments about those main proteins in milk:
- Whey is quicker for humans to digest.
- Casein is slower-acting.
- Each has about the same replenishment merit after a KABOOMER’s athletic performance.
Sadly, some infants, youths, teens, and adults have trouble digesting natural milk. Our National Institute of Health suggests that 30 million to 50 million Americans may have this difficulty. Lactose intolerance from cow’s milk and possibly other dairy products can be problematic. If a human’s small intestine [“gut”] produces insufficient amounts of an enzyme called Lactase – bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other side effects happen when milk’s sugar isn’t absorbed. Oy.
Intolerance is NOT Equal!
We have more trouble with lactase production and digesting milk’s lactose as we age. Some ethnic groups have it tougher. Some unfortunate folks with digestional problems, perhaps Crohn’s Disease have sadder experiences with dairy foodstuffs. And, some folks enduring cancer treatments may also have higher
I worry if folks think that “substitute” milk – such as almond or soy “milks” are relied upon for macronutrients. These “healthy” substitutes usually lack the quality and quantity of protein macros that the real thing offers. Micros – generally – yes. Macros – not so much… Please be a canny label reader to know what you’re ingesting.
For the majority of baby boomers – Dairy products are wonderful nutrition. Think Bone Density, particularly for lady boomers. Think of Muscle metabolism. Think Energy Density of foodstuffs.
If you asked a National Team rower what is a near-perfect drink after a tough practice – you’d probably get the answer – Chocolate Milk. Guess what Koach Dave drinks after a tough session or between multiple daily workouts? Right you are.
You can choose a low-fat version of an excellent replenishment drink if wanted or needed. I enjoy my 2% fat chocolate milk – regularly. Low-fat milk has a great ratio of protein to carbohydrates. And, it tastes good to me.
What about raw, unpasteurized milk? I have trouble digesting raw milk. I believe that others, like author Mike Geary, can drink raw milk safely (without high alarm for bacterial infection). We got to now from forbears that drank raw milk before Louis Pasteur and Franz von Soxhlet did their “heated” magic 130 years ago.
Tuberculosis was a demographic killer!
My choice? I’ll stay with pasteurized milk that is WITHOUT added chemicals.
On the subject of other beverages: many folks have bought into a”DRY” January for possible health reasons. More power to those who choose to skip a social cocktail or a post-workout brew. Do Blue ZOME centenarians generally go DRY in their January months? I think not. The root question for each of us is this:
What is our motivation for imbibing?
If COVID and dark wintry days cause an adult to experience downward moodiness, then a Dry Month can help some skip alcohol and a coping crutch.
As Satchel Paige offered, moderate, moderate, moderate... I once read of an American centenarian’s approach:
Have one social drink a night. So make it a GOOD one :).
Your choice.
If you’re a podcast fan, here are some new audio chats between some great hosts and yours truly.
Yes, the titles seem a bit eclectic.
Yet I’m still the same KOACH…
- Aging Greatfully: Dispatch PAIN in the pASSt (Thank you Holley Kelley for a redux session)
- Best Morning Routine Ever: Gracias, Dr. Louis for chatting about my M O R N I N G S action checklists.
- We Travel There: Thanks, Lee Huffman for allowing me to share my experiences from Capetown, S.A. – The Mother City!
- JAK’ED: John – this hour was true fun!
- Military Money: What a great chance to talk about superior PHYSICAL Banking for 2021.
Be safe!
Koach Dave
As always, I’ll be pleased to add you to the KABOOMER MOVEMENT. Kindly fill out the contact form below.
You just might find a way or three to add years to your life and life to your years. KABOOM
Inside Out Signals
What’s Going On?
‘Tis odd, one might argue, that this early New Year’s entry is NOT about habits, resolutions, or listed platitudes about fitness jump-starts.
My intent is to cite known signs of what might be going on inside Boomer bodies by what can be viewed on the outside. [We might discuss Upside Downs in a future post – so stay tuned].
A. First, Let’s discuss a relevant “inside” topic in our extending pandemic – Immunity.
- You may know that Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant and metabolic superstar for protein synthesis, iron absorption, and the generation of collagen. Isn’t it interesting that other mammals can generate Vitamin C internally, yet humans cannot? Thus, “C” is an essential micronutrient for us Homo Sapiens. As a natural disease and inflammation fighter (when absorbed properly), this water-soluble vitamin helped Linus Pauling win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
- I hope you recall that ingestion and absorption of Vitamin C are optimal from digesting wholesome foods – like yellow peppers or kiwis or strawberries or citrus fruits – rather than from pills.
Is there a quick “outside” check on subjective Vitamin C levels in your body? Yes.
As Healthine.com advises, “fingernails can say a lot about your health.“
- If one’s fingernails have high crowns, rather than flat surfaces; and if the fingernails are smooth rather than bumpy – one’s absorbed Vitamin C levels should be good. Thus the ability to counter free radicals or body “rust” is probably good.
- Conversely, if fingernails are brittle, flattened – with or without bumpy ridges – perhaps you need to absorb more Bs and C! We need our bodily collagen, and we may need help in collagen production as we age…
I have NO professional relationship with the biopharmaceutical company NuSkin. Yet I m aware of its Biophotonic Scanner which can assess absorbed anti-oxidants in our skin with a simple Raman Spectroscopy scan. I believe that this patented scanner is a credible indicator of relative immunity and a body’s ability to counteract oxidative free radicals…
B. Outside Observance #2.
Did you ever see an older person with gnarly looking toenails which may be colored yellow? Or unsightly black? Or white?
Credit: Mayo Clinic
I’m not asking about another topical fungus that can cause itchy, cracky athlete’s foot fungus. I’m asking because some fungal infections are sadly more than topical. Those just might be what the podiatrists and specialists label “invasive” fungal infections which can be deadly. Just check Dr. Google for Candida as a potentially deadly invasive fungal infection! Or, as the Mayo Clinic advises, the toenail fungus may hang around for way too long.
In my case; before getting an expert tootsy opinion, I used a general fungicide cream called KETOCONAZOLE for my whitened and thickened great toenails. No luck! Why? My toes were fighting more serious fungal infections than topical treatments could dispatch.
Now, there many marketed toenail “remedies” – from cinnamon to laser treatments. Your Koach shouts encouragement to address toenail issues! He also flashes his Buyer Beware sign to caution folks to vet potential treatments.
To reinforce a call to action to increase awareness of topical AND invasive fungal infections, I offer this quote from C.A.Kauffmann’s 2001 infectious disease article, “Invasive fungal infections have become an increasing problem in older adults.”
Here’s hope that you don’t experience “an increasing problem!”
Are there other Inside-Out Signs of possible Deficiency(ies)? “You betchum, Red Ryder!”
Dr. David Jockers and I implore KABOOMERs to “be in tune” and mindful of bodily feedback to support extended wellness and fitness.
Here are five more body signs of dietary/nutritional needs for bodies to address toxins, stress, and aging:
- Hair Loss and Skin Rash – A top cause is inadequate Vitamin B-7 (Biotin). “Eat foods rich in biotins such as almonds, sweet potatoes, raspberries, nuts, mushrooms, avocados, cauliflower, and wild-caught salmon.”
- Teeth, Tongue, Lips, and Gums – Surprise on Not – inadequate micronutrients: Vitamin Bs, C, D, and minerals are probable cause for many inside out ORAL Health problems! Note: “phytate containing foods such as grains, legumes, and nuts. These phytic acids bind to minerals like zinc and iron and reduce our ability to absorb them.”
- Muscle Cramps (not Restless Leg Syndrome). The top 3 root causes are deficient absorption of Magnesium, Phosphorous, and Calcium. We Boomers probably ingest adequate Sodium, which can be a secondary cramping contributor. Perhaps some of you can recall taking too many “salt pills” in hot and sweaty football practices – before the days of sports replenishment drinks… As motion to sweat is one of our physical banking deposits – KABOOMERS should strive to remediate, or in some cases eliminate major leg cramps induced by mineral (electrolyte) shortages. I’m tanked up on mineral absorption, yet I can still get cramps after heavy resistance training sessions – like our representative Great George in KABOOMER :).
4. Itchy Red Rashes, Acne & Blemishes. Stress may contribute to temporary or chronic outbreaks. Dr. “J” advises, “Learning if your skin blemishes are caused by a lack of adequate nutrients in your diet may be the first step to fixing your problem. The most common nutritional deficiencies with these conditions include fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Also, omega 3 fatty acids and Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) are key for healthy skin.”
5. Abnormal Sensations in Your Hand(s) or Feet. Again quoting Dr. Jockers (can you guess that I am a follower?): “minor and seemingly insignificant symptoms can be a sign of a serious health problem.” Deficiencies in Three B Vitamins are often associated with tingling limbs:
- B6
- B9 (Folate)
- B12
I marvel at how well our “encore-aged” bodies and body regions can trick folks into thinking that we’re younger than our calendar years. KABOOM!
Being aware of layman signs on our outsides may help us “feed our Tiger” with adequately absorbed micro-nutrients inside to make most of us look and feel better (and younger too).
Happy 2021!
Dave
7 significant Sevens on 7th Day of Christmas
Okay, okay… Today may be better known as New Year’s Eve and National Champagne Day. I hope you’ll enjoy both as much as I will. Auld Lang Syne!
Our Arabic number seven (7) has long captivated and inpired folks of many cultures…
Number Seven is the most popular number picked when folks are asked to name their FAVE… Pinball machines and dice games often celebrate LUCKY SEVENS…And there is even a ballad called LUCKY SEVENS by The Mechanism band:
“Well, the Lucky Sevens, they rule the streets
The dice are loaded an’ they play for keeps
The fire burns bright
In the cool, dark night
When the Sevens are in luck.”
Let’s ponder 7 Sevens with relevance for KABOOMERS on this ultimate day of a calendar year which many sources offer was horrible, awful, and tragic. Let’s create our own luck, good fortune and rule our streets as we play for keeps!
Credit: media.giphy.com
Unplanned pandemic deaths of both commoners and big-name personae added up to natural mortality causes to make 2020 a deadly numbers year. Since Thanksgiving, our great nation has said goodbye – every day – to mortal numbers that exceed either Pearl Harbor or 9/11/2001 World Trade Center deaths.
I tried to do my part with public service announcements in this weblog and in varied podcasts for HANDS, MASKS, and SPACING [H-M-S].
Credit: gov.uk
I suspect that many who dislike these personal privacy matters will queue up for vaccines just the same when their category is called upon?! Short term symptoms and long-tail awful afters make COVID-19 our once-a century plague. But I digress . . .
On this Seventh Day of Christmas – even if you can’t locate:
Credit: Matt Cook on Dribble
- Our First Seven – let’s start with those “7 S” elements of your KABOOMER’s Physical Bank. Six pluses and one thief – STRESS.
Credit: KABOOMER: Thriving and Striving into your 90s
2. Seven #2 – The 7 Deadly Sins. Many boomers remember Gilligan’s Island as do I. One of 2020’s big names CoVID-19 deaths was Dawn Wells: the actress who played Mary Anne in that hit show. Do you buy into a linkage of 7 Gilligan’s Island castaways to the “Seven Deadly Sins” as fact? Even a trusted radio channel (NPR) argued for a dark side to this comedy.
Mary Ann represented ENVY as a Sin. Do you know what Koach Dave offers about this sin?
- Don’t Envy or covet other’s success or good fortune.
- Do invest and gain your unique assets for your own physical bank. And, be grateful as you build your chart of accounts.
NPR writer, Lindsay Totte, made a key observation which reflects Tom Cahill’s “YOU VERSUS YOU” predicament which many find in themselves,
“…each of us has our own inner Gilligan, that sweet-natured, well-meaning part of us that
always sabotages us from getting what we really want.”
Perhaps we can ask ourselves 7 questions as we start the Roaring 20s tomorrow on 01/01/2021:
- What do I really want?
- What stands in my way from gaining that?
- How can I look at the man or woman in the mirror as a Gainer? Note: This Gainer meaning comes sfrom the Cambridge Dictionary, rather than the Urban Dictionary! I’m not speaking of weight gain…
- Am I committed to working on my livingto100 calculator?
- Will I lower my fitness age to party past ninety?
- Do I place as much focus on my Physical Bank accounts as I do on my fical 401(K) accounts?
- Do I live a Stamininety mantra that MOTION is MEDICINE?
3. Third Seven (not to be confused with that regional bank – Fifth Third…)
Mimic Morpheus with about seven hours of restorative sleep. Reboot your Sleep habits with KABOOMER hacks, and/or check out credible Sleep Science!
Credit: media.giply.com
4. Seven Characteristics can keep you STRONG, emotionally STRONG, to max out your Mind-Body-Alignment (what your Koach called “MBA”). Consider these 7 KABOOMER life skills that can help you and me in our activities of daily life:
a. Motivation
b. Empathy
c. Self Realization
d, Gratitude
e. Persistence
f. Humor, and
g. Be Like CELEBS (see your Stress-not Chapter of KABOOMER for details).
5. Seven possible Epitaphs of Luminaries who departed us in 2020:
- Outrageous – Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg
- Shaken Not Stirred – Sean Connery
- Unbeaten – Dolphins Coach Don Shula
- The Answer Is – Gameshow host Alex Trebek
- See Clearly – Singer Johnny Nash
- Supersonic – Chuck Yeager
- Good Trouble – Congressman John Lewis
6. Seven Gauges of KABOOMER Gym or Fitness Age
a. Walking speed (1 or 1.5 miles timed)
b. Grip Strength
c. Sit Reach Test
d. Sit-to-Rise Challenge
e.Eyes closed, One Leg Stands for Time
“In the standing on one leg with eyes closed test, men and women were able to hold the position for less than two seconds were three times more likely to die before the age of 66 than those who could hold it for 10 seconds or more”
f. Shoulder Girdle Strength – 
g. Crunches or Bent LEg Situp (or equivalent Core exercises if a KABOOMER has lower back issues)
7. Seven Work(out) from Home Necessities
a. Sweatpants (the new office casual attire for Pandemics)
b. Non-BPA water bottles
c. Comfy and cozy slippers or wild socks
d. Get outside for your Vitamin D3 – whenever, wherever…
e. Get in touch with Nature
f. Take warm, Epsom-slat baths (adding essential oils if you desire) – 90 minutes before shutout time
g. Celebrate each daily orbit as best you can while acknowledging that you can’t change why bad things can happen to nice folks.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
I wish I was in Pasadena for a Tournament of Roses spectacle tomorrow. Shucks. And, the Rose Bowl may be re-christened the Yellow Rose of Texas Bowl – Shucks again.
Tomorrow is a blessed WRAP! Peggy Noonan’s premier summary of a most horrible year can be read here. Yet, KABOOMERs are glasses-half-full types, and we NEVER WASTE CRISES…
Here’s to vaccines, public health, America’s common good, gratitude, and KABOOMing in our imminent New Year. And – here’s to your Significant leverage of MOST THINGS SEVEN (skipping ENVY as a Deadly Sin) to Party Past Ninety.
Onward!
Koach Dave
As always – Join the KABOOMERR Movement by texting WP40 to #41259.
Or let your Contact Request fly my way . . .
Twelve Days of KABOOMER Fitness
Twas hard to resist this most wonderful (?!) time of year and a Holiday carol to reinforce numbers in your Physical Bank Account… KABOOM.
On this Third Day of Christmas;
- I offer a Dozen Physical Banking Hacks, a local Boxing Day tune, and an acronym for Aging Wellness – GRAPES.
https://mailchi.mp/wellpastforty.com/12-kaboomer-days-of-fitness-all-the-best
2. I share with you one of my favorite BOXING DAY tunes – by a local San Diego Group – Blink 182.
When it comes to your KABOOMER wellness – it is always good to recall these BLINK lyrics:
“Reignite like fireflies, like an atom bomb
At all hours…”
As we bid adieu to 2020 – here’s my challenge to you . . . REIGNITE to Thrive and Strive!
3. Compliments of San Diego County’s Aging and Independence group, and Kim Gallo – please take these noble GRAPES to heart and action for your Roarin’ Twenty decade:
G – Gratitude
R – Relax
A – Appreciate
P – Pleasure
E – Exercise and
S – Socialize.
As Ms. Gallo offers,
aim to keep perspective and to introduce healthy
and balanced thoughts throughout the day.
…Regardless of how we feel in any
given moment, we can make the choice to take action that
aligns with our values. For example, if health is something
you value, there may be small steps you can take to look after
your health in regard to exercise, diet, sleep, or alcohol use…”
On this ultimate Sunday in a most unusual year – GRAPES is a darned good homily.
Should you not find a FEELING FIT or Silver Sneakers Hui nearby – >
do START YOUR OWN group to help you party past 90!
Stay well past forty,
Koach Dave
Julmust Lagom
Greetings for wintry wonders as we (finally) bid adieu to a most abnormal year!
Are you wondering what my blog title – Julmust Lagom – means? If you are not of Scandinavian descent – you might think that I misplaced or lost my marbles.
Julmust is Sweden’s Christmas “Coke.” 
Lagom is an awesome Swedish word with real meaning for us KABOOMERS:
balanced, paced, and low-fuss.
Credit: Etsy
Now, as you get it “just right” – enjoy GLOGG (the Swedish mulled wine), and/or try a Swedish “snapsvisor” drinking tune – for non-fermented Julmusts, or schnapps[snap], aquavit, or another Svenska adult beverage to warm your cheeks as our thermometers dip.
Advisory – if Eggnog is your Christmas warm-up of choice: remember the added sugar, raw eggs, and total KCAL when something with proof is added! Moderate and portion control – please…
I love Sweden – that northern exposure nation known for its:
- pre-fab furniture,
- fine (though pricey) automobiles,
- a pristine capital city, and
- the pop group, ABBA.
I admired Sweden when her small patrol gunboats ushered “my” USN Frigate a little further beyond territorial limits. I admired the Swedes for their “Whiskey on the Rocks” denial of a Soviet Submarine in the Cold War that we boomers endured.
I truly love what Friluftsliv entails for the outdoor-oriented lifestyles of many people in this Scandinavian country!
Credit: Forbes.com
“Friluftsliv isn’t competitive; it’s simply a chance to get outside and enjoy nature—winter or summer, day or night, rain or shine, mud, sleet, or snow.” Amen.
Hmmm… Could Lagom and this Frilufsliv way of life be a possible reason why Swedes live longer than Americans?
Sweden 82.3 years
USA 78.9 years
Sure, there isn’t a single factor in population mortality studies. Yet this Koach believes that lifestyle IS a longevity factor! Three+ years of living longer and better is another thousand rises-and-shines to make this world a better place- Right?
Call to Action: Go Get your outdoor-oriented, balanced low-fuss bonus of a THOUSAND days!
Swedes aren’t perfect (just check on the fate of the warship VASA). Yet, they love nature, excel in winter activities, and have Christmas customs which are near and dear to this Scotch-English admirer. Doesn’t Helan Gar sound more festive than “chug-a-lug” or “bottoms-up?” I’m not promoting big-headed binge drinking in the 212 days of XMAS. Rather, I am suggesting that singing and convivial party tunes are good for our mindsets, de-stressing, and constitutions… Note to self – Helen Gar my 4 oz low-calorie Eggnog as I check for coal in my stocking this Friday 🙂
Yes, Buts are verboten. We are blessed with cold-weather clothing that can be very affordable. Yes, AND winter moves are great moves. KABOOM.
Some of us, like me, have a slighter higher Neanderthal code in us – honest! There are indeed some downsides to our slightly higher Neanderthal roots (like being prone to depression). Speaking of age-and health-sapping depression – – – Swedes of Boomer Age have lower depression rates than do we Americans. Right! A lower incidence of depression, according to statista.com and NiH.gov sources, despite much longer winter nights in Scandinavia. One common note about elder depression in our comparative countries: Women are more prone to depression than us men. Oy.
Credit: healthline.com
Here’s to your”just right” Lagom in the healthy seasons ahead!
If I can help your balance, pace, and fuss-not lifestyle levels as you begin your Nuevo Ano – please Call me – Maybe.
Test WP40 to #41259, or Join our KABOOMER LAgom movement by completing this form:
Skal!
On this Day-Make History
Thinking of December sixteenths in history – I can pinpoint two extraordinary anniversaries that still impact our topsy-turvy world…
- Brewer patriots had their Boston Tea Party in 1773. We know what those rebel yells led to!
- The Battle of the Bulge began on this date in 1944 around the quaint town of Bastogne, Belgium. When life was precarious for our fabled, yet outmanned and outgunned 101st Airborne, General A. McAuliffe offered one of the mojo mottos of all time – “Surrender? NUTS!”
That, as we look in our rearview mirrors, is history. Now, a rhetorical query time . . .
Is there a Better time spot to start our own EXTRAordinary history channels?
Think of these pandemic Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Festivus days as best ever times to establish the important differences between ordinary and extraordinary performance.
If not me, who? If not now, when?
Recall how I differentiated between two notional Baby Boomers – Decent Deb and Great George in KABOOMER.
Sure, Decent Deb did her minimum and hoped for better days. Great George stretched for a little bit EXTRA to stay EXTRAordinary.
- George’s Gym or Fitness Age is far lower than his calendar age. And that can be exciting personal history.
Many of us can stretch out to build our extraordinary physical banker portfolios too! Trust your Koach.
Listen to your Koach, too, finding discretionary time to invest in an information-rich podcast or two. We could be seeing an added DECADE of your personal history – and a quality-filled history – as your Physical Bank Portfolio grows. KABOOM.
This podcast is also available on other major podcast portals – Apple, Google Play…
My analog calendar advises me that we’ve got just eight days and a wake-up until Christmas 2020. What better time will there be to write your non-fiction greatness?
Be a KABOOMER EXTRAordinaire! Strive to be a Great George. Find your “NUTS” chutzpah like McAuliffe did. Yes, You Can!
/s/ Koach Dave
ps – if you’re looking for one more Gift that keeps on Giving – check the paperback, audio, and eBOOK variants of KABOOMER: Thriving and Striving into your Nineties.
Unbroken!
Right you are, KABOOMERS. I’m following our last Right Stuff tribute to Chuck Yeager with this accolade for another larger than life hero – Louis “Unbroken” Zamperini.
Both Louis and Chuck were flyboys in World War II. Both inspired many on their stamininety journeys until each slipped the “surly bonds of earth” for the last time at age 97.
Laura Hillenbrand wrote about Zamperini’s odyssey (as a 1936 Olympian and POW) in her 2010 bestselling book – UNBROKEN. Angelina Joline then directed a 2014 movie of the same name. Do listen to both the director and the actor who played Zamperini as they speak of soul, selfless sacrifice, and community support in challenging times.
Zamperini was NOT born exceptional, according to Joline. And, Louie offered that his youth days were “average, rotten” until he found his calling as a distance runner. Then, he became exceptional in strength, human spirit, and will on tracks of life, in 47 days at sea, and then in despicable prison camps.
We are in a different war than these 2 studs endured. Yet ours is still very much a deadly war. An extended battle in which inner resolve and never quit mindsets can help us to win – together. We KABOOMERS can unite behind these compelling words of Louie Zamperini in our own CoVID conflict:
“If you can take it – – – YOU can make it.”
In this abnormal year, I join many with stints of Zoom fatigue, four-walls of temporary isolation, and communal concerns for our communities – small businesses, at-risk populations, mask wearers, and those who choose not to don them. Perhaps we can discover more human spirit, will, and strength to keep on keepin’ on.
Perhaps these two Greatest Generation stalwarts – Yeager and Zamperini – can help others like you and me MAKE IT to our finish lines.
As we approach the 12-day countdown to The TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS – I suggest that KABOOMERS read or watch both:
- THE RIGHT STUFF and
- UNBROKEN.
My Navy SEAL buddies whisper that the only easy day was yesterday. Do dwell on that UNeasy warrior pearl as you order these two awesome reads. Or search for them on streaming video. And while shopping, you might even consider another gift that keeps on giving:
click for GOODREADS information
I’ll exit this blog stage with this provocative headline of writer and psychologist, Alison Gopnik, in the 8/29/2020 weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal:
“A GOOD LIFE DOESN’T MEAN AN EASY ONE.”
Amen! She closes her MIND & MATTER column with this,
“the unexpected, even the tragic, can have transformative power.
As a great Leonard Cohen song says, it’s the cracks that let the light come in.”
Let’s do our exceptional, darndest to find transformative power and richness in these unexpected and tragic days. We CAN MAKE IT – together.
With unbroken hope and strength…
Koach Dave
ps – Text WP40 to #41259 to get pretty regular tips and tricks to MAKE IT in your GOOD LIFE.
Your Right Stuff as KABOOMERS
Are you still awed, as I am – thirty-nine years after the release of an epic FLY BOY film – The Right Stuff ?
I so admire those first 15 years of Project Mercury missions, and the film’s central figure who DID NOT LACK IT. I thought that actor Sam Shephard played Chuck Yeager well. Ed Haris was a superb John Glenn. Randy Quaid was great as Gordo Cooper. [One of my favorite actors in this epic movie was legendary USC and NFL lineman Anthony Munoz who played a hospital orderly “Gonzales.”]
But wait, the Antelope Valley barkeeper named “Fred” in The Right Stuff was played by none other than Charles Chuck Yeager! Cute, in an artistic way, like Rembrandt adding himself to THE BLACK WATCH painting.
“Fred” in real life was an awe-shucks West Virginian, a WWII fighter ace, and bellwether test pilot. Everyone who knew Charles Yeager called him Chuck. He knew what art and science, plus good fortune, could do to keep a test pilot from “auguring in.”
Chuck passed last week at age 97, triggering uncounted eulogies and testaments for his exceptional life and parties before and past ninety. He was still flying high-performance jet aircraft at Medicare and Social Security Ages. Wowza.
What does this term “RIGHT STUFF” – made popular by social writer Tom Wolfe – mean for us as KABOOMERS?”
That New Journalist and author, Tom Wolfe, offered that The Right Stuff is an:
“inexpressible blend of confidence, skill, and machismo…a man could never know with confidence that he possessed it. He could only demonstrate—through .. a split-second miscalculation—his lack of it.”
One of our original Mercury astronauts, Wally Schirra, advised that “it’s something you can’t buy.” Note: I was lucky to meet and socialize briefly with Wally Schirra. He definitely didn’t LACK it!
Here’s your Koach’s stance on something you can’t buy.
KABOOMERS have confidence and skill (we can skip the machismo unless we add machisma to honor ladies who don’t lack it either)!
We don’t have to travel at Mach 1 with broken ribs to show what we don’t lack. Chuck did – in the experimental aircraft which he called Glamorous Glennis:
We don’t miscalculate our training.
We don’t underestimate our personal powers of PHYSICAL BANKING to live longer and to live better.
KABOOMERS make their own blended sonic booms by moving to sweat, pushing and pulling “right stuff”, and being kid-like in our pursuit of new barriers to exceed.
If you’d like to give someone a Gift that keeps on Giving – you just might find that KABOOMER
can help that someone gain and sustain an”inexpressible blend of confidence, skill, and machismo” {or machisma.}.
Stay safe, even after you receive both COVID-19 vaccinations.
KABOOM.
/s/
Koach Dave
ps: With your forbearance, I nominate Chuck “Fred” Yeager to be a KABOOMER emeritus.
.
KABOOMERs in our new Age of Aquarius
What Boomer doesn’t seek a feel-good boost these pandemic days? As we might recall, the Simpsons did:
https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6MbtkwAL960whxx6/giphy-downsized.gif
And, so did that wonderful -70s group – the 5th Dimension with lyrical “Golden living dreams of visions”!
As one who peeks at the Heavens and who occasionally clicks on astrology weblinks, I offer this rare occurrence as a feel-good Transformation. Thanks to wellandgood.com and wanderlust.com for enlightening me about this Conjunction junction!
One quoted astrologer – Alexandria Lettman (of Soul Unity) offers this:
“What’s especially interesting about this Conjunction is that it’s unfolding in an air sign, more specifically Aquarius. …This means that the underlying themes of the Aquarius Great Conjunction will be resilience, liberation, and replacing toxic systems with healthier, inclusive, and unifying alternatives,” Lettman says.
She predicts the Great Conjunction of 2020 will bring about karma-rooted developments; innovations in science, medicine, and technology; and a general step away from rigid perspectives and favor of forming our own paths.”
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What’s NOT to like about the positive prospects for us KABOOMERs in this very rare Age of Aquarius? KABOOM for “Your Vision!”
With a shameless promotion, perhaps a KABOOMER almanac could be that ruminated and digested Book to which Francis Bacon referred:
“Some books should be tasted, some devoured, but only a few should be chewed and digested thoroughly.”
As we approach this astrological, dawning Age of Aquarius, why not form your own path with a healthier lifestyle?
Or, purchase a digestible Gift that Keeps on Giving for an acquaintance or family member. KABOOMER is available at Amazon.com in paperback, Kindle, and audio versions.
Barnes and Noble fans can click here for great Holiday deals on KABOOMER:
As we anticipate a new dawning, Let Nothing You dismay!
As always – you are welcomed to Join the KABOOMER Movement by texting WP40 to # 41259. You’ll receiver regular tips and hacks to help you on your Aquarian quest.
Or , contact Koach Dave to help you build your Physical Bank in this Age of Aquarius!
Avoid Holiday Pain & #Covidiots
Greetings, KABOOMERs as we embark on our 12th-month adventure of 2020!?
From this mustached guy, adieu MOVEMBER. From this donor – THANKS to ALL who gave some time, talent, and/or treasure for # Giving Tuesday.
If we were to believe some of the Holiday hype we are besieged by – “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
With luck, skill, and timing – many of us can and will keep our hearts glowing!
Here’s a public service reminder for pain avoidance to help us calibrate Physical Banking steps to take both seriously and whimsically this Holiday season:
Credit: Harvard Health
Motion is Good Medicine!
Good folks at Harvard Health say so, as do I as your Koach. No matter how cold and dark your days and night may appear, you can mitigate or avoid creaky joints with judicious and habitual movements.
Laugh often as part of your Immunity Boosts!
And, you definitely want to avoid #COVIDIOTS – right?
Move your joints through their best ranges of motion to stay limbered up for whatever physically distanced festivities you can muster!
KABOOM!
Consider me “on-call” for these Holidays to help you in your Most Wonderful Times of the Year!
