Courage, Patriotism, and Faith Prosper at the Cinema

What do the films Captain America: The First Avenger, Hugo, and the Adventures of Tintin have in common? First, they all scored high on a recent Movieguide report for having a "strong or very strong Christian, biblical, moral and redemptive content." Each was also successful at the box office. Indeed, the Movieguide report documented a decisive earnings superiority for 2011 movies scoring high in conservative attributes versus more liberal fare. Finally, I was comfortable bringing my entire family to all three movies (and others on the conservative list) while thoroughly enjoying the films myself. Honestly, people have not changed that much. They still prefer to see good triumph over evil, and to see the gallant hero win the beautiful and virtuous girl in the end. What really turns them off is politically correct social engineering and leftist propaganda masquerading as entertainment.

Walking Redirects Fatty Acid Traffic in Women

Mayo Clinic investigators reported in the most recent issue of Diabetes that during walking exercise women tend to direct free fatty acids toward lower body subcutaneous depots and away from the upper body. Alternatively, both sexes increase fatty acid accumulation in the upper body after a eating. The shift of free fatty acid accumulation to lower extremity subcutaneous depots is not only consistent with well known sex specific patterns of fat accumulation, but may also represent a healthier distribution of fat away from the abdomen and non-adipose tissues. Many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with over-eating and obesity have been linked to excess fat storage in the abdomen and in tissues such as the liver and heart that are not well suited to this task.

Doctor, You are Forcing Your Morality Upon Me!

Conscience Protection: Who is trying to force whom?
by: StacyTrasancos

Bishop Olmsted Takes Stand Against Obama Administration Tyranny

The Most Rev. Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, has taken a courageous stand for religious liberty by stating in a pastoral letter this week that "We cannot - we will not – comply" with the unjust mandate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services forcing Catholic employers to offer health coverage that includes abortion inducing drugs, sterilizations and contraception. Of course these measures are in direct opposition to core Catholic teachings which the Obama administration undoubtedly understands. Therefore, this naked assault upon the First Amendment to the Constitution is obviously intended to intimidate the Catholic Church, Catholic employers and any other religious groups that dare threaten the utilitarian aims of those currently in power. Nevertheless, history teaches that the Church will inevitably prevail against State persecution as long as individual Christians, clergy and laymen, refuse to compromise their sacred convictions. Thankfully, an increasing number of bishops and other Christian leaders have joined Bishop Olmsted in speaking out. Indeed, I attended a Christian call-to-action event last night in Tucson, sponsored by the Family Research Council and Center for Arizona Policy, that conveyed a remarkable resolve by those in attendance to rally with their Catholic brothers and sisters against this brazen attack upon religious freedom. To this end, I encourage all who cherish our Constitutional liberties to join nearly half a million other Christians from many denominations in signing the Manhattan Declaration, a call to Christian conscience, which was released in 2009 in anticipation of just this type of government coercion.

TV > Exercise = Depression?

Not much surprise in this report that women who exercise and avoid television are less likely to become depressed. This according to a study recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The study was part of the U.S. Nurses' Health Study. Of course the possibility remains that women prone to depression are also more likely to watch TV and to remain sedentary. The exact relationship between these behaviors and depression remains to be elucidated. However, other studies have indicated that physical activity lessens symptoms related to depression. Moreover, we do not need to be slaves to our predispositions, the vast majority of us are quite capable of taking deliberate measures to increase physical activity, and limit TV and other sedentary traps.

Enduring Brain Power

Does prolonged exercise expand grey matter? Or, do smarter animals tend to pursue more endurance activities? Recently, scientists demonstrated that larger brain sizes predicted higher maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max) rates across a number of mammalian species. As an endurance addict I would like to believe that this exertion not only improves my cardiovascular health, but enhances my thinking and creativity as well.

Are Bad Genes a Good Excuse?

So your sedentary habits are wreaking havoc on your body, your self esteem and your prospects for a long and productive life. Then, you read that the reason you cannot get yourself off the couch and out the door for a walk (let alone a run) is because you might not have the right combination of genes? Indeed, that is the underlying message of a recent media report of a study by investigators at McMaster University in Canada. How do you respond?

A.) Life isn't fair. Now pass me the channel changer and the bag of chips

B.) Fine, I can blame my parents for this too

C.) Great, now I might be able to finally secure those disability payments and get a handicapped parking tag

D.) OK, I'm not going to an Olympian but I can still have an active and healthy life and be a good example for my kids

While the above mentioned research findings may shed some light on why some people are more physically capable than others, it says little if anything about who will benefit from a physically active lifestyle. As far as science knows at this time it is truly the rare individual who will not benefit from regular exercise. Until someone finds the gene that predicts that 30-60 minutes of brisk walking per day is detrimental to physical health, does not limit chronic diseases, or causes deterioration of mental faculties it is advisable for virtually everyone to continue to work on improving their fitness. Moreover, physical activity should be valued by society in general as it not only helps the individual making the exertions but almost certainly pays dividends for society at large in terms of reduced health care costs, improved work productivity and in reinforcing beneficial family and public behavioral norms. So before you use your genes to excuse your procrastination, remember the sage counsel of G.K. Chesterton "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly."

The Once Proud Game

Image is everything baby? Well, that's how the AP writer Ralph D. Russo describes the recent trend for bizarre college football uniforms that has taken the sport by storm. Actually, he had it right earlier in the piece, "garish." Sadly, it is an all too fitting summation of the shallow, narcissistic, short attention spanned, and frankly bored society we have become. Who can create the next big outrage? Indeed, who can out-Quack the Ducks? Oregon ostensibly being the first and most notable practitioner of this dress-up Sally phenomenon. More disturbing still is fact that the adults entrusted to mold and mentor these young athletes are actually enabling their humiliation while disgracing the great tradition of collegiate football. Can you see Bear Bryant, Bo Schembechler or Ara Parseghian bowing to similar adolescent stunts? These giants of the game were committed to developing football players and men. They not only worked to inspire a passion for excellence and teamwork, they also demanded respect. Respect for teammates, players that had gone before them and for those who would follow. Respect for themselves and respect for the game. If the Nittany Lions ever emerge in Happy Valley sporting pink pearl helmets, metallic sheen shoes and gang banger friendly jerseys (plenty of black please) then we will know that it is time for JoePa to depart. Unfortunately, many of today's coaches, ADs, and likely even University Presidents are less interested in instilling the manly virtues than in selling shoes and t-shirts. I have always loved college football above the NFL because of the passion and tradition. The golden domed helmets, Penn State unadorned, and Tommy Trojan upon his white steed endure the generations. Without tradition, college football becomes a cheap imitation of the professional game with the athletes merely less talented posers vying for 15 second spots on Sportcenter or a brief trend on Twitter. Whoopy-doo, maybe we can paint the Heisman trophy a different color every year too. I have to admit though that I do get some measure of consolation thinking about how these modern day trend setters will someday have to endure doubling over fits of hilarity by their offspring as images of their father are replayed on whatever passes for YouTube in 20 years. Best of success to whomever plays the Ducks this week.