Just In Time For The Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Surprise - I could not let you roll into the holidays without proper greeting, so let's spend some time in an entertaining distraction...

By now I am sure that you are finalizing your wish list of gifts for Christmas...Oh, but I think it may be too late now to make revisions, nonetheless, there is always the day after to get what you believe you need.

As we near Christmas Eve (Happy Hanukkah), I thought it would be a great time to review the latest major happenings within the past few weeks here in the world of news and politics (Hollywood).

You know the format (Which appears to be your favorite), statement of the facts and what could be perceived as witty banter to follow...Bring on the snark.

1. Our New 'Sexiest' Host: Producers of the Academy Awards (Oscars) telecast have announced Hugh Jackman as new host of the next 81st annual ceremony in February 2009. The intention of casting Jackman as host is to update the show with a new move away from the usual comedic talent (Ellen DeGeneres, Jon Stewart, Billy Crystal, Whoopi, Chris Rock).

Me: HAS CHRISTMAS COME EARLY?! Explanation of the intention is not required. You are hiring the "Sexiest Man Alive" - who would need to hear further reasoning.

Really, I am thrilled about Hugh's recent success and to be candid, I used to have a big-time crush on boy named Hugh growing up (and even throughout High School). Hugh (Football player, of course - always my type) was not aware of my adoration and it was not publicly known, although we were in the same circles (Football players, Cheerleads, and Popular Mega Stars, such as myself :).

On the last day of our Senior year, I finally spilled the beans because I thought, "I am going off to university what do I care?", needless to say he was very surprised and a little hurt that I never made mention during all the years. Hugh will always have a soft spot in my heart.

2. The Naked Truth: Jennifer "I can't or won't shut-up" Aniston appeared on the cover of GQ Magazine last week to promote her latest movie.

M: I am not sure who devised this marketing campaign, however I am not equally sure it really matters for the promotion of the film. Second, my respect for GQ Magazine continues to submerge and at one point the mag was instrumental in Men's fashion and lifestyle but is spiraling into the seedy and needy. As for Jennifer, when she is off again with her on/off again, I have a list of available hotties (Jen, meet Lenny Kravitz)...Ah, there I go saying too much.

3. Oprah's Big Reveal: Last week Oprah Winfrey confessed that she has not been succeeding in the battle with weight loss, as presented to the public, even with the help of Personal Chef, Dietitian and Personal Trainer.

M: First, Oprah is one of my mentors (Although, she is not aware of this fact). Leading up to the announcement, I must admit that I was expecting something more significant and I need not expand on the thought. The admission of guilt around weight loss (Lack thereof) was not a great surprise - Oprah is on television 5 days of every week and that may appear to be statement of the obvious.

Further, I am not aware of the key to weight loss - I have gained and lost weight over the years. Having said, I am at the same weight as when I was in High School, much of this arrives by way of choice.

On the surface, dietary selection and exercise appear to be major factors. Even more it is lifestyle control, beyond a diet. I am often amazed as to why people subject themselves to diets - they are unnatural conditions that create unnatural and unsustainable results.

The issue being, many focus on the END result, rather than the means without understanding of the reason why.

From my experience, losing weight and or anything begins in a psychological manner - one has to make a conscious decision to first understand the who (You), what (Condition or circumstance) and why (Factors contributing to condition) before determining how (Course of action).

The experts claim that obesity is caused by psychological reasons/issue in both overweight men and women - agreed. However as well, we are learning that persons in a state of obesity may be may not be related to over eating. Identifying the why is proving to be the most important diffusion.

I strongly believe that exercise and good sense food choice always play a role, whether one is obese or in a state of health. When I mention good sense food choices, I am often at a loss as to why someone would choose to consume rubbish, when obvious choices of reason are available and offer greater value.

Personally, I prefer not eat junk Fast Food (There is no healthy choice on their menu, despite attempt), no Soda (Not even diet), no fried foods. Why? Well, I would rather save my free cards for sweets - an occasional slice of Cheesecake or fresh baked Cookies.

Again, good sense choice and exercise (Alright, holidays do not count). Merry Christmas.