City to ban its workers from smoking?

[Vegas]

Can a city ban its workers from smoking on their own time and/or in their own homes?

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/nature_coast/brooksville-ban-its-workers-from-smoking-042010

City leaders are considering some of the toughest anti-smoking laws ever.

Brooksville city employees smoking in their own cars at City Hall could get into trouble under the new smoke-free workplace policy being considered.

Council members hashed it out at Monday night's meeting, most agreeing that the plan as it stands on paper is too harsh.

"To me it's almost on the border of being unconstitutional because you're dictating and they're losing their rights," said Vice Mayor Richard Lewis.

The proposed policy says no one can smoke on city property, even outside.

Employees who do smoke have one year to quit through cessation programs offered by the city or be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including termination, the policy states.

Former smoker Tom Riesenbeck fears this could open the door.

"Then is it going to be [we] can't go to McDonald's or Burger King or another fast food because the food is not healthy enough?" wondered Riesenbeck.

Despite what the proposal spells out, Mayor Lara Bradburn says employees who can't quit won't get fired. She says this is simply a matter of saving lives and money.

"It means there are fewer health issues with our employees and that means our insurance costs will be less and that in turn means taxpayers will save," Bradburn said.

Bradburn believes smoking shortened the life of her mother, who was a county employee.

"If someone had urged her or put her in some kind of program to make her stop smoking, she might still be here with me today," Bradburn said.

Steve Goldman, a smoker and city employee, criticized the city's survey as completely unscientific and misleading. He also accused council of trying to slip the policy under the radar.

"I think it's another step to take away rights of people in the public," Riesenbeck said.

The proposed policy also says that the city won't hire new employees who are smokers.

Monday night, council members agreed that the plan needs some serious tweaking and they plan to continue the discussion.

[Vegas]

A little stronger version of the story:

http://www2.wrbl.com/rbl/news/local/article/florida_town_officials_want_to_outlaw_tobacco_use_ by_employees/146801/

First Brooksville officials cracked down on employees who didn’t use deodorant or wear underwear, which sparked debate about whether they were infringing on workers’ personal choice.


Now city officials might crack down on employee tobacco use — both at work and during their personal time — by requiring them to quit smoking after one year. The proposal would also disqualify for employment anyone who admits to the habit.


During Monday’s 5:30 p.m. meeting at City Hall, council members will consider a tobacco policy that forbids smoking or chewing the substance on city property, in city-owned vehicles and personal vehicles that are on city property or are being used for a city function.


The policy applies to city employees and the public alike.


For employees, they would have one year to quit using smoking or chewing tobacco or face disciplinary action that includes termination, “Depending on the facts and circumstances of each infraction.“


Employees could also pay to participate in a smoking cessation program on their own time.


Although City Manager Jennene Norman-Vacha wasn’t available for comment Friday, Mayor Lara Bradburn said she supports the creation of a tobacco-free workplace and any program that encourages employees to quit smoking. She also agrees with the practice of not hiring people who smoke.


“There’s no reason people should smoke,“ Bradburn said. “Nothing good ever came from smoking.“


Referring to smoking as the root of all evil — particularly following her mother’s troubles with the habit — Bradburn said that eliminating tobacco use would help decrease city insurance rates — at cost savings to taxpayers — while helping employees be healthier.


However, she said she hasn’t read the entire proposal and doesn’t believe the policy would be taken to extremes.


“We’re not going to have Big Brother peering into people’s homes,“ Bradburn said. “We’re not talking about extremes — we’re talking about the honor system.“


She added that city staff would focus on helping habitual smokers rather than those who use tobacco on random occasions.


According to a survey of 84 out of 130 employees who responded, 77 were in favor of a smoke-free workplace — 50 of whom added that they would support a smoking area 20 feet from the building.


One employee who smoked reported he or she would try to stop smoking while another claimed he or she would seek other employment.


The policy was likened to city officials’ attempts to update city codes and provisions with what private businesses and corporations are doing.


Last year, council members approved a dress code that included provisions that employees must use deodorant and wear undergarments.


All but council member Joe Bernadini approved the measure, which he said was due to it being “a little far-fetched.“


Bradburn said that move was blown out of proportion. She added that many private and public companies already have similar tobacco policies in place.


The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, for instance, requires new hires to sign a document that includes a provision certifying that the employee doesn’t use tobacco and won’t in the future. Those who do could face disciplinary actions, including termination.


Meanwhile, Bradburn said hers is just one opinion and that council members could decide to make the policy less restrictive.


“I just know that I wish to God that someone had made my mother quit smoking. She might still be here today,“ Bradburn said. “But, it should be an interesting discussion come Monday.“

[kydoty]

I don't see why they can't. Employers can fire people for conduct outside the workplace.

[pnkpanther]

few private employers have already done this

[Vegas]

few private employers have already done this

Discriminated against new hires or fired existing workers?

[pnkpanther]

Discriminated against new hires or fired existing workers?

They gave employee's a year to quit, anyone who didnt would be let go.

[Vegas]

They gave employee's a year to quit, anyone who didnt would be let go.

I can't see that holding up to a court challenge.

[Peter for President]

Anyone who admits to the habit? So you could do it all you wanted so long as you don't admit to it?

[pnkpanther]

I can't see that holding up to a court challenge.

story I heard was few year ago, I dont know of any follow up.

Weyco Inc.

[pnkpanther]

Anyone who admits to the habit? So you could do it all you wanted so long as you don't admit to it?


like any drug policy they could give urine tests.

[Vegas]

like any drug policy they could give urine tests.

A drug policy where they're testing for illegal drugs is a lot easier to enforce than for legal tobacco.

[Peter for President]

like any drug policy they could give urine tests.
I was referring to this.

Now city officials might crack down on employee tobacco use — both at work and during their personal time — by requiring them to quit smoking after one year. The proposal would also disqualify for employment anyone who admits to the habit.

[Matt]

Sounds good to me. The fewer cigarette smokers the better. It's the most vile, disgusting habit on the planet.

[Iron Jaw]

like any drug policy they could give urine tests.

Nicotine only remains in the bloodstream for 72 hours, and unless very expensive tests are conducted, there is only about a 24 hour window.

I'm a non-smoker, but really, I could care less about others using tobacco.

Not exactly practical.

And since they only mentioned smoking - not chewing - the person could say he/she quit smoking and began dipping, which is the reason for the nicotine in the system..............thus, they would have to add chewing tobacco or snuff to their list.

But then, the guy could claim he was in an elevator with smokers and had second hand smoke in his system.

With a legal, non mind-altering drug, it's a tough road.

In addition to legal costs for attorney services with all the court cases it would produce.

They should probably try to maintain a policy akin to a high school football coach's team smoking policy - "We catch you - you're off the team!"

And stick with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

[domenick2x]

Nicotine only remains in the bloodstream for 72 hours, and unless very expensive tests are conducted, there is only about a 24 hour window.

I'm a non-smoker, but really, I could care less about others using tobacco.

Not exactly practical.

And since they only mentioned smoking - not chewing - the person could say he/she quit smoking and began dipping, which is the reason for the nicotine in the system..............thus, they would have to add chewing tobacco or snuff to their list.

But then, the guy could claim he was in an elevator with smokers and had second hand smoke in his system.

With a legal, non mind-altering drug, it's a tough road.

In addition to legal costs for attorney services with all the court cases it would produce.

They should probably try to maintain a policy akin to a high school football coach's team smoking policy - "We catch you - you're off the team!"

And stick with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
I think the nicotine can be tested via the hair follicle test, which can hold 6 months or more.

And as far as I know, this is legal.

[Vegas]

I think the nicotine can be tested via the hair follicle test, which can hold 6 months or more.

And as far as I know, this is legal.

You may be correct that this is legal, but I don't get how firing employees for using a legal substance on their own time is right.

[Matt]

Nicotine only remains in the bloodstream for 72 hours, and unless very expensive tests are conducted, there is only about a 24 hour window.

I'm a non-smoker, but really, I could care less about others using tobacco.

Not exactly practical.

And since they only mentioned smoking - not chewing - the person could say he/she quit smoking and began dipping, which is the reason for the nicotine in the system..............thus, they would have to add chewing tobacco or snuff to their list.

But then, the guy could claim he was in an elevator with smokers and had second hand smoke in his system.

With a legal, non mind-altering drug, it's a tough road.

In addition to legal costs for attorney services with all the court cases it would produce.

They should probably try to maintain a policy akin to a high school football coach's team smoking policy - "We catch you - you're off the team!"

And stick with the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Do you know anyone, outside of cigar smokers, who use tobacco less frequently then once a day?

[Vegas]

Do you know anyone, outside of cigar smokers, who use tobacco less frequently then once a day?

I know several people who can't completely give up smoking and have only a couple of cigarettes a week.

[Matt]

I know several people who can't completely give up smoking and have only a couple of cigarettes a week.

Wierdos. But, honestly, they aren't the problem, and I doubt that any employment, org, minds them. They are really only concerned with the "pack life" smokers. That is x packs/day/year=x pack years. 3 or 4 smokes per week= pack seasons....

[Vegas]

Wierdos. But, honestly, they aren't the problem, and I doubt that any employment, org, minds them. They are really only concerned with the "pack life" smokers. That is x packs/day/year=x pack years. 3 or 4 smokes per week= pack seasons....

Should your employer be able to fire you if you have too much fat in your diet?

[Matt]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you have too much fat in your diet?

Dunno, ask the Supremes.

IMO, fat is more nuanced than smoking. A guy can eat steaks and run 50 miles/week; tons of guys do it. Not many smoke a pack/day and are in evenly remotely good health (I mean able to run a mile, do 12 push ups and 20 sit-ups, remedial High School stuff).

[Vegas]

Dunno, ask the Supremes.

IMO, fat is more nuanced than smoking. A guy can eat steaks and run 50 miles/week; tons of guys do it. Not many smoke a pack/day and are in evenly remotely good health (I mean able to run a mile, do 12 push ups and 20 sit-ups, remedial High School stuff).

Should your employer be able to fire you if you like skydiving, bungee jumping, or ride a motorcycle?

[Matt]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you like skydiving, bungee jumping, or ride a motorcycle?

Slippery Slope. Not interested.

I know your baiting for your big pay-off of "What if we find out that 1 in 875,000 bobby pin wearers gets brain cancer, is it ok for a company to fire you looking at bobby pins in the store?"

It's a pretty simple story with cigarettes. Smoking is an ugly, disgusting habit. If someone smokes cigarettes regularly, it will effect their health, job performance and life expectancy (provided they die of natural causes) nearly 100% of the time.

[Roy Munson]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you have too much fat in your diet?
depends on if your fattness affects their bottom line. Its all about stock holders... employees don't matter.

[Roy Munson]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you like skydiving, bungee jumping, or ride a motorcycle?
If it affects their cost for insurance, I'd expect it to be a question when applying for employment. I just got life insurance and guess what activities they asked about...

[Vegas]

If it affects their cost for insurance, I'd expect it to be a question when applying for employment. I just got life insurance and guess what activities they asked about...

Smoking affects their cost of insurance, but it's still a legal activity like riding a motorcycle. Should they be able to fire an employee for riding a motorcycle, too?

[Jiddy78]

Smoking affects their cost of insurance, but it's still a legal activity like riding a motorcycle. Should they be able to fire an employee for riding a motorcycle, too?

Only if they take excessive breaks to go out cruising in the parking lot and/or ride during work hours in ways that put others on the premises in danger.

[Vegas]

Only if they take excessive breaks to go out cruising in the parking lot and/or ride during work hours in ways that put others on the premises in danger.

Did you get that in the original discussion the city was threatening to fire workers who smoked at home?

[Iron Jaw]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you like skydiving, bungee jumping, or ride a motorcycle?

If you're a professional athlete, avoidance of those activities might be written into the contract.

The "Jim Lonborg" clause.

After Lonborg won the Cy Young Award for the Red Sox in their miracle 1967 season, Lonborg went skiing and trashed his knee. It would take Lonborg about 5 seasons to get his pitching groove back and by that time, he was no longer with the Red Sox. He finally joined the Phillie rotation and fashioned a decent career. Today, he's a successful dentist.

Several owners of professional sport's franchises took notice and had players sign "no-ski" clauses and such. The clauses were affectionately nicknamed after Jim Lonborg based upon the events that followed the 1967 season.

I remember John Elway having a no-ski clause (which is not a good thing to have in Colorado) with the Broncos. However, his backup QB, Gary Kubiak, didn't have that in his contract and went skiing regularly.

[kydoty]

Should your employer be able to fire you if you like skydiving, bungee jumping, or ride a motorcycle?

Ask Jeff Kent.

[Vegas]

Ask Jeff Kent.

I had to look it up, because I have zero interest in baseball. He had it in his contract not to ride a motorcycle. That's not applicable to a regular type of employee.

[domenick2x]

Technically, as long as you aren't a protected class (women, racial minority, etc), your employer can (in most states) choose to fire you for any reason.

NFL players use legal substances and get suspended/fired. That's collectively bargained, of course, and some states (Minnesota, cough cough) have different employment laws.

They can't fire you without notification that such behavior is not tolerated. There has to be a policy in place, and it has to be adjudicated evenly. As long as they are consistent, they can do what they choose.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in America. If you won't willingly adjust your behavior to cut down on the risk factors - cholesterol, smoking, exercise, obesity, and controlling your diabetes are the 'big 5' - then you are at severe risk for being a huge expense for an employer. Step up and take care of yourself, or find another employer.

Is it legal? Damn straight. Is it right? Damn straight.

I also would expect that any policy would have references to smoking cessation programs, i.e. if you self report and enter a program, there would be no repercussions. It's when you try to hide it that there's an issue.

[Vegas]

Technically, as long as you aren't a protected class (women, racial minority, etc), your employer can (in most states) choose to fire you for any reason.

NFL players use legal substances and get suspended/fired. That's collectively bargained, of course, and some states (Minnesota, cough cough) have different employment laws.

They can't fire you without notification that such behavior is not tolerated. There has to be a policy in place, and it has to be adjudicated evenly. As long as they are consistent, they can do what they choose.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in America. If you won't willingly adjust your behavior to cut down on the risk factors - cholesterol, smoking, exercise, obesity, and controlling your diabetes are the 'big 5' - then you are at severe risk for being a huge expense for an employer. Step up and take care of yourself, or find another employer.

Is it legal? Damn straight. Is it right? Damn straight.

I also would expect that any policy would have references to smoking cessation programs, i.e. if you self report and enter a program, there would be no repercussions. It's when you try to hide it that there's an issue.

I agree with most of what you say. But even at will employees fired for good reason successfully sue for wrongful termination. I don't understand how they do so, but they do.

[domenick2x]

I agree with most of what you say. But even at will employees fired for good reason successfully sue for wrongful termination. I don't understand how they do so, but they do.
Most of that revolves around inconsistency on the part of the company.

If you fired Joe for being late 10 times in one month, but didn't fire Tom for being late just as much, then the company is putting itself at risk for a lawsuit. Most of those problems show up because a manager isn't applying the rules, isn't notifying HR when someone violates them, and sometimes just 'likes someone better'.

[Fire Millen]

Dunno, ask the Supremes.

IMO, fat is more nuanced than smoking. A guy can eat steaks and run 50 miles/week; tons of guys do it. Not many smoke a pack/day and are in evenly remotely good health (I mean able to run a mile, do 12 push ups and 20 sit-ups, remedial High School stuff).


A Nuance?

Obesity costs the health care industry 344 Billion dollars a year. I think it's a huge f'n problem.

A 20k surgery can also help almost obese patients lost weight and cure most type 2 diabetics but good luck getting the insurance company to pay for it.

[Matt]

A Nuance?

Obesity costs the health care industry 344 Billion dollars a year. I think it's a huge f'n problem.

A 20k surgery can also help almost obese patients lost weight and cure most type 2 diabetics but good luck getting the insurance company to pay for it.

Yes, but by eating fat you don't necessarily GET fat. On the other hand, if you smoke cigarettes it will effect nearly every aspect of your health in a negative way, as well as job performance, work place interactions, and, there is no benefit to the person smoking.

[Roy Munson]

A Nuance?

Obesity costs the health care industry 344 Billion dollars a year. I think it's a huge f'n problem.

A 20k surgery can also help almost obese patients lost weight and cure most type 2 diabetics but good luck getting the insurance company to pay for it.
There is a reason this exists:

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/sammec/

I remember working with all that data for PA back in 99 and the staggering cost of smoking is pretty obvious.

[Roy Munson]

Yes, but by eating fat you don't necessarily GET fat. On the other hand, if you smoke cigarettes it will effect nearly every aspect of your health in a negative way, as well as job performance, work place interactions, and, there is no benefit to the person smoking.
Since January my food consumption has averaged a little less than 5,000 calories a day... how much weight do you think I've gained?

Sure, my carb/protien/fat percentages are in better line than most people that consume that many calories, but I've lost more than 20 pounds.

Every single person with working legs should be able to get up right now and run a 5K. Its not that hard, and it'll do way more good for them than attempting to change their diet.

[Matt]

Since January my food consumption has averaged a little less than 5,000 calories a day... how much weight do you think I've gained?

Sure, my carb/protien/fat percentages are in better line than most people that consume that many calories, but I've lost more than 20 pounds.

Every single person with working legs should be able to get up right now and run a 5K. Its not that hard, and it'll do way more good for them than attempting to change their diet.

You must be working out pretty hard. That's awesome.

Some experts disagree. I don't think there is a right answer for everyone, especially when some people think walking is exercise and reward themselves afterward with a bowl of cookies...

An interesting article on the subject. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18exercise-t.html?scp=3&sq=exercise&st=cse)


I like your philosophy. Mine is that everyone should do an hour of strenuous exercise/day.

[Roy Munson]

You must be working out pretty hard. That's awesome.

Some experts disagree. I don't think there is a right answer for everyone, especially when some people think walking is exercise and reward themselves afterward with a bowl of cookies...

An interesting article on the subject. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18exercise-t.html?scp=3&sq=exercise&st=cse)


I like your philosophy. Mine is that everyone should do an hour of strenuous exercise/day.
3 hours on a spin bike requires many calories.

It also helps that I spread my calorie intake out over 6 meals in the day, one of them being while spinning. This change in diet pattern definitely affects my metabolism in a positive way.

No matter what, the only way weight loss happens is if there is a calorie deficit. The key is getting that deficit at the correct amount. Undereating is also a problem for people who start working out and don't change their diet. Too much of a deficit will totally fuck up your body's metabolism and start destroying muscle in favor of fat for energy.

[Matt]

3 hours on a spin bike requires many calories.

It also helps that I spread my calorie intake out over 6 meals in the day, one of them being while spinning. This change in diet pattern definitely affects my metabolism in a positive way.

No matter what, the only way weight loss happens is if there is a calorie deficit. The key is getting that deficit at the correct amount. Undereating is also a problem for people who start working out and don't change their diet. Too much of a deficit will totally fuck up your body's metabolism and start destroying muscle in favor of fat for energy.

My ass gives out on my bike after about two hours. It is very difficult to toughen up back there....

[Roy Munson]

My ass gives out on my bike after about two hours. It is very difficult to toughen up back there....
good bike shorts are key. The pad is pretty much dead in my oldest pair, which were also tri shorts so the pad wasn't good to begin with, so I supplement the pad with a small folded towel.

[Jiddy78]

good bike shorts are key. The pad is pretty much dead in my oldest pair, which were also tri shorts so the pad wasn't good to begin with, so I supplement the pad with a small folded towel.

I actually need new ones now that I'm using the bike more often...Problem I've had with my current ones are not the padding...but the extreme desire for me to remove them after about an hour with the pressure they put on...especially the band section at the bottom...They've been like that since day 1 though and I just press on...Maybe I just got ones too small...But my guess is its the shorts quality...

[Roy Munson]

I actually need new ones now that I'm using the bike more often...Problem I've had with my current ones are not the padding...but the extreme desire for me to remove them after about an hour with the pressure they put on...especially the band section at the bottom...They've been like that since day 1 though and I just press on...Maybe I just got ones too small...But my guess is its the shorts quality...
having a band that is too tight on your thigh sucks. You should try these:

http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/305512/1050288/_/MEN_FIT_SENSOR_SHORTS

[Jiddy78]

having a band that is too tight on your thigh sucks. You should try these:

http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/305512/1050288/_/MEN_FIT_SENSOR_SHORTS

Those look good...I like to try things on so I'll call around and see if anyone has any in stock (doubtful)...Wifey just got a new pair and I'm jealous as hell of how nice they are compared to the crap I roll out there....

[Roy Munson]

Those look good...I like to try things on so I'll call around and see if anyone has any in stock (doubtful)...Wifey just got a new pair and I'm jealous as hell of how nice they are compared to the crap I roll out there....
just gotta find a place that carries that brand. Most of the garneau shorts have a thicker elastic-type band rather than the rubberband type end of most shorts.

[Fire Millen]

Yes, but by eating fat you don't necessarily GET fat. On the other hand, if you smoke cigarettes it will effect nearly every aspect of your health in a negative way, as well as job performance, work place interactions, and, there is no benefit to the person smoking.

No your right, my brother eats nothing but crap and is skinny as hell. He's 37 now and it hasn't caught up to him yet.

The reason most companies want non smokers is to lower heath care costs. So it's safe to assume fat people are next.

[MTVike]

3 hours on a spin bike requires many calories.



A DAY?

Holy crap.

[Roy Munson]

A DAY?

Holy crap.
not every day, some days I run and lift weights... like today.

tomorrow will be a 3 hour ride as long as I don't get any morning meetings scheduled before the end of the day.

[MTVike]

not every day, some days I run and lift weights... like today.

tomorrow will be a 3 hour ride as long as I don't get any morning meetings scheduled before the end of the day.

How do you occupy your mind?

[Roy Munson]

How do you occupy your mind?
I play games on my PS3. Civilization Revolution to be exact. I've tried other games, but most of the other games I have require too much attention to bike at the effort I want.

Sometimes I watch movies, or a hockey/football game.

[MTVike]

Technically, as long as you aren't a protected class (women, racial minority, etc), your employer can (in most states) choose to fire you for any reason.

NFL players use legal substances and get suspended/fired. That's collectively bargained, of course, and some states (Minnesota, cough cough) have different employment laws.

They can't fire you without notification that such behavior is not tolerated. There has to be a policy in place, and it has to be adjudicated evenly. As long as they are consistent, they can do what they choose.

Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer in America. If you won't willingly adjust your behavior to cut down on the risk factors - cholesterol, smoking, exercise, obesity, and controlling your diabetes are the 'big 5' - then you are at severe risk for being a huge expense for an employer. Step up and take care of yourself, or find another employer.

Is it legal? Damn straight. Is it right? Damn straight.

I also would expect that any policy would have references to smoking cessation programs, i.e. if you self report and enter a program, there would be no repercussions. It's when you try to hide it that there's an issue.

I know two people who are taking early retirement this year due to health problems. I do not know if the district somehow encourged it, but neither is able to do their (essentially desk) jobs effectively.

One is grossly overweight and now suffers complications from diabetes. She was unable to finish the school year and now is asking the employee pool to contribute some their sick days to make up her deficit until the end of the year.

Sad.

[MTVike]

I play games on my PS3. Civilization Revolution to be exact. I've tried other games, but most of the other games I have require too much attention to bike at the effort I want.

Sometimes I watch movies, or a hockey/football game.

That's pretty damn commendable.

Now, have a kid.

;)

[Matt]

I play games on my PS3. Civilization Revolution to be exact. I've tried other games, but most of the other games I have require too much attention to bike at the effort I want.

Sometimes I watch movies, or a hockey/football game.

Do you have a true spin bike, or is your bike just in a trainer? If the later, how do you deal with the noise?

[tichabou]

Dear this thread,

http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/gay%20called.jpg

[KinjaKahn]

Well well well look at all the Authoritarians come out of the woodwork... no surprise they are coming from the left.

[FatDumbOxycontinAbuser]

Well well well look at all the Authoritarians come out of the woodwork... no surprise they are coming from the left.

I think Pat Buchanan is the far left as compared to where you are hanging out.

[KinjaKahn]

I think Pat Buchanan is the far left as compared to where you are hanging out.You got me confused with the other guy.

[Matt]

Well well well look at all the Authoritarians come out of the woodwork... no surprise they are coming from the left.

We need a little theme song drop when Kinja gives us one of his Gems: I can write the lyrics "That's our Kinja, yeah!" but I can't compose the music.

[KinjaKahn]

Every single person with working legs should be able to get up right now and run a 5K. Its not that hard, and it'll do way more good for them than attempting to change their diet.Sure thing mein Fuhrer Big Brother, nicely Orwellian. My grandparents are 83 and 81 and living independently, gentle and loving people, I've never heard either swear, my grandmother has had her hip replaced, and my grandfather has Parkinsons. Please don't kill them with your death march. I am sorry if they are not up to your standards.

[Matt]

Sure thing mein Fuhrer Big Brother, nicely Orwellian. My grandparents are 83 and 81 and living independently, gentle and loving people, I've never heard either swear, my grandmother has had her hip replaced, and my grandfather has Parkinsons. Please don't kill them with your death march. I am sorry if they are not up to your standards.

Aw, Kinja, so caring on one hand and so crazy on the other...

[tichabou]

Sure thing mein Fuhrer Big Brother, nicely Orwellian. My grandparents are 83 and 81 and living independently, gentle and loving people, I've never heard either swear, my grandmother has had her hip replaced, and my grandfather has Parkinsons. Please don't kill them with your death march. I am sorry if they are not up to your standards.

I'm almost certain that George Orwell would hate you.

[Roy Munson]

Sure thing mein Fuhrer Big Brother, nicely Orwellian. My grandparents are 83 and 81 and living independently, gentle and loving people, I've never heard either swear, my grandmother has had her hip replaced, and my grandfather has Parkinsons. Please don't kill them with your death march. I am sorry if they are not up to your standards.
way to completely miss the point. What about yourself? Can you go out right now and run 3 miles?

[Roy Munson]

Do you have a true spin bike, or is your bike just in a trainer? If the later, how do you deal with the noise?
spin bike. I don't need to put wear and tear on my bike while training.

[Roy Munson]

Dear this thread,

http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/gay%20called.jpg
time to turn this into a leg shaving discussion.

[KinjaKahn]

way to completely miss the point. What about yourself? Can you go out right now and run 3 miles?I wouldn't enjoy it at all. But I would complete it, and be sore for a few days. My BMI is 23. 25 seasons (not years) of Soccer.

[KinjaKahn]

way to completely miss the point. What about yourself? Can you go out right now and run 3 miles?Sorry I didnt have my Roy Munsons speech translator handy to let me know that "EVERY SINGLE PERSON" actually means.

[Roy Munson]

Sorry I didnt have my Roy Munsons speech translator handy to let me know that "EVERY SINGLE PERSON" actually means.
you missed the working legs part.

when you're 80+, I don't consider those working legs.

[Matt]

spin bike. I don't need to put wear and tear on my bike while training.

Wow. Can you get out of the saddle and rock that thing like your climbing out of the saddle? I've only ever seen people spin, I've never done it. Sitting a room full of stink and techno aint for me. Of course you're riding at home...

I have an old bike on a trainer that I ought to fire up again, you may have inspired me.

[KinjaKahn]

you missed the working legs part.

when you're 80+, I don't consider those working legs.
Where do I download the translation software that defines Roy Munson's "working legs", mine must be out of date.

[domenick2x]

way to completely miss the point. What about yourself? Can you go out right now and run 3 miles?
*raises hand*

Can, and have. Not at a great pace right now, but I can go a 5k pretty easy.

[tichabou]

I can't run anywhere, but I can walk a long way, can I stay alive?

[Roy Munson]

Where do I download the translation software that defines Roy Munson's "working legs", mine must be out of date.
use the thing between your ears... you'll be fine.

[Roy Munson]

I can't run anywhere, but I can walk a long way, can I stay alive?
as long as you can make it 3 miles without dying on my "death march".

Geez, I'm just trying to say that fat people should get off their ass and it would solve many of their problems and then I'm a fucking nazi forcing old people to die by running/walking. such is life on thepartisanpatriot.

Though I will say... those old people would curse me as they dropped around the 2 mile mark and headed towards the light.

[tichabou]

as long as you can make it 3 miles without dying on my "death march".

Geez, I'm just trying to say that fat people should get off their ass and it would solve many of their problems and then I'm a fucking nazi forcing old people to die by running/walking. such is life on thepartisanpatriot.

Though I will say... those old people would curse me as they dropped around the 2 mile mark and headed towards the light.

My deal is that if I want fast food, I have to walk to it. Thus, every month or so, I take a 7 mile walk to Chipotle.

I can't really run though, my hamstring is a torn up piece of shit, and since I haven't run in forever, I prolly don't have the lungs for it. Please don't send me to your evil nazi exercise camps!!!!

[Jesse Helms' Ghost]

*raises hand*

Can, and have. Not at a great pace right now, but I can go a 5k pretty easy.My deal is that if I want fast food, I have to walk to it. Thus, every month or so, I take a 7 mile walk to Chipotle.

I can't really run though, my hamstring is a torn up piece of shit, and since I haven't run in forever, I prolly don't have the lungs for it. Please don't send me to your evil nazi exercise camps!!!! I used to run the 'perimeter' around UCLA at the drop of a hat. It's approx 4.5 to 5 miles....uphill...(both ways). :D

I did join a marathon running club when i was there and we *started* off at 10 miles.

Then we increased the miles and the terrain (lots of hills along Mulholland Drive and Bel Air/Brentwood). By the time we ended the quarter, we were at 17 miles with also being able to do hills (one included a 3 mile uphill run for part of that week's run).

In HS i ran a Muscular Dystrophy walk-a-thon fundraiser...35 miles. Yes, i did stop- twice- and walk and did rest at a rest stop, but I completed it.

Moral of the story....i probably injured my heart more than i helped it IMO. And I also prolly also wrecked my knees more than i helped 'em, too.

But hey, now i can tell folks online about whatta stud i was back in the day.