Well, I haven't used a personal trainer either. While I'm sure it would help with motivation, etc., most folks these days are trying to save money. I need to do better, but I know it's possible to get in shape w/o a trainer or even a gym membership.

http://lowtechtimes.com/category/things-you-dont-need/gym-memberships/

That's an interesting idea about watering down your orange juice. I noticed they sell "light" orange juice for the same price as regular orange juice where I assume they just water it down in advance.

I look for sales on juice. Usually I can find a Dole blend for $2.50. The orange-pineapple or orange-peach-mango are pretty good.

It's harder during the short winter days, but I try to work out on my own rather than paying for a gym membership: http://lowtechtimes.com/category/things-you-dont-need/gym-memberships/

I looked up my state on the site and it is pretty weak, with just a handful of hikes listed. I never considered Virginia a Northeastern State. Maybe it will get better though with time. At least it's free unlike Trails.com.

I have written about a few Virginia hikes (Old Rag Mtn, Whiteoak Canyon/Cedar Run, Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, etc) on my site, if interested: http://www.olddominionwildlife.com/category/articles/

Interesting post. A friend of mine is quitting and says he's gained some weight. Snacking is definitely a tempting substitute. Introducing more exercise should help.

I'm getting ready to quit myself and am podcasting at http://timetoquit.libsyn.com

I read that he recently ate at Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC.

I hate the built-in "mouse" on laptops. I always bring a separate mouse with me. I admit I'm a low-tech guy, but I have a feeling the mouse is here to stay.

Does the device track how many fender-benders are caused by drivers' eyes focused on GPS devices instead of the roadway?

I'm surprised some of these GPS devices are legal, blocking a substantial portion of the window when fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror are illegal in many locations.

Three problems with GPS navigation systems:
http://lowtechtimes.com/2008/01/16/three-problems-with-gps-navigation-systems/

This is a good reason to listen to low-tech, acoustic bluegrass music. You don't have to worry about lasers: http://lowtechtimes.com/2008/07/17/hi-tech-lasers-blind-music-lovers/

Instead of schoolchildren holding and staring at silly cards, grown men and women are clinging to their cell phones and other hand-held electronic devices. As they happily push the buttons on their devices and gaze at their sleek compact gadgets, their facial expressions match those I saw years ago when children held their Garbage Pail Kids trading cards so tightly. More thoughts at: http://lowtechtimes.com/2008/07/15/the-garbage-pail-kids-phenomenon/

I agree that people talking on cell phones can be quite rude and annoying. Instead of lifting the in-flight ban, it should be extended to before and after take-off. More thoughts, plus tips, if interested at: http://lowtechtimes.com/2008/06/12/rude-cell-phone-use-continues-plus-11-tips-for-dealing-with-it/