The "Ripper"

Road to Cleveland

2011-08-14T16:26:00.001-06:00

3 weeks. Here we go.

Ready for concert

2011-03-16T08:28:00.001-06:00

Off to conduct. Good too feel leaner..everything fits well and I can feel the diet doing its job. Missed some meals but doing well to try not to let it get to me. I know I can have a little extra after the show.

Travel to farmington.

2011-03-13T22:08:00.001-06:00

Packed and ready to teach a few days. Beautiful drive over

No food cheats this week. Feel very good about that. Good coaching call with Tony today. Going to head for 185 this week. Weigh in on sat and will take Lori out for birthday dinner. Saving my free meal for then!

Saturday morning

2011-03-12T08:27:00.001-07:00

Diane got me this shirt for diva Christmas...I like it!

Spring break!

2011-03-11T05:58:00.001-07:00

Woke up this morning with shoulder cuts I didn't remember! New diet is pretty low but I am hanging in. Will weigh before I leave for new Mexico again. Feel tired but know that in 12 weeks I get to hoist that trophy again!

Weigh in 13 Weeks...

2011-03-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

187 and 14% BF this morning...

Feeling leaner daily.

On Season 2011

2011-03-09T12:39:00.004-07:00

Well here we go!

This years performance goal is to win at least one of the divisions I will be competing in. Max Muscle Mile High Natural Championships: I will post details as they come available. I am looking at Novice, Open, Masters 40-45, Drug Free for Life. Not sure if I can novice because I took 2nd. Last time.

Working towards the Mr. Colorado Title, check out the Colorado NPC site..

http://www.jefftaylor.com/

Looking to improve my standing by going up at least 1 weight class. Competed at 147 2 seasons ago. I have added a great deal of muscle in the past 18 months and look to come in at about 169-172 which drops me into the middleweight or welter depending on the day. Best case scenario is to come in at 171.5 and be at the top of the middleweight division. At 5.9 I may be a bit tall to be in welterweight at 168. Here is to coming in slow enough to hold ALOT of muscle!

Monday March 7th: received new diet from "Uncle T" - http://www.dreambodies.net/

The first diet I have seen from him with no chicken on it. Odd but I like eggs so all is good.

Traveling to New Mexico this weekend to conduct the Honor Orchestras in Farmington. Should be fun. This new diet will make it easier to do. Can't wait to put on some outside miles. Getting tired of the treedy....

Looking at my last 2 meals in longing today. Here is to hoping it's enough to make it through my workout.

Will post picts this week as I track for the next 12 to competition.

10 Weeks to November Couples

2010-09-08T10:08:00.002-06:00

Staring to Blog again daily as I approach a new competition goal.

My wife Lori and myself will be competing at the November "Rocky" in Denver. We are going to compete as a bodybuilding couple. Although i am not a stearoid user I know that i will be compared to the huge guys that compete for the pro-division at the rocky. I am planning to get as cut as possible to offset the lack of size.

I started back on diet 3 weeks ago at 197.5 lbs. Today weighed in at 189.5

Feeling good and eating on Plan...

Start with Tony on the 18th and will push the last 8 weeks to the win! Will keep you posted.

41 and fighting!

2010-03-29T13:48:00.002-06:00

Had a birthday this weekend and felt pretty good about the last year. Lots of amazing things going on and lots of great stuff to come.

Still in "off season" mode but feeling ok with tthe weight gain. Arms, back, shoulders..all getting bigger. Feels good to know it's all working!!

Saw a picture of Jay Cutler "off season" and realized I am OK with not being 100% and lean all the time.

This qoute from M&F stood out for me last night..."Even the top pro's need time and help cutting those "off season" calories...

So I guess it's ok to feel a little fluffy if the fluff is leading to a new plateau! Planning to win my next comp and take the step towards Mr. Colorado and a national title...I will win! I will be natural! I will be huge!

Coaching Call

2010-02-02T08:40:00.003-07:00

Had a nice coaching call with my trainer www.dreambodies.net and got the distinct feeling from my from that things are going well.

I will post some pictures from this week. Interesting to see the change over the last few months.

Eating clean, mostly, and starting to add in some extra cardio. Don't like my clothes not fitting. Still can take my shirt off and feel god about the look but the love handles are slowly returning.

Lifted 305 on bench this week but the shoulders are still causing serious problems in growth for the chest. I guess I can just keep burning them out and hope..

Back on Task

2010-01-22T10:14:00.002-07:00

Thanks Tina for motivating me again. need to find some time to sit down and go over the "off" season stuff I have been dealing with. Hard for someone who was really heavy to see the scale go back up.

After gaining back 30 pounds and working on Muscle gains it is really odd to look in the mirror. I keep expecting the "fat" troy to come back. I am thicker than i was and adding muscle daily. I can feel it growing. Is that odd?

I eat clean most of the time and Now tony wants me to add in MORE food. He says I need to push the calories 2 times a week. Ok I can do that!

Will grab some time this weekend to update...

Weigh in!!

2009-11-12T13:57:00.002-07:00

Got on the scale this morning...a solid 170 - 20 pounds up from the show. I think i'll stop there. Need to get my running and cardio going again...I will know from tony in a couple weeks where he wants me..

A bit Down...

2009-11-11T08:53:00.002-07:00

Crashed hard last night. Wife said I was fevered but i think i just crashed the last of my energy.

Have had some very hard workouts in the last week. Amazing what a few carbs do for the system. Working through new "bulking" diet. I think it's working but only time will tell. I really want to add a lot of size before I had to my next show. I want to compete again but this time i will be HUGE!

DOMS are our friend..

2009-11-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Feeling the burn!! Lots of heavy lifting...too cool.

Back from road trip..

2009-11-09T11:06:00.001-07:00

had a good road trip with kids to Honor Orchestra.

Looking forward to the new diet. starts today with new plan and renewed vengeance. Making a run for June 2011 as the next show for me. going to take a full year to bulk up then I will worry about setting the show date for good. I just want to lift, eat a bit more, feel good and stay healthy.

Denver Post ran article today about Lori and I. Feels good to put the final touches on this journey. I am working on testimonials for several suppliment companies and for my amazing coach and trainer. Tony Dicostanzo from www.dreambodies.net

www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13740394

Woot Wednesday

2009-11-04T14:46:00.002-07:00

What a great day. Went to bed early. Felt rested. Killed legs yesterday so My calves are SCREAMING today!!

I can feel the pump in my arms whenever I eat...it's just too cool. I want to stay lean and mean. I know I am adding weight now but I also know it's a good thing!!

Having a powerfull day!!

Happy Monday

2009-11-02T10:20:00.001-07:00

Feeling good today!! Smoked my last ciggarette and I know that I can keep them out fo the equation this time. Going to lift hard - cardio insane - eat clean and enjoy my new body!! Off we go!

Clean Day -

2009-10-30T08:09:00.001-06:00

Well we have trick or treat street today and I am really going to try to stay clean. I packed a good meal plan today and I just need to feel good again.

Can't wait to get back in the gym. Nothin planned this weekend so I am going to rest. Play a little, workout, clean and enjoy time with the family. It's time to return to a normal life with heavy lifting added in!

Woot!

2009-10-29T17:33:00.001-06:00

Ready to get back to the gym. I think I will plan on Saturday workout.

Lori is shopping tonight so I can get through halloween with the last of my candy splurge and return to clean and simple on Sunday!!!

Ready to pack on some big muscles and stay lean and amazing all year. How cool is it to finally be here!!

Post comp blues

2009-10-29T10:21:00.002-06:00

Trying to get control. Feel fluffy and need to start running again. This week is a perfect end to comitition due to my insane schedule this week but I can get back to it on sunday.

No worries just knowing I am adding weight is odd...spent so much time trying not to.

2009-10-27T10:10:00.000-06:00

As I sit here with my cucumbers, yams, chicken, coffee and water I am only reminded that it took me a year to get to a place where I could take my shirt off in public and feel like I was worth looking at. Is that ego? Is it pride? Not sure yet.

I just know that i am not willing to let that go just to have a box of candy and some cookies. I have had my moment and now I need to focus on living this dream that I have arrived to. I tried to workout yesterday and was rushed out of the gym with a major gas leak that could have been a disaster. A sign of some sort?

I am ready to build on to this lean frame now. I don't want to feel "small" but I dont want to get fat to feel "big". I trust Tony has a plan for that but I know i need a few days off to "feel the rush".

Back to Gear!

2009-10-26T09:55:00.002-06:00

After a long tired night I made it back to school. Trying to focus on getting my stuff done. Have some catch up to do. Eating clean today with a couple of little things. Need to stay focused and on track so i dont lose this amazing run that i have had. I will give myself a little break but not much. I am worried that I will go to far. Have seen it happen to many competitors and I dont want to get out of control. Have my chicken, eggs, oats, broccolli and such to keep me motivated.

Have a lot of work to do...

The Day After....

2009-10-25T07:19:00.005-06:00

Up at 7, feel really decent. Very sore from all the posing. When they say pose hard for a long time getting up to show they mean it.

5th in Novice Lightweight - Big Class - 12 guys
4th in masters 40-45 - 8 guys
2nd in Drug Free for life Lightweight - 18guys
3rd in Open Lightweight - 4 guys

Feel good about my day..

Comp Day

2009-10-24T06:29:00.004-06:00

Up at 4:45 to tan. COLD!! Done and looking really dark. Will do well under the lights.

Can't seem to warm up. Right hand is numb. Hoping it's just the cold. Starting to feel the effects of no water. Really lean.

Can't wait to get in the mode and make this happen. Meating at 10am - Bodybuilders go on at 11ish

Photos comin...

Weigh in Day

2009-10-23T18:22:00.001-06:00

had a non-eventfull drive over. Very nice weather and some relaxing time as lori drove the entire time. Got tanned last night and when we arrived in denver. Feeling good. Weight is right at 153.5 which is just under the 154.25 that is the top of my wieght class. Need to pee! No water today and still holding the water from over the hill.

Went for a 30 min run with lori and feel better. I need that cardio to keep me focused.

Dad is in town and we will meet with him at the host hotel in a few.

Holy Cow - Cmon Carbs

2009-10-21T13:54:00.002-06:00

Still waiting for the carb load to hit. Feel like crap right now and can't seem to shake it.

Had symphony until late last night and could not fall asleep. Ended up getting about 4 hours of sleep then trying to do workout at 5am. Not a good workout. Struggling through classes today but I will make it. need to sleep.

Have parent teacher conferences this evening but i can sit through most of that. Really won't see many parents.

Getting food in but it's not making me feel a whole lot better yet.

Feeling a bit better..

2009-10-20T13:50:00.002-06:00

Had a good tank with Tony this morning. I just need to relax a bit. I tend to push too hard, often to extremes just to get the result I know is possible. it's part of why I am here today doing this week. But, I need to chill a bit and understand that i cannot run at full steam when there is no fire. I will be better in the morning when I get some carbs. I plan on a 5am workout to get it done then I have Parent/Teacher conferences Wednesday night.

I decided to sit still today and try to stay composed. Working hard to keep a llid on my tember and I know it's a problem. I have the kids doing busy work today and they are handling it fine.

I was just thinking about the beginning of the school year and realized I was 173 when school started and was wondering if I could get ready...20lbs later i guess I can... 9 weeks...really odd..

Tuesday - Pre-comp Week

2009-10-20T10:39:00.003-06:00

In the middle of day 3 no carb. Feeling the effects now. Got on the scale at 151 today and feel like I am really small, deflated, and skinny. I know that this is how it's supposed to work, and that it will get better ove rthe next few days but It is killing my head.

Have been posing regularly and have the routine down in my head and can do it right about 1 out of 3 times with the music. I'll get it nailed tonight and in the next ew days as I have carbs it should help. We are so close!!

I submitted by Story to the denver post and it looks like they are interested in the story. We'll see where it goes...

I feel raged and worn but I will make it..

Monday - 5 days out

2009-10-19T13:56:00.003-06:00

Day 2 of Carb deplete. Did well this morning but got my timings off a bit in the afternoon and just about took out my HS class. 90 min of HS questions and I just couldn't take it.

Having coffee now and about to unleash the beast on my 6th graders. We are almost done.

Still have 3 oz of tuna left and 5 oz of chicken this evening. I will make it another day..

Sunday...

2009-10-19T13:55:00.000-06:00

Fisrt Day of Carb deplete...not too bad..had some down time but overall doing ok.

Saturday...Last day of food freedom...

2009-10-17T19:19:00.001-06:00

Finished workout and about to start the last salad for a week. Start Carb Deplete and all the other fun stuff leading to comp. Should be an interesting week.

9 days...

2009-10-16T08:53:00.002-06:00

Had our middle school fundraiser last night. Survived 75 pizzas being delivered to 300 middle schoolers. Had my aseragus and broccoli and chicken. Home by 12:30am and woke up at 153 this morning. Odd but it wasn't that hard to keep the junk food out of my mind. Amazing to watch those little people suck down the sugar and feel like crap. I totally get it now...

Off to do grades and update my rosters for next quarter.

Skinny Me...

2009-10-15T11:07:00.002-06:00

The kids are starting to notice how lean I have become. Just the last few days have leaned me out big time...

Not sure how much more i got in me..gettting rough now..cmon coffee...

Are you kidding me?

2009-10-14T10:14:00.000-06:00

2 protein shakes is not a meal plan! 260 calories today...ug

Explosion..

2009-10-13T11:05:00.002-06:00

Holy cow, I just exploded in a rage all over a dude driving in front of me. I almost got out of my car and jumped him...what a jerk. It was my first experience with just total loss of mental self control. Must be the carbs...

Not sure why but it just hit..

Will be writing up a brief synopsis of my journey here today as the paper in Denver wants a story for the show.

Monday Doldrums

2009-10-12T10:09:00.001-06:00

Went for a good walk yesterday - just a couple of hours but it was good to get some water in and try to move around. Legs felt like lead. Amazing what no carb does for you...ouch.

Carbed up last night and had a free meal. Felt good to eat but felt like crap all night. Go figure.

Up at 4am - did warm up and legs. Will treadmill for an hour tonight - need to lean out the hamstrings and clean up the legs a bit. I know the water loss in the last 2 days will help but still not good enough for me yet!

Working on posing routine alot and still feel very uneasy about it. Poses are good but flow with music is not going well. Oh well still got 2 weeks to work it out.

Test Dryout

2009-10-11T08:17:00.003-06:00

OK, so after 3 days of Carb deplete we went for Friday carb load. Allthough it was really nice to eat some carbs it was an interesting feeling to loose the energy so quickly. I find it amazing what the changes in food, sometimes drastic sometimes not, make in the overall build of your energy. When i was overweight it was obvious that I was using the "quick" foods to make it through each day by using that energy to burn hot. The work from the last few days has been eye opening.

Saturday was a workout day with Breakfast, and a 4/4 chicken and yam snack. After that there was no water and only 6 oz chicken before i went to bed on saturday night.

Wieght at bedtime 156.5 / Morning Dryout weight was 154

Comp weight for 2 weeks is 154.25 so I should be jsut fine.

Took pictures this morning and will pick the most dramatic to include in this post. Back to real food today and will see what tony has to offer me on Tuesday.

WOW - Pumpkin Pie with Chocolate mouse and Cappuchino!

2009-10-09T15:04:00.002-06:00

Ok so my afternoon snack today is 1 scoop of protein powder, 4 oz yams, flax oil.

I was having coffee with it so I needed some extra moisture. I added coffee to the mix to make it work. Fully mixed and whalla!

I mix - Yams with stevia and Pumpkin pie spice and cinnimon, Chocolate protein powder and coffee....wozers!!! Good stuff!!

Last day of Carb deplete over...

2009-10-09T08:46:00.002-06:00

What a day, yesterday was the most challengin gof this transformation yet. I think it was even harder than the first week which I thought was tough. I tried to be an effective teacher but found that everytime I tried to say something it just came out wrong. I ended up grabbing a viola and playing along with the class as they carried me through the day.

Legs went to jello and I was barely able to motivate from place to place. Survived until school got out then went home and crashed for 2 hours. Took some time to drink a shake and then did a solid hour on the treadmill to get the calories burned.

Finished the day with chicken and asperagus as usual and fell asleep. Woke up this morning looking forward to a day of large meals and LOTS of carbs.

Going to be an interesting couple of days with a "test" run dryout and carb load. Next week is stabilization and hi cardio to tighten.

Lori and I worked more on my routine last night and I think we got all the bugs worked out. Should be very nice when it's done. Looking at the pro's do these poses makes me feel very small but I know i will look fine on stage. Been posing daily and really starting to see some good stuff when i look int he mirror.

Exciting to know that we are almost there!

zzzzzzzzzz

2009-10-07T11:16:00.003-06:00

fading , fading, fading....4532u4wjtsgcdndtimdydfn

oops head hit the keyboard...

Day 2 of Carb deplete...

2009-10-07T08:55:00.002-06:00

Went to workout at 5am this morning. Tough start but nice once i got in there.

400# on squats and 1200# on leg press today. Amazing that I had energy this morning. Was expecting to not do so well.

Feeling run down but slowly clearing things off of the plate for the next 2 weeks. Gonna be a rush.

Carb Deplete

2009-10-06T09:54:00.002-06:00

Today is day one of carb deplete. I feel like I just woke up. Not cool taking out the oatmeal. After learning to live on just oats and eggs in teh morning this is like torture.

I am putting off my first snack as long as possible to make sure my food is spread out at least 3 hours giving me a little headrooom to get on the computer tonight to close out some website business. Hoping i don't fall alseep like i did last night. Need to get these things off my plate so i can relax and concentrate on the comp.

Trying to close out all essential business before the end of this week so i have 2 weeks to just work on teaching my classes and training and sleeping. Asked all my students to give me 2 weeks to not teach and then i will be back in full swing.

Really looking forward to finishing strong and getting back to building muscle.

3 Weeks and counting.

2009-10-05T14:40:00.002-06:00

Well here we are at 3 weeks out. As I drove back from NM, I was constantly and painfully reminded of how many people places and things lead us all to food and overeating. While driving through Farmington NM I saw, in the space of 3 miles, 71 places to get food that would be bad for my progress and 2 stores that "might" have something natural and non-processed. And yes I was counting them.

If was, to say the least, a tough drive to get out of town. I don't fight those cravings often but when they are there they are strong. Up to this point I have been pretty good at controlling, and when I didn't; it didn't effect the progress for more than a few days. But think about that, a few days? what is that worth in your overall goal. A few days when you are not competing may put you in a hole that you can only fill with a little more food. Then it's a couple more. I am reminded of a quote from a Japanese Martial Artist I new years ago:

"A single day away from your art will require 3 days of dedication to return to the proficiency you left that day."

I have applied that to my music for years but never took it to my health and fitness. I look at this for the food and bodybuilding and see that a day off to recover is one thing. A day "off" of your plan is another. Saying that you can take a "food" day off is dangerous for those of us who gain really fast with little slips. Planning a "free" meal or designing an off plan dinner at home is actually a good thing as long as you are not close to a competition.

3 weeks................wow

Am I really there already? Kind of exciting to think that all the last 13-14 months have led up to here. Every day is a new attack on the body that I left behind and an awakening of the new body that currently stands in front of me every morning as I shave. Odd to think of that person and wonder where he went.

The me that I am now is in a good place and if I could just have a pizza life would be good. :)

Off to do cardio, shoulders, cardio, eat, cardio, lunges - sleep...

Have a great day!

Traveling this week..

2009-10-01T11:19:00.003-06:00

Traveling to NM to play in the San Juan Symphony. Packing foods and working in workouts between scheduled events.

Starting new diet in the morning and going to do a dry run carb depleate mon tues wed. Will see how it turns out..

only way to win!

Found!

2009-09-30T10:17:00.000-06:00

I found this again after a student found it and gently reminded me of it..

http://www.rmpbs.org/panorama/index.cfm/entry/14/Me-My-Bass

mmmmm yummy Brocolli

2009-09-30T09:51:00.003-06:00

the new mantra...So today we take out Creatine, Extra shakes pre and during workouts.

Going to drop about 5-6 pounds of water in the next 4 days..starting to see abs coming in and the hanging skin is getting more pronounced. I hope I can get it to tighten up before the show.

Told my kids at school that I am going to start get a bit grounchy and they need to just bear :) with it until I get over the show.

Feeling strong. Did my post workout cardio yesterday at 7:30 pm and about killed me. Should be better today if I can get to the gym before 4:30 -

Still tearing off the free meal weight that I added on Monday....ug..I was doing so well.

162 and holding...should be around 158 by saturday - 155 my next thursday is my goal.

YUM!!

2009-09-29T11:18:00.001-06:00

Tuesday

2009-09-29T10:19:00.002-06:00

Went a little overboard yesterday evening. Got hungry and worn down and made dinner for the girls. They had Bacon and Eggs with toast...well so did I...I will post a picture when I get a chance.

Followed that with: Leftover rice pasta mac and cheese...

Got up this morning and did my EMC - 45 Min of sprints and walking. Feel better.
New workout today with cooldown of : 3 min sprints followed by 30# dumbell 1 leg lunges - 15/30, burnout pullups and hanging.
Should be an interesting worout this evening...

2009-09-27T17:36:00.001-06:00

Sunday Blues

2009-09-27T16:41:00.002-06:00

Got my monday workout in today 4 hours of training and came home and crashed hard for a few hours. Funny part was so did my children...we all just bonked...

Well finally up and need to eat so off i go...

When is a little asparagus to much asparagus

2009-09-25T11:07:00.001-06:00

Ate a full tree of asparagus this morning with my 3 oz of chicken...I think i overloaded. I like it but man that was too much...

Off to get some rest....Happy Friday

Made it past the Cookie

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

My Lovely wife made cookies for her classes last night and as I sat on the spin bike killing the last 90 min of cardio for the day I managed to not run into the kitchen to get them.

I felt that was a large step for me to avoid putting something in that does not belong.

New picts and weigh-in on Saturday. getting close to 159...can't wait...

cafene

2009-09-24T10:15:00.001-06:00

Is taking Cafene pills and washing them down with coffee bad?

just sayin.

Low LOW energy today..

2009-09-24T09:58:00.001-06:00

Starting to feel the effects of a 1000 calorie burn day yesterday. Needing to get in the cardio and extra lifting but feeling the pain today. I currently have coffee attached to my face and trying to keep some food in on a regular basis.

Feeling lean and mean. Another day down on 30 to go...this is getting very real now...

On a roll

2009-09-23T10:17:00.002-06:00

another pound today...

161.5 - heading for the magic 159 - can't even remember when I would have been under 160 - maybe when i was 13?

Took pictures today..bad posing but good looking muscles...starting to see new stuff everyday.

Wanted to post a quote by Tom Venuto from his blog...

"People are not inspired to action with logic, they are driven to action with emotion and only later justify their decisions and actions with logic."

This is so true...

Story..

2009-09-22T13:46:00.003-06:00

Thinking a lot about the story related to my journey.

When I look back at a trip with my daughter to the 4 corners national park I remember what it felt like to always be Hot, heavy, and just generally out of energy.

The only difference now is I am always hot (burning calories and very high metabolism) and out of energy (calorie deficit) but I am not heavy.

Interesting how things change but stay the same.

Last night after symphony rehearsal I was relating to an old friend that had joined us for this concert and telling him of my gaming addiction and how that led in a large part to my very unhealthy condition. I spent so much time on the computer that i never saw them...

kids coming...back to work!!!

Adding 4 oz of yams 30 min before concert tonight so I can concentrate. Will have protein shake at home after concert and bike for 45 - then bed...

5 weeks...

2009-09-22T13:36:00.003-06:00

Sitting here today at 5 weeks out and having small moments of energy. Did an hour on bike last night while playing poker and sweating. Have to get in 120 min on cardio daily right now to get my body working better. Woke up this morning at 162.5 and feeling good. Have a new ab muscles showing.

The old skin on my belly is starting to leave so i can actually see abs.

Have legs today and a symphony concert. http://www.gjsymphony.org/ Playing the Keje solo tonight. Wondering about adding some carbs before the concert for concentration. Felt really out of it last night and made some glaring mistakes that should not happen.

Have a call into Tony to ask about it. http://www.dreambodies.net/

--------------------------

Cool that you can send text from phone directly to the blog. I'll try to keep up with it.

More later...

Eggs, oats, 2 salads, 11 oz chicken, 3 cups brocolli in so far. Have a salad and pre- and post shakes to finish before concert...

2009-09-22T12:29:00.001-06:00

Having low energy problems at this time of day. Seems to be mostly a carb pproblem. Should probobly eat sooner.

Welcome to my Blogging experience

2009-09-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

Hi All, Thus begins the journey. It's been a long year and the rewards are beginning to be evident. This blog will be a journal and travel through the last 5 weeks leading up to my competition and the ups and downs associated with this type of lifestyle. Please feel free to comment, ridicule, joke or otherwise engage in conversation based on the information presented.