Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2015 i Men's Health South Africa

What does junk food really do to my brain? MANDLA, PRETORIA Every man is caught with his hand in a bag of Lay’s once in a while. But the allure of everything on those shelves, tempting you while you queue up at the shop – can mess with your mind, as well as your waistline. “Within 10 minutes, sugars and trans fats impair the hippocampus: the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory,” says Dr Ewan McNay, a neuroscientist at the University of Albany, New York. Junk food suppresses brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF – which is crucial for brain function) while also triggering a rush of chemicals that cause inflammation, damage cells and disrupt neuron connectivity. Black tea, cinnamon and a brisk walk will offset negative effects. We’ll…

Got Organic? White milk is better if it’s green. Yes, really: organic whole milk may have a healthier fat ratio than non-organic varieties, a study in PLOS One reports. Organic moo juice contains 25% less inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and 62% more anti-inflammatory omega-3s than non-organic milk. Researchers credit the organically raised cows’ plant-rich diet, which leads to a better omega ratio in their milk. Study author Dr Charles Benbrook suggests three servings of dairy a day. BAN SNIFFLES WITH BRAN High-fibre cereal may soothe allergies, Swiss research found. When mice were exposed to allergens and fed varying amounts of fibre, those that ate the most fibre had a drop in allergic responses of at least 50%. Fibre may produce fatty acids that temper the immune response, easing symptoms. More…

UNLESS YOU’VE BEEN LIVING UNDER CASTERLY Rock for the last four years, you’ll be aware that water-cooler conversation has recently become a lot more fantastical. The fifth season of Game of Thrones began (on M-Net Edge, in the early hours of Monday; or in prime time on Thursdays), as the most successful small-screen production ever. The fourth season averaged 18.4 million viewers per episode (by comparison, The Sopranos peaked at 18.2) and cost in the region of R71 million for every hour of murder, magic and decapitations. It’s the most pirated show in the world and US President Obama’s favourite. On-demand television is the new battleground of quality drama, and Game of Thrones is winning the war. Even so, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is keeping his head down. As far as he’s…

MINIMALISM IS ABOUT STRIPPING THINGS DOWN to the bare essentials, usually by using neutral colours and steering clear of embellishements. Minimalist design is inspired by Japanese traditional design and Zen philosophy: “It’s about clean lines and simplicity,” says interior designer Hendre Bloem. “Unfortunately, people tend to associate it with a sterile and cold environment, but that shouldn’t be the case.” Taking the time to shop and invest in quality items that bring out the best in your place could prove to be the best decision you ever make. Everyone wants a nice looking pad, so if you’re up for it, follow these guidelines to have yours looking like it was designed by a pro. Start with the Colours For the best minimalistic look, stick to neutral colours. “Think shades of…

BOX OFFICE 1 / Poltergeist This revamped version of the cult classic has just as many scares as the original. Whether you want to cop the Blu-Ray in time for Halloween or catch it while it’s on circuit, we don’t care – just don’t miss it. (Out 29 May) 2 / Entourage Vince and the boys are back at last. The movie picks up where the TV show left off, so a binge-watch catch-up session might be in order. Expect cameos from Emily Ratajkowski, Thierry Henry, Jessica Alba, you name it. (Out 5 June) 3 / Jurassic World Isla Nublar is now a dinosaur theme park, owned by greedy guys in suits who figure it’d be cool to create a genetically modified, absolutely massive dinosaur. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas…

My girlfriend doesn’t like the lights on during sex. What can I do to make her feel less self-conscious? MATT Let’s look on the bright side: you’re having sex, right? Denying one sense can really heighten the others. But to help her see the light, invest in some mood lighting: lamps, candles, battery-operated fairy lights, sheer curtains that block some of the morning rays. Then praise her like you should, and not just when you want to get lucky. Make her feel adored to boost her confidence, whatever the setting. My wife wants to apply for a job at my company. I want more space. Can I ask her to hold off? SANJAY She’s going to want an explanation, so I’d be ready with some sensible reservations. Does “I want…

MUSCLES TOTAL BODY ROUTINE BENEFITS EXPLOSIVE POWER FASTER FAT LOSS A POTENT CORE 01 / ALTERNATING POWER SNATCH 3 sets of 6 reps + 90sec rest Hold tight; this will be a rough ride. Lower the weight to the floor in your right hand (A). Explode up to pull it above your head using your back (B). Now swap hands. 02 / SPLIT SNATCH 3 sets of 6 reps + 90sec rest Do the same as before in (A) but then when you power your right hand upward, jump your right foot out in front of your left (B). Bring your feet together, then lower and alternate sides. 03 / JUMP SQUAT 4 sets of 10 reps + 60sec rest Give your upper body a break. Hold the weight to…

RISOTTO REMIX METHOD 01 Ready, set, chop! Saute the onion and garlic in butter for five minutes. Add the rice and quinoa and stir to coat in the antioxidant-packed fat. 02 Gradually add the stock, bring to the boil then simmer covered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the lemon juice and zest, peas and asparagus; cook for a further four minutes until the veg is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. 03 Stir in the cream cheese. Scatter over the parmesan shavings to serve. Pair with a leafy salad if you’re eating it straight away or let it cool and put into a tupperware container for work. INGREDIENTS 2 garlic cloves 1 red onion, diced 1 cup brown and wild rice 100g quinoa 1.5L vegetable stock Zest…

MUSCLES TOTAL-BODY CORE FOCUS BENEFITS A STRONGER, WIDER BACK A LEANER MIDSECTION EXPLOSIVE POWER ABS-FOCUSED MOVES ARE ALL WELL AND GOOD, butuntil you lose the fat obscuring your six-pack, they’re essentially pointless. This move isn’t: “It offers full-body stimulus and also provides more of a metabolic component,” says strength coach Tony Gentilcore. “By incorporating more muscle and adding movement, the fat-loss effect trumps most, if not all, other core exercises.” Aesthetics aside, it also develops midsection stability, while its full-body demands make this deadlift CrossFiteffective for conditioning – especially if you work for time, not reps. Now if we could just man up the name... 01 / READY Grab a barbell with a plate on one end. No special landmine holder? Secure the end of the bar in the corner…

“Treat carbonised steak the way you would burnt toast. Break out a butter knife and scrape the blackened crust from the surface. Suntil charred? Use a chef’s knife to slice off the exterior. Rehydrate the steak in water (or better yet, beef stock) for five minutes. Reseason the steak and throw it back on the heat – set to a lower temp. Oh, and avoid using canola or vegetable oil in marinades. They can ignite quickly. Stick with peanut oil, olive oil or clarified butter.” – Ronnie Killen, chef of Killen’s Steakhouse in Texas…

Make A Perfect Workout Shake Buying post-workout shakes can be expensive, and there aren’t many places to buy a decent shake that has everything you need. The good news? You can make your own. And you can tailor it so it provides the benefits, and the taste, that you want. 1 Step One Put some chopped banana into the freezer. It’s a potent complex carbohydrate that’s filled with nutritional goodness, including potassium, magnesium, and electrolytes, all needed for building muscle. By slicing and freezing them, they make any smoothie instantly cold and creamy so you don’t need to add ice to the blender. 2 Step Two Build a protein base. After a workout your muscles are starved: they need protein quickly (within 60 minutes). Use protein powder (at least 30g)…

“Most of Your Body Heat Escapes Through Your Head” FALSE. Heat escapes from any exposed skin. Maybe that’s your head, but “ if you expose an equal area on your chest or back, you’ll lose the same amount of warmth,” says Hornung. So wear a hat, but cover the rest of your body too. “Women Typically Feel Colder than Men” TRUE. Because a woman’s body is better at regulating core temperature, less blood flows to her extremities and skin, making her feel colder, says Hornung. The good news? You can be a hero and offer her your jacket. “Exercising in Cold Weather Will Make You Sick” FALSE. Colds are caused by viruses, not weather, Hournung says. So you have no excuse for skipping workouts. “ You actually burn more kilojoules…

Barbell Deadlift Roll the bar against your shins and grab it using an overhand grip that’s just beyond shoulder width. Pull up, thrusting your hips as you stand. Lower the bar and repeat. Do 3 sets of 5 reps. Box Jump From a standing position with your arms up, dip your knees, drive your arms back, and then swing them up as you jump onto the box. Step down. That’s 1 rep. Perform 3 sets of 5 reps. Half-Kneeling Cable Lift Attach a rope handle to a low pulley; kneel (right foot forward, left side to stack). Hold the handle by your left hip. Pull it up and across. Do 5 reps, switch sides, repeat. That’s 1 set. Do 3. Half-Kneeling Cable Chop Attach a rope handle to a high…

THE ADVENTURE KICKSTARTER BOREAL ZANSKAR WP BOOTS These waterproof boots were made for stomping, travelling, trekking and generally just kicking winter’s butt. No matter how nasty Mother Nature’s temper gets, these hardcore boots will keep your feet toasty and dry, and your ankles secure on almost any kind of terrain. And even though they’re packed with off-terrain tech, we think they look good enough to dominate pavements too. R2 999 capeunionmart.com SMART DESIGN The Vibram Masai rubber sole is sticky on almost any kind of terrain, but durable enough to outlast the rest of your outdoor gear. THE SOCIAL CLIMBER K-WAY HERNANDO JACKET In the past, you’d get two kinds of winter wear: the performance option, where it was all about materials, treatments, fit and function, and fashion,…

#1 She Accuses You of Flirting With Other Women HER I saw the way you were flirting with Angelina at the bar... YOU But it was no different from how I talk to anyone else... HER It’s not how you talk to me... DON’T SAY / Well, what about the way you act around Brad? Don’t retaliate by dredging up times she’s flirted with other guys. This is about her insecurities, not your actions. “She isn’t sufficiently sure of her own attractiveness,” says Durex sex and relationships expert Susan Quilliam. “She needs to realise this and be confident in the security of your relationship.” Meeting her allegations with your own broadside will only serve to make her think you have something to hide. DO SAY / I didn’t realise that’s…

SWITCH UP YOUR PULL-UP GRAB A ROPE HANDLE AND THROW IT OVER THE PULL-UP BAR. “YOU’LL WORK HARDER TO HOLD ON,” SAYS PERSONAL TRAINER NICK TUMMINELLO. PAD THE BAR “WRAP A TOWEL AROUND THE BAR FOR BARBELL MOVES,” TUMMINELLO SAYS. “THE THICKER THE TOWEL, THE MORE YOU’LL CHALLENGE YOUR GRIP.” FINISH WITH A FARMER’S WALK AFTER YOU WORK OUT, GRAB THE HEAVIEST DUMBBELLS YOU CAN CARRY AND WALK FOR A MINUTE. YOU’LL BUILD SERIOUS FOREARM POWER, SAYS TUMMINELLO.…

Cool your jets: icing your thighs just before a race can improve your finishing time, a new British study reveals. In hot, humid conditions, experienced runners who wore frozen gel packs on their quads and hamstrings during a 30-minute warm-up averaged 85 seconds faster in a five kilometre race than when they didn’t ice. “Precooling blunted the negative effect of heat strain, so the runners were able to exercise more intensely, especially over the final kilometre,” says study author Carla Randall. Try it: use underwrap and tape to strap on ice packs.…

The Biggest Snoozer Here’s cause for alarm: sleeping in on weekends may raise your odds of hypertension, say researchers in the Netherlands. They found that people who slept two or more hours later than usual on weekends had higher resting heart rates and cortisol levels than those with consistent wake times. Staying up late and sleeping in may send your sympathetic nervous system into overdrive, setting you up for hypertension and chronic inflammation, says study author Dr Femke Rutters. If you can’t drag yourself out of the sack on Saturday and Sunday mornings, chances are you need to address a work-week shut-eye deficit. WHAT CANCER TRULY CRAVES Looks like tumours have a sweet tooth. High blood sugar may raise your chances of cancer, a study in Diabetologia suggests. Researchers discovered…

SESSION 01 / THE IRON PRICE 01 DEADLIFT Grasp the bar with an overhand grip (A). Arms straight, extend your hips and knees to stand (B). Lower very slowly. 3 sets of 5, 3 & 1 reps 02 GOOD MORNING With the barbell on your back (A), bend at the hips until your chest is parallel to the floor (B). Keep your back straight. 5 sets of 12 reps 03 HANGING LEG RAISE Hang from the bar with knees and feet together (A). Lift your thighs to your chest (B), pause and release back down. 5 sets of 15 reps SESSION 02 / GROWING STRONG 01 SQUAT Stand with the bar on your back and feet set (A). Bend your knees and hips to lower as far as you can…

SLEEPER COUCH Neutral colour? Check. Versatile? Check. You’ll always have sleeping space for your guests, and the colour fits in almost anywhere. R3 300 MR PRICE HOME DUVET COVER SET Available in white, taupe or grey, there’s a colour to suit any palette. The variety is handy when it’s time for a change – now there’s no excuse for dirty linen. R289–R489 @HOME GEOMETRIC RUG Carpets and rugs can become an interesting focus area in a room. Go for geometric shapes and different textures. And the better the quality, the longer it’ll last. R3 599 SUPERBALIST.COM LAMP SET Put one on a bedside table on either side of the bed. The chrome base adds some shine, while the white shades will seamlessly complement the room’s colour scheme. R399 (SET OF…

My neighbour keeps inviting me over for drinks. He’s nice enough but dull as dirt. Am I horrible if I blow him off? Hey, a boring neighbour is better than a bitter one. If you make a show out of acting too busy, he’ll figure you out — and then you’ll have an enemy next door. So swing by, but tell him up front that you only have an hour. And always bring a bottle of something, or it’ll feel like he’s using his booze to buy your time. Being chums with the guy next door is good, especially if you ever need to borrow a ladder. My wife is hoping I’ll make some career moves, but I like my job. Maybe I’d earn more, but why risk a good…

When You Met Pull up a stool at the pizza joint where you first flirted, says Taibbi. Or do one better: make your own at home and skip dealing with the grumpy waiter. Her Big Promotion She killed it, so raise a glass, says Taibbi. Try: “I knew this would be a big change and hard work, but it’s paid off. I’m proud of you.” Now pop that bubbly. When You Moved In Surprise her with an upgrade to your abode: Plant a tree in the garden, buy that piece of art she’s had her eye on or splash out on luxury sheets. (Then test ’em out!) Her Mom’s Birthday Cute, right? But seriously: help her mom kick back, and maybe toss in that new Amy Poehler book she wants,…

STUNTWOMEN ARE HARDCORE. THEY HAVE TO BE. THEY TAKE DIVES, HITS and crazy jumps so that the big-bucks stars don’t break anything. Gemita trains incredibly hard to keep at the top of her profession. The added benefits: a strong, lean body that is perfect for fitness modelling too. And the best news? Her training methods can benefit you too – if you’re willing to work as hard as she does... SHE SAYS MIX IT UP FOR THE BEST GAINS To make the grade, you need to be adept at six disciplines. Luckily I’ve trained in martial arts, climbing, driving, horse riding, fencing and diving. I’ve competed internationally in show jumping and was on the UK national synchronised swimming team. This mixed bag of training methods makes for a body that’s…

01 / POWER CLEAN & PRESS 80% FEEL YOUNG This Olympic move boosts the links between your brain and nerves in your spine 02 / POWER CLEAN 80% LOOK FRESH Similarly high-scoring; a neural boost of this size tightens your skin for an anti-ageing effect 03 / SPRINT 75% GAIN SPEED Sprints trigger head-to-toe nerve activation, which leads to faster reaction speeds 04 / DEADLIFT 75% STAY STRONG Defy old age with a full-body move that will slow your rate of muscle wastage 05 / POWER SNATCH 75% THINK FAST This lift creates complicated mind-muscle connections to forge new brain pathways 06 / SWING SNATCH 70% BUILD SIZE Activating 70% of your neurons, this keeps your limbs responsive as your muscle power declines 07 / JUMPING SPLIT SQUAT 70% GET…

So you think you can’t dance? If you often find yourself struggling to keep time with music, you may have beat deafness, a rare brain disorder that prevents people from synchronising their body movement with sound. Specifically, your auditory brain stem may be failing to efficiently fire off neurons that tell your feet to move to the beat, says Nina Kraus, principal investigator at the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University. Here’s an easy test: grab some friends and try tapping your feet to the song “Voyager” by Daft Punk. It plays at120 beats per minute, which is a fairly standard tempo for dance music, says Kraus. If you struggle a great deal to keep up, you may be beat deaf. But don’t be discouraged by your diagnosis. Turn the…

1. THE BOMBER JACKET 2. THE GRAPHIC PRINT JERSEY 3. THE SKINNY JEAN 4. THE MILITARY BOOT 5. STATEMENT ACCESSORIES Don’t let the colder weather put a damper on your style. Edgars’ striking new range of knitwear includes trendy prints – from polka dots to stripes to tribal patterns – that’ll keep you snug and stylish. Prints like these go well with neutral colours like grey, black, white and cream. Pair your chic new knitwear with slim-cut grey denims, this winter must-have, the bomber jacket and brown or black leather boots for a edgy, masculine look that’s as practical as it is stylish and smart.…

RAW FOOD HAS BEEN TOUTED BY HIPPIES AND HIPSTERS FOR AS LONG AS memory serves. All very well on a hot summer’s day, you might think, when a bountiful, vivid salad packed with vegetables, unadulterated by heat, will do nicely, thank you very much. But in June? Otherwise known as The Month of Mash? It’s tempting to suggest one stuff one’s radishes where the sun don’t shine. And yet there’s method here. As appealing as a braised lamb shank with a pillow of creamy root veg might sound, this is in fact the time to vacate your comfort zone – at least when it comes to comfort food. While pot-roasts and stews offer little but a quick glycaemic fix, raw food provides you with a more sustainable pick-me-up when cold…

19% Number of men who can never find the right tool when it’s needed 1 in 5 Number of men with “nail gun” at the top of their tool wishlist 6 Percentage of rank amateurs who can’t ID an Allen wrench. (C’mon, man.) 3 in 4 Percentage of women who think every guy should own a power drill 62 Percentage of guys who credit their old man for their DIY know-how 45 Percentage who skip the step-by-step instructions and just wing it 68 Percentage who’d be lost without YouTube Percentage of guys who say they know how to . . . Change a light fixture 90 Unjam a disposal unit 77 Reinsulate an attic 75 Install crown molding 61 Hang kitchen cabinets 58 Lay carpeting 40 2 IN 3 Number…

BESIDES BEER, BACON AND SNEAKERS, I HAVE FEW addictions. I don’t include TV series in the list because I think of those as entertainment, or – more accurately – stress relief. By my reckoning, watching Game of Thrones is actually part of a healthy lifestyle. And who would disagree? Okay, so maybe I’m stretching it, but I bet you’ve done some binge-watching yourself, so you know what I’m talking about. It seems ironic to be talking about TV and health in the same sentence, but over the past few years it’s been hard to ignore an unmistakable theme. Besides the violence, sex, lust for power, back-stabbing, complex storylines and amazing scenery, there is one thing most of our favourite TV series (and movies) have in common: the actors are ripped.…

Run After Her Here’s your green light to chase some booty: according to research in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, women are smarter at pacing races than men are. Scientists who viewed splits of over 90,000 marathoners found that women run a more consistent speed throughout the race, while guys often slow in the second half. Men tend to take risks and start too fast, says study author Sandra Hunter. Also, “women burn more body fat as fuel while men use more carbs, which are easier to run out of.” Tail a woman who’s running your goal pace. WHAT WINNERS KNOW Learn the Language of Victory Some of the best athletes recognise that making noise gives them an edge. Crank up your performance to 11 Grunt when you…

Stick It to the Starches Stow the silverware. Eating with chopsticks can lower your glycaemic response to carbs, a new study from Singapore suggests. When people ate white rice with chopsticks, the grain’s glycaemic index dipped 16%, resulting in less of an insulin increase than when they used a spoon. Study author Professor Christiani Jeyakumar Henry says the sticks make you take smaller bites. This causes you to eat more slowly than you would with other types of utensils. TAKE A STAND AGAINST FAT It’s a matter of scale: scientists in Finland report that weighing yourself weekly can help you avoid gaining pounds. People who stepped on the scale at least once a week put on little or no weight, while those who went longer than a month experienced an…

YOUR CUT / GET FADED Don’t go overboard and cut it all off, says Renée Roussow, a groomer and hair stylist. Instead, ask the barber to fade your sides with a number two guard and keep about 15 centimetres on the top. Slick it back with a cream or pomade for work and wear it messier on the weekends. YOUR FACE / TACKLE THE LINES In winter, skin tends to get dry and tight. This rich, hydrating cream will prevent that from happening. It moisturises your skin and also has an advanced blend of collagen-boosting ingredients that keep you from looking wrinkly and tired. It’s suitable for all skin types and is oil free. YOUR SCRUFF / KEEP IT TRIM With this three-in-one facial…

WHAT IS CUFFING SEASON? According to Urban Dictionary, “during the autumn and winter months, people who’d normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves – along with the rest of the world – desiring to be ‘cuffed’: tied down by a serious relationship.” In winter, our emotions take a bit of a dive along with the mercury, and what better way to keep warm through a rainy weekend than to spend it with a cuddle buddy? The need for companionship (and all that comes with it) is an instinct; the cold weather heightens this need, especially for touch and intimacy. “Touch is learned from infancy and it’s a way of communicating,” says Dr Elna McIntosh, a clinical sexologist. “Touching, caressing and massaging stimulate natural skin nerve endings to manufacture oxytocin,…

The Principle When a magician tells you to “pick a card,” watch out: whether it’s his speed in fanning out the deck or the way he has one card poking out a tiny bit higher, he’s probably directing you towards the one he wants taken. Your brain will latch on to whatever is presented front and centre. Most people do as they’re prompted and – here’s the magic – believe that they acted freely. How to Use It Suppose you want to go diving with friends on your birthday but know your wife won’t be on board with the idea. “Give her three options,” says Dr Susana Martinez-Conde, co-author of Sleights of Mind. By bundling your preference with other options she’ll find less palatable – like going to the casino…

The Five Best Bodyweight Moves All you need is some space, a pull-up bar and a willingness to build your best body ever. For videos of these moves, visit mh.co.za/video 1. PUSH-UP The classic upper-body builder. Start with 3 sets of ten daily, but increase as you get stronger. 2. PLANK That’s right, the classic core killer. Get into a push-up position, and then bend your arms so you’re resting on your elbows. Hold this for at least 30 seconds. 3. PISTOL SQUAT It’s a one-legged squat where you go as low as possible – but if you’re just starting out you can use a bench or medicine ball for support. 4. BURPEE This combines a total body workout with some proper metabolic conditioning if you start stringing reps together.…

Pistol Squat: 10 reps each Single-leg moves demand focus and balance – handy in the gym and on set. Keep your raised leg high, bent knee in line with your toes, and sink as low as you can. First prize? Get the line of your hips below your knees if possible. This one is a quad killer. Barbell Rollout: 10 reps Roll as far forward as you can without letting your hips sag, and fire up your core to return to the start. This hits your whole core, including your lower back, injury-proofing your spine and well as making those abs pop. Aim to roll out further with each session. Ab Crunch: 10 reps Bored of normal crunches? Find out if your gym has inversion boots so you can do…

Men’s Health is excited to announce the launch of our 5th annual Cover Guy competition, presented by Kouros from Yves SaintLaurent. We’re looking for a guy who is fit and confident, with a face and body that you’d expect to see on the cover of Men’s Health. Does that sound like you? Enter today for the chance to be featured on the cover of our September 2015 issue. THE MEN’S HEALTH COVER GUY SEARCH PRESENTED BY ENTRIES OPEN 20 MAY 2015 AT COVERGUY.CO.ZA…

I’M ON THE TEE OF THE 17TH HOLE AT ST. ANDREWS WITH THE BEST GOLFER IN THE WORLD. RORY McILROY IS ONLY HALF LISTENING AS I prattle on about the time I parred this hole. The famously polite Northern Irishman murmurs acknowledgment. Standing beside him, I’m reminded that McIlroy is not tall. He is not intimidating. At a glance he could be a kid who works in the pro shop, and he’s nearly as deferential. But then he pulls off his hoodie and tosses it aside. The T-shirt underneath can’t begin to hide the physique he’s tirelessly built over the past four years, the one that Nike pays millions to wrap in custom-fitted clothing and shoes. When he steps up to the ball and swings, the beautifully violent whoosh-whack! snaps…

01 FIGHT FOR WHAT’ S RIGHT The Death Row Lawyer for Whom Winning Is Life or Death Of the 115 death row inmates professor David R. Dow has represented, only 26 have been saved. When he loses, someone dies As a death penalty lawyer in Texas, I’ve been banging my head against a wall for 22 years. In that time, my team and I have proved six people innocent and saved the lives of 20, persuading judges to move them off death row to life in jail. That’s a failure rate of over 75%. It’s hard. It makes me angry. That doesn’t mean that I excuse murder. Most of my clients did something terrible. But I believe that capital punishment is wrong. If you think losing a client who committed…