Umm... genetics has a HUGE amount to do with what kind of shape a person can get into.
Genetics play a very big part in fitness! No matter how hard I train I will never be capable of running a 2:05 marathon, bench pressing 400 pounds, or... Yes, anyone can get to a certain level but only a select few have the genetic makeup to reach that next level...otherwise we'd all be living that Olympic dream.
Sorry, let me clarify my statement as it was taken out of context. What I meant to say was that genetics is no excuse for being out of shape as so many people use it as the red herring for their poor physical conditioning. No, I will never be the fastest, strongest, or most competitive guy in the world in any sport, but I sure can get off my butt and go workout and eat right, and genetics has nothing to do with that(unless they find a gene for lazy).

As far as fat burning...there are many, many studies that show that done for the same amount of time aerobic activity burns more calories than strength training. Trust me I know...as an aerobic machine I put away a LOT of calories per day!
Yes, time for time, I'll agree with you, but we are talking about weight loss(and fat loss in reality). I would agree that yes if you spend an hour of cardio against an hour of strength training the cardio is slightly ahead. But, people with exclusive cardio don't tend to pack on muscle the same as those who strength train. You as a triathlete focused athlete are lean and light because your sport almost demands it to be competitive and because the cardio oriented nature sculpts your musculature that way. On the same token those who lift weights tend to be stockier and bulkier because they are putting on mass instead. So where am I going with this? Like I mentioned before each pound of additional muscle burns calories all the time whether resting or not so if you add them all up at the end of the day, I think the strength training is ahead long term.

The simple factor to lose weight is to consume less than you burn. Simply cutting/limiting processed food, fried food and soft drinks from your diet will make a world of difference. Not saying you have to cut them out completely...it's okay to reward yourself occasionally!
Couldn't agree more. You don't have to be extreme in your diet, you just have to find ways to eat healthier and make it taste good. It's harder than it sounds and takes a really long time to actually make yourself a comprehensive enough menu that you can stick with it.

And yes the rowing machine is an excelent all around workout....but it is aerobic.
Yep, I was just throwing it out there as a good exercise to do that I personally really get a lot out of. I wasn't trying to say that I don't like cardio- I just don't like running My boss out at guard however does and has been an avid exercise nut for years. He's now had 5 knee surgeries, has collapsed(broken) both the arches in his feet a total of four times, and is wearing an ankle brace right now. I pretty much got that message.