Wednesday, September 30, 2015
10 Everyday Activities That Are Illegal In North Korea
Published on Jan 16, 2015
If
your next vacation is to North Korea then you might want to cross these
activities off your itinerary...driving, drinking, and making phone
calls are just a few of the things that can land you in prison if you
perform them in the DPRK. Check out these 10 everyday activities that
are North Korean no-nos.10 Everyday Activities That Are Illegal In North Korea
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Chuck Norris juicing?
Sad.
Chuck Norris is no longer allowed to endorse any products or appear in infomercials!
He recently sat down on the Joe Rogan show to discuss his life-long passion of martial arts when he dropped a major "doping" bombshell! The 75 year old admitted he's been "juicing" for a long time now. After the interview aired, Norris was dropped from almost all his fitness endorsement deals. The actor's attorney stated that the words were taken out of context and the term "juicing" is a broad term that can apply to many things.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Re- Energizing, Preserving, and Building Aging Muscle
Don T. Kirkendall, Ph.D. –
Exercise Physiologist, Duke University
It is common knowledge that high-intensity or prolonged physical activity of any kind can cause muscle damage. However, for the long-time mature resistance training individual, in addition to the above comments above, another catabolic process is slowly and silently gaining momentum with each passing year called, sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is characterized by a substantial decline in both the amount and quality of muscle mass. Overall, according to a 1993 study published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, over time muscle mass decreases almost 40% and strength by 30% compared to performance at age 20. Naturally human muscle tissue consist of about a 50/50% mixture (give or take) of both slow and fast twitch muscle fibers that most of the muscles use for movement. Unfortunately, loss of muscle mass and strength is partially due to a significant decline in the numbers of both Type I and Type II muscle fibers, plus a decrease in the size of muscle cells. However, type II muscle fiber deterioration appears to decline at a faster rate. As you recall, Type I or slow twitch fibers are regarded as the weaker or low force power based fibers that sustain energy longer. Conversely, Type II fibers are the power based muscle fibers that are built for short power based movements, but tire quickly. Due to this reduction in the number of muscle fibers, over time the ability of existing muscle fibers to contract efficiently can be compromised, as well as the physiological processes that trigger and facilitate muscular movement as cited by in the above comments concerning the glycolytic and aerobic enzymes. As a note here, glycolytic enzymes breakdown glucose which the muscles uses for fuel.
Aerobic enzymes include systems in the cell's mitochondria, which oxygen utilizes to form the cellular energy molecule called ATP, short for adenosine-tri-phosphate. Unfortunately, declining reformulation of ATP in aging muscle has been definitively linked to declining muscle performance.
Mechanical Disruptions in Aging Muscle: Based on cross-sectional and short-term prospective studies conducted by researchers of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and the Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Sarcopenia Laboratory at Tufts University, there are several potential physiological mechanisms that cause muscle strength decline in aging muscle. They include impaired neuromuscular function, hormonal changes, increased inflammation, poor nutritional status, various chronic conditions, and decreased physical activity. On the other hand in a recent study appearing in The FASEB Journal, Dr. Donato A. Rivas and colleagues at Tufts University remind us that in order for the body to make proteins that build muscle, certain genes need to be turned on. These researchers found that the level of microRNAs, small RNA molecules that have a prominent role in regulating genes, was lower in the muscle tissue of older men compared to younger men. They concluded that the possible suppression of these microRNAs sets off a chain of events that cause mature individuals to be less efficient in developing muscle.
Mature and Young Muscle Adapt Similarly: As cited above by Dr. Don T. Kirkendall of Duke University neither reduced muscle demand nor the subsequent loss of function is inevitable with aging. He states that progressive resistive training in older individuals results in muscle hypertrophy (increase in size of skeletal muscle) and increased strength, if the training stimulus is of a sufficient intensity and duration. He also argues that since older individuals adapt to resistive and endurance exercise training in a similar fashion to younger counterparts, the decline in the muscle's metabolic and force-producing capacity can no longer be considered an inevitable consequence of the aging process. Paradoxically, although strength training and exercising can help minimize the natural catabolic consequences of sarcopenia, post-exercise pain and loss of strength tend to last much longer for the aging resistance training individual or fitness enthusiast. Consequently, the goal of this report is to take a look at some of the ways that mature resistance training individuals can minimize this double catabolic anomaly, naturally occurring aged muscle wasting and exercise induced muscle catabolism.
When Aging Muscle Is Slow to Respond--Strength Training and Exercise: Based on what we have learned thus far, exercise and resistance training appears to be the key to down-regulating age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. In fact, researchers at the Department of Human Movement Sciences at Maastricht University, recently reported that emerging evidence shows that resistance type exercise training increases type II muscle fiber size and reverses the age-related decline in skeletal muscle satellite cell content. As a note here, repair of adult skeletal muscle depends on satellite cells that are considered to be the chief contributors to regenerative myogenesis (the formation of muscular tissue) following muscle injury. These researchers also noted that prolonged resistance type training in mature individuals increased type II muscle fiber size by 24 ± 8%. Additionally, researchers at Duke University remind us that endurance training can improve the aerobic capacity of muscle, while resistance training on the other hand improves central nervous system recruitment of muscle and increases muscle mass. As you know, the central nervous system regulates transmission of impulses to your muscles which contribute to muscular power and output capacity. Furthermore, physical activity has an impact on insulin growth factor (IGF-1) levels in the body. Studies have shown that a one week period of strenuous exercise raises IGF-1 blood levels significantly, however, when your workouts decline, so does your IGF-1 levels. Moreover, current data indicates that when HGH and IGF-1 levels remain stable, physiologically, growth hormone (GH) triggers IGF-1 and the more GH present in the body, the more IGF-1 present in the body.
Correspondingly, this is why not only sports medicine researchers but healthcare professionals insist that physical activity throughout life prevents and can reverse much of the age-related catabolic aspects of sarcopenia and its impact on skeletal muscle.
Cortisol Reduction: Cortisol is known as the stress or muscle wasting hormone begins to elevate as a response to all types of trauma, physical and or emotional. However, the most common stressor to bodybuilders and fitness enthusiast is that of exercise. To counter exercise induced elevation of cortisol at post-workout consuming 40-50g of protein coupled with 50-70g of simple carbs causes insulin to spike which helps clear elevated cortisol levels. Consume 6 to 8 smaller meals daily, also helps reduce cortisol. Additionally, supplements like Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s), Creatine, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and Zinc help balance and or reduce elevated cortisol levels.
Creatine and Mature Muscle: Studies have confirmed that creatine in mature individuals, as in younger persons can increase the short-term capacity to perform quick repeated bouts of intense activity. For instance, researchers at the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma recently reported that 14 days of creatine supplementation increased upper body grip strength (+6.7%) and increased physical working capacity (+15.6% ) by delaying neuromuscular fatigue in mature men and women. Similarly researchers at McMaster University in Canada followed mature subjects participating in a whole-body resistance exercise routine 3 days per week for 14 weeks with one group receiving 5 g/d of creatine plus 2 g of dextrose while the placebo group received 7 g of dextrose only. Fourteen weeks of training resulted in significant increases in all measurements of strength, functional tasks, and muscle fiber area in both groups. However, the creatine group experienced significantly greater increases in fat-free muscle mass, isometric knee extension strength, isometric dorsiflexion (ankle) strength, and intramuscular creatine levels. As you know an isometric muscle contraction is one in which the muscle fires but there is no movement at a joint. Furthermore, creatine increases cellular hydration and myogenic transcription factors which speed-up the activity of muscle specific-genes such as myosin which can turn on genes which accelerate muscle hypertrophy (an increase in size of skeletal muscle).
Lastly here, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada recently discovered that creatine’s positive effects on strength and lean tissue development in older adults continued for at least 12 weeks after they discontinued its use. Uniquely here, withdrawal from creatine had no effect on the rate of strength, endurance, and loss of lean tissue mass during12 weeks of reduced-volume training.
Hormone Production: It is common knowledge that hormone production begins to decline as we age. The fact is, most men lose about 10% of their innate testosterone levels a decade and GH can decline by 50% every seven years after the ages of 18 to 25. However, maintaining the activity of various anabolic hormones like IGF-1, GH and testosterone is critical to your continued success as they assist in driving the anabolic continuum. Fortunately, physical activity has a positive impact on IGF-1, GH and testosterone production. As stated earlier physiologically, GH triggers IGF-1 and the more GH present in the body, the more elevated IGF-1 remains. As you know GH is also released at a greater rate during sleep. Lastly here, anti-aging researchers now know that the stability of these two hormones extends the life expectancy.
Maintaining Hormone Production and Activity: Based on current knowledge researchers have established some guidelines to help maintain levels of these anabolic hormones. For example, besides the continuation of strength training, get enough sleep, and avoid late night snacking, especially sugary packed snacks, as well as simple carbs. This practice will spike your insulin levels, which can restrict your body’s production of GH because insulin and GH can’t coexist in your body at high levels at the same time. Also, researchers suggest reducing your alcohol intake substantially, as studies indicate that alcohol suppresses the activity of enzymes that assist in the breakdown of testosterone, as well as interfere with the production of IGF-1/GH and decreases protein synthesis. Additionally, there are a number of nutritional supplements that can help you in your efforts to maintain stable levels of these hormonal anabolic activators. They are: alpha-GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine-GH production), citrulline (GH release) , D-Aspartic acid (testosterone), glutamine (GH), L-arginine L-ornithine and L-Lysine(GH), and Vitamin D ( testosterone).
Protein: it is a well established fact that committed athletes need more protein than the RDI of protein 0.8 grams per kg bodyweight per day. Studies indicate that this amount results in establishing a negative nitrogen balance, which is a condition in which protein catabolism (breakdown) exceeds protein anabolism (synthesis) resulting in tissues losing protein. For this reason researchers maintain that mature athletes as per their younger counterparts, should consuming 1.2–1.4 g/kg/day of protein if they are endurance athletes and resistance training individuals should shoot for 1.7 to 1.9 grams per kg bodyweight per day. According to researchers at the University of Arkansas although the mechanisms of action aren’t fully understood, intakes of protein at 1.6/kg/day appears to up-regulate RNA synthesis accompanied by increased protein synthesis.
Rest and Recuperation: The hallmark of any sound resistance training program is planned cycles of rest recuperation and 8hrs of sound sleep. A case in point, current data indicates that it can take up to 72hrs or more to fully recover from a workout. Many researchers even suggest that a full week of rest between working each muscle group is needed to realize full recovery. Additionally, it can also take up to 7-14 days for the neuro - muscular system (the muscles of the body together with the nerves supplying them) to fully recover from an intense strength training session. For this reason well-known exercise physiologist like Jim Stoppani Ph.D. recommends split training. The one advantage you have as a mature trainer, especially if you have been committed to your craft, your body has adapted to the training. However, split training allows you more recovery time in-between working various muscle groups. According to Dr. Stoppani some pro bodybuilders train only one major muscle group each workout.
Last Words: Aging muscle appears to recover at a slower pace than younger muscle tissue. However data clearly shows that aging muscle adapts to resistance training a manner similar to its younger counterparts. The key to sustaining this physiological attribute appears to be proper training guidelines versus over-training, as well as the right combination of nutrients and supplements to assist in maintaining your muscle's growth potential.
About the Author: George L. Redmon, Ph.D.
Dr. Redmon has been associated with the vitamin and health industry for over 25years, having served as The National Product and Education Director for one of the country’s largest retailers of nutritional supplements. He has been widely published in many major bodybuilding, fitness and alternative medicine publications. He is the author of Natural Born Fat Burners, Managing and Preventing Arthritis: The Natural Alternatives, Energy for Life and is a member of The National Academy of Sports Medicine and The International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Fact-Checking Vaccine Statements in the GOP Debate
This is a reprint from the September 23, 2015, edition of eSkeptic Magazine. By Harriet Hall, M.D., The Skepdoc
1. Carson, a retired pediatric neurosurgeon, said that there have been numerous studies and they have not demonstrated any correlation between vaccines and autism. TRUE.
He said certain vaccines are very important: those that would prevent death or crippling. He said others don’t fit in that category. FALSE. Although some vaccine-preventable diseases have the potential to do more harm than others, there is not a single vaccine that doesn’t prevent a disease that can cripple or kill a percentage of its victims.
He said there should be some discretion. NOT SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE. There is no reason to think “discretion” is warranted in following the recommended vaccine schedule, and there is clear evidence that not following the recommendations can lead to harm. If vaccines are delayed, the infant remains susceptible to a preventable disease until the vaccine is given. Decreasing the number of vaccinated children decreases the herd immunity of the entire population. It means that when a disease enters a community it is more likely to spread, and that harms 3 categories of people: infants too young to have been vaccinated for that disease; sick, elderly, and immunocompromised people who are more susceptible to infection and more likely to sustain serious harm if they catch the disease; and the small percentage of immunized people who may still be susceptible despite the vaccines, which are not 100% protective.
He said “but you know, a lot of this is pushed by big government.” NOT SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE. In fact, I don’t even know what he means. It is not “big government” that supports the current vaccine schedule, but the scientific and medical community.
2. Trump responded to Carson, saying autism has become an epidemic that has gotten totally out of control. FALSE. Most scientists interpret the evidence as showing the rate of autism has risen very little or not at all. The perception of an “epidemic” is due to wider awareness of the disorder, better identification of patients, and re-categorization of children who formerly would have had a different diagnosis.
He said he was in favor of vaccines, but he wanted smaller doses over a longer period of time. NOT SUPPORTED BY EVIDENCE. We know smaller doses would be ineffective or less effective, and there is no reason to think any advantage would accrue from spreading doses over a longer period of time. The current schedule has been carefully thought out by experts to provide maximum benefit and safety.
He compared vaccinating infants to pumping in doses that look like they were meant for a horse. FALSE. Exaggeration for emotional effect. What a vaccine “looks like” has little to do with the number of antigens it contains. The volume of material injected is actually very small, both for infants and for horses.
He claimed to know of several instances where vaccines hurt children, describing a beautiful 2½ year old child who got a vaccine and a week later had a tremendous fever, got very, very sick, and is now autistic. FALSE. Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, more than 5000 families have sought compensation claiming that vaccines caused their children to become autistic, but the courts examined the most striking cases and found that even in those worst cases, there was no evidence that the vaccines had caused autism. The details can be found online.
1a. Carson responded to Trump, agreeing with him that we are probably giving way too many vaccines in too short a period of time. He said a lot of pediatricians now recognize that and are cutting down on the number and the proximity in which those are done, and I think that’s appropriate. FALSE. It is never appropriate to deviate from the recommended schedule without a very good medical reason for a particular individual. Those pediatricians are bowing to parental pressure and doing the children a dis-service. The “too many too soon” argument is fallacious. Babies’ immune systems are more than capable of handling the number of antigens in vaccines, and in fact their immune systems encounter far more antigens in the course of their daily life. Vaccines don’t overload the immune system, they exercise and strengthen it.
3. Paul, an eye surgeon, said he was all for vaccines but he was also for freedom. “Even if the science doesn’t say bunching them up is a problem, I ought to have the right to spread out my vaccines out a little bit at the very least.” IRRELEVANT. One of the principles of medical ethics is autonomy: patients always have the right to refuse treatment, even if it means they will die. We have freedom with respect to vaccines; no one is forcibly restraining people and vaccinating them without their permission. No one is being forced to get vaccines on schedule. People have the freedom to act on the basis of emotion rather than reason, even though spreading out vaccines is more likely to harm them than to benefit them.
4. Huckabee said “there are maybe some controversies about autism…” FALSE. There is no controversy about autism in the scientific medical community. There is only a “manufactroversy” about vaccines that has been sold to a scientifically illiterate public.
“…but there is no controversy about the things that are really driving the medical costs in this country.” And he called for a war on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. IRRELEVANT. A blatant attempt to change the subject.
What I wish they had said
There is no evidence that vaccines cause autism. Vaccinating is safer than not vaccinating. The current vaccine schedule was carefully thought out by experts to safely maximize protection from vaccine-preventable diseases. I strongly recommend vaccinating on schedule because it protects others in the community and reduces the risk of avoidable tragedies like the recent outbreak of measles at Disneyland.
These attitudes are bad enough coming from the scientifically illiterate, but it is shocking that two of the candidates are medical doctors whose education should have given them a more science-based approach. Worse, Carson is a creationist who has rejected some of the fundamental tenets of Darwinian evolution as “incredible fairy tales,” has claimed that mutations only lead to degeneration rather than improvement, and has claimed that there are no intermediate species. As the world faces current and future challenges like climate change and epidemic infectious diseases, a solid understanding of science will be essential to making rational political decisions. The GOP debate was not grounds for optimism.
Muhammad Syed: Ex-Muslim
Published on Sep 22, 2015
Muhammad
Syed is an ex-Muslim and President of the Ex-Muslims of North America.
He spent a few minutes with Seth Andrews in conversation about his
former faith.Muhammad Syed: Ex-Muslim
Friday, September 18, 2015
Hang tough...
Moving Over Stone II is a pretty good video.
The audio here isn't the best, but then again it's free.
I have had the original Moving Over Stone on VHS for more than 20 years. It's well put together by Doug Robinson and certainly inspired me to do some great things out there myself. Check it out.
I enjoy posting things out here, and I very much appreciate the people checking it all out from wherever you are.
The blog is going to go dark briefly while I attack a couple other projects, but...
'Hang Tough'
There are several new subjects to explore and post soon. Colloidal Silver, Smurfs, and Ebola
This is a reprint from the September 16, 2015, edition of eSkeptic Magazine.
By Harriet Hall, M.D., The Skepdoc
Colloidal silver is back! It competed in the ring of science and was thoroughly clobbered. If it had any dignity, it would have stayed down for the count and admitted defeat; but like some bizarre whack-a-mole or zombie it keeps stumbling back to its feet, wanting to fight again. This myth that refuses to die is now being promoted as a cure for Ebola, on the basis of nothing more than wishful thinking.
A Myth with a Silver Lining
There is often a grain of truth behind a myth. The grain here is that silver ions kill bacteria in vitro. But as Rose Shapiro famously reminded us in her book Suckers: How Alternative Medicine Makes Fools of Us All, you can kill cancer cells in a lab with a flame thrower or bleach, but that doesn’t mean doctors should use flame throwers or make patients drink bleach. Silver is useful in medicine for external use (e.g., silver sulfadiazine cream for burns) and to disinfect surfaces and drinking water. But when swallowed, it is not only useless but harmful.
Naturopaths use colloidal silver. It’s available on the Internet or you can buy a generator to make your own at home, using a silver bar purchased from a coin dealer and parts from Radio Shack.
Promoters make bold claims: we are all suffering from “silver deficiency,” the depletion of silver from our soil has caused a drastic increase in immune system disorders, colloidal silver has been used successfully in the treatment of 650 diseases, it functions as a superior second immune system in the body. Testimonials abound for practically every known disease, but I couldn’t find any scientific evidence that it has ever been used successfully to cure even one disease.
The Natural News website calls it “an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral miracle.” Mercola.com claims that some silver products are harmful but that “true” colloidal silver is harmless and effective for treating infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Their evidence? A measly four studies that are not listed on PubMed and that only show that it kills MRSA in cell cultures and on surfaces in the lab; there are no studies in humans. There is hype about “nano silver,” but that’s only a new name for the same old colloidal silver.
Creating Smurfs
By 1843 doctors had recognized that silver causes argyria, an irreversible discoloration of the skin. Rosemary Jacobs’ doctor prescribed colloidal silver nose drops to treat her allergies back in the 1950s. The doctor naïvely believed fraudulent ads from manufacturers and salespeople and apparently hadn’t read the warnings in the medical literature. By age 14, Rosemary’s skin had turned slate gray. Despite cosmetics and dermatologists, she remains strikingly gray today. Her appearance has caused serious problems in her life; it cost her jobs, she was refused lodging because people thought she had a contagious disease, and nurses in a hospital misinterpreted her color as an indication of a heart attack.
Jacobs has dedicated her life to investigating colloidal silver and spreading the word. Her website rosemaryjacobs.com provides a wealth of information with references. She says, “In searching that literature for thirty years I have never found any evidence that silver in a person’s body benefits anyone other than the quack who sold it.”
Rosemary turned slate-gray, but Karl Karason looked more blue than gray. He was known as Papa Smurf; with his striking white hair and beard, he looked a lot like the cartoon character. If you want to look like a Smurf there are better options, like the entertainers in the Blue Man Group with their removable blue body paint.
The Scientific Consensus
Every reputable organization that has evaluated colloidal silver has rejected it. Even the CAM-friendly National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns against it: “Scientific evidence does not support the use of colloidal silver to treat any disease, and serious, irreversible side effects can result from its use.” In addition to argyria, they report that it may cause kidney, liver, or nervous system problems and can interfere with absorption of some drugs.
The FDA has issued an advisory that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. In 1999, the FDA prohibited the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs containing silver. A few prescription drugs contain silver, but they are all for topical application, not for oral ingestion.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says silver has no known physiological function. They rated it “likely unsafe” and found no credible evidence that it was effective for any condition.
In the US and Australia, regulators have ordered colloidal silver manufacturers to stop making false claims. One company in Australia had to pay court costs and provide refunds to customers.
Ebola Quackery
Ebola is exotic, deadly, and has no known treatment. It is not surprising that the recent outbreak has caused an epidemic of fear. When fear takes hold, rational thought flies out the window. We want to believe, need to believe, that we can protect ourselves from Ebola. Quacks and charlatans come out of the woodwork to calm our fears with false promises. As infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Crislip says, “There seems to be a belief in the pseudo-medical world that if you just did everything right, ate the right food, took the correct supplements, and used the CAM du jour you would have a perfect immune system and never get an infection. Wrong.”
All sorts of remedies are said to cure Ebola or prevent it by strengthening your immune system, including selenium, magnesium, intravenous vitamin C, bicarbonate of soda, vitamin D, iodine, slowing the breathing down with a Breathslim breathing device, medical marijuana, infrared therapy, glutathione, coffee, fermented soy, homeopathic spider venom, genistein (found in soy), garcinia kola, estradiol, essential oils, Chinese herbs, turmeric, gingko, zeolite, Hulda Clark’s infamous Zapper, alkalinized and/or ionized water, elderberry zinc lozenges, medicinal mushrooms, probiotics, avoiding tap water/non-organic/GMO foods, drinking green vegetable juices and fruit juices, cinnamon bark, Rife therapy, and kogel mogel eggnog.
Peter Chappell claims he can treat Ebola with healing sound by playing the violin. Natural News published instructions for a homemade homeopathic Ebola vaccine made from the spit or blood of an Ebola patient (since contact with bodily fluids is how you get Ebola, this is obviously not a good idea). The ruler of the Igala Kingdom in Nigeria recommends bathing before 4:00 am with hot water and blessed anti-Ebola salt, and reciting verses from the Koran. Faith healing with laying on of hands is another great way to spread the disease. In Sierra Leone, a traditional herbal healer treated an Ebola patient, caught Ebola and died. At her funeral, numerous others were infected; eventually a total of 365 Ebola deaths were traced back to her. In the US, an entrepreneur was inspired by an episode of the Dr. Oz show to invent “Ebola-C shots” as an energy drink; he reportedly grossed $480,000 in the first 2 weeks.
Homeopaths sent teams to Africa, wrote letters to government officials, and circulated a petition begging the World Health Organization (WHO) to distribute homeopathic remedies to control the epidemic. A New Zealand politician signed the petition, was publicly ridiculed for it, and later admitted that signing it was “probably pretty unwise.” Chiropractors have claimed that Ebola can be prevented and cured by restoring spine alignment so innate intelligence can “whack the offending pathogen immediately.” Rotarians planned a humanitarian mission to Sierra Leone to train doctors there to provide ozone therapy. Natural News sold family pandemic protection kits for home use.
The FDA sent warning letters to three companies that were making fraudulent claims about Ebola cures. One, Natural Health Solutions, was selling a $24.95 bottle of Nano Silver for the “cure, treatment and prevention for Ebola virus.” The other two, DoTERRA and Young Living, were selling “essential oil” Ebola cures derived from cinnamon bark, peppermint, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
The Natural Solutions Foundation complained that authorities had blocked shipments of Nano Silver to Sierra Leone. Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, calls that a double standard, since the government allowed patients to be treated with ZMapp. He asks “How exactly is it that an unproven pharmaceutical is okay to use as a treatment for Ebola, but an unproven herb or natural remedy is completely unacceptable and possibly illegal?” There’s a simple answer: ZMapp is expected to work because it contains antibodies to the Ebola virus.
Ebola Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories range from improbable to insane: there’s no such thing as Ebola; it’s all a lie intended to limit our freedom and control us with restrictive laws. It’s a plot to kill Africans. Ebola turns people into zombies, which somehow benefits big government. Big Pharma and government plan to force an Ebola vaccine on everyone. President Obama wants to infect white people and make the US more like his “home” in Africa. Ebola is a plot to divert attention from vaccine fraud at the CDC. Ebola will be intentionally introduced into the US by ISIS terrorists. Those sick people don’t have Ebola; they have malnutrition and damaged immune systems due to wars, toxins, and poor sanitation. Ebola can be transmitted through the air. (This idea ignores particle size and scientific knowledge about disease transmission.) The US government holds a patent on Ebola, so it must have originated the disease. (It patented a different strain, back when organisms could be patented, as a preemptive strike so private companies couldn’t patent it and withhold it from other researchers.) Colloidal silver is not a cure for Ebola or for anything else. Yet a Google search for “Ebola silver” turned up 139,000,000 hits. Good grief!
By Harriet Hall, M.D., The Skepdoc
Colloidal silver is back! It competed in the ring of science and was thoroughly clobbered. If it had any dignity, it would have stayed down for the count and admitted defeat; but like some bizarre whack-a-mole or zombie it keeps stumbling back to its feet, wanting to fight again. This myth that refuses to die is now being promoted as a cure for Ebola, on the basis of nothing more than wishful thinking.
A Myth with a Silver Lining
There is often a grain of truth behind a myth. The grain here is that silver ions kill bacteria in vitro. But as Rose Shapiro famously reminded us in her book Suckers: How Alternative Medicine Makes Fools of Us All, you can kill cancer cells in a lab with a flame thrower or bleach, but that doesn’t mean doctors should use flame throwers or make patients drink bleach. Silver is useful in medicine for external use (e.g., silver sulfadiazine cream for burns) and to disinfect surfaces and drinking water. But when swallowed, it is not only useless but harmful.
Naturopaths use colloidal silver. It’s available on the Internet or you can buy a generator to make your own at home, using a silver bar purchased from a coin dealer and parts from Radio Shack.
Promoters make bold claims: we are all suffering from “silver deficiency,” the depletion of silver from our soil has caused a drastic increase in immune system disorders, colloidal silver has been used successfully in the treatment of 650 diseases, it functions as a superior second immune system in the body. Testimonials abound for practically every known disease, but I couldn’t find any scientific evidence that it has ever been used successfully to cure even one disease.
The Natural News website calls it “an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral miracle.” Mercola.com claims that some silver products are harmful but that “true” colloidal silver is harmless and effective for treating infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Their evidence? A measly four studies that are not listed on PubMed and that only show that it kills MRSA in cell cultures and on surfaces in the lab; there are no studies in humans. There is hype about “nano silver,” but that’s only a new name for the same old colloidal silver.
Creating Smurfs
By 1843 doctors had recognized that silver causes argyria, an irreversible discoloration of the skin. Rosemary Jacobs’ doctor prescribed colloidal silver nose drops to treat her allergies back in the 1950s. The doctor naïvely believed fraudulent ads from manufacturers and salespeople and apparently hadn’t read the warnings in the medical literature. By age 14, Rosemary’s skin had turned slate gray. Despite cosmetics and dermatologists, she remains strikingly gray today. Her appearance has caused serious problems in her life; it cost her jobs, she was refused lodging because people thought she had a contagious disease, and nurses in a hospital misinterpreted her color as an indication of a heart attack.
Jacobs has dedicated her life to investigating colloidal silver and spreading the word. Her website rosemaryjacobs.com provides a wealth of information with references. She says, “In searching that literature for thirty years I have never found any evidence that silver in a person’s body benefits anyone other than the quack who sold it.”
Rosemary turned slate-gray, but Karl Karason looked more blue than gray. He was known as Papa Smurf; with his striking white hair and beard, he looked a lot like the cartoon character. If you want to look like a Smurf there are better options, like the entertainers in the Blue Man Group with their removable blue body paint.
The Scientific Consensus
Every reputable organization that has evaluated colloidal silver has rejected it. Even the CAM-friendly National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns against it: “Scientific evidence does not support the use of colloidal silver to treat any disease, and serious, irreversible side effects can result from its use.” In addition to argyria, they report that it may cause kidney, liver, or nervous system problems and can interfere with absorption of some drugs.
The FDA has issued an advisory that colloidal silver is not safe or effective for treating any disease or condition. In 1999, the FDA prohibited the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs containing silver. A few prescription drugs contain silver, but they are all for topical application, not for oral ingestion.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says silver has no known physiological function. They rated it “likely unsafe” and found no credible evidence that it was effective for any condition.
In the US and Australia, regulators have ordered colloidal silver manufacturers to stop making false claims. One company in Australia had to pay court costs and provide refunds to customers.
Ebola Quackery
Ebola is exotic, deadly, and has no known treatment. It is not surprising that the recent outbreak has caused an epidemic of fear. When fear takes hold, rational thought flies out the window. We want to believe, need to believe, that we can protect ourselves from Ebola. Quacks and charlatans come out of the woodwork to calm our fears with false promises. As infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Crislip says, “There seems to be a belief in the pseudo-medical world that if you just did everything right, ate the right food, took the correct supplements, and used the CAM du jour you would have a perfect immune system and never get an infection. Wrong.”
All sorts of remedies are said to cure Ebola or prevent it by strengthening your immune system, including selenium, magnesium, intravenous vitamin C, bicarbonate of soda, vitamin D, iodine, slowing the breathing down with a Breathslim breathing device, medical marijuana, infrared therapy, glutathione, coffee, fermented soy, homeopathic spider venom, genistein (found in soy), garcinia kola, estradiol, essential oils, Chinese herbs, turmeric, gingko, zeolite, Hulda Clark’s infamous Zapper, alkalinized and/or ionized water, elderberry zinc lozenges, medicinal mushrooms, probiotics, avoiding tap water/non-organic/GMO foods, drinking green vegetable juices and fruit juices, cinnamon bark, Rife therapy, and kogel mogel eggnog.
Peter Chappell claims he can treat Ebola with healing sound by playing the violin. Natural News published instructions for a homemade homeopathic Ebola vaccine made from the spit or blood of an Ebola patient (since contact with bodily fluids is how you get Ebola, this is obviously not a good idea). The ruler of the Igala Kingdom in Nigeria recommends bathing before 4:00 am with hot water and blessed anti-Ebola salt, and reciting verses from the Koran. Faith healing with laying on of hands is another great way to spread the disease. In Sierra Leone, a traditional herbal healer treated an Ebola patient, caught Ebola and died. At her funeral, numerous others were infected; eventually a total of 365 Ebola deaths were traced back to her. In the US, an entrepreneur was inspired by an episode of the Dr. Oz show to invent “Ebola-C shots” as an energy drink; he reportedly grossed $480,000 in the first 2 weeks.
Homeopaths sent teams to Africa, wrote letters to government officials, and circulated a petition begging the World Health Organization (WHO) to distribute homeopathic remedies to control the epidemic. A New Zealand politician signed the petition, was publicly ridiculed for it, and later admitted that signing it was “probably pretty unwise.” Chiropractors have claimed that Ebola can be prevented and cured by restoring spine alignment so innate intelligence can “whack the offending pathogen immediately.” Rotarians planned a humanitarian mission to Sierra Leone to train doctors there to provide ozone therapy. Natural News sold family pandemic protection kits for home use.
The FDA sent warning letters to three companies that were making fraudulent claims about Ebola cures. One, Natural Health Solutions, was selling a $24.95 bottle of Nano Silver for the “cure, treatment and prevention for Ebola virus.” The other two, DoTERRA and Young Living, were selling “essential oil” Ebola cures derived from cinnamon bark, peppermint, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
The Natural Solutions Foundation complained that authorities had blocked shipments of Nano Silver to Sierra Leone. Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, calls that a double standard, since the government allowed patients to be treated with ZMapp. He asks “How exactly is it that an unproven pharmaceutical is okay to use as a treatment for Ebola, but an unproven herb or natural remedy is completely unacceptable and possibly illegal?” There’s a simple answer: ZMapp is expected to work because it contains antibodies to the Ebola virus.
Ebola Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories range from improbable to insane: there’s no such thing as Ebola; it’s all a lie intended to limit our freedom and control us with restrictive laws. It’s a plot to kill Africans. Ebola turns people into zombies, which somehow benefits big government. Big Pharma and government plan to force an Ebola vaccine on everyone. President Obama wants to infect white people and make the US more like his “home” in Africa. Ebola is a plot to divert attention from vaccine fraud at the CDC. Ebola will be intentionally introduced into the US by ISIS terrorists. Those sick people don’t have Ebola; they have malnutrition and damaged immune systems due to wars, toxins, and poor sanitation. Ebola can be transmitted through the air. (This idea ignores particle size and scientific knowledge about disease transmission.) The US government holds a patent on Ebola, so it must have originated the disease. (It patented a different strain, back when organisms could be patented, as a preemptive strike so private companies couldn’t patent it and withhold it from other researchers.) Colloidal silver is not a cure for Ebola or for anything else. Yet a Google search for “Ebola silver” turned up 139,000,000 hits. Good grief!
20 cognitive biases that screw up your decisions
You make thousands of rational decisions every day — or so you think.
From what you’ll eat throughout the day to whether you should make a big career move, research suggests that there are a number of cognitive stumbling blocks that affect your behaviour, and they can prevent you from acting in your own best interests.
20 cognitive biases that screw up your decisions
From what you’ll eat throughout the day to whether you should make a big career move, research suggests that there are a number of cognitive stumbling blocks that affect your behaviour, and they can prevent you from acting in your own best interests.
20 cognitive biases that screw up your decisions
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Why Do We Like What We Like?
Acclaimed evolutionary psychologist Paul Bloom reveals how certain
universal aspects of the human mind explain our curious desires, tastes
and pleasures.
Why Do We Like What We Like?
Why Do We Like What We Like?
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Five Overlooked Nutrients You Need to Save Your Bones
You know you need to get calcium from your diet to keep your bones healthy. Your doctor may already recommend you take it along with vitamin D3. But she’s forgetting to tell you about the other critical nutrients your bones crave… There’s a good chance you aren’t getting enough of them.
Here are five overlooked nutrients you need for stronger bones.
1. Protects Your Mind and Your Bones
Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn’t just lead to depression and memory problems… It’s also a risk factor for weak bones. In one Swedish study, men with the lowest B12 levels were 120% more likely to suffer a fracture in their lower back.
You can get this vitamin from grass-fed beef and organic turkey meat. But you’ll get even more from eating livers of any kind. If you’re vegan, you’ll need to find a good quality supplement. The recommended dose is about 2.4 mcg. But a blood test will let you know if you need a therapeutic dose ranging from 10-1,000 mcg.
2. The Mineral That Does It All
Magnesium regulates blood sugar and blood pressure…and supports muscle and nerve function. It’s no wonder a deficiency could make you 85% more likely to die for any reason. But low levels also put your bones in danger. This mineral keeps your bones dense.
Snack on almonds and sunflower seeds to up your magnesium intake. Just a quarter of a cup of each contains over 100 mg. Women should aim for about 320 mg of magnesium a day. Men, you’ll want to get closer to 420 mg.
3. Sticky Is Good
You need vitamin K for healthy blood clotting. It helps a scab form if you nick yourself shaving. But that’s not all it’s good for. It helps form a “glue” out of the protein osteocalcin. This sticky substance helps attach calcium to your bones.
Men, you need about 120 mcg of vitamin K1 each day. Women need about 90 mcg. If your bones aren’t in good shape to begin with… You may need up to 1,000 mcg of K1 and 180 mcg of K2. It’s not hard to get high doses from food. Just one cup of kale contains 1,062 mcg of K1. While a cup of spinach has about 888 mcg.
4. Support for More Than Sagging Skin
Vitamin C helps your body make collagen. It’s the structural protein that keeps your skin firm. This makes it a powerful anti-aging nutrient…and essential for bone health. That’s because your bones are 30% collagen. It gives them their support structure and resilience. Vitamin C also helps stimulate the cells that build bones.
Eating an orange a day won’t cut it... You can get 60% more vitamin C from one serving of bell peppers. Try to get at least 1,000 mg a day for optimal bone health. You can take as much as your digestive system will tolerate. You’ll know if you’ve exceeded your limit if you experience diarrhea.
5. It’s Not Just for Muscle Cramps
Without potassium, your body can’t neutralize acids that remove calcium from your body. Older men and women who take potassium—along with vitamin D3 and calcium—have denser bones than people who don’t.
Bananas get a lot of praise for their high potassium content. But they aren’t the best choice. One cup of sliced avocado has over 700 mg of potassium in it. The same serving of banana only has 537 mg. The Better Bones Center recommends 4,000-6,000 mg a day for strong bones... So you may want to consider taking a supplement to reach the proper amount.
Your bones do a lot for you. Support them with the foods you eat, and they will help you stay active for years to come.
Here are five overlooked nutrients you need for stronger bones.
1. Protects Your Mind and Your Bones
Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn’t just lead to depression and memory problems… It’s also a risk factor for weak bones. In one Swedish study, men with the lowest B12 levels were 120% more likely to suffer a fracture in their lower back.
You can get this vitamin from grass-fed beef and organic turkey meat. But you’ll get even more from eating livers of any kind. If you’re vegan, you’ll need to find a good quality supplement. The recommended dose is about 2.4 mcg. But a blood test will let you know if you need a therapeutic dose ranging from 10-1,000 mcg.
2. The Mineral That Does It All
Magnesium regulates blood sugar and blood pressure…and supports muscle and nerve function. It’s no wonder a deficiency could make you 85% more likely to die for any reason. But low levels also put your bones in danger. This mineral keeps your bones dense.
Snack on almonds and sunflower seeds to up your magnesium intake. Just a quarter of a cup of each contains over 100 mg. Women should aim for about 320 mg of magnesium a day. Men, you’ll want to get closer to 420 mg.
3. Sticky Is Good
You need vitamin K for healthy blood clotting. It helps a scab form if you nick yourself shaving. But that’s not all it’s good for. It helps form a “glue” out of the protein osteocalcin. This sticky substance helps attach calcium to your bones.
Men, you need about 120 mcg of vitamin K1 each day. Women need about 90 mcg. If your bones aren’t in good shape to begin with… You may need up to 1,000 mcg of K1 and 180 mcg of K2. It’s not hard to get high doses from food. Just one cup of kale contains 1,062 mcg of K1. While a cup of spinach has about 888 mcg.
4. Support for More Than Sagging Skin
Vitamin C helps your body make collagen. It’s the structural protein that keeps your skin firm. This makes it a powerful anti-aging nutrient…and essential for bone health. That’s because your bones are 30% collagen. It gives them their support structure and resilience. Vitamin C also helps stimulate the cells that build bones.
Eating an orange a day won’t cut it... You can get 60% more vitamin C from one serving of bell peppers. Try to get at least 1,000 mg a day for optimal bone health. You can take as much as your digestive system will tolerate. You’ll know if you’ve exceeded your limit if you experience diarrhea.
5. It’s Not Just for Muscle Cramps
Without potassium, your body can’t neutralize acids that remove calcium from your body. Older men and women who take potassium—along with vitamin D3 and calcium—have denser bones than people who don’t.
Bananas get a lot of praise for their high potassium content. But they aren’t the best choice. One cup of sliced avocado has over 700 mg of potassium in it. The same serving of banana only has 537 mg. The Better Bones Center recommends 4,000-6,000 mg a day for strong bones... So you may want to consider taking a supplement to reach the proper amount.
Your bones do a lot for you. Support them with the foods you eat, and they will help you stay active for years to come.
Your beliefs
I saw this article written on Facebook and I thought it's worth passing on.
Your beliefs are 'your' beliefs... Not mine or anyone else's. You are welcome to them, but do not impose them on other people, and we will not impose ours on you. Don't create an issue of them when there was none before you expressed your views, because they are in fact... "Your views".
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is a lot of buzz these days about Kim Davis, a Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk who defied a U.S. Federal Court order requiring that she issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Then another story came up, that of a Muslim flight attendant, Ms Stanley, who filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming she was suspended from her job for not serving alcohol, which is against her religious beliefs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/
Exemptions to job duties are covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which requires reasonable accommodation of employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices when requested, unless accommodation would impose an undue hardship on business operations.
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/
But in both of those cases, the employees refused to perform a task central to their job description, so that the above exemption can hardly apply. They are breaking their side of the contract they have with their employer (not to mention Davis defied an actual court order).
Additionally, they are both obstructing other people's actions. This is a serious misunderstanding of what religious freedom means. If the state forced Davis to marry a same-sex person herself, and if the airline forced Stanley to drink alcohol herself, then we would be looking at very different stories.
However, religion is a choice. What is entailed by being a member of a religion applies only to those who are members of that religion. If a person's religion clashes with a central task of a job, then it is unreasonable for that person to expect that their religious beliefs should be accommodated by the employer. Admittedly, the employer-employee relationship is usually unfairly favourable for the former, but these specific cases are exceptions to that "rule".
The irrationality of those expectations becomes obvious when we realize that this would open up the floodgates for people to refuse to perform their jobs for any and all reasons on the grounds of moral objection.
A flight attendant could sue the airline for asking her to be on a plane, while she has a moral objection to flying. The statement would look like this:
"It is an infringement upon my civil liberties that my employer threatened to fire me if I keep refusing to get on a plane. This is discrimination against us A-aviation-ists, that believe that flying machines are against nature and are the cause for all the moral short-comings of our society. I demand to be treated equally, regardless of my beliefs."
Or, indeed, a fast food worker could refuse serving an over-weight person on the grounds of enabling their "sinful" lifestyle, as this cartoon shows.
Clearly, this kind of immature expectation that society is expected to cater to every single personal sensitivity is a perfect example of selfish entitlement.
So, the bottom line is, whatever your religious beliefs, you are not above the law. The law should be secular, neither discriminating against nor favouring one religious status to another, and have as a priority the functionality of the society and not the accommodation of beliefs. Given most people in the world have a different religious status than ours, whichever ours is, one would think everyone would realize that a secular society is actually in everyone's favour.
~Tania
Your beliefs are 'your' beliefs... Not mine or anyone else's. You are welcome to them, but do not impose them on other people, and we will not impose ours on you. Don't create an issue of them when there was none before you expressed your views, because they are in fact... "Your views".
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is a lot of buzz these days about Kim Davis, a Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk who defied a U.S. Federal Court order requiring that she issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Then another story came up, that of a Muslim flight attendant, Ms Stanley, who filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming she was suspended from her job for not serving alcohol, which is against her religious beliefs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/
Exemptions to job duties are covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which requires reasonable accommodation of employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices when requested, unless accommodation would impose an undue hardship on business operations.
http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/
But in both of those cases, the employees refused to perform a task central to their job description, so that the above exemption can hardly apply. They are breaking their side of the contract they have with their employer (not to mention Davis defied an actual court order).
Additionally, they are both obstructing other people's actions. This is a serious misunderstanding of what religious freedom means. If the state forced Davis to marry a same-sex person herself, and if the airline forced Stanley to drink alcohol herself, then we would be looking at very different stories.
However, religion is a choice. What is entailed by being a member of a religion applies only to those who are members of that religion. If a person's religion clashes with a central task of a job, then it is unreasonable for that person to expect that their religious beliefs should be accommodated by the employer. Admittedly, the employer-employee relationship is usually unfairly favourable for the former, but these specific cases are exceptions to that "rule".
The irrationality of those expectations becomes obvious when we realize that this would open up the floodgates for people to refuse to perform their jobs for any and all reasons on the grounds of moral objection.
A flight attendant could sue the airline for asking her to be on a plane, while she has a moral objection to flying. The statement would look like this:
"It is an infringement upon my civil liberties that my employer threatened to fire me if I keep refusing to get on a plane. This is discrimination against us A-aviation-ists, that believe that flying machines are against nature and are the cause for all the moral short-comings of our society. I demand to be treated equally, regardless of my beliefs."
Or, indeed, a fast food worker could refuse serving an over-weight person on the grounds of enabling their "sinful" lifestyle, as this cartoon shows.
Clearly, this kind of immature expectation that society is expected to cater to every single personal sensitivity is a perfect example of selfish entitlement.
So, the bottom line is, whatever your religious beliefs, you are not above the law. The law should be secular, neither discriminating against nor favouring one religious status to another, and have as a priority the functionality of the society and not the accommodation of beliefs. Given most people in the world have a different religious status than ours, whichever ours is, one would think everyone would realize that a secular society is actually in everyone's favour.
~Tania
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Cameron Air Show 2014
This is an Air Show in Cameron, a small rural town in Missouri. The pilots, bike, and truck drivers and the photographers are all nuts!! This doesn't border on crazy, it IS crazy! Hold on to your desk, chair, whatever! Best viewed full screen with a HD monitor. This one is way more than just an airshow!!!
I love horsepower, acceleration, and the smell of burning jet fuel (Shockwave).
Cameron Air Show 2014
I love horsepower, acceleration, and the smell of burning jet fuel (Shockwave).
Cameron Air Show 2014
Friday, September 11, 2015
Hearts of Space
Music has always been an important part of my life, so I'm always looking for new adventures in it. I love to listen to music while I work, but the head-banging, techno, and otherwise heavy beat rock and roll just doesn't make it possible to do my job. However I do find that listening to Space Dreams on Digitally Imported is just the thing I need.
They have portions from Hearts of Space, which I enjoy. It offers an alternative of fresh and exploratory sounds. If you are looking for something different, give this a look.
A Letter to the Editor
A listener on the TTA Facebook page recently asked Seth Andrews to respond to a "Letter to the Editor" posted in Seth's hometown paper, the Tulsa World. Usually, as skeptics, we let these kinds of posts slide, because they often don't accomplish much and/or they generate more trouble that they're worth. But in this case, Seth responded, and this show chronicles the exchange, the fallout, and the curious tactics of the indignant commenters who couldn't prove the god they were defending. Yes...it's a rant. The last 30 minutes is from Sam Harris. Listen close, objectively, and with an open mind. This is good.
A Letter to the Editor
Enjoy the text of Sam Harris: An Atheist Manifesto:
Sam Harris argues against irrational faith and its adherents
A Letter to the Editor
Enjoy the text of Sam Harris: An Atheist Manifesto:
Sam Harris argues against irrational faith and its adherents
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Farmer bitten by snake
This hurts just thinking about it. Ouch doesn't suffice.
Farmer urinating in a field is left in agony after a snake bites him on the penis
Sneak It In & Tone It Up
Fit In Exercise No Matter Where You Are!
by Jennifer Walters, Certified Personal Trainer
If you think that you're too busy to fit in a full workout, think again. Plenty of research shows that small bouts of exercise can add up and provide just as many heart-healthy benefits as longer workouts. You don't even have to be at the gym or wearing workout clothes for it to count. You can squeeze in little bits of activity here and there so that even when you're too busy for a full workout, you can stay active and burn calories.
Cleaning the House
Unless you're lucky enough to have a housekeeper, most of us probably have cleaning on our to-do lists.Instead of seeing it as a chore, start thinking of cleaning as a serious double-duty workout. Simple and easy cleaning, such as dusting, taking out the trash, straightening and changing the bed linens, can burn up to 170 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. And heavier duty tasks such as sweeping the floor, washing windows and cleaning the garage can burn more than 250 calories an hour.
To up that calorie burn even more, get creative! When scrubbing the bathtub, take fewer breaks, and scrub extra hard to work your muscles (don't forget to switch arms). While vacuuming, add some lunges instead of letting your arms do all the work. When cleaning the stove, don't just bend over; squat down to get to those hard-to-reach places. When doing laundry, use the bottle of detergent as a dumbbell and do a few bicep curls on your way out of the laundry room. Or sneak in a few push-ups on the kitchen counter before you start scrubbing. The opportunities when cleaning are endless, and how awesome is it to have both a fit body and a clean house?
At Work
We've all heard the advice to take the stairs instead of the elevator and park at the back of the lot to get more walking in, but there are even more easy ways to squeeze activity into your workday. Instead of emailing or calling a coworker, walk over to his or her office for that report you need. Or suggest trading the normal sit-down meetings (which normally also feature not-so-great pastries and sweet treats) for walking meetings. Walking meetings aren't perfect for all types of business, but the activity and break from the norm can encourage new thoughts and unique solutions to problems, making it great for brainstorm sessions.
If you have a buddy at work who is also looking to get fit, invite him or her to an active lunch break where you go for a brisk walk outside, climb a few flights of stairs or even hit the work gym if you have one. Plus, having a buddy can certainly help you to avoid office temptations (like the vending machine at 3 p.m.) and remind you to take a break to be active no matter how stressful or busy your day is.
You can squeeze plenty of activity in on your own if you don't have a like-minded coworker. Try this printable 15-minute desk workout that you can do anytime, as long as you have an open wall and a chair! Better yet, stash a pair of dumbbells or a resistance band in your drawer or locker to use during breaks or while you talk on the phone. If you have the space, play a workout DVD or one of SparkPeople's online workout videos on your laptop and have a co-worker join you. Unless you have a shower at your workplace, go for yoga and Pilates DVDs that will tone your muscles and give your mind a break from work without leaving you a sweaty mess.
During Your Commute
Most of us spend more time in our cars than we'd like, either commuting or driving kids to and from various practices (or both!). Instead of having this time be completely passive and sedentary, make the most of it with a few simple exercises that are safe behind the wheel. The first thing you can do is throw any self consciousness out the window, turn up your favorite tunes and "car dance" your heart out—just be sure to watch the road and save your most complicated dance moves for sitting at a stoplight. If you're a female, you can also do Kegels, which help with core strength.
Sitting in the car is the perfect time to work on improving your posture. Most of us allow our shoulders to round and our heads to push forward when we drive. Instead, sit with your back straight (adjust your set back to help with that), your chin tucked in toward the tag of your shirt, and your shoulders relaxed down and back away from your ears. Try to keep your abs engaged and sit with perfect posture for as long as possible, adjusting it each time you notice you're slacking. Sitting tall is hard work and takes effort. Simple adjustments like these can also help alleviate tension as well as pain in your shoulders, neck and back.
And anyone, male or female, accomplished dancer or not, can stretch when stuck in traffic. Shoulder, triceps, neck and spine stretches are perfect for stoplights and also tame your tension; hold each for 30 seconds (or until the traffic starts moving, whichever comes first). Sure, they won't burn mega calories, but they're definitely better than nothing, especially if you tend to skimp on flexibility training! And if you really want to turn your transportation time into a workout, consider walking or biking to work or your destination whenever possible.
Getting Ready
Getting ready in the morning may seem like a weird time to sneak in activity, but you totally can. Make it part of your morning routine to do a few stretches, jumping jacks or push-ups. Just a few minutes of activity first thing in the morning can wake you up and get your endorphins going. Just be sure to start slow and easy if you just woke up, as your muscles may be tight from not moving for hours while you slept.
Try squats and lunges while you blow-dry your hair or pump out a few calf raises while you brush your teeth. I personally love to stretch in the shower, as the warm water helps loosen up muscles. It's good for you, and it feels great.
Yard Work
Mowing, trimming bushes and gardening are huge calorie burners. A 150-pound person can easily burn 200-400 calories an hour working in the yard. And for those who love power tools, just remember that automatic tools do most of the work, meaning you'll burn fewer calories than if you mowed the lawn with a push mower, for example. So when in doubt, go with the manual option. It might take a little longer to trim that tree, but you'll be getting in quite a workout and keeping your body in tip-top shape.
And don't be afraid to get creative. When working in the yard, there are ample opportunities to squat or lunge to pick up tools or do a few reps with bags of soil or mulch! When it's snowy outside, you can burn 400-plus calories an hour shoveling the powdery stuff.
Shopping
Save time and get fit by making your shopping a full-out workout. Power walk through the store, and unless you absolutely have to, forgo the cart for a handheld basket. As the basket gets heavier, you can build some serious muscle carrying it around the store. Just be sure to carry the basket on both of your arms so that they both get an equal workout. And if you do have to use a cart, do some small lunges while pushing it out to your car and really use your arms to push the buggy.
TV Time
Many of us watch our favorite television shows to relax after a hard day. While it may be tempting to plop on the couch and veg, don't. After a long day the last thing your body needs is to sit down; moving will make you feel better and get you closer to your goals. Vow to do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks or some sort of exercise during each commercial break. Performing these moves during the commercials of an hour-long show can help you burn at least 100 calories more than sitting, and you still get to enjoy your guilty-pleasure show.
Remember that while you may work out regularly, that's only a few minutes out of your entire day that you're actively moving your body, which is designed for physical activity. Squeezing in short bursts of exercise is great for beginners and experienced exercisers because it burns calories, tones muscles, strengthens your heart and helps you achieve an active lifestyle, the benefits of which are far reaching. So start thinking of more ways you can get active on the job, at home and throughout the day!
by Jennifer Walters, Certified Personal Trainer
If you think that you're too busy to fit in a full workout, think again. Plenty of research shows that small bouts of exercise can add up and provide just as many heart-healthy benefits as longer workouts. You don't even have to be at the gym or wearing workout clothes for it to count. You can squeeze in little bits of activity here and there so that even when you're too busy for a full workout, you can stay active and burn calories.
Cleaning the House
Unless you're lucky enough to have a housekeeper, most of us probably have cleaning on our to-do lists.Instead of seeing it as a chore, start thinking of cleaning as a serious double-duty workout. Simple and easy cleaning, such as dusting, taking out the trash, straightening and changing the bed linens, can burn up to 170 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. And heavier duty tasks such as sweeping the floor, washing windows and cleaning the garage can burn more than 250 calories an hour.
To up that calorie burn even more, get creative! When scrubbing the bathtub, take fewer breaks, and scrub extra hard to work your muscles (don't forget to switch arms). While vacuuming, add some lunges instead of letting your arms do all the work. When cleaning the stove, don't just bend over; squat down to get to those hard-to-reach places. When doing laundry, use the bottle of detergent as a dumbbell and do a few bicep curls on your way out of the laundry room. Or sneak in a few push-ups on the kitchen counter before you start scrubbing. The opportunities when cleaning are endless, and how awesome is it to have both a fit body and a clean house?
At Work
We've all heard the advice to take the stairs instead of the elevator and park at the back of the lot to get more walking in, but there are even more easy ways to squeeze activity into your workday. Instead of emailing or calling a coworker, walk over to his or her office for that report you need. Or suggest trading the normal sit-down meetings (which normally also feature not-so-great pastries and sweet treats) for walking meetings. Walking meetings aren't perfect for all types of business, but the activity and break from the norm can encourage new thoughts and unique solutions to problems, making it great for brainstorm sessions.
If you have a buddy at work who is also looking to get fit, invite him or her to an active lunch break where you go for a brisk walk outside, climb a few flights of stairs or even hit the work gym if you have one. Plus, having a buddy can certainly help you to avoid office temptations (like the vending machine at 3 p.m.) and remind you to take a break to be active no matter how stressful or busy your day is.
You can squeeze plenty of activity in on your own if you don't have a like-minded coworker. Try this printable 15-minute desk workout that you can do anytime, as long as you have an open wall and a chair! Better yet, stash a pair of dumbbells or a resistance band in your drawer or locker to use during breaks or while you talk on the phone. If you have the space, play a workout DVD or one of SparkPeople's online workout videos on your laptop and have a co-worker join you. Unless you have a shower at your workplace, go for yoga and Pilates DVDs that will tone your muscles and give your mind a break from work without leaving you a sweaty mess.
During Your Commute
Most of us spend more time in our cars than we'd like, either commuting or driving kids to and from various practices (or both!). Instead of having this time be completely passive and sedentary, make the most of it with a few simple exercises that are safe behind the wheel. The first thing you can do is throw any self consciousness out the window, turn up your favorite tunes and "car dance" your heart out—just be sure to watch the road and save your most complicated dance moves for sitting at a stoplight. If you're a female, you can also do Kegels, which help with core strength.
Sitting in the car is the perfect time to work on improving your posture. Most of us allow our shoulders to round and our heads to push forward when we drive. Instead, sit with your back straight (adjust your set back to help with that), your chin tucked in toward the tag of your shirt, and your shoulders relaxed down and back away from your ears. Try to keep your abs engaged and sit with perfect posture for as long as possible, adjusting it each time you notice you're slacking. Sitting tall is hard work and takes effort. Simple adjustments like these can also help alleviate tension as well as pain in your shoulders, neck and back.
And anyone, male or female, accomplished dancer or not, can stretch when stuck in traffic. Shoulder, triceps, neck and spine stretches are perfect for stoplights and also tame your tension; hold each for 30 seconds (or until the traffic starts moving, whichever comes first). Sure, they won't burn mega calories, but they're definitely better than nothing, especially if you tend to skimp on flexibility training! And if you really want to turn your transportation time into a workout, consider walking or biking to work or your destination whenever possible.
Getting Ready
Getting ready in the morning may seem like a weird time to sneak in activity, but you totally can. Make it part of your morning routine to do a few stretches, jumping jacks or push-ups. Just a few minutes of activity first thing in the morning can wake you up and get your endorphins going. Just be sure to start slow and easy if you just woke up, as your muscles may be tight from not moving for hours while you slept.
Try squats and lunges while you blow-dry your hair or pump out a few calf raises while you brush your teeth. I personally love to stretch in the shower, as the warm water helps loosen up muscles. It's good for you, and it feels great.
Yard Work
Mowing, trimming bushes and gardening are huge calorie burners. A 150-pound person can easily burn 200-400 calories an hour working in the yard. And for those who love power tools, just remember that automatic tools do most of the work, meaning you'll burn fewer calories than if you mowed the lawn with a push mower, for example. So when in doubt, go with the manual option. It might take a little longer to trim that tree, but you'll be getting in quite a workout and keeping your body in tip-top shape.
And don't be afraid to get creative. When working in the yard, there are ample opportunities to squat or lunge to pick up tools or do a few reps with bags of soil or mulch! When it's snowy outside, you can burn 400-plus calories an hour shoveling the powdery stuff.
Shopping
Save time and get fit by making your shopping a full-out workout. Power walk through the store, and unless you absolutely have to, forgo the cart for a handheld basket. As the basket gets heavier, you can build some serious muscle carrying it around the store. Just be sure to carry the basket on both of your arms so that they both get an equal workout. And if you do have to use a cart, do some small lunges while pushing it out to your car and really use your arms to push the buggy.
TV Time
Many of us watch our favorite television shows to relax after a hard day. While it may be tempting to plop on the couch and veg, don't. After a long day the last thing your body needs is to sit down; moving will make you feel better and get you closer to your goals. Vow to do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks or some sort of exercise during each commercial break. Performing these moves during the commercials of an hour-long show can help you burn at least 100 calories more than sitting, and you still get to enjoy your guilty-pleasure show.
Remember that while you may work out regularly, that's only a few minutes out of your entire day that you're actively moving your body, which is designed for physical activity. Squeezing in short bursts of exercise is great for beginners and experienced exercisers because it burns calories, tones muscles, strengthens your heart and helps you achieve an active lifestyle, the benefits of which are far reaching. So start thinking of more ways you can get active on the job, at home and throughout the day!
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
A letter of encouragement
Back on July 10, I posted the text of a 2014 letter by Seth Andrews.
You can find it here if your interested.
Since that time, Frank Flyman created a video of it. It's a moving piece and certainly causes you pause, maybe even to take another look at yourself. Who are you, really?
Maybe you are happy with where you are. If so, good for you, but I have questions... lots of questions. Maybe you do to.
Don't stop asking them. In many cases, the answer has yet to be written. Be yourself, not the person someone else wants you to be.
A Letter of Encouragement
You can find it here if your interested.
Since that time, Frank Flyman created a video of it. It's a moving piece and certainly causes you pause, maybe even to take another look at yourself. Who are you, really?
Maybe you are happy with where you are. If so, good for you, but I have questions... lots of questions. Maybe you do to.
Don't stop asking them. In many cases, the answer has yet to be written. Be yourself, not the person someone else wants you to be.
A Letter of Encouragement
Saturday, September 05, 2015
Yanet Garcia & Mexican Weather
Mexican Weather Reviewed by An Australian
I'm afraid I agree with Ozzy Man.
If we weather forecasters like this, I would watch the news more often.
How about you? (I am just a guy after all)
Yanet Garcia & Mexican Weather
I'm afraid I agree with Ozzy Man.
If we weather forecasters like this, I would watch the news more often.
How about you? (I am just a guy after all)
Yanet Garcia & Mexican Weather
Caitlyn Jenner Appears in First TV Interview
Out of pure curiosity I went to this article posted by Yahoo! Celebrity. I scanned the article, but didn't read it.
There are plenty of supporters for Jenner, who think this is great.
I have a fundamental problem with creating a hero out of someone like this, because of a personal decision, and yet they are still walking free and appearing on TV after killing someone on the highway.
You can read the article if you wish, but the comments left at the end of the article sum up what a lot of people are thinking. I posted a few below.
There are plenty of supporters for Jenner, who think this is great.
I have a fundamental problem with creating a hero out of someone like this, because of a personal decision, and yet they are still walking free and appearing on TV after killing someone on the highway.
You can read the article if you wish, but the comments left at the end of the article sum up what a lot of people are thinking. I posted a few below.
Caitlyn Jenner Appears in First TV Interview
The Alternative Medicine Racket
While I personally believe there are aspects of alternative medicine offering
authentic ingredients of real treatments, to group them with the
deceptive assemblage which are not, is a disservice to the real potential
healing benefits of the ones who are. The problem is, we are putting
our trust in medicine with the people in Washington, whose only real
objective is to get reelected, and don't know the first thing about
healing or disease.
The Alternative Medicine Racket: How the Feds Fund Quacks
Friday, September 04, 2015
Fantastic Planet - 1973
I saw this movie when it first came out. It was quite different and revolutionary in it's day.
Fantastic Planet is recognizable for its surreal, psychedelic imagery, created by French writer and artist Roland Topor, who was the production designer and co-writer of the film. The landscape and lifeforms of Ygam are extremely strange, as are various aspects of Draag society, such as their meditation (which allows them to commune psychically with each other and different species and can lead to transformations of their shape and color) and their technology (for example the various devices they use to slaughter Oms). The weird atmosphere of the film is enhanced by its soundtrack, composed by Alain Goraguer.
The trailer
The movie
Fantastic Planet is recognizable for its surreal, psychedelic imagery, created by French writer and artist Roland Topor, who was the production designer and co-writer of the film. The landscape and lifeforms of Ygam are extremely strange, as are various aspects of Draag society, such as their meditation (which allows them to commune psychically with each other and different species and can lead to transformations of their shape and color) and their technology (for example the various devices they use to slaughter Oms). The weird atmosphere of the film is enhanced by its soundtrack, composed by Alain Goraguer.
The trailer
The movie
What is the Multiverse, and why do we think it exists?
An extraordinarily simple explanation of the most mind-boggling concept of modern science.
My brain is now officially too big to fit inside my motorcycle helmet.
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Little Boy and Gorilla Play Peek-a-Boo at the Zoo
One may be a human, the other may be a gorilla, but that didn't stop a
pair of youngsters from enjoying a game of peek-a-boo at the Columbus
Zoo.
Sherry Chute posted a hilarious video of her two-year-old son, Isaiah, meeting a two-year-old gorilla named Kamoli last week.
Separated by a thick glass barrier, the toddlers enjoyed an adorable, lively game of peek-a-boo.
"It was a really fun interaction. Isaiah is just like that. Anyone who knows him knows that he's super playful," Chute told The Columbus Dispatch.
She added that as the exhausted play pals parted ways, Isaiah said, "Bye, gorilla."
"It was so fun to see him interact with the animals and know what they were. He was just so truly blissful in that moment, it melted his mommy's heart."
Watch the adorable clip
Sherry Chute posted a hilarious video of her two-year-old son, Isaiah, meeting a two-year-old gorilla named Kamoli last week.
Separated by a thick glass barrier, the toddlers enjoyed an adorable, lively game of peek-a-boo.
"It was a really fun interaction. Isaiah is just like that. Anyone who knows him knows that he's super playful," Chute told The Columbus Dispatch.
She added that as the exhausted play pals parted ways, Isaiah said, "Bye, gorilla."
"It was so fun to see him interact with the animals and know what they were. He was just so truly blissful in that moment, it melted his mommy's heart."
Watch the adorable clip
A young Rhonda Rousey?
Yes, she's small, but something tells me she has great potential. She may not box when she gets older, but I've had two boys both earn black belts when they were young, and I've seen how individual effort like this can be a great confidence builder for any young person.
Go get 'em girl!
"Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee."
Hmmm... now where have heard that before?
Bullies beware.
Eight year old boxing prodigy
Why Do You Exercise?
Philosopher's Notes
The Optimizer: Why Do You Exercise? (Meaning Matters!)
“As it turns out, research shows that even reasons that sound very sensible and important may not lead us to the results we’re seeking. Some years ago, my colleagues and I conducted a study in which we examined the impact of people’s reasons to start exercising on their actual involvement in exercise. We first asked the participants to state their reasons or goals for exercising, as I just asked you. Then, to uncover their higher-level reasons for exercising, we asked them why they cared about obtaining those particular benefits. My colleagues and I found that 75 percent of participants cited weight loss or better health (current and future) as their top reasons for exercising; the other 25 percent exercised in order to enhance the quality of their daily lives (such as to create a sense of well-being or feel centered). Then we measured how much time they actually spent exercising over the course of the next year. The answer may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true: The vast majority of the participants whose goals were weight loss and better health spent the least amount of time exercising overall—up to 32 percent less than those with other goals. Think about that for a moment: Our most common and culturally accepted reasons for exercising are associated with doing the least amount of exercise. How can this be?” Michelle Segar, Ph.D. from "No Sweat"
What a fascinating study!! 75% of the participants said their primary reason for exercising was to lose weight or to get healthier. Sounds reasonable, eh?
Segar tells us that although those are *good* reasons to exercise, they are not EFFECTIVE reasons. They lack the meaning that truly motivates us. So, what motivates us?
Let’s look at the 25% who exercised way more. What motivated them? As Segar tells us, they exercised to enhance the quality of their daily lives—to create a sense of well-being, a feeling of being energized and centered. They found a way to get *immediate* gratification out of their exercise—which is a LOT more effective than pursuing some future, abstract target.
As Segar tells us: “Human beings, it turns out, are predisposed to choosing immediate gratification over long-term benefits.”
She describes the “lose weight” and “get healthy” goals as too fuzzy and in the future, too abstract and clinical and calls them the “Wrong Why.” When we lead with those Whys, our exercise become a chore—which then leads to a failure. Who does chores with sustained enthusiasm?!
The alternative to making our exercise a chore? Create a better "Why"? centered on more "now" and tangible immediate gratification and make exercise a gift you’re giddy to give yourself.
The Optimizer: Why Do You Exercise? (Meaning Matters!)
“As it turns out, research shows that even reasons that sound very sensible and important may not lead us to the results we’re seeking. Some years ago, my colleagues and I conducted a study in which we examined the impact of people’s reasons to start exercising on their actual involvement in exercise. We first asked the participants to state their reasons or goals for exercising, as I just asked you. Then, to uncover their higher-level reasons for exercising, we asked them why they cared about obtaining those particular benefits. My colleagues and I found that 75 percent of participants cited weight loss or better health (current and future) as their top reasons for exercising; the other 25 percent exercised in order to enhance the quality of their daily lives (such as to create a sense of well-being or feel centered). Then we measured how much time they actually spent exercising over the course of the next year. The answer may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true: The vast majority of the participants whose goals were weight loss and better health spent the least amount of time exercising overall—up to 32 percent less than those with other goals. Think about that for a moment: Our most common and culturally accepted reasons for exercising are associated with doing the least amount of exercise. How can this be?” Michelle Segar, Ph.D. from "No Sweat"
What a fascinating study!! 75% of the participants said their primary reason for exercising was to lose weight or to get healthier. Sounds reasonable, eh?
Segar tells us that although those are *good* reasons to exercise, they are not EFFECTIVE reasons. They lack the meaning that truly motivates us. So, what motivates us?
Let’s look at the 25% who exercised way more. What motivated them? As Segar tells us, they exercised to enhance the quality of their daily lives—to create a sense of well-being, a feeling of being energized and centered. They found a way to get *immediate* gratification out of their exercise—which is a LOT more effective than pursuing some future, abstract target.
As Segar tells us: “Human beings, it turns out, are predisposed to choosing immediate gratification over long-term benefits.”
She describes the “lose weight” and “get healthy” goals as too fuzzy and in the future, too abstract and clinical and calls them the “Wrong Why.” When we lead with those Whys, our exercise become a chore—which then leads to a failure. Who does chores with sustained enthusiasm?!
The alternative to making our exercise a chore? Create a better "Why"? centered on more "now" and tangible immediate gratification and make exercise a gift you’re giddy to give yourself.
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