The Doolittle Veterans

 A bit of our history. This is a fantastic story.

Seems Impossible
Carefully study this artwork. Then, read what we did.
Not only is the picture awesome, but so are the statistics!


During the 3-1/2 years of World War II that started with the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 and ended with the surrender of Germany and Japan in 1945, "We the People of the U.S.A." produced the following:
22 aircraft carriers
8 battleships
48 cruisers
349 destroyers
420 destroyer escorts
203 submarines
34 million tons of merchant ships
100,000 fighter aircraft
98,000 bombers
24,000 transport aircraft
58,000 training aircraft
93,000 tanks
257,000 artillery pieces
105,000 mortars
3,000,000 machine guns and
2,500,000 military trucks

We put 16.1 million men in uniform in the various armed services, invaded Africa, invaded Sicily and Italy, won the battle for the Atlantic, planned and executed D-Day, marched across the Pacific and Europe, developed the atomic bomb and, ultimately, conquered Japan and Germany.

It’s amazing what America did in those days

Many of you already know the story, here is the update.
THE FINAL TOAST

The text below references the movie “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.”
There is a second film made in 1944 that details the “show” trials of the 11 airmen that were captured & tortured by the Japanese titled “The Purple Heart.” Three were executed as war criminals, a fourth died in captivity.

The FINAL TOAST! They bombed Tokyo 73 years ago.

They once were among the most universally admired and revered men in the United States .. There were 80 of the Raiders in April 1942, when they carried out one of the most courageous and heart-stirring military operations in this nation's history. The mere mention of their unit's name, in those years, would bring tears to the eyes of grateful Americans.


Now only four survive

After Japan 's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, with the United States reeling and wounded,
something dramatic was needed to turn the war effort around.

Even though there were no friendly airfields close enough to Japan for the United States to launch a retaliation, a daring plan was devised. Sixteen B-25s were modified so that they could take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. This had never before been tried -- sending such big, heavy bombers from a carrier.

The 16 five-man crews, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, who himself flew the lead plane off the USS Hornet, knew that they would not be able to return to the carrier. They would have to hit Japan and then hope to make it to China for a safe landing.



But on the day of the raid, the Japanese military caught wind of the plan. The Raiders were told that they would have to take off from much farther out in the Pacific Ocean than they had counted on. They were told that because of this they would not have enough fuel to make it to safety. And those men went anyway.



They bombed Tokyo and then flew as far as they could. Four planes crash-landed; 11 more crews bailed out, and three of the Raiders died. Eight more were captured; three were executed. Another died of starvation in a Japanese prison camp. One crew made it to Russia .









The Doolittle Raiders sent a message from the United States to its enemies, and to the rest of the world: We will fight. And, no matter what it takes, we will win.

Of the 80 Raiders, 62 survived the war. They were celebrated as national heroes, models of bravery. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced a motion picture based on the raid; "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo ," starring Spencer Tracy and Van Johnson, was a patriotic and emotional box-office hit, and the phrase became part of the national lexicon. In the movie-theater previews for the film, MGM proclaimed that it was presenting the story........ "with supreme pride."





Beginning in 1946, the surviving Raiders have held a reunion each April, to commemorate the mission. The reunion is in a different city each year. In 1959, the city of Tucson, Arizona, as a gesture of respect and gratitude, presented the Doolittle Raiders with a set of 80 silver goblets. Each goblet was engraved with the name of a Raider.





Every year, a wooden display case bearing all 80 goblets is transported to the reunion city.
Each time a Raider passes away, his goblet is turned upside down in the case at the next reunion, as his old friends bear solemn witness.



Also in the wooden case is a bottle of 1896 Hennessy Very Special cognac. The year is not happenstance: 1896 was when Jimmy Doolittle was born.



There has always been a plan: When there are only two surviving Raiders, they would open the bottle, at last drink from it, and toast their comrades who preceded them in death.

As 2013 began, there were five living Raiders; then, in February, Tom Griffin passed away at age 96.



What a man he was. After bailing out of his plane over a mountainous Chinese forest after the Tokyo raid, he became ill with malaria, and almost died. When he recovered, he was sent to Europe to fly more combat missions. He was shot down, captured, and spent 22 months in a German prisoner of war camp.



The selflessness of these men, the sheer guts ... There was a passage in the Cincinnati Enquirer obituary for Mr. Griffin that, on the surface, had nothing to do with the war, but that was emblematic of the depth of his sense of duty and devotion:

"When his wife became ill and needed to go into a nursing home, he visited her every day.
He walked from his house to the nursing home, fed his wife, and at the end of the day brought home her clothes. At night, he washed and ironed her clothes. Then he walked them up to her room the next morning. He did that for three years until her death in 2005."



So now, out of the original 80, only four Raiders remain: Dick Cole (Doolittle's co-pilot on the Tokyo raid), Robert Hite, Edward Saylor and David Thatcher. All are in their 90s. They have decided that there are too few of them for the public reunions to continue.

The events in Fort Walton Beach marked the end. It has come full circle; Florida 's nearby Eglin Field was where the Raiders trained in secrecy for the Tokyo mission. The town planned to do all it can to honor the men: a six-day celebration of their valor, including luncheons, a dinner and a parade.



Do the men ever wonder if those of us for whom they helped save the country have tended to it in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice? They don't talk about that, at least not around other people. But if you find yourself near Fort Walton Beach this week, and if you should encounter any of the Raiders, you might want to offer them a word of thanks. I can tell you from first hand observation that they appreciate hearing that they are remembered.

The men have decided that after this final public reunion they will wait until a later date --
sometime this year -- to get together once more, informally and in absolute privacy.
That is when they will open the bottle of brandy. The years are flowing by too swiftly now;
they are not going to wait until there are only two of them.

They will fill the four remaining upturned goblets. And raise them in a toast to those who are gone.


Their 70th Anniversary Photo

Science and Pseudoscience

Pseudoscience vs. Science is a favorite topic of mine. Dr. Hall's views on the subject fall in line with my own and so I am probably going to purchase this book. There is a lot of misinformation out there commonly accepted as truth, so when there is someone out there who helps to filter out the facts from farce, I am all ears. 


BY HARRIET HALL, M.D

We live in a post-truth, anti-intellectual world where intuition, “common sense,” and fake news are often preferred to scientific evidence, and where pseudoscience is often presented as valid science. Assuming that truth exists and is worth searching for, and that science is our most reliable tool in that search, how can we identify pseudoscience and combat it effectively?

Allison B. Kaufman and James C. Kaufman have edited a collection of articles with the title Pseudoscience: The Conspiracy Against Science. The contributors are experts in various fields who have different approaches to the subject. The result is an invaluable volume that examines the cognitive biases that lead to pseudoscience, the history of pseudoscience, the reasons for its wide acceptance, how it is endangering our society, how to recognize it, and how we might reduce its impact.

In the first chapter, David Hecht argues that understanding pseudoscience is as important as debunking it. Science and pseudoscience are opposite ends of one spectrum; we can easily identify the extremes, but there is no clear line separating them. Pseudoscientific beliefs are not as random or indefensible as they seem, and science is not as objective and detached as we like to think. Science is powerful but imperfect; and until we understand its limitations, we shouldn’t condemn those who choose not to trust it. We must avoid dogmatism and remember that scientific knowledge is always provisional.

In a chapter titled “The Psychology of (Pseudo) Science: Cognitive, Social, and Cultural Factors,” Emilio Lobato and Corinne Zimmerman show that pseudoscientific and scientific beliefs are essentially formed in the same way and are subject to the same cognitive biases and social influences. In a chapter on “The Illusion of Causality: A Cognitive Bias Underlying Pseudoscience,” Fernando Blanco and Helena Matute explain the psychology of causal illusions and argue that they are one of the central problems underlying pseudoscience. Other chapters discuss what pseudoscience costs society, factors that affect scientific soundness, pseudoscience in the mainstream, and science activism.

David Gorski explains how the misguided concept of “integrative” medicine has allowed the infiltration of quackery into academia, taking advantage of the blind spot of evidence-based medicine: biological plausibility. Britt Marie Hermes, a former naturopath turned whistleblower, deconstructs the core principles of naturopathy. Kevin Folta examines the weapons and tactics in the war on crop biotechnology. Chad Orzel argues that scientific failures like cold fusion and the report of faster-than-light neutrinos are a good thing: they demonstrate how science responds to criticism and corrects its mistakes, while pseudoscience fails to engage meaningfully with criticism. Other chapters examine the science and pseudoscience behind the anti-vaccine movement, IQ tests, hypnosis, parapsychology, AIDS denialism, over-protection of children, and the challenges of changing minds. There is an excellent discussion of predatory journals and the failures of peer review. And much more. […]

Read the complete review.

The pros and cons of 4 popular diets: Gluten Free, Paleo, Detox, and Ketogenic Diets

Chances are you've heard of the gluten-free, paleo, detox and ketogenic diets. You may be asking yourself what these words even mean—and if you should be following one of these diet plans.  Read on for the pros and cons of each, along with a list of foods you are allowed and not allowed to eat.

A high-school reunion, New Year’s Eve, the start of summer. Certain times of the year prompt a renewed commitment to getting your health, fitness and nutrition in order. We may want the nutrition part of the solution to lie in a perfect “new” diet, such as the gluten-free, paleo, detox and ketogenic programs that may be on your radar right now.

You may be asking yourself what these words even mean—and if you should be following one of these diet plans. Below is an overview of some of the pros and cons of each, along with a list of foods you are allowed and not allowed to eat.

One note before you dig in: Remember that nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. I fully believe that there is not one right way for all of us to eat. What works for your best friend or brother may not be the best choice for you. If you choose to start a new nutrition plan, I recommend (in addition to consulting with a registered dietician ) you find one that works for your schedule, health (physical and mental), budget, cooking ability and, well, your whole life. Whatever diet plan you choose, you won’t continue with it if it’s not a good fit overall.

GLUTEN-FREE DIET: This diet excludes foods containing the protein gluten, which is found in some plant foods. It is primarily used to treat celiac disease, gluten intolerance and often general irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

   What foods are included? Foods that do not contain gluten, such as: Fruits and vegetables, Most dairy products, Meat, fish and poultry, Beans, Nuts and seeds (including flaxseed), Grains that don’t contain gluten protein, such as amaranth, cornmeal and rice

   What foods are avoided? Any grain-based product containing gluten protein, including: Wheat, Barley, Rye, Triticale, any foods made in a factory with these grains

   What are the pros? Relieves symptoms and complications for those with related health conditions, could decrease intake of refined/processed foods

   What are the cons? Difficult to follow, Restricts people from potentially healthy foods, Gluten-free substitutions may be higher in calories, Could increase heart attack risk in people who do not have celiac disease.

PALEO (CAVEMAN) DIET: This diet is based on foods that our ancient ancestors consumed, primarily ones that could be hunted or gathered (and unprocessed).

   What foods are included? Meat, chicken, turkey and pork, fish, fresh fruit, non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, eggs, plant-based oils, such as coconut, grapeseed, olive and walnut

   What foods are avoided? Grains, including oats, wheat and barley, starchy vegetables (like potatoes), beans and legumes, dairy products, sugar, processed foods, salt.

   What are the pros? Could increase fruit and vegetable intake, could decrease intake of processed, high-sugar and high-sodium foods, could lead to weight loss primarily due to limited food choices.

   What are the cons? Low in carbohydrates, which is dangerous for athletes vigorous exercise enthusiasts and negatively impacts performance, may result in nutrient deficiencies, high in fat, which could lead to weight gain

DETOX DIET:  This diet’s intention is to eliminate toxins from the body. (Note: The body naturally detoxifies itself via the kidneys, liver and spleen, and it eliminates them through perspiration and waste.)

   What foods are included? Fruit and vegetable juices and water, some detoxes allow fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

   What foods are avoided? Few allow whole grains and flaxseed or solid foods.

   What are the pros? Could reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, decreased intake of high-fat and highly processed foods, encourages eating more plant-based foods

   What are the cons? Weight loss is from fluid and muscle mass, weight regain is rapid when diet is discontinued, metabolism slows down (from muscle loss), making it more difficult to keep weight off, may result in nutrient deficiencies.

KETOGENIC DIET: This diet is a low-carb, high-fat program that uses fat for fuel. It was originally designed to treat epilepsy. It is being looked at as part of a treatment plan for certain cancerous tumors and for blood sugar control and now as a weight-loss method. The ketogenic diet, just as the paleo diet, has been moving through the athlete population, especially with endurance athletes.

   What foods are included? Meat and fatty fish, eggs, full-fat dairy products, such as butter, cream and cheese, nuts and seeds, oils, avocados, low-carb vegetables, such as leafy greens, asparagus, cucumbers and celery

   What foods are avoided? Added sugar and foods that contain it, such as ice cream, pudding and sugary drinks, grains, fruit, beans and legumes, alcohol, milk

   What are the pros? Lowers blood glucose levels, may decrease inflammation, promotes rapid weight loss

   What are the cons? May result in nutrient deficiencies, may result in electrolyte abnormalities, may increase risk of heart disease, may cause lack of energy

 Now that you are armed with a bit more information regarding some of the trending fad diets, make an informed decision and know that the greatest success comes from what you can incorporate into your life. If you choose any eating style or exercise program, be sure that you can adjust it for your life and maintain the changes for the long term.

One of the best ways of empowering yourself regarding your health, nutrition or fitness is seeking knowledge. Do your research and be informed. Invest some time researching before investing in the next fad. Please also consult with a physician and a registered dietitian. 

References:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). 2014. The gluten-free diet: Building the grocery list. Accessed July 22, 2017. http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/celiac-disease/the-gluten-free-diet-building-the-grocery-list

Academy. 2017. 2014. Grains to avoid if you have celiac disease. Accessed July 22, 2017. http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/celiac-disease/celiacs-avoid-these-grains

Academy. 2015. Should we eat like our caveman ancestors? Accessed July 22, 2017. http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/weight-loss/fad-diets/should-we-eat-like-our-caveman-ancestors

Academy. Staying away from fad diets. Accessed July 22, 2017. http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/weight-loss/fad-diets/staying-away-from-fad-diets

Academy. 2017. What’s the deal with detox diets? Accessed July 22, 2017. http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/weight-loss/fad-diets/whats-the-deal-with-detox-diets

Four Spices That Enhance Your Workout Recovery

Consistency is crucial in the weight room and the kitchen. For example, to get bigger and stronger, you'll probably need to perform some of the same exercises over and over again. In your diet, eating variations on the same dishes can help you keep your nutritional plan airtight and your meal prep straightforward.
Sticking to the same monotonous flavors can leave you dreading the meal to come, however. Adding spice is the easiest way to breathe new life into the same old food! And not only are these spices delicious and calorie-free, they've been shown to have a beneficial impact on body composition and performance. Is your spice rack up to date? If not, add these four to your grocery list! Each of these spices have been in the news long before now!

1. Turmeric: Turmeric is a plant native to Southeast Asia, and it's a staple in many Indian dishes. Beyond the unique savory flavor it provides, this golden spice has a rich history of providing many health benefits, which is why it's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.[1]

One possible benefit that has gotten a lot of press in recent years is turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties. It's purported that turmeric can help to alleviate muscle soreness and also lessen the stress response to exercise. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition provided turmeric to cyclists undergoing exhaustive exercise and found that those taking the turmeric had significantly lower levels of stress and inflammatory markers upon completion of the exhaustive bouts.[2] Furthermore, one study found that those supplementing with turmeric showed significantly less muscle damage following a muscle-damaging exercise protocol.[3]

Spice it up: Try adding ground turmeric powder to curry dishes or stews, frittatas or scrambles, and all things grains and veggies.

2. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the world's great spices, not only for its flavor, but also its ability to turn up the flavor in both sweet and savory dishes. But this potent brown powder also delivers a slew of benefits that may just help you present your best beach body yet.

For one, cinnamon has a profound impact on glucose control. This is related to high levels of the bioactive compound methylhydroxychalcone polymer (MHCP), which provides an insulin-mimicking effect. When you eat cinnamon, several enzymatic reactions are triggered that ultimately lead to prolonged digestion and slower entry of glucose into the blood.[4]

Ingesting 3-6 grams of cinnamon has been shown to have a positive impact on blood glucose levels following a meal, as well as significantly delaying gastric emptying rates.[5,6] Although it hasn't been shown to directly influence satiety, a slower digestion rate may keep you from snacking in between meals.

Spice it up: Cinnamon tastes great on just about anything. Throw it in your morning smoothie, protein shake, or oats, sprinkle it atop Greek yogurt, or even mix it into your ground turkey.

3. Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper is part of the Capsicum annuum family, which makes it a relative of paprika, bell peppers, and jalapenos. You may know that this bright red powder provides intense flavor, but it can kick up your fat-loss efforts.

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation via increase in sympathetic (nervous system) activity.[7] No wonder it's a staple ingredient in plenty of contemporary fat-burning supplements!

The capsaicin content of cayenne pepper varies greatly, but it's thought to be between 0.1-60.0 milligrams per gram of capsaicin.[8,9] Based on these numbers, it's estimated that a single tablespoon may contain between 0.8-480 milligrams of capsaicin. Most studies examining the impact of capsaicin have used a teaspoon or less.
A study published in the Public Library of Science (PLOS) found favorable and significant changes in the rate of fat oxidation and total calorie balance in subjects supplementing with just 2.56 milligrams of capsaicin at each meal during a one-day period.[10]

Furthermore, supplementing with capsaicin has been shown to maintain a higher rate of reliance on fat as fuel coming out of a diet.[11] In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, 91 individuals underwent a four-week very-low-calorie diet, followed by a three-month maintenance period. During the maintenance period, half of the subjects took 135 milligrams of supplemental capsaicin per day. Subjects taking the capsaicin maintained higher levels of fat oxidation throughout the three-month maintenance period compared to those not taking capsaicin.

Spice it up: Add cayenne to any cooked protein, stew, soup, or egg dish you make, but be warned that the heat is strong and can vary by brand or age. Start with a little and assess your tolerance before piling it on.

4. Ginger: Ginger is a pungent spice that has a distinctive and instantly recognizable flavor. In root form, it comes shaped like a tree trunk, with a pale brown exterior and fibrous, slightly yellow interior. Native to many Asian countries, its culinary use spans the continent, but this root has been used in folk medicine for decades—and for good reason! One of its many health benefits is its anti-inflammatory effect.

In a study published in The Journal of Pain, researchers looked at the impact of consuming 2 grams of ginger daily on reducing muscle soreness following a bout of 18 eccentric-focused exercises.[12] The supplementation group reported less muscle soreness compared to the placebo group throughout the next 24 hours.
If you're new to training, or starting a new exercise routine, experiencing delayed-onset muscle soreness will be inevitable. But adding ginger to your nutritional routine may help you get back into the gym sooner rather than later.

Spice it up: Ginger is available both in its fresh root form or powdered form. When working with the root version, it can be stored peeled in the fridge, wrapped in a wet paper towel, for up to three weeks. Powdered ginger can be stored in your spice cabinet, but many people find the flavor of the fresh item superior. Try blending fresh ginger in your stir-fry, soup, or if you're feeling spicy, a smoothie or protein shake!

References
1.        Benzie, I. F., & Wachtel-Galor, S. (Eds.). (2011). Herbal medicine: biomolecular and clinical aspects. CRC Press.
2.        Sciberras, J. N., Galloway, S. D., Fenech, A., Grech, G., Farrugia, C., Duca, D., & Mifsud, J. (2015). The effect of turmeric (Curcumin) supplementation on cytokine and inflammatory marker responses following 2 hours of endurance cycling. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition,12(1), 1.
3.        Davis, J. M., Murphy, E. A., Carmichael, M. D., Zielinski, M. R., Groschwitz, C. M., Brown, A. S., ... & Mayer, E. P. (2007). Curcumin effects on inflammation and performance recovery following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 292(6), R2168-R2173.
4.        Jarvill-Taylor, K.J., Anderson, R.A. & Graves, D.J. (2001). A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 20(4), 327-336.
5.        Hlebowicz, J., Darwiche, G., Bjorgell, O. & Almer, L.O. (2007). Effect of cinnamon on postprandial blood glucose, gastric emptying, and satiety in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(6), 1552-1556.
6.        Hlebowicz, J., Hlebowics, A., Lindstedt, S., Bjorgell, O., Hoglund, P. Holst, J.J., Darwiche, G. & Almer, L.O. (2009). Effects of 1 and 3 g cinnamon on gastric emptying, satiety, and postprandial blood glucose, insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like-peptide 1, and ghrelin concentrations in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89(3), 815-821.
7.        Matsumoto, T., Miyawaki, C., Ue, H., YUASA, T., MIYATSUJI, A., & MORITANI, T. (2000). Effects of capsaicin-containing yellow curry sauce on sympathetic nervous system activity and diet-induced thermogenesis in lean and obese young women. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology,46(6), 309-315.
8.        Kang, J. Y., Alexander, B., Math, M. V., & Williamson, R. C. N. (1993). The effect of chilli and its pungent ingredient capsaicin on gastrointestinal transit in the rat. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 8(6), 513-516.
9.        Thapa, B., Skalko-Basnet, N., Takano, A., Masuda, K., & Basnet, P. (2009). High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of capsaicin content in 16 Capsicum fruits from Nepal. Journal of Medicinal Food, 12(4), 908-913.
10.      Janssens, P. L., Hursel, R., Martens, E. A., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2013). Acute effects of capsaicin on energy expenditure and fat oxidation in negative energy balance. PloS One, 8(7), e67786.
11.      Lejeune, M. P., Kovacs, E. M., & Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2003). Effect of capsaicin on substrate oxidation and weight maintenance after modest body-weight loss in human subjects. British Journal of Nutrition, 90(03), 651-659.
12.      Black, C. D., Herring, M. P., Hurley, D. J., & O'Connor, P. J. (2010). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces muscle pain caused by eccentric exercise. The Journal of Pain, 11(9), 894-903.

Five Questions about Human Errors for Proponents of Intelligent Design

BY NATHAN H. LENTS

When Charles Darwin first proposed natural selection as the mechanism of evolutionary change, he provided many different lines of reasoning. One of them was that he and other biologists had observed striking examples of suboptimal design in nature. If a creator-God was perfect and designed the world and everything in it according to His perfect plan, how could poor structure/function be explained? If we view the natural world as the product of evolutionary forces, however, imperfection is not so surprising. Rather, examples of poor design reveal interesting things about an organism’s evolutionary past, and that’s the thrust of my new book Human Errors.¹

Because courts in the United States rightly determined that creationism is a religious doctrine, not a scientific one, its proponents changed their approach, practically overnight, restyling their position as the theory of “intelligent design,” or ID. By focusing on the seemingly scientific principle of “irreducible complexity” and only implying a vague, unnamed “designer,” supporters of ID claim it as a valid scientific theory, not a religious doctrine necessarily. Notwithstanding the fact that vanishingly few scientists support this theory and that neither were the courts fooled by the semantic shift, ID has become the dominant expression of creationism in the United States and is supported by around 40 percent of the population.² Support for ID is strongly stratified by age, with only around 25 percent of those under age 30 in support, and is finally beginning to decline after years of holding steady.³

Even if ID offered intellectual gains over creationism through the principle of irreducible complexity, and a focus on observations rather than biblical scripture, it did little to explain how poor design could be so rampant in creatures that were specifically designed by an intelligent force. Therefore, glitches in nature, particularly in the human body, call out for an explanation. Evolution usually provides elegant and deeply informative explanations. What are the explanations provided by ID? My book documents scores of these “human errors,” but I would love to know what intelligent design supporters say about these five in particular.

1. Why are we designed with nonfunctional pseudogenes?

In the human genome, there exist broken-down versions of once-functional genes. Formally called pseudogenes, these genetic elements have no function and are usually not expressed at all, but they bear striking resemblance to important and functional genes in other species. These genes were rendered inoperative by mutations and, in most cases, whatever function the genes once had we either no longer need or has been taken over by some other genes. In a few cases, however, the breakdown of the gene in question actually hobbles us in some specific way. […]

Read the complete article

Millions of pounds are consumed annually, yet it may be more like a drug than a food and just as damaging and addictive as alcohol...

Fructose, which literally means "fruit sugar,"* sounds so sweet and innocent. And indeed, when incorporated into the diet in moderate amounts in the form of fruit – always organic and raw, when possible – it's about as pure and wholesome as any whole food can get, inseparably complexed with vitamins, fiber, plant stem cells, and antioxidants.  

Not so for industrially processed fructose in isolate form, which may be as addictive as alcohol,[i] and perhaps even morphine [ii] [iii]and which according to USDA research published in 2008 into major trends in U.S. food consumption patterns, 1970-2005, we now consume at the rate of at least 50 lbs a year -- the '800 ounce gorilla' in the room.[iv]

Our dietary exposure to fructose, of course, is primarily through either sugar (sucrose), which is a disaccharide comprised of 50% fructose and 50% glucose by weight, or through high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is mostly a 55% fructose and 45% glucose blend of monosaccharides, but goes as high as 90% fructose and 10% glucose in HFCS-90 form.  Pasteurized fruit juices are another concentrated source of fructose, but increasingly even pasteurized fruit juice is being adulterated with additional sugar or HFCS for reasons that have mostly to do with protecting the manufacturer's bottom line.

Because high-fructose corn syrup contains free-form monosaccharides of fructose and glucose, it cannot be considered biologically equivalent to sucrose, which has a glycosidic bond that links the fructose and glucose together, and which slows its break down in the body. The attempt by the HFCS industry to re-label their product as "corn sugar," which was recently denied by the FDA,[v] belies their anxiety about the differences, and also reveals growing awareness among the public of isolated fructose's inherently toxic properties.

The reality is that fructose can cause far more damage than glucose, and we must look beyond caloric equivalences to understand this. While in times of need (e.g. starvation, post-workout glycogen depletion), fructose is as effective as glucose in replenishing glycogen stores, in excess consumption, it can lead to a process known as glycation whereby a sugar binds with protein or lipid molecules, often resulting in damage to cells and tissues.

For example, in vitro studies show that fructose damages proteins seven times more rapidily than glucose through a process known as protein fructosylation, which is when a sugar undergoes a reaction with a protein, which basically results in the caramelization (browning) of blood and tissue contents, "gumming up the works." For example, if you try baking a pastry made with fructose, instead of white sugar, it will brown much more rapidly as a result of this reactivity.

Fructose actually shares great resemblance to alcohol (ethanol), such as being capable of stimulating dopamine production in our brain, as well as sharing similar metabolic pathways and effects on the liver (e.g. fatty liver). Their great similarities make even more sense when you consider that fructose can easily be converted into ethanol with a pinch of yeast in order to make alcoholic beverages.

So toxic is "purified" fructose that here at GreenMedInfo we have indexed research on over 70 adverse health effects associated with its excessive consumption, which include:
Insulin Resistance (32 studies), Fatty Liver (22 studies), Obesity (13 studies), Metabolic Syndrome (19 studies), Hypertension (10 studies), Elevated Uric Acid (9 studies), Elevated Triglycerides (14 studies), Belly Fat (2 studies), Cardiovascular Diseases (4 studies), Liver Stress (6 studies), Pancreatic Cancer (2 studies), Leptin Resistance (2 studies). To view the first hand research on 70+ forms of fructose toxicity click the hyperlink.

Like many foods consumed by the masses, which may have a lesser known dark side (e.g. wheat), our global fixation on fructose may reveal something about it's previously under appreciated addictive properties.

Fructose's Drug-like Hold On Our Bodies: Fructose addiction and alcoholism, in fact, share a number of parallels. In an article titled, "Fructose: metabolic, hedonic, and societal parallels with ethanol," published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2010, Robert H. Lustig, MD broke new ground by identifying the great similarities between these two substances:
     "Rates of fructose consumption continue to rise nationwide and have been linked to rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Because obesity has been equated with addiction, and because of their evolutionary commonalities, we chose to examine the metabolic, hedonic, and societal similarities between fructose and its fermentation byproduct ethanol. Elucidation of fructose metabolism in liver and fructose action in brain demonstrate three parallelisms with ethanol.
     First, hepatic fructose metabolism is similar to ethanol, as they both serve as substrates for de novo lipogenesis, and in the process both promote hepatic insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis.
 Second, fructosylation of proteins with resultant superoxide formation can result in hepatic inflammation similar to acetaldehyde, an intermediary metabolite of ethanol.
     Lastly, by stimulating the "hedonic pathway" of the brain both directly and indirectly, fructose creates habituation, and possibly dependence; also paralleling ethanol. Thus, fructose induces alterations in both hepatic metabolism and central nervous system energy signaling, leading to a "vicious cycle" of excessive consumption and disease consistent with metabolic syndrome. On a societal level, the treatment of fructose as a commodity exhibits market similarities to ethanol. Analogous to ethanol, societal efforts to reduce fructose consumption will likely be necessary to combat the obesity epidemic."

While the parallel between fructose and alcohol consumption may seem strange, the intimate connection between what we eat and our psychological health is beginning to gain wider recognition,especially considering new research linking aggression to trans fatty acid consumption, episodes of acute wheat mania, and the widespread presence of opiates in common foods. 

It may come as a surprise to many, but there is a fructose-opiate infatuation deeply embedded within mammalian biology, which has been the subject of scientific investigation since the late 80's. A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology in 1988 found that both glucose and fructose were capable of antagonizing morphine-induced pain killing effects, likely due to the direct opioid effects of these sugars or their metabolic byproducts on the central nervous system. In fact, the researchers found that fructose was more potent than glucose in accomplishing these effects.

Could the narcotic properties of fructose, or one of its metabolic byproducts, explain why we would consume such vast quantities of something so inherently harmful to our bodies?  As it turns out, not only has fructose's manifold toxic properties been studied, but researchers have also investigated what natural substances reduce fructose's adverse effects.

GreenMedInfo contains research on 21 natural compounds which attenuate fructos toxicity, including:Berberine, Fish Oil, Astaxanthin, Bitter Melon, Chlorella, Coconut Water, Garlic, Ginger, Holy Basil, Quinoa, Resveratrol, & Spirulina. To view them all, you can visit our Fructose-Induced Toxicity page.

Ultimately, avoiding fructose in any other than its naturally embedded form in the intelligent and infinitely complex structures of food, e.g. fruit, is ideal. Food cravings for sweets, after all, may conceal unmet emotional or spiritual needs, so sometimes it is best to search deeper within for the answers. Or, using natural non- or low-calorie sweeteners like xylitol or stevia may also take the edge off an intense sweet tooth.

But, beyond the increasingly obvious adverse effects of isolated fructose to human health, is the "hidden" damage that fructose does to environmental/planetary health. This is because fructose from HFCS is invariably produced from genetically modified (GM) corn, which requires massive environmental inputs of harmful pesticides, glyphosate, gene products with the ability to transfer horizontally, and other unsustainable practices. The "hidden tax" of fructose consumption is the accelerating, GM-mediated destruction of the biosphere; a biosphere, mind you, without which human health and human existence, is not possible. 

References:
[i] Fructose: metabolic, hedonic, and societal parallels with ethanol. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010 Sep ;110(9):1307-21.  
[ii] Antagonism of the morphine-induced locomotor activation of mice by fructose: comparison with other opiates and sugars, and sugar effects on brain morphine. Life Sci. 1991 ;49(10):727-34.
[iii] Antagonism of antinociception in mice by glucose and fructose: comparison of subcutaneous and intrathecal morphine. Eur J Pharmacol. 1988 Feb 9 ;146(2-3):337-40.
[iv] USDA Economic Research Service, Dietary Assessment of Major Trends in U.S. Food Consumption, 1970-2005
[v] Packaging Digest, FDA rejects renaming of high-fructose corn syrup, 6/7/2012

Discipline is More Than Just “Sticking to the Plan”

by Scott Tousignant

Discipline is the cornerstone of sculpting a healthy, impressive physique. It’s a large portion of consistently following the nutrition and workout plan that is designed to help you achieve your goal. This means that if you have a hectic schedule you may need to set the alarm early, avoid hitting the snooze button, and crawl out of your warm comfortable bed while everyone else is sleeping.

Or, you may need to hit the gym immediately after an exhausting day of work while resisting the urge to head home and kick your feet up. At times you’ll need to say “no” to food temptations, avoid between meal or night time snacking, and go to bed feeling a little hungry. No matter what you’re trying to accomplish in improving your fitness, you’ll need to make some sacrifices along the way. As such, there will be moments when you will suffer a bit.

Discipline is the act of sticking to the plan and moving forward in spite of these sacrifices and suffering. However, the real power of discipline is not the act itself. It’s how the act shapes you as a person.

Discipline builds your character.

This is one of the greatest benefits that arise from the body transformation process. Yet, it’s rarely if ever used as motivator or “powerful reason why” you should go after your physique goal with everything you’ve got. When you are facing food temptations or lacking the drive to go to the gym, reflecting on your “powerful reason why” will spark you into action.

It’s easy to give into temptation. It’s easy to skip the gym. Transforming your body, although simple, is hard work. The stronger your “powerful reason why”, the greater your chances of overcoming adversity.
This was a topic of conversation in our recent group coaching experience last week when Sarah was struggling to find her “powerful reason why”. What had worked for her in the past was no longer as meaningful as it once was. She isn’t competing, she didn’t have any meaningful life events to get leaner for, and she looks good. And that right there can be the dagger in the heart of a physique goal.

When the going gets tough it’s easy to look in the mirror and think, “I look good enough. Especially compared to most of the population.” Next thing you know, you are settling for less than your best. You’re falling into the trap of mediocrity.

Ewwww! I choked on my own vomit just typing that word. And if the mere mention of the word mediocrity makes your stomach churn, you can use it to help keep you focused and on track. The thought of mediocrity alone can often times be enough to spark me into action. It’s tied into my “powerful reason why”.

Being a positive role model and setting an example for my son and daughter is a huge driving force to me. The last thing I want is for them to see me settling for the status quo. Coasting through life while doing just enough to get by.

No! I want them to see that I give the best of myself to everything I do. Not just the big things, but the little things as well. I want them to see how I make the absolute most out of the gifts I’ve been granted.

Most important, I want them to see how the act of discipline continues to shape the person I’ve become. I want them to see beyond the physical transformation. That as nice as it is to have a lean and muscular body, the real value and reward is in the lifestyle that shapes the body.

   Each time you resist temptation, it builds your character.
   Each time you fuel your body with nutrient rich foods, it builds your character.
   Each time you step outside of your comfort zone and crank out a few more reps even though it feels like your muscles are on fire and your skin is about to split from the crazy pump, it builds your character.

   Each time you get up and go for a walk instead of dropping your ass in the lazy-boy recliner, it builds your character.

   Each time you block out the distractions around you and focus on the task at hand in this present moment, it builds your character.

This is why I place so much emphasis on becoming process driven rather that outcome oriented. When you focus on the discipline, the goal takes care of itself. And you end up gaining so much more than an impressive looking physique. You gain personal growth.

My “powerful reason why” I should continue transforming my physique is simply that it is congruent with who I am. Not just the muscle and abs, but the discipline it takes to continuously improve upon them. Especially now that I’m in my 40’s and progress comes at a much slower rate.

I thrive from discipline. I feel a rush when I overcome adversity. In the gym I feel exhilarated when I push through the burning sensation near the end of a set. I feel proud when I turn down temptations.

Pursuing my physique goals to the best of my abilities is all about being true to myself. I can’t think of a more powerful reason why. Well… maybe one reason. Which is hoping that the example I set will make a positive impact on others around me. That by giving my best, I help bring out the best in others. And in turn they bring out the best in others around them.

The take home message of all this, is to see the incredible value of discipline, which extends well beyond any possible outcome.