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//////////////////The Faith Column
Every week a different believer gives the inside track on their religion or philosophy.
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Descartes and God
Posted by Richard Francks
14 November 2007
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Descartes claims he can prove the existence of God. In two or three different ways, in fact. Most people who read those proofs are unimpressed by them. Let’s assume they are right, and that Descartes’ ‘proofs’ give us no good reason to accept his conclusion, that God exists. Let’s go further, and assume that no-one has managed to succeed where Descartes had failed, and produced a different argument which actually does work. The question I want to ask is this: what should we conclude from those failures?
At first the answer may seem obvious. If no-one has given us any good reason to believe in God, then surely we should not believe in God. (We may not actually deny God’s existence – we may try to remain uncommitted on the matter – but still we won’t believe in God.)
That is surely the only reasonable, or rational, response. To do otherwise would be to believe something for which we had no good reason – and that is what it means to be irrational, isn’t it? If I believed for no reason that there was a giant porcupine under my bed, even though I have looked several times and found no trace of it, my belief would be irrational. And so would be a belief in God if I thought all the arguments for such a belief failed.
Interestingly, most people who wrote about such questions in the past have taken exactly the opposite view: they thought that if reason fails to show God’s existence, then, given that God exists, what that shows is the weakness of human reason, which is unable to encompass the great truths of life. Is that an irrational attitude?
If it is, then I think most of us are guilty of similar irrationality. Another task Descartes takes on is to provide a proof of the existence of the material world – he says that although if we try hard enough it is possible for us to doubt it, and to convince ourselves that the world around us is nothing but a dream or an illusion, nevertheless he can show that such doubts are in fact misplaced. Most commentators think that proof, too, fails to do the job. And most contemporary philosophers will also admit that they have no very compelling alternative to it, and therefore that the existence of the material world is something they cannot convincingly prove.
Now ask yourself this question. If you too came to that conclusion, that you could find no good reason to believe in the existence of the material world, how would you react? Would you conclude that, as a rational person, you therefore have no alternative but to give up your belief in matter? Would you cease henceforth to think that human beings (whatever else they may be) are material organisms in a material universe? Or would you do what the great majority of contemporary philosophers do, and simply shrug your shoulders and say it just goes to show that not everything that’s true can (at least at present) be proved?
I suspect most people will take the latter course. So my question becomes: how can it be rational not to believe in God because there is no proof that God exists, if it is also rational to believe in the existence of matter even though we have no proof of it?




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Top Six Excellent Foods to Reduce Lipids and Cholesterol
by CHAN LEE PENG, Nov 13, 2007
Nowadays, Cholesterol and Triglyceride has become a major threat to our health. In fact, besides having a routine exercise, adjusting the diet you eat every day is also very important to help combat with the chronic diseases due to the presence of extremely high cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in our blood stream.

Cholesterol and Triglyceride (common types of fats) are important for our health if they are present in normal amounts. 95 per cent of our body's fatty tissue is made up of cholesterol and fat. Triglyceride is either manufactured by our body or obtained through daily diet. High level of cholesterol and Triglyceride can lead us to some chronic diseases such as cirrhosis (a disease of the liver), diabetes, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), high blood pressure, obesity and heart coronary diseases.
High cholesterol and triglyceride in our blood is always related to the low lever of HDL (good cholesterol) and high level of LDL (bad cholesterol). High level of LDL is a sign of warning to our health as they may contribute to the thickening of artery walls (atherosclerosis). In short, plaque can stick to our arteries' walls when blood carries high cholesterol and triglyceride passes through the artery. The artery will gradually become hardening and thicken which can finally trigger the health conditions.
According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the triglyceride levels are classified as follow (measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) :
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Below are some excellent foods help to reduce both Lipids (fats) and Cholesterol levels in our blood stream:
One Bowl of Oat Porridge for Your Breakfast
You should eat a bowl of oat porridge for your breakfast. This food therapy should proceed constantly for eight weeks. In this way, the LDL concentration in the blood stream will decrease to 10 per cent. At the same time, the quantity of HDL in the blood stream will increase. Oat has lots of soluble and insoluble fibers which can act to inhibit the absorption of lipids and cholesterol in our stomach and intestine.
Half Bowl of Green Pea Soup for Your Lunch
You should have half bowl of green pea soup for your lunch. This food therapy should proceed constantly for eight weeks. After the eighth week, the LDL concentration will drop to 20 per cent. Foods from the bean group always contains sufficient and variety of ingredients that can reduce the level of cholesterol and fat. Like oat, green pea too, contains both soluble and insoluble fibers that help preventing the absorption of fats and cholesterol into our blood stream.
Three Pieces of Garlic for Your Dinner
You should eat three pieces of garlic a day for your dinner. There should proceed for eight consecutive weeks so that the LDL concentration in the blood will decrease to 10 per cent. You may eat either raw or cooked garlic; its effect in reducing the fat and cholesterol levels is the same.
Eat Half Raw Onion a Day (for Eight Consecutive Weeks)
It is better to eat raw onion though you may eat the cooked one. Its effect in reducing the fats and cholesterol levels is found to be more effective by eating raw onion. Its property to reduce the fats and cholesterol levels will be damaged when it is heated or cooked with high temperature.
Use Olive Oil for Preparing Your Meals (for Eight Consecutive Weeks)
Many researches have proved that olive oil plays an important role to protect our cardiovascular system. You should choose the olive oil with high-temperature extraction but not the one with the cold-pressing extraction. The latter has a very low quality in term of its nutritional value.
Eat an Apple a Day (for Eight Consecutive Weeks)
An apple contains lots of pectin. This substance is found to be effective in reducing fats and cholesterol levels in our blood stream.



///////////////////////A survey of 1,000 Britons over 35 years of age showed 82 per cent of Britons enjoy sex more than any other physical activity and 94 per cent of us think an active love life is positively good for our health.
The survey, commissioned by Voltarol Pain-eze Emulgel, also found Britons think sex beats going to the gym and over half believe it is a great way of getting rid of aches and pains.
While 72 per cent of those questioned chose kissing as their next favourite physical activity, walking came top of them all with 88 per cent of people preferring it to stay in shape.



/////////////////////Twenty of the World's Healthiest Foods
Updated on September 12th, 2007 @ 7:35pmSource: Associated Content
By Kathy BrowningWhen it comes to eating healthy most people think of dull, boring food that's green in color. In reality, most of the world's healthiest foods not only taste great, they also come in a vast array of vibrant colors. Many require little, if any preparation, yet provide you with the energy and stamina to get through the day. They are the ultimate fast food! Although fresh, whole fruits and veggies are amongst the world's healthiest foods, it's also important to consume an assortment of grains, nuts, seeds and foods rich in essential fatty acids. Experts recommend consuming a daily total of 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruit, 6-11 servings of grains, and 1-2 servings of nuts and seeds. One serving of vegetables is equivalent to1/2 cup cooked or chopped raw vegetables, or 3/4 cup vegetable juice, or 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, collard greens). One serving of grains equals 1/4 cup of cooked grains. A serving of nuts and seeds equals one ounce or approximately two tablespoons sunflower seeds or 12 whole almonds. Essential fatty acids are obtained through a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. Daily intake should be between 1 and 3 grams. The omega-3 and omega-6 oils are the essential fatty acids. There are omega-9 oils, but these are not essential because the body can produce them naturally. Omega-3 and omega-6 oils must come from your diet because the body cannot make them. Not only must you consume both oils, you must consume them in the proper balance. The human brain contains omega-3 and omega-6 in a ration of 1:1. Unfortunately, the typical American diet has most people consuming the omegas at a 1:10 ratio. Foods rich in omega-6 EFAs include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and grains. Foods rich in omega-3 EFAs include flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, grains, and spirulina. Scientific research has shown eating a balanced diet provides a host of benefits. Eating healthy foods can provide you with more energy, brain clarity, less aches and pains, restful sleep and more. Here you will find twenty of the world's healthiest foods and the health benefits they provide. Start by adding one new food each day. In just 20 days you will be well on your way to a healthier you! FRUITS:Apricots: These beauties are rich in the antioxidant beta carotene; the molecule that gives fruits and vegetables their orange color. Apricots also contain an abundant supply of iron and potassium. They help regulate blood pressure and maintain regular bowel function. If you ever experience constipation, eat an apricot! One fresh apricot or a handful of dried apricots, provide an adult with one-fifth of the daily recommended value of potassium. It also packs a whopping 20 percent of the RDA of vitamin A, 8 percent vitamin C, and 5 percent fiber. Apricots contain tryptophan, which helps to induce sleep and relaxation.Avocados: Oftentimes, people shy away from avocados because of their fat content. However, avocados contain "good" fat and are rich in vitamins C, E, and B6. They are also a good source of potassium. Studies have shown avocados possess the ability to reduce cholesterol. Individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can obtain health benefits by consuming two to three avocados per week. Avocados are high in calories, so limit weekly consumption to a maximum of three. Bananas: Need a quick energy boost? Eat a banana. This delectable fruit contains only 62 calories and is rich in potassium and vitamin B6. It also boasts a healthy dose of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Look for bananas which are fully ripened because they contain more starch than "green" bananas. Banana starch is converted to sugar, making this fruit a good choice for people with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Bananas are probably one of the most versatile health foods available. They can be eaten with every meal, as a snack or dessert. You can add them to frozen yogurt or a fruit salad. They can be grilled, broiled, sautéed or flambéed. One of my all-time favorite banana recipes is to insert a popsicle stick into a banana, coat in melted carob, roll in chopped nuts and freeze. There's nothing better on a hot summer night! Blueberries: This tart berry has been shown to reduce inflammation; making blueberries a good choice for individuals with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Research shows that eating thirty blueberries per day can help alleviate aches and pains in the joints. In addition to being an anti-inflammatory fruit, blueberries also offer anti-blood clotting and antibacterial effects. They can help ease the pain associated with diarrhea or food poisoning. Blueberries contain the highest level of antioxidants and are said to possess anti-aging properties. One cup of blueberries contains less than 100 calories, yet provides nearly 30 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, 10 percent vitamin E, and 15 percent dietary fiber. They can be added to cereal, oatmeal, fruit salads, and yogurt or eaten plain. Add dried blueberries to granola and eat as an afternoon snack for a quick-pick-me-up. Mangoes: Mangoes contain beta-cryptoxanthin, a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging your cells and DNA. Recent studies have shown that mangoes may help to reduce the risk of colon and cervical cancer. Mangoes are rich in beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A within the body. It's important to note that beta-cryptoxanthin is best absorbed by the body when eaten with fat. For best results, consume mangoes as part of a meal. Mango salsa makes an excellent companion with chicken and pork. They add a tart, yet sweet flavor to fruit salads and smoothies. Mangoes can be frozen, but be certain to remove the skin and core and store in a freezer bag. VEGETABLES:Artichokes: This odd-looking vegetable is fat-free, a good source of complex carbohydrates, and contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a non-digestible fiber. The human body does not possess the enzymes required to break down FOS. However, bacteria found in the large intestine and colon does contain the enzymes. For this reason, artichokes are beneficial to people who experience bowel problems. Artichokes are a good source of iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. They provide nearly 20 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, 23 percent of vitamin K and 17 percent folate.One artichoke contains around 76 calories. Broccoli: Research has proven broccoli has the potential to prevent cancer. That fact alone should make you want to eat it on a daily basis. Broccoli has also been proven effective in lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Broccoli is rich in beta carotene, calcium, iron, folate, vitamin C and E, and zinc. Broccoli contains about 15 percent of tryptophan; an essential amino acid that aids in sleep and relaxation. Eat this food throughout the day and for an evening snack to keep your nerves calm and to obtain a peaceful sleep. Garlic: One of the most notable benefits of garlic is its ability to reduce blood pressure. Garlic is also known for its antibacterial properties, which can reduce the risk of infection and illness. Recent studies show garlic may also help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. At only 9 calories per clove, it is a perfect vegetable for those watching their weight. Garlic is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C and calcium. Garlic can be eaten raw, added to nearly every recipe, or baked for a delicious garlic spread. Garlic salt or garlic powder can be used as a salt substitute. Onions: Not only are onions a good source of fiber, potassium, and B vitamins, they also possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research indicates onions may help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and relieve bronchial congestion. At only 36 calories per medium-sized onion, these flavorful veggies can be abundantly consumed on a daily basis. Raw onions provide the highest level of health benefits. Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil to onion slices and toss on the grill. Fresh herbs and spices can be added for an extra punch of flavor. Tomatoes: Perhaps one of the most versatile vegetables is the tomato. It can be eaten raw, cooked, steamed, grilled, baked, juiced, or pureed. Tomatoes are compatible with nearly every type of food including meats, vegetables, potatoes and rice. One tomato contains a mere 17 calories, making it an excellent choice for those following a weight management program. Tomatoes contain a high level of antioxidants and are a good source of vitamins C and E. Just one cup will provide you with more than 50 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, 20 percent of vitamin A and 15 percent of vitamin K. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a phytochemical known to reduce the risk of heart disease. GRAINSBarley and rye: These grains are high fiber whole grains and contain five times more fiber than any other whole grain. Studies show barley can slow the progression of atherosclerosis and may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It is believed these grains reduce estrogen levels, help prevent the risk of heart disease, and stabilize blood sugar levels.Barley and rye are both good sources of potassium and fiber. They contain small amounts of iron, Pantothenate, vitamins B1 and B6, and zinc. One cup of cooked grains contains 270 calories. These grains are a good choice for dinner, as they are high in tryptophan and can aide in restful sleep. Oats: Starting your day off with a bowl of steaming oats can provide you with energy and brain clarity. Studies have shown eating oats on a daily basis can help to lower blood cholesterol. Oats also have the ability to stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain regular bowel function. Oats are a good source of fiber, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. One cup contains less than 150 calories, making it an excellent choice for those who are watching their waistline. Quinoa: Pronounced keen-wa, and known as the "Mother of all Grains", this grain contains more protein than any other. Quinoa is an excellent source of manganese, magnesium, iron, and copper. It is a light grain that can be substituted for rice or pasta and makes a nice addition to soups and stews. Rice: Rice is a good source of both magnesium and potassium. It also contains fiber, iron, niacin, vitamins B1 and B2, and zinc. Rice provides a quick energy boost and is easily digested. Rice helps to maintain bowel health and stabilizes blood sugar levels. There are many varieties of rice including white, brown, basmati, jasmine and saffron. Wheatgerm: This super grain has been used for centuries to relieve constipation. Studies show wheatgerm supports the heart and may reduce the risk of heart disease. It strengthens the immune system and may help maintain cognitive function as we age. Wheatgerm is rich in antioxidants and folate. It also contains vitamins B1, B6, and E and is a good source of potassium and zinc. It is recommended to consume two tablespoons of fresh wheatgerm on a daily basis. Sprinkle wheatgerm on cereal, oatmeal, fruit salad or yogurt. NUTS and SEEDS:Almonds: Classified as a nut, almonds are actually the seed of the fruit of an almond tree. They offer a delicate and mild flavor to dishes and can be added to vegetables, meats, fruits and desserts. Eating twelve almonds per day can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of essential fatty acids. Almonds are rich in potassium and are considered a "good" fat. These fruit seeds are high in calories, so limit your intake to no more than twelve per day. Unblanched almonds are considered to be the healthiest choice. Avoid dry roasted almonds or almonds covered in sugar, honey or salt. Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. Brazil nuts contain exceptionally high levels of selenium; a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of zinc, which is essential to digestion and metabolism. Brazil nuts contain a high level of fat and should not be consumed more than three times per week. One serving equals eight nuts and is equivalent to 30 grams of fat. Chestnuts: These nuts pack a wallop of beneficial carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for people trying to gain weight. Chestnuts are cholesterol-free, low in sodium, and a good source of dietary fiber.Additionally, chestnuts contain small amounts of vitamin C, thiamine, and riboflavin. Although chestnuts are considered a "good" fat, they should not be consumed more than four times per week. One serving of chestnuts equal five whole nuts. It's best to roast chestnuts at home by baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 5-6 minutes. Pumpkin seeds: Research shows pumpkin seeds to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels, promoting prostate health, and supporting the function of the immune system. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of potassium, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. One and one-half ounces of pumpkin seeds can provide over one-third of an adult's daily zinc requirements. However, pumpkin seeds are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation. Limit consumption to no more than three times weekly. Sunflower seeds: One of the most popular seeds consumed, sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies have also shown them effective in guarding against cataracts. Experts recommend eating two tablespoons of sunflower seeds each day. Doing so will double your intake of vitamin E. However, they are high in calories and should be eaten in limited quantities.



//////////////////////Digging Chimps Provide Insights Into Early Human Diet
Even when food is plentiful above ground, chimps still choose to dig for roots and tubers, indicating that perhaps our hominid ancestors were not such big meat-eaters after all. Reporting in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Southern California and the University of Wisconsin-Madison say that their work with chimps raises questions about the relative importance of meat for brain evolution.
The study documents the novel use of tools by chimps to dig for tubers and roots in the savanna woodlands of western Tanzania. Researcher Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar says the chimps' eagerness for buried treats offers new insights in an ongoing debate about the role of meat versus potato-like foods in the diet of our hominid ancestors. The debate centers on the diet followed by early hominids as their brain and body size slowly increased towards a human level. Was it meat-and-potatoes, or potatoes-and-meat? "Some researchers have suggested that what made us human was actually the tubers," Hernandez-Aguilar said.
Until now, anthropologists had believed that roots and tubers were mainly fallback foods for hominids trying to survive the harsh dry season in the savanna 3.5 million years ago. "We look at chimps for the way that we could have behaved when our ancestors were chimp-like," Hernandez-Aguilar said. Co-researcher Travis Pickering, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, added: "Savanna chimps, we would contend, are dealing with environmental constraints and problems - evolutionary pressures - that our earliest relatives would have dealt with as well."
The study was based on observation of 11 digging sites in the Ugalla savanna woodland of western Tanzania. Chimpanzees were linked to the excavated tubers and roots through knuckle prints, feces, and spit-out wads of fibers from those underground foods. Seven tools were found at three of the sites, with worn edges and dirt marking implying their use as digging implements.
"Chimpanzees in savannas have not been considered a priority in conservation plans because they live in low densities compared to chimps in forests," Hernandez-Aguilar noted. "We hope that discoveries such as this will show the value of conserving the savanna populations."



////////////////////Descartes - more than 'I think therefore I am'
Posted by Richard Francks
12 November 2007
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The work of René Descartes (1596-1650) played an important part in what historians used to call the ‘Scientific Revolution’. And that means he was involved in developing the way you think, and how you live your life. But our very familiarity with his way of thinking makes it hard for us to see just how Cartesian our attitudes still are.
Most people who have heard the name of Descartes tend to associate it either with the slogan ‘I think, therefore I am’ (which I’ll talk about tomorrow), or with Sceptical arguments. He argued that what you call reality may be nothing but a dream, and suggested an Evil Demon might be messing with your mind so that you go wrong even about things you’re most certain of. He used those arguments to try to show that we should never trust our senses, and that real knowledge can only be acquired if we turn away from them, and follow Reason.
People who have heard of this stuff tend to regard Descartes as either a hero or a fool. He seems to be the archetypal philosopher, producing clever but essentially pointless arguments for conclusions that no-one can ever believe, since whatever their theoretical position, none of the people who discuss these ideas with such skill is ever actually going to live their lives on the basis that we can’t put any trust in what we see around us.
But actually that is not what Descartes was about at all. He was working to a very serious practical and political agenda, trying to popularise and defend a set of radical ideas. Those ideas have since become so engrained in our way of seeing the world that we have quite lost sight of them, and of where they came from.
What we have to remember is that the Scientific Revolution was all about getting people to deny their senses. If you want to persuade someone that the solid Earth they stand on is actually flying through space, the first thing you have to do is to find some way of overcoming the fact that it doesn’t feel like that. If you want them to believe that there are uncountably many tiny creatures living in the clearest water, that an empty box is crammed full of invisible matter, and that if you want to see clearly you should try peering with one eye through two bits of glass in a tube, then you need some way of getting them not to base their conclusions on the way things look, but to try to work out what’s really going on behind it.
The simple fact is that if you think – as most of us do – that the world we see around us is a result of the interactions of tiny, invisible particles, then you are in effect a Cartesian, a follower of Descartes. You are a Cartesian because you think that although our senses are essential for us to know anything about the world, nevertheless in order for us to understand that world we have to look beyond what we experience, to a reality which none of us has ever seen, which few of us can understand, and which can only really be described in the arcane and often contradictory language of quantum mechanics. That world can be discovered only by what Descartes called ‘reason’, and what we have since come to call ‘empirical’ science.
Interestingly, in addition to the senses Descartes’ other main targets were tradition and authority. He thought people shouldn’t believe things just because some authority had said them, or because they were brought up that way and have never questioned them, but should think them out for themselves. It is ironic that most of us now accept his metaphysical picture – that of a deeper level behind the sensory appearances – for just the reasons he so despised.



/////////////////////PLURALISTIC SOCIETY=DIFFNT OPINIONS



///////////////////Nietzsche and nihilism
Posted by Keith Pearson
08 November 2007
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In a note of 1886-7 Nietzsche writes:
The whole idealism of humanity…is on the point of tipping into nihilism – into the belief in absolute valuelessness, that is, meaninglessness…
The annihilation of ideals, the new wasteland, the new arts of enduring it, we amphibians.
This process must be endured and persisted with: there is no going back, there should be no ardent rush forwards. For the time being we assume a parodic relation to all previous values and, Nietzsche hopes, out of plenitude.
By idealism he simply means that way in which humanity has understood its own existence on the earth and posited values and ideals: it has not known itself or known what it has been doing.
Two modes of thinking are now shown to be deficient: first idealism, because with the categories we have at our disposal we can no longer make sense of the whole of what happens; second, mechanism: ‘mechanistic theory no use – creates the impression of meaninglessness’.
Nihilism, then, denotes the experience of the devaluation of the highest values. The aim is now lacking, and the question ‘where to?’ finds no answer. In part, this denotes what Nietzsche calls ‘radical nihilism’: existence becomes untenable in terms of the highest values one recognizes.
In addition, there is the realization that we lack the right to posit a beyond as the source of truth and value, an in-itself of things that would be divine or morality incarnate.
Nihilism is to be regarded as a ‘pathological transitional stage’, a psychologically necessary affect once belief in God and a divinely sanctioned moral order becomes untenable. The pathology comes from the tremendous generalisation, the inference that there is no meaning at all.
We have lost the main stimulus (our existence has no charm for us), and are now weary: we cannot reach the sphere where we have deposited values and we do not know how to value the sphere that remains, the one in which we live and are bound or fettered to (the earth).
We now feel a new shame towards ourselves: how could we have deceived ourselves for so long? (the old shame was directed at our animality). ‘Morality’ is now taken as a problem by us: what is it?
It is a way of turning our back on existence through the fiction and fantasy of purity, peace, goodness, beatitude, etc. We now experience an overwhelming sense of disappointment.
When we realise that it is our psychological needs that have fabricated the world, there comes the ‘last form’ of nihilism: this takes the form of disbelief in any metaphysical world and forbidding ourselves belief in the ‘true world’.
Can we now endure the pluralistic world? Nietzsche writes tersely in one note:
‘Against the wish for reconciliation and the love of peace. This includes every attempt at monism’.
Nihilism in its positive sense can be the ideal of the highest degree of powerfulness of the spirit, the over-richest life, which is partly destructive, partly ironic (it is this nihilism that inspires the work of ‘post-modern’ thinkers such as Richard Rorty and Gianni Vattimo).
As the denial of a truthful world (a world of true being), nihilism might be a divine way of thinking.
The arrival of nihilism in our consciousness is ambiguous for Nietzsche: on the one hand it could be a sign of the increased power of the spirit; on the other hand it could equally be a sign of the decreased power of the spirit.
The very same symptoms could point to decline and to strength. Close beside our modern malaise is an untested force and powerfulness of the soul, so that the same reasons that produce the increasing smallness of man drive the stronger and rarer individuals up to greatness.
Nietzsche wonders whether it’s not the case that every fruitful movement of humanity does not create at the same time a nihilistic movement: ‘It could be the sign of a crucial and most essential growth, of the transition to new conditions of existence…’
For Nietzsche nihilism must be faced and completed since any attempt to escape it without revaluing our values so far will only produce the opposite and make the problem more acute.
There are many ‘incomplete’ forms of nihilisms for him. One is socialism. The problem with socialism for Nietzsche is that it is entirely secular; it has no conception of the ‘eternal’ (which is to be understood now in terms of our actual or real life, not the fantasy life of religion and metaphysics).
Socialism is a teaching addressed to entirely transient individuals who devote the energies of their existence to living a solely ephemeral life and a life of socialisation.
Moreover, socialism has no respect of the noble (the higher, the rarer, the singular); it respects only the common and wants a this-worldly solution to the problem of existence that is designed to pacify, placate, and make things as easy as possible (it encourages laziness or lack of self-responsibility).
There is also the fact that a socialist society, because it seeks only to preserve life, would have to be a society that is anti-life, it has a hidden will to negate life. Socialism has its roots in life, it must do so, and yet it would cut off its own roots.
Nietzsche envisages a crisis taking place in which different forces will come together and collide and there will be assigned common tasks to human beings with opposite ways of thinking, leading to the initiation of 'an order of rank among forces'.
He asks who in this struggle will prove to be the strongest and states that it is not a matter of numbers or of brute strength.
The strongest will be the most moderate ones who do not need extreme articles of faith, but can concede a good deal of contingency and nonsense and even love it, and who can embrace the human animal with a moderation of its significance.
These are the ones who are rich in health, equal to the misfortunes of life and therefore less afraid of them, and who are sure of their power.
Nietzsche is the philosopher of the superhuman in this sense. It really is a new philosophy of modesty. And it is revolutionary



//////////////////////// Best Things to Say When Caught Sleeping at Your Desk: submitted by Liz Kroll
5. "They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen." 4. "This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time management course you sent me to." 3. "Whew! Guess I left the top off the Whiteout. You probably got here just in time." 2. "Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your ear down real close?" And the NUMBER ONE best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk... 1. Raise your head slowly and say, "...in Jesus' name, Amen."


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“Judge of a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”
Voltaire
Good questions can change your life, bad answers can ruin it. Many people are running around trying to think of the answers to various questions, when they find the answers they are quickly forgotten. A great question can last a lifetime.
10 Questions to change your life:

1. Am I truly happy in the job I am doing?
We spend nearly a quarter of our lives working. If we are not happy in that job it means we are unhappy for nearly a quarter of our lives. Most of us have to work and most of us are not doing a job we love, however it’s difficult to do a job we love and put money on the table. There is ALWAYS something we can do about our job, you’re never too old to change careers, you might need training for a career change but 1 -3 years of your life studying for a new career is better than another 20 years being miserable in your job.
2. Am I truly happy in my relationship?
A truly important question to ask yourself. If you are unhappy and you have tried to make things work and it hasn’t, get out of the relationship. Do you really want to stay and be unhappy or go and try to make it on your own? If you have kids, it’s a lot more difficult but it needn’t be. Kids know when there is no love in a house between parents and may not be as unhappy as you think about a split up.
3. How can I save £5 every single day for 30 years?
Saving up £5 per day for 30 years and putting it in a safe bank account will net you over £150,000 in 30 years time. If you put in a tracker fund that follows the main market, historically, it will net you over £330,000.
4. How can I have a better relationship with my kids?
Another hugely important question to ask yourself. If you don’t have children then think about your relationships with your nieces and nephews. If you don’t have nieces and nephews then stop reading this section.
Our relationships with the children in our lives are more important than you might think. They are copying you in nearly everything you are doing so it is important to be mindful of your words, actions and behaviour.
We only have our formative children for about 14 years, after that time they generally spend more time with their peers. Your time with your children is precious, try to make the most of it.
5. What makes me happy?
The answer to this question will truly change your life. Many people don’t even ask this question.
If you ask yourself this question every day and you can work on the answers and implement a plan of action then your life will change forever.
6. How can I make my relationships better?
Working on your relationships and thinking about how to improve them is another great way to work on yourself and help others.
Your most obvious relationship is your partner, ask yourself ‘what could I do today to tell them I love them?’ it doesn’t have to be a huge thing; even a little note can make a big difference.
Work on all your other relationships this way starting with your family and going down to your work colleagues. Just thinking about improving your relationships and doing 1 thing every day can make an enormous difference.
7. How can I make more money?
There are literally millions of ways to make more money nowadays. If you can make an extra £1 per day and save it for 30 years you will have over £24,000 if you put it in a 5% yielding bank account. Stick that £1 per day in the market and in 30 years time you have £67,000.
When we try to make money we think in big numbers. We think, as I did, if I could get £70,000 and pay off my mortgage that would be great. In our minds the figures we think of are just too big. I we ask ourselves ‘How can I make an extra £1 per day’ that make it a lot easier. Now the beauty of it is, if you can make an extra £1 you can then go on to make an extra £2 and then and extra £10 per day and so on. Try not to think about the big numbers, think about the small numbers, which go a long way to make the big numbers.
Money is a source of stress for many people and figuring out how we can make more and live comfortably can make us happier.
8. What can I do to make a difference to someone else?
Not as altruistic as it sounds, but if your hearts in the right place then it doesn’t matter. The fact that you are helping someone will make a difference. Helping other people achieve their goals or simply helping someone with their shopping can make a difference. Giving feels much better than receiving and gives our spirits a lift.
This is another question to ask yourself every day. Do one thing a day for another person and spiritually you will be lifted, don’t worry if you’re not comfortable with the word spiritual, it will make you feel good.
9. What can I do to make me more healthy?
Most of us know the answer to this question already; it’s just that we rarely ask ourselves this question for fear of what the answer involves and the action that needs to be taken.
10 minutes of exercise per day could change your life if you are willing. Watching how much rubbish you are eating could change your life. You don’t need to go to the gym to exercise, see the article Top 5 gym free exercises
You don’t need me to give you advice on your health, you know what you have to do: are you brave enough to ask the question?
10. What is the worst that can happen?
A fantastic question, which can help you out in times of stress. I have been in lots of seemingly stressful situations and asked myself this question. When I am stressed about not seeing as many clients as I think I should have I ask ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ and usually the answer is I will see them tomorrow, no big deal. Stress is caused by the undue pressure we put on ourselves.
Most situational stress can be alleviated by asking ourselves this one question, as the answer is not usually as bad as you might think.




/////////////////////////Top 10 Reasons Not to Eat Chickens
1. ‘Bird Brain’ Is a Compliment Several recent studies have shown that chickens are bright animals, able to solve complex problems, demonstrate self-control, and worry about the future. Chickens are smarter than cats or dogs and even do some things that have not yet been seen in mammals other than primates. Dr. Chris Evans, who studies animal behavior and communication at Macquarie University in Australia, says, “As a trick at conferences, I sometimes list these attributes, without mentioning chickens, and people think I’m talking about monkeys.” Dr. John Webster of Bristol University found that chickens are capable of understanding cause and effect and that when chickens learn something new, they pass on that knowledge (i.e., they have what scientists call “culture”). How does your IQ compare to that of a chicken?

‘Meet Your Meat’: Chickens

2. All Drugged UpQuite simply, chickens are the most abused animals on the planet. Chickens raised for their flesh are packed by the thousands into massive sheds. They are fed large amounts of antibiotics and drugs to keep them alive in conditions that would otherwise kill them. The antibiotics make chickens grow so large, so fast that they often become crippled under their own weight. This reckless use of antibiotics also makes drugs less effective for treating humans by speeding up the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Learn more about the overuse of antibiotics in chickens.
3. Scalded to Death Only seven weeks after they are born, chickens are crowded onto trucks that transport them to the slaughterhouse. Tens of millions of chickens have their wings and legs broken in the process every year. They are trucked through all weather extremes, sometimes over hundreds of miles, without any food or water. At slaughter, chickens are hung upside-down and have their throats slit, and they are often scalded to death in defeathering tanks. Watch undercover footage of chickens who are mutilated and scalded to death at a Tyson slaughterhouse.4. They Don’t Even Get a LawyerThe billions of chickens killed each year are not protected by a single federal law—the “Humane Slaughter Act” exempts birds, even though there are more than 55 times as many chickens slaughtered each year as pigs and cows combined! Chickens raised for their flesh have their sensitive beaks cut off with a hot blade without any painkillers. These intelligent animals spend their entire lives in filthy sheds with tens of thousands of other birds, each getting about as much space as a sheet of paper, where intense crowding and confinement lead to outbreaks of disease. If factory-farm owners treated cats and dogs like they treat chickens, they would go to jail for cruelty to animals. Learn more about the routine abuse of chickens in factory farms. 5. Do You Want Poop With That?A USDA study found that more than 99 percent of broiler chicken carcasses sold in stores had detectable levels of E. coli, indicating fecal contamination. In other words, if you’re eating chicken flesh, you’re almost certainly eating poop. Consumer Reports states there are “1.1 million or more Americans sickened each year by undercooked, tainted chicken.” Chicken flesh is also loaded with dangerous levels of arsenic, which can cause cancer, dementia, neurological problems, and other ailments in humans. Men’s Health magazine recently ranked supermarket chicken number one in their list of the “10 Dirtiest Foods” because of the high rate of bacterial contamination. Learn more about how eating chicken and meat puts your health at risk.6. Lose the Fat, Avoid the FluBoth the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization say that if the avian flu virus spreads to the United States, it could be caught simply by eating undercooked chicken flesh or eggs, eating food prepared on the same cutting board as infected meat or eggs, or even touching eggshells contaminated with the disease. Chicken flesh and eggs are packed with cholesterol—a 3-ounce piece of skinless chicken breast meat has as much cholesterol as beef, and just one egg has nearly three times as much! This cholesterol, along with a high intake of animal fats, blocks arteries and causes heart disease. Vegan foods, on the other hand, are all cholesterol-free and much lower in fat!
7. The Most Dangerous Factory Job in AmericaAccording to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, slaughterhouse workers are more than three times more likely to suffer injuries while working than workers in other manufacturing jobs, and they suffer a rate of repetitive stress injury that is 35 times higher than that in other manufacturing jobs. The industry refuses to make working conditions safer by slowing line speeds or buying appropriate safety gear, which amounts to what Human Rights Watch calls “systematic human rights violations embedded in meat and poultry industry employment.” Big chicken companies such as Tyson and Perdue also exploit contract factory-farm operators, whom Auburn University economist Robert Taylor calls “serfs with a mortgage.” Contract factory farmers are forced to foot the bill for building and maintaining massive factory farms, which puts them deeply into debt and can drive them to financial ruin if their company cancels future contracts with them. Learn why Human Rights Watch calls meat-packing “the most dangerous factory job in America.”8. Motherly LoveIn a natural setting, a hen will cluck to her chicks before they even hatch while she sits on the eggs in her nest. They peep back to her and to each other through their shells. In factory farms, eggs are taken from the mother as soon as they are laid and put in large incubators—a chick will never meet his or her parents. Hens prefer to have private nests hidden from predators and will often go without food or water in order to obtain a private nest. This demonstrates the fact that hens will sacrifice their own comfort if it means protecting their chicks. Learn more about the personalities of these interesting animals.9. Chicken Sh*tRaising 9 billion chickens in factory farms each year produces enormous amounts of excrement. Oregon State University agriculture professor Peter Cheeke says that factory farming amounts to “a frontal assault on the environment,” which leads to widespread fecal ground and water pollution. Because chickens are fed massive amounts of drugs, hormones, and pesticides, these chemicals are also found in high concentrations in their feces, which means that fecal pollution from chicken farms is especially disastrous for the environment. In West Virginia and Maryland, for example, scientists have recently discovered that male fish are growing ovaries, and they suspect that this freakish deformity is the result of factory-farm runoff from drug-laden chicken feces. Learn more about factory farming’s toll on the Earth.
10. Better Than the OriginalDo you like the taste of chicken flesh but don’t like the suffering? No problem—try some of the fantastic alternatives now available, such as Boca Chik’n Nuggets, Gardenburger’s Meatless Buffalo Chicken Wings, and Yves Veggie Chicken Burgers. These super-tasty foods are high in protein, cruelty- and cholesterol- free, and available at your local supermarket. Instead of eggs, try tofu scramble, whip up some vegan French toast, or check out our egg-free baking tips.



//////////////////////Understand Sleep Mechanics
Added: 8/03/2007 11:37:36 PM


We always have a better chance to succeed in things which we understand and where we know underlying principles and laws, as opposed to things we do not understand. Let’s see how understanding sleep mechanics can help you sleep better and wake up earlier. The principles of how sleep works are quite simple (well, at basic level), yet many people have never heard about them. Here is your 5-minute crash course on sleep mechanics.
Sleep occurs in cycles of around 90-110 minutes each. Most people normally go through 5 cycles during the night (7.5-8.5 hours). If you sleep for 6 hours you’re likely to be on a 4-cycle diet.
Each cycle includes 5 different stages occurring in particular order.
Stage 1 – Drowsy sleep. This is transition period from wakefulness to sleep where you drift in and out of sleep and can be awakened easily. Your eyes move slowly and muscle activity slows. You start losing conscious awareness of the external environment. It’s this stage when you occasionally may experience sudden twitches and hypnic jerks from the sensation of falling or striking (don’t worry, these are normal).
Stage 2 – Light sleep. At this stage your body is relaxed and prepares to enter deep sleep. Stage 2 usually lasts longer than other stages - you spend 45-50% of your sleep in Stage 2.
Stages 3 and 4 – Deep sleep. Deep sleep is characterized by maximum brain and muscle relaxation with stage 4 being effectively a deeper version of stage 3. Stage 3 is when you may experience night terrors, sleepwalking, and sleep-talking occur. People who wake during deep sleep often feel groggy and disoriented for several minutes. In deep sleep, there is no eye movement or muscle activity and the body is still. You usually go less deep each cycle, so that most of your deep, stage 4, sleep occurs in the first half of the night.
Stage 5 – REM sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. This stage is very different from all other stages because in REM sleep brain wave activity is similar to an awakened state. At this stage body experiences periodic eyelid fluttering, muscle paralysis, irregular breathing. Your heart rate increases and blood pressure rises. This results in intense dreaming, which occurs mostly at REM sleep stage. The end of REM stage is an ideal time for waking up. Some wake up devices like Sleeptracker monitor your body to identify sleep stages while you sleep and wake you up at right time.
Stages go in the following order to form a full cycle:
1-2-3-4-3-2-1-REM
Duration of each stage may vary from 5 to 15 minutes. REM stage lasts for 10 minutes ending first cycle, with each recurring REM stage increasing in duration, and the final one lasting an hour. Total cycle ends up taking around 90-110 minutes. First cycles are usually shorter (closer to 90 minutes). The picture below summarizes how sleep cycles and stages work.
Few additional points that need to be mentioned.
Drugs such as alcohol and sleeping pills can suppress certain stages of sleep. Even though you’ll sleep longer, such sleep may not fulfill its physiological functions completely.
Polyphastic sleep which is a popular discussion topic is an attempt to sleep for just 1 cycle in which you jump directly to REM stage, thus sleeping for only 20-30 minutes and then staying awake for 3-4 hours, then sleeping for another 30 minutes etc. This way you can cut down sleeping time to a total of just 3-4 hours per day. While some people reported success in adapting to polyphastic sleep, the results and experiences from it are quite controversial. You definitely need to research polyphastic sleep in detail before giving it a try.
As you can see, the nature has put quite sophisticated mechanism in us. Now that you know this mechanism, the following conclusions seem to be obvious:
The best time to wake up is at the end of the cycle. You should pay more attention to your state when you wake up to try and identify what stage you are awakening from.
If alarm wakes you up interrupting your dream, very likely you’re in a REM stage or stage 1 which is a good time to wake up.
If you feel extremely disoriented when trying to wake up then you’re waking up from stages 3 or 4 which is, well, wrong time to wake up. Take another 30 minutes of sleep.
Write down how long you sleep each day and try to adjust your sleep duration so you wake up at the end of the cycle. Again, this can be done by paying closer attention to your state and your feelings at wake up time.
Experiment slowly – you can’t change your sleeping pattern in one day, but you can do it easily over time with small steps. Sleep mechanics has the purpose behind it, don’t try to break it in one night.






//////////////////Geek living: 8 easy things you can do to lose fat
As I discussed this in my (upcoming) manifesto: “geek living”, here are direct steps you can take to get leaner quickly.
Drop sodas foreverSodas are the enemy number one of this society. Drop it and your GI will get lower instantly. This will change the direction your body is taking and will reduce the amount of food converted to fat. If you are addicted to soda or have cravings, make sure you have only one in the morning, and once every two days. Gradually drop to once a week until you are happy without them. They are the pest of our century and are the main reason of people looking unhealthy.
Drop fast-food foreverFast food are bloody expensive! They are the typical solution to an unorganized geek. Get organized at your next shopping day and make sure you don’t need it anymore. If you really like the taste and are addicted. Make sure you get what you like once a week only, and at lunch! That way, your addiction will fade away softly.
Drop sugary food to only once a weekCakes, chocolate bars and such are also raising your GI and making your flubber shine. Don’t cut them off entirely of your life. For starters, it’s nearly impossible to do, second you will find that once a week is just enough!
Drop carbs at dinnerCarbs are easily put to use by the body during the day. At night, they sit in your stomach and as you go asleep they will be more likely to be converted to fat. Carbs are converted to energy, which is used in your daily life. Unlike models, don’t drop carbs entirely or you will have serious issues at 50. Instead, reduce the carbs intake at dinner, as it won’t sit in your stomach all night. Carbs include pasta, potatoes, rice and bread. Also check the labels of whatever you’re eating at dinner to find out how much carbs it contains.
Eat dinner earlierThis simple fact will allow you to digest better, and sleep better. If your body is able to process dinner before bed time, much less will sit there all night and turn into fat.
Get physically active twice a weekSport is good. Any sport. From boxing to table-tennis. It makes you move, and that’s good for you. We live in a society that doesn’t make good use of our bodies. We’ve never moved so little. We travel by sitting, we work by sitting, we relax by sitting. This is just bad and it’s only getting worse. Find what you like and get involved.
Sleep moreIn our fast paced life, sleep is a very underestimated asset. Good sleep makes you more focussed. It also helps the body recover and then get to work on itself. It takes about 7-8 hours for the body to recover, then after that it only starts to build and focus on what needs improvement. You can’t really get any better if you don’t sleep properly. Why do you think that babies sleep so much?
Increase protein intakeImagine a balance. To lose weight or get leaner, you will need to raise the amount of protein intake. It’s a very simple ratio: more protein than carbs in a day, and you get leaner. As bloody simple as it sounds. However, this is a hard task as carbs are everywhere, but decent intakes of protein are rare.



//////////////////////The healthy eating rule of thumb. A good rule of thumb for healthy eating says a well balanced diet consists of 50% to 60% calories from carbohydrate, 15% to 20% protein and 25% to 30% fat



//////////////////just lose 3 kg to 89 kg=for safe bmi



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