comment on Debunking Captivity:
One quote that stands out is, "No state of the art captive aquarium or marine park can ever meet the complex physiological and psychological needs of a dolphin, or most other animals, for that matter."
Her article lays out a logical argument against captivity, and I wonder how parks like Sea World are actually allowed to exist. My hope is that more people boycott such parks, and learn more about nature by being in nature and natural environments.
This article brings me back to memories of going to the zoo in Houston, Texas in the late 70's. As a small child, I remember wondering why all these animals were caged and got really upset seeing the gorillas indoors with painted greenery on the walls. I know zoos have evolved to create more natural habitats for the animals, but still, unless they are being rescued or being assisted to reproduce if threatened by extinction, why must we hold them in captivity for our entertainment?!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Week 13--Biodiversity
Commenting on:
.the human species is living as if it had more than one planet to occupy…”
After reading, "Ringing the Alarm for Earth" and the articles for this week, a previous topic about our ecological footprint on the planet comes up.
Comparing China's population of 1.3 billion with America's 300 million seems as though the impact of China's consumption and waste would be greater.
However,
The average ecological footprint for one Chinese citizen calculated in 2006 is 2.0, meaning that it takes two global acres of resources to sustain each individual. Whereas the average ecological impact of an American is 24. While it is quoted around 6.2 in Beijing, as city dwellers consume more, and while an average of 22.2 was quoted for those in Sarasota, Florida, overall, Americans have about 10 times more impact on resources.
The main point is that the American model is definitely not sustainable and is destroying other life forms, animals and plants to make way for our use and destruction of resources. China is developing rapidly with the Western consumerist model within their country and by means of all the goods they export. As I see it, both and all of us create the problem. The human species is definitely living as if it had more than one planet.
In Ringing the Alarm for Earth," botanist Peter Raven calculates that it would take 3 planets to sustain the population of the world if everyone lived "as comfortably as the Americans, British or French." The main message here that should be broadcast far and wide, particularly in the mainstream media, is that things are not going to be reversed. Rather than going into paralyzing despair about what's happening and what has been done, the choices should revolve around how to stabilize it and how to become fully sustainable.
Are GMOs Worth the Trouble?
It definitely doesn't seem that they are, as this article helps debunk the assertions that GMOs are helping feed more people by increasing yield. I ask what is it that they are actually feeding people and if these foods actually meet intrinsic nutritional needs for healthy, vital lives?
I appreciate this scientist's research and suggestions for prevention to increase production including alternatives such as reducing food waste and reducing consumption of animal products, which in itself takes enormous resources as in raising cattle.
Another comment I find important is noting that ". . . herbicide resistant crops (that) will exacerbate pesticide use." Using GMOs just perpetuates the problem ad infinitum, with unaccountable affects on surrounding crops, insects, plants, animals and the environment.
A PAC commercial based on this article could be run next to the Monsanto ads on T.V. Instead of equating pastoral fields of grain with a nostalgia of a healthy America and feeding the world, they could be juxtaposed with the reality that no more food is actually being produced (vs. conventional breeding). Soils are being polluted and unknown effects of cross-pollination with genetically modified seeds is happening, not to mention the economic and social justice issues around controlling seeds. If only the NRA was behind organic farming . . .
Are GMOs Worth the Trouble?
It definitely doesn't seem that they are, as this article helps debunk the assertions that GMOs are helping feed more people by increasing yield. I ask what is it that they are actually feeding people and if these foods actually meet intrinsic nutritional needs for healthy, vital lives?
I appreciate this scientist's research and suggestions for prevention to increase production including alternatives such as reducing food waste and reducing consumption of animal products, which in itself takes enormous resources as in raising cattle.
Another comment I find important is noting that ". . . herbicide resistant crops (that) will exacerbate pesticide use." Using GMOs just perpetuates the problem ad infinitum, with unaccountable affects on surrounding crops, insects, plants, animals and the environment.
A PAC commercial based on this article could be run next to the Monsanto ads on T.V. Instead of equating pastoral fields of grain with a nostalgia of a healthy America and feeding the world, they could be juxtaposed with the reality that no more food is actually being produced (vs. conventional breeding). Soils are being polluted and unknown effects of cross-pollination with genetically modified seeds is happening, not to mention the economic and social justice issues around controlling seeds. If only the NRA was behind organic farming . . .
Week 11--The Chemistry of Life
Acupuncture and GAD: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
I appreciate seeing this particular disorder being researched in biomedicine using acupuncture. This article says that about 3% of the American population experiences GAD, as compared with 2-4.7% in China. If we look at the number of people in America, quoted as 317, 860, 300 as of this writing, that's about 953, 580 thousand people. Close to 1 million people.
I have found acupuncture to give immediate relief to people suffering with anxiety, even when they are experiencing a panic attack. Over the 8 years of my practice, in addition to 4 years in school, I have consistently seen people dealing with long term anxiety issues.
While the causal factors need to be addressed, which can largely be triggered by emotional stress, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can immediately interrupt the sympathetic nervous system response and allow the body to come into a calmer parasympathetic state. It not only works on reducing the immediate stress response but it also treats the person's underlying deficiency patterns to strengthen them so that the negative hormonal cascade can begin to self-correct. This is crucial as it also helps regain normal sleep patterns, which, as we know, are essential for self-regulation.
Drugs such as the SSRI's and benzodiazepines have noted side effects, and it would be great if more people were educated as to the benefits of Chinese medicine in treating anxiety. It is not usually the "silver bullet," but in conjunction with appropriate psychosomatic therapies and diet and herbs, I have seen a profound and lasting impact with those suffering from anxiety disorders.
I appreciate seeing this particular disorder being researched in biomedicine using acupuncture. This article says that about 3% of the American population experiences GAD, as compared with 2-4.7% in China. If we look at the number of people in America, quoted as 317, 860, 300 as of this writing, that's about 953, 580 thousand people. Close to 1 million people.
I have found acupuncture to give immediate relief to people suffering with anxiety, even when they are experiencing a panic attack. Over the 8 years of my practice, in addition to 4 years in school, I have consistently seen people dealing with long term anxiety issues.
While the causal factors need to be addressed, which can largely be triggered by emotional stress, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can immediately interrupt the sympathetic nervous system response and allow the body to come into a calmer parasympathetic state. It not only works on reducing the immediate stress response but it also treats the person's underlying deficiency patterns to strengthen them so that the negative hormonal cascade can begin to self-correct. This is crucial as it also helps regain normal sleep patterns, which, as we know, are essential for self-regulation.
Drugs such as the SSRI's and benzodiazepines have noted side effects, and it would be great if more people were educated as to the benefits of Chinese medicine in treating anxiety. It is not usually the "silver bullet," but in conjunction with appropriate psychosomatic therapies and diet and herbs, I have seen a profound and lasting impact with those suffering from anxiety disorders.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Week 12--Biochemistry: Cell Biology and Radioactivity
Re: Quantum Tunneling
I found this article interesting, largely because I didn't understand how q.t. is affecting finding more complex compounds in outer space. So, after a little research, I landed on this video, which helps explain the basic principles:
brief explanation of quantum tunneling
That electrons aren't always found in the outer valence shells, which I've been taught and read about for the span of my education, was a new idea. Also, that they can travel through seemingly solid materials without leaving a "hole in the wall" and appear on the other side is another somewhat incomprehensible idea, but fascinating. Reminds me of Star Trek and the ability to re-materialize in different locations.
Re: Links
Found it helpful to think about bacteria and how they are grouped based on their:
1. response to oxygen: aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria, which like oxygen but don't necessarily need it. (that was a new one to me.)
2. how they obtain energy: heterotrophs and autotrophs, which create their own energy, and reminded me of the exploration of types of jelly fish for creating a light source which could help brain research with paralysis.
The idea of plasmids caught my attention:
Plasmids may carry genes that provide resistance to naturally occurring antibiotics in a competitive environmental niche, or the proteins produced may act as toxins under similar circumstances. Plasmids can also provide bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen or to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds that provide an advantage when nutrients are scarce. (wikipedia)
Helps me appreciate that Chinese herbal medicine is synergistic vs. targeted antibiotics, which aren't always effective, possibly in connection with bacterial plasmids in that Chinese herbal formulas have more than one mechanism of action.
Archeans
"Even older than the bacteria are the archeans (also called archaebacteria), tiny prokaryotic organisms that live only in extreme environments: boiling water, super-salty pools, sulfur-spewing volcanic vents, acidic water, and deep in the Antarctic ice."
I had never heard of this and appreciate that they are even older than bacteria of 3.5 Billion years.
"Many scientists now believe that the archaea and bacteria developed separately from a common ancestor nearly four billion years ago." --one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and quite distinct from bacteria even though they are superficially grouped together. Learning more about the evolution of our planet and the stuff we're made of.
I found this article interesting, largely because I didn't understand how q.t. is affecting finding more complex compounds in outer space. So, after a little research, I landed on this video, which helps explain the basic principles:
brief explanation of quantum tunneling
That electrons aren't always found in the outer valence shells, which I've been taught and read about for the span of my education, was a new idea. Also, that they can travel through seemingly solid materials without leaving a "hole in the wall" and appear on the other side is another somewhat incomprehensible idea, but fascinating. Reminds me of Star Trek and the ability to re-materialize in different locations.
Re: Links
Found it helpful to think about bacteria and how they are grouped based on their:
1. response to oxygen: aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria, which like oxygen but don't necessarily need it. (that was a new one to me.)
2. how they obtain energy: heterotrophs and autotrophs, which create their own energy, and reminded me of the exploration of types of jelly fish for creating a light source which could help brain research with paralysis.
The idea of plasmids caught my attention:
Plasmids may carry genes that provide resistance to naturally occurring antibiotics in a competitive environmental niche, or the proteins produced may act as toxins under similar circumstances. Plasmids can also provide bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen or to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds that provide an advantage when nutrients are scarce. (wikipedia)
Helps me appreciate that Chinese herbal medicine is synergistic vs. targeted antibiotics, which aren't always effective, possibly in connection with bacterial plasmids in that Chinese herbal formulas have more than one mechanism of action.
Archeans
"Even older than the bacteria are the archeans (also called archaebacteria), tiny prokaryotic organisms that live only in extreme environments: boiling water, super-salty pools, sulfur-spewing volcanic vents, acidic water, and deep in the Antarctic ice."
I had never heard of this and appreciate that they are even older than bacteria of 3.5 Billion years.
"Many scientists now believe that the archaea and bacteria developed separately from a common ancestor nearly four billion years ago." --one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and quite distinct from bacteria even though they are superficially grouped together. Learning more about the evolution of our planet and the stuff we're made of.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Week 9--A Question of Balance
Thoughts about: pH Balance: Acids & Alkalis and Anti-Oxidants
Proponents of this diet say that eating more alkaline foods helps prevent disease. By avoiding more acidic foods, the body maintains a better mineral balance as it doesn't have to process high levels of acid from more acidic foods such as meats, dairy, and refined foods.
Of course there's debate when it comes to scientific studies advocating the specific benefits of eating more alkaline foods as to whether it does prevent cancer or help support the body with less strain on the kidneys, bladder and liver for detoxification.
The blood pH maintains a slightly alkaline pH measurement of 7.35-7.45, so one could measure blood pH in relation to diet and see if that remains at homeostasis. Also, it's important to look at urine and salivary pH, which could be more significant indicators of how the body deals with acidosis.
I like the suggestion of trying a more alkaline diet for 2 months as well as with checking urine pH daily at the same time every morning after waking to see how the body detoxifies during a resting state through the night.
How to measure pH with pH test strips:
http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/ph-test-strips.html
Thoughts on discussions: MSG presentation
I found the presentation on MSG very informative and useful. It is hidden in so many foods under the guise of other names such as "natural flavoring," "yeast extract," and even "enzymes."
Here's a link showing sources of hidden processed free glutamic acid or MSG:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
I appreciated learning that:
free glutamate as an isolated compound varies from the bound form.
it is an excito-toxin like aspartame.
it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin--important for understanding more about the epidemic blood sugar mismanagement that plagues industrialized society.
it's calming like valium--my first conscious experience of being "high" was after eating Chinese food as a child.
it causes vasoconstriction, and has a possible connection with salt intake and heart disease.
Proponents of this diet say that eating more alkaline foods helps prevent disease. By avoiding more acidic foods, the body maintains a better mineral balance as it doesn't have to process high levels of acid from more acidic foods such as meats, dairy, and refined foods.
Of course there's debate when it comes to scientific studies advocating the specific benefits of eating more alkaline foods as to whether it does prevent cancer or help support the body with less strain on the kidneys, bladder and liver for detoxification.
The blood pH maintains a slightly alkaline pH measurement of 7.35-7.45, so one could measure blood pH in relation to diet and see if that remains at homeostasis. Also, it's important to look at urine and salivary pH, which could be more significant indicators of how the body deals with acidosis.
I like the suggestion of trying a more alkaline diet for 2 months as well as with checking urine pH daily at the same time every morning after waking to see how the body detoxifies during a resting state through the night.
How to measure pH with pH test strips:
http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/ph-test-strips.html
Thoughts on discussions: MSG presentation
I found the presentation on MSG very informative and useful. It is hidden in so many foods under the guise of other names such as "natural flavoring," "yeast extract," and even "enzymes."
Here's a link showing sources of hidden processed free glutamic acid or MSG:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
I appreciated learning that:
free glutamate as an isolated compound varies from the bound form.
it is an excito-toxin like aspartame.
it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin--important for understanding more about the epidemic blood sugar mismanagement that plagues industrialized society.
it's calming like valium--my first conscious experience of being "high" was after eating Chinese food as a child.
it causes vasoconstriction, and has a possible connection with salt intake and heart disease.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Week 8--Chemistry of Household Products
What's under the kitchen sink?
Well, considering I just moved and don't really have my own kitchen, I dare not look under the sink in the house I'm currently subletting.
What I do currently have/use
Comet, which interestingly does not list the ingredients, but I found this on their website:
Other information
The surfactants in Comet® are biodegradable
Contains No Phosphate
White Vinegar
Bleach
Another staple I had in Texas
Boric Acid as a roach pesticide, which is 100% boric acid
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mediterranean Diet" article
Key Points:
Well, considering I just moved and don't really have my own kitchen, I dare not look under the sink in the house I'm currently subletting.
What I do currently have/use
Comet, which interestingly does not list the ingredients, but I found this on their website:
Other information
The surfactants in Comet® are biodegradable
Contains No Phosphate
White Vinegar
Bleach
Another staple I had in Texas
Boric Acid as a roach pesticide, which is 100% boric acid
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mediterranean Diet" article
Key Points:
- While a low-fat diet can lower cholesterol, a whole diet approach has a greater reduction in cardiovascular deaths and heart attacks
- Low fat diets didn't reduce coronary heart disease and heart attacks
- Adopting a whole food diet is better for reducing cardiovascular risk and has other health benefits
- Attention should be given to what is consumed as well as to what is excluded, i.e. consuming a variety of cardio protective foods vs. focusing on low fat foods
Here are a couple of links to check out, which extend the debate about what good and bad fats actually are and why people get fat . . .
Weston A. Price is a great organization, supporting whole food nutrition with a wealth of knowledge, and they help protect farmers selling raw milk. Here's one article about fats:
Author of "Why We Get Fat" and "Good Calories, Bad Calories," Gary Taubes' books are worth checking out:
Friday, February 21, 2014
Week 7--Electrochemistry and Alchemy
Semiconductor: Silicon
In Group XIV of the periodic table
Symbol: Si, Atomic Number: 14
Has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell which gives it the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time, readily either donating or sharing its four outer electrons, allowing for many forms of chemical bonding.
As a semiconductor, it has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass, and is fundamental to modern electronics.
Over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making silicon the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen.
It is used commercially in clays, cements, mortars and stucco, ceramics, soda-glass, and in semiconductor electronics. With its wide use in most computers, modern technology is quite dependent on silicon.
Alchemy--science, magic, art...
It seems that alchemy is a combination of all three. As a precursor to the modern science of chemistry, alchemy and chemistry both referred to the same discipline of synthesizing and transmuting matter. During the 18th century, alchemy became more associated with transforming base metals into gold and with finding the golden elixir of longevity and immortality. With the advent of the occultists in the 19th century and Carl Jung in the 20th century, alchemy became more defined in spiritual and esoteric terms. Originally seen as a combination of art and science, over time alchemy has become separated from the more materialistic based science of chemistry and is currently associated more with esoteric metaphysical and spiritual practices.
Chinese medicine can be viewed through the lens of alchemy with its blend of chemistry and science and its practice as an art. It is based on technical knowledge of point energetics and point location in addition to Western science knowledge of organ systems and the chemistry of herbs. The beauty of this medicine, however, connects with each practitioner's refinement of it as his and her own art form.
While several practitioners can come up with the same diagnosis and effective treatment, no two treatments will be the same. The practitioner's being and inherent qi is transmuted through the acupuncture needles and in each doctor's prescription and combination of herbs. Also, the actual combination of herbs is its own alchemical formula with certain herbs enhancing the medicine's efficacy or offsetting possible side effects.
Science and art blend in the practice of this ancient medicine, keeping it relevant in modern day practice. It continually evolves, as do the conditions it aims to treat. As for magic, that depends on the eye of the beholder. Magic to some is just part of the natural world to others that can't necessarily be seen with the human eye and assessed through the brain. The placebo effect has been scientifically documented as a real phenomenon. Magic or the influence of a shift in energy affecting neural pathways and cellular metabolism? I don't know, but results matter and mystery has an alluring appeal, which continues to foster my curiosity and search for knowledge.
In Group XIV of the periodic table
Symbol: Si, Atomic Number: 14
Has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell which gives it the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time, readily either donating or sharing its four outer electrons, allowing for many forms of chemical bonding.
As a semiconductor, it has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass, and is fundamental to modern electronics.
Over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making silicon the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen.
It is used commercially in clays, cements, mortars and stucco, ceramics, soda-glass, and in semiconductor electronics. With its wide use in most computers, modern technology is quite dependent on silicon.
Alchemy--science, magic, art...
It seems that alchemy is a combination of all three. As a precursor to the modern science of chemistry, alchemy and chemistry both referred to the same discipline of synthesizing and transmuting matter. During the 18th century, alchemy became more associated with transforming base metals into gold and with finding the golden elixir of longevity and immortality. With the advent of the occultists in the 19th century and Carl Jung in the 20th century, alchemy became more defined in spiritual and esoteric terms. Originally seen as a combination of art and science, over time alchemy has become separated from the more materialistic based science of chemistry and is currently associated more with esoteric metaphysical and spiritual practices.
Chinese medicine can be viewed through the lens of alchemy with its blend of chemistry and science and its practice as an art. It is based on technical knowledge of point energetics and point location in addition to Western science knowledge of organ systems and the chemistry of herbs. The beauty of this medicine, however, connects with each practitioner's refinement of it as his and her own art form.
While several practitioners can come up with the same diagnosis and effective treatment, no two treatments will be the same. The practitioner's being and inherent qi is transmuted through the acupuncture needles and in each doctor's prescription and combination of herbs. Also, the actual combination of herbs is its own alchemical formula with certain herbs enhancing the medicine's efficacy or offsetting possible side effects.
Science and art blend in the practice of this ancient medicine, keeping it relevant in modern day practice. It continually evolves, as do the conditions it aims to treat. As for magic, that depends on the eye of the beholder. Magic to some is just part of the natural world to others that can't necessarily be seen with the human eye and assessed through the brain. The placebo effect has been scientifically documented as a real phenomenon. Magic or the influence of a shift in energy affecting neural pathways and cellular metabolism? I don't know, but results matter and mystery has an alluring appeal, which continues to foster my curiosity and search for knowledge.
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