Disqus - Latest Comments for mdouble

Re: Chocolate and Stroke Risk

mdouble — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 17:48:14 -0000

Men are from Mars, women are from Snickers - Groan. Don't give up your day job for a career in comedy.

Re: Reductionism and the Deficiency Mentality

mdouble — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 12:52:48 -0000

The reductionist approach is not limited to nutritional research. Thinking in the western world is generally not holistic. and so tends be be reductionist when dealing with any issue. Everything is broken down into component parts, which are then considered, analyzed and evaluated out of context to the larger whole. As an example consider the introduction of rabbits into Australia. A fast breeding non-native species, without natural predators, the rabbit population exploded, creating an emergency situation. Reductionist thinking at its most basic was responsible for creating the disaster. This is but one example among thousands of others across the globe. Likewise failure to see the global ecosystem as an interconnect web of life, coincidentally supporting all human life, is frequently the direct result of reductionist thinking. Permaculture on the other hand takes a systems view of nature and our place in it. All science, including medical science need to see the world from a permacultural paradigm. Everything is connected to everything, without exception. Only with such a view we come to grips with problems as antibiotic resistant bacteria or other such "superbugs". It will only be through the application of permaculture thinking that we can stop killing the oceans, clear cutting rainforests or extinguishing entire species.

Re: Lose Two Pounds in One Sitting: Taking the Mioscenic Route

mdouble — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 10:53:43 -0000

I'm guessing that the people in the study you mentioned never got the munchies - because they were always munching on something. Aside from the astonishing volume of fiber they consumed, they must have spent huge amounts of time simply eating. The implications of this go far beyond lowering cholesterol. Eating like our Mioscenic would create a whole different lifestyle - eat and poop, then eat some more. Keeping a schedule like that would leave little time for other things, like killing each other or watching trashy sitcoms or game shows. We wouldn't have time to create lots of pollution, aside from the trail of droppings we left behind. Maybe that's how the Sahara desert was created - once it was forrest, until our ancestors ate it. But, all joking aside, I am a living testament to the healing, regenerative powers of a plant based diet. Having serious health problems in 1979-80, my doctor advised that I go macrobiotic. While this diet is not exclusively vegan it can be, as was the case for me. All these years later I'm still eating that way. I can say with absolute certainty that fiber really is one of the more underrated and necessary parts of any diet.

Re: How to Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

mdouble — Fri, 27 May 2016 18:44:03 -0000

NAFLD is what killed my paternal grandfather. At autopsy, it was found he had cirrhosis of the liver, and he was a strict non-drinker. Alcohol of any form was not allowed to cross his threshold. The doctors were astonished and somewhat disbelieving that he did not drink. However he loved fatty meat and sweets, and had a seriously large appetite. Little wonder his liver was shot.

Re: The Palatability of Cancer Prevention

mdouble — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 16:01:30 -0000

The decline in meat consumption may be a side effect of another powerful motivation. That motivation is likely the result of a number of people watching friends or family die of cancer. Death is a rather potent motivation, as are pain and suffering. Few things alter behaviour as quickly as fear. Close encounters with chemotherapy or surgery will tend to focus attention on the realities of cancer.

Re: Don’t find fault, find a remedy.

mdouble — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 09:09:59 -0000

Henry Ford is often considered one of the titans of American industry. It is true that so far as modern production methods are concerned Ford was innovative and insightful. However, Ford was also a major anti-Semite who apparently admired and supported Hitler. Apparently Hitler also admired Ford, and kept a picture of him in his office. There are other less than positive aspects to Ford's character which are generally not openly acknowledged. Ford was ardently anti-union, and used harsh methods to supress any effort to organize one in his plants. This included the use of physical violence, and preventing workers from talking while at work. It seems ironic then that this quote from Ford is held out as representing a positive statement, given the solutions he often used or approved. It should be noted for those who are unaware that the attempted Nazi extermination of Jews was called, "The Final Solution."

Re: Restoring Vitality into the Land

mdouble — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 08:35:38 -0000

Restoring degraded, less than perfect land will certainly be a challenge. However, simply having land which can be restored will be more valued than gold in the challenging years ahead. The very fact that your land is somewhat depleted provides the opportunity for you to build it up using sustainable permaculture methods. From my perspective that makes your land a better investment than stocks, or bonds.

Re: On Orgasms and Enlightenment

mdouble — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 08:47:15 -0000

What an exceptionally well written article. It quickly and effectively dissects one of life's getter paradoxes, namely the relationship between pain and pleasure. The dualistic nature of this 3 dimensional plane of existence gives rise to the potential of both, and oddly, as you noted sometimes simultaneously. How different this is from the state of bliss which is so often described by those who describe the spiritual state they experience during a Near Death Experience.
Bliss then would be the ultimate state of transcendence and one which does seem to be the goal of some meditation. Yet, without some opposing sensation, bliss may well seem quite meaningless. Without a means of appreciation bliss may then be little more than a kind of steady state of emotionless white noise. Your article may have brushed up against the generally illusive answer for the our quest to answer the primal question about the meaning of life.
Could it be then that life on earth, a primitive and brutal as it can be is essential for our souls evolution? As you point out in passing, the answer to that question may well be yes. Thanks for exploring this subject and allowing us to think more clearly about such matters.

Re: The Indian Boy with the Spices… An Omen to Follow the Omens

mdouble — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 08:58:49 -0000

Nice article, and excellent advice for those travelling abroad. I am reminded of the old poem about the spider and the fly. I've never been to India so really don't have direct experience on which to base any further comments. However based on reading or hearing various tales of those who have, I can offer a few thoughts.
I think many westerners travelling abroad have a rather naïve mindset. It may be all to easy to be lulled into a state where common sense is somewhat overwhelmed. The more exotic and different the culture the easier it might be to become distracted and so not plugged into ones normal intuition.
I know that in some places westerners are seen as little more than sheep to be fleeced. Even those who have little in the way of financial largess back home, may seem wealthy to those living in third world poverty. You then become a walking target. This fact is especially relevant in places where criminality is simply a normal part of daily life.
As I noted, I have no direct experience, but know a number of people who have. While personal safety is always a matter of concern, there are other security issues about which travelers should be aware. One of these is getting hacked at a public hotspot. Theft of personal information from an electronic device is a so called bloodless crime with serious potential consequences. This has happened to several people I know.
One doesn't need to be lured down a back alley into an abandoned building to be victimized by cyber crime. This can happen in a hotel lobby in broad daylight. Even guardian angels may get caught off guard under those circumstances. Your best defense against such threats is to get up to speed on such things before leaving home. Forewarned is forearmed, as the old saying goes.

Re: Should You Sit, Squat, or Lean During a Bowel Movement?

mdouble — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:01:31 -0000

OK, being the perpetual smart ass I am, I have a ton of poop jokes I'd like to insert as comments - but I know this really is a serious subject so I am doing my best to restrain myself - but yes, it is a strain to do so.

I can speak from personal experience that fiber from a plant based vegan diet makes all the difference in the world to both texture and volume of stool. As long time vegan or near vegan the issue is entirely obvious if by chance I don't eat my normal diet. The difference shows up within 24 hours in the bathroom. My body offers up a kind of bio-feedback which is very non-technical but quite effective - no radioactive dye or x-rays required.

The information you've provided is so simple one would think that those suffering from constipation would quickly adopt a plant based diet. But alas I doubt this will be the actual effect. Rather than eating more healthy, most folks likely just take additional fiber in some form. In point of fact I suggest that this is the advice offered by most doctors with patients suffering from poor bowel function. The vast majority of folks would rather drink a glass of goo than eat whole brown rice, multigrain bread or have a big serving of steamed kale.

It is sad when the solution to a set of related problems is so simple, yet so often ignored.

Re: Elizabeth May Report Stage Speech on Bill C-59

mdouble — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 20:52:03 -0000

Cobbling together disparate pieces of legislation under the guise of an unrelated bill is at best cowardly at worst a direct attempt to disguise an agenda which the government is reluctant to openly disclose. This is abusive of the democratic process and more important, a violation of the trust Canadian place in their elected representatives. Honesty and transparency are absolute requirements for a functional truly representative government, anything less is some form of tyranny.

Re: Vegetable Garden Layout - Rows, Square Foot Or Wild?

mdouble — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:33:45 -0000

Biochar raises some interesting points and a good deal of controversy among gardeners. As you know, experiments conducted under controlled circumstances do no support claims that it improves growth or yield. These experiments done by different gardeners in widely varied locations all seem to point to the benefits of biochar being more mythical than real. However, you mentioned that biochar is acidic.

Given this fact I would be curious to know if it has been tested specifically for use in amending soil which is to basic or perhaps even alkaline? At this point in time, I'm not convinced that biochar is all that useful as a general purpose soil amendment. I think seaweed mixtures are a better option, when combined with good quality humus, compost and mulch.

I really do like the idea of using cover crops where possible. This idea is very consistent with the principles of natural farming in the famous book, "one straw revolution". The use of green manure makes the most sense ecologically.

Re: The One Commandment of Jesus

mdouble — Tue, 12 May 2015 09:07:43 -0000

One of the things 6 year olds wouldn't know is the common thread which is present in virtually all religious teachings. Many teachers have brought us the same message over and over. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Most of us understand these things instinctively but simply fail to allow ourselves to act accordingly. We are learn that so called tribal mindset which separates one from another and creates the illusion that we are fundamentally different. It is in this state that we also come to compare each other individually or collectively as being better than or less than. Therein lay the seed which grows in to unhappiness, and all the miseries of the world.

Re: Elizabeth May Question and Comment on C-51

mdouble — Fri, 01 May 2015 17:28:44 -0000

Thank you Elizabeth for having not only the vision to see the flaws in C-51 but also the courage to continue to fight against. Yours may be a voice in the wilderness at this juncture, but it is certainly the clear strong voice of reason. I wish to mention that you are being heard beyond the commons. While attending a presentation in Walkerton Ontario on the deceptions foisted on the public about 911, by the US government, and other so called false flag events, your objections to C-51 were specifically mention by one of the panelists ( apology for not have the name at hand).

In the midst of a very well done presentation citing many so called terrorist attacks, the above noted speaker took note of the exceptionally egregious nature of C-51 and applauded your singular efforts to bring these points to public attention. He is in full agreement with you in condemnation of C-51 and his comments were met with considerable approval from the audience.

Given the current majority government of the Conservative party fighting against C-51 is indeed exceptionally difficult. However the Conservatives should not be so smug as to expect that their political fortunes could not change, and quickly.

So long as we have some degree of democratic freedom, the ballot box is one means by which public indignation can be registered.

Re: Elizabeth May Report Stage Speech on Bill C-51

mdouble — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:10:21 -0000

Bravo Elizabeth, you have put forward a powerful argument against C-51. All Canadians should take to heart your words, and, if the bill actually does pass into law unchanged most certainly recall this egregious violation of individual rights at the next election. Given the nature of the law, as it stands I wonder at how it was inspired. Could it be that the Harper government is creating legislation which has a similar character to the infamous Patriot Act in the United States?

Has the Harper government been pressured or perhaps cajoled into following suite with US initiatives to quell terrorism in that country by reducing civil liberties, and personal rights ensured by and enshrined in the US constitution and bill of rights?

I think that is a fair question to pose. Is Canada a truly free and independent nation or merely a state which, given our proximity, given to follow the dictates and directives of our neighbour to the south.

Canadian security forces have more than enough capacity to protect Canadians from the threat of terrorism. They can act independently within the existing legal framework. We do not require exceptional laws which trample individual rights to detect and disrupt criminal activity.

Terrorism is after all an criminal act, first and foremost, by any definition. This point is especially true when the terrorists are Canadian citizens operating with Canada. Such behavior is no different than any other criminal undertaking and should be treated as such.

Those things which inspire individuals or groups to take up terrorist ideas need not be so called acts of war. The very idea posed by Harper that any individual or independent group committing a terrorist act is an act of war is patently absurd.

in 1970, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau evoked the War Measures Act in response to terrorist acts by the FLQ. This later came to be know as the October Crisis. In his view, as state of war existed with in Canada which justified such an extraordinary action.

Trudeau was widely criticized internationally as having used excessive governmental power to deal with what was essentially a localized and highly specific group of radicalized individuals. The point I make is that according to Trudeau Canada was at war with the FLQ. In his view the sovereignty of the nation was under threat.

What differs in that example is that it was an openly declared state of emergency to meet a very specific and well defined crisis. As with any declared war the threat was identified and measures undertaken with full disclosure of the intentions.

Weather Trudeau was correct in his dealing with the situation is still a matter of debate. However, once the crisis was over the War Measures act was withdrawn and the country returned to normalcy.

What Harper proposes to put into law effectively creates a permanent state of war with any unnamed and unknown enemy. Under such legislation the state of crisis created by the threat of terrorism will never end. As a result all citizens will then live under conditions in which freedoms and civil rights are being waved indefinitely.

Indeed given the specific nature of the legislation Canadians will have no right to actually know who the enemy is, or is suspected to be. We will have no right to challenge any decisions made by the government to theoretically protect us from individuals or groups they determine might pose a threat.

Security issues have always existed in Canada as they have elsewhere in the world. In a free and open society it obviously easier for criminals of every kind to operate with greater ease. It is one price we pay for being open and free.

The question every Canadian needs to ask is if Bill C-51 does anything to actually make the country more safe and secure? If C-51 really about making Canada a better place to live, or is it posturing so as to appease the security interests of the US?

Re: 4 Best Reasons to Legalize Hemp

mdouble — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 18:11:35 -0000

Hemp is one of the best natural resources and yet is being overlooked due to nothing more than stupidity and fear. The current so called war on drugs is such a failure and waste of money it would be laughable if it were not so pathetic. Hemp fiber was used to make the very rope which, when used on sailing ships changed the face of the globe through exploration and trade. It could change the world again by creating a new green revolution if only there were enough intelligent, courageous people in government to champion the cause. Oh wait, in a democracy isn't the government supposed to represent the people? Maybe it's time for a real "grass" roots movement - pun intended.

Re: By denying my right to speak, our Parliament is weakened

mdouble — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:49:37 -0000

It is important to note that what is said and done publicly may differ from the motivations which can only be found behind closed doors. Canada plays on a world stage and may indeed have a supporting role and is directed by those with a different view, namely the foreign policies of the US .

Going along with such direction may well put Canada in a difficult position visa vie the general consent of the people of Canada. The rationale behind such policies are often hidden because they rely on the complexities of things like trade agreements, and other matters which apply directly and indirectly to things like the economy.

The notion that Canada is a totally sovereign nation is relative to how dependant we are on other countries, and most specifically those with whom we trade most. Policies often reflect this unfortunate reality.

Should Canada stay its own course without the influence of others? The real question to ask is, can we do so? Ethically the answer to that question should be yes, but practically speaking, and regrettably to often I think, we waver in a larger wind.

Re: Can we stop C-51?

mdouble — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:26:50 -0000

It seems to me that the time for a majority conservative government in Canada has passed. At any time egregious anti-democratic legislation is forced on the public, against common support, it is an indication of nothing less than abuse of the public trust. The glaring problems with C-51 are clear indications that it does not represent the best interests of Canadians.

The fact that it is being pushed ahead was is the case strongly suggests that the Conservatives have no interest in fully representative government. One is left to wonder if they are seeking to create a legal framework which will allow a free hand in developing something akin to the offensive and unconstitutional patriot act in the USA.

Canada is known world wide as country which respects freedom and human rights. Canadians in their thousands fought and died to protect the world from tyranny and to preserve those very values. Apparently those things now seem less important to those who would impinge those rights and values under the guise of improving security - while factually making us less secure.

In this age of paranoid oversight should free people be subjected to draconian measures against undefined and uncertain groups or events. Should we give over control of our lives and our liberties in trust to those whom are in fact in service to the public, not the master?

Finally and as a matter of note: Once legislation is enacted it has an unfortunate way of becoming a fixture, irrespective of the government. Without sufficient force of numbers subsequent governments may well be unable to overturn unpopular legislation, even with the best intentions.

Re: Is Liquid Smoke Flavoring Carcinogenic?

mdouble — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:34:05 -0000

I have always wondered about liquid smoke. I suspected it was not so good to consume, but had nothing on which to base that opinion - until now. For vegans, there's a hidden sub issue here which I think deserves further explanation. Smoke is a product of grilling things such a meat or fish. It is that singular unique taste which is associated with Barbeque. It's one of those tastes which many commercial BBQ sauces attempt to reproduce.

When transitioning to a vegan diet some try to reproduce such familiar tastes, like BBQ as a means of making it easier. The use of liquid smoke, or sauces with include that flavour may be tempting ways to make tofu or tempeh seem more meaty. This is fine within certain limits especially in the early days of making the move to eating vegan. However, I think it is important to transition away from the old familiar tastes and embrace others which are perhaps cleaner, fresher and less meaty.

Barbequed foods are attractive for a variety of reasons, one of which may be social. I think there is an argument to be made that some of the attraction may be a genetically encoded memory. Roasting animal flesh over an open fire and the communal sharing of food might be one of those primal ancient memories which we share. As we go vegan, moving away from such memories may be a matter of replacing something old, with something new.

Re: Elizabeth May and Bruce Hyer announce 60 amendments to Bill C-51

mdouble — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:21:15 -0000

Congratulations to Elizabeth and Bruce for the diligent work in taming a bill which is as drafted simply horrendous both in principle and in fact. The best hope we have is that the Conservatives will be defeated and the new government will be able then to counteract the implications of such legislation having passed into law, even modified.

I should note further that national security is better served by less Draconian measures. Provocative, aggressive foreign policies create more potential for insecurities in this modern age. Foreign nationals, or those sympathetic to specific causes or ideologies can be easily radicalized when governments are seen to violate their, or what might be described as the principle of sovereignty.

As a peace loving nation Canada should do all it can to foster and enlarge the very principles of peace, everywhere.

Re: Organic Farmer Taken to Court for Refusing to Spray Pesticides

mdouble — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:16:50 -0000

One way to make your support for Giboulot obvious is to not buy French Wine. This seems counter intuitive to be sure, but voting with one's wallet really is a direct action method which has direct and immediate effect. Any petition which also includes comments by the signer can be used to drive home the point. Take note to include reference to your support for Giboulot and organic wine free of artificial chemicals. Both the French government and the French wine industry will get the message clearly when sales drop.

Re: Viral Food Poisoning from Pesticides?

mdouble — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 11:55:20 -0000

After several massive recalls of spinach in recent years I was puzzled about how the plants became contaminated. After reading your article, it now makes sense that contaminated the irrigation water is the source of problem. I live in an area where, a decade ago, one local community had a serious issue with contaminated drinking water. In that case the community drinking water came from a common well.

The well water was contaminated with fecal matter from agricultural run off. The end result was several deaths and a number of people hospitalized after drinking tap water. Investigations found that there were multiple faults in the water treatment system, both mechanical and human in nature.

After the investigation was completed, huge amounts of money were spent to upgrade the filtration and monitoring system for the community drinking water. However I can well imagine that in most agricultural situations little if any monitoring takes place for water used in irrigation. It would be easy then to imagine how fecal contamination could easily get onto plants and then directly into humans.

The part of that equation which is not so directly understood is the use of contaminated water to mix pesticides. This is very counter intuitive given the fact that most fruit are grown above ground level, and one assumes normally not exposed to pathogens such as e coli. How clever of us ingenious humans to find a way to get poo on apples.

Then again we've also found a way to get radioactive isotopes from nuclear tests into the bones of all children born since 1950. From that perspective I suppose poop on apples really isn't such a big surprise.

Re: PREDIMED: Does Eating Nuts Prevent Strokes?

mdouble — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 13:39:17 -0000

Very significant findings

Re: How to Build a Better Outdoor Pizza Oven: Part 2

mdouble — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 20:04:11 -0000

I find that short of direct personal experience, living vicariously though the experiences of other is invaluable. Your blog provides inspiration to those who may wish someday to make their own cob house, go off grid or just simplify their lifestyle. Reading is obviously not doing, but it does offer a sense of what it is like to trod down a muddy path - figuratively speaking.

While I am not in a position to pursue building an entire cob house, or to shift my lifestyle dramatically, I really enjoy and appreciate reading about your endeavours. The pizza / bread oven is something I want to build, and this may be the year to make that happen.

Re: 6 Easy Steps to Go Vegan

mdouble — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 16:52:11 -0000

I have been vegetarian / near vegan and vegan for 35 years. In that time I have encountered many false-hoods about being vegan or vegetarian. For starters, no vegans live beyond 70. I personally know a number of vegans who are 70+ 80+. Here's a simple example of one that is 90+ https://www.youtube.com/wat.... If you want good scientific evidence then I strongly recommend several people you should follow. One of the most notable is Dr Michale Greger http://www.veganmd.org/

Dr Greger addresses the specific issue of Eating for your Blood Type in this video. https://www.youtube.com/wat...

He presents a balanced and scientifically valid look at the vegan diet. His arguments always rely on real facts, and credible scientific evidence, not rumor, bias or old information.

I would also recommend that you talk a close look at "The China Study". This is a massive and complete investigation of the direct influence of diet on health.

There are many factors direct influence one's health and these much be taken into consideration when making any judgment on if a specific way of eating works or doesn't work. It is not uncommon for people to make assumptions based on widely accepted, but false beliefs. This is true for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. Popular books and diet trends come and go but real science is more difficult to push aside.

If all that were not enough the UN endorses, even encourages people to adopt a Vegan Diet.
http://www.theguardian.com/...