Think of all the everyday parts of our diet that have been painted as evil and later, not. Think of eggs, salt, coffee, and chocolate. Think of all the medications that have been touted as the answer to all your health problems. The latest to come across my path is, wait for it, Vitamin D.
At my last meeting with the doctor treating my diabetes the only issue that was out of line was my vitamin D. It was low enough that I was supposed to be comatose or some such thing. Anyway, he is putting me on a massive dose to try to bring me up to what the current gurus are saying is normal. I will go with it for a time and see what happens.
In doing a little research I found that vitamin D seems to be the latest miracle drug. In reading over the material it seems that vitamin D could be the cure from everything from psoriasis to depression.
The most obvious treatment would be to get more sun. The sun produces vitamin D in our bodies. The problem is that we are afraid of skin cancer. The answer might be to find a happy medium.
So step right up and get your vitamin D. Guaranteed to cure what ails you.
homo unius libri
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Opus 2012-92, Death and Taxes
I have not posted in the last week. I only have a few windows in which my time and energy comes together and it seems like every time I have been getting my focus someone has needed my time and attention. I have had to keep reminding myself that writing a blog is recreation, not required.
One of the distractions has been a number of deaths in the family. I am currently in a motel room waiting for everyone else to wake up and get moving as we proceed to a service for my mother in law. I lost an aunt about the same time and an uncle a few days ago. At church there have also been people who have died.
Most have been believers so it is a mixed bag of emotions. The separation and loss are real but the hope that the resurrection gives mellows the heart. My mother in law had been sinking into dementia. In her lucid moments she kept wondering how long the Lord was going to wait to take her. We all believe she is rejoicing today.
I hope you share that assurance.
Death at tax time is symbolic that of the two we only have to worry about taxes.
homo unius libri
One of the distractions has been a number of deaths in the family. I am currently in a motel room waiting for everyone else to wake up and get moving as we proceed to a service for my mother in law. I lost an aunt about the same time and an uncle a few days ago. At church there have also been people who have died.
Most have been believers so it is a mixed bag of emotions. The separation and loss are real but the hope that the resurrection gives mellows the heart. My mother in law had been sinking into dementia. In her lucid moments she kept wondering how long the Lord was going to wait to take her. We all believe she is rejoicing today.
I hope you share that assurance.
Death at tax time is symbolic that of the two we only have to worry about taxes.
homo unius libri
Friday, April 20, 2012
Opus 2012-91, Is Tithing Required?
As a follower of Jesus, is tithing required? The short answer is, “No.” The long answer is that if you have to ask the question you have other issues to deal with. Those issues might be more important. The issue of the tithe is a matter of an obedient and trusting spirit, not a matter of paying your dues for membership.
Asking, “Do I have to tithe” is like asking “Do I have to change the oil on my car” or “Do I have to take a bath?” etc. Some things you can avoid temporarily but the long term consequences will eventually catch up with you. You will have a breakdown, not because of a one time decision but because of a pattern of refusal.
The tithe was a part of the Old Testament culture. It was not an offering. It was not charity. It was a gift that was to be brought into the temple even when the temple was corrupt. The simplest and most familiar verse is this,
If you don’t tithe will you go to Hell? Not because of that. Will there be people in Hell who tithed. Yes, but not because of that.
Some people will say that the New Testament does not teach tithing. That is a half truth. Look at these words of Jesus:
Should you be concerned about this issue? I know of some people who give away more than ten percent to people in need. I can accept that they are giving out of obedience to God. They are not the ones God is cocking His eyebrows at. I believe that most people who reject the tithe do so because they don’t want to let go of the money, not because the principle is flawed. They try to hide behind “we are not under law, we are under grace” when the real issue is selfishness and obedience.
God doesn’t want you to give out of guilt or fear. What He wants is a heart so full of praise and a mind so aware of blessings that the tithe becomes the beginning point of response, not a goal you hope you never must reach.
homo unius libri
Asking, “Do I have to tithe” is like asking “Do I have to change the oil on my car” or “Do I have to take a bath?” etc. Some things you can avoid temporarily but the long term consequences will eventually catch up with you. You will have a breakdown, not because of a one time decision but because of a pattern of refusal.
The tithe was a part of the Old Testament culture. It was not an offering. It was not charity. It was a gift that was to be brought into the temple even when the temple was corrupt. The simplest and most familiar verse is this,
((Malachi 3:10 KJV) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.The tithe was the beginning point of giving. Understand that the word “tithe” means ten percent. You cannot tithe five percent. You either follow the directions or you don’t.
If you don’t tithe will you go to Hell? Not because of that. Will there be people in Hell who tithed. Yes, but not because of that.
Some people will say that the New Testament does not teach tithing. That is a half truth. Look at these words of Jesus:
(Luke 11:42 KJV) But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.The subject is tithing on even the small things. The problem is that they were substituting tithing for other acts of obedience. Notice the words of Jesus: “these ought ye to have done.” Please don’t tell me that Jesus did not believe in the tithe. He approved but is trying to keep it in context and not let it be a substitute for deeper obedience.
Should you be concerned about this issue? I know of some people who give away more than ten percent to people in need. I can accept that they are giving out of obedience to God. They are not the ones God is cocking His eyebrows at. I believe that most people who reject the tithe do so because they don’t want to let go of the money, not because the principle is flawed. They try to hide behind “we are not under law, we are under grace” when the real issue is selfishness and obedience.
God doesn’t want you to give out of guilt or fear. What He wants is a heart so full of praise and a mind so aware of blessings that the tithe becomes the beginning point of response, not a goal you hope you never must reach.
homo unius libri
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Opus 2012-90, The Cell Phone Plot
It became clear to me the other day. I was walking toward my car and saw a poor deformed lady making her way across the parking lot. My heart began to go out to her as she struggled with her deformity. Then I realized she was talking on her cell phone, she was not a Quasimodo clone.
You have seen these people. They have their shoulder hunched up and their head bent over with the phone sandwiched between as they talk with abandon.
I think it is part of a plot by the chiropractors of the world. The position must do something to the alignment of the spine and cause a plethora of problems. There are only two solutions: See the chiropractor or dump the cell phone. I prefer the second but I don’t see it happening.
Maybe we need a federal program to help people stand up straight. Perhaps we could have a law making it illegal to take your hand off your cell phone when it is connected with a call. Perhaps we could require cell phone users to wear a large helmet with a special adapter to hold the phone against their ear. All of these steps would, of course, be for our own good.
“I want to be from the government and I am here to help you.”
homo unius libri
You have seen these people. They have their shoulder hunched up and their head bent over with the phone sandwiched between as they talk with abandon.
I think it is part of a plot by the chiropractors of the world. The position must do something to the alignment of the spine and cause a plethora of problems. There are only two solutions: See the chiropractor or dump the cell phone. I prefer the second but I don’t see it happening.
Maybe we need a federal program to help people stand up straight. Perhaps we could have a law making it illegal to take your hand off your cell phone when it is connected with a call. Perhaps we could require cell phone users to wear a large helmet with a special adapter to hold the phone against their ear. All of these steps would, of course, be for our own good.
“I want to be from the government and I am here to help you.”
homo unius libri
Monday, April 16, 2012
Opus 2012-89, Movie Mantras: Live Long and Prosper
Most of us are familiar with the farewell of Mr. Spock, “Live long and prosper.” We have learned to give the double V of the Vulcan salute. It sounds like a great line. Who would not want to live long and prosper?
I have been thinking of it as the Vulcan curse rather than the Vulcan salute.
Follow my thinking here. Take another proverbial statement. I don’t know if it was famous before Disney had Jiminy Cricket sing it but the line from his song went something like this,
You may have heard it as “curiosity killed the cat.” It is a dangerous trait. It gets us sticking our nose in places it is not supposed to be. It gets us sticking our nose in places it should be but in which dangerous people don’t want it. It can get us hurt in different ways from a child putting their body parts in a flame to getting targeted by drug lords for asking the wrong questions. It can get us fired, ostracized, and fined. So I would submit that being curious about the world around you could keep you from living long. So the Vulcan curse is directing you toward being a conforming dullard. Not exactly what I want in life.
What about prosperity? Surely no one could be against prosperity. No, but let me ask you a question: Under what conditions do most people grow in character and skill? Does it happen when things are going well and life is good or is personal growth more often brought about by adversity? In my experience it is adversity. Maybe you are different. Maybe you live in Disneyland. Maybe you work for the government.
So although we all think we would like to live long and want to prosper I would suggest that we should have a few caveats to the Vulcan curse. Live well and experience victory.
homo unius libri
I have been thinking of it as the Vulcan curse rather than the Vulcan salute.
Follow my thinking here. Take another proverbial statement. I don’t know if it was famous before Disney had Jiminy Cricket sing it but the line from his song went something like this,
“Curiosity, people say,
Killed the kitty cat one fine day.”
You may have heard it as “curiosity killed the cat.” It is a dangerous trait. It gets us sticking our nose in places it is not supposed to be. It gets us sticking our nose in places it should be but in which dangerous people don’t want it. It can get us hurt in different ways from a child putting their body parts in a flame to getting targeted by drug lords for asking the wrong questions. It can get us fired, ostracized, and fined. So I would submit that being curious about the world around you could keep you from living long. So the Vulcan curse is directing you toward being a conforming dullard. Not exactly what I want in life.
What about prosperity? Surely no one could be against prosperity. No, but let me ask you a question: Under what conditions do most people grow in character and skill? Does it happen when things are going well and life is good or is personal growth more often brought about by adversity? In my experience it is adversity. Maybe you are different. Maybe you live in Disneyland. Maybe you work for the government.
So although we all think we would like to live long and want to prosper I would suggest that we should have a few caveats to the Vulcan curse. Live well and experience victory.
homo unius libri
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Opus 2012-88, Discernment Watch: When Corn Is not Corn
As a history teacher I sometimes see things that cause cognitive dissonance. One of them is the constant reference in the KJV to “corn.” It is possible that you did not listen in school when they talked about the Columbian Exchange. It is possible that you went to school before the emphasis was on political correctness and you have not heard the term although you may know the details.
Corn, or maize, is one of the most common grain crops in the modern world. We know it as a yellowish kernel that we eat fresh off the cob, canned or frozen or pop for a trip to the movies. We know that the lobbyists have talked us into subsidize using it to make gasoline. History shows us that before Columbus discovered America and came in contact with the American Indians corn as we know it was unknown. (PC readers substitute “white Europeans invaded the western hemisphere” and “Native Americans”) The American Indians are responsible for developing many of the staple foods of our time. For that we owe them a lot.
In 1611 when the King James Version was translated and published this grain was still known as “maize.” “Corn” was a term that meant “grain” to people of that time. So when you read about the Egyptians and corn it probably means barley, rye or wheat.
Many of the misunderstandings about meaning of the Bible come from misunderstood translations. Many of the so-called “errors” of the Bible are from poor or archaic choice of words. Don’t write off the written word because you don’t want to do your homework.
Don’t fall for corny interpretations.
homo unius libri
Corn, or maize, is one of the most common grain crops in the modern world. We know it as a yellowish kernel that we eat fresh off the cob, canned or frozen or pop for a trip to the movies. We know that the lobbyists have talked us into subsidize using it to make gasoline. History shows us that before Columbus discovered America and came in contact with the American Indians corn as we know it was unknown. (PC readers substitute “white Europeans invaded the western hemisphere” and “Native Americans”) The American Indians are responsible for developing many of the staple foods of our time. For that we owe them a lot.
In 1611 when the King James Version was translated and published this grain was still known as “maize.” “Corn” was a term that meant “grain” to people of that time. So when you read about the Egyptians and corn it probably means barley, rye or wheat.
Many of the misunderstandings about meaning of the Bible come from misunderstood translations. Many of the so-called “errors” of the Bible are from poor or archaic choice of words. Don’t write off the written word because you don’t want to do your homework.
Don’t fall for corny interpretations.
homo unius libri
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Opus 2012-87, Orthodox Easter
You may not have noticed but Easter Sunday is different each year. This is because the calculation for Easter in most Christian churches is based on the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar. Like Passover, the Jewish holiday that Jesus was celebrating at the Last Supper, it is based on the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Like the full moon, this changes each month.
Orthodox churches are different. Churches in the West use the Gregorian calendar to do their calculations. This is a revision introduced in 1582. The Orthodox churches use the older, Julian calendar so they usually get a different date. The difference is a few minutes a year but over time it adds up. This year the Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on the coming Sunday of April 15. You see the same kind of difference in Christmas.
So if you were too busy to celebrate last week, rejoice. It is still Easter to millions of people world wide. And if you know your church history you know that every Sunday is a day that we are supposed to celebrate the resurrection.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
homo unius libri
Orthodox churches are different. Churches in the West use the Gregorian calendar to do their calculations. This is a revision introduced in 1582. The Orthodox churches use the older, Julian calendar so they usually get a different date. The difference is a few minutes a year but over time it adds up. This year the Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on the coming Sunday of April 15. You see the same kind of difference in Christmas.
So if you were too busy to celebrate last week, rejoice. It is still Easter to millions of people world wide. And if you know your church history you know that every Sunday is a day that we are supposed to celebrate the resurrection.
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
homo unius libri
Friday, April 13, 2012
Opus 2012-86, Green Pieces: The Call of Nature
Thursday night my wife shared with me one of the great news stories of the day: A cat that could flush a toilet. Her focus was disappointment in her cat who could not even seem to push open a door to come in the bedroom. She was hoping that this meant her cat could learn. I am not holding my breath.
Friday morning as I was walking through the bedroom she called out, “Watch this!” I assumed it was something important: Impeachment proceedings begun, Sarah Palin announcing a run for president, Iran renouncing terrorism, Al Gore finding the error in his calculations about global warming, you know the kind of thing. It turned out that the “news” station was playing the video of the cat flushing the toilet and watching the water swirl; again and again.
This is an important news story. It could be the turning point in the struggle to save the earth from the pollution of humanity. You see, the companions of the cat, being responsible people, were trying to cut down on their water usage. They could not figure out how they were using so much water. Evidently one day they were home and discovered that the culprit was not someone taking long showers or running the dishwasher but a cat that loved to watch water swirl. From what I could pick up the cat would spend the entire day flushing the toilet and watching the water. Needless to say this seemed like a waste of water.
Why is this important? It represents a total about face for the worshipers of Gaia. Animals can do no wrong. They are following the goodness of nature. This cat wants to flush toilets all day. Who are we to question and say it is a “waste” of water? How presumptive! It is a part of nature.
But wait! Maybe this is an opportunity. Might I suggest that we need a new water tax so that we can have a federal program to install easy flush toilets in homes for cats to flush. They would need to be in rooms with no doors to that the felines would not be denied what nature demands. For those cats who seem to not get the idea we could open up special education classes at the local schools and take some of that education money to bring our struggling friends up to speed. We could pass laws limiting the showers of the wasteful humans an install meters to make sure that they would comply.
This all brings new meaning to the phrase, “Nature calls.”
Instead of Montezuma’s Revenge we will have the Garfield’s Gift.
Enjoy your showers while you can.
homo unius libri
Friday morning as I was walking through the bedroom she called out, “Watch this!” I assumed it was something important: Impeachment proceedings begun, Sarah Palin announcing a run for president, Iran renouncing terrorism, Al Gore finding the error in his calculations about global warming, you know the kind of thing. It turned out that the “news” station was playing the video of the cat flushing the toilet and watching the water swirl; again and again.
This is an important news story. It could be the turning point in the struggle to save the earth from the pollution of humanity. You see, the companions of the cat, being responsible people, were trying to cut down on their water usage. They could not figure out how they were using so much water. Evidently one day they were home and discovered that the culprit was not someone taking long showers or running the dishwasher but a cat that loved to watch water swirl. From what I could pick up the cat would spend the entire day flushing the toilet and watching the water. Needless to say this seemed like a waste of water.
Why is this important? It represents a total about face for the worshipers of Gaia. Animals can do no wrong. They are following the goodness of nature. This cat wants to flush toilets all day. Who are we to question and say it is a “waste” of water? How presumptive! It is a part of nature.
But wait! Maybe this is an opportunity. Might I suggest that we need a new water tax so that we can have a federal program to install easy flush toilets in homes for cats to flush. They would need to be in rooms with no doors to that the felines would not be denied what nature demands. For those cats who seem to not get the idea we could open up special education classes at the local schools and take some of that education money to bring our struggling friends up to speed. We could pass laws limiting the showers of the wasteful humans an install meters to make sure that they would comply.
This all brings new meaning to the phrase, “Nature calls.”
Instead of Montezuma’s Revenge we will have the Garfield’s Gift.
Enjoy your showers while you can.
homo unius libri
Opus 2012-85, A Matter of Life and Death
The Easter season is a time of celebration of the Resurrection. For my family it is also a time of remembering that the reason we need hope is the reality of death. My father died at this time. This year we had two more family losses. Actually it is a good time of year to end life on this earth. Both family members died in the faith so the hope applies to them.
I find myself thinking more about death as I get older. I am approaching the age when people used to talk about retiring but with the way things are going I don’t see that happening. Some people shop till they drop, I plan to work until that day.
But it doesn’t hurt to take age seriously. For instance, I am going to paperback books instead of hard bound. I figure that I have about 20 years left if all goes well. I don’t know how many of those years I will know who I am but lets assume I am clear headed until the end. I have a lot of paperback books in my collection that have made it twenty years and are still in one piece. Why would I spend the money on more expensive editions? When I buy a reference book I now ask myself, “Will my children want this when I am gone?” If the answer is “yes” I can justify the added expense. I have no problem with leather-bound copies of C.S. Lewis or classic works. But when it comes to a book on politics or social issues, give me the paperback.
How many guns does one person need? If you are one of those people who think one is too many then you can skip this paragraph to save your blood pressure. I have a long list of gun candy that I would love to add to my collection but, seriously, I only have two hands and I don’t go shooting as much as I want now. Do I really need that 1911?
How many guitars can one person play? Really. I tend to drool when I go to guitar stores and it isn’t my advanced age. I don’t have a semi-hollow body. I don’t have a Martin. The list goes on.
So I continue to live life to the fullest. At the same time I am facing the reality of an approaching deadline. Life is good but not forever.
homo unius libri
I find myself thinking more about death as I get older. I am approaching the age when people used to talk about retiring but with the way things are going I don’t see that happening. Some people shop till they drop, I plan to work until that day.
But it doesn’t hurt to take age seriously. For instance, I am going to paperback books instead of hard bound. I figure that I have about 20 years left if all goes well. I don’t know how many of those years I will know who I am but lets assume I am clear headed until the end. I have a lot of paperback books in my collection that have made it twenty years and are still in one piece. Why would I spend the money on more expensive editions? When I buy a reference book I now ask myself, “Will my children want this when I am gone?” If the answer is “yes” I can justify the added expense. I have no problem with leather-bound copies of C.S. Lewis or classic works. But when it comes to a book on politics or social issues, give me the paperback.
How many guns does one person need? If you are one of those people who think one is too many then you can skip this paragraph to save your blood pressure. I have a long list of gun candy that I would love to add to my collection but, seriously, I only have two hands and I don’t go shooting as much as I want now. Do I really need that 1911?
How many guitars can one person play? Really. I tend to drool when I go to guitar stores and it isn’t my advanced age. I don’t have a semi-hollow body. I don’t have a Martin. The list goes on.
So I continue to live life to the fullest. At the same time I am facing the reality of an approaching deadline. Life is good but not forever.
homo unius libri
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Opus 2012-84, Plow and Crown: The Return of the Serf
One of the developments of the medieval period was the social position of serf. This is the European term. The position exists in most cultures with different names and slight variations of conditions.
A serf was a person of the lowest level of society. He was usually a farmer and had few rights. He was not free to travel without permission from his lord. The lord did not own him but owned the land he worked. In a video I show at school the serf explained it this way”
A serf was different from a peasant. To us they might look the same, but they were aware of the differences. Each one tended to look down on the other and they competed for the same niche in their society. The serf was tied to the land and could not even marry without permission. The peasant was free. The other side of the coin was that in hard times the lord was responsible to take care of the serf while the peasant was free to starve. Like today it was a tradeoff of liberty for security.
In Europe the position of serf developed from an act of the Roman emperor Diocletian. He issued an edict that locked people into the career of their father and tying farmers to the land. No longer were people free to move around and pursue their dreams.
The elites want us to become serfs again. They want us to be tied down and not free to pursue our dreams. Millions of Americans have come to depend on the government for their survival. At the low end you have the people trapped in the welfare cycle. The system is set up to keep them there. You need a job that pays pretty well to live better than you can live on government hand outs. As a result the parts of the country that are on the dole tend to vote for the party of the dole: the Democratic party. This is true whether you are in the inner city of Los Angeles or the back woods of West Virginia.
At the other end of the spectrum you have people like me, professionals with college educations and certificates that are working on jobs funded by the government. Once again you find that teachers and government workers of all stripes tend to vote for the party of the dole: The Democratic party.
Are the Republicans without fault? No, they want to keep us dependent also but it is a little more low key.
Keep in mind that if you want someone to take care of you and keep you safe that involves at least a little submission and surrender of liberty on your part. Remember the acronym TANSTAAFL. It is wisdom and warning. For those who have never been into science fiction it means “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”
Fight serfdom. Refuse government handouts. They are addictive.
homo unius libri
A serf was a person of the lowest level of society. He was usually a farmer and had few rights. He was not free to travel without permission from his lord. The lord did not own him but owned the land he worked. In a video I show at school the serf explained it this way”
“I don’t belong to the Lord, I belong to the land.”If the land changed hands he went with the land. It was obviously very close to slavery but a serf would have a few rights.
A serf was different from a peasant. To us they might look the same, but they were aware of the differences. Each one tended to look down on the other and they competed for the same niche in their society. The serf was tied to the land and could not even marry without permission. The peasant was free. The other side of the coin was that in hard times the lord was responsible to take care of the serf while the peasant was free to starve. Like today it was a tradeoff of liberty for security.
In Europe the position of serf developed from an act of the Roman emperor Diocletian. He issued an edict that locked people into the career of their father and tying farmers to the land. No longer were people free to move around and pursue their dreams.
The elites want us to become serfs again. They want us to be tied down and not free to pursue our dreams. Millions of Americans have come to depend on the government for their survival. At the low end you have the people trapped in the welfare cycle. The system is set up to keep them there. You need a job that pays pretty well to live better than you can live on government hand outs. As a result the parts of the country that are on the dole tend to vote for the party of the dole: the Democratic party. This is true whether you are in the inner city of Los Angeles or the back woods of West Virginia.
At the other end of the spectrum you have people like me, professionals with college educations and certificates that are working on jobs funded by the government. Once again you find that teachers and government workers of all stripes tend to vote for the party of the dole: The Democratic party.
Are the Republicans without fault? No, they want to keep us dependent also but it is a little more low key.
Keep in mind that if you want someone to take care of you and keep you safe that involves at least a little submission and surrender of liberty on your part. Remember the acronym TANSTAAFL. It is wisdom and warning. For those who have never been into science fiction it means “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.”
Fight serfdom. Refuse government handouts. They are addictive.
homo unius libri
Monday, April 9, 2012
Opus 2012-83, Healthy Insights: Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat?
First off I must confess that I don’t wear dresses. But in answer to the real question being asked, no. Fat makes you look fat, not clothes. But lighten up a bit about your weight.
We have all been to the doctor and had some part of our physical life measured and told we need to change. Almost every time I see a new doctor they tell me to quit drinking. In order to take in less alcohol I would need to stop walking by bars because all I ever get in is the air. The advice is rote, not response.
We have all seen the charts that tell us if we are healthy or not. Blood pressure is healthy or not based on some mysterious norm. Cholesterol is too high or two low. You weigh to much.
Says who?
The one that amuses me the most is the BMI. I think it stands for Body Mass Index. It is supposed to tell you whether you are too heavy or too fat. It takes two numbers and comes up with a ratio. Most of my adult life I have been either obese or morbidly obese. Recently I have lost some weight and I am feeling reasonably confident I will be able to keep it off. Currently I am still considered overweight by the BMI. Everyone who sees me thinks I am a walking skeleton. Some have expressed concerns about my health because I am looking emaciated. How can you be overweight and emaciated at the same time? The key is putting too much confidence in charts that are impersonal and one-size-fits-all.
Consider: I have very large feet; two of them. I have not been able to walk into a store and buy a pair of shoes since grade school. I think that adds a bit to my weight. I have a very large head. Hats in most stores come in general sizes, the largest being extra large. They do not fit me. When I get one of those cheap baseball caps with the plastic adjuster on the back I can only snap one of the little buttons and the hat is tight at that point. I had a dentist tell me one time that he had never seen teeth so big. I think it would be safe to say that I have big bones. I am not just saying it to make excuses. I do. To put me on the same chart as a walking string bean is an exercise in futility.
So look at the charts. Take them into consideration. Evaluate the data but don’t get consumed by generic medicine. We are all individuals. We are all different. What works for one person will not necessarily help another. I was reading on a diabetic blog the story of a guy who was depressed because he was 157 pounds instead of 156. The old BMI scale said he should be around 180. The new one had lowered the numbers and he was consumed with reaching them. He, and possibly you, needs to lighten up.
Stay healthy, by your definition. Don’t let your blood pressure get high because someone printed a chart.
homo unius libri
We have all been to the doctor and had some part of our physical life measured and told we need to change. Almost every time I see a new doctor they tell me to quit drinking. In order to take in less alcohol I would need to stop walking by bars because all I ever get in is the air. The advice is rote, not response.
We have all seen the charts that tell us if we are healthy or not. Blood pressure is healthy or not based on some mysterious norm. Cholesterol is too high or two low. You weigh to much.
Says who?
The one that amuses me the most is the BMI. I think it stands for Body Mass Index. It is supposed to tell you whether you are too heavy or too fat. It takes two numbers and comes up with a ratio. Most of my adult life I have been either obese or morbidly obese. Recently I have lost some weight and I am feeling reasonably confident I will be able to keep it off. Currently I am still considered overweight by the BMI. Everyone who sees me thinks I am a walking skeleton. Some have expressed concerns about my health because I am looking emaciated. How can you be overweight and emaciated at the same time? The key is putting too much confidence in charts that are impersonal and one-size-fits-all.
Consider: I have very large feet; two of them. I have not been able to walk into a store and buy a pair of shoes since grade school. I think that adds a bit to my weight. I have a very large head. Hats in most stores come in general sizes, the largest being extra large. They do not fit me. When I get one of those cheap baseball caps with the plastic adjuster on the back I can only snap one of the little buttons and the hat is tight at that point. I had a dentist tell me one time that he had never seen teeth so big. I think it would be safe to say that I have big bones. I am not just saying it to make excuses. I do. To put me on the same chart as a walking string bean is an exercise in futility.
So look at the charts. Take them into consideration. Evaluate the data but don’t get consumed by generic medicine. We are all individuals. We are all different. What works for one person will not necessarily help another. I was reading on a diabetic blog the story of a guy who was depressed because he was 157 pounds instead of 156. The old BMI scale said he should be around 180. The new one had lowered the numbers and he was consumed with reaching them. He, and possibly you, needs to lighten up.
Stay healthy, by your definition. Don’t let your blood pressure get high because someone printed a chart.
homo unius libri
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Opus 2012-82, Key Scriptures: I Corinthians 15
Today Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The Orthodox churches may pick a different date, I am not sure, but they will still celebrate it. I have already written at length on this under Basic Beliefs: The Resurrection. Here I want to point out the importance of the teachings of I Corinthians 15.
I Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter. Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter. I Corinthians 15 is where you turn to learn about the hope that is in us.
Paul begins by a discussion of what he has taught them. As in most of the New Testament letters, he is responding to false teachings. At this point they may not have been denying the resurrection of Jesus, just the resurrection of believers. Have you ever heard of the slippery slope? Have you ever heard of the camel getting its nose under the edge of the tent. This was the first step. The others would follow. Some things never change.
Follow the logic.
This points out that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and hope.
Rejoice! He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
homo unius libri
I Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter. Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter. I Corinthians 15 is where you turn to learn about the hope that is in us.
Paul begins by a discussion of what he has taught them. As in most of the New Testament letters, he is responding to false teachings. At this point they may not have been denying the resurrection of Jesus, just the resurrection of believers. Have you ever heard of the slippery slope? Have you ever heard of the camel getting its nose under the edge of the tent. This was the first step. The others would follow. Some things never change.
(1 Corinthians 15:12 NAS77) Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?Even in that day there were people denying the resurrection. So Paul gets to the heart of the matter:
(1 Corinthians 15:13-14 NAS77) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.It doesn’t matter how much faith you have is Jesus was not resurrected. It is in vain.
Follow the logic.
(1 Corinthians 15:16-18 NAS77) and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.The Bible does not mince words or back off from truth. I can think of no other place in the Bible where it is so clearly stated that something must be believed.
This points out that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our faith and hope.
Rejoice! He is risen!
He is risen indeed!
homo unius libri
Opus 2012-81, Koran Klarifications: Road to Peace
I was listening to a pod-cast dealing with Islam and the speaker suggested if we want to know if Islam can be regarded as a religion of peace we should read the ninth Sura. I am in the process of doing so.
I came across this as I read:
Look those over again. Do you see yourself fitting in there anywhere? If you are not a Muslim, you fit in all categories. Even if you call yourself a Muslim this justifies being attacked if you don’t meet up to another Muslims standards.
Notice there is a way to reach a non-war relationship: Pay tribute and be humbled.
So, mellow believer in reason; so, singer of “All we are saying, is give peace a chance;” are you ready to start paying tribute on a level that makes the IRS seem benign? Are you willing to join the Muslim women and walk behind Muslim men? Are you ready to join the Jews of Nazi Germany and begin wearing outward garb that labels you as a fair target of discrimination?
Peace with Islam is possible. The question is “What price peace?” Wake up and smell the dhimmi.
All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.
homo unius libri
I came across this as I read:
“Make war upon such of those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.” Sura 9, “Immunity,” verse 29.This is a command to make war on certain classes of people. First, Muslims are to make war on people who know about the demands of the Koran and do not convert. Second, make war in the end times struggles. Third, make war on anyone who will not follow the laws and standards set down in the Koran. The last category is the widest: Make war on anyone who is not a Muslim.
Look those over again. Do you see yourself fitting in there anywhere? If you are not a Muslim, you fit in all categories. Even if you call yourself a Muslim this justifies being attacked if you don’t meet up to another Muslims standards.
Notice there is a way to reach a non-war relationship: Pay tribute and be humbled.
So, mellow believer in reason; so, singer of “All we are saying, is give peace a chance;” are you ready to start paying tribute on a level that makes the IRS seem benign? Are you willing to join the Muslim women and walk behind Muslim men? Are you ready to join the Jews of Nazi Germany and begin wearing outward garb that labels you as a fair target of discrimination?
Peace with Islam is possible. The question is “What price peace?” Wake up and smell the dhimmi.
All Koran quotes are from the translation by Rev. J.M. Rodwell, M.A. provided by the Gutenberg Project.
homo unius libri
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Opus 2012-80, The Importance of Cause and Effect
One of the frustrations of teaching is getting the students to turn on their brains and use the abilities they have. They refuse to engage. Let me share with you a recent example.
The first question to be answered was,
What suddenly happened? She had no trouble reading me the question or the answer. She is not a special education student. She is a pleasant young lady with a good personality and fine social skills. What she was not willing to do was engage her brain.
As I am reading through Augustine’s Confessions I see that he testifies to a similar problem.
This young lady was not unusual. I had time to convince her that she would be reading that cycle of words until she answered it. She finally gave up and took the path of least resistance. I don’t always have that amount of time. Some people think everything can be made fun. It can't. Some people think the teacher is supposed to find a way to trick them into wanting to learn. Life won't do that for them. The student needs to accept that they are responsible for their own lives.
There are answers to the problems in education but they are inconvenient. One of the big answers is the lesson of cause and effect. Children need to learn that their decisions and actions have consequences.
homo unius libri
The first question to be answered was,
“What organization did Martin Luther challenge?”One of the students said she could not find the answer. I asked her to read me the question and then asked her to read me the first sentence on the page in the book. It reads,
“In 1517 a young monk named Martin Luther challenged the Roman Catholic Church.”She read it and gave me a blank look. I told her to read me the question again and had her read me the sentence again. Another blank look. We repeated this many times. Finally she said, “Oh,” and answered the question.
What suddenly happened? She had no trouble reading me the question or the answer. She is not a special education student. She is a pleasant young lady with a good personality and fine social skills. What she was not willing to do was engage her brain.
As I am reading through Augustine’s Confessions I see that he testifies to a similar problem.
“Next I was put to school to get learning, in which I (poor wretch) knew not what use there was;...” Kindle Highlight Loc. 211 from Gutenberg Project TextUntil students see a reason to turn on their ability they will continue to coast along being socially promoted, ignorant and unskilled. Some will wake up in time and pull out. Others will be helpless in a complex society because they were allowed to face no consequences in life.
This young lady was not unusual. I had time to convince her that she would be reading that cycle of words until she answered it. She finally gave up and took the path of least resistance. I don’t always have that amount of time. Some people think everything can be made fun. It can't. Some people think the teacher is supposed to find a way to trick them into wanting to learn. Life won't do that for them. The student needs to accept that they are responsible for their own lives.
There are answers to the problems in education but they are inconvenient. One of the big answers is the lesson of cause and effect. Children need to learn that their decisions and actions have consequences.
homo unius libri
Friday, April 6, 2012
Opus 2012-79, Should-a-Beens: The Flu That Flew
Here is another headlines I would like to see
Have you forgotten already? We were brought to the edge of lining up at government centers to have our vaccinations. Some were thinking it would need to be at gun point. The scientists knew what was best for us. If we did not get vaccinated then we would die.
Of course if you went beyond the screaming headlines you saw that the statistics showed no such impending disaster. A few people died but they tended to be people who had one foot in the grave anyway. The numbers of actual infection were lower than the normal, annual number of flu sufferers.
Some day they will be right. It has happened before and with modern transportation it could very well happen again. The reason headlines like this are so dangerous is that next time we will be less likely to believe them.
I would still like to see a retraction.
homo unius libri
“Scientists admit the swine flu was a hoax.”I won’t be holding my breath. At least I won’t unless I am around someone who has the symptoms of this terrible scourge of humanity.
Have you forgotten already? We were brought to the edge of lining up at government centers to have our vaccinations. Some were thinking it would need to be at gun point. The scientists knew what was best for us. If we did not get vaccinated then we would die.
Of course if you went beyond the screaming headlines you saw that the statistics showed no such impending disaster. A few people died but they tended to be people who had one foot in the grave anyway. The numbers of actual infection were lower than the normal, annual number of flu sufferers.
Some day they will be right. It has happened before and with modern transportation it could very well happen again. The reason headlines like this are so dangerous is that next time we will be less likely to believe them.
I would still like to see a retraction.
homo unius libri
Opus 2012-78, Links: Feeding the Homeless
I was surprised when a Well Meaning Gentleman said that New York had made it illegal to feed homeless people. I Googled it and the first listing said “Another U.S. City...” It seems to be a trend.
The above mentioned article says they were concerned with large groups in the park. Bloomberg is concerned about the quality of nutrition of donated food.
What a world. If I were hungry I really wouldn’t worry too much about the fat content of the cookie someone gave me. I would be concerned that it increased level of government control.
Another reason to vote the suckers out.
homo unius libri
The above mentioned article says they were concerned with large groups in the park. Bloomberg is concerned about the quality of nutrition of donated food.
What a world. If I were hungry I really wouldn’t worry too much about the fat content of the cookie someone gave me. I would be concerned that it increased level of government control.
Another reason to vote the suckers out.
homo unius libri
Monday, April 2, 2012
Opus 2012-77, When Did Spring Break?
I am off school this week for “spring break.” By coincidence it is also Holy Week. In case you don’t remember, the original reason for the week off school was to celebrate the week running from Palm Sunday to Easter. It was a religious observation. The parts of the week that I have celebrated over the years are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and of course the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
If you remove the spiritual dimension, why are students getting a week off in spring? There is no real reason for it. The week could be put to better use for education or the beginning and ending of school could be adjusted. Why should teachers get the week off when no other profession enjoys that benefit?
Maybe we need to begin a campaign to do away with the holiday. If it is for us, it is religious, and thus violates the fantasy of separation of church and state. If it is for them it is a pagan celebration and should be done away with for the same reasons.
homo unius libri
If you remove the spiritual dimension, why are students getting a week off in spring? There is no real reason for it. The week could be put to better use for education or the beginning and ending of school could be adjusted. Why should teachers get the week off when no other profession enjoys that benefit?
Maybe we need to begin a campaign to do away with the holiday. If it is for us, it is religious, and thus violates the fantasy of separation of church and state. If it is for them it is a pagan celebration and should be done away with for the same reasons.
homo unius libri
Opus 2012-76, I Missed April Fools Day
I totally missed it. I was in church in the morning and with visiting with my son the rest of the day. I spent little time on the internet. I guess I wasn’t around fools much.
Usually I am around middle school children and learn very quickly that I don’t have something on my shirt and that there is no bug on my head. I don’t feel like I missed anything.
Maybe next year.
homo unius libri
Usually I am around middle school children and learn very quickly that I don’t have something on my shirt and that there is no bug on my head. I don’t feel like I missed anything.
Maybe next year.
homo unius libri
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Opus 2012-75, On the Street: Sinful Driving
Often the drive to work is a spiritual experience. On occasion the sun is coming up in such a way that
Other mornings, like today, I develop a special understanding of Original Sin. Freeway driving gives you a lot of opportunity to observe, interact and reflect. It is a constant flow of decisions, yours and others. It is a daily miracle that anyone gets to work unscathed.
I see depravity in the other drivers. I am surrounded by a flood of self-centered neanderthals on wheels. I watch them maneuver in ways that are unsafe, irrational, illegal and defiantly sinful. I see them tailgating, cutting people off, speeding and anything else that will get them ahead. The entire world comes down to them getting one car length ahead and the rest of the universe can become a pile of rubble in the process. It doesn’t matter as long as they are granted their instant gratification.
I recognize sin in myself. I find myself hoping that they will meet a railing that does not get out of there way. I find myself wishing I had a heavier car and no sense of responsibility because I would definitely like to ram at times. I find myself wanting to join the rush to me-first-ism.
I experience the work of the Spirit of God. He is not willing to let me go with this. I am reminded of some words quite often when I want to see them get a ticket.
homo unius libri
(Psalms 19:1 KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.I love those mornings.
Other mornings, like today, I develop a special understanding of Original Sin. Freeway driving gives you a lot of opportunity to observe, interact and reflect. It is a constant flow of decisions, yours and others. It is a daily miracle that anyone gets to work unscathed.
I see depravity in the other drivers. I am surrounded by a flood of self-centered neanderthals on wheels. I watch them maneuver in ways that are unsafe, irrational, illegal and defiantly sinful. I see them tailgating, cutting people off, speeding and anything else that will get them ahead. The entire world comes down to them getting one car length ahead and the rest of the universe can become a pile of rubble in the process. It doesn’t matter as long as they are granted their instant gratification.
I recognize sin in myself. I find myself hoping that they will meet a railing that does not get out of there way. I find myself wishing I had a heavier car and no sense of responsibility because I would definitely like to ram at times. I find myself wanting to join the rush to me-first-ism.
I experience the work of the Spirit of God. He is not willing to let me go with this. I am reminded of some words quite often when I want to see them get a ticket.
(1 Corinthians 13:5-6 KJV) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;Or the OT version,
(Proverbs 24:17 KJV) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:So even in rush hour traffic I am reminded of what it is to be a servant of God. I need the lessons, I will admit but I think I would prefer to retire, get out of the rush and get my lessons another way.
homo unius libri
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)