I like to think.  Really think.  But it takes effort, just like all rewarding things.

I also like people who like to think, and do it well.  The top ranking individual in that category for me is Keith Raniere.  One of the world's top three problem-solvers and in the book of Guiness World Records for highest IQ - well, there's evidence I'm not the only one who ranks him this way.  Having the uncommon notion that it's a really great thing to put effort into thinking well, that it's an activity that pays off 'in spades', he discovered a technology in his own thinking time to help anyone who feels like it to be able to think better.  They just need to enroll in the course!  The trademark name is remarkably accurate: Rational Inquiry.  More on this scientific discovery later.

For now, it's good to know that he exists, the discovery exists and it provides a path for joy and ethics that is unparalleled in my search for these things that give human life meaning.

Genetically Modified Humans

It was some time ago I read in a Science magazine how quickly genetic changes occur in a species with the introduction or deletion of even as benign a substance as B6.  The creatures being studied were mice.  The genetic changes, and serious ones, began to happen in just one generation when they were deprived of this critical vitamin.

BASF is a german chemical giant (think German Monsanto) that was just ousted out of doing business in Europe by an enormous public outcry of resistance.  So they moved their headquarters to Raleigh, NC here in the US.  What is their business that Europeans found so upsetting?  They genetically engineer foods.  These GE foods (or GM for genetically modified) are ones we've been consuming for some time now, if you're a consumer of processed foods - at all.  The list of radical damage done to planet and people from this new "food growing technology" is long - and frightening.  If you think it won't affect you because you only eat organic foods, wrong again.  I invite you, once again, to Dr. Mercola's most recent article.  This is huge.  Please note, for those who like the "executive summary" version, he provides one on the right at the start of each of his comprehensive articles.

I love eggs.  I've considered vegan diet (I'm vegetarian for more years than I want to discuss here), but when I think of no eggs and no cottage cheese, my heart droops in sadness.

I shop for foods carefully (and joyfully ;) and eggs are no exception.  I've always been suspicious of the eggs in my local Pricechopper however, even the ones that say "free range" and "organic".  Are the organic ones allowed to roam free and happy, pecking at the bugs and seeds?  Are the free range ones really allowed to?  How do they accomplish this and still turn out such massive numbers of eggs?? It turns out the grounds for my feelings are solid...and not free range.  Just like my suspicions regarding the blanket decision in the medical world that cholesterol is "bad".  Oh, yes, there's a good and a bad cholesterol, but high cholesterol guarantees a sorry fate, so one MUST just bring it down to live long and prosper.  Hahaha.  Not so, my friend.

I invite you, once again, to peruse today's article from number one cyberdoc, Dr. Mercola.  You decide, after educating yourself a wee bit, how you think and feel about the eggs you're putting in your cart and the cholesterol that's gliding through your lovely machinery right now.  I'll bet there's a change in view.

Jane Wagner, a philosopher, said a number of things I'm fond of, and this is a favorite:

I personally think we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.

I've been exploring some sites that explore justice in commerce, which is to say morality in any exchange.  It has been an area of serious study for me for many years.  I will be sharing the work I find valuable, should anyone be interested in keeping what they have earned to spend in a way that matches their values (as opposed to giving it to others, reacting to fear and lies).  I loved these two quotes that headed the website called Commercial Redemption:

You can ignore reality, but you can't ignore the consequences of ignoring reality. - Ayn Rand

"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom... Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it." - Malcolm X, 1965

This video was referred to me by a dear friend - with a wonderful sense of humor.   It has become an all-time favorite that comes to mind more often than I should probably admit.  I love it.  If you enjoy Bob Newhart and don't enjoy human behaviors that are nonsense posing as reality, you'll love it, too.  I promise.  It's called STOP IT.  It's an excellent post for The Human Experiment, actually.

I listen to Coleman Barks read Rumi...a LOT.  When I start listening, I don't want to stop.  Last night as I listened I thought I really had to share this poem that is on the CD called I Want Burning.  It's unbelievably beautiful.  It's also a completely different experience to listen to a poem read than it is to read it.  More on that concept later.  Enjoy.

Keep walking.
Don't try to see through the distances.
That's not for Human Beings.
Move within,
But don't
Move the way
Fear makes you move.

Today, like every other day,
We wake up empty and frightened.
Don't open the door to the study and begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.

Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.