Archive for November 30th, 2007

   As you may recall from high school history, the Age of Enlightenment brought civilization out of the dark ages. It covered most of the 1700’s, when writers like Thomas Payne, Voltaire, Hume and others held sway. These people had a tremendous influence on people like Ben Franklin and the framers of our constitution. The Bill of Rights incorporates much of their thinking. Basically the period broke with traditional influences like superstition and mysticism and embraced science and math. People like Newton, Pascal, Jules Verne and Galileo, among many, were able to move people in a forward direction. Math and science replaced church doctrine and superstition as a model for thought and expressed a new view of the universe where God and Nature were one. 

   Clearly George Bush and the “oil ticket” skipped those classes. Instead of using our wealth and freedom as examples for the world to follow, these throwbacks prefer to be the world’s biggest aggressor. Instead of using our military muscle to end conflicts, we use it to start them. Where we should be using our financial might to relieve poverty and suffering we are using it to punish regimes whose policies are contrary to our objectives. Bush and other religious fundamentalists (aka zealots) are reminiscent of the crusaders of the 13th century. When the first wave of crusaders left England to “liberate” the seat of Christianity, they sacked, looted, pillaged and raped the first town they came to. As it turned out, these people were also Roman Catholics. However, the “error” was forgivable due to the righteousness of the mission overall. This sounds like the real mission and result of our presence in Iraq.

   If the Bush mentality is allowed to continue to influence our national thinking here is what we can expect. According to a press release in Dec. 2006 by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, the Grand Canyon National Park service was not allowed to give an estimate of the geologic age of it’s primary feature, the canyon. Pressure from Bush appointees, whose belief gives credit for the formation of the canyon to Noah’s flood, have forced the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE to suspend it’s belief in geology. The official position of the park service is now “no comment”. If we allow this kind of stupidity to prevail we will indeed be led into another dark age.

   There is a way out. It involves the dissolution of a self-serving two party system and the way it is financed. There is something wrong with a system which prevents a candidate voted for by a majority of the citizens to assume office. The will of the people is not being exercised by such a system. People turn away from the ballot box in disgust. Furthermore, it prevents people with similar ideas from joining forces because they are from different camps. It allows the special interests to concentrate their money where it can cause the greatest benefit to themselves and the rest of the country and people be damned. It allows for the purchase of all elected officials, including the president. Those whose politics don’t favor special interests can’t get the financing to have a real chance of getting known.

   For a real underdog ticket, which actually puts the planet first, how about Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich. Both these candidates have their heads on straight where foreign policy is concerned. Also, they both have beliefs based on science instead of superstition. Lets give peace a chance.

Why is this in Health and Fitness? Lighten UP! :)

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they’re serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it’s rare. In fact, it’s even rarer than single-malt scotch.  You can’t find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It’s not as if you’re going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It’s a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It’s later than you think. It’s Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That’s the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they’re made with skim milk or whole milk. If it’s skim, pass. Why bother? It’s like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

Have a great holiday season!