#then why is it ok for people from the global south to get that treatment?

[idon-twannabeperceived]

I really enjoy how yankis and some europeans love acting like latine, black, white, asian, etc are all different races and completely mutually exclusive and they get to pick and choose which ONLY ONE of those labels everyone from [country] is. Without no apparent logic behind it and obviouslyyyyy without taking into consideration what the actual people from that country identify as and how shared culture and history plays into the whole thing.

This of course does not apply to their own countries which are complex and diverse and can have people from every race and even mixed race no matter the place where they were born, only they get that benefit tho, everyone else please stay in the box the gringo put you in!!

imagine if i said everyone born in Europe is automatically white just bc of the fact of being born there... would that be fucked up or what?

[virtue-boy]

Its kind of insane like genuinely insane how many people on here have no idea what life is like for average people in the third world / global majority and the Neo-colonialism that creates those conditions to support conditions in the North and how insanely cruel they can be as the absolute baseline and the type of killing and death that maintains the boundaries between the north and the south.

Like tell me you've never met an immigrant or refugee without telling me. Do you genuinely not know what happens to people who get deported, or work in the farms or meatpacking factories that feed the North?? The child deaths in the border crossings? The mines all over the globe? The people that die from lack of baseline vaccinations and sanitation and healthcare trademarked by western companies? The literal MILLIONS of third worlders killed in the wars across the globe defending US economic hegemony? The agent orange, the land mines, the carpet bombing, the drones? What the fuck is wrong with you?

[girlactionfigure]

In college, he was known as “Number 70”, playing football with Robert F. Kennedy.

He went on to Harvard Medical School and earned acclaim for his work in psychiatry, and became the first African-American full professor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

A  peak in Antarctica is named after him. He was a commander in the U.S. Navy, and he was also an advisor for NASA.

And though mostly forgotten for his work, he was also one of the guiding lights for a little television program which a survey found that 95% of all American preschoolers had watched by the time they were three years old.

Start guessing.

In 2008, it was estimated that 77 million Americans had watched the series as children.

Still guessing? 

It’s a place where we come and play and everything's A-OK.

The show was set in a fictional neighborhood, on a particular street . . . "where the air is sweet."

Directions aren’t needed, if you know how to get to . . . Sesame Street.

His name was Chester Pierce, he was the senior advisor for the most widely viewed children's program in the world, teaching generations of children not only how to count, but to tell right from wrong, to appreciate their uniqueness, and to be kind to others.

Yup, you and many others probably didn’t know that Sesame Street was partly brought to you by a former football player named Chester Pierce and the number 70 [that was his football jersey number].

~~~~~

In introducing Black History Month for 2021, journalist Joy Reid commented that “the place we got the most affirmation as Black kids was Sesame Street.”

Not many people know that “‘Sesame Street’ has been rooted in African-American culture, more specifically the historically black community of Harlem,” according to the Smithsonian. “The New York City neighborhood played such an outsized role in the development of the program—from set design to casting and marketing.”

“Sesame Street was originally conceived as a show that would bring remedial education into the homes of disadvantaged kids. But Chester Pierce recognized the show’s potential and pushed for it to include a multi-ethnic ‘neighborhood’ with people of color as role models,” according to writer David Beard. “Amid the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the riots spurred by racial inequity, this vision seemed especially crucial.”

Pierce, a psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School professor, was the founding president of the Black Psychiatrists of America.

The organization “had been discussing . . .  their lack of representation within the key bodies of American psychiatry,” according to Anne Harrington, the Franklin L. Ford Professor of the history of science and medicine at Harvard University. Pierce “was most concerned about the pernicious influence of one institution in particular: television.”

“It was Pierce who first coined the now widely used term microaggression, in the course of a study in the 1970s that exposed the persistent presence of stigmatizing representations of black people in television commercials.” 

Sesame Street creator Joan Ganz Cooney, who produced a documentary on the Harlem pre-school program that would become Head Start, became “absolutely involved intellectually and spiritually with the Civil Rights Movement and with the educational deficit that poverty created,” according to Harrington.

Pierce agreed to serve as a senior advisor on the new show, working closely with Cooney, one of its two creators (the other was the psychologist Lloyd Morrisett).

“He became personally involved in helping to design a new kind of television show targeted at preschool children,” according to Harrington.

Pierce was “instrumental to the show’s early development and vision,” according to Beard.

This is part of a continuing series on the Peace Page for Black History Month.

Pierce “helped design what he called the show’s ‘hidden curriculum’ to build up the self-worth of black children through the presentation of positive black images,” according to Bryan Greene of Smithsonian Magazine. “Pierce also insisted the show present an integrated, harmonious community to challenge the marginalization of African-Americans that children routinely saw on television and elsewhere in society.”

“It was not only the most imaginative educational show for preschoolers ever designed: it was also, quite deliberately, populated with the most racially diverse cast that public television had ever seen,” wrote Harrington. “All the multi-ethnic characters— adults, children and puppets — lived, worked, and played together on a street in an inner-city neighborhood, similar (if in an idealized way) to the streets in which many minority children were growing up.”

“Radical for its time, Sesame Street presented an integrated society where everyone was treated with respect,” according to Beard. “People of color, such as Gordon, the show’s teacher, and his wife, Susan, were authority figures. That reinforcing message was as important as learning the alphabet and numbers.”

It was deemed so “radical” during its time that “in May 1970, a state commission in Mississippi voted to not air the show on the state’s newly launched public TV network: the people of Mississippi, said some legislators, were not yet ‘ready’ to see a show with such an interracial cast,” according to Harrington.

An anonymous editorial for the Delta Democrat-Times stated that the show had ”one fatal defect, as measured by Mississippi’s political leadership. Sesame Street is integrated. Some of its leading cast members are black, including the man who does much of the overt ‘teaching.’ The neighborhood of the ‘street’ is a mixed one. And all that, of course, goes against the Mississippi grain.”

The state commission would eventually be forced to reverse its decision after its secret vote made national news.

~~~~~

Chester Middlebrook Pierce was born on March 4, 1927 in Glen Cove, New York.

He was the first black to be chosen as senior class president at Glen Cove High, according to Ezra E.H. Griffith, author of “Race and Excellence: My Dialogue with Chester Pierce”.  Pierce chose Harvard because the school principal told him that he might not be accepted there.

Pierce had “fought racism his entire life,” according to Beard.

“In 1947, he was the first African-American to play on an integrated college football team south of the Mason Dixon line,” according to Elissa Ely of WBUR. “That University of Virginia game was racially historic, but the Harvard tackle wasn’t allowed to sleep in the same hotel as his teammates.”

This was “only months after Jackie Robinson famously brought down baseball’s color barrier,” according to writer Jeff Miller.

Pierce’s team jersey was the number 70.

He went on to Harvard Medical School and earned great acclaim for his work in psychiatry. He was the first African-American full professor at Massachusetts General Hospital, and was past-president of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Orthopsychiatric Association.

Pierce “specialized in how people react to extreme environments and racial relations,” according to writer Jeff Miller. “That’s why a peak in Antarctica is named for him.”

It was called “Pierce Peak.”

He was in Antarctica studying soldiers in extreme environments,” according to David Henderson, an associate of Pierce. “I think he spent six months in darkness with them. He’s got a mountain named after him in Antarctica. Like, how do you find people like, how do you do that? I dunno.”

“Traveling the world, he [also] helped African countries coordinate treatment for mental illness in the absence of resources, training and policy,” according to Ely. “That led to founding Harvard’s Global Psychiatry program. His thinking about race and resilience was so broad and deep, he became a professor at Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.”

“He [also] participated in a civil rights rally alongside actor Charlton Heston,” wrote Miller.

He spent most of his time working with organizations that help to promote human rights, conservation, and youth education.

“Dr. Pierce wasn’t a big researcher; he was a big thinker -- writing by pen until midnight, pausing to catch a TV movie, then up early the next morning for calisthenics and a glass of milk,” wrote Ely.

Aside from being a consultant for the Children's Television Network, he also advised the Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force, the US Arctic Research Commission, the Peace Corps, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He was also the National Chairperson of the Child Development Associate Consortium.

~~~~~

Chester Pierce’s vision “had always been at the heart of ‘Sesame Street,” wrote Harrington.

“Early childhood specialists,” he reflected in 1972, “have a staggering responsibility … in producing planetary citizens whose geographic and intellectual provinces are as limitless as their all-embracing humanity.”

“Pierce died in 2016, but his spirit of inclusion lives on in the most successful children’s show of all time,” wrote Beard.

"A place where we can all meet" . . . "where all the doors are open wide."

And, that, boys and girls, is how a former football player, # 70, got to a place where the “air is sweet” . . .  a place called “Sesame Street”.

~ jsr

“. . . sweeping the clouds away”

Image courtesy of Perspectives of Change. Artist: Stephen Coit

The Jon S. Randal Peace Page

[scripttorture]

My story is set in Spain in the period of Philippe II's reign-the golden era of the inquisition. The character is a nobleman(a marquis) and a king's favourite and is deeply involved in the revolutionary actions of the Flanders, oppressed by Spain. When it's discovered, he is given to the inquisition, tortured and burned at stake eventually. My question is, any ideas for rly painful torture that don't result in death? Also how long should the tortures last before carrying out the death sentence?

I am extremely uncomfortable with the idea of saying there’s a ‘golden age’ for an organisation dedicated to genocide.

In modern terms the Inquisition committed war crimes. They were responsible for religious violence across three or four continents. They played a role in the genocide against Native peoples in the Caribbean, South America and Central America. They carried out genocidal policies against European Jews and Muslims and Europe’s Black and Arab populations.

They were murderers, torturers and rapists who profited from their crimes on a colossal scale. Do not idealise these people.

This was not success. This was Europe at its lowest. The beginning of a global campaign of violence and oppression.

I understand that chances are you’re not European, not from one of the groups the Inquisition targetted and perhaps only passingly familiar with what they did.

Hell, you could be white and Spanish and not have a very clear idea of what they did. I know from personal experience that the way this sort of history is taught can be very skewed. The version of Greek and Cypriot history my father tried to pass along certainly was and if I had not grown up surrounded by friends from the groups that ‘history’ vilified I would probably never have questioned it.

It’s OK if you don’t know something. That’s why I’m here. And I’m not angry at you, I’m angry that this organisation existed and that these atrocities were allowed to happen.

If you’re writing about the Inquisition now be aware of what they were. And be aware that you writing during a time when anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism and ethnic tension are rising across Europe. People are being attacked now. Remember that as you’re writing about a group that murdered these same people in the past.

Remember Alhambra. Remember that the Roman Empire recruited soldiers from all over Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and stationed them in all sorts of places.

We have always been here.

Getting on the questions- All torture is really painful. And all torture can kill.

Some tortures are more likely to kill, especially in particular circumstances. But all of them can. If you’re approaching this story with the assumption that torture can be harmless or that some tortures are ‘not that bad’, then- you need to start by address those assumptions.

I’ve written about the effects of torture here. I’ve written about common misconceptions here. I’ve written about the way people wrongly assume clean (non-scarring) tortures are less harmful here.

These attitudes matter because they effect the way we as societies deal with survivors now.

I can give you some suggestions for tortures the Inquisition used, how they killed and the factors that would have made death more likely. But I strongly suggest you think about why you’re using torture in your story.

What is it adding here? Did you actively choose to include it or are you including it because you feel you have to?

If you feel you can’t convey that torture is painful to your audience then- I don’t think you should try tackling it just yet. If you struggle to understand the pain survivors experience then I think you need to take the time to gain that understanding before you write their experience.

You are writing a real, lived experience. That’s something I think we all need to remember as we write. Sci fi, fantasy and history may seem like they’re providing distance; this is an illusion.

People still get burned alive. People are still tortured. A lot.

These people deserve our respect. And I think they should be in our minds if we’re writing about what they lived through.

And you are talking about things that have happened to people recently. Despite what people seem to think clean tortures have a long history; many of the things the Inquisition used against people are being used today across the world. Most of the scarring tortures they used were in use within living memory.

The tortures I hear ascribed to the Inquisition most regularly (in Europe) are pumping, a form of suspension I usually call strappado (with the arms tied behind the body), burning tortures and dislocation of joints by various methods. I also found references to whipping. Given the time period I find it hard to believe that beating, starvation, dehydration and torturous prison conditions were not also in use.

Once again, all of these can kill.

Death was a lot more likely in historical settings without hygiene facilities or effective treatment for infections.

Beating and whipping kill by causing kidney failure. The destruction of muscles causes large proteins to enter the bloodstream. The body sends these to the kidneys. When they reach a quantity the kidneys can’t deal with then the kidneys fail and the victim dies.

This can be days after the injuries that caused death.

Burning tortures, in a filthy environment, meant a high chance of lethal infections. The Inquisition usually burnt the feet. Most of the descriptions I have seem to be tying the legs together and putting the feet in or very close to a fire. Witness accounts occasionally describe burns deep enough to expose the bone.

Some people with these injuries survived but- frankly the odds were against them. Burns that deep over a relatively large area can just kill. (I am unsure how exactly burns lead to death). Surviving the burn itself would only be the first step though. The chances of infection afterwards are high and that could also be life threatening.

After that with a really deep burn there’s a good chance the leg would just die off and start to rot while attached to the survivor. Which would kill them. Cutting off the affected limb is (so far as I know) the only treatment available. This would have been much less survivable in the time of the Inquisition. Death from blood loss and death from infection would have been common.

Starving to death due to being unable to work was also a strong possibility- remember the Inquisition commonly confiscated the property of anyone they arrested. Victims were released into poverty.

That was also a strong possibility for survivors of strappado. Victims were hoisted into the air by their arms, which were tied behind their back, and they were then dropped. This was done repeatedly.

This dislocated the shoulders and damaged muscles, ligaments and nerves throughout the arms. This essentially meant that on release, even with the best possible recovery, survivors lost a lot of mobility and fine motor control in their hands and arms. It was disabling.

As with beating, repeated use could cause enough muscle damage to just kill. A common ‘accident’ was lifting the victim too high (or for the victim to fall badly) breaking major bones in the legs or arms.

Tight restraints around the arms could cut off circulation, this creates large blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks. It can also block off the flow of blood to the limb, causing the limb to die and rot.

The last of the common tortures on the list, pumping, was clean but could also kill.

Pumping involves forcing a victim to swallow large quantities of liquid until their organs swell up. This causes a lot of pain. It also causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Some of the modern descriptions I have of pumping describe liquid flowing out of ever orifice. It is messy, smelly and incredibly painful.

Victims can drown while being pumped. The equipment the Inquisition used was not complex, torture equipment never is. They stuck large funnels into victims mouth and kept on pouring water. This can easily choke someone or just fill their lungs with water. It can also cause damage to the throat which, once again, could lead to a deadly infection.

Because pumping causes diarrhoea it also increases the chances of serious infection in pre-existing wounds.

None of this means your character ‘should’ die before being executed. But the way this ask is phrased makes me think you’ve got a lot of misconceptions about both torture and the Spanish Inquisition. This blog is about helping authors understand how to write torture realistically and respectfully- sometimes that means providing information that seems tangential to the question in order to put the question in context.

‘How long’- my instinct is that this isn’t the most useful question in this scenario. A time frame for each individual torture used doesn’t actually tell you much about how the Inquisition operated. And my instinct, from the way you’ve described your story, is that knowing how they operated will be more useful.

Prisoners were commonly held by the Inquisition for months at a time but they weren’t constantly tortured during that period.

The pattern survivors describe is bouts of torture interspersed with periods of physical recovery. The accounts I have don’t all provide coherent time lines, which is normal for torture survivors (it’s to do with the way torture effects memory). But there’s a general pattern here.

It seems as though victims were targetted for torture in their first week of captivity. I would guess (based on descriptions) that they were tortured for several hours at a time for 3-4 days in a row. They were then often left alone for a period of time. They would be tortured again sporadically for the rest of their imprisonment.

The Inquisition did not tend to continually torture or interrogate people for days at a time. That’s partly because they didn’t want to use sleep deprivation. They understood that it caused delirium and hallucinations and they thought it interfered with a victim’s ability to sincerely confess their sins and repent.

This pattern of behaviour more-or-less lines up with modern accounts. In most scenarios torturers focus on new victims most intensely over the first week or so. After that the frequency and length of torture sessions with that particular victim tends to be reduced. Victims who have been imprisoned for months- well they aren’t typically tortured every day and might not be tortured every week.

Your character could realistically be held by the Inquisition for months, but not if you’re describing him being tortured every day.

I also doubt the character would survive if he was tortured constantly for 24 hours. And that’s not how the Inquisition typically operated.

Torturers typically switch between different techniques fairly rapidly. I get the impression the Inquisition tried to take things at a slightly slower pace, focusing on one technique a day.

Wrapping up- I’d encourage you to think seriously about whether torture is actually necessary in your story. What does it add? What are the long term effects on the characters and plot?

Can you write the same story without torture? Because the chances are that if you can think of a way to get exactly the same effects without torture or abuse- then you’re not showing the effects of torture realistically.

Editted to add more trigger warnings.

Availableon Wordpress.

Disclaimer

[cksmart-world]

The completely unnecessary news analysis

by Christopher Smart

March 31, 2020

WHY TRUMP HATES CORONAVIRUS

& WAFFLE HOUSE CODE RED

1- Donald Trump hates coronavirus because he can't spin it: “It's a low-energy virus with small hands.”

2- Because Ivanka can't make a buck on it. “Daddy, what about my designer “Ivanka” handbags? China doesn't want them anymore.”

3-Trump hates coronavirus because it doesn't respond to tweets: “You Loser Virus. YOU'RE NOTHING”

4- Because he can't bluff his way around it: “We are very, very prepared. In a minute, we'll have a vaccine. Did I say we were great? I'm a 10.”

5- Because he didn't believe those dicks at the NSA when they warned of the coming pandemic in January. “They are liars. Deep State bad people. We're gonna get rid of them.”

6- Trump hates coronavirus because Fake News sucks. “You are terrible reporters. Trying to scare people, just because everybody in Italy is dying. You're scum.”

7- Because science is bullshit. “I know a lot more than those scientists. A lot more. My grandfather was smart. I've been right a lot. It'll magically disappear.”

8- Because Obama did it. “We inherited everything bad from Obama. It was a broken system. All broken. It's really the Obama virus.”

9- Because it doesn't like Easter. “All of everybody loves Easter. It's special. We're going to open up. Everything will open up. Coronavirus can't stop Easter Bunnies.”

10- And Donald Trump hates the coronavirus because the stock market is tanking. “It'll come back, like in a second. We do numbers very well. Nobody does numbers like we do. We had the greatest economy in the world. Fucking virus.

WAFFLE HOUSE CODE RED; TOILET PAPER CODE BROWN

OK, this is bad. Waffle House almost never closes — not blizzards nor tornadoes; not terrorists nor the Ku Klux Klan can shutter these symbols of Americana. They stay open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When they do close, you know it's cataclysmic. As such, Waffle Houses have become a disaster barometer for FEMA. The Waffle House Index shows Code Green when the local restaurant is open and Code Red when it’s closed. It's now RED, RED, RED. (No Wilson, we did not make this up.) As FEMA Director W. Craig Fugate said: “The Waffle House index doesn’t just tell us how quickly businesses might rebound – it also tells us how the larger community is faring.” Well, our emergency preparedness unit here at Smart Bomb determined to institute new codes valuable to public awareness during this trying time: Code White — when ski resorts close early causing people's heads to explode. Code Brown — when grocery store shelves are emptied of toilet paper by panicky people who fear... well, you know. And Code Black — for the scariest times, such as when President Trump says, “If we have between 200,000 and 240,000 people die, we will have done a very good job.”

WHEN FLU KILLED 675,000 AMERICANS

—World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918. It claimed about 16 million lives worldwide, including 120,000 Americans (The U.S. didn't enter the war until April, 1917). The influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 killed 50 million of the world's 1.6 billion people. The U.S. population of 130 million was reduced by 675,000 flu victims — 555,000 more than perished in the war.

—In March 1918, more than 100 soldiers at Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas become ill with flu. Within a week the number of flu cases quintupled, leading to 47 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

—The first written report of influenza appears April 5, 1918, in a weekly public health report. It detailed 18 severe cases and three deaths in Haskell, Kansas. It quickly spread across the country.

—The end of World War I cases of influenza surged as people celebrated Armistice Day and soldiers begin to demobilize. In October, alone, 195,000 Americans died.

—That fall of 1918, the U.S. experienced a severe shortages of professional nurses when they deployed to military camps in the US and abroad. Trained African American nurses were not utilized.

—In November 1918, Salt Lake City officials placed quarantine signs on front and rear doors of 2,000 homes where occupants had been struck with flu. Utah had one of the highest death rates in the country.

—A third wave of influenza struck in the late winter and spring of 1919. In San Francisco, 1,800 flu cases and 101 deaths were reported in the first five days of January.

—More than 700 cases of influenza and 67 deaths were reported in New York City, triggering fear of a recurrence of severe flu activity.

—New cases diminished and the pandemic subsided with the coming of summer and warmer weather.

—Officials at Boston City Hospital requested a special appropriation of $3,000 from Boston Mayor Andrew James Peters to study treatments for the mysterious disease.

—Recent pandemics include: 1957 Asian flu; 1981 HIV/AIDS; 2003 SARS; 2009 swine flu; 2014 Ebola.

—“The panic-then-forget cycle was broken briefly in 2014, when Ebola tore through West Africa. President Barack Obama created a new office and established a special emergency fund to improve federal response efforts. His administration also launched a global initiative meant to help high-risk, low-income countries prepare for future outbreaks. By 2018, that progress had been undone by the Trump administration. The office was disbanded and the funds were rescinded, even as a second Ebola outbreak emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” — The New York Times.

THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW

Ever wonder if things would be different today if there were only three TV networks and no internet. Well, that was the case in 1973 when the Watergate scandal threatened to take down President Richard Nixon. Jill Wine-Banks, then a young attorney who served on the committee investigating Nixon during the impeachment proceedings, recently said that partisanship now is much worse than it was then. “We were all dealing with the same facts,” she said referring to the plethora of information sources now available. In the end, Nixon resigned after top Republicans abandoned him. It is interesting to note that it was a coverup that brought Nixon down and not the secret agreement — a quid pro quo — he struck with South Vietnam President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu to boycott the Paris Peace Talks before the 1968 election in exchange for enhanced power in Saigon. That could have been the difference in the Republican's razor-thin victory over Hubert Humphrey. But that was then. Now, of course, we have cable TV and scores of internet info sources, such as Breitbart and the Drudge Report. There are two Americas — one watches Fox and listens to Rush Limbaugh and the other is tuned to mainstream media, which includes The Washington Post and The New York Times. Back then, when political parties had power, someone like an eccentric real estate tycoon from New York with a reputation for bankruptcies and groping women would likely never have been nominated for president. That's progress for you.

Post script — Well, that's it for another week of pandemic lockdown hell — which for folks like Paris Hilton isn't all that bad because they have lots of mirrors in their houses. But seriously folks, this coronavirus thing is getting old and we've got a long way yet to go until we're free. But try to look on the bright side, it's better than Syria — uncounted old folks, women and children are being killed daily by bombs, bullets and famine. That's easy for us to ignore, especially when we've got our own troubles and HBO. When Wilson and the band get tired of watching the tube they jam, while honoring social distancing and drinking beer. Lately, they've been tryin' out all kinds of old stuff from the Glory Days. For example, they did a rendition of “Quicksand,” by Jesse Colin Young and the Youngbloods. They tried some Byrds stuff from Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, including “I Like The Christian Life.” They even took a swing at “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” by Warren Zevon. But if you're not a musician, like most of the staff here at Smart Bomb, it's more challenging to entertain yourself. We have done some reading, of course, including a new book on our disastrous war in Vietnam by Washington Post columnist Max Boot, called “The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam.” Unfortunately, our presence in Afghanistan and Iraq shows that we didn't learn much from our misadventure in Southeast Asia. Somebody soon will write a book called “American Tragedy in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Hey did you know the blockbuster political novel called “The Ugly American,” was based on Lansdale's role for the CIA in Vietnam before the place blew up? See what you can learn when you can't go to bars.

All right, Wilson, wake up the band and take us out with one of your new covers:

Quicksand closing in around my eyes Quicksand forcing me to realize Nothing that I see

Can get through this wall to me This wall of quicksand closing in around my mind Quicksand and I'm losing track of time

Talking about Quicksand...

[bigyack-com]

What Companies Are Telling Employees About the Coronavirus

Want this in your inbox each morning? Sign up here.)

The coronavirus corporate breakdown

President Trump said yesterday that Vice President Mike Pence would coordinate the government’s response to the coronavirus. Despite mounting criticism, the president has played down the danger of a widespread U.S. outbreak, the NYT reports. Stocks are down again today, with U.S. futures suggesting that a sixth consecutive daily decline awaits. Wall Street strategists say the situation could get worse before it gets better. Yet shares in companies that cater to people staying home are outperforming — think disinfectants (Clorox), canned food (Campbell Soup), exercise equipment (Peloton) and videoconferencing tools (Zoom) — as are others like drug makers developing vaccines (Gilead) and gold miners who dig up the stuff hoarded by people freaked out about the economy (Newmont Mining). Companies are restricting travel and sending workers home, and rapidly reducing their expectations for sales at any business that relies on China as a buyer or supplier. (Microsoft is one of the latest to sound the alarm.) Quarantines and travel bans are particularly bad for deal makers who rely on in-person schmoozing, with bankers prevented from meeting clients. The problem goes beyond Asia — although it’s especially acute there. We’ll get a better view of the economic impact soon, and analyst forecasts for data releases due in the coming days are all over the place. Chinese officials are under pressure to rev up factories and get workers moving again, while some European authorities are questioning the region’s open-border policies. In a WSJ opinion piece, Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor who is considered a front-runner to lead the U.S. central bank if Mr. Trump is re-elected, floated the idea for a coordinated global series of rate cuts to “make the most of scarce policy ammunition.” For more on the coronavirus — much, much more — subscribe to the NYT’s new Coronavirus Briefing email, with the latest developments and expert advice on prevention and treatment.

What about Bob?

In an industry obsessed with blockbusters, Disney’s choice for its next C.E.O., Bob Chapek, lacks star power. Mr. Chapek, the company veteran who currently runs its theme parks and cruise ships, is largely unknown in much of Hollywood, the NYT’s Brooks Barnes reports. Getting to know Bob C., as he’s called within Disney: Although he isn’t a fixture in TV and movie circles — unlike his charismatic predecessor, Bob Iger — Mr. Chapek isn’t as surprising a choice to take over the House of Mouse as it may seem. Retail titans are big fans, stemming from Mr. Chapek’s stints as head of Disney’s DVD and consumer products businesses. This is a good sign for Disney as it pivots to selling content directly to consumers via its nascent streaming service instead of relying on cable networks. Updated Feb. 26, 2020 What is a coronavirus? It is a novel virus named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to more dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. How do I keep myself and others safe? Washing your hands frequently is the most important thing you can do, along with staying at home when you’re sick. What if I’m traveling? The C.D.C. has warned older and at-risk travelers to avoid Japan, Italy and Iran. The agency also has advised against all nonessential travel to South Korea and China. Where has the virus spread? The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has sickened more than 80,000 people in at least 33 countries, including Italy, Iran and South Korea. How contagious is the virus? According to preliminary research, it seems moderately infectious, similar to SARS, and is probably transmitted through sneezes, coughs and contaminated surfaces. Scientists have estimated that each infected person could spread it to somewhere between 1.5 and 3.5 people without effective containment measures. Who is working to contain the virus? World Health Organization officials have been working with officials in China, where growth has slowed. But this week, as confirmed cases spiked on two continents, experts warned that the world was not ready for a major outbreak. • Doug McMillon, Walmart’s C.E.O., said, “Bob has always been someone we can trust to deliver on what he says.” • Brian Cornell, Target’s chief, said Mr. Chapek had a “deep understanding of what Disney fans really love about their brand.” Brooks wraps it up for us: The timing of the announcement feels suspicious to a lot of people. Something else has to be afoot, right? But everyone I talked to inside and outside of the company, including people who are not fans of Bob Iger (they exist), insisted that nothing prompted this beyond a need to get succession moving — Disney’s annual meeting is March 11 — and that the handoff is less abrupt than it seems at first blush. Mr. Iger is not going anywhere for another 22 months. Full stop. He will be overseeing all of Disney’s “creative endeavors,” which is basically everything that really matters, as executive chairman. Bob Chapek essentially has training wheels on for the next two years. Why not just elevate Mr. Chapek to chief operating officer or president, two jobs that currently don’t exist at Disney and would signal that he is the heir apparent? Because that has not worked out particularly well for Mr. Iger in the past. He chose that route for Thomas O. Staggs, who ended up leaving the company in 2016. It’s really hard to shine when you have no direct reports and a larger-than-life boss. People also forget that Mr. Iger’s run as president of Disney under then-C.E.O. Michael Eisner was torturous at times. Mr. Iger sometimes found himself undercut by division leaders, who would go straight to Mr. Eisner. By making Mr. Chapek chief executive right out of the gate, that kind of end run is harder.

The head of SoftBank’s Vision Fund is in the hot seat

Tensions among several of SoftBank’s senior executives are well known. But a striking new WSJ report on alleged efforts by the head of its Vision Fund, Rajeev Misra, to discredit internal rivals is on another level. The WSJ reports that an associate of Mr. Misra’s tried to spy on rivals, including by obtaining and then leaking private bank statements. One purported scheme involved trying to entrap an executive in a sex scandal. A representative for Mr. Misra told us: “These are old allegations which contain a series of falsehoods that have been consistently denied. Mr. Misra did not orchestrate a campaign against his former colleagues.” But a spokeswoman for SoftBank said the company would be “reviewing the inferences made by The Wall Street Journal.”

How Reddit traders are moving markets

Common wisdom is that individual investors have no hope of beating institutional money managers. But Luke Kawa of Bloomberg Businessweek reports on how traders on Reddit’s freewheeling WallStreetBets forum — who go by names like “yolo_tron” — are changing the game. What they’re doing: swamping the market with call options, hoping to force market makers to buy the underlying stock, and exponentially increasing the value of those options (which give them the right to buy stocks at a fixed price). The big idea: The do-it-yourself traders of r/WSB are waging a kind of guerrilla warfare in the markets, trying to exploit what they see as weaknesses in the system to move prices where they want them. For anyone who wondered about where the small day traders who made the 1990s so wild went, meet the 2020 version. After years of indifference, individual investors seem to be finding their way back to stocks, for better or worse. They’re flexing muscles in ways that can easily call to mind excesses from the dot-com era.

Mulvaney says immigrants get the job done

Many Trump administration policies are aimed at restricting immigration. But at a private event in Britain last week, the acting White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, said that immigrants were key to America’s future growth, according to the NYT’s Jeanna Smialek and Zolan Kanno-Youngs. “We are desperate, desperate for more people,” Mr. Mulvaney told a crowd, according to an audio recording given to The NYT. “We are running out of people to fuel the economic growth,” he added — though he said he wanted more immigrants only in a “legal” fashion. Although President Trump has described the country as “full,” slow population growth in the native-born U.S. work force means immigration will be needed to propel the economy. Immigrants accounted for about half of the labor force’s expansion over the past two decades.

Sandberg on Facebook: We’re not selling your data

In an interview with NBC’s new Byers Market podcast, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook outlined the tech giant’s plan to defend itself against rising public skepticism and political inquiries. • “There is growing concern, which is based on a lack of understanding, that we are using people’s information in a bad way — we are selling it, we are giving it away, we are violating it. None of that’s true. We do not sell data.” • “Here’s what we do: We take your information and we show you personalized ads,” she said, in order to give users “a much better experience.” OK, but ... “I’m going to give a big speech next month,” Ms. Sandberg said. “And I’m working on an op-ed. We need to go out and explain the business model clearly.” We’ll see.

The speed read

Deals • L Brands took a $700 million write-down after selling a majority stake in Victoria’s Secret. (WSJ) • Blackstone agreed to buy a student housing company from Goldman Sachs for £4.7 billion, or $6 billion, in Britain’s biggest-ever private real estate deal. (FT) • The Carlyle Group doesn’t plan to raise a separate impact investing fund. Instead, it plans to make adopt the approach across its entire portfolio. (Bloomberg) Politics and policy • Senator Pat Toomey, Republican of Pennsylvania, changed his mind and says he will back Judy Shelton’s nomination to the Fed board. (NYT) • Facebook and Instagram are rethinking their brand sponsorship policies in the wake of enormous spending by Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign on undisclosed political ads. (NYT) • Britain and the E.U. are preparing for a fight over post-Brexit trade policy. (Bloomberg) Tech • A federal appeals court ruled that tech companies are allowed to censor content. (WSJ) • Clearview AI, the facial-recognition software start-up that has alarmed privacy watchdogs, said its entire client list had been stolen in a hack. (Daily Beast) • Venture capitalists’ latest annoyance: a Twitter account that mockingly retweets their boastful posts. (Protocol) Best of the rest • Banks are forgoing $2 billion in annual revenue by not ensuring that black Americans have the same access to financial products as white Americans. (McKinsey) • Norway’s huge sovereign wealth fund made a 19.9 percent return last year, generating $180 billion for the state. (Reuters) • The key events that led to the explosion in popularity of Japanese whiskey in the U.S. (Quartz) We’d love your feedback. Please email thoughts and suggestions to business@nytimes.com. Read the full article

[devilboyblues]

it is a sick fucking system, and we are part of the dystopia. but we can’t wash our hands clean, and definitely not pretend to. the world dies by the whims of the US. i, and you, don’t simply control them. our power has been pretty much stripped away by things like voter disenfranchisment, gerrymandering, voter fraud, surveillance, and the electoral college. stop pretending like this is just and fair. this whole nation was founded at the expense of Black and Native people. we control the world through pure fucking capitalism, and hold nations by the throat. we are safe from attack, being a seperate continent and surrounded by nations that are neutral to us. 

amazingly, we are way more ok with our neighbors to the north (assumed white) than south. anti-Latine sentiment has been embedded from the very start, including our wars and stealing territory from them. 

the citizens of the US are. cowed. we work hard for very little protections. we rely on the beneficiaries of the people we elect, often fraudulently. charity, rather than substance, is the name of the game. basic human needs are commodified. we accept working to death and getting a thousands of dollars bill for the treatment because why not? what else can we do

and while we quibble over things, people die. starvation, freezing to death, racism, police violence, bombing, government action, war, climate change. from big to small.

i don’t have an answer and i don’t pretend to. i live in a relatively liberal area that has a huge problem with class disparity, bigotry swept under the rug, gentrification, homelessness, violence and resulting police intervention, bloated costs of living, and impacts of climate change as people move here to escape worse living situations elsewhere. 

but as much as we have problems at home, people die at the hands of our government worldwide. we attack other countries for the same problems we have. and see ourselves as the global police. death is ok as long as it is. for freedom. for a greater cause. for profit. oh god for profit. that underlines everything in our country. anything is excused as long as you can make good propaganda for it. 

and people die, and people die, and people die 

[fitnesshealthyoga-blog]

New Post has been published on https://fitnesshealthyoga.com/sentencing-their-dog-to-death-how-the-anti-vax-movement-spread-to-pets-society/

'Sentencing their dog to death': how the anti-vax movement spread to pets | Society

Sam Kovac can’t say for sure what prompted it, but in the past few weeks the Sydney veterinarian has been faced with the same alarming, beguiling question over and over: “Will this vaccination give my dog autism?”

“It’s actually ridiculous. I mean you hear chatter over the years, but just in these last few weeks it’s really, really ramped up,” he tells Guardian Australia.

“Most of the time people are OK, they’re not staunchly against it once you tell them the science and the statistics [but] we have had people walk out in hysteria, saying that there is absolutely no way their dog is getting [vaccinated] because they believe it causes auto-immune diseases or, specifically, autism.”

Kovac is so perturbed by the trend that he felt moved to speak out about it in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph this week, saying he didn’t believe anti-vaxxers deserved to have animals as pets if they were willing to put them at risk of diseases such as canine parvovirus.

“They are sentencing their dog to death from one of the most shocking, horrible viruses you can imagine,” he says.

“If a disease as contagious, as horrific and with a high mortality rate as parvovirus existed for humans, this conversation would be so different.”

Vaccinations do not cause autism in dogs or humans. But there is an important distinction: there is no such thing as autism in dogs.

“Well, there are certainly no recorded cases of animals with the condition that I know of,” Kovac says. “And there is no diagnostic test to check for it in dogs or cats anyway.”

The amplification of the anti-vaccination movement in online communities and its association with the rise of populism and anti-establishment politics has been well documented.

This year the World Health Organisation included “vaccine hesitancy” among its 10 biggest threats to global health, pointing to a 30% increase in the number of cases of measles worldwide and a “resurgence” of the disease in countries that were close to eliminating it.

In March, the head of Britain’s National Health Service, Simon Stevens, blamed “fake news” by “vaccination deniers” on social media for a tripling in measles cases in the UK in 2018. In December a Guardian investigation pointed to the way populist rightwing politicians in Europe and the US were capitalising on the mistrust of vaccine science.

In 2015 Donald Trump wrongly linked vaccination schedules to autism in a debate during the Republican primaries, while in Australia One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was forced to apologise in 2017 after she asserted that the government’s vaccination policies amounted to blackmail.

But are our four-legged friends really the latest front in the anti-vaccination movement’s war?

Naomi Smith, a sociologist from the Federation University in Victoria, has published research mapping out the anti-vaccination movement’s presence on social media by trawling through hundreds of thousands of posts and comments on popular anti-vaccination Facebook pages.

A dog in India receives a vaccination. Photograph: Noah Seelam/AFP/Getty Images

The anti-vaccination movement was not born with social media, but Smith’s research highlights the role social media plays in fostering and amplifying its conspiracy theories.

Did they talk about dogs, though?

“Well, no, they didn’t, but what was really interesting is that after we published I got emails from vets saying we have seen this in our space too,” she tells Guardian Australia.

“So it didn’t come up in our data but it’s definitely something I’ve heard about since, because people have approached me about it.”

Most concerning was an email from an equine veterinarian in Queensland, who told Smith he continually faced reluctance from anti-vaxxers opposed to the Hendra virus vaccine.

The Hendra vaccine is not without critics – last year horse owners from New South Wales and Queensland launched a class action against the pharmaceutical company responsible for developing it, claiming it did not provide adequate warnings about potential side effects. But Paula Parker, the president of the Australian Veterinary Association, believes much of the opposition to the virus is based on “bad-faith” arguments.

“There are unfortunately some people making bad-faith arguments about Hendra, and some who get into internet rabbit holes and come out misinformed, it’s heartbreaking to us because it’s an amazing vaccine for a disease which is life-threatening to horses and humans,” Parker says.

She too is aware of a broader reluctance among a small number of pet owners to vaccinate, and sees a link with the flourishing market for “holistic” animal care, which she says “anecdotally seem to breed some reluctance to vaccinations or other conventional treatments”.

A horse on a property in Queensland is given the Hendra virus vaccination. The fatal disease is also a threat to humans. Photograph: Dan Peled/AAP

“There are some complementary therapies like acupuncture which are helpful adjuncts to conventional medicine, [but] the difficult part with homeopathy is there is no regulation in that space,” she says.

“Most of them don’t cause harm, they’re just not effective, but the biggest worry is that pet owners seek out that kind of care and delay a diagnosis and required treatment.”

For Smith, too, there is a clear link between the so-called wellness industry and the spread of anti-vaccination messaging.

“What’s super interesting about the wellness movement, or industry, is that anyone can talk about it, you don’t have to have any kind of credentials, and it seems to be that those conversations naturally lead to a suspicion of established bio-medical practices,” she says.

Smith points to the example of Taylor Winterstein, wife of the Penrith Panthers NRL player Frank Winterstein, who claims vaccines cause allergies and believes parents are being “bullied” by GPs who “pressure” them to give their children vaccinations.

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Winterstein was charging $200 for “informative” workshops, teaching other parents about her views.

Winterstein told the paper she had “never once said not to vaccinate”, but added: “Vaccines are not safe and effective for everyone, a ‘one size fits all’ schedule does not fit all bio-individual children and where there is risk there must always be choice.”

Smith is critical of that approach: “You’ve got footballers’ wives holding anti-vaccination seminars and their credentials are essentially being very good looking, which somehow means they’re speaking to some deeper truth that they understand what it is to be healthy,” she says.

“We’re very food- and diet-obsessed in this culture and people are constantly looking for advice about how to be healthy, which is fine, but that’s not all that these people are selling.”

That the anti-vaccination movement would turn its attention to animals is unsurprising to Smith.

“This attitude towards, I say this in quotation marks, ‘bodily and dietary purity’, is being translated by people into their pets because we view pets as part of the family now,” she says.

“So if you’re taking on the attitude that you’re going to keep your family, again, quote-unquote, ‘safe’, why wouldn’t you extend it to your dog too?”

Source link

[lucids]

Things Black Women Travelers Want You to Know

[Article is from 2016 but still relevant.]

I WANT TO BE VERY FRANK: I’M DISAPPOINTED THAT IN 2016, THIS TOPIC IS STILL RELEVANT. It’s a shame to see that women of color like myself aren’t traveling more often, so much so that when looking at the landscape of travel bloggers and vloggers, I’m one of a handful, and because of that, I’m expected to speak on behalf of my entire kind; black women in general.

I want to express that my experience shouldn’t be symbolic of the entire demographic of black women, but that as a black woman, these are various things I’ve experienced, noticed, and would like to bring attention to.

1. We barely exist. It’s 2016, and yet when you see black women traveling, they’re usually immigrants fighting for better lives for themselves and their children taking jobs as housekeepers and nannies, just as my mother did. Of course, there are black women traveling the world every single day, but the ratio to everyone else traveling is minuscule.

As traveling is a privilege, it is simply not seen as something for people of color; which is upsetting as a person of color who’s actively trying to change that perspective.

After actively traveling for about six years, I haven’t seen more than a dozen black women on flights, in tour groups, or in hotels and hostels. It gets lonely not seeing people who look like you.

2. We carry more weight than the average traveler. Because there are so few of us out there traveling, when we come back from a life-changing trip, we swallow the moral duty to share our experience with the world, and more importantly, to other black women. Whether we come back with stories of racism, praise, ignorance, or friendships in uncommon places, we want to share our journey. As it’s in most women’s nature to help causes, and people, we feel personally responsible to bring up our kind.

As a travel influencer, I feel this burden more with each new subscriber or reader. We carry the weight and responsibility of speaking on behalf of our entire kind.

3. We experience more than the average cat-calling. Of course, all women have to deal with the annoying and entitled action of rude men catcalling as we casually walk around, even in our own cities. There was that viral catcalling video that showcased a white woman walking around NYC and secretly filming all of the catcalling she experienced; most of the times by black or latin men. I remember reading criticism on that video, black and Hispanic women felt that a white woman couldn’t nearly depict what we have to experience in regards to harassment by men.

Then I understood their angst during my latest trip to Cuba, where I was enraged at how many Cuban men, mostly mulatto or black men would loudly blow kisses, whistle, scream “BEAUTIFUL LADY,” and follow me for blocks down the street. I ignored them and used my silence to reflect and observe. I saw that they wouldn’t do the same to white women traveling; at least I never witnessed the same persistence and aggression.

This kind of treatment isn’t only limited to Cuba, it’s anywhere black and mixed men are. I’ve experienced the same instance in Harlem, where my white guy friend blatantly told me not even his blonde bombshell girlfriends get harassed as much as I did.

There’s a sense of respect that white women receive without knowing it; at least from black and latin men. As there’s an unspoken understanding that white women are protected by white men, so black men simply don’t feel it’s their place to harass a white woman. Whereas black men see black women as “their people” and therefore feel that they can act and say whatever they like.

Who’s protecting the black women? That’s what I want to know.

4. We are seen as ugly in most countries. Despite the high level of harassment we receive, we’re not seen as beautiful by most of the world, mostly because societies simply aren’t used to our thick hair, brown skin, and curvy bodies. The stereotypes that societies hold on to about black women never have the words: beautiful, graceful, or intelligent, attached; something that I learned while on a trip to Egypt.

I was so surprised at the honesty I heard from Egyptian locals that I made a video about being a black woman while traveling. What I heard is “Jo jo, you’re the first black woman that I’ve ever seen who’s pretty, I always thought they would be big and fat, loud and ugly.” Homeboy said those words to my face, and I wasn’t even mad at him, I was frustrated at the ignorance behind international beauty standards.

I’ve experienced several instances of being ignored in restaurants and stores when I was traveling with my best friends who, although ethnic, have lighter skin than me. They would have to ask for the check, order more drinks, or request service in order for us to be attended with a smile.

5. We surprise people. Because of all of these preconceived notions about black women around the world, when we travel, we’re helping soothe the worlds’ ignorance about us. The more we become present in the travel space, the more we’ll change “ugly black women” stereotypes. I’ve had several conversations with men and women who are genuinely surprised at my ability to not only travel but to have created a business out of my lifestyle; when I start speaking to them in several languages, I blow their minds. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but at least we have the pleasure of seeing eyes bug out of heads.

6. No, you can’t touch our hair. I’m almost 99% positive that all black women have had moments where strangers go full throttle to grab a hair strand, to feel a lock, or to try to bounce a curl; and it’s not ok. Of course, we’re willing to help educate your questions about our hair, but why would anyone think it’s ok to stick their grubby fingers in someone else’s scalp?!

On the subject of hair; I know all women struggle keeping their luscious manes on par while on the road, but finding black hair products abroad is harder than finding a needle in a haystack; part of the reason why my hair gets bigger and bigger with every trip. Most women who travel keep their hair as natural as possible, it’s just easier that way.

7. We’re curious about other black women. All black women have different stories, but having these two badges attached to our lives gets us thinking about the trials and tribulations of being a black woman elsewhere. Are they praised in Cuba? Are they honored in Portugal? Are they shunned in Denmark? Can they marry anyone of their choosing in South Africa? We have questions on what being a black woman means globally and we empathize with our sisters.

8. We’re role models and we’re proud. As we’re scarce in the travel community, and there are several confusions attached with our experience, we feel a sense of pride after every trip. Anytime we step outside of our homes and set out on a new journey, it’s not just to see something beautiful, or to take great pictures for a blog; it’s about changing the reputation of black women everywhere.

Source: https://shutupandgo.travel/8-things-black-women-travelers-want-know

[babymilkaction]

Big Parma calls for more trust

AstroZeneca calls for  more ‘trust’ in its ‘What science can do’ lecture   

Pascal Soriot, CEO AstraZeneca, Kate Pretty 2nd Annual Lecture: Homerton College.  Thursday 8th March 2018   The Cambridge Life science cluster at a pivot point.

I have many long-standing connections to Homerton College in Cambridge so I decided to go along to this lecture. Pascal Soriot described how AZ had fought off the takeover by Pfizer, how open and transparent the company is, why it had relocated to Cambridge and the opportunities this opened up for the company, Cambridge jobs and human health.  He made AZ appear like the very best benefactor. Towards the end of his presentation he proposed that AZ should have access to NHS data and that the best way forward is through partnerships and an atmosphere of ‘trust’.

I waited to see if anyone else was worried, but I couldn’t sense any discomfort from the questions being asked.  I decided to ask for the microphone. I explained that as someone who is alive today because of effective cancer drugs, I was not in the business of stopping innovation or holding back ‘what science can do’ for human health and the public good.  However, PS had lost me with his call for more ‘trust’.  AZ, is after all the world’s a pharmaceutical corporation [the world’s 14th biggest one with a £22 billion turnover] with  a legal duty to maximise profits for its shareholders. Is it really wise to trust that it will, or indeed can, prioritise the public good above its bottom line?

I mentioned how the UK, a key player in global health, has been pushing WHO to work in partnership with corporations, including on tackling the global threat of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) and neglected diseases. My understanding is that AMR is the result of weak state structures that have allowed the careless use of medication (including in animal husbandry), uncontrolled promotion by the pharmaceutical industry and the sale of antibiotics over the counter.  There is global consensus among health advocates that unless we take fast and coordinated action, common infections and minor injuries – the kinds of things we have been able to treat for decades – will emerge as killers once more.

So surely what’s needed is better and stronger regulation, not ‘partnerships’ built on the basis  ‘trust’  and which inevitably lead to shared governance and decision making?

Pascal Soriot responded saying that he agreed, that people should not be naive and should go into collaborations with their eyes are wide open and with checks and balances. OK, but I was left wondering what this would  actually mean in practice. How can one really be continually checking the global activities of such a huge corporation (as one would need to do) while at the same time trusting that all is well?   And do profit-making corporations really have the monopoly on innovative ideas?

Last year’s World Health Assembly (May 2017)

I attended several side events during the 2017 World Health Assembly. Two were about medicine pricing and the problem of neglected diseases.   Delinking Research and Development (R&D) from product pricing was organised by OXFAM and Knowledge Ecology International (KEI)(1).

The speakers at the OXFAM meeting (2) explained that new medicines are expensive, not because of physics, chemistry or biology, but because of policies. Currently, the incentives to invest in Research and Development (R&D) revolve around patents, data exclusivity and monopolies. These allow pharmaceutical developers to charge high prices that result in rationing, unnecessary pain and deaths, especially in poorly resourced nations. The meeting proposed that governments could solve these problems by:

partially or wholly delinking product prices from R&D costs.

regulating or eliminating monopolies

creating legal pathways to ensure treatments are affordable and widely available.

granting  compulsory licences.

creating innovation funds that would allow countries to lower drug prices with no adverse impact on R&D.

Speakers gave several examples of how quickly companies  recoup their research costs.  James Love, director of KEI, said Roche got a large profit from the sale of TDM1. “After you get the first US$67 billion, you think it might be appropriate to say let’s make the drug available for cheap now, let’s be a good sports,”

Ellen ‘t Hoen from Medicines Law & Policy/Global Health Unit – University Medical Center Groningen also explained the wide difference between the cost of production and market price, showing “there is enormous” space for change, and those medicines can be made more available and much more affordable. For example, she said, imatinib, a cancer drug, has a cost of production between US$119-159, and a market price between US$30,000 and US$100,000 per year.

CLICK HERE for further excerpts from the meeting: Cancer Drugs: Innovation ‘Blackmail’ Leads To Unaffordable Prices, Delinkage Needed, Speakers Say

Another was organised by CEPI, a Public Private Partnership. (3) This was very different, placing the pharmaceutical industry firmly in the role of benefactors.  I asked why Merck, Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), PaxVax, and the World Economic Forum were allowed to sit on CEPI’s governing body and whether this was considered a risk.  Joanne Liu, of Medicine san Frontieres agreed that this was a tricky issue that MSF is watching, but other than that I didn’t really get an adequate answer.  Jon Pender of GSK asked me later why I had to complain yet again, even when the companies are doing something good

__________________________

(1) Wednesday 24th May 18:00–19:30  Addressing access barriers and affordability challenges for cancer drugs. Organized by OXFAM , Knowledge Ecology International and Stichting Health Action International.   CLICK HERE  for KEI report.

(2) Panelists at the OXFAM meeting: Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Amb. Dep. Permanent Rep. of Brazil to the UN in Geneva; Manon Ress, Founder and Acting Director. Union for Affordable Cancer Treatment (UACT); Catherine Tomlinson, Cancer Alliance, South Africa; Ellen ‘t Hoen, Medicines Law & Policy/Global Health Unit – Univ. Medical Center GroningenJames Love, Director, Knowledge Ecology InternationalPeter Beyer, Senior Adviser, Department of Essential Medicines and Health Products, WHOPanel moderator: Tido von Schoen-Angerer, MD, MPH

(3) CEPI Monday 22nd May 17.45, Development of new technologies to prevent future health crises: the role of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Organized by the delegations of Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Rwanda and the United States of America.

Other side events at last year’s  WHA (May 2017)

Responding to the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): perspectives of civil society, intergovernmental organizations and developing countries. Organized by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Médecins Sans Frontières International (MSF), Medicus Mundi International (International Organization for Cooperation in Health Care) and Stichting Health Action International.

  https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/amr-big-pharma-benchmark-ranking-by-jim-o-neill-2018-01

https://accesstomedicineindex.org/methodology/

Big Parma calls for more trust was originally published on Baby Milk Action

[seriouslyjoking-blog]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.healerpedia.com

https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!

[westcoastswingreno]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.healerpedia.com

https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!

[multifitsecurity-blog]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: www.healerpedia.com

https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!

[jfolwer4679-blog]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!

[averyreadsanimorphs]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!

[saureus]

Keto Diet Plan, Myths and Truths with Dr. Dominic D' Agostino

Is Keto diet truly the savior for millions suffering from diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, auto-immune diseases and obesity or is it yet another fad with serious side effects? Listen to Keto veteran, scientist Dr. Dominic D’Agostino who has not only been researching the Ketogenic diet but also claims its his secret to keeping up with the supermen astronauts as a crew member on NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations 22 (NEEMO 22)! Dr. Dom D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He is also a research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). In this podcast, Dr. Dom shares what exactly is a Keto diet, why it actually works, who its right for and how it positively affects your body, mind, and energy. Key Questions answered and highlights: --------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is the Ketogenic diet for those of our listeners who are still scratching their heads going "Is it bacon and beef?" - A ketogenic diet is not a high protein diet, but a high fat diet. - The percentage of the calories that make up the Liberal/Modified keto diet at least 65-70% while 90% fat for Classical keto diet. - The balance of the calories (10-30%) will come from protein. - Ketogenic Diet mimics the metabolic state of fasting - When you're eating calories with the ketogenic diet ratios, your body produces these ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) which are break down products of fat. - Ketones are an alternative fuel for your brain to function on - The true litmus test is used measure your blood ketone levels and if they're not elevated, you're not in Ketosis. Urine ketone measurements can also be valuable and less expensive to first confirm you have reached ketosis. - It's the ratio of the macro-nutrients that define the Ketogenic Diet. 2. What does your plate need to look like? What does your typical meal plan look like? - Check The Ketogenic Bible for recipes and tips!

Dr. Dom's Personal Keto Plan: Breakfast - 4 Egg Yolk Omelettes  with Spinach and Mushroom - Salad w/ Dressing (Olive Oil + medium-chain triglyceride or MCT Oil + Herbs) Dinner - Greens like Asparagus, Brocolli - Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Cook Cauliflower until soft, Put in Food Processor, Add Salt and Pepper) - Fatty fish like Salmon or Trout Dessert - Ketogenic Choco Mousse (Sugar-free concentrated Coconut milk + Dark Chocolate Baking Cocoa + Crushed Almonds + Stevia + Cinammon) If you are OK with dairy sour cream can also be used. Benefits of Ketogenic diet and why Dr. D' Agostino does it: 1. Keeps him full and suppresses appetite from breakfast to dinner 2. Helps him keep up with top performers like astronauts when task loaded 3. Gives him more motivation and drive throughout the day 4. Gets more work done 5. Deeper sleep and less sleep requirement 6. Can function on 6.5 hours sleep 7. Functions better physically  when forced into a sleep deprived state due work demands or travels 8. Cognitive resilience under sleep deprivation 9. No cravings because the food is higher in fat, it has a satiating effect. Dr. Dom follows a modified version of Ketogenic diet which has 20-30% protein and sometimes bumps protein calories a little high on weight training days.

3. Who is the ketogenic diet for? What do you recommend? How do I decide if the ketogenic diet is right for me?

- It's the standard of care for people who have seizures to follow a Keto diet especially if it's refractory to drug treatment or does not respond to drug treatment

- The Ketogenic works when drugs fail. Many of the anti-epileptic drugs have side effects.

- For weight loss & diabetes

-Helps people with Autism, Alzheimer, Parkinson, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

- Generally helps women with different types of hormonal issues like acne, perimenopause and PCOS

- The ketogenic diet rapidly controls insulin and suppresses insulin which produces ketones

- By suppressing insulin, it facilitates fat burning globally and especially around the mid section - It's effective for mobilizing fat for energy. - Controls Inflammation which contributes to cancer and autoimmune - It not only helps autoimmune disorders but also age related chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or Alzheimer's disease

4. Who does it not work for?

- People with Pancreatitis, liver problems like liver cancer, fat malabsorption or kidney stones. - If a person has liver cancer, the liver does not make the ketone bodies and the ketone bodies provide the brain an alternative form of energy - If you've had or have kidney stones, use Ketogenic diet cautiously. Drink water, eat high potassium foods and consider K+ supplementation.   - If you have  fat absorption issues or have had gall bladder removed, it could be challenging to do this diet, but many have succeeded. - The whole household has to be onboard with the way you're eating. - For those who want to lose weight or control diabetes, they don't have to go on a ketogenic diet. A simple carbohydrate restriction will do, - Instead of 60 or 70% calories from carbs, simply get 20 to 30% calories from carbs. - Make sure these carbohydrates are low glycemic. Eating vegetables and whole food sources can make huge difference. - BUT, if you want results FAST, a Ketogenic diet can be a better option. - You can do a Ketogenic diet for fast results then transition to a low carbohydrate lifestyle, switch out all starches with vegetables.

5. How quickly can someone get into Ketosis without having to constantly track that? If I start today a ketogenic diet, how long will it take for me to get into ketosis?

- If you start a strict ketogenic diet today, it takes of minimum of 48 to 78 hours to really registering ketones in your blood and urine stick. - When you initiate the ketogenic diet, it's a stress to your body. Your brain start to depend glucose as its primary energy source. - Fats get converted to ketone bodies, these ketone bodies can replace glucose largely as a primary energy source - Add coconut oil, MCT, ketone supplements to quickly elevate ketones, - By supplying extra energy when sugar is limited ketones make your brain happy - It is not only alternative fuel to brain and tissues, but also functions as a signaling molecule that can inhibit anti-inflammatory pathways - Ketone bodies function to activate various genes that can boost antioxidant protection in body - It can stimulate various genes that are associated with longevity, and increase lifespan - A ketogenic diet is one way to mimic the life extending health effect of calorie restriction

6. Do you have to do the keto diet forever? Is it a lifestyle redesigned choice? Is it something you do intermittently?

- Case study of Charlie Abrahams w/ Epilepsy (see ketogenic diet movie "First do No Harm" with Meryl Streep) - An average person who wants to enhance their metabolic health for longevity effects can practice intermittent ketosis. - They can also practice  intermittent fasting (only 2x a week is needed). - No breakfast or lunch - Eat at a time restricted window like 6 pm to 10 am - Stay away from pasta, bread, potatoes, heavy starches - The longer you do keto and adhere to it it easier gets

Note: You dont have to do it all the time!

- You can stay in ketosis every 2-3 months out of a year and get major benefits- a reset in insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

7. Have you noticed a difference in MCT oils or does it not matter what brand you' buy?

It really doesn't matter overall, and they have done research in a lab on the various MCT oils

- MCT Oil Liquid from NOW Foods is cheapest

- Parrillo Nutrition CapTri C8 MCT Oil

- The elevation of ketones from that is 80% of what you get from a Brain Octane which is more expensive but also an excellent product

8. What other supplements are you taking for maintaining ketosis?

1. MCT oil/MCT oil powder 2. Kegenix PRIME 3. Pruvit Keto//OS 2.1 (Orange Dream) 4. KetoLogic (Find links to these products and other "approved" products/foods at Ketonutrition.org)

9. There's some buzz around telomeres and ketogenic diet. What do you know about that in your research?

- This is a hot area of study that has been incorporated in NASA missions, on ISS and on NEEMO missions. - The keto diet mimics molecular aspects of calorie (low IGF-1, mTOR, etc.) - New tools are evolving, including saliva kits that a person can do at home. These will be incorporated into our research

10. Nutritional vs. Functional Ketosis: What is the difference between the two?

- Tim Ferris found the main thing that worked for his Lymes Disease was fasting ketosis and nutritional Ketosis - Ketosis is defined by an elevation of these ketone bodies in the blood and urine. - Intermittent ketosis is ideal for people wanting health benefits, but also wanting to occasionally enjoy carb-based foods too - It's not normal to be on Keto all the time- probably NOT optimal. - I personally cycle between low carb and keto diet - Cycle your diet, stay metabolically flexible, incorporate healthy carbs with a wide variety of vegetables and smalls amounts of fruit.. - Stay away from grains - It's good not to stay in ketosis all the time; we dont know enough yet.  Seizure patients that stay in high/moderate ketosis for decades do not seem to have any overt health issues though.

11. What percentage do I need to be on to consider it a calorie restriction diet?

- For the average person, start at 10%

- Log for 2 weeks what you eat, calculate and look at the scale; If you have the same weight, divide calories by 14 -- that's how many calories per week you need to maintain body weight

12. What are some of your favorite apps? 

- Fitday

- Avatar Nutrition

Books Recommended in this Podcast:

The Ketogenic Bible: The Authoritative Guide to Ketosis

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-bible-the-authoritative-guide-to-ketosis/

The Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diets: Treatments for Epilepsy and Other Disorders

http://healcircles.com/the-ketogenic-and-modified-atkins-diets-treatments-for-epilepsy-and-other-disorders/

KEY LINKS:

WEBSITE: https://www.ketonutrition.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.facebook.com/dominic.dagostino.1

https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/

https://usf.academia.edu/DominicDAgostino

Liked what you heard? Love what I am doing with my mission of spreading the truth about how we can live healthier, happier and longer?

Then please SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND SHARE with your loved ones!! They will thank you for it :)

Till next time, wishing you health, love and joy!