Body Image

 Last time I spoke about the issue of skinny shaming of women, which is only one of the problems associated with unrealistic body image. The topic about female images in the media has been widely discussed, with correlations found between looking at models and felings of depression and self-loathing, eating disorders, and in general unhealthy behaviors as a result of dissatisfaction with oneself.

This, however, does not just apply to women. More and more images of the “perfect” male body type have pushed men to their own eating disorders and detrimental use of steroids or other harmful supplements, all aimed at achieving abs, biceps, and looking like the latest beach photo of Hugh Jackman. And while the issue has been widely addressed for women, it is still very closed when it comes to men. They have been ridiculed for their shortness, fatness, skinniness, and other aspects of their appearance that do are not in the category of masculine. There is no “Real Beauty” campaign for men, you can rarely see an overweight guy in movies without him being the funny man, who compensates for his looks by providing money or entertainment. If a man is fat or short, this is always discussed and connected with stereotypical complexes. If they are not dreamy, they are not worthy. This needs more attention. 

Skinny shaming

If you spend some time randomly browsing the internet, you are bound to run into what has turned into an anti-supermodel mantra: “Real Women Have Curves”. That’s not very nice. Actually, shaming girls who are skinny by nature, or by choice, is just as detrimental as making fun of those who are overweight.

The fat girls get a bad reputation for having no self-control, not taking enough care about their appearance, and to be honest, just bad genes (think of people who are at the gym trying to lose weight, and still they are being made fun of as they are running on the treadmill). Skinny girls are on the opposite end of the spectrum – they are believed to be too much concerned with their looks (even if their body shape is just the natural result of a fast metabolism), and often time they are urged by random strangers to just “Go eat something!”

So next time you post an image like this one, think about what you are saying. You are not making it ok for women to look like themselves, whatever their body shape, you are just switching the single desired body type to a few kilograms more.

The five second rule

Do you eat food after you've dropped it on the floor? What if it stays there for more than five seconds? Common “knowledge” will have you believe that if you get to it within the first five seconds, the bacteria hasn't transferred yet, and the food it safe to consume, wile if you eat it after that time frame, you are exposing yourself to bacteria, and therefore potential disease.

This is bullsh*t.  Multiple studies have been conducted using various foods and various floor surfaces, and most of the time the surface makes more difference than the time which the food was left on it. In general, if the floor is dirty and contaminated (and some infectious bacteria, like salmonella, can survive on tile and other surfaces in significant amounts for over four weeks!), you should not be eating it. If, however, you keep your kitchen floor pretty clean, and you wash your food again before you eat it, your body will probably be able to deal with any bacteria that gets into it without making you sick, regardless of whether it has stayed there for three, five, or ten seconds.

Antibacterial Soap

Is you regularly buy SafeGuard in order to protect yourself from all the spreading bacteria, and eventually disease, you should stop and throw it away. Here’s why.

Antibacterial soap doesn’t work. Yes, studies conducted in a lab setting have shown result in decreased amount of bacteria on the subject’s hands. That is, if they wash their hands for at least 30 seconds. And guess what – when you test their actual ability to prevent communicable disease, antibacterial soaps fail miserably. There is absolutely no difference between them and regular soap – they just don’t work as they claim they do.

However, that is not all that antibacterial soaps do. Due to their chemicals, they lead to an increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria. And not just on your hands, either. When you are finished washing your hands (or some people even shower with them), all that water and excess soap goes into the water supply and contaminates it and marine life with such antibiotic resistant bacteria, eventually leading to its overall increase in the environment.  Furthermore, antibacterial soap has been linked to several allergies and asthma. So people, just stop using it. Its not doing you any good, and it is potentially causing a great deal of harm.

Clothes

Have you ever wondered why we wear them? There is the obvious reason – to protect us from the elements of nature, but animals have no such need. Well, there are two main purposes. Firstly, hygiene.  The general disgust we feel towards bodily excretions coming from, um, our covered areas, is pretty sound – it stops the spread of disease and generally keeps a more sanitary environment. That should get some ladies reevaluating the length of their skirts and the seats that get in contact with their bare asses as a result. Secondly, humans dress out of modesty. Why does that matter? There are some pretty compelling advantages, and yes, they are mostly surrounding sex. Wearing more clothes results in less sexual availability, and therefore more selective breeding. It means you are not ready to get on with just anybody, or maybe at all. Not making babies all the time leaves us with more time for the important stuff - like taking care of the ones we already have. This is a more necessary thing in humans than in any other animal, since we take the longest time to develop our brain and be able to take care of ourselves. In the end, it all makes sense. So next time you are putting some clothes on, please, cover the essentials.

Monkeys pt.2

Upon second glance:

Some people may differ from this story based on a number of flawed assumptions, both tangible and philosophical, and therefore it may teach the wrong lesson. Consider this question: If, at the end of the story, a monkey tried to climb the ladder, how do you know whether the scientists would soak the monkeys with cold water or not? Answer: You don't. However, the author has assumed that the scientists would not, and used that to imply that the monkey's actions were pointless. However, there is no data to support that assumption. In fact, historical data strongly indicates the opposite assumption, and that the cultural wisdom the monkeys inherited from their predecessors was indeed valuable. As for the philosophical question of whether it makes sense to continue a behaviour when you don't know the reason behind it, I ask the opposite question: Does it makes sense to change a behaviour when you don't know the reason behind it? All things being equal, it makes most sense to continue on with the behaviour that is currently working for you. Unless there is data showing current behaviour is no longer the best approach, or the change has a clear opportunity for a benefit and we're willing to take a calculated risk, continuing the current behaviour helps us avoid paying for the same wisdom a second time. For those who still disagree, I give you one final argument: When raising your kids, when you told them not to do something, did you always provide a solid reason, or did you sometimes fall back on "Because I said so"? In those cases, shouldn't they have been able to do what they wanted because they didn't know the reason not to? Of course not, and that's my point: Wisdom is there for a reason, and while sometimes we need to go against it, we should be very cautious when we do.

Monkeys pt. 1

Here is a nice science experiment that I would like to share with all of you:

A group of scientists placed 5 monkeys in a cage and in the middle they place a ladder with bananas on top. Every time a monkey went up the ladder the scientists soaked the rest of the monkeys with cold water. After a while every time a monkey went up the ladder the other ones beat up the one on the ladder. After some tome no monkey dare to go up the ladder regardless of the temptation.

Scientists decided to substitute one of the monkeys.  The fist thing this new monkey did was to go up the ladder immediately. The other monkeys beat him up. After several beatings the new member learned no to climb the ladder even though he never knew why. The second monkey was substituted and the same occurred. The monkey participated on the beating for the second monkey. A third monkey was substituted and the same repeated; the fourth was substituted and the same result; finally the 5th monkey was replaced.

What was left was a group of 5 monkeys that even though never received a cold shower continued to beat up any monkey who attempted to climb the ladder.

If it was possible to ask the monkeys why they would beat up all those who attempted to go up the ladder, their answer would be:

‘ I don’t know, that’s just the way things are done around here’ Does this sound familiar?

1 stotinka*

What would you do for one stotinka? Some would not even bother to bend down and pick it up. It should be eliminated, and here’s why:

1. It costs more to create than its nominal value (25% more to be exact).

2. It costs more to be counted every time at the cashier than its nominal value (that is, in working hours)
This means that you pay more to your workers to count, transport and generally care for your one stotinka coins then the value you would get from keeping them.

3. It has no real purchasing power.

There is nothing you can buy for one stotinka at the store, and vending machines don’t even take them since they have realized it increases costs too much.

If you are worried about the effects it might have on economy, or how we will pay if our bill is 1.99, then don’t. Payment will be rounded up to the nearest five stotinki, so for 1.96 you will pay 1.95, and for 1.99 you will pay 2.00. At the end with multiple transactions it all evens out.  Many countries have already applied this to their own currency: Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and others as well, some of which are from the Eurozone. This is basically a no-brainer, and should be implemented without debate.

*all of this applies to the coin for 2 stotinki as well

Daylight savings time

In only 8 short days we will get our annual sleep-deprived Monday. On that day, there will be great loss of productivity, an increase in the instances of heart attacks and suicides. International communication will become a bit more confusing for some time, especially if you deal with people in the other hemisphere, where they will leave daylight savings as we enter into it.

All of this trouble was introduced in Bulgaria in 1979 with the main goal of extending the day an hour more past working hours, in order to get people spend more time outside and use less electricity for lighting. However, with the invention of the air-conditioner and the preference of many people to avoid outside heat and stick to the climate-controlled inside areas in the summer, this could be creating more energy cost, rather than saving it. Various studies show different results, with some saying it will save, and other saying it will cost. But they all agree on one thing – the difference will be extremely miniscule.  So is there a point to go through this March madness every year? And then again in November? Not really.

Controversial Issues #2: Alcohol

Alcohol. You probably have seen members of your family have it with every dinner (or sometimes even lunch), and in excessive amounts on special occasions, which is sometimes defined by “the weekend”. Everyone thinks it’s fun, but how many actually know what happens in your brain when you get drunk?

Here’s a video to explain the scientific part of alcohol intake:

Not exactly what you expected? I personally never thought alcohol is a depressant, I thought it was supposed to cheer you up when you are depressed…but I guess there is a lot I have been wrong about.

Because alcohol inhibits the background thoughts in your brain, you become more impulsive and less likely to doubt your instincts – your animal instincts that is. You are more likely to sleep (or make out with) someone, if the background thought of your spouse waiting at home is blurred out. You are more likely to do something stupid, if your brain is not reminding you of the consequences. Also, multiple researches show that you are more likely to behave aggressively and violently, not only in a club environment but also in the form of domestic violence.  It is also what makes you unfit do drive, as well as unfit to realize you shouldn’t be driving.

When looking at the scientific point of what alcohol does, it suddenly strips down the “cool” social factor and presents it plainly and practically – it is pointless and dangerous. 

Controversial Issues #1: Relationships

Every society accepts certain things as a given – we know that stealing is bad, loving is good, it is normal to eat fast food (even though we know it’s bad) etc. You believe this and almost everyone you know believes this. It is only when you encounter an outsider, someone from a different culture where bad and good are different, and what is normal might seems strange and even barbaric – like eating bugs would be to us, but not to someone from Thailand – that you get to evaluate your own beliefs and find the logic (or lack of it).  

To our current society it is now widely accepted for people to have multiple relationships – to try out several partners before they decide that they want to settle. And if they find that they have not settled with the right one, they leave them in search of a better one. This fits into a culture of avoiding problems rather than solving them, of people relying on their feelings rather than their reason to make decisions. Because of these feelings now people don’t find the need to restrain themselves and think before they act. If you feel hungry – eat whatever you want. If you feel horny – have sex with whoever you are attracted to. The animal inside has taken over and we have a society full of people who are obese from overindulging in food and who are unable to maintain a relationship because they are used to ending it at the first sight of trouble. So take the time and realize if you are hungry yet, or you could wait some more, and think about what is good for you before you put it in your mouth. Same goes for relationships – wait and think, and only if you know that the person will be worth fighting for, you should commit yourself to them and stick to it in spite of any troubles. It’s called marriage.  

Toilet Series #3: Tampons

Not to disappoint the ladies, I have something special for them as well. When you first got your period you were told you need to choose between tampons and pads, but it was all a lie. There are multiple other options to use during that time, and one of the best, most ecologically friendly, most convenient, and cheapest options is a menstrual cup.

What is a menstrual cup? A small cup made form medical grade silicone which you insert in your vagina until it creates a vacuum, and it collects, rather than absorb, all fluids. Several times a day you empty it, wash it, and reinsert it. It can hold a lot more liquid than a tampon or pad so it doesn’t need to be emptied that often, you can move freely and because of the vacuum there is zero chance of leakage, and it is a lot safer than tampons, which put you at risk of toxic shock syndrome.  It has no chemicals and leftover bleaching products, it does not create waste, and it does not waste resources. Here is a rather amusing video made by one particular brand showing some of its benefits.

Sources:

Mooncup  http://www.mooncup.co.uk/

Toilet Series #2: Sit

This one is for the boys only. Should men sit while urinating? Let’s evaluate the benefits.

1. Cleanliness

This can be summed up in two words: no splatter.

2. Number 2

If the business gets more serious than expected, there is no need to change positions.

3. Hands-free

No need to wash your hands afterwards since there is no touching involved, and you can hold your phone/book/magazine.

4. Comfort

Not only is it more comfortable to be sitting rather than standing, but it is also not necessary to be concentrating on your aim.

5. Privacy

I have no idea why it is considered ok for men to take out their penises in front of random strangers to use urinals. Sounds way too intimate.

6. Health

Sitting while peeing aids the bladder to empty more efficiently, which promotes prostate health.

Drawbacks? Well, if you are in a public restroom and all the other men haven’t heard the news yet, I wouldn’t recommend sitting on all that splatter… Other than that, if you are not so influenced by social custom and you would rather use your brain than go with the flow, be a good boy and sit.

Sources:

Should Men Sit Down to Urinate? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m2_r319BRE

Could Peeing Sitting Down Help Your Sex Life? http://www.mensfitness.com/blogs/could-peeing-sitting-down-help-your-sex-life

Men Should Sit To Pee Says Taiwan Minister http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249590.php

Toilet series #1: Bidet

Think about it: if you had poop on any other part of your body, would you just wipe it with a tissue? Not really, and in many places throughout the world that is not the custom, and water is considered a much more sanitary, convenient, and environmentally friendly option.

For the production of one roll of toilet paper, it takes 37 gallons of water, 1.3 KWh of electricity, and 1.5 pounds of wood (not counting the environmental footprint of packaging, transporting and selling it). A bidet takes about 1/8^th of a gallon of water, and there is no paper to take up space in the sewers. It is also much better for health and hygiene, alleviating some issues such as hemorrhoids and helping prevent others like urinary tract infections.

In case you are not an environmentalist, you could be thinking that it is a price you pay for avoiding the trouble of having to remove your butt from the comfortable toilet and squat over a completely different device, moving from one spot to another with pants down. This, however, is not the only type of bidets you can use.  Some might remember seeing a small tap and plastic cup close to the toilets in older houses, which can be easily filled up and used for those same purposes, or just substituted by a plastic bottle next to the toilet. But technology is even more advanced with the opportunity to buy a device like this:

Once installed on your toilet (which apparently take 20 minutes tops), this will allow you to get a stream of water directly cleaning your rectum  as you sit comfortably on your toilet with just the push of a button.

Congratulations, you have found a sure way to improve your habits and be more environmentally friendly. Will you use it?

Sources:

You can get the bidet from here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Bidet-Neo-Elite-Series/dp/B00A0RHSJO/ref=zg_bs_6810564011_2 

Why don’t Americans use bidets?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FBzTPPeZjM

Wipe or Wash? Do Bidets Save Forest and Water Resources?  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talks-bidets/

Multitasking

Does it ever happen to you that you are having a meal in your room, and that is all you do? To me it happens very rarely. Every time I have to watch or read something at the same time. And if that thing requires my attention, I find myself in awkward positions with half-chewed food in my mouth staring at the screen.

What we describe as multitasking actually does not constitute doing several tasks all at once. Our brains can’t really concentrate on more than one thing. What we perceive as multitasking is essentially switch-tasking, or rapidly going back and forth between two or more tasks. That whole ordeal can reduce your productivity by 40%, making you slower, more stressed, and more likely to make mistakes.

But of course, you must think you can do better than the average. Check out this video for a quick test on how your performance is affected by multitasking, and share your results in the comments. My timing moved up from 30 seconds to 47 seconds after trying to multitask, and I felt a lot more confused afterwards. And also, my handwriting is not nearly as pretty.

Sources:

The Cognitive Costs of Multitasking http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/costs-of-multitasking.htm

Milk

Over 147 liters a year. Per person. (Bulgaria) That makes out around 400ml, or 2 cups, every day. Nice, right, milk is so healthy. Well, think again.

Putting aside the marketing of the milk industry and the recommendations of others who might be benefitting, what does the hard data say? Firstly, few adults are actually fit for dairy, and especially milk consumption. After we pass a certain age most of us, or around 65% (some sources say even more), cannot digest lactose properly. This is when you drink a glass of milk and your stomach gets bloated, or you feel the need to run to the restroom, or both, or sometimes even worse.  The percentage of people who can digest varies country to country, but on the Balkans it’s not very promising.

But let’s say you are among the lucky ones. Or you decide to switch to only yoghurt and cheese, which are much easier to digest.  That might not be so great either. All the calcium hype around it is really not that accurate, considering there are multiple plant sources which have more calcium per 100gr like spinach or other dark greens, which will also provide you with much less calories and much more fiber, and no saturated fat. Dairy has been linked to some forms of cancer, such as prostate cancer, with claims that it can increase the risk up to 50%. It has also been proved to cause many more health issues, like constipation, acid reflux, mucus generation and congestion, sinus problems, migraines, increased eczema and joint pain, among others.

So will you continue to drink milk, or opt for some of the healthier alternatives like almond or oat milk? Please let me know in the comments how these facts impact your decisions. Bon Appétit!

Sources:

Milk: Does It Really Do A Body Good?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tseEEQC3SZE

How did milk turn from a toxin to a staple of the Western diet? http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/6/4593546/the-history-of-milk

Dairy: 6 Reasons You Should Avoid It at All Costs or Why Following the USDA Food Pyramid Guidelines is Bad for Your Health  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/dairy-free-dairy-6-reason_b_558876.html

Current Worldwide Total Milk Consumption per capita http://chartsbin.com/view/1491

BUS 449 Post 1

A lot of people might think they make conscious choices in their everyday lives. From small events such as relaxing after work, to the most important ones like getting engaged, we have embedded in us choices pre-made and values pre-constructed. And often, we don’t even put those values to the test of reasoning until someone point out their faults.

I will try and do exactly that. I make no claims of having the right answers, but I believe everybody should question, if not everything, at least what is questionable. The topics on which I will give my opinion will be various, ranging from drinking fresh milk to preventing abuse, and whenever possible, my opinions will be supported by research. Sometimes I will write things people will dislike, but my goal is not to make everyone think like I do, it is to make them think again over what they already believe.

Disclaimer: This is a project for a university course, hence the title of this post. However, the topics and opinions will be entirely mine. The fact that I will be graded can only assure you that real effort has been put to create accurate and valuable content.