Alister's Blog

How Far Should We Go With Organ Donation?

2010-04-23T12:58:00.000+01:00

With the growth of an ageing population, improved technology and an ever increasing demand for organ donation, do we need to rethink current practices?

On 19 April 2010, the Nuffield Council on Bioethics opened a consultation on the donation and use of human body parts in medicine and research. The Council is asking the public just how far it would be prepared to go in promoting the donation of eggs, sperm, organs and other human body parts for use and research in medical science

Reflecting Public Concerns and Stimulating Debate

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics investigates ethical issues raised by new developments in biology and medicine. Established by the Nuffield Foundation in 1991, the Council is an independent body funded jointly by the Foundation, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. The Council has established an international reputation for addressing public concerns, and providing independent advice to assist policy makers and stimulate debate in bioethics.

Professor Dame Marilyn Strathern, Professor of Social Anthropology at Cambridge University, is the Chair of the inquiry, and is interested in the ethics of providing increased incentives like cash and meeting funeral costs, and why different rules exist for different types of donation. She points out that:

“Women can already get free IVF treatment from private clinics to encourage them to donate eggs, and healthy volunteers may be paid significant sums of money to ‘donate’ their bodies to test new medicines for the first time in humans.”

Is the present System fair or could it be better balanced to include other kinds of donation and testing? Read more

Winning the Battle Against Obesity

2010-04-23T12:50:00.000+01:00

Scientists are adding seaweed to bread and other common food stuffs to find ways to help people lose weight while they eat.

A team of UK scientists from Newcastle University are engaged in research that shows that dietary fibre contained in alginates from commercially used sea kelp, can help reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body by up to 75 per cent.

Natural Fibre and Weight Loss

The research team, led by Dr. Iain Brownlee and Professor Jeff Pearson, presented their findings on 22 March, 2010 at the American Chemical Society Spring meeting in San Francisco. The team have discovered that Alginate, a natural fibre contained in sea kelp, prevents the body from absorbing fat better than any other currently available over-the-counter treatments.

Using an artificial gut, they tested the effectiveness of more than 60 different natural fibres by measuring the amount of fat that was digested and absorbed with each treatment. "The aim of this study was to put these products to the test and our initial findings are that alginates significantly reduce fat digestion," explained Dr Brownlee at an interview during the event.

Alginate lines the walls of the digestive system and prevents dietary fat passing through. The types of seaweed identified as carrying alginate are Lessonia and Laminaria. They are native to the Far East, South America and parts of Norway and Scotland, although they could be harvested anywhere. Read more

The History of Silk Production: Silk Stands the Test of Time

2010-02-11T12:33:00.001Z

The history of silk contains legend, follows the rise and decline of dynasties and empires, and mirrors the great movements of social and economic development.

From the mythic past of ancient China, through the industrial revolution of Europe and into the modern age of computer aided design, silk has continued to be a high value fashion item throughout the ages.

The Opening of Silk Routes

China has maintained a monopoly of silk production for the better part of three thousand years. According to Confucius, it was in 2640 B.C. that the Chinese princess Xi Ling Shi was the first to reel silk from a cocoon that dropped into her cup of tea.

The Chinese were naturally secretive about silk, but by the 3rd Century B.C. Chinese silk fabrics were beginning to find their way throughout the whole of Asia, and were transported overland to the West and by sea to Japan on what became known as the silk roads. The Romans came across silk in Asia, but knew nothing about its source.

From 552 A.D sericultural (silkworm culture) began to spread throughout Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. The story has it that it was smuggled out of China by two monks with silkworm eggs hidden inside their bamboo walking sticks. It was further spread by the Arabs as they captured splendid silks from the Persians, carrying sericulture with them as their conquests swept them through Africa, Sicily and Spain in the 7th Century.

Raw Silk Production: Insects That Create Wealth for the Fashion Industry

2010-02-11T12:29:00.001Z

Although there have been many technological developments in silk production, in China the same production processes have been followed for centuries.

The total annual world production of Bombyx mori cocoons, generally regarded as producing the finest quality raw silk, is about 496,000 tons, amounting to about 62,000 tons of raw silk. Silk accounts for much less than one percent by volume of world fibre production. Its high value demand is a result both of labour intensive production methods and its intrinsic luxurious quality.

Main Producers of Silk

China produces and exports about two thirds of all silk produced in the world, followed by Japan. Other main producers are India, Korea, Thailand, and Brazil. China supplies about 40 percent of the US’s silk consumption. China has a long tradition of silk production (sericulture) that goes back about five thousand years.

Raw Silk Production Methods

The production of raw silk by means of raising caterpillars (larvae), especially those of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), is traditionally divided into three parts:

Moths are selected for breeding, closely supervised during the egg laying process, and then sold on to farmers

Eggs are hatched and the silkworms fed on mulberry leaves

Farmers then sell the cocoons to reeling mills

Egg Production and Incubation

Following mating, female moths are placed in metal cylinders that are positioned within marked squares on an egg sheet, confining the moths' egg-laying to a small area. Each moth produces from 300 to 500 pinhead-size eggs, which adhere to the egg sheet, and then dies within two to three days of laying.

Balance Mind and Body With Ayurveda: A Mind Body Health Quiz

2010-02-09T03:20:00.002Z

The ancient Ayurvedic system of maintaining mind body balance is based on the integration of three basic Dosha types.

According to the 5,000 year old Ayurvedic system of maintaining a healthy mental and physical condition, understanding one’s Doshas and how they interact is essential for wellness. There are three basic Doshas, or types, of mind body personality: Vata, kapha and Pitta. A short quiz at the end of this article will help identify one’s Dosha type, and which mixture of Dosha characteristics best describes one’s personality.

Three Mind Body Types

Within the Ayurvedic system personalities are made up of two dominant Doshas, and one less significant Dosha. This determines not only one’s mental and physical state, but also acts as a prescriptive basis for the diagnosis and treatment of states of mental and physical imbalance.

1) The first type is the Vata mind body personality. Vata’s tend to be thin, find it difficult to gain weight and tire easily. They are sensitive, creative and inspirational, prone to conditions of low energy, and require frequent periods of rest. Vatas benefit from a regular routine, low stress lifestyle and don’t like cold temperatures.

The Vata Dosha is responsible for involuntary physical systems like breathing, digestion, circulation and nerve impulses from the brain. When in a state of imbalance, conditions like anxiety, indigestion, lower back problems, indigestion, cramps, and premenstrual tension may be an early indicator of treatment needs. Vata is the lead Dosha, and Vata imbalances have an impact on the state of both Kapha and Pitta Doshas.

2) Kapha, the second Dosha, is at the opposite end of the energy spectrum. Kaphas tend to be sturdy, heavy boned individuals with a strong capacity for energy and stamina. They seem to resist disease and have a positive outlook. In the main Kaphas are calm and affectionate; when out of balance, they can be lazy and stubborn. They learn slowly, but are methodical and have strong memory retention.

dstheater

2010-02-06T02:10:00.001Z

Classic satire

China and Japan: Economic Super Powers of the Pacific Basin

2010-02-03T00:14:00.002Z

China is the second most powerful economic force in the world, but how likely is it to be the first?

Like China, Japan was compelled by the gun boat diplomacy of foreign powers to open its doors to outside influences and trade. Japan went through a period of rapid social and economic change from the Meiji Restoration (1864-1868) onwards, which saw Japan adopting European models of military warfare, government, education, economics, banking, and social appearance and habits, while retaining its core Confucian values.

Samurai Caste System

While superficial changes may have occurred, the fundamental aspirations of an expansionist ruling military caste had not. Ultimately it was the pursuit of those ambitions that led to Japan’s defeat and near annihilation in 1945. A combination of social and economic factors, together with the latent narcissism of the Samurai caste system, was manipulated to produce an ill-conceived war.

As Japan struggled to recover from the desolation and ruin of war, supported by the opportunity to redevelop its industrial base afforded by the Korean War, there was a widespread disaffection among the Japanese people with all things Samurai. Increasingly, the Japanese looked to America as a role model of a more open, democratic society. From the late 1950’s Japan went through an extremely rapid period of economic growth, which lasted up until the 1990’s when it began to slow down.

Political Stability

In recent times, partly as a result of increased opportunities for leisure that has come with prosperity and an economic slow down, Japanese youth seem to have rediscovered their past, and there is some evidence of a resurgence of interest in traditional culture and values, but tinged with a more liberal and modern sensibility. While it is unlikely that there will be any reconciliation between conservative and liberal elements in Japan, each acts as a break upon the excesses of the other, which helps to maintain a level of political stability. Read More

Pandemic Profits Cash Trail: Council of Europe to Probe Pharmaceutical Companies

2010-01-14T02:58:00.005Z

Fears over a Swine Flu pandemic may have disappeared, but questions remain unanswered over the World Health Organisation's concessions to pressure from pharma companies.

It was reported today by various news channels that the Council of Europe is set to launch a probe into pharmaceutical companies, following reports that vaccine manufacturers pressured the World Health Organization (WHO) into declaring a swine flu pandemic. But wherever the buck finally stops, the taxpayer is still footing the bill.

Profit and Loss

It is alleged that the primary motivation of the pharmaceutical companies in pressurising the WHO was financial, and has resulted in many governments being left with stockpiles of unused vaccine and huge costs. Questions are now being asked about who is responsible.

It is also likely that those governments - including Britain, France and Germany - seeking to offload vaccine stocks on the open market, will be selling at a loss as the market becomes flooded with cheap vaccine. Britain, it was reported, has purchased more vaccine than any of its other European neighbours and stands to make the biggest loss. Read More

Learn to Build Emotional Health: Meditation as an Anxiety and Stress Management Skill

2010-01-13T21:43:00.002Z

In an age of rapid change it is difficult for the average person to keep up with life's many demands. Good self-management skills are the key to preventing burn out.

Stress and anxiety are often given a bad press, but without them human beings would be unable to accomplish anything. Nature has equipped the average person with all the necessary tools to ensure survival and well-being, but people continue to experience damaging levels of stress and anxiety. Can anything be done about this?

What is Emotional Health?

In a nutshell, emotional health equates to positive self-awareness. People with good emotional health are aware of their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Over time they have learned healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with life's stresses and anxieties that are suitable for them. People with good emotional health generally feel good about themselves and have positive relationships and support networks. They value themselves and extend positive feelings towards others. Read More

New Research Provides Insight to Eye Condition: Natural Prevention for Dry and Wet Eye AMD Condition

2010-01-13T20:41:00.001Z

The eye is a delicate ocular instrument. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in the elderly population, but it could be prevented.

The BBSRC reported on January 4, 2010, that scientists at University College London (UCL) have discovered that the relationship between two blood proteins has a central role in preventing the onset of Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a paper to be published in the American Journal of Biological Chemistry, January 8, 2010, the UK research team will present their new findings on how the interaction of blood proteins work to promote or hinder the development of AMD.

Chronic Degenerative Condition

AMD is the single most common cause of eye disease in the world's elderly population, accounting for some 15 million cases in the US alone, and many millions more throughout the world. The disease attacks the macula, the centre of the eye where the sharpest vision takes place, and leaves the victim with blurred or pitted vision - dark holes in sight. Read More

Learning to Write Haiku

2010-01-06T18:59:00.000Z

Learning to write Haiku is relatively simple, but simplicity can be elusive if the writer tries too hard. Haiku is a way of writing poetry that encourages the author to achieve the maximum effect with the minimum of effort. Directness and immediacy are the hallmarks of an effective Haiku, but how does one convey the depth of one's feeling in just a few syllables? The answer is practice, practice, and more practice! Learning to write Haiku can be a way of 'letting go' and liberating the artist within, freeing oneself to express an intimate connection to life.

Structure and Content of Haiku Read More

China's Execution of Antonio Riva - 1951

2010-01-05T01:31:00.000Z

Alleged American Plot Exposed

It was reported on August 27, 1951, in the US Time magazine, that Colonel Dave Barrett, stationed at that time in Formosa (Taiwan), had been accused of being behind an "American imperialist plot" to murder Chairman Mao Zedong and other high ranking comrades. This was hotly denied by Barrett who said:

"I never at any time...attempted to assassinate or contrive the assassination of anyone."

Washington dismissed the Chinese claim as "a bare faced lie."

But Peking was unconvinced and claimed that the 'plot' had been hatched in the previous year. The assassination was scheduled to be carried out on October 1, during China's National Day celebrations. It was alleged the plan was to blow up Chairman Mao with a trench mortar as he stood on a review platform by Peking's Gate of Heavenly Peace. In total eight men were accused and quickly convicted. Read More

Soil Bacteria Reveals New Drug Potential

2010-01-05T00:59:00.003Z

In a press release on December 3, 2009, the Biological and Biotechnology Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) announced that research scientists at the UK John Innes Centre (JIC), a world leading independent research organisation in the study of plant and microbial sciences, plan to publish the results of their research into soil bacteria in Science. Experts are hopeful that they may have unearthed a new way of beating bacteria, that could revolutionise the way antibiotics function in the treatment of infectious diseases.

New Drug Potential

Scientists have shown that it is possible to create an antibiotic that can be targeted to a well-established enzyme (proteins produced by living organisms) in a new and surprising way. Experts believe that this could inspire the design of a new strain of more potent antibacterial drugs, without the risk of antibacterial resistance that has plagued so many antibiotic drug tretments in the past.

"If you can knock out this enzyme, you have a potential new drug," says Professor Tony Maxwell, the lead author of the research team from JIC.

The researchers, who study how microorganisms work at the molecular, cellular and genetic level, are extremely excited by this latest discovery.

"A completely new way to beat bacteria is an exciting find at a time when resistance to existing antibiotics is growing, said Professor Maxwell. .

New Research and New Drug Implications Read More

China Execution

2009-12-31T12:21:00.003Z

This is a shocking indictment of China's lack of compassion and disregard for life. Yes, China has a greater degree of material prosperity, for some, and a more sophisticated economic network of links with international trade organisations. But their modern demeanour masks an underlying willful arrogance that points to a dangerous and reactionary character, lacking any real concern for humanitarian principles.

China still has a severe and punitive mentality. No matter how modern and sophisticated China becomes, this fundamental quality of harshness will remain a stumbling block to improved internal and international relations. Read more and check out the link re Antonio Riva

Diet and Fitness on a Budget

2009-12-30T17:02:00.002Z

How to Lose Weight Without Losing Money

Dec 27, 2009 Alister Gillies

Would you like to get fit and healthy following Christmas over indulgence, but don't want to exceed your budget? Do you want to make fitness your New Year resolution?

Money might be as tight as your waistband just after Christmas, but it doesn’t have to stop you from fulfilling your New Year promise to yourself. It’s easy to get fitter without breaking the bank. You can eat well, exercise and save money all at the same time. Just follow these few weight loss tips for a trimmer shape and budget. Read More

Mortal Games - by Alister Gillies

2009-12-27T16:06:00.008Z

Part of my upbringing was spent on a remote Hebridean island.

Every year, in late spring or early summer, our Croft would be subject to a noisy hoard of 'strangers' who would shoot anything that rose up from the ground.

Apparently the Estate was owned by a conglomerate of Dutch or Arabs - don't recall which - and they had 'shooting rights'.

Shooters would arrive unannounced, spread out in a long skirmish line, then proceed to dispatch anything that flew up in front of them. When the massacre was over they would leave, driving off in several vehicles.

My grandfather would observe all this without comment, all the while puffing on his pipe. Then he would spit and get on with his work. As a child I felt outraged. Who...? What...? Shower of...!!! This is a poem inspired by that event.

Mortal Games

Here they come again
It's that time of year:
Those latter-day young aristocrats
In fashionable sporting gear.

Pealing laughter and frequent kills
Echo through the air
As they trample the scrub,
Scaring out gamey quail or snipe -
Trophies to boast of at the local pub.

When at last the killing is over,
Off to the local
In large range rover,
To brag to each of hunting skill,
And what a life it is to kill.

And left behind
On the killing ground
A littering of dead lapwing,
Lark and starling;
But those chaps are happy now,
Having bagged a brace or two
To show to darling.

Hara - The Vital Centre of Man

2009-12-27T13:51:00.000Z

This is a difficult book to get to grips with, but well worth the effort. Read More

Swine Flu - The Profits of Doom

2009-12-26T20:30:00.006Z

All over the world governments have used taxpayer's money to buy a drug that (a) has proved ineffective in tests (b) is useless against a virus that continually mutates (c) develops resistance within the body to other anti-virus drugs (d) has reported undesirable side effects (e) targeted at a non-existent Pandemic (f) has done little more than generate massive profits for pharmaceutical companies - some of which have politicians serving as board members - at a time when other sectors are recession struck.

In the UK, for example, you can get a vaccination shot costing the NHS £6 a hit. The cost of production for the drug company £1. Do the arithmetic. The first reported death of someone who had been vaccinated was just a few days ago, in Korea.

We had the same nonsense with Bird Flu, but it seems that we're powerless to do anything about it. The message that we are getting from the government, health services, and the media is that 'if you don't take this you could die' - who wants to take that risk?

In reality we are more likely to die from falling out of bed, and there is no vaccine for that eventuality! Read More

Reason for Life

2009-12-21T04:59:00.005Z

What is wrong with attachment? It’s not possible to live without love, affection, relationships and a whole gamut of needs and desires. It is precisely the satisfaction of these needs and desires that provides the motivation to live a full and happy existence. Read More

Swine Flu - A Global Community Issue

2009-12-21T04:42:00.008Z

The history of Swine Flu can be traced from 1918 to the present. Although we have more sophisticated means of investigation at our disposal, our reactions are still quite primitive – fight or flight – and not necessarily aided by increased scientific understanding. For some, this information goes completely over their heads, while for others – including those with specialised knowledge – the potential for harm is incalculably lethal. This understandably generates fear. Just how vulnerable are we? Read More

Home Going - by Alister Gillies

2009-12-18T14:00:00.007Z

As the summer's evening sun
Seeps beneath the western margin,
Casting amber shades skywards
From the burnished sea,
A corncrake cracks hoarse cries,
Racking silence
Until melting into evening sky.

Occasionally on such evenings,
Heedless of time
And homeward heading,
A solitary car plunges sight into darkness;
And in its wake,
Leaden clouds of stale exhaust.

Tourists, too,
Will often pause
To politely enquire the right road,
Adding in plaintive tones
Condemnation of early rain.
As if the weather was a failing
Of fabled highland hospitality.

Calling Card

2009-12-17T02:27:00.001Z

Keichu, the great Zen teacher of the Meiji era, was the head of Tofuku, a cathedral in Kyoto. One day the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first time.

His attendant presented the card of the governor, which read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto.

"I have no business with such a fellow," said Keichu to his attendant. "Tell him to get out of here."The attendant carried the card back with apologies. "That was my error," said the governor, and with a pencil he scratched out the words Governor of Kyoto. "Ask your teacher again."

"Oh, is that Kitagaki?" exclaimed the teacher when he saw the card. "I want to see that fellow."

Buddhist Joke 3

2009-12-16T17:34:00.002Z

Q. Why did the Buddhist refuse to fill in the job application?

A. Because Form is Emptiness and Emptiness is Form.

Buddhist Joke 2

2009-12-16T16:12:00.005Z

Q. How many Buddhists does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Three -- one to change it, one to not-change it and one to both change and not-change it.

On Writing Poetry

2009-12-16T14:09:00.011Z

I have never written poetry on a full time basis, and I can only describe my versification as an eratic pastime at best. Although some might say neurotic best describes the poetic sensibility, I would have to disagree - there are many more non-poetic neurotics than poeticising neurotics.

There are even poets who poeticise neurosis. William Empson, one of my favourite poets, wrote very few poems in his lifetime - pehaps this is why I admire him so much. It's remarkably easy to go on and on. Somehow the idea of being a serious poet seems intrinsically absurd. I'm not sure why, and I'm sure I don't really want to know why, short of undergoing protracted psychoanalysis. Who knows what might be unearthed, and I could end up taking myself very seriously indeed.

Haiku is a very interesting form, but can be pretentious if not handled properly. By properly I mean with delicacy. The Japanese have a strong leaning towards nostalgia - I think it could be down to the clash between two different ethical systems, Confucianism and Buddhism. While the former lends itself to a productive and useful social life, the other is more retiring. The Japanese are so busy, that they miss a lot in their haste to satisfy social and group obligations.

When they drink they get maudlin over things that have gone and 'will never come again'. Then it's back on the bus and back to work! To avoid being oppressively nostalgic, Haiku limits the number of syllables you can use, and forces the Haikuist to be very crafty and creative. It is, when successful, a beautiful form. On grieving:

In the morning mist,
the call of a pheasant.
How I miss my parents!

As you may gather I am inclined towards minimalism in poetry - and not just as a justification for my own lack of poetic productivity - it just stikes a chord with my own disposition, which is inclined to laziness and reflection following periods of productivity. Is there an ideal balance? I'll let you know when I find out! After all, as the great Lao Tsu - or someone - said:

When studying the Way, everything accumulates. When carrying out the Way,
everything reduces.

A tutor of mine, when I told her that I had stopped writing poetry, commented happily:

"Yes, more people should."
Bless you Dorothy, I'm at it again.

On The Beach - by Alister Gillies

2009-12-15T21:19:00.004Z

A rising beach to rushing tide
sliding down to greet each glide,
each grain of me begins to dance
and interjingle with each stirring
foam-flecked surge of you, until
in sweet confusion land and sea
bubbles with laughter to construe,
as full of me as I am of you.

Buddhist Joke

2009-12-15T20:02:00.002Z

Q. What did the Buddhist say to the Hot Dog Vendor?

A. Make me one with everything

Intimacy - By Alister Gillies

2009-12-15T18:41:00.002Z

Like the underside of new mown hay
with just a hint of Chardonnay,
swelling like ripened melon,
an opening purse of molten pearls
spilling its liquid heat in a wet caress,
welcoming the strength of silken insinuation
slipping in as easy as expelling breath,
and out like news of sudden death.

Open Your Own Treasure House

2009-12-15T17:26:00.004Z

Daiju visited the master Baso in China.
Baso asked: "What do you seek?"
"Enlightenment," replied Daiju.
"You have your own treasure house.
Why do you search outside?" Baso asked.
Daiju inquired: "Where is my treasure house?"
Baso answered: "What you are asking is your treasure house."
Daiju was delighted!
Ever after he urged his friends:
"Open your own treasure house and use those treasures."

Departures - A Beautiful Film

2009-12-14T13:59:00.003Z

This is a profoundly moving film, and one that will make even the hardest of souls reach for the tissues. It has just come out in the UK. Please read this review: http://foreignfilms.suite101.com/article.cfm/departures_exploring_loss_and_transformation

I know I am not a great reviewer of film - this is my first ever - but I felt moved to write about it. It is an important film with an important message. We really need to be much nicer to each other. Life is short. Take some time out today and be nice to someone. Try and have a charitable thought for someone you really dislike.... I know, it's hard. If it was easy we'd all be doing it!

Constructive Dismissal

2009-12-14T13:48:00.008Z

This is something that I feel people should be aware of - you know fools rush in where angels....

It's one of those 'dammned if you do and dammned if you don't' dammned situations. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.

Our employment laws are still Victorian in many respects. Why is it that Britain, with its rich heritage and history, is so slow to modernise its employment laws - don't employers understand that you get better results from people that feel valued?

The Public Sector is the biggest culprit when it comes to spending huge sums of public money fighting cases of constructive dismissal, then offering settlements at the 11th hour when they realise that they can lose. Read More