SpiritDragon

Hey, I seem to recall that I used to be able to play the essays in audio format, but can't seem to anymore from lds.org (or it's new long name). Does anyone else remember listening to these and can it still be done, but I'm just missing something? Thanks, SD

Speaking specifically to the issue of children being told their issues are from some "condition" outside of their control and not simply because they aren't paying attention/behaving/ have poor role models and faulty parenting is a pet peeve of mine. Whether it's because kids are being "diagnosed" as ADD/ADHD or on the spectrum so that they can get funding to help them with behavioural and learning issues and so on - I always wonder how this helps the kids to be constantly told they're defective and that is why they have these issues instead of being encouraged to work harder to find coping mechanisms. It's kind of like a certain political group that likes to call everyone else racist, but then go around promoting the idea that non-white kids need laws in place for them to have an equal opportunity because they certainly aren't capable of achieving success based on meritocracy - what a terrible message. I want to say that this is not meant to offend anyone that does have a child who truly has learning difficulties and/or behavioural problems that are due to some underlying condition. My point is I'm not convinced it helps kids to be told that they are defective (although using different terminology) over and over again throughout their lives. I would put forth that instead of classifying kids as some diagnosis (real or perceived) that it would be better to suggest that... my kid doesn't learn/behave the same as many others seem to, but is a very capable student when given the tools needed. I realize this isn't as simple a sound bite as saying my kid has ADD/brain damage/OCD/ hip diagnosis/pseudo diagnosis du jour. It sure does give the teacher more useful information though, and it doesn't tell the child he/she is defective, just unique. Then parent, teacher and child can work together on observing and learning what helps and what doesn't.

This is a two-fold problem in the vaccine debate. The first part is that there is incontrovertible evidence that aluminum (in the forms found in vaccines) is toxic to humans and plays a causative role in neurodegenerative issues (I.e. brain damage). Mercury is also problematic although less ubiquitous in vaccines these days. Here is one of many studies out there for anyone who cares to look: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2819810/?tool=pubmed The other side of this problem is the turning a blind eye to this toxicity when it comes to vaccines. It's inexplicable that a substance such as aluminum hydroxide can be well established as a neurotoxin, and yet also be used as a placebo (or another vaccine containing it) in vaccine trials to then say that vaccines are not causing more damage than placebo ergo vaccines are safe. This is not a placebo. This also leads to the very real problem that true placebo controlled studies into vaccine safety are indeed lacking, which does make the statement partially true that there isn't solid scientific data on this because the necessary studies have not and are not being done. It appears more than ever that the emperor is being exposed to have no clothes and instead of using the science that is claimed to be on side of vaccination safety, the debate is being censored to silence those who have legitimate questions and concerns over what the evidence does have to say.

By strictest definition this is correct, the toxins added to specific vaccines would be more accurately referring to components such as pertussis toxin which the whooping cough vaccine introduces so that the individual receiving it can deal with the toxins produced by the pertussis bacteria as one example. Elemental poisons such as certain metals would more accurately be referred to as toxicants, but in common language they are often simply called toxins by many, although not technically the most accurate term. Kind of like poison and venom often being used interchangeably although not technically accurate either. As an interesting aside, one of the main differences distinguishing venom from poison is the route of administration. When a toxin is ingested it would be considered poison, although poison can also encompass non-biological elements as well. When a toxin is injected by biting, it is venomous. Perhaps it would be accurate to refer to bacterial toxins injected via vaccines as venomous but the metals would still just be injected poisons because venom also refers to biological origin as well, but poison is more encompassing.

To be honest I was never clear on just what happened with the helicopter fiasco... Some potentially light shedding info from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Sea_King_replacement

This is huge. Children generally have an affinity for physical exertion, they naturally are drawn to it and want active play - somewhere along the way our society trains this out of a great majority of children and physical activity is no longer fun, just work. It's important to bring the fun back. It kinda sounds like you won't be needing us anymore... but we'd still love your updates and your success may help spur others on. This is also an excellent realization. Some people do better with gradual change while others need the big overhaul. Figuring out which type you are has far reaching implications for your short and long term success. We're wishing you well with this. Spring is really starting to breath some life into things in my part of the world, I'm imagining that may also be the case for you.

I felt like this was deja vu -didn't we have this discussion a few months ago... There it is. I guess everyone has their hang-ups, but this one I can't begin to relate to. It's a great song and it's obviously not idol worship or deifying Brother Joseph. Didn't the Jews consider it blasphemous for Christ to say he was the son of God? Should we get rid of I am a Child of God while we're at it because Babylon doesn't get it?

Agreed! I ran into a site with a bunch of quotes related to freedom of expression that I thought would be worth sharing:

@Sunday21 Sending love, you'll be in my prayers.

I'm sorry to hear all of this Sunday21. I hope you can find the steps needed to resolve this situation satisfactorily. Are you no longer a member of the church or simply speaking in past tense because you are talking about the past, while you are in fact still a member in the present? I'll still wish you the best either way, I just feel a little sad at the prospect of your membership potentially being considered a thing of the past and would like to clarify.

I have to say a part of me figures that the platform owners can set their own rules, but part of me is disgusted at the Orwellian thought police censorship going on as well, it's always seemed that one of the greatest things the internet has brought us is a more true freedom of expression and freedom of the press. It's sad to see it getting taken over by key decision makers who get to decide what the "facts" are. I realize people are concerned about the measles outbreaks going around, but does anyone have any data actually showing a significant decline in vaccination? https://www.statista.com/statistics/385577/mmr-vaccination-rate-among-us-children-aged-19-35-months/ This shows fairly consistent uptake of the MMR vaccine over the last 25 years, in fact a sustained increase since the 90's. It seems reasonable that there would have been equally vulnerable segments of the population all this time as we are seeing now. Why would the measles be eradicated in the early 2000's and returning in the last four years when vaccine rates have remained essentially constant? It doesn't fit the narrative that we've seen a precipitous drop in vaccination and are suddenly vulnerable because the same level of vaccination that is supposedly afforded us protection less than 20 years ago isn't protective now. That doesn't really make sense. It could lead a person to wonder what's going on. Could it be that the vaccines are losing efficacy and the antivax movement is a great scapegoat for vaccine failure? Or perhaps true herd immunity existed in the older segment of the population who survived the infection, but as those who contracted measles as children are dying off in advanced age the herd protection they offered is dying too and the vaccine waning immunity isn't holding up. I don't know what's actually causing any of it, and I'm not ruling out a decline in vaccination, but I'm doubtful that this trend changed that drastically in the two years not shown on the graph.

So good to hear from you. Keep us posted on the bike tune-up.

That's all great. If your bullet point journal does what you need that's what''s important. I apologize if I have come across as telling you or anyone else to do stuff - I've tried to maintain that people are the best experts on themselves and work within that context. I have made some requests and challenges that I thought might help along the way (and might help me be more helpful) but I certainly don't want anyone to feel undue pressure or as if they are being bossed around. If this is the case, I appreciate it coming up so I can improve my communication in this venue in particular. Improved balance is awesome - that will decrease your risk of having a fall as you age. Your proactive changing around the order and so on to fit your needs is great. As for counting, you will definitely see more results and faster results when tracking your progress, which counting helps with, but if your not terribly concerned with doing more push-ups and squats and so on, but simply reaping some of the benefits added resistance exercise has to offer then you could opt for setting a timer for 45-90 seconds and let it do some counting for you in a sense. I'm glad to hear that your creativity is coming back and that your computer is back to working(ish). Finding the forums to not be the most productive or stimulating is something I can relate to - I find the vast majority of the time I feel that way, and then I come across something so interesting I feel like I need to keep checking in just in case... It's like I have a gambling problem that continues to pull me in and put give up my time in the off chance that today may be the big win.

Is it just me or does this thread seem to be getting pretty quiet? Please keep the posts coming. Set backs are normal, but they don't have to be permanent. Some I have heard from more recently than others, let me call some of you back for updates I haven't heard in a while. @beefche how is the 5and1 going? @zil can you share any new updates on your program adherence and results? Is there a method of reporting that would work better for anyone. I just hate the idea of this all falling by the wayside as the New Year's push dies out. We can support each other and keep this going!

I agree that a survival mindset is a critical factor, but I also have to say that having the right equipment increases survival odds a great deal. For instance, I can have all the will to survive in the world, but if I don't have a coat and it's 30 below zero, I'm not going to successfully traverse any meaningful distance. Thus I ensure I dress for the weather when travelling even though the vehicle will warm up eventually. I also keep extra coats in my vehicle just in case - for family members or other unfortunates who didn't plan as well. No matter how bad I want to, or how tough I am, I will eventually yield to the physiological fact that my body will shut down if my core temperature drops too much. Perhaps your main point is to not be overly reliant on gizmos and gadgets, which I can agree with and respect, but if you're actually asserting that being prepared with some basic equipment to take care of essential needs (sustenance - food, water/temperature regulation - shelter, clothing, fire making) is not useful or to suggest that making plans and precautions is fruitless as long as you have a survival mindset, then I will respectfully disagree.

It sounds like it might be helpful for you to start with something simpler then. Ideally, it will be so simple and time efficient you really have no reason not to. When you establish the habit so it's consistently done at a specific time than you can add to it. At about the very simplest level, think of getting changed into your workout clothes at a specified part of your routine each day. It could be after breakfast, or after something else, but it's best if you string it into a routine "after" something so that when you do the other activity that is already part of your routine it prompts you to go get into your workout clothes. Once you change into them, you can change right back out... but don't be surprised to find that once you've changed you think you might as well have a workout.

Have you been given any direction on treatment for your pulled muslce(s)? Do you happen to know if it's your diaphragm or one of the intercostals? Something else? In the event of intercostal trouble, this may be somewhat helpful reading, although not terribly in-depth. https://www.healthline.com/health/intercostal-muscle-strain You'll turn this all around - don't get too discouraged.

Well if you are still walking everyday with @unixknight that would count. However it's a "freezing " 70 degrees outside you can always opt to do something in the house. There are plenty of free workout videos online that you can go along with or I can put something together for you. If you prefer the latter just remind me of what equipment you have available, if you have any exercise restrictions or injuries and I can certainly make that happen. If you want to go with the video route, this is an alright place to start You may find that one seven minute round is plenty to start with and may need to make the rest of the time marching in place depending on what you have available and tolerate. Once you get a little more accustomed to it you can repeat it 3-4 times through with a warm-up and cool down making your 30 minutes easily. I like the idea of simply doing the first round at a really easy pace/low intensity as warm up and then picking up steam on subsequent rounds.

The lack of sleep must be the pits - I'm barely human if I don't get at least five-six hours and at that I need to have a full 7-8 soon. Day after day I think I'd just croak. I don't suppose you were given a name for the muscle you pulled? How is your calf doing? Is it still giving you trouble? The more of these ten habits you're doing consistently the better the odds of really seeing some changes.

@unixknight @anatess2 @NeuroTypical Would you guys like any more direction or challenges to work on? I want to make sure to help you succeed in this, but it's admittedly very different in this format than working with clients in person. I can't read the non-verbals which help me make decisions as well. It seems that the challenges so far have been alright, but there is some inconsistency for sure. I'd be happy to bat ideas around - or if you guys prefer more direction, we could look at that as well. In any event, I'd like to secure a commitment to some weekly habits. I see Anatess has done great this last week with hers, and Unixknight did the exercises thing. Neurotypical has become the emperor and continues to win all the arguments I'd like to pin point one thing each that you are 100% confident you can succeed at for the next week. Once you have done so, I want you to repeat the success for another week and then add on new habits. In addition to the ones you've already looked at, which we can tweak if needed to ensure success, here is a list of some others suggested by Precision Nutrition. Pick ONE of the following habits, and do it every day for 14 days. Fat Loss Habit 1. Exercise for 30 minutes Fat Loss Habit 2. Take fish oil and a multivitamin at breakfast Fat Loss Habit 3. Drink at least 8 cups of water Fat Loss Habit 4. Eat at least 4 one-cup servings of vegetables Fat Loss Habit 5. Sleep at least 8 hours (including naps and night-time sleep) Fat Loss Habit 6. During each meal, stop eating when 80% full Fat Loss Habit 7. Twice during the work day, get up and do 5 minutes of muscle stretching Fat Loss Habit 8. Eat 4 – 5 meals Fat Loss Habit 9. Eat lean protein with each meal Fat Loss Habit 10. Replace grains with greens during each meal Keep up the good work, team!

I'll be interested to see how this goes. Perhaps there is an upside that the Supreme Court can uphold something good and honourable.

I have observed the same thing. I've noticed when I'm making better decisions for my physical health that my spiritual health also improves and it can also work the other way around. It's like good decisions beget good decisions, or self mastery in one area increases the sense/feeling of being able to exhibit mastery in others.

No worries, the scary thing is it was so believable.

The link appears to be four years old... did I miss something?

I decided to look into this a little and see if we know anything about is these days in the literature. Here's what came up: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28428346 Shows an association with artificial sweeteners and dementia and stroke - a three fold increase. Granted causality is not established, but a three fold increase of two highly undesirable outcomes on the brain would certainly give me pause. That's the closest I could find with my cursory search. There is plenty of editorializing and so on suggesting aspartame in particular could cause things like MS and fibromyalgia, but I can't find anything to support that position.