Cancer for Dinner

By Tom Radzienda
 


Dr. Virginia Livingston-Wheeler explains in The Conquest of Cancer that the potential for chickens to have cancer is nearly 100%. This is not exactly a good gamble next time you're nibbling on a deep fried chicken wing. Do the animals that you eat have cancer? Would you still eat them if you found out how sick they were when they were slaughtered? Institutes around the world are spending millions of dollars searching for the cure to cancer. This is admirable, but it doesn't seem like anybody is looking at the very dinner plate in front of them for the obvious cause of many cancers afflicting society today.
To maximize profit, industrial food factories crowd animals together in stuffy cages with little fresh air and sunshine. Living under such crowded conditions causes intense stress as well as the potential for rampant disease. It's a very sad irony that the foregoing description sounds uncomfortably similar to the working conditions of your average office worker laboring so hard every day just to earn enough money to pay for insurance or medical bills.
Animals are routinely fed antibiotics by the ton to minimize economic losses due to disease. Keep in mind that the drugs are used to treat all animals, not only those that are sick. Antibiotics are used to protect the livestock corporation's investment by keeping the animals alive long enough to get them to slaughter. What happens to those chemicals once they are ingested by cows, pigs or chickens? Do these hormones affect the people who eat those dead animals? Which diseases are linked to consumption of these chemicals? An even scarier scenario is that a great deal of bacteria has now become drug resistant because of the overuse of antibiotics in factory farmed animals. The massive use of antibiotics and chemical fertilizers also wind up in our water supply. Microorganisms that have developed resistance to all antibiotics can lead to epidemic disease in humans and animals. How many global scares have we had in the last ten years concerning pigs, poultry and cows?
I'm curious how much profit is generated by the manufacture and sale of vaccines to fight those diseases. Is this enough to make you suspicious if maybe something is wrong with eating meat generously spiced with antibiotics? Would you like go one step further into a process that is largely hidden from the public eye?
Animal Slaughter
Even if all animal products were indeed clean, safe and free from chemicals, the animals must still be slaughtered to bring them to market. Is that something you could do yourself? Could you bring a knife to the throat of a cow or pig? Would you commit this murder in front of a seven year old child? Could you chop off the head of a chicken or turkey? Have you ever seen this happen in real life or seen it on film? Do you even want to see such violence? Do humans even have a right to do this to animals? Do humans have a responsibility to the earth and other living beings to be humane, ethical and respectful of life? I cannot answer all of these questions for anybody. All I can do is ask you to ask yourself.
Yes, let me be the first one to tell you that if you ate any chicken or beef today, somebody, somewhere, had to kill that animal to bring it to your plate. How humanely are the animals slaughtered? Are they gently given a shot to let them peacefully go to sleep, or are they hung up mercilessly from the rafters of the factory? Are their throats slit and their blood allowed to drain all over the floor while they are still alive? Do you know the source and conditions of the slaughterhouse where your meat is processed? Many people say they enjoy a good steak; what if they used different language and said, I like to eat dead cow. It doesn't sound quite as appetizing when we call it what it is.
If this isn't enough, the animals are butchered, cancerous parts included, and the meat is dyed to keep it looking fresh, covered with preservatives to facilitate transport and appear fresh and tasty in your local market. What happens to the preservatives and colorings that are put in every meal? Like all of the other hormones, antibiotics and chemicals, the preservatives and colorings are a substantial part of your diet. All of these concerns directly impact your personal health and the health of those you love. I hope you are beginning to understand why it is incumbent on us to evaluate all these unpleasant points in a life that focuses on personal development.
This article has been adapted from my book, "Personal Transformation through Reiki." It is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Transformation-through-Reiki-Radzienda/dp/616321420X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361883358&sr=8-2&keywords=personal+transformation+through+reiki
To learn more about Rei-ki healing and training in Thailand, please visit my website at:
http://sites.google.com/site/studyreikiinbangkokthailand/Home
Best wishes,
Tom
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Radzienda
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cancer-for-Dinner&id=8813611

Transcendence: GOD or AI?

By: Dan Bulatek

In philosophy, the adjective transcendental and the noun transcendence convey the basic ground concept from the word's literal meaning (from Latin), of climbing or going beyond, albeit with varying connotations in its different historical and cultural stages. (Wikipedia.com)

This word caught my interest the other day as I sat enthralled watching the movie Transcendence. In my mind I see a difference between the divine and AI but then I think it depends on how one defines the word divine. Dose it mean religion, GOD, a higher sense of self or being? Or does it mean simply going beyond what is human in some way, form or fashion?

Here’s the premise of the movie: A brilliant scientist named Will (Johnny Depp) is shot when a carefully-orchestrated protest targets computer labs across the country. Although his prognosis is good, he falls ill. The bullet that hit him was laced with a radioactive substance and he succumbs to radiation poisoning. (http://www.newportthisweek.com/news/2014-04-24/Around_Town/Transcendence_Stirs_Debate.html)

His wife, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), doesn’t want to let him die completely, so she uploads his thoughts, memories, and personality into their A.I. system. He reforms and seems to come back as an image on a computer screen. Their research partner Martin (Clifton Collins Jr.) insists that what Evelyn (Eve?) sees cannot possibly be Will. It is a facsimile, and we all know that copies aren’t quite the same as the originals. Science says matter cannot be destroyed, but it can be changed. However, once changed, is any matter, especially a human being, the same as it was? (http://www.newportthisweek.com/news/2014-04-24/Around_Town/Transcendence_Stirs_Debate.html)

So what are your thoughts? Can divinity be reached through technology or can only GOD claim the right and the ability to let such things happen?

Emma Watson's "HeforShe" Speech as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador from UN Women

Bitter Root, Bitter Fruit

By: Glen Warren/Fathers Forever

Original Article Source - http://www.achatandchew.com/?p=268

“The root of bitterness is hard to ‘pluck up’ because we feel justified in our feelings; after all, we were wronged.” Glen Warren, Sr.



I grew up on a farm where most of our food was “home-grown”. We always had a large garden, where various vegetables were planted; we ate some and canned the rest for the winter months. My father would always have a special place, in the garden, where he planted watermelons for us. We all loved to eat watermelons, including my father.

After the watermelon seed was planted, it would take a few weeks before we could see any growth. We couldn’t see the roots nevertheless, it was still growing. Then one day, we would begin to see the vine sprouting up, just above the ground, and we were very happy because the watermelons would soon follow. A few more weeks on the vine and little watermelons would be visible; in just a few more weeks, the watermelons would be ripe enough to pull and cut. And our taste-buds would be ready!

When a seed is planted in the right soil, it will take root; with water and sunlight, it will grow and eventually become ripe fruit. We all understand that principle. The same principle applies, when a seed is planted in our hearts; it will take root and grow to become ripe fruit, as well.



Bitterness is sometimes a seed that has been planted in the soil of our hearts, as result of the actions of others, or a bad experience in our lives. We can’t see the root, but it’s there growing and as we dwell on (feed and water) those hurt feelings, in a few days, or a few weeks, or a few months, or even a few years, people will see the fruit of bitterness in us, in the form of anger, malice, resentment and sometimes even hate, just to name a few.

In his book, Lee: the Last Years, Charles Flood reports that after the Civil War, Robert E. Lee visited a Kentucky lady who took him to the remains of a grand old tree in front of her house. There she bitterly cried that its limbs and trunk had been destroyed by Federal artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, “Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it.” It is better to forgive the injustices of the past, rather than let them remain; allowing bitterness to take root and poison the rest of our life. It’s not possible to go through life without being hurt by someone and what’s frustrating is that when we have been hurt, the person who caused it goes on as though they’ve done nothing wrong. Often times, they don’t even apologize and seem to suffer no ill consequences for their actions, the result is bitterness. “The root of bitterness is hard to pluck up because we feel justified in our feelings; after all, we were wronged.”

Another story is told of a very bitter woman, who was bitten by a rabid raccoon. Tests were performed and the doctor concluded and informed her that she had rabies. She then got a notebook and began writing down names. The doctor asked if she was making a will. She replied, NO! I am making a list of all the people I am going to bite! Please don’t be like the lady in this story!
In the evening, after the watermelon was cool, my father would cut it and serve us until our bellies were full!

Watch out for the root of bitterness, unlike the watermelon, it can be harmful to you and the loved ones you are serving.

Original Article Source - http://www.achatandchew.com/?p=268 

The Prism of Ethics in the Workplace and Its Contributions to Workplace Violence

By Calvin Daniels

The adopted culture within today's workplace contributes to the frequency of Workplace Violence incidences that occur. 'Applied Ethics' in the workplace contributes to the development of this culture. Statistics have outlined that insider threats cause the majority of Workplace Violence incidents. These insiders are familiar with operational practices and are familiar with security deficiencies. The risks associated with these deficiencies (physical or procedural) and the will of an employee to take action to solve a dispute creates unsafe working environments.

When insiders are familiar with the 'lay of the land' it makes it hard for security personnel to identify potential threats and identify risk exposure. In order for security personnel to identify potential threats and exposure they must identify the root problem(s) associated with Workplace Violence. The root problem that is often overlooked is 'Applied Ethics' and its influence on the organizational culture. Marion-Webster dictionary defines ethics as "the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with the moral duty and obligation." If a group of governing security bodies were evaluated and ask a question about 'Applied Ethics' the majority of these organizations would outline that their organizational practices are in fact 'ethical' and that the majority of workplace violence issues are caused by bad hires. These organizations may never identify that there could be an even bigger issue associated with violence in the workplace that is linked to 'Organizational Agents' and the management practices that these agents implement to meet organizational goals.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines Workplace Violence as "any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site." Statistical evaluations have also outlined that Workplace Violence is a major contributor to homicides within the workplace and that at least 2 million workers file reports of being abused in the workplace every year. These statistics are gathered from reported incidents but when you identify the economical factors associated with the need to 'remain employed' the statistics of abuse may be even higher if employees choose not to report abuse. The following questions can be asked: How much of bad ethical practices do employees tolerate and do not report incidences? How are bad ethical practices putting your organizations at risk?

On the national and state levels there seems to be very little laws that fall outside of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 that provide protection to employees from Workplace Violence. Organizations are given the option to develop sound policies and procedures in an effort to aid the prevention process of Workplace Violence. These policies and procedures rely primarily on effective communication; which in some large organizations can be blurred as information is distributed. Large organizations have a hard time policing these policies and procedures due to decentralization; and often rely on its agents who may be major contributors to Workplace Violence incidents. This often creates the perpetrator to victim conversion which puts the original perpetrator and other innocent victims at risk.

Effective policies and procedures created to deal with the threats of Workplace Violence are the key to recognition and prevention. Different levels of an organization aid the publication and promotion process. These same levels of the organization can implement practices that will influence 'Applied Ethics' and that can make positive contributions to the organizations culture.

Human Resources

1. Ensure that detailed policies and procedures are in place and enforce publication.

2. Measure organizational culture by conducting climate surveys and evaluating turnover rates.

3. Promote open door policy and protect employees who report different forms of Workplace Violence.

4. Evaluate the managerial practices of all personnel who have been designated as 'Organizational Agents'.

5. Promote non-bias investigations.

6. Discourage the cronyism method of management.

Line Management

1. Evaluate and promote organizational policies.

2. Provide consistent training on workplace violence to managers.

3. Promote team building.

4. Meritoriously promote personnel vice promoting through attrition.

5. When Workplace Violence incidences occur ensure that details of the incident are referred to proper management levels and Human Resources for mitigation.

Victims

1. Strive to be an above average employee.

2. Identify current organizational policies.

3. Notify potential perpetrators through the use of Human Resource mediation; placing perpetrators on notice.

4. Document incidences.

5. Seek legal action.

Security Personnel

1. Ensure that there is a policy in place.

2. Conduct non-bias investigations.

3. Gather information from Human Resources and Line Managers on incidents; make recommendations.

4. Foster a relationship with employees.

5. Inform top-level management of risk and threat levels.

6. Protect information that outlines physical vulnerabilities.

Top Level Management

In an effort to prevent insider threats and the contribution that these threats make towards Workplace Violence, organizations need to be founded on an Ethical Prism. This prism consists of an organization's four walls, ceiling (tolerance level) and floor (accountability). The key elements that are needed to foster positive ethical prisms and reduce risk associated with Workplace Violence are:

Accountability - Hold Violators Accountable no matter what position they hold

Tolerance - "0" Tolerance

Transparency - Deploy a checks and balance system

Training - Provide recurring training applications

Non-Bias Practices - Treat Everyone Equal

Team Building - Ensure that the organization promotes team building

Ethical practices foster the organizational culture that exists within the workforce. Sometimes these cultures stray away from the true meaning of 'Applied Ethics' and can cause an increase in Workplace Violence incidents. Organizational awareness can be raised by having sound policies and procedures in place and by promoting these policies and procedures. Insiders pose the largest threats to organizations because they are familiar with the Physical Protection System in place. In an effort to reduce the risk associated with Workplace Violence security personnel must implement security policies that are supported by ethical practices and must operate within a culture that is ethical. Ethical practices reduce the risks associated with deficiencies within Physical Protection System.

Some organizations may not have the staff or expertise required to aid Workplace Violence prevention efforts. Fortunately, there are multiple information sources that are available. Organizations such as the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) and multiple Human Resource consulting firms can help organizations develop policies that are beneficial to prevention. These organizations may also help reduce the risk associated with premise liability lawsuits that are normally the result of Workplace Violence incidents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Calvin_Daniels
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Prism-of-Ethics-in-the-Workplace-and-Its-Contributions-to-Workplace-Violence&id=8711178

Share Your Thoughts...

What are your thoughts on the Ebola Virus?

Can novels and films make us better people?

Michael Valdez Moses

The study of philosophy, history, the classics, and most particularly literature and film, offers us an opportunity to learn what it means to be free and responsible individuals in a modern society and allows us to ask fundamental questions: What is the relationship between freedom and justice? What moral responsibilities does a free individual have toward other members of society? What is the difference between individual liberty and mere license?...


http://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/GQ-Valdez-Moses.pdf