Fiber First | Economics of Christmas Music | Isaiah Berlin’s Message to the 21st Century
Post #34 from December 26, 2023
1/ Healthy: Eat Fiber First
Kind of new but mostly old dietary advice is to start with fiber first. The recommendation is simple and based on the suggestion that a focus on fiber will improve well-being. It involves starting your meals by first eating a fiber-rich food, then progressing into your proteins and fats, and finally finishing with carbohydrates in that order.
Fiber, our gut's tireless janitor, sweeps through the digestive system, regulating blood sugar, promoting healthy bacteria, and keeping things moving smoothly. We find it in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – nature's crunchy bits.
The Case for Fiber First:
Taming the Sugar Surge: Fiber acts like a stomach-slowing gel, delaying the absorption of sugar and carbs. This translates to steadier blood sugar levels, and curbing cravings.
Bacteria: Prebiotics, a type of fiber, nourish good gut bacteria, these microscopic allies keep digestion happy and inflammation at bay.
Mindful Eating: Starting with fiber forces us to slow down and savor each bite, promoting mindful eating and potentially leading to consuming less overall.
Criticisms of Fiber First: Overall fiber intake matters more than meal order and you may have more culinary enjoyment by eating in the order you choose.
The Verdict: Fiber first isn't a dietary decree, try it, see if your gut and taste buds agree. Remember, consistent fiber intake throughout the day is most important. So, reach for that carrot before or after your carb, just make sure it ends up on your plate!
2/ Wealthy: The Economics of Christmas Music
It's [the end of] December, and the festive tunes are omnipresent - Mariah Carey warbling through malls, classic carols in supermarkets. Behind it all is a fascinating tale of economics and nostalgia for these over-played tunes.
Why aren't artists churning out new Christmas hits? Turns out, it's not as simple as writing jingle bells and raking in cash. Here's why:
Copyright Vaults: Songs older than 1923 are in the public domain, a treasure trove for musicians, with many more releasing from each year. Think "Silent Night" - countless versions exist, from country twangs to rock anthems. But with freedom comes saturation and that breeds repetition.
Nostalgia's Mighty Grip: We tend to inherit our Christmas music tastes from childhood. Artists try to capture this magic, but authenticity and nostalgia reign supreme so the ‘classics’ always get a play.
Playing the Long Game: New Christmas songs face an uphill battle. We don't listen to them year-round, so they don't get stale, but they also lack the time to build the nostalgic connection needed for classic status. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" took 25 years to reach the top!
So, while you might be sick of hearing "Last Christmas" for the thirtieth time, there's a reason it keeps reappearing. It's a comforting reminder of Christmases past, even the idealistic Christmas you never had. But who knows, maybe that catchy new song playing now will find its way into your future holiday memories.
Merry X-Mas to all.
3/ Wise: Isaiah Berlin’s Message to the 21st Century
In 1994, as the 20th century cast its long shadow, Isaiah Berlin, an influential thinker of that era, left for us a credo later called "A Message to the 21st Century.". In the speech, he didn't offer any grand utopias or singular truths, but instead challenged us with a concept fundamental to navigating the complexities of our time: value pluralism.
value pluralism: celebrates the inherent worth of diverse pursuits, like art, knowledge, and justice, even when they seem to clash.
Picture a world where we replace singular narratives and absolute claims with a vibrant exchange of human pursuits, each with its own intrinsic worth. Art whispers beauty while science craves understanding, justice demands action while love seeks connection. These aren't rivals fighting for dominance, but voices in a rich, sometimes discordant, human chorus.
This is the essence of Berlin's message. He liberates us from the illusion of "the one right way." We can embrace artistic dreams without neglecting family, pursue knowledge without sacrificing compassion. It's not a free-for-all, but a bee-like dance between competing values.
Berlin's words, born from the ashes of 20th-century horrors, resonate powerfully today. In a world fractured by clashing ideologies, his message rings useful: acknowledge the inherent plurality of human aspirations. Weave a life that reflects this richness, one where diverse values find harmony, not through silencing, but through embracing their unique melodies.
Stay healthy, wealthy, and wise.
With warmth,
Fernando R.F.
(Note: This blog is not written by a medical or financial professional. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your individual needs. It is important to do your own research and determine the best course of action together with an expert.)
Go Deeper:
https://www.filamentgames.com/blog/research-round-up-educational-games-for-adults/
https://www.scribd.com/document/244903482/Isaiah-Berlin-a-Message-to-the-21st-Century