In article , Charlie wrote:

On Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:41:38 -0800, Billy wrote:


Sweet article tho. Basically, it says we got a problem, and we know how
to make money off of the problem, but we don't know what the problem is
or how to fix it (cholesterol --- cardiovascular disease?, probably not)

The problem is perhaps best identified, and exposed, by the answer to
the question "Cui bono?" And this is the question we should be asking
ourselves about most issues that confront us.... ideas, techniques,
illnesses, products, services...ad infinitum.

Cui bono. Who benefits. Adam Smith wrote "All for ourselves, and
nothing for other people, seems, in every age of the world, to have
been the vile maxim of the masters of mankind."

Sounds like it is leading us back to Michael Pollan and his discussion
on macro nutrients (carbs, fats, and proteins) and macro vitamins (A, B,
C, D, etc.) and his musings over the elevated levels of flavonoids (and
anthocyanins?) in organically grown food, and our present
omega-6/omega-3 ratio of ten (10), where historically it was one (1).
The omega-6/omega-3 ratio apparently can be fixed by eating more leaves
and much less grain or eating more things that eat more leaves and much
less grain. I'm still dragging my heels on grass feed beef because I'd
have to buy a quarter and find cold storage for it. Mean time, I'm
probably eating high omega-6 smoked turkey to excess.

Pollan, among others, has nailed it, but as you have observed, and
experienced, the vile masters have done their best in luring us into a
situation that very nearly precludes any choice in the matter. Or, for
most people, any desire to make choices contrary to the popular wisdom.

More of a Huxleyian situation than Orwellian, I would say.

You asked about my breakfast. Grandson stayed over last nite and for
breakfast he wanted bacon, eggs, and toast. Lovey and I had grits
also....with butter. Lots of grits with lots of butter. Cui bono? We
all did. We had a great time extolling the virtues of bacon, and
mini-bacon toast sammichs and toast strips dipped in runny yolks,
washed down with milk (organic, mind you) and mugs of coffee for the
Elders. Carrying on about the smell of bacon frying and coffee making.

Is this healthy? The health police would tell you it isn't. But what
of the benefits of the fun we had at table, the gastronomical delights,
and the laughter. When it is all said and done, I wouldn't trade
longer life for the joy of life we had this morning. And I'll do it
again.

The easy times are coming to an end, my friend, and I am damned sure
gonna enjoy every little minute like this morning.

Cui bono, Billy, cui bono.
Charlie

Oh sacred, inspired madness. Good on you Charlie, you unleashed the
muses. I admire your Sisyphusian bravery but the clock keeps on running.
The problem is, the older you get, the fewer days you have to barter.
Intimate moments at four traded off against adolescent support at
sixteen? We'll never know. I hope your wager was a good one. As I always
say, you're not a real man until your first heat attack. But then, I
like to play to my strength.

Good on you and your grandson.
--

Billy

Impeach Pelosi
Bush & Cheney to the Hague
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article1248.shtml