17 Quotes from the Torah: Jewish Wisdom

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Sunday, November 1st, 2009
Holocaust Memorial

The Jewish prayers and texts have some wonderful gems in them, even for those who don’t believe in God.

As follows are some quotes that have particularly inspired or moved me; hopefully they’ll do the same for you.

Please feel free to add your own by commenting.

1) If I am not for myself who will be for me? Yet, if I am for myself only, what am I? And if not now, when?

2) Say little and do much, and receive all men with a cheerful face.

3) Initiate a greeting to everyone, and it is better to be a tail to a lion than a head of a fox.

4) Don’t try to appease your friend when he is angry, or try to comfort him when the dead lie before him.  Do not try to see your friend in the time of his disgrace.

5) We can not explain either the suffering of the righteous or the happiness of the wicked.

6) Be careful of politicians.  They are your friends when it is to their advantage, but abandon you in your time of need.

7) The more flesh you have, the more the worms will eat.  Let the honor of your friend be as important to you as your own.  Don’t get angry easily, and repent one day before you die.

8) The day is short, the job hard, and the workers lazy.  You don’t have to finish your tasks on Earth, but you can’t abandon them, either.

9) What is wealth? Being happy with what you have.

10) “Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, or let your heart feel joy when they stumble, lest the Lord see and turn His displeasure to you.”

11) Do not look at the flask, but what is inside it.  There is a fancy bottle with bad wine in it.

12) According to the effort is the reward.

13) Do not be scornful of anyone, or doubt that anything can happen, for there is no person without his hour, no thing without its place.

14) When you pray, don’t follow a set routine or text, but rather beseech for mercy and pity, as it is written, “For the Lord is gracious merciful, slow to anger, and great in love.”

15) I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, yet they are all the same when a time of disaster falls upon them.

16) Like birds caught in the snare, like fish in a trap, are we when bad luck falls upon us.

17) Even though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will not fear evil for You are with me.

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What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

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Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Blood glucose monitor and flex pen for injecting insulin.

Diabetes is an increasingly serious problem in the USA, and is a medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood.

The blood sugar hurts the kidneys, raises blood pressure, and contributes to heart disease. As such, untreated diabetes can lead to kidney failure, heart attacks, and amputations.

Right now, about 20 million people have diabetes, of which an astonishing 6 million don’t know they have it. The economic cost is staggering, an estimated $116 billion annually.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

  • inability to concentrate
  • irritability
  • fatigue
  • frequent urination
  • increased thirst

Your risk of diabetes is even higher if you have

  • a BMI over 25
  • a sedentary lifestyle
  • a family history of diabetes
  • hypertension
  • elevated cholesterol levels

How is Diabetes Treated?

Diabetes is first treated as minimally as possible. First diet modification, exercise and weight loss are recommended. If this does not adequately lower blood sugar levels, then a medication may be added such as insulin.

What are the types of Diabetes?

Type 1 is a chronic disease that develops because the pancreas stops producing adequate levels of insulin. While this is rarely reversible, it is relatively easy to treat via artificially providing insulin.

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes develops commonly because of lifestyle choices such as being sedentary. As such, it is more reversible. On the other hand, it is also less treatable when it does develop.

The problem with Type 2 is not that the pancreas stops producing adequate amounts of insulin. Instead, the body starts to become resistant to it. That means that it has to produce ever-increasing amounts of insulin to get the body to digest sugar properly. And injecting insulin artificially doesn’t do as much to help because the body is already resistant to it.

As such, it’s very important to recognize when someone has elevated levels of blood sugar and is at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Very often with appropriate lifestyle changes, and possibly medication, the diabetes can be avoided altogether.

Sources:

Prediabetes
Diabetes Update 2009

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50 More Ways to Make Friends

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Sunday, August 16th, 2009

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A lot of people really liked my post 50 Ways to Make Friends.

Many of my posts here are a bit too technical, and don’t get much response.  But it felt really good to write something that helped people.

So I decided to write another 50 Ways to Make Friends.

I hope this list of ideas and ways to make or improve friendships is just as useful!

1) Wear funny shirts

This is number one because it’s amazingly effective. Funny shirts help get conversations started in a wide variety of settings. Plus they can be quite cool.

2) Ask someone to show you their photos

People love sharing their photos. It can be Facebook photos or real ones; either way, they’ll like you a lot for asking.

3) Be eager to learn new things

Most people are experts in a certain field or area. Ask about their expertise!

They’ll be glad to share. You’ll learn something new while starting a new friendship. Pretty awesome.

4) Self promote a little

Don’t be ashamed to talk about the cool things going on in your life.

5) Remember things

Conversations are made a lot easier when you remember stuff already talked about.

6) Throw a party or event

A great way to reinforce old friendships, make new ones, and just have fun is to throw a party. You can make it a potluck to save money.  There are tons of possible variations and themes for you to consider.

7) Know what you shine at

Do things that you enjoy.  You’ll have fun and so will the people you’re hanging out with.  Conversely, don’t do things that bore the heck out of you.

8) Don’t be afraid to share

People have big hearts. If something is going on in your life, most people would love to help.

9) But hold back a little

Some things are private for a reason. This applies both to you, and to the people you’re talking to. Don’t dig too hard for juicy information.

10) Start a band!

Not for everyone, but starting a band is a great way to have fun.

11) Meet in public places

If you meet with your friends in public, like a coffee shop, your conversation might attract potentially cool strangers. Works especially well in college settings.

12) Have a way to get in touch

If you met someone and want to be friends, have a way to stay in touch!

13) Cook with friends

For some, inviting friends over to cook some complicated dishes is a great way to socialize. Plus you can eat the yummy food (or pretend to eat it while eating take-out pizza) while watching a fun TV show.

14) Accept invitations

Make it your habit to say “yes” when invited to a social event.

15) Be friendly

A bit obvious, but important. Even when you feel crappy, force yourself to be polite and friendly.

16) Don’t judge people

It’s easy to judge people. But you’re probably just as screwed up in different ways. No one does well in the spotlight.

17) Spread yourself out

Have a few close friends. Having just one very close friend has its positives, but can backfire.

18) Join a religious community

19) Help people out

As Jordan from Scrubs put it, “Helping someone move is great! It’s like oral sex. You do it once, and they owe you for the rest of their lives.”

Less cynically, it’s great to help your friends. And it’ll pay back when you need help.

20) Join an alumni organization

21) Compliment people

If someone does a great job, or just does something cool, let them know!  Everyone likes being appreciated.

22) Be a good conversationalist

This link has some good advice on how to be a good conversationalist.

23) Practice!

Practice being social. The more you try, the better and more natural it’ll become.

24) You’ll get rejected

Along the way, you’ll get rejected every now and then. Or maybe a lot of times. It’s ok. You’ll get there.

25) Be patient

Friendships take time to develop.  Patience!

26) Use mnemonics to remember names

When you meet someone, try to come up with an association of their name to help remember it.

27) Do something you love

28) Be a social activist

Get involved with social activism groups.  You’ll make a difference in the world while hanging out with like-minded people.

29) Have fun!

You’re an adult now for the vast majority of the time.  But when you’re with friends, you can be anything you want to.  So let loose a little – have fun!

30) Start a study group

Find a subject you and some friends would like to learn, then start a group to study it together.  Topics can range from web design to writing.

31) Stay in touch with those you meet/know

If you like someone and want to stay friends with them, try to see them at least 1-2 times a year.  For a good friend, it should be a lot higher, of course.

32) Be positive

Don’t complain, whine, gossip, et cetra.

33) Travel with friends

34) Get a pet!

Having a pet is pretty much like having a friend.  But of course, having a pet opens a whole new community to you.

35) Be there

When your friend needs help, give it.  Remember what’s really important in life.

36) Don’t give up

37) Make friends at work

38) Treat people like they’re important

39) Show that you like someone

It’s okay to show that you are friends with someone or think they’re cool. People like to know they’re valued

40) Go for drinks with someone

This one is a bit intense, but getting drinks with someone is a really powerful way to get to know them better. Just keep it in moderation.

41) Do something beyond the call of duty

42) Surprise your friends

Do something nice for a friend for no reason.  They’ll probably do the same for you.  Before you know it, both of your lives will be a bit more interesting.

And even if they don’t return the favor, you’ll feel good for having done something nice.

43) Go dancing

44) Practice basic hygiene

It’s hard to make friends when your breath smells like a dragon!

45) Ask people about their families

46) Know about body language

Body language is a tricky subject. But if someone suddenly starts tapping their foot, or crosses their arms, it’s possible you hit a sore spot. Don’t obsess over body language, but know the basics.

47) Relate to people in their way

48) Tell people about cool things!

49) Value the friends you have

Your friends are, flaws and all, a pretty awesome bunch.  Value what you’ve got!

50) Share useful sh*t like this list!

That’s right.  Studies show that sharing lists like this one not only wins you tons of new friends – it also makes you more attractive.

You might like:

24 Simple Life Tips

Do Antidepressants Really Work?

I hope this list was able to inspire some thoughts or give you a useful idea or two.  If so, please stumble or share it in some capacity to pay it forward =).

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What is Therapy?

4 »
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009
test

Do you feel

a) like life sucks or is terrible?

b) overwhelmed or constantly anxious?

c) unable to concentrate ?

    Therapy might be a good idea.  Here’s why.

    We live in a hard world

    Some statistics say one out of four people in the United States suffer from some sort of mental disorder.  You have to ask what’s going on.

    I think it’s partly because we don’t have the support and structure that we used to.  Things have changed.  Life moves at an incredibly fast pace, and the Internet promotes a lifestyle that is superficial, fleeting and perhaps not satisfying.

    Face to face time is replaced with hours spent self-promoting on Facebook and other social sites, trying to be a star.

    We’ve forgotten that the most important and most meaningful thing to do is not be a star – but rather, to be there. There for your family, and there with your family and close friends as you go through life together.

    Because we don’t have purpose anymore, because life moves so rapidly and is more artificial than ever, we’re suffering on the inside.  Therapy can help.

    Therapy

    Therapy can help you deal with your challenges, the things that make you cringe and lose sleep.  It can help you confront your greatest fears, and chart your own course.

    Modern therapy is not like the psychoanalysis of Freud with a couch and years spent whining about your parents.  Instead, it focuses on the thoughts and assumptions which are holding you back or causing you anxiety.

    There are different types of therapy based off different models of psychology, so be sure to pick someone you’re comfortable with.  The best idea is to find a therapist by referral, but if that isn’t possible, make sure to pick someone with credentials and who has experience with the issues you’re dealing with.

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    How to Fight Insomnia

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    Sunday, July 12th, 2009

    Having difficulty falling asleep?

    You’re not alone, if that’s any consolation.  1/3 of Americans suffer from insomnia or related issues.  Occasional restlessness is entirely natural.

    But serious, consistent difficulty falling asleep over a lengthy period of time might mean its time to see a doctor, or try something new.

    How is insomnia treated?

    Make sure you do the right things to help yourself fall asleep:

    • Go to sleep at around the same time each night
    • If you can’t fall sleep in 20 minutes, get up and do something
    • Don’t drink coffee or smoke before sleeping
    • Use your bed mainly for sleeping and sex, and not for other activities
    • Eliminate distractions and noises in your room

    It’s important to rule out simple physical explanations for your insomnia.  It’d be a shame if the cause of your lost rest is something as simple – so to speak – as  sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.  Or it might just not make sense to be drinking coffee past 6pm.

    If your difficulty falling asleep is because of a depressed mood or because of anxiety, you may benefit from therapy and/or medications.

    Can hypnosis help?

    Hypnosis literally means “sleep,” but is actually a state of increased awareness and focus.  When hypnotized, our minds are both very relaxed and very focused.  It’s very similar to how babies think.

    Does hypnosis help with sleeping?  The studies on hypnotherapy are mixed.  One study showed 50% improvement over 16 months with just two sessions!  That said, most studies acknowledge the lack of information and avoid what is likely hyperbole.

    Importantly, hypnosis may help with psychological issues that prevent sleep, not physical.  So if drinking ten cups of Joe a day is keeping you up, all the glowing disks and “You are feeling sleepy” statements won’t do anything.

    Simple hypnosis related techniques can help.  One method, progressive muscle relaxation, works to ease you into a state of relaxation.  Guided imagery and other self-hypnosis techniques are also possible.

    Don’t panic!

    Not getting enough sleep every now and then won’t hurt you.

    Also, the exact amount of sleep we need isn’t scientific fact.  If you aren’t getting 8, that isn’t automatically reason to panic.  Yes, you should be getting at least 6, but otherwise, if you feel fine then most likely it’s OK.

    What are the types on insomnia?

    Acute insomnia:  Something new is challenging or stressing you out.  As a result, you can’t fall asleep well.  Because this type of insomnia is in reaction to something, it generally goes away within three months.  Sometimes substance use plays a role.

    Learned insomnia:  Insomnia can become a habit.  People with this type of insomnia have experienced difficulty falling asleep, and so become overaroused when bedtime comes.  They experience “racing thoughts,” and an inability to relax.

    A change of routine or setting may actually temporarily cure this type of insomnia because the new environment isn’t associated with trouble sleeping.

    Condition-related insomnia:  Anxiety or mood related trouble falling asleep.  Often a bit confusing because it’s hard to tell if a bad mood and depression-like symptoms are because of lack of sleep or vice versa.

    http://www.chestjournal.org/content/130/1/276.long

    http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all?content=10.1080/00207140701338662

    Having difficulty falling asleep?

    Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But what exactly can you do to fall asleep better?

    First, what are the types on insomnia?

    Acute insomnia: Very common. It’s in response to a specific stress, possibly because of substance use. It generally lasts no more than 3 months.

    Learned insomnia: Insomnia can become a habit. People with this type of insomnia have experienced difficulty falling asleep, and so become overaroused when bedtime comes. They experience “racing thoughts,” and an inability to relax.

    A change of routine or setting may actually temporarily cure this type of insomnia because the new environment isn’t associated with trouble sleeping.

    Condition-related insomnia: Anxiety or mood related trouble falling asleep. Often a bit confusing because it’s hard to tell if a bad mood and depression-like symptoms are because of lack of sleep or vice versa.

    How can we treat insomnia?

    Sleep hygiene is one essential step. This consists of a variety of guidelines like:

    Go to sleep at the same time each night

    If you can’t fall sleep in 20 minutes, get up and do something

    Don’t drink coffee or smoke before sleeping

    Use your bed for sleeping

    Eliminate distractions and noises in your room

    If you’re suffering from insomnia, the first thing to do is rule out physical explanations. You may have sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Or you may be consuming too much caffeine or others stimulants.

    That said, mood and anxiety related insomnia is extremely common. Treatment for that type of insomnia typically needs to attack the underlying problems. Therapy and potentially medication are common approaches.

    Is hypnosis effective?

    Hypnosis literally means sleep, but ironically it is actually a state of increased awareness and focus. When hypnotized, our minds are simultaneously very relaxed and very focused; it’s a state of learning that is perhaps similar to how babies mind’s operate.

    Studies on hypnotherapy are mixed. One showed 50% improvement over 16 months with just two sessions. Others showed less clear results.

    Critically, hypnosis may help with psychological issues that prevent sleep, not physical. So if drinking ten cups of Joe a day is keeping you up, all the glowing disks and “You are feeling sleepy” statements won’t do anything.

    Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery are also very useful potential methods to fight insomnia.

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    24 Simple Life Tips

    8 »
    Sunday, July 5th, 2009
    test

    Here’s some pointers on life that I wish I had known earlier.

    1) Treasure opportunities to stand out.

    When someone has a birthday, write them a meaningful card or send them a personal email.

    Always be ready to make someone feel special.  Did anyone ever do something that made you feel wonderful?  Now go and find a way to do that for someone else!

    2) Exercise 2.5 hours a week.

    Exercise has amazing health benefits.  It makes people feel better, improves circulation, and strengthens the immune system.  Make it a part of your routine.

    Yes, it sucks.  But if you want to improve your life, exercise is by the far the best decision.

    3) Promise little, do much

    People hold you to your promises.  If you say something – then don’t do it – you’ve lost credibility.  But when you always meet your word, and exceed it, people know they can trust you.  And they associate you with excellence.

    4) Always think “why am I here?”

    Sometimes it’s hard.  You’re with someone, and you’re just not connecting, or you’re at an event and you’re just standing near the wall.

    Why are you there?  What do you want?

    In all areas of life, being able to think bigger and gain perspective refocuses you and lets you achieve.

    5) Remind yourself why.

    Why are you doing what you do? Let’s say you want to lose weight. Put a picture of a hot celebrity or yourself when you were skinnier on the refrigerator. Use a similar principal to keep your mind focused on whatever goal it is you have.

    6) Listen to music.

    Research shows that listening to music can increase your creativity.  When you do, mix it up!  Try classical, or African hip hop.  It’ll make you cooler and possibly improve your thought process.

    7) Sleep at meetings.

    I heard of a famous economist/mathematician who would always spend meetings with his eyes shut and leaned back. Anyone who didn’t know him assumed that he was sleeping. At the end, he’d lean forward and ask the most penetrating and interesting questions.

    He learned best with his eyes closed, and he wasn’t worried what people thought about him.  Neither should you.

    8) Think of your positive traits, not your bad.

    A study asked one group of people to think of themselves as very smart and competent before taking a test. The other group was told to think negative thoughts.  Naturally, the positive thinking group scored significantly higher.

    Before an important event in your life, stop.  Focus on your positive traits.

    9) Commit yourself to your goals in a public setting.

    If you want to do something, let people know.  Make promises to the people who matter in your life.  It’ll keep you focused, on target.  And being accountable makes you succeed.

    10) Drink tea or coffee.

    Tea and coffee have health benefits.  Additionally, they contain the magical substance caffeine, which can possibly give you a boost and make you perform just a little better.

    11) Do one thing

    Pick one habit you’d like to have, something small and easy.  Now do it, always, without compromise or fail.

    The power of succeeding at one thing has radical effects.  Once you get in the habit of holding yourself accountable, and doing things, you’ll find it easier to face other challenges.  As the Chinese say, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

    12) Call or email someone who you haven’t seen or spoke to in a while.

    Don’t fall into obscurity!  Reach out to your friends.  Not only is socializing good for your health, it increases creativity and gives you a deserved break.

    13) Present yourself professionally.

    If you provide a service, have business cards.  Have a website!

    14) Use to do lists.

    Each day, write a list of tasks.  Then cross the tasks off as you accomplish them.  This holds you accountable and makes achieving your goals a little more fun.

    15) Give, always give.

    People naturally return favors.  If you are nice to people, people will be nice to you.  Of course, it goes without saying that sucking up and being nice just to gain favors is a bad idea.  Be genuine.

    16) Don’t complain.

    The next time you find yourself about to complain, take a step back.  Focus on a constructive answer, and reframe the issue.

    17) Deal with paperwork once.

    If you can deal with something immediately, do so.  Like if you can deal with an email right away, do so.  This will improve your efficiency and reduce how much time you spend on annoying small tasks.

    18) Be eager to greet people, and do so with a smile.

    19) Humility

    Remember where you came from – a drop. Remember where you’ll go – a grave where worms will eat you.

    And remember what you’ll leave behind – the memories of what you did.

    20) Listen.

    Ask relevant questions, be interested, and listen.

    21) Learn from everyone.

    Everyone has their place and their time.  The most annoying, hard-ass person you know?  Yes, him too.

    22) Have a great photo of yourself

    Having a photo of yourself that looks great will help you out in surprising ways.  Online, for instance, having a great photo in your profile will improve the way people think of you.  Most importantly, it might even help you think better of yourself.

    23) Treasure your family

    No one else loves you like they do.  No one else will be there for you at 2am.  Always put your family first – they’re the only people who really deserve it.

    24) Review your flaws

    We all have negative traits that get us into trouble time and time again.  The great philosopher Maimonides said that the best way to overcome a negative trait, is to do the exact opposite until doing so becomes second nature.

    That might be a bit difficult for us normal people.  But know what your flaws are – and, more importantly, do something to remedy them.

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