TTT 3: Book Review. Trip to the South. MTB Art Film.
Triple Threat Thursday. Weed Killer Autism. Cold-approach in Charleston. Link to video.
A few months ago, a woman at a dinner asked me, why do so many people have autoimmune diseases? I said, “that’s a deep rabbit hole.” She said, “well I want to know. My brother never drank or smoked and he has TWO autoimmune conditions.”
I said “toxins in the food supply, in the environment and in pharma products [yes, vaccines too, cancel me] affect our microbiomes, which drives our immune systems.”
She said “what toxins?”
“Glyphosate is one that comes to mind.”
“What?”
“Do you know what Roundup is?”
“Oh yeah, I do.”
Months later, someone tweeted a link to opentheory.net and I read a theory about autism which linked to an lengthy and beautiful essay on autism which linked to a book about glyphosate. Toxic Legacy by Stephanie Senneff of MIT. I was skeptical but after listening to the audible sample, my head dropped. It’s so obvious. One way that glyphosate kills weeds is by disrupting a specific metabolic process that plants use, the shikimate pathway. Human cells don’t use this process. But 50 - 60% of cells in the human body are nonhuman cells; they’re microbes, many of which need the shikimate pathway to survive. Glyphosate has been used in mass for 30+ years. It’s accumulating in the soil, water, food and our bodies. 80% - 100% of Americans test positive for glyphosate.
Stephanie Seneff, senior MIT scientist, did an incredible job synthesizing a large quantity of scientific research into a readable book. She grew up in the same state as me and lives near me now. Stephanie, you are invited to come on the Weird and Worthwhile podcast. In this pod, she said “you can’t imagine how many papers I read on the gut, to write that chapter on the gut.”
I was going to move on, but this topic is too good. Half of my body is nonhuman cells. Two massive implications: 1. my functional genome is not my “human genome” and 2. That functional genome can change, a lot. There’s way more genes in the our microbial population than the human cell population. Sequencing the human cell genome was a large accomplishment, but now scientists are sequencing the full humane body genome including the microbes, which is the full picture. I’ve heard it called the “immuno-genome.”
Common medicine is now and has been focused on the human cells - but that’s like trying to drive a two-wheeled car. Half your cells are microbes, and they’re the half that ego can change the most.
Glyphosate is highest in wheat, corn, oats, soy, chickpeas and lentils.
2 - Weekend in Charleston
In Charleston for my grandfather’s 90th birthday.
It was cool. Humid. But cool.
Charleston Lyft #1. Black guy in a truck playing jazz music.
“Are you from Charleston?” I asked.
“It’s been my home for 72 years.”
“They have good music hear?”
“Good jazz, piano bars and good-looking ladies.”
Charleston Lyft #2. The driver: “The women here are off the hook.” Me: “It’s off the charts.”
I walked to a coffee shop for breakfast. A cute girl got in line to order. I got behind her in line. She turned and checked me out. In retrospect I could made eye contact and a light smile. She looked like Sierra [girl from childhood] but 10 years older.
My mom called. I talked loud enough for Kate to hear - a little social proof. She sat and I sat near. I said “I’m doing this” in my head. Before I decided what I’d say I turned to move. Her order was called. “Kate!”
. . .
She sat back down. Now’s the time. Before she starts eating.
I pushed my chair back.
My order was called. “Chris!”
This yogurt bowl is way too sweet.
Well now we’re both eating and it’s too late.
No. Fuck that. I closed the bowl, got up and sat down diagonal of her.
“Excuse me could I ask you a quick question?”
She’s looking at me like I’m a ghost. One of her eyebrows is raised.
“Sorry am I bothering you am I interrupting.”
A little weak, but tactical weakness.
“No you’re fine.”
“I’m from New Hampshire. I just come down to visit my grandpa and I was out last night like dang this is a fun town. Do you like living here?”
“Yeah it’s good. I just graduated college here. I like it here but I’d be open to moving.”
“To New Hampshire?” I asked. I didn’t say that.
I said, “Did you go to College of Charleston?”
“Yeah,” she smiled.
“Lucky guess. The weather is like perfect here but I guess it won’t be like that in a couple months.”
“Yeah it gets so hot.”
Goddamit we’re talking about the weather.
Her laptop is open.
“It looks like you’re doing something important”
“Oh just school work”
“I thought you said you just graduated”
“Yeah I did, I’m doing a masters in mental health [or something like that]”
“Nice yeah lord knows we need more people working in that field.”
She agrees.
“Ok I’ll leave you to it. It was cool talking to you.”
“Yeah you too.”
There was more to this conversation but I don’t remember. It’s mostly a blur.
3 - Coastal Crew MTB vid
Pinkbike Video that inspired the youth
Mountain biking trail building, riding and filming is a distinct and young art. It’s awesome, it’s just awesome. A synthesis of dirt, wood, trees, rocks, tires, and kinetic energy.
Thanks For Reading!
I am focused on creating truthful, authentic and useful media. The result is comedy and philosophy in story form. Every week I do a podcast with Luke McKim, a recovery coach and Kundalini yoga expert. It’s called Weird and Worthwhile - on Spotify, YouTube and Apple.
I am writing a book that is the world through my eyes. I think the book will encourage living a courageous and healthful life.
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