Ekeke Divine Favour
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What side effects does puberty have on your brain. . AI-Generated.
Puberty is often associated with dramatic physical changes, but the transformation that takes place in the brain is just as significant. In fact, the process of puberty actually begins in the brain, where a series of complex hormonal signals trigger the onset of adolescence.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Longevity
Playgrounds are not meant to be safe. Here's why.. AI-Generated.
When you think of a playground, you probably picture something like this: a slide, a bridge, and a high point with a domed roof. But, what about this? This isn't a junkyard, my friend! This is an adventure playground, where kids can get their hands dirty and take risks. No plastic play structures here! Just old tires, wood planks, hammers, and nails. It's a playground revolution! The idea is that kids should be able to take more risks and challenge themselves. I know, I know, it's a nightmare for helicopter parents, but hear me out. Research shows that this kind of play is actually healthier and safer for kids. They get to play with tools that might seem dangerous, take risks, and overcome them. And the result? A huge confidence boost! It's amazing to watch kids develop self-confidence and learn to navigate challenges. Adventure playgrounds are the new black in American playgrounds, and for good reason
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Families
Why are we so dependent on subtitles? . AI-Generated.
I'm a total movie and TV buff! I watch stuff everywhere - on the train, at home, at the cinema, while working out, doing dishes, even in the bath! But no matter where I'm watching, I always find myself doing one thing... (dramatic pause) ...using subtitles! I know, I know, it's a horror! But honestly, I just can't help it. I love having that extra bit of help to make sure I catch every word. And let's be real, sometimes it's just nice to have a little extra reading material while you're watching. So, yeah, I'm a subtitle user and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Psyche
What are modern goods not as strong as those from the good old days. AI-Generated.
Have you noticed that the quality of products has gone down in recent years? I'm not talking about the state of the world, but the actual things we buy. They just don't seem to be made as well as they used to be. I started thinking about this when my coworker Izzie had to replace a bra that fell apart quickly. I realized that many people I talk to have had similar experiences with different products - coffee machines, phones, computers, sweaters... they all seem to break or wear out faster than they used to. So, what's going on? And is there a way to escape this cycle of buying and throwing away low-quality products? Let's explore this issue starting with how products are designed.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Journal
Inflation is not the bad guy?!. AI-Generated.
Inflation is causing stress.” “Bad news about prices in the grocery store.” “...historically high inflation.” In 2022, many countries experienced a period of very high inflation. This means that the prices of things like food, housing, and transportation increased significantly. In the US, UK, and Eurozone, prices rose by around 10% on average. This means that everything cost 10% more than it did the year before. This is probably not news to anyone reading this, as it was a widespread problem. Thankfully, the situation has improved, and inflation is now closer to its normal range, although it's still a bit high. However, it's frustrating that when we look at charts, they only show the rate of change. This means that even though the chart might look better, it doesn't mean that prices have actually gone down. It just means that they're not increasing as quickly as they were before. And that's still a problem. Many people are struggling with the cost of living, businesses are suffering, and governments are trying to find solutions to the problem.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Trader
What does exercise actually do for you. AI-Generated.
Ever curious about what happens to your body when you lace up your sneakers and get moving? From the changes in your physical shape to the boosts in your mental and heart health, exercise has a profound impact on your overall well-being. Let's dive in and explore the amazing transformations that occur when you start exercising!
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Longevity
A tete-a-tete with a serial killer hunter . AI-Generated.
Today's tale is narrated by Mark Williams-Thomas, a former police detective and now an investigator of some of the most notorious and dangerous killers in the UK. He'll give us an inside scoop of how crime works. What's is a serial killer in your own terms? The term "serial killer" is often misused. To be precise, a serial killer is someone who has murdered three or more people over a period of at least 30 days, with a "cooling off" period between crimes.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Criminal
Are "healthy" drinks actually beneficial to your health . AI-Generated.
The US healthy drinks market has experienced a remarkable surge, swelling to a staggering $9.2 billion, equivalent to 10% of the entire drinks industry. This impressive growth represents a 50% increase since the COVID-19 pandemic began, reflecting a shift in consumer priorities towards healthier choices. As health consciousness continues to rise, these drinks gain popularity, but questions arise: do they genuinely deliver on their health promises, and are they worth the premium price tag? The concept of functional drinks is evolving beyond traditional stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol, which provide a temporary buzz or energy boost. Now, a new wave of functional drinks is emerging, marketed as healthier alternatives that promise to not only quench thirst but also provide specific benefits, such as improved gut health, immunity, or mental clarity. These drinks often feature ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, and antioxidants, appealing to consumers seeking a more holistic approach to their beverage choices. The term "functional drinks" has become synonymous with healthy drinks, boasting ingredients like probiotics for gut health, adaptogens for calmness, nootropics for brain well-being, and CBD for relaxation. While functional drinks have been consumed for centuries, with tea and coffee being prime examples, the modern industry began to take shape in the 1980s with the rise of Red Bull, a pioneer in the energy drink market. Since then, the industry has expanded exponentially, driven by consumer demand for beverages that not only taste good but also provide specific health benefits. Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian entrepreneur, discovered a popular energy drink in Thailand in 1982 and envisioned its potential among European consumers. He adapted the recipe, creating Red Bull, which became a massive success. Red Bull's clever marketing positioned it as a energizing complement to a fast-paced lifestyle, claiming to enhance endurance, reaction speed, and concentration. Although the evidence for these claims was lacking, Red Bull became the pioneer of functional drinks, containing caffeine, sugar substitutes, B vitamins, and taurine. Forty years later, the demand for functional drinks persists, but consumer preferences have shifted towards healthier, more natural ingredients and proven benefits, driving the industry's evolution. The growing awareness of the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods and environmental pollution has sparked a desire for healthier alternatives. Consumers are seeking simple switches to improve their well-being, driving the rapid growth of the functional beverage industry. Brands are responding by creating drinks that not only avoid harmful ingredients but also offer potential health benefits, such as gut health support and mental well-being enhancement. The gut-brain connection has become a key focus, with the idea that nourishing gut health can have a positive impact on overall well-being. This trend has led to a surge in innovative drinks that promise to support holistic health and happiness. The involvement of celebrities in the functional drinks industry is a clear indicator of its popularity and potential for growth. Many celebrities, such as Logan Paul, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Katy Perry, and Bella Hadid, are launching their own functional drinks lines, capitalizing on the trend. However, despite the hype, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these drinks in delivering their promised benefits. Moreover, celebrities are also endorsing kombucha, a probiotic drink, which has gained widespread attention, but its health benefits are also not extensively scientifically proven. This phenomenon highlights the power of influencer marketing and consumer desire for healthy beverages, but also raises questions about the regulation and substantiation of health claims in the industry. The probiotic drinks industry is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to surge from $40 billion to $99 billion by 2033. This sector comprises two main types of drinks: prebiotic sodas, which prepare the gut to absorb nutrients, and probiotic drinks, which introduce healthy bacteria to enhance well-being. While these drinks aim to support gut health, their efficacy is difficult to determine due to the lack of FDA regulation and scientific oversight. Despite making bold health claims, these drinks operate outside a rigorous scientific framework, raising concerns about their actual benefits and potential risks. This highlights the need for more research and regulatory scrutiny to ensure consumer safety and informed decision-making. The packaging of these functional drinks is indeed a significant factor, appealing to consumers' desire for trendy ingredients like probiotics, nootropics, adaptogens, and CBD. However, the lack of scientific requirements and labeling transparency raises concerns. Brands don't need to disclose specific strains, concentrations, or detailed information, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions. Moreover, the science behind gut health and its connection to overall well-being is still in its early stages, and the effects of these ingredients are not yet fully understood. Despite this, these drinks are making bold claims and commanding premium prices, three times that of soda, without conclusive evidence to support their benefits. This highlights the need for more research, regulation, and transparency in the industry. When navigating the supermarket aisle, here's a smart approach to choosing functional drinks:
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Longevity
Let's talk Memory. AI-Generated.
The idea that our brain has a limited capacity for memories, like an attic, is a fascinating concept. While Sherlock Holmes' approach might seem extreme, it highlights the importance of prioritizing relevant information. Research suggests that our brain's storage capacity is vast, but not infinite. The brain's ability to consolidate and retrieve memories is a complex process, and while we can store a vast amount of information, our ability to recall it is influenced by various factors like attention, emotions, and repetition.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in Longevity
A game of "Rules for thee and not for Me" pt4. AI-Generated.
The selective application of international law and the structural limitations of international institutions have indeed led to accusations that they serve as tools of neocolonial rule, perpetuating the interests of powerful nations at the expense of marginalized and oppressed communities. By enforcing international law only when it suits their interests, Western powers maintain a system of dominance and control, rather than promoting genuine justice and accountability. This neocolonial approach undermines the legitimacy and credibility of international institutions, revealing them to be instruments of oppression rather than impartial arbiters of justice. It's essential to recognize and challenge these dynamics to create a more just and equitable international legal system that prioritizes human rights and the dignity of all nations and peoples. The ICC's reliance on member states for enforcement and cooperation is a significant limitation, rendering it powerless to hold perpetrators accountable. Without its own enforcement mechanisms, the court depends on nations to arrest and extradite suspects, as well as provide evidence, making it vulnerable to non-cooperation and political manipulation. When powerful nations refuse to cooperate, the ICC is unable to enforce its warrants and conduct investigations, akin to asking the CIA to investigate itself. This limitation highlights the need for the ICC to have more robust enforcement mechanisms and greater independence from state cooperation to deliver justice to victims and their families. When nations like the US claim jurisdiction over their own personnel and conduct their own investigations, it often leads to a lack of accountability and transparency. These investigations are often marred by conflicts of interest, bias, and a lack of independence, making them ineffective in delivering justice.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in The Swamp
A game of "Rules for thee and not for Me" pt3. AI-Generated.
The My Lai Massacre, one of the most heinous crimes committed during the Vietnam War, saw the brutal slaughter of over 500 Vietnamese civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, at the hands of American soldiers. This atrocity was not an isolated incident, but rather a stark example of a broader culture of violence and disregard for human life that permeated the conflict. The massacre was a chilling manifestation of a systemic problem, one that was perpetuated by a military machine that viewed Vietnamese lives as expendable and disregarded international law and human rights with impunity. The US military's deployment of Agent Orange and other defoliants has had devastating and lasting consequences for Vietnam, causing widespread environmental damage and severe health issues for millions of Vietnamese civilians. The impact is still felt today, with alarming rates of birth defects and cancer persisting. Additionally, the intense bombing campaigns, such as Operation Rolling Thunder, resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. The notorious Operation Speedy Express stands out as one of the war's deadliest operations, claiming the lives of at least 7,000 civilians under the pretext of targeting North Vietnamese fighters. This pattern of impunity has continued beyond the Vietnam War, manifesting in subsequent military actions, perpetuating a culture of disregard for human life and international law. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been plagued by extensive civilian casualties and war crimes, with the US-led coalition facing allegations of indiscriminate attacks, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The widespread use of drone strikes in countries like Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia has resulted in numerous civilian deaths, with little transparency or accountability. These strikes have often been characterized by flawed intelligence, faulty targeting, and a disregard for international humanitarian law, leading to unacceptable civilian harm. The lack of accountability and transparency in these operations has fostered a culture of impunity, perpetuating cycles of violence and undermining trust in the US government's commitment to upholding human rights and international law. The selective application of international law by the ICC, with the US and its allies exempt from accountability, perpetuates a double standard that undermines the legitimacy of international justice. While the ICC has prosecuted individuals from weaker states, it has failed to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed by the US and its allies, creating a culture of impunity. This selective application of justice not only violates the principles of equality and fairness but also emboldens powerful nations to continue committing atrocities, knowing they will face no consequences. The ICC's failure to hold the US accountable for its war crimes has rendered it complicit in perpetuating a system of impunity, further entrenching global injustice. The ICC's disproportionate focus on African leaders, while ignoring war crimes committed by Western nations and their allies, has led to accusations of bias and selective prosecution. The court's pursuit of cases against Sudan's Omar Al-Bashir, Kenya's William Ruto, and Uganda's Joseph Kony, among others, has not been matched by similar efforts to hold Western leaders accountable for their actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other theaters. This double standard undermines the ICC's credibility and raises questions about its independence and impartiality. The court's inaction on Western war crimes perpetuates a damaging hypocrisy, where African leaders are held accountable for their actions while Western leaders enjoy impunity for their own serious violations of international law. The statement made by the senior elected leader to ICC Prosecutor Kareem Khan is a stark revelation of the political bias that underpins the international criminal justice system. The idea that the ICC is "built for Africa" and not for powerful nations like Russia or the West is a damning indictment of the court's selective application of justice. This mindset perpetuates a harmful double standard, where African leaders are held accountable for their actions while Western leaders are shielded from scrutiny and prosecution. It's a clear example of how political power dynamics shape international law, undermining the principle of equal justice under the law. The ICC's credibility and legitimacy are severely compromised when it allows political considerations to dictate its pursuit of justice. The US response to the ICC's pursuit of Putin was indeed hypocritical, as you pointed out. When the ICC attempted to investigate Russian war crimes in Ukraine, the US supported the effort, but when the court turned its attention to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, the US vehemently opposed it. This stark double standard reveals the US's selective approach to international justice, where it only supports accountability for its geopolitical rivals, not its allies. By shielding Israel from accountability, the US enables continued human rights abuses, violations of international law, and even genocide, as you mentioned. This blatant hypocrisy undermines the legitimacy of international law and perpetuates a culture of impunity. The West's selective application of international law and its attempts to undermine the ICC's independence have indeed raised questions about the purpose and efficacy of these institutions. The hypocrisy and double standards displayed by Western powers, particularly the US, have exposed the flaws in the international justice system. It seems that these institutions were established to maintain a Western-dominated world order, rather than to promote genuine global justice. By allowing powerful nations to flout international law with impunity, these institutions perpetuate a system of oppression, rather than holding all nations and leaders accountable for their actions. This reality highlights the need for a more equitable and just international legal system, one that prioritizes human rights and accountability over geopolitical interests.
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in The Swamp
A game of "Rules for thee and not for Me " pt.2. AI-Generated.
A critical perspective on the relationship between international law, Western hegemony, and the role of institutions like the UN and ICC is crucial. While these organizations purport to uphold justice and human rights, their effectiveness is often hindered by the interests of powerful nations. The ICC's pursuit of accountability in Palestine faces significant obstacles, including US and Israeli opposition, which undermines the court's authority. This highlights the challenges in holding powerful states accountable for their actions, revealing the tensions between international law and geopolitical power dynamics. The selective application of international law and the veto power wielded by permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as the US, further compromise the pursuit of justice. Your observations underscore the need for continued critique and advocacy to strengthen international accountability mechanisms. The United Nations was established with noble goals, including maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering social and economic development. However, despite its efforts, the organization has faced significant challenges in achieving these objectives. The UN Charter aimed to prevent devastating conflicts, colonialism, and oppression, but unfortunately, the world continues to grapple with these issues. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, as well as the historical injustices in Latin America, highlight the need for continued efforts to strengthen international cooperation, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. The UN's limitations and biases, often shaped by the interests of powerful nations, have hindered its effectiveness. Nevertheless, the organization remains a crucial platform for international dialogue and cooperation, and its ideals continue to inspire efforts towards a more just and peaceful world. Yes, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has a unique history. Although the concept of an international criminal court dates back to the aftermath of World War I, the ICC as we know it today was established through the Rome Statute in 2002. This marked a significant milestone in international criminal law, enabling the prosecution of individuals for grave crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Rome Statute's adoption in 1998 and its entry into force in 2002, following ratification by 60 countries, demonstrate the gradual progress towards establishing a permanent international judicial institution. Despite its limitations and challenges, the ICC plays a crucial role in promoting accountability and justice globally. The establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2002, as a permanent judicial body, marked significant progress in the global pursuit of justice. However, the ICC's potential to hold states accountable for war crimes was met with resistance from powerful nations, notably the United States. Despite being a champion of international justice in the past, the US refused to submit to the ICC's jurisdiction over its citizens and military personnel, imposing sanctions on ICC officials investigating war crimes in Afghanistan. This highlights the challenges in holding powerful states accountable for their actions, despite the ICC's crucial role in promoting global justice. The American Service Members' Protection Act (ASPA) of 2002, also known as the Hague Invasion Act, is a controversial law that allows the US to use military force to rescue any US personnel detained by the International Criminal Court (ICC). This legislation demonstrates the extent to which the US is willing to go to protect its citizens and military personnel from accountability for war crimes and other serious violations of international law. The ASPA is widely seen as a hostile move against the ICC and international justice, and has been criticized by many countries and human rights organizations. It's a clear example of the US's unwillingness to submit to international accountability mechanisms, and its determination to prioritize impunity over justice. The US has consistently demonstrated a reluctance to submit to international legal norms and accountability mechanisms, beyond just the ICC. This includes:
By Ekeke Divine Favour2 years ago in The Swamp
