Month: February 2024

  • I earn $50,000 a month?

    $600,000 USD profits a year? Not bad.

  • $1T

    $1.0 trillion

  • DATA IS THE FUTURE

    BTC, BITCOIN x CHAINLINK (LINK)

    DATA IS THE FUTURE

  • Chainlink Data Streams

    • BTC BITCOIN STREAM
    • LINK, CHAINLINK

    The only one to trust — https://data.chain.link/streams

  • POWER OVERWHELMING

    My spirit animal or character as an Archon – StarCraft.

  • Undermen will never understand Ubermen

    The ones crazy enough to think they can change the world, will. – Steve Jobs

    Rather, will classify him as “crazy”, “delusional”, “disconnected from reality”, “schizophrenic”, “bipolar”, etc.

  • IF YOU KNOW YOU’RE FILTHY RICH, THEN WHAT?

    Then just focus on what is insanely critical to you!

    Photography.

  • SONY

    Sony good

    Fill the world with emotion, 
    through the power of creativity and technology.

  • APPLE STUDIO DISPLAY

    VLOG

    So far looks very good!

  • GUT WISOM

    The root of all your wisdom is in your gut;; not your ‘brain’!

  • PHOTOS WHICH SPARK JOY (IN YOU!)

    The only photos which are worth it are photos which spark joy (in you!)

  • PRODUCT+IVE

    To make lots of products —

  • Classics are Bad

    Classic games are bad

  • My occupation

    My occupation is to be on the streets? After all, technically my occupation is street photographer —

  • Creating a new photography platform

    My potential legacy?

    Problem with Instagram is that it has become an advertising platform, or a “lifestyle” platform.

    Flickr is dead

  • Amazon and Whole Foods is the shit!

    For example, Amazon, Amazon prime, Whole Foods store on La Cienega is insanely convenient with the returns!

  • Offense: to Strike

    If someone strikes against you?

    The etymology and history of the word “offense” share a common lineage with “offend,” stemming from the Latin word “offensa” or “offensum,” which means a striking against, a displeasure, or a hurt. The root “offendere” in Latin, meaning “to strike against, hurt,” directly contributes to the development of “offense” in English, highlighting its origins in concepts of harm and conflict.

    In its journey from Latin to Middle English, “offense” was influenced by the Old French term “offense,” which carried the meaning of a breach of law, wrong, or insult, further emphasizing the notion of causing harm or injury, either physically or morally. This transition reflects a broadening of the term’s application from physical acts to encompass social and legal transgressions.

    By the time “offense” firmly established itself in the English language, its usage had expanded to include not only the act of causing hurt or displeasure but also the sense of being morally or legally wrong. The word began to encapsulate a wide range of meanings, including crimes (legal offenses), sins (religious offenses), and personal insults or injuries (social and interpersonal offenses).

    The evolution of “offense” into modern English has seen it maintain these diverse connotations, referring to acts that are objectionable or displeasing in various contexts. In legal terms, an offense is a breach of law; in sports, it can refer to the team or players attempting to score against the opposition; in a social or personal sense, it denotes the act or instance of causing upset or insult.

    The history of “offense” illustrates how the word has navigated through physical, moral, and legal domains, reflecting the complexities of human interaction and societal norms. Its development over time showcases the adaptability of language to encompass changing understandings of harm, legality, and morality.

  • Offended?

    From Middle French offendre, from Latinoffendō (“strike, blunder, commit an offense”), from ob- (“against”) + *fendō(“strike”).

    Ob+fendo— to strike.

    The etymology of “offend” traces back to the Latin word “offendere,” which means “to strike against, hurt, or give offense.” This Latin root is composed of “ob-” (towards) and “fendere” (to strike), indicating the action of striking or bumping into something metaphorically, leading to harm or offense. Over time, the meaning evolved to include causing displeasure, anger, or resentment, not just physical harm. In Middle English, the word “offenden” was used, retaining the essence of causing harm or displeasure. Today, “offend” is commonly used to describe actions or words that cause someone to feel upset, insulted, or hurt.

    Offense?

    The history of the word “offend” reflects its evolution in usage and meaning over centuries, closely tied to its etymological roots in Latin. Initially, in Latin, “offendere” carried a physical connotation of hitting or striking against something. This physical interaction conceptually expanded to the metaphorical sense of causing harm or injury, not just physically but also in terms of personal feelings or moral sensibilities.

    When “offend” entered Middle English as “offenden” from Old French “offendre” and directly from Latin “offendere,” its usage began to reflect more the non-physical aspects of causing displeasure or harm. This transition marks the word’s shift from a literal physical action to encompassing actions that cause emotional or psychological harm, such as insulting, displeasing, or causing anger to others.

    Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, the word’s usage in English continued to expand, reflecting the broader cultural and societal understanding of personal and communal relations. The concept of offense began to be applied not only in interpersonal contexts but also in religious and legal domains. To “offend” could mean to transgress against divine laws or social norms, carrying implications of sin or crime.

    In modern English, “offend” is used in a wide range of contexts, from the legal (committing an offense) to the interpersonal (offending someone’s sensibilities). The word retains its core meaning of causing harm or displeasure, but the nature of the harm has become primarily emotional or psychological. This shift reflects broader changes in society’s understanding of personal integrity, respect, and the impact of words and actions on others.

    The historical journey of “offend” from a term describing physical collision to one that encompasses causing emotional or moral harm illustrates how language evolves in response to changes in social norms and cultural understandings.

  • WHITE BREAD

    “Niggas soft as bread!” – Kanye

  • DELETE THE OLD

    Better than “adding” more storage

  • LIFT OFF

    LET’S GOOOOO!

  • SECRETS TO THE GOOD LIFE

    Podcast

    Audio

    Welcome to the good life!

    I think I found the secrets!

  • Show no signs of weakness

    Or … just don’t be weak — ?

  • Secrets to the Good Life

    1. Home gym, working out in your front lawn back lawn, backyard, garage, inside your home or apartment… Ideally outside, in the direction sun and elements. Titan.fitness
    2. Insanely great sleep. Just drink a load of coffee first thing in the morning, and then strict abstinence for the rest of the day. If you’re tired just take a nap.
    3. Self hosted censorship proof blog —
  • Hate & Fear

    We hate that which we are intimidated by, we hate that which we fear? 

  • The Best Way to Wake Up

    Wake up, have a boatload of coffee, and first things first, go directly into the sun outside, take off your clothes, bare as much skin as humanly possible and just go on a walk?

  • Soul is in the liver?

    The idea that the soul or vital life force resides in the liver is not universally held across cultures or historical periods, but it does reflect beliefs found in some ancient civilizations. These beliefs are more about the symbolic significance of the liver as a vital organ rather than literal interpretations of the soul’s location.

    In many ancient cultures, organs were attributed specific symbolic meanings and were thought to be the seat of certain emotions or aspects of the soul. For example:

    • Ancient Mesopotamians regarded the liver as the seat of life and a key to understanding divine will, particularly in divinatory practices. However, their complex understanding of the soul involved multiple parts of the human psyche and body, not localized strictly in the liver.
    • The Greeks had various concepts of the soul, often associated with the heart or mind rather than the liver. However, the liver was still considered an important organ for its role in health and vitality.
    • In Traditional Chinese Medicine and philosophy, while not explicitly identified as the seat of the soul, the liver is considered crucial for the flow of Qi (vital energy) and is associated with emotional well-being, particularly anger and frustration.

    The concept of the soul in historical and cultural contexts is multifaceted, with different civilizations and philosophical traditions placing the essence of life or the soul in various parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, or liver, based on their understanding of physiology and spirituality. The emphasis on the liver in some divinatory practices highlights its importance as a symbol of life and vitality rather than a specific doctrinal claim about the soul’s residence within the body.

  • Did ancient Greeks or Romans eat liver

    Yes, ancient Greeks and Romans did eat liver, along with a variety of other organ meats. Offal, including liver, was a common part of the diet in many ancient cultures, including those of Greece and Rome. These societies highly valued the nutritional benefits of organ meats, which were often considered more prestigious than muscle meats. The liver, being rich in nutrients, was especially prized.

    For example, in ancient Rome, the liver was not only a dietary staple but also played a significant role in religious and divinatory practices, such as the practice of haruspicy, where priests would examine the livers of sacrificed animals to interpret omens. This underscores the importance of the liver in both the cultural and dietary practices of the time.

    In terms of consumption, the liver would be prepared in various ways, including roasting, boiling, and incorporation into dishes similar to the pâtés and terrines we see today. Recipes from ancient texts, such as those by Apicius in Rome, suggest that liver was often cooked with rich seasonings, herbs, and sauces to enhance its flavor.

    Apicius recipe

    One of the most famous collections of Roman cuisine is attributed to Apicius, from the work titled “De Re Coquinaria” (On the Subject of Cooking), a compilation of Roman culinary recipes that likely dates back to the late 4th or early 5th century AD. While the work is named after the famed gourmet Marcus Gavius Apicius of the 1st century AD, it’s uncertain if he was the author or if the book was simply dedicated to him due to his renowned love of luxury and fine dining.

    The recipes in “De Re Coquinaria” cover a broad range of dishes, including those for meats, vegetables, and desserts, showcasing the complexity and richness of Roman cuisine. Unfortunately, specific recipes for liver from Apicius are not detailed in the surviving texts in a way that directly mirrors modern recipe formats, but there are references to dishes that would have included liver as an ingredient.

    One such recipe that might incorporate liver is for the preparation of “minutal,” a kind of minced meat dish which could include liver among other meats. Here is a general interpretation of how ancient Romans might prepare a dish that includes liver, inspired by the style of Apicius:

    Roman-Style Liver Recipe (Inspired by Apicius)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb liver (chicken, pork, or calf)
    • Olive oil
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • A few dates, chopped
    • 1 tsp honey
    • 2 tbsp garum (fish sauce can be a modern substitute)
    • Wine (preferably a sweet white wine)
    • Fresh herbs (such as coriander, mint, and parsley), chopped
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Liver: Clean the liver and cut it into small pieces or thin slices.
    2. Cook the Onion: In a pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion until it becomes soft.
    3. Add the Liver: Add the liver pieces to the pan with the onion and cook until the liver is browned but still tender.
    4. Flavor the Dish: Add the chopped dates, honey, a splash of wine, and garum (or fish sauce) to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
    5. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes so that the flavors meld together. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more wine or water.
    6. Herbs and Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped fresh herbs and stir into the dish.
    7. Serve: Serve the dish warm, accompanied by bread or as part of a more extensive Roman meal.

    This recipe is an adaptation meant to give a taste of Roman cooking with available ingredients and modern cooking techniques. The original Roman cuisine would have varied based on region, availability of ingredients, and individual preferences.

    When did liver become less prized. And when did flesh meat become more prized than organ meats

    The shift in the valuation of liver and organ meats relative to muscle meats (flesh meat) is not tied to a single historical moment but rather reflects a gradual change in dietary preferences influenced by various cultural, economic, and agricultural developments over centuries. Several key factors contributed to this shift:

    Economic Development and Livestock Breeding

    As agricultural practices and livestock breeding techniques improved, particularly during and after the Middle Ages in Europe, it became easier and more economical to produce larger quantities of muscle meat. This increase in availability made muscle meats more accessible to a broader segment of the population, enhancing their popularity and status.

    Industrial Revolution

    The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent rise of urbanization dramatically changed food production and consumption patterns. As people moved to cities, there was a disconnect from traditional farming and butchery practices. The burgeoning middle class developed new dietary preferences that favored muscle meats, which were seen as more convenient and versatile. This period also saw the rise of meatpacking industries, which further facilitated the distribution and consumption of muscle meats.

    Changing Perceptions of Health and Nutrition

    In the 19th and 20th centuries, evolving understandings of nutrition and health began to influence dietary choices. Muscle meats were often promoted for their high protein content, while organ meats, despite their nutritional density, became less favored in many Western diets. This was due, in part, to changing tastes and misconceptions about the health impacts of consuming organ meats.

    Cultural Shifts

    Cultural perceptions also played a significant role. In many Western societies, as living standards rose, there was a tendency to view organ meats as inferior or as reminders of harder times when no part of an animal could be wasted. This contrasted with attitudes in other parts of the world, where organ meats continued to be highly valued for their flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

    Contemporary Times

    It’s worth noting that in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in nose-to-tail eating and sustainable food practices, which includes a renewed appreciation for organ meats, including liver. Chefs and food enthusiasts are rediscovering these ingredients, integrating them into modern dishes that highlight their rich flavors and nutritional benefits.

    This shift away from liver and organ meats as prized components of the diet in favor of muscle meats is a complex phenomenon that reflects broader trends in society, economy, and culture. The exact timing and reasons for these changes vary by region and are influenced by a multitude of factors over the centuries.

    Haruspicy?

    Haruspicy, also known as hepatoscopy, is an ancient practice of divination that involves examining the livers of sacrificed animals to predict future events or divine the will of the gods. This practice was particularly prevalent among the ancient Mesopotamians, Etruscans, and Romans. The liver was considered a vital organ that held clues to the divine plan, making haruspicy an important religious and ceremonial practice.

    Haruspices (the practitioners of haruspicy) would study the appearance, size, shape, color, and texture of the liver, along with any marks or abnormalities, to interpret omens and make predictions. These interpretations were based on a detailed body of knowledge that was passed down through generations of haruspices, often codified in manuals and texts.

    In Roman society, haruspicy was an important aspect of religious life and was used to guide decisions ranging from matters of state to personal inquiries. Despite its association with earlier civilizations like the Etruscans, the Romans adopted haruspicy and integrated it into their own religious practices, although it was sometimes viewed with skepticism by some Roman intellectuals.

    The practice of haruspicy reflects the ancient belief in the interconnectedness of the divine, natural, and human worlds, where even the organs of sacrificed animals could provide insights into the workings of the cosmos and the intentions of the gods.

    Why the liver?

    The liver was chosen for haruspicy, or hepatoscopy, due to several key beliefs and qualities attributed to it in ancient cultures:

    1. Central Organ in Ancient Physiology: The liver was considered one of the most vital organs in the body, associated with the production of blood and the maintenance of life. This centrality made it a logical focus for divination, as it was believed to be closely connected to the vitality and health of the whole organism.
    2. Regenerative Properties: The liver is known for its remarkable ability to regenerate, a fact that did not escape the notice of ancient peoples. This regenerative capacity may have imbued the liver with symbolic significance, representing renewal, life, and the favor of the gods.
    3. Complexity and Structure: The liver’s complex structure, with its distinctive lobes and unique texture, provided a detailed “map” that could be interpreted by trained practitioners. The variations in its appearance were rich in symbolic potential and could be read in numerous ways to divine omens.
    4. Symbolic Significance: In many ancient cultures, the liver was believed to be the seat of life or the soul. This made it an organ of profound symbolic importance, suitable for use in rituals aimed at understanding the will of the gods or the future.
    5. Precedent and Tradition: The use of the liver for divinatory purposes also had a long-standing precedent, especially in Mesopotamian and Etruscan cultures. The Romans, influenced by the Etruscans, inherited and adapted these practices, embedding them into their own religious and social fabric.
    6. Practical Reasons: The liver’s size and accessibility during animal sacrifices made it a practical choice for examination. Unlike other internal organs, the liver could be easily removed and examined in a detailed manner, facilitating the divinatory process.

    The selection of the liver for divination reflects a combination of physiological, symbolic, and practical considerations. Its central role in the body, coupled with its unique properties, made it an ideal focus for seeking insights into the divine will and the unfolding of future events.

  • What is the Point of Computers?

    “Spatial computing” Apple … what’s the point of it?

  • The Problem with VR Headsets

    Bad move for Apple to get into the Vision Pro—

    Taking on the headset on and off is an insanely huge pain in the ass.

    Also — you cannot fit it into your back or front pocket when you’re out and about!

  • Chris Athanasiadis: LA SANTA MONICA STREET PHOTOGRAPHER

    Chris street photographer bumped into him at Santa Monica place!

    Joshua Tree —

    https://chrisathanasiadis.com

    1. Hey Chris great to have you. What’s your street photography story?
    2. Why did you delete instagram and start blogging again?
    3. How’s the new Nikon zf vs Ricoh?
    4. Tell me about street photography while riding your bike
    5. How’s the LA street photography scene — where do you love to shoot?
    6. Why do you shoot?
    7. Links to your favorite blog posts and also YouTube videos
    8. What is up and coming on your blog