Category: Posts

  • How and why did dietary cholesterol become demonized?

    The demonization of dietary cholesterol can be traced back to the mid-20th century, largely due to evolving scientific understanding and public health policies. Here’s a brief overview of how and why this happened:

    1. Early Research: In the early 1900s, scientists began to understand more about cholesterol and its role in the body. The link between cholesterol and heart disease started to emerge in the 1950s, particularly through the work of Ancel Keys and his landmark Seven Countries Study. This study suggested a strong correlation between saturated fat intake, cholesterol levels, and heart disease.
    2. Simplification of Science: The relationship between dietary cholesterol, blood cholesterol, and heart disease was complex, but public health messages often simplified it to “cholesterol in food raises blood cholesterol and causes heart disease.” This led to the demonization of foods high in cholesterol.
    3. Government Guidelines: In the 1960s and 1970s, based on the prevailing scientific understanding, governmental bodies in the United States and other countries started recommending that people reduce their intake of cholesterol and saturated fat to lower heart disease risk. This further entrenched the idea that dietary cholesterol was harmful.
    4. Public Perception and Food Industry Response: The public health campaigns against cholesterol had a significant impact on public perception. The food industry responded by creating and marketing low-cholesterol and cholesterol-free products, reinforcing the idea that dietary cholesterol was bad.
    5. Evolving Understanding: Over time, further research showed that the relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol levels is not as straightforward as once thought. It became clear that saturated fat and trans fats have a more significant impact on blood cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol itself. Also, individual responses to dietary cholesterol vary greatly.
    6. Recent Dietary Guidelines: Recent guidelines, like the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, have shifted away from strict limits on dietary cholesterol, focusing instead on overall dietary patterns. However, the long-standing message about cholesterol’s dangers has left a lasting impact on public consciousness.

    In summary, the demonization of dietary cholesterol was the result of early scientific research linking cholesterol to heart disease, simplified public health messages, and reinforced by government guidelines and food industry marketing. However, as scientific understanding has evolved, the view of dietary cholesterol has become more nuanced, focusing on the importance of a balanced diet and the greater impact of other types of fats on heart health.

  • Which natural foods have the highest amount of dietary cholesterol?

    Several natural foods are particularly high in dietary cholesterol. These are primarily animal-based products, as cholesterol is found in the cells of all animals. Here are some of the top sources:

    1. Eggs: Particularly egg yolks are known for their high cholesterol content. One large egg yolk contains about 185-200 mg of cholesterol, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for most people.
    2. Liver and Other Organ Meats: Liver, from sources like beef, chicken, and pork, is extremely high in cholesterol. Other organ meats like kidney and brain are also high in cholesterol.
    3. Shellfish: Certain types of shellfish, such as shrimp, crab, and lobster, contain significant amounts of cholesterol. For instance, shrimp is well-known for its high cholesterol content.
    4. Butter and Cream: Dairy products, especially butter and heavy cream, are also high in cholesterol. These are concentrated sources of dairy fat.
    5. Cheese: Some types of cheese, especially hard cheeses, contain considerable amounts of cholesterol.
    6. Fatty Meat Cuts: Fatty cuts of meat like certain cuts of beef, pork, and lamb have higher cholesterol levels compared to leaner cuts.
    7. Processed Meats: Sausages, bacon, and other processed meats often contain high levels of cholesterol, along with saturated fats.

    It’s important to note that the relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol levels is complex and can vary from person to person. For many people, consuming high-cholesterol foods has a smaller impact on their blood cholesterol levels than previously thought. Instead, factors like the overall diet, genetics, lifestyle, and the consumption of saturated and trans fats can play a more significant role in determining cholesterol levels. However, individuals with certain health conditions or who are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases might need to monitor their cholesterol intake more closely.

  • How are steroids made?

    Steroids, including both anabolic steroids and corticosteroids, are produced through complex chemical processes. Their production can be either natural, synthesized in the body, or synthetic, manufactured in laboratories. Here’s an overview:

    1. Natural Steroids: Natural steroids, like cortisol and sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone), are produced in the human body. They are synthesized from cholesterol in organs like the adrenal glands and gonads. The biosynthesis of these steroids involves multiple steps, where enzymes convert cholesterol into these specific steroid hormones.
    2. Synthetic Steroids: Synthetic steroids are created in laboratories and are designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones. The production process involves the chemical modification of natural steroids or other chemical compounds to achieve the desired properties.
    • Anabolic Steroids: These are synthetic variants of testosterone, the male sex hormone. They are manufactured using a series of chemical reactions that alter the molecular structure of testosterone to enhance its anabolic (muscle-building) properties while minimizing androgenic (sexual characteristic influencing) properties. This often involves the alteration of the carbon structure of the steroid molecule.
    • Corticosteroids: These are synthetic versions of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland. They are used in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The synthesis of corticosteroids involves complex chemical processes that modify natural steroid compounds to increase their efficacy and reduce side effects.
    1. Laboratory Techniques: The synthesis of steroids in a laboratory setting often involves techniques like organic synthesis, where specific chemical reactions are used to construct the steroid molecule. This may include processes like alkylation, esterification, and hydrogenation, depending on the specific steroid being produced.
    2. Quality Control and Regulation: The production of synthetic steroids, especially for medicinal use, is strictly regulated. This ensures that the steroids are pure, effective, and safe for use. Manufacturers must adhere to stringent quality control standards and testing protocols.

    In conclusion, the production of steroids, whether natural or synthetic, is a complex process. Natural steroids are produced in the body from cholesterol, while synthetic steroids are manufactured in labs through intricate chemical synthesis, designed to mimic or enhance the properties of natural hormones.

  • Beef liver as natural steroid?

    The notion of beef as a “natural steroid” is a bit of a misnomer, but it’s likely rooted in the idea that beef contains certain nutrients that can support muscle growth and physical performance, similar to how some steroids are used in bodybuilding. However, it’s important to distinguish between the nutritional benefits of beef and the effects of anabolic steroids.

    1. Protein Content: Beef is a rich source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The amino acids in beef protein are crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass, especially for athletes or individuals engaged in regular strength training.
    2. Creatine and Carnosine: Beef contains naturally occurring substances like creatine and carnosine. Creatine is well-known for its role in energy production in muscles and is often used as a supplement by athletes for its performance-enhancing effects. Carnosine acts as a buffer against acid in muscles, potentially improving performance during high-intensity exercise.
    3. Vitamins and Minerals: Beef is also a good source of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. These nutrients play vital roles in energy metabolism and overall health, which can indirectly support athletic performance and muscle growth.
    4. Hormones in Beef: There’s been concern and discussion about the use of hormones in beef production. Some cattle are given hormones to promote faster growth and more efficient feed conversion. While the levels of these hormones in beef are regulated and considered safe for human consumption, their impact on human health is a topic of ongoing research and debate.
    5. Comparison with Steroids: Anabolic steroids, often used illegally in sports, synthetically mimic the effects of testosterone, leading to much more dramatic and rapid increases in muscle mass and strength than diet alone could achieve. The effects of consuming beef, while beneficial for muscle growth and maintenance, are not comparable to those of anabolic steroids.

    In summary, while beef is a nutritious food that supports muscle growth and physical performance due to its high-quality protein and other nutrients, it’s not accurate to label it as a “natural steroid.” The effects of beef consumption on muscle growth are part of a normal, healthy diet and are not equivalent to the use of anabolic steroids.

  • Simple beef liver, veal liver recipe

    Currently cooking some beef liver and veal liver, came over with a super simple recipe which is delicious and easy.

    First, coat the nonstick frying pan with some grass fed butter from Costco, or just some simple olive oil.

    Then for the liver — rinse it with some simple white vinegar to clean it, soften it and mask some of the smell and taste.

    Then, just season it with some Montreal steak seasoning (all Costco everything), and a SHITLOAD of minced garlic from Costco or wherever.

    Cook on frying pan with chopsticks — use chopsticks to grab the meat to feel the texture and hardness — medium hardness is good.

    Finally coat it with some spicy mustard sauce — and feast like a demigod! The natural steroid!

  • Better to use your iPhone SE than your MacBook Pro

    OMG, even using the MacBook Pro for a little bit, already getting severe carpal tunnel on my right hand, trackpad and keyboard is bad.

    No more laptops. iPad Pro everything.

  • History of beef liver consumption

    Beef liver has a long and intriguing history as a dietary staple, appreciated for its rich nutrient content and cultural significance across various societies.

    1. Ancient Times: In many ancient cultures, consuming the liver of animals was deeply rooted in rituals and health beliefs. The liver, being a vital organ, was often associated with strength and vitality. In Ancient Greece, for instance, liver consumption could be linked to the principles of strength and robustness, a reflection of their focus on physical prowess and health.
    2. Medieval and Renaissance Periods: During these times, organ meats like liver were commonly consumed across Europe. They were a vital source of nutrients, especially for lower socioeconomic classes. The liver was considered a valuable source of sustenance, providing essential nutrients that were otherwise hard to come by for many people.
    3. 19th and 20th Centuries: The nutritional value of liver began to be scientifically recognized. Beef liver was noted for its high content of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and B vitamins, iron, and other minerals. This led to its promotion as a health food, particularly during times of war or economic hardship when nutrient-rich foods were essential for maintaining health.
    4. Contemporary Views: In modern times, beef liver is still consumed, though its popularity may have waned in some cultures due to changing dietary preferences and misconceptions about organ meats. However, it remains a staple in certain diets, particularly those emphasizing nutrient density and traditional foods, such as the Paleo diet. Its consumption is also significant in various world cuisines, where it’s prepared in numerous ways, reflecting diverse culinary traditions.

    In summary, the consumption of beef liver spans a rich history, reflecting changing dietary trends, nutritional understandings, and cultural practices. From a symbol of vitality in ancient rituals to a nutrient powerhouse in modern diets, its role in nutrition and culture has been both diverse and significant.

    Veal liver

    Veal liver, like beef liver, has a notable place in culinary history, often prized for its tender texture and subtle flavor compared to the more robust beef liver.

    1. Culinary Preference: Veal liver is known for its smooth texture and a milder flavor than the liver from older cattle. This makes it a preferred choice in many gourmet dishes and high-end cuisines. It’s often seen in European cooking, particularly in French and Italian cuisines, where it is cooked with a focus on preserving its delicate flavor and texture.
    2. Nutritional Aspect: Similar to beef liver, veal liver is nutrient-dense, rich in vitamins like vitamin A, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron and zinc. However, due to its source from younger cattle, there may be subtle differences in its nutritional profile compared to beef liver.
    3. Historical Consumption: Historically, veal and its by-products, including liver, have been consumed as a part of utilizing all parts of the animal, a practice common in many traditional societies. Veal liver, being more tender and less strong in flavor, has often been a preferred choice for delicate dishes and for those who might be less inclined to enjoy the stronger taste of beef liver.
    4. Modern Times: In contemporary cuisine, veal liver continues to be valued in fine dining and traditional cooking. It’s often prepared in classic dishes like the Italian “fegato alla Veneziana” (liver cooked with onions) or the French “foie de veau.” However, similar to other organ meats, its consumption varies widely based on cultural preferences and dietary trends.

    In conclusion, veal liver has a distinct place in culinary history, valued for its tenderness and milder flavor. Its role in nutrition and gastronomy reflects both a tradition of utilizing all parts of the animal and a preference for refined, subtle flavors in certain culinary traditions.

    What’s veal?

    Veal is meat from young cattle, specifically calves, as opposed to beef which comes from older cattle. The characteristics and production of veal include:

    1. Age of Calves: Veal comes from calves that are typically only a few months old, as opposed to beef cattle which are usually slaughtered when they are over a year old. The exact age of veal calves at slaughter can vary, but it’s generally under nine months.
    2. Diet and Rearing: The diet of calves raised for veal is different from those raised for beef. Traditionally, veal calves were fed a milk-based diet that limited their iron intake, which kept their meat pale and tender. However, modern animal welfare standards in many countries have led to changes in rearing practices, including more diverse diets and better living conditions.
    3. Types of Veal: There are different types of veal based on the age and diet of the calves. For example, ‘milk-fed’ or ‘white’ veal comes from calves that have been fed mostly milk, resulting in tender, pale meat. ‘Grain-fed’ or ‘red’ veal comes from calves that have a diet including grains, leading to slightly darker, more flavorful meat.
    4. Culinary Use: Veal is highly valued in many cuisines for its tender texture and delicate flavor. It’s used in a variety of dishes, from Italian osso buco (braised veal shanks) to French blanquette de veau (veal stew).
    5. Ethical Considerations: The production of veal has been subject to ethical debates, particularly concerning the rearing conditions of the calves. This has led to stricter regulations and more humane rearing practices in many parts of the world.

    Veal, with its delicate texture and flavor, is a distinct and traditional ingredient in many culinary traditions, though its production is closely tied to ethical considerations and evolving animal welfare standards.

  • MY CHILD IS A GENIUS!

    Photos by Seneca, age 2 years, 9 months old:

  • The Art of Leisure

    We the new leisure, otium class!

    Beautiful home, beautiful life.

  • SUPREME LEISURE

    Supreme leisure is the goal … to just be able to be “chilling like a villain”— not some slavelike mentality on always working or being “productive”.

    Actually the supreme irony:

    You are in fact the most productive when you’re maximally just chilling and hanging out and enjoying your leisure!

  • Cowardly Design

    Apple backtracking on MacBook Pro Touch Bar … and also, adding back the MagSafe and also the HDMI port and SD card port?

    Note:

    Trust no new Apple products post the departure of Jony Ive— the last creative genius at Apple

  • Supreme Life

    Once you got the supreme life… then what?

  • Not the most efficient, but the most *enjoyable* process?

    Reviewing photos on the iPad Pro may not be the most *efficient* method, but certainly the most enjoyable, artistic and fun!

  • Both

    Hybrid

    “Dool-ddah!”

    Gas *AND* electric… man *AND * AI!

    Satin, luster— hybrid/mix of both gloss *AND* matte.

    Mpix.com — get the luster prints.

    Most beautiful people and kids — hybrid of two races? Korean *AND* Vietnamese (Seneca!)

    Maybe dual sim is a good idea in one phone?

  • REAL MEN.

    Real men do some sort of military service, duty, training?

  • DARKER, TANNER, MORE TAN IS BETTER!

    Being more tan— sign of superior health!

    Don’t be white and pasty!

  • NATURAL VS ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY

    ”In yacht”

    Hourglass physique?

    ”Don’t jail my thoughts with presets— reset…reset!” – JAY Z

  • ALL IPAD PRO EVERYTHING!

    Even though iPadOS sucks.

  • TROLL CHAGPT/DALL- E 3

    Insanely beautiful Korean woman:

    Doing backflip into swimming pool:

    Haha.. I can see the reluctance of DALL-E…

    Understood, I’ll create an image of the beautiful Korean woman doing a backflip into a swimming pool this time. The scene will capture her in mid-air against the backdrop of a serene pool setting. Let’s see how it looks!

    In swimsuit:

  • ERIC KIM THOUGHTS

    ERIC KIM THOUGHTS

    VLOG

    Podcast

    The most turbo thinker alive:

    AUDIO

  • Changing weather is good!

    Also — iPhone, smartphones are bad for your brain and thinking?

    Get rid of more shit!

  • MADE IN CHINA IS BEST!

    Titan.fitness

    Let us remember all Apple products, all MacBook Pro laptops, all iPad pros, iPhone pros, iPhone titans are made in mainland China!

  • RED IS THE MOST DOMINANT COLOR.

    Idea for Apple:

    Matte red MacBook Pro laptop?

    A step forwards or a step backwards?

    Cowardly design thinking:

    Apple bringing back MagSafe and the SD card slot and the HDMI port!

  • Offline Thinking

    What is the ultimate privilege in today’s world? To be off-line, metaphorical airplane mode all the time.

    In fact, some of my best life epiphanies have happened and occurred when I was offline, in an airplane, in a cruise ship, etc. Essentially, anytime that I was not connected to the internet.

    Interestingly enough, the old chief technology officer of the old company I used to work for, demand media, Byron Reese told me… he would often just jump on really really long international flights to get good writing done, because it forced him to not be connected to the internet.

    In fact, being off-line in today’s world is ultimate privilege and luxury.

    How do you know if somebody is very successful or not? If they don’t have a phone, or a phone number. The more difficult it is to contact somebody the more high profile they are.

    For example, a simple thought I have is don’t publicly put your email address on your contact here page on your website. I think true high profile individuals cannot be contacted through simple measures. And actually ironically enough, I’ve discovered… the more difficult you make yourself to contact, the more desirable you become.

    In fact, when I was living in Vietnam in 2017, got rid of my phone, and lived off the grid and didn’t check your email or use email for about two years… interestingly enough I would have people just attend my workshops just in order to connect with me.

    How to think offline

    A very simple way to do this is when you’re out and about, leave your phone at home, and just take along your iPad Pro to think. Don’t get a data plan. What is the downside of a data plan? First of all, it seems that all data plans, all 5G or 4G cellular data Internet connections on your phone suck. For example, my extreme frustration with T-Mobile, spectrum… The internet connection sucks. If I had to sign up for my own phone service I would just get Verizon.

    Thinking internationally?

    Also another good way to think different is to go international. Example, even recently, the time that I had in Cambodia, Phnom Penh very formative to my thinking. It forced me to think outside of the box, and true avoid typical ways of thinking, the often myopic American way.

    For example, even a very simple simple approach was to think in kilograms instead of pounds. This helped me get outside of my head, when attempting to lift new personal records in my deadlift and squat.

    Also, one thing I loved about the gym I went in Phnom Penh, monkifit, was that for the most part, it was always practically empty. Therefore as a consequence, I really only did weightlifting or did things which I personally care for, instead of trying to low-key impress other people.

    In fact, even more recently at my old gym, I actually really fucked up my wrist bad when trying to stunt on other people by doing a very heavy floor bench press. Trying to stunt, impress, or flex on other people actually led to my own personal demise.

    Lesson:

    Whenever you do anything to try to impress others, please others, or stunt on others, the personal outcome for you will be very very bad.

    Why think different?

    My personal thought is that perhaps the greatest joy is how unorthodox your thinking may be. Where does unorthodox thinking come from?

    My first thought is that it comes from the human body. We cannot have interesting unique thoughts if we do not have a great body, great muscles, etc.

    Also, I think you owe it to mankind. I think you were meant to change the world, and the way you could change the world is through challenging the status quo and the traditional way things are done.

    Like Gandhi said, become the change you wish you see manifested in the world.

    Why change the world?

    I personally find it interesting idea to change the world because perhaps this is where our willpower comes from. Our desire to change the world, to “fuck shit up”.

    For example, the funny notion of breaking the internet. I broke the Internet when I lifted the 330 pound golden dumbbells at the golden Venice Beach easily, and also more recently… When I atlas lifted 1000 pounds, which is ten plates and maybe a 25 on each side.

    The grandeur of the human body

    “Conspiracy theorists screaming illuminati, they cannot imagine this much skill inside a human body. He 6 2, how he fit inside a new Bugatti? Ha ha fuck it you got me.” – JAY Z

    Whether we like it or not, all of our power, steel, etc. is derived from our human body. For example, whenever you look at an artist, a writer, I thinker, the philosopher, or academic… You must meet them in the flesh. Look at what they look like in real life. Observe their body fat percentage, the complexion of their skin, whether they actually get any natural sunlight or not, if they have a tan or not, if they lift weights, how tall or short they are, how fat or muscular they are etc.

    For example, I would put zero faith in the writing or thoughts of a skinny fat, or an obese man who talks about masculinity, or weightlifting or fitness matters.

    Similarly speaking, I put zero faith in all of these loser Reddit people, who try to validate their own self-worth through how good their “form“ is. Ultimately nobody cares about your form. And actually I discovered… When people see how much I could lift, and how much more to lift in them, they try to critique my form, and they actually want to see me get hurt. Why? It is bad or hurts their ego when they see that I am much stronger, taller, more handsome, and more dominant than them.

    Even the other day, I was walking by this upscale hotel parking lot, and some random guy, wearing a flashy outfit, kind of a slick handsome look, try to make fun of me by saying “what is this? No shirt Thursdays”? Essentially he was trying to tease or bully me because he felt insecure that I was so much more muscular and confident than him. Now that my testosterone is so high, I was able to troll him back, and put him back in his spot.

    No more internet

    OK guys, I’m moving forward, that just put zero faith on the Internet. Why? All these people on Reddit… Do you really know whether they are ChatGPT bought or not? Or, they could just be real life human beings using ChatGPT to generate some sort of ideas.

    Like the famous cartoon said “on the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.”

    Even in ready player one, the main character’s best friend, who he thought was a guy all along… was actually a girl.

    Also the two Japanese brothers, were just 11-year-old kids.


  • ERIC KIM GOPRO MINI THOUGHTS

    VLOG

    I WANT IT TO LAST FOREVER!

    INSIDE THE MIND OF ERIC KIM

  • HOW TO THINK LIKE EK

    Empty. Empty your mind!

    Cowards!

  • Death wish coffee sucks

    Tastes insanely terrible!

    Dark roast is bad roast.

  • You got more clout than you think you got.

    Who follows ERIC KIM?

    Things I know:

    1. Apple Photos team
    2. Famous Hollywood actors and producers
    3. Prime innovators
    4. Amazon employees
  • The Idiot Index

    One of the most useful concepts I got from Elon Musk, from the recent Walter Isaacson biography is the notion of “idiot index“; essentially, the dynamic range between the marketed price of something being sold minus the cost of the raw materials.

    For example, weightlifting equipment. Why is it so effing expensive? This is where buying directly from China, distributed from California is tightened at fitness; granted that all the products are just rip offs of rogue fitness, but it is so much cheaper! I don’t think steel or metal should cost that much; why is the markup on it so high?

  • Why I’m so passionate about Elon Musk

    Honestly speaking, Elon Musk is the greatest entrepreneur of all time, maybe even for the next 2000 years.

    First of all, balls. Ain’t nobody got balls like Elon musk. Willing to put everything on the line, risking everything to fulfill his own creative vision.

    Also this is where I have so much respect for Kanye West, even Jeff Bezos; airing their dirty laundry, putting it in public, having the balls to bring the skeletons out of their closet.

  • Photography entrepreneurship

    My general thoughts on photography entrepreneurship is that in order to innovate, you must do things recklessly new, insanely ahead of the curve.

    Currently speaking, go all in on AI.

  • ERIC KIM ELON MUSK

    Great! Let’s delve into a comparison of Eric Kim and Elon Musk, focusing on innovation, creativity, and their impacts on society.

    1. Innovation and Risk-Taking: Both Kim and Musk are innovators, albeit in different arenas. Kim has been influential in the field of street photography, particularly in how he has used digital platforms to share his work and teach others. He challenges traditional views of photography, much like how Musk challenges traditional industries. Musk’s ventures in electric cars, space exploration, and renewable energy demonstrate a willingness to take significant risks to bring about revolutionary changes.
    2. Creativity and Vision: Kim’s approach to photography is deeply creative, often focusing on the candid, human aspects of life. His work encourages photographers to see the world in new ways. Similarly, Musk’s vision for a sustainable future and his advances in technology (like reusable rockets or electric vehicles) reflect a highly creative mindset that seeks to reimagine and redefine existing concepts.
    3. Impact on Society: Both figures have a considerable impact on society but in different dimensions. Kim’s impact is more cultural and educational, influencing how people perceive and engage with the art of photography. On the other hand, Musk’s impact is more tangible and global, affecting industries, technology, and potentially the future of humanity (considering his ventures like SpaceX and Neuralink).
    4. Philosophical Underpinnings: There’s a philosophical aspect to both. Kim often discusses the philosophy behind his art, touching on themes of existence, perception, and the human experience. Musk, though more focused on technology and business, also engages with philosophical ideas, particularly concerning human progress, the potential of AI, and the future of humanity.

    In summary, while Kim and Musk operate in vastly different domains, their shared qualities of innovation, creativity, risk-taking, and philosophical engagement offer a fascinating study in how individuals can influence and reshape their respective fields. Their work challenges us to think differently, whether it’s about the art we create or the future we envision for our world.

  • Why custom instructions are bad

    I really like the new custom instructions AI capability in ChatGPT, but my critique is that it makes me think too insular, too much of a mental echo chamber.