BS rules the world

In the vibrant tapestry of political ideologies, liberals have long been the weavers of progress, threading the needle through the fabric of society with innovative ideas and transformative policies. True liberalism is rooted in the pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice, ideals that are inherently progressive in nature. We believe in: Freedom: It’s the cornerstone of our society, the very essence of a progressive vision. It’s not just about the absence of constraints but the presence of opportunities. ‘Freedom from’ represents our shield against the overreach of authority (in particular, from the state), ensuring that our personal spheres and beliefs remain untouched. ‘Freedom to’ is our sword, cutting through the barriers to a life of fulfillment, where economic security and opportunity are not just ideals but realities for all. Opportunity: This is the promise of a level playing field, where every individual, regardless of their background, can aspire to and achieve greatness. It...

 “When you throw everything up in the air anything becomes possible.” ― Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses What a man believes upon grossly insufficient evidence is an index into his desires – desires of which he himself is often unconscious. If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way.  --- Bertrand Russell It's okay to be skeptical Ah, the delicate dance between belief and possibility—the cosmic tango of skepticism!  A cosmic circus where belief pirouettes with possibility, skepticism does the trapeze, and unicorns sip lattes backstage. Remember, my friend, it’s okay to be a skeptic, to balance on the edge of doubt —just don’t fall into the rabbit ...

This blog entry came about a debate with people trying to convince me to believe in Aliens because "it's possible "... Well,   I teach information theory at the university, covering topics such as belief theory and the credibility of information. Allow me to share my perspective on the distinction between belief and possibility . --------------- Some individuals, entrenched in their convictions about aliens, chemtrails, and the New World Order (NWO), often resort to a rather feeble form of argument: “but, it’s possible!” This phrase, similar to a verbal shrug, stands as one of the lowest rungs on the ladder of discourse —just above outright insults . However, let’s dissect this notion of possibility . Indeed, within the vast expanse of the cosmos, nearly anything can be deemed “possible.” The universe, with its myriad mysteries, harbors scenarios both mundane and fantastical. Perhaps, hidden behind the veil of cosmic uncertainty, a zombie apocalypse looms, ready to desc...

I n tribal societies, conformity might have been a survival mechanism. Sharing beliefs could have fostered unity and cooperation, which were crucial in a world filled with uncertainties and dangers. It’s interesting to consider that some of these tendencies might be ingrained in our genetics. The desire to belong and the fear of ostracism could be powerful forces shaping our inclination to align with the group’s beliefs. However, as society evolves, so does our understanding of belief systems. Today, we recognize the importance of individual thought and the freedom to question. While we may carry some of our ancestors’ instincts, we also have the capacity for critical thinking and skepticism. It’s a balancing act between our genetic predispositions and our intellectual autonomy. So, while history might explain why we feel the pressure to conform, it doesn’t mean we can’t champion the right to think differently. After all, progress often comes from challenging the status quo and embr...

Is Portugal a Racist Country? Picture this: You’re strolling through Porto, the sun kissing your face, and your sweet tooth craving a delightful scoop of homemade ice cream. You find yourself at the best ice-cream parlor in town—a place where flavors collide like jazz notes in a smoky bar. But wait, what’s that? Right there, next to the pistachio swirl, sits a friendly green pottery frog. 🐸 Now, this isn’t your ordinary frog. No, no. It’s not there to croak out the day’s specials or hop into your waffle cone. This frog has a secret mission: to keep the Roma/Cigano community away. Why? Because rumor has it that they are terrified of these little amphibians. Apparently, frogs are the gypsy kryptonite. 🦎 But let’s dive into the myths, shall we? Myth #1: The Human Race (and Other Olympic Events) I’m with you, my friend. I don’t believe in human races either. There’s only one race—the human race. 🏃‍♂️ Sure, some folks still cling to outdated ideas. They think that if your skin is dark, y...

  This blog post is inspired by discussions with friends who believe magnesium is the latest panacea.  Hey there, health enthusiasts, skeptics, and everyone who’s ever wondered if they’re just one pill away from becoming a superhero! Welcome to my not-so-serious, slightly unhinged, and definitely unscientific take on the world of food supplements. You know, those magical pills and powders that promise to turn you into a glowing beacon of health, vitality, and possibly X-ray vision. The Rise of the Modern Alchemist: Magnesium Magicians and Zinc Zealots First up, let’s talk about magnesium, the darling of the supplement aisle. It’s the new snake oil, folks! Feeling tired? Magnesium. Can’t sleep? Magnesium. Forgot where you put your keys? You guessed it – magnesium! It’s the answer to all of life’s problems, according to the people selling it to you. And then there’s zinc. Oh, zinc, the mighty mineral that’s apparently as essential as oxygen these days. Don’t get me wrong, zinc i...

I want my UFO! 100 years of  Extraterrestrial Evolution Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past, when the moon was more than just a place to plant flags and leave footprints, it was the ultimate mystery. It was our celestial neighbor, the prime real estate for little green men with a penchant for moon cheese and a good Earth-gaze. Yes, dear readers, there was a time when the moon was the hottest ticket for any self-respecting extraterrestrial. Fast forward a few decades, and Mars became the new lunar. Red was the new green, and Martians were all the rage. They swapped their moon condos for Martian caves, trading in their telescopes for a better view of the Earthlings. But as our rovers rolled into their red backyard, the Martians packed up and left, leaving behind nothing but dust devils and conspiracy theories. Then came the most bizarre chapter in our interstellar soap opera. The aliens, in a plot twist no one saw coming, decided to set up camp in the most inhospitable place...

The Significant Left-Wing Taboo: Tobacco Left-leaning progressives have their hit list: Monsanto, Nestle, GMOs, McDonald’s, fast fashion and those sneaky sport shoe companies. But there’s one topic that turns their organic quinoa salad into a wilted mess: big tobacco . Mention it at a socialist libertarian gathering, and you’ll be met with stares colder than a kale smoothie. Even the green-anarchists and environmentalists—who’d rather hug a tree than a PowerPoint presentation—avoid the subject. It’s like they’ve all signed a secret pact: “Thou shalt not utter the ‘T’ word.” Meanwhile, my favorite vegetarian restaurant has more anti-Nestle graffiti than a teenage rebel’s notebook, but nary a whisper about Marlboro. But let’s get serious (just for a moment, I promise). Tobacco production isn’t all smoke and mirrors; it’s a full-blown environmental circus : Deforestation Drama: Cigarette manufacturing gobbles up trees faster than a squirrel on espresso. One tree per 300 cigarettes! It’s l...

  " If anyone, no matter who, were given the opportunity of choosing from amongst all the nations in the world the set of beliefs which he thought best, he would inevitably—after careful considerations of their relative merits—choose that of his own country. Everyone without exception believes his own native customs, and the religion he was brought up in, to be the best; and that being so, it is unlikely that anyone but a madman would mock at such things. There is abundant evidence that this is the universal feeling about the ancient customs of one's country."  Herodotus ------------------------- Cultural relativism hit me again when some African college students proudly told me that their country passed a law that punishes homosexually with up to 14 years in prison. When I made clear that i believe putting people in jail for their sexual orientation is disgusting and revolting, against all human values, they obviously and naively used the cultural relativism argument: th...

In this grand dance of consumption and creation, let’s pirouette gracefully. Artists need nourishment, both for their souls and their stomachs. So, consume better (not necessarily less), support local talent, and remember: a well-fed artist paints a brighter world. Introduction In a world where consumption is as rampant as a squirrel raiding a bird feeder, there’s a refreshing movement gaining momentum: the “consume less, create more” revolution. Picture it: people everywhere, clutching their reusable coffee cups, chanting, “Less stuff, more fluff!” Okay, maybe not exactly like that, but you get the idea. The Consume better Manifesto Chapter 1: The Myth of More Let’s debunk the myth that more is better. Sure, marketers want us to believe that owning seventeen spatulas will lead to eternal happiness, but have you ever tried juggling seventeen spatulas? It’s a slippery slope, my friend. Instead, let’s embrace quality over quantity. One high-quality spatula that flips pancakes like a Cirq...

Note: This blog post came about from a conversation with some Ukrainian friends that believe one of the most outrageous and dangerous conspiracy theories. This is my attempt to tie these conspiracy theories in one narrative about Putin, the red-eyed frog and Bill Gates.  1.  In a world where conspiracy theories are as common as cat videos on the internet , a new player has entered the arena. It’s not a bird, it’s not a plane, it’s ... a frog? 2. Well, there's the “Golden Billion” theory , and it’s got everyone from keyboard "activists" (LOL) to world leaders in a tizzy. According to this theory, a shiny club of billionaires is pulling the strings of global politics, hoarding wealth like dragons in a fantasy novel and starving everyone else to death. And who better to shed light on this than Putin himself? Putin has referenced this theory, suggesting that the “golden billion” model of domination is unfair and divides the world into first- and second-class citizens. He has...